Archives: 2009 December

What happened to San Francisco? Though it now enjoys the reputation of being an eco-friendly, happy, hippie place to live, it was once the scene of a great amount of violence. It was once the epicenter of a counter culture movement that threatened to topple the United States. It threatened the very fabric of our society and promised a new reality, a new age.

Over the water, in Oakland, you had the Hell Angels burning up the streets and the Black Panthers lifting their fists in protest. The entire Bay Area was on fire — literally. Something was in the air and for whatever reasons; nothing was going to satisfy this new youth. Something had to change and it was sure not going to be the revolution.

The promise of a new generation was being carried, one banner at a time, and the television cameras were dispersing them across the nation and across the world. Everything was in flux and it seem like if you were going to be part of anything you had better get to the city and find a room to rent in any of the San Francisco hotels in and near Haight and Ashbury.

You had to be there. If you wanted to be part of something, you had to come. You had to participate and you had to be willing to suffer a hail of baton blows. Even now the SFPD still enjoys a reputation for being rather fascist. What that means, I’m not quite sure, but it has never been beloved by the people. If you were going to be a part of the solution, and not part of the problem, you had to come to San Francisco and prove you merit.

Wedged between the mainland and the bulk of Moreton Bays more famous North Stradbroke Island are many smaller islands dotted across the bay. Moreton Bay Marine Park protects its special inhabitants such as dugong, dolphins and passing whales. These Island delights are so close to Brisbane, some residents commute to the city daily.

Coochie Mudlo Island is named after the Aboriginal word for red rock because of the red cliffs .There are sandy beaches too.Coochie has a village feel and calm waters make for a good family swimming spot and boating area. Dine at Matthew Flinders Cafe and admire bay views from every table. Matthew Flinders landed on the island 200 years ago and there is a re-enactment festival each July. Regular passenger ferry and barge services leave from Victoria Point.

Other islands worth noting are the Macleay Island, population 2500, and Russell Island, the largest of islands, with a population over 3000. Russell Island has become a popular choice for weekend getaways and retirement living. When visiting this island you will find shops, a supermarket, cafe, holiday homes to rent, and a hotel. Other notable island is Lamb Island, only 2km by 1km with great views, Kangarra Island, the smallest, is a peaceful location with no shops. When visiting it is a good idea to pack your lunch. There are numerous smaller islands too which can be seen when boating in the area.

Known as the “gateway of Africa”, Tangier is believed to be the most dynamic city in Morocco. This mythical city is located 60km from Gibraltar and 14km from Spain. Its strong international mix of European, Moroccan and African culture makes the city a perfect destination to visit. With its beaches, museums and gardens, it is a great place for a getaway.

If you are planning to have your vacation in Tangier, you may want to stay to its unique guesthouses known as riad. A riad may be a traditional Moroccan house or a palace with indoor garden. Staying in a riad enables you to feel and experience its dynamic Moroccan culture.

You may want to stay at one of the oldest guesthouse in Tangier. Riad Dar Sultan is a 300 year old riad located at the heart of Tangier’s Kasbah District. It was once the house of a former Sultan. The Sultan lived in Dar El Mahkzen which is now converted into a museum. Riad Dar Sultan has 6 spacious rooms equipped with lobby, fireplaces and library. Each room is elegantly designed with the local Moroccan lifestyle. Its guests can enjoy the spectacural view of the sea and the old district of Kasbah while staying in Riad Dar Sultan.