http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20525 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20525 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20413 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20413 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20373 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20373 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20001 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20001 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19927 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19927 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19876
Or you could take a simple walk. Start from Collyer Quay and Clifford Pier (where most European colonists and Asian immigrants first set foot on the island); meander past the General Post Office (now the Fullerton); walk along Cavenagh Bridge onto North Boat Quay; take in the Empress Place Building and Raffles’ statue; admire Old Parliament House then take a breather at the Singapore Cricket Club. Walk on to Raffles City and while there, grab some lunch. Perfect.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19876 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19674 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19674 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19625 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19625 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19623 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19623 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19397 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19397 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19357
Hiking in the countryside around Maaloula/Saidnaya (micro-buses from Zablatani cost approximately 25SL/.25 pence for a 30km journey). It’s possible to stay at the convent at Maaloula for a nominal sum, but be sure to get there early. Also, don’t miss the last buses back to Damascus (about 8 pm, but check on this).

Deir Mar Mousa, near Nabak, 100 kms from Damascus. Hike there from Nabak through some astonishing valleys and landscape (but beware of the local shepherds’ guard dogs). The monastery is presided over by the Italian Father Paulo. He loves an audience. You can stay there but all donations are happily accepted.

Also, walking the disused railway line from the Hijaz railway station out into the Damascus countryside as far as Bloudan (about 6-8 hours of moderate walking) is a great way to get an idea of Damascus’ modern and ancient character. As you get to Wadi Souq al-Barada, after Tel El-‘Awaameedh, you can see carvings on the cliff walls dating back to the beginning of the Christian era, when this area was known as the Tetrarchy of Abilene).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19357 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19302 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19302 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19271 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19271 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19263
Eat at the Panamonte Inn in the fireplace room: nice ambience, the people watching is decent, and they serve great food for the money.

Drive to Cerro Punto and walk the trails in La Amistad National Park.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19263 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19120 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19120 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18820 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18820 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18752
Watching the fish market at Porta Nolana - and every other specimen of market stall imaginable scattered across the area - is an essential Naples experience in and of itself.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18752 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18736 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18736 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18676 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18676 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18639
A hotel which has a great view of Mount Olympus is the Semeli Resort. It's small but cosy and is beside the forests. Great walking opportunities, birdwatching, mountain biking, skiing - when there's snow.

In 20 minutes' drive you can visit Dion, Vergina in one-hour drive, Thessaloniki with a vast collection of Byzantine churches and ruins, museums and the beach is 20 minutes' drive. I love this area - beautiful mountains, small villages with simple but genuine life. It is worth visiting.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18639