THE ISLAND OF YAP
Have you ever considered going "Back in Time"? Yap still strives to maintain its'culture. I was fortunate to plan a trip that would take me to Yap for Yap Day.
The traditions of these people still exist today. I witnessed some out-
standing singing, dancing, and cultural activity. Almost all the" locals" come out
to celebrate. You would be shocked to see the ladies bare-breasted. Some
village chiefs forbid wearing any clothing over the breast.
The history of Yap and its' stone money is really amazing. Every village
still recognizes the stone money's value and ownership and pride is associated
with the stone money.
If you ever consider going to a place where less than 2,000 visitors arrive
annually, Yap just might be the place.

ISLAND OF PALAU
Palau has to be the most beautiful island on this planet. Trust me, I have been to many of the so called "most beautiful islands". What makes Palau so beautiful is its' Rock Islands, turquoise waters, and beautiful and unspoiled coral reefs.
I selected 5 different kayak and snorkeling locations while in Palau. Each location had a different appeal, with incredible beauty. Oh by the way, the water temperature is
84 degrees and visibility could be over 30 to 40 feet. Using a modest underwater camera, I was able to capture these unbelievable underwater wonders.
If you ever consider going to Palau, contact me and I will give you detailed information on tours and accommodations. View Photos

Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are no longer a mystery to me. The beauty of these islands include more than its physical beauty, it would also include the friendliness of its people. Air New Zealand has a direct flight from LAX to Rarotonga, New Zealand every Sunday evening.

Visualize what Hawaii was 50 years ago, and that is what you find in the Cook Islands. There are many activities that would keep you busy for weeks. Some of these activities would be hiking, snorkeling, windsurfing, riding scooters, and seeing nightly island shows.

The people of the Cook Islands are trying their best to preserve their culture. You will find evidence of that in their schools, churches, and traditional dances and singing.

July and August are the winter months. I mean the temperature is around 70 degrees. This is also the months of many celebrations.
I was fortunate to be in Rarotonga during Gospel Day. The singing was outstanding.

Oh, and don't miss the rugby matches usually held Saturday afternoon. This is a "killer" sport. The locals come out to support their teams. The action is as good as any football game you would find in the states.

The outer island of Atitutaki is the most beautiful in the world. It has a coral reef that completely surrounds the island. The most popular episode of the Survivor show was filmed on this island. The " big time" kite surfers from New Zealand just love the island for its calm waters and mighty wind gust. This is the real paradise.

Any questions or comments about this article please contact me.

Kingdom of Bhutan…..Shangri-La            Click here to read my published article
In March 2008 I was in this beautiful and peaceful country. The people are noted for their friendliness and happiness and I would certainly agree. I found Bhutan to be one of my all time highlights of all the other countries I have visited.

Seeing 14th century monasteries that have never been damaged or vandalized was amazing. This fourteen-day trip covers the majority of Bhutan.

Once again I went with Windhorse Tours and was completely satisfied. Two years ago I took a trip to Base Camp Everest with Windhorse and it also was amazing.

Climbing up to "Tiger's Nest", watching Bhutan archery shooters hit targets 100 yards away, and seeing sacred Buddhist ceremonies/dances were only a few of my favorite memories.

If you ever need more information on Bhutan, please free to contact me.

Namibia could be the "jewel" of Africa.
I recently did another safari, and would rate this one as the best. Namibia has majestic sand dunes, plenty of game animals, coastal scenery, and rock art. By seeing the highest sand dunes in the world, it made me feel very fortunate to photograph and climb them.

Elephants, giraffes, zebras, springboks and lions were seen by the dozens. This is a country that has marginal rainfall, but survives and flourishes. Namibia gained its' independence less than seventeen years ago. It is evident that Namibia believes in protecting its' animals and natural beauty.

The twenty-six hour flight was the only negative thing I could find with this trip. I would highly recommend that you check out this beautiful country. If you contact me, I could recommend an excellent safari company, and the best time of the year to visit Namibia.

Be sure to check out my travel show at Carlsbad Inn every Wednesday night.

Until the next adventure, take care and good traveling.

Bill Williams