Bøker av Alex Bennett

Baku travel guide, Azerbaijan. Tourism. You may have never heard of this country before but I assure you that there are a lot of things to see and do in Azerbaijan and after reading this guide to the best places and activities in Baku and surroundings you may want to book a flight straightaway. Luckily, this travel guide provides you with everything you need to know before going to Azerbaijan, from the best places to visit to the best restaurants, foods to try, sights and activities and even the best places to stay at. It is the ultimate guide to Azerbaijan and it will give you many reasons to put it on your bucket list. But book soon, because the country is set to become the next European destination now that online visas are easily obtained in three days. Did you know that the word Caucasian comes from the first inhabitants of northern Azerbaijan? Or that the word Azerbaijan evolved from the words for Land of Fire in ancient Greek? Have you ever heard of the country's mud volcanoes? And did you know that there is a spot in Azerbaijan that has been burning for over 4,000 years non stop? Read on to discover more about this fascinating Caucasus country. Azerbaijan's capital is the architectural love child of Paris and Dubai...albeit with plenty of Soviet genes floating half-hidden in the background. Few cities in the world are changing as quickly and nowhere else in Eurasia do East and West blend as seamlessly or as chaotically. At its heart, the Unesco-listed Old City (İçəri Şəhər) lies within an exotically crenelated arc of fortress wall. Around this are gracefully illuminated stone mansions and pedestrianised tree-lined streets filled with exclusive boutiques. In the last decade, countless towers have mushroomed, dwarfing or replacing tatty old Soviet apartment blocks. Some of the finest new builds are jaw-dropping masterpieces. Meanwhile romantic couples canoodle their way around wooded parks and hold hands on the Caspian-front bulvar (promenade), where greens and opal blues make a mockery of Baku's desert-ringed location

Bahamas Islands. Touristic Guide and Vacation. Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas, is a wonderful vacation destination because you're not far from the bustling hub of a city, but you still have the relaxing and glorious beaches at your doorstep. Nassau is located on the island of New Providence and the main harbour is protected by Paradise Island, which is accessible via Nassau bridges. Nassau is known for wonderful snorkeling and diving and the adorable pastel-coloured British Colonial buildings in town. It should come as no surprise that the Bahamas encompass the most beautiful islands in the world all 700 of them actually. That's right, there are 700 glorious islands and over 2,000 rocks and cays that form this archipelago haven, which spans 100,000 square miles in the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the clearest blue water in the world is here, as are magnificent coral reefs, natural sand bars and the finest white sandy beaches. Of course, of the 700 islands most are uninhabited, but some are packed with luxurious resorts just waiting to welcome excited visitors to this tropical paradise. Below are some of our favourite places to visit while on the island. Renowned as a maritime playground for sun-starved Americans, this stunning string of subtropical islands is so much more than a cruise-ship stopover. Stretched between the depths of the North Atlantic and Florida's eastern coast, the Bahamas comprises more than 700 islands and 2400 cays, most uninhabited, and all fringed by spectacular coral and fathomless ocean trenches. From the grit and bustle of funky Nassau to the vast mangroves of Andros, there's an astonishing array of beaches, reefs, forests and historic towns to be discovered, all within the compass of an hour's flight. There's sailing around the Abacos' history-filled Loyalist Cays. Partying til dawn at Paradise Island's over-the-top Atlantis resort. Diving the spooky blue holes of Andros. Kayaking the 365 Exuma Cays. Lounging on Eleuthera's pink-sand beaches. Pondering pirates in Nassau. There's a Bahamian island to match most every waterand sand-based compulsion, each framed by a backdrop of gorgeous, mesmerizing blue

Atlanta Travel Guide, Georgia, USA. Vacation, Tourism, Sightseeing, Business Environment. The South's so-called capital isn't nicknamed Hotlanta for nothing, y'all. Charismatic and lush, Atlanta is a feverish, easy-on-the-eyes cavalcade of culture, cuisine and Southern hospitality. With more than six million residents in the metro and outlying areas, Atlanta continues to experience explosive growth thanks to domestic transplants and international immigrants alike. Beyond the big-ticket Downtown attractions you will find a constellation of superlative restaurants, a palpable Hollywood influence (Atlanta is a hugely popular film-production center) and iconic African American history. That last point can't be overstated: any nationwide African American intellectual, political and artistic movement you can mention either had its genesis in Atlanta, or found a center of gravity here. Without natural boundaries to control development, it's fair to say Atlanta is more a region than a city. Yet for all its sprawl and suburbanization, there is a lovely urban core covered with trees some 36% of the city to be exact, making it one of the most densely forested cities in the US. Magnificent oaks, Southern pines, dogwoods and magnolias pepper the nation's ninth largest metro area, a refuge for 343 parks, nature preserves, gardens and public spaces. Among the green is the ongoing Atlanta BeltLine, transforming the city's urban core and cutting a cinematic path through the canopy. Martin Luther King Jr, the quintessential figure of the Civil Rights movement and arguably America's greatest leader, was born and raised in Atlanta, the son of a preacher and choir leader. His lineage was significant not only because he followed his father to the pulpit of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, but also because his political speeches rang out with a preacher's inflections. King remains one of the most respected figures of the 20th century and is Atlanta's quintessential African-American hero, his legacy emblazoned across the city's historic Sweet Auburn district, home to the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site. Atlanta is a quirky and cultured metroplex, with world-class museums, theater and arts. The economy is robust, the population is young and creative, and the social scene is refreshingly diverse. Distinct neighborhoods are like friendly small towns, rife with pristinely preserved historic homes and thoroughfares of hip bars, cozy coffee shops and independent shopping. And the food? Be it classic Southern eats such as pecan pie, fried chicken and pimento cheese; innovative, chef-driven New American foodie haunts; or ethnic holes-in-the-wall, Atlanta's dining scene is a culinary juggernaut.

Athens Travel, Greece. Vacation, Tourism, Travel Information. Athens is a dynamic and vibrant capital where archaeological vestiges live next to modern constructions. As such, it has countless options for adventurers, history buffs, sun worshippers, and epicureans. But if you are visiting the city on a tight budget, there are plenty of things to do without breaking the bank. Here are ten free activities to explore when in the Greek capital. Beyond Athens, down the Attica peninsula, are more spectacular antiquities, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion and the site of Ancient Eleusis, as well as very good beaches, such as those near historic Marathon. Sure, you could zip across, west to east, in less than an hour, but it's far more fun to take a leisurely road trip to a mineral-filled lake, say, or a monastery with dazzling Byzantine mosaics. If you'd rather not drive, though, most of these surprise sights (including great beaches) can be reached on public transport. The cultural and social life of Athens plays out amid, around and in landmarks that are centuries old, if not millennia. The remnants of Ancient Greece get the most attention, of course, thanks to a little thing called democracy. Oh, and mythology, and drama, and philosophy. But don't overlook the 'later' years: thousand-year-old Byzantine churches, for instance, which squat, unruffled in the middle of streets and attached to hillsides. Ottoman traces can be seen in architecture and in food. And the neoclassical style of the 19th century adds elegance all over the centre

Assisi Travel Guide, Umbria, Italy. City of Saint Francis, Tourism and Vacation. Assisi is Umbria's most famous town and one of its loveliest. This beautiful medieval town, with its geranium-hung streets, lovely views, and fountain-splashed piazzas, is heir to the legacy of St. Francis, patron saint of Italy and the town's favorite son. The 12th-century monk founded the Franciscan order and sparked a religious revolution. The town is an important pilgrimage site (the third most visited pilgrimage site in Italy) and hosts many religious conferences and festivals. The Basilica di San Francesco is perhaps the most visited sight in Umbria, housing the saint's relics and Giotto's renowned fresco series of St. Francis's life. Local ruins provide a view into Assisi's Etruscan and Roman roots, while grand palaces and majestic rocche (castles) from a later era tower above tile roofs. Sadly, the town suffered serious damage during the earthquake of September 1997, but restoration was relatively swift and many splendid sites can be seen today.

Aruba Travel Guide, Caribbean. Tourism, Wadding, Vacation, Honeymoon. North Americans fleeing winter make Aruba the most touristed island in the southern Caribbean. The draws are obvious: miles of glorious white-sand beaches, plenty of all-inclusive resorts, and a cute, compact capital, Oranjestad, which is well suited for the two-hour strolls favored by cruise-ship passengers. It's all about sun, fun and spending money. Venture away from the resorts and you're in for a real treat. At the island's extreme ends are rugged, windswept vistas and uncrowded beaches perfect for hiking and horseback riding. Crystal-clear waters are bursting with sea life and shipwrecks (and an airplane wreck or two), providing incredible opportunities for snorkeling and diving. And nonstop breezes create near-perfect conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding. So whether you're longing to lounge on a beach or to delve into the great outdoors, Aruba has got you covered. One happy island, indeed!

Antwerp Travel Guide, Belgium. Vacation, Tourism Environment. Antwerp (Antwerpen/Anvers in Dutch/French) is Belgium's second city, biggest port and capital of cool. It has long been a powerful magnet for everyone from fashion moguls and club queens to art lovers and diamond dealers. In the mid-16th century it was one of Europe's most important cities and home to baroque superstar painter Pieter Paul Rubens as many a museum will regularly remind you. Despite many historical travails thereafter, and severe WWII bombing, Antwerp retains an intriguing medieval heart with plenty of café-filled cobbled lanes, a riverside fortress and a truly impressive cathedral. Today, however, Antwerp's top drawcards are its vibrant fashion and entertainment scene, along with its startling architectural and cultural contrasts

Antigua Island Travel guide, Caribbean. Tourism Information. Antigua's beguiling beauty starts to seduce the moment you arrive. Once capital of Guatemala, its streetscapes of pastel facades unfold beneath the gaze of three volcanoes, and beautifully restored colonial buildings sit next to picturesque ruins in park-like surroundings. The city's World-Heritage listed status means that even fast-food chains have to hide themselves behind traditional building facades. While Antigua's churches, plazas and markets throb with activity, the town is also a global hot spot with a laid back vibe, thanks to the dozens of Spanish-language schools that operate here. Outside the city, Maya communities, coffee plantations and volcanoes offer ample opportunities for exploration. Through the course of its history, this city has suffered earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions and virtual abandonment. But in recent decades it has re-emerged with a vengeance, buoyed by the pride of its inhabitants. No wonder Antigua remains Guatemala's most visited destination.

Antalya Travel Guide, Turkey. Vacation, Honeymoon, Business, Tour Guide. Once seen simply as the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, Antalya today is very much a destination in its own right. Situated right on the Gulf of Antalya (Antalya Körfezi), the largest city on Turkey's western Mediterranean coastline is both classically beautiful and stylishly modern. At its core is the wonderfully preserved old-city district of Kaleiçi (literally 'within the castle'), which offers atmospheric accommodation in the finely restored Ottoman houses on its winding lanes. The old city wraps around a splendid Roman-era harbour with clifftop views of hazy-blue mountain silhouettes that are worth raising a toast to. Just outside of the central city are two beaches and one of Turkey's finest museums. One of the most attractive and frequently visited places in this city is the Archeology Museum, which was opened in 1972. The halls of this museum contain precious finds discovered during excavations in the 18-20th centuries. Previously these priceless exhibitions were stored in Yivli Mosque until the museum offered a dozen of spacious halls for that purpose. Most probably, the most famous architectural building in Antalya is Hidirlik Kulesi. This tower was built during the Roman Empire times. The historians name several theories concerning the building to this tower. Some assume the tower was built for protective purposes, while the others think this is an ancient lighthouse. There is also a giant square shaped stone inside the tower, which makes the historians think the tower could have been used as a burial vault for one of great kings.

Anna Maria Island Tour, Florida USA. Travel and Tourism, Honeymoon, Holiday, Information. Anna Maria Island is an island get-away in the waiting! It is a seven mile stretch of land with soft white sands that bring travellers back year after year. Explore the many award-winning cafes and restaurants all biking or walking distance away rest, relax and watch the wildlife including sea turtles, bottlenose dolphin and birds ranging from the wild parrots, cranes, herons and sandpipers. Located less than two hours from Orlando/Walt Disney, an hour from Tampa and 30 minutes from Sarasota, Anna Maria Island has been called a "Hidden Gem" for all that this sleepy island has to offer in culture and tourism. A perfect piece of "Old Florida" for your next beach vacation adventure. Anna Maria Island has six Beaches, Anna Maria Beach, Bradenton Beach, Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach, Holmes Beach, and Manatee Beach. Come stay in one of our vacation rentals and dream the night away

Annecy Travel Guide, France. Vacation and Tourism, Lake Annecy. Nestled by the northwestern shore of its namesake lake, Annecy is the jewel of the Haute-Savoie. From its crowning Château d'Annecy down to its gurgling canals, Annecy's Vieille Ville (Old Town) is infused with antique charm. Made great by the medieval Counts of Geneva and augmented by the Dukes of Savoy, Annecy still has numerous 16thand 17th-century buildings, now painted in shades of peach and rose and housing restaurants, bakeries and boutiques. Canals trickle through town, earning Annecy its reputation as an 'Alpine Venice'. Lac d'Annecy, speckled with swans and rowing boats, is said to have the cleanest waters in Europe, and Annecy's outdoorsy residents revel in all this nature. They row the lake, zip through town on rollerblades and bicycles, and, in winter, drive to nearby ski areas like La Clusaz. After a few lungfuls of mountain air, you might feel compelled to join them

Anguilla Travel Guide, Caribbean. Vacation, Honeymoon, Tourism. Fringed by shimmering white-sand beaches shaded by coconut palms and sea-grape trees, and filled with colorfully painted, open-sided beach bars serving sizzling barbecues, feisty rum punches and live reggae tunes, Anguilla is the Caribbean dream come true. Its crystal-clear waters and vibrant reefs offer spectacular snorkeling, glass-bottomed kayaking, and sailing to tiny islets and atolls scattered offshore. The island's rich and varied history dates back to settlement by the Amerindians and Arawaks, with extraordinary rock art still being discovered in sites such as Fountain Cavern National Park. And unlike many nearby islands, the flat terrain makes it easy to get around by car, bicycle or quad bike. There's a catch, of course. Anguilla is no shoestring destination and authenticity comes at a premium here. Luxury hotels and private villas cater to jet-setters craving a vacation off the radar. Visit outside high season for a more affordable taste of paradise

Anaheim Disneyland Travel and Tourism, California USA. Vacation, honeymoon, Business. You can't really talk about Anaheim without mentioning Disneyland but if that's all you talk about, you're missing out. Anaheim has grown into Orange County's largest city. It's a major convention destination and is home to major league baseball and hockey teams. Especially in the last decade, Anaheim has developed some surprising pockets of cool that have nothing to do with the Mouse House. So if you're seeking all Disney all the time, by all means, have at it. For everyone else, Anaheim and the rest of northern Orange County could provide a welcome break. If traveling to Anaheim, California, chances are pretty good that you've got Disney on the mind. Home to the world-famous group of theme parks and hotels, Anaheim's Disneyland has become the city's largest tourist attraction since opening its doors in 1955. The additions of the Anaheim Convention Center, the Honda Center (home of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks) and Angel Stadium have only added to this SoCal city's mass, tourist-oriented appeal. Even if you didn't come for Mickey and the gang, there is still plenty to do here. From Orange County's 42 miles of coastline, to the dozens of pristine championship golf courses and endless shopping possibilities, Anaheim is a sun-soaked city that has it all

Amsterdam Travel, Netherlands Environment. Netherlands Tourism. Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side quiet courtyards where time seems to be holding its breath next to contemporary shopping streets like Kalverstraat, and scantily clad women in red-lighted windows by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 8,500 registered monuments, many of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 165 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,700 bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city's Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its open, easygoing nature but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt and Van Gogh to Mondrian. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with much to discover along the way: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, curtainless windows offering glimpses of daily life, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes (courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings.

Amelia Island Travel Guide, Florida. Vacation, Tour, Honeymoon. Located just 13 miles from the Georgia border, Amelia Island is a moss-draped, sunand sand-soaked blend of the Deep South and Florida coast. It is believed the island's original inhabitants, the Timucuan tribespeople, arrived as early as 4000 years ago. Since that time, eight flags have flown here, starting with the French in 1562, followed by the Spanish, the English, the Spanish again, the Patriots, the Green Cross of Florida, the Mexican Rebels, the US, the Confederates, then the US again. Vacationers have flocked to Amelia since the 1890s, when Henry Flagler converted a coast of salt marsh and unspoiled beaches into a vacation spot for the wealthy. The legacy of that era is evident in the central town of Fernandina Beach, 50 blocks of historic buildings, Victorian B&Bs and restaurants housed in converted fishing cottages. Dotting the rest of the island are lush parks, green fairways and miles of shoreline

Alberobello, Travel Guide, Italy Environment. Puglia, Trulli, Matera, Polignano a Mare, Bari. The main attraction in Alberobello, Italy, is the trulli. There are two primary areas composed mostly of trulli: Rione Monti, a touristic district on a slope facing the modern town center; and Aia Piccola, a quieter residential district. Rione Monti attracts mostly tourists and is ultra picturesque -both up-close and afar. For the best photo of the district, cross the main street, Largo Martellotta, and walk up the steps located behind the public parking lot. From the terrace to the right at the top of the steps is the perfect spot for viewing a sea of conical roofs. Among the narrow streets of Rione Monti, you will find many tchotchke shops selling colorful terracotta whistles (a favorite toy in Puglia, and very annoyingly loud!), ceramics, and everything under the sun shaped like a trullo. While walking the area is very enjoyable, the constant pleas from local vendors coercing you into their shop can be a little distracting. A few owners go so far to pitch signs luring you in with claims of having the 'oldest' trullo or a 'panoramic' view. If you can't resist, the cost (if any) is usually minimal to take a peak. A nice stop is in Enoteca Tholos (located on the main street), a wine store featuring Puglian wines and local products. The staff is very knowledgeable about their products and eager to offer free samples -enough to make up a small meal! While in Rione Monti, head up Via Monte Michele to Chiesa di Sant'Antonio, a 20th-century trullo church

Aeolian Islands Travel and Tourism, Italy. Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea, Stromboli, Salina, Alicudi and Filicudi. Rising out of the cobalt-blue seas off Sicily's northeastern coast, the Unesco-protected Aeolian Islands (Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi) are a little piece of paradise, a magical outdoor playground offering thrills and spills at every turn. Stunning waters provide sport for swimmers, sailors and divers, while trekkers can climb hissing volcanoes and gourmets can sip honey-sweet Malvasia wine. The obvious base is Lipari, the largest and liveliest of the seven islands, but it's by no means the only option. Salina boasts excellent accommodation and good transport links, while Stromboli and Vulcano entertain nature lovers with awe-inspiring volcanic shenanigans and black-sand beaches. Ultra-chic Panarea offers luxurious living at lower prices in low season, while Filicudi and Alicudi have an end-of-the-line appeal that's irresistible for fans of off-the-beaten-track adventure.

Aberdeen Travel Guide, Scotland, United Kingdom. Travel and Tourism, History, People and Culture. Aberdeen is northeast Scotland's powerhouse, fueled by the North Sea petroleum industry. Oil money made the city as expensive as London, with prices charged to match the depth of oil-wealthy pockets, though regular downturns in the industry see prices fall. Fortunately, most cultural attractions, such as the Maritime Museum and Aberdeen Art Gallery, are free. Known throughout Scotland as the granite city, much of the town was built using silvery-grey granite hewn from the now-abandoned Rubislaw Quarry, at one time the biggest artificial hole in the ground in Europe. On a sunny day the granite lends an attractive glitter to the city, but when low, grey rain clouds scud in off the North Sea it can be hard to tell where the buildings stop and the sky begins. Royal Deeside is easily accessible to the west, Dunnottar Castle to the south, sandy beaches to the north and whisky country northwest

The Abacos Great and Little Abaco, and their offshore cays are one of the jewels of the Bahamas: a 320km crescent of sand that's a sailor's paradise, a history-buff's delight, a seafood-lover's dream and a bold entry in any diver's wish list. Most Abaconians live in Marsh Harbour, capital of Great Abaco and the only urban area of any size. This bustling 'metropolis' boasts the Out Islands' only stoplight, and its marinas are the launching pad for exploring the surrounding area: the 'Loyalist Cays' Elbow, Great Guana, Man O' War and Green Turtle are all just a short ferry ride away. Named after the 18th-century settlers who came here after backing the wrong side in the American Revolution, they're special places graced by clapboard homes, historic lighthouses, lush mangroves and a unique culture. Offshore, the warm and bounteous Sea of Abaco is studded with stunning coral, and overflowing with marine life

This is Alex's story. It is based on a true story. A story of girl who had to overcome many obstacles in her life. She grew up in a small housing project with her mother, an alcoholic. She would spend most nights home alone scared hiding under the kitchen table with her dog waiting for her mother to return from her all night partying. At the young age of six Alex couldn't understand why her mother left her so much. As she got older things just got worse. She was thrown out of her house at thirteen with nowhere to go. She spent her high school years staying on the couches of family members while trying to attend school. Though Alex's mother was the root of all her problems, she just couldn't stop loving her. Unfortunately, by the time Alex figured this out it was too late!