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Phuket continues to attract holidayers

Phuket

Known as ‘the Pearl of the South’, Phuket is reclaiming its position as Thailand’s key destination for honeymooners and families alike.

Located 860km south of Bangkok, Phuket is known for its sandy beaches, lush forest tumbling waterfalls and ancient shrines as well as its Indo-Portuguese and Chinese architecture that reflect the turn of the century.

As more holiday-makers seek for adventure thrills, it seems Phuket is up-to-date with activities such as bungee jumping, shooting ranges, ATV offroading, go-carting, horse-riding and Muay Thai boxing.

On the other hand, the various white sandy beaches including Bang Tao beach, Kata Noi Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Kamala Beach, Surin Beach, Pansea Beach, Kata beach, Nai Yang beach, and Rawai Beach, provide much incentive for travelers, with scuba diving, sailing, sea canoeing and kayaking available.

Another contributing factor to Phuket’s attractiveness is its nightlife, with Patong Beach recognised as a hot spot for its clubs and dining options.

And with the great exchange rate, Phuket will continue to draw international visitors with its affordable accommodation and wide range of attractions.

Image credit: Tourism authority Thailand

CELEBRATED FILMMAKERS KILLED IN AUSTRALIAN HELICOPTER CRASH

Mike deGruy, Andrew Wight and James Cameron

Two world-renowned filmmakers were killed in a helicopter crash in Australia on Saturday. Mike deGruy, a biologist and conservationist, and Andrew Wight, a pilot and underwater cave diver, were in Australia working with James Cameron and National Geographic on a documentary film.

James Cameron and National Geographic released this statement:
"The deep-sea community lost two of its finest yesterday when a helicopter carrying Andrew Wight and Mike deGruy crashed shortly after takeoff. Wight was the owner and pilot of the Robinson R-44 helicopter. Both men were world-renowned documentary filmmakers specializing in ocean exploration and conservation.

"Wight was piloting the Robinson R-44 helicopter as it took off from an airstrip in Jasper's Brush, near Nowra, 80 miles south of Sydney, New South Wales police said in a statement.

"Andrew Wight, 52, was the documentary-producing partner of explorer-filmmaker James Cameron. After leading six deep ocean expeditions together, from which the films 'Ghosts of the Abyss,' 'Aliens of the Deep,' 'Expedition: Bismarck,' and 'Last Mysteries of Titanic' were made, the two recently co-produced Andrew's first feature film, 'Sanctum 3D.'

"Mike deGruy, 60, spent 30 years producing and directing documentary films about the ocean. An accomplished diver and sub pilot who spent many hours filming deep beneath the sea, he was the director of undersea photography for Cameron's 'Last Mysteries of the Titanic.'"

Reacting to the deaths of his colleagues today, Cameron said, "Mike and Andrew were like family to me. They were my deep-sea brothers, and both were true explorers who did extraordinary things and went places no human being has been. They died doing exactly what they loved most, heading out to sea on a new and personally challenging expedition, having fun in the way they defined it for themselves, which was hardship and toil to achieve something never done before. They were passionate storytellers who lived by the explorer's code of humor, empathy, optimism, and courage. Their deaths are a tremendous loss for the world of underwater exploration, conservation, and filmmaking."

Cameron added, "Andrew was kind and loyal, full of life and a sense of fun, and above all, a careful planner who stressed safety to everyone on his team every single day. It is cruelly ironic that he died flying a helicopter, which was second nature to him, like driving a car would be to most people."

DeGruy, he said, was "one of the ocean's warriors. A man who spoke for the wonders of the sea as a biologist, filmmaker, and submersible pilot, and who spoke against those who would destroy the sea's web of life. He was a warm, funny, extremely capable man and one of the world's top underwater cinematographers. His passion for exploration and for the wonders beneath the sea was boundless."

"We are grieving over the loss of these two extraordinary friends," said Tim Kelly, president of the National Geographic Society. "Andrew and Mike were part of our extended family at National Geographic, and our hearts, prayers, and thoughts go out to their loved ones. They accomplished so much, but were taken too early, and our world is greatly diminished by their leaving it."

An Australian Adventurer of the Year medal winner and Emmy nominee, Wight produced more than 45 films since 1989, including television documentaries, live television specials, and 3D Imax films. His journey to becoming a filmmaker began in agricultural science, working in scientific research and marketing. He was a respected SCUBA and cave diving instructor, commercial helicopter and fixed-wing pilot, and cattle farmer. Wight was recently announced as the general manager of the Australian office of Cameron Pace Group, responsible for providing 3D cameras and production technology to Australian films and television.

Mike deGruy was an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and television host specializing in natural history and underwater programming in a career that spanned the world's oceans and more than 30 years. His work as cinematographer, producer and host for such projects as "Life in the Freezer," "Trials of Life," "Blue Planet," and "Last Mysteries of the Titanic" won multiple awards and reached global audiences with his infectious love for the oceans and the spirit of adventure. DeGruy founded the Santa Barbara, California-based production company The Film Crew Inc. in 1979.

DeGruy is survived by his wife, Mimi, his son, Max, and his daughter, Frances. Wight is survived by his wife, Monica, and his son, Ted.

Traveling makes Larry Shortell a better teacher

Some teachers teach from virtually the same notes they have used for years, never having sought any experiences outside the classroom. Larry "Jungle" Shortell of Connecticut is not one of them.

"Without a doubt, to travel and learn things firsthand is the best way to understand the world and our place in it," Shortell says. "I hope that others can see the possibilities that open up when one lives life by following his or her dreams, fearing the inability to follow one's passions rather than fearing death."

Travel became a lifelong passion for Shortell about 20 years ago, when a close friend drowned and he nearly did, too. He said it was a "turning point" in the way he lived his life.

In his day job, Shortell teaches special education in Enfield, Conn., USA. But he spends his summers traveling. He has explored all 50 states, all seven continents, all the oceans and more than 80 countries. He has circumnavigated the globe twice and plans to again next year.

Get a copy of his new book, "Summers Off: The Worldwide Adventures of a Schoolteacher"



 

 



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Byron Bay community spirit

by Roderick Eime in Byron Bay

Every Wednesday at 7.45am, guests at The Byron at Byron [www.thebyronatbyron.com.au] gather for executive chef, Gavin Hughes' farmers' market tour.

As a testament to their creativity and social acumen, Hughes involves in-house guests in his own weekly shop for fresh local produce at the popular local market thronged by regional producers and growers.

"It's our little way of giving back to the community who have supported us in the seven years since we opened," says Hughes introducing the group personally to the vendors, "just why all regional properties don't do something like this I don't know."

Hughes says The Byron sources over 80 per cent of produce from the local area and about 20 per cent from the market itself. Greens, fruit, nuts, sauces, mushrooms and vegetables are just some of the items he buys every week from the stands.

"This guy here asks me nearly every week 'what can I grow for you?'," he says introducing me to Alistair whose stall is awash with bright green organic buck choy and citrus, "here's a bag of zucchini flowers he produces especially for us. We deep fry them in our tempura batter."

Further along, past an interesting gent singing carols in bow tie and bare feet, we meet Donna Harper. When she's not working at the local ABC radio station as a journalist, Donna turns out some of the best mushrooms around. The two are obviously well acquainted and a cheeky banter is quickly struck up. Hughes is a fortnightly guest on her popular talkback show, swapping recipes and talking about the latest produce coming into season.

But the market is not just a commercial outlet for local, low volume producers, it's a statement about the quirky little town's ferocious independence. Only recently, carefully screened "guest growers" have been permitted to offer their goods alongside local farmers. Today it's white cherries from Orange.

"Let me introduce you to Martin and Pam,' says Hughes gently ushering me across to a relaxed couple quietly enjoying a sample of the out-of-town cherries, "Martin grows the best macadamia nuts around."

Martin and Pam turn out to be the owners of Brook Farm, a boutique producer who have found fame outside the mass market, supermarket melee that has damaged so many others. Yes, you'll find Brook Farm macadamia yoghurt muesli on your first class and business breakfast trays in Qantas aircraft as well as the lounges.

"We resisted going to the big two supermarkets because there is inevitably a compromise in quality one has to make to meet the prices imposed by these guys," says Martin, casually pulling a cherry stalk through his teeth. "Word-of-mouth (excuse the pun) has really been our best marketing tool."

As Hughes directs his team from a roughly scrawled 'battle plan', the produce is packed back into the van along with the guests and the whole operation is wrapped up in about an hour.

"It really gives me a good feeling," says Hughes, who has been with The Byron since day one in 2004, "my kids go to school here and we live and work in the community on a daily basis. It's a simple, pro-active thing to do and generates heaps of goodwill. Hey, and it's fun too!"

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Image: Local produce features at Byron Bay Farmers Market

A VIETNAM TOUR FOR EVERYONE

FROM bustling energetic cities, to river villages and hillside treks to seaside towns, Wendy Wu Tours will have a holiday in Vietnam to suit your every need.

Victoria's Secret set to be a secret no longer for Sydneysiders

International travellers have been enjoying Australia’s first Victoria’s Secret store, which opened in the newly refurbished Sydney International (T1) Terminal in 201, now domestic travellers and Sydney-siders will be able to take part in the glamour when the first Australian domestic Beauty & Accessories store opens its doors in T2, tomorrow (Saturday 10 December).

Victoria’s Secret ‘Supermodel Essentials’
now available at Sydney Airport

The store, which is accessible to both travellers and visitors to the airport alike, will offer the ultimate collection of fragrance, makeup, bodycare products and a gorgeous collection of Victoria’s Secret accessories, and is sure to be a favourite with travellers.

Victoria’s Secret’s unique range of accessories are exclusive to their international stores and are perfect for those looking for travel sized gifts. For that supermodel-on-the go, expect to find a wide range of bags, luggage, passport covers and travel wallets in both nylon and leather to cosmetic & toiletry bags, sunglasses, watches, bangles, bracelets and key rings.

The new store will showcase Victoria’s Secret ‘Supermodel Essentials’ range of apparel as well as the ever popular VS Fantasies body care line of botanically based skin-loving formulas to soften, smooth and pamper the skin from head to toe in an array of scents.

Victoria’s Secret stores are a must go destination in the United States and we are thrilled to introduce the first domestic Victoria’s Secret Beauty & Accessories store to Sydney. The store presents a novel way for domestic travellers to enjoy their time ahead of their journey, discovering Victoria’s Secret extensive range of pamper products, and the beauty of this store is that you don’t need to be a traveller to shop’, explains Andrew Gardiner, General Manager Retail, Sydney Airport Corporation Limited.