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"In Brazil the motto seems to be: if you've got it, flaunt it, and if you don't, flaunt it even more--" Brazil: an eclectic nation that evokes images of vibrant carnivals, crowded shanty towns and football on the beach. Shaped by its many cultures, the Portuguese, African, Native Indian and European communities have ensured the evolution of a colourful, diverse population. John Malathronas fell prey to Brazil's seductive allure in the early eighties, a fascination that continues to this day. His... more info>>
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This is not an objective account. How could it be, having consumed such a slice of my life? China is the third largest country in the world, holds nearly a quarter of the earth's population and claims a recorded history going back more than 3,000 years. Foreigners' reactions to China and its people veer from one extreme to the other, as if the gargantuan size of the place demands a sweeping response. This is understandable. Time is needed for such a big and complex country, and time is something... more info>>
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Between the rugged coastal scenery of Cornwall, and the sheltered Riviera-style beaches of Devon, everything from castles to cliff railways can be found. Tin and copper mining has been carried out in the area for centuries, and several ruinous mine workings now provide some of the most evocative landmarks. As farming and fishing supported the local communities, few grand buildings were constructed for the land-owning gentry. Nevertheless, there are many fascinating properties to explore in this ... more info>>
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There is something quintessentially British about the seaside pier and many surviving today remain as individual in character as the resorts they enhance. Originally conceived as landing jetties for increasing paddle streamer traffic, the seaside pier soon became a popular venue for 'Promenading' or 'taking the air'. Many acquired ornate ironwork, deck lighting, shelters, and in many instances even trains. As the seaside holiday grew in popularity so too did the role of the pier, many being exte... more info>>
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Renowned as the 'Garden of England', Kent is as famous for its blossom and orchards as it is for its rich and diverse heritage. From the moment the Romans landed on our southern shores, Kent's landscape was carved out with solid roads, military settlements, and major towns. The county can now boast two thousand years of living history, with at least some fragment surviving from every period of its development. This book explores 30 of West Kent's Historic monuments, some well known, others not, ... more info>>
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Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs country background notes for international travelers to Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Each country's brief, factual background note summarizes its geography, people (population, ethnic groups, languages, health, and religion), history, culture, ... more info>>
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As an international traveler, you should be aware of the rules for bringing items back from your trip. For example, did you know that the duty-free personal exemption was recently raised to $800? Five publications of the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection provide comprehensive information on what you must declare, the duty-free exemption, what items are duty-free, paying duty, sending goods to the United States, unaccompanied purchases from insular possessions and Caribbean countries, ... more info>>
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