The archeologist's pickaxe begun unearthing Santorini's exciting history in the mid-19th century, when the volcanic Thiran earth was excavated for use in the construction of the Suez Canal. It was then that the first traces of a prehistoric settlement came to light. The first buildings of the Prehistoric-era were discovered in 1866. French and German archeologists continued the research. However, it was the Greek archeologist Spyridon Marinatos, a professor at the University of Athens, who conducted the most important excavations.

These excavations, which began in 1967, were based on a bold theory that Marinatos first suggested in 1939. According to this theory, the eruption of the Santorini volcano took place in c. 1500 BC, burying a prehistoric city under tons of ash, while concurrently generating the collapse of the Minoan palaces in Crete.

Excavations uncovered an excellently preserved Bronze Age city, which confirmed this aspect of Marinates' theory.

Since then, scholars of Aegean prehistory have been preoccupied with establishing the date of the eruption. Marinatos' view prevailed for many years. However, excavations conducted over the past 15 years and the dating of finds from prehistoric Thira by scientific methods demonstrate that the eruption occurred much earlier, around 1050 BC. The collapse of the Minoan palaces two centuries later can no longer be connected to the eruption of the Thira volcano. The cause must now be sought elsewhere.

The oldest evidence of human settlement in the region is traced back to the Early Bronze Age, in the mid-3rd millennium BC. Artifacts found in Akrotiri show that Santorini had contact with Minoan Crete as well as mainland Greece during the Middle Bronze Age (1900- 1 600 BC).

The city of Akrotiri was destroyed by the great eruption. But it appears that this was preceded by smaller eruptions that prompted residents to depart beforehand, taking with them their most valuable possessions. One can also deduce this from the fact that no human or animal skeletons or valuable objects have been found on the island.

After the disaster, two to three centuries passed before the island was re-inhabited.

The Phoenicians, who settled in the island around 1300 BC, called it Calliste ("Most Beautiful") because of its exceptional natural beauty. in the late 12th c. BC, the Spartans, led by Thiras, arrived on the island and changed its name from Calliste to Thira.

In Hellenistic times Thira was the naval base of the Ptolemies. During the Byzantine era the island's population shrunk. Thira was given to Nicolas Sanudo, Duke of Naxos, in 1335, and to the Ottomans in 1566.

In the 18th century, with pirate incursions in the region all but ceasing, Santorini began to show Significant expansion in agriculture, shipping and trade.

Only 38 nautical miles from Piraeus and 90 minutes by 'flying dolphin' hydrofoil, Hydra (pronounced 'ee-dra') is a world away with its picturesque harbour-front town rising theatrically out of the sea. The urban character of Hydra grew handin-hand with its maritime prosperity, reaching its zenith during the late 18th and early 19th centuries when its commercial fleet ran the blockade during the Napoleonic wars. When revolution broke out in 1821 against Turkish occupation, wealthy sea merchants converted their ships for battle and spent fortunes for the cause, leaving behind a proud history and many beautiful arhondika (mansions) lining the harbour. To learn more about Hydra's illustrious past, visit the Historical Museum which highlights the island's decisive role in the War of Independence.

After a period of decline Hydra flourished once again with the growth of sponge fishing. The Hotel Bratsera, a converted 19th-century sponge-processing factory, allows visitors to experience the industry's history, and retains much of the building's former character and original equipment. The island was not rediscovered until the 1950s, when its appearance in a few popular films led to the arrival of a stampede of artists and intellectuals who moved in and are still part of the island's cosmopolitan social fabric. Retaining all of its evocative charm, Hydra has been carefully preserved; the banning of all motorized vehicles leaves only donkeys and your feet to get around with. Additional transportation is provided by water taxis that will take you to the many beaches tucked away along Hydra's coastline, including Agios Nicholas and the more secluded Bisti Beach.

Hydra is a walker's paradise; one steep climb through winding cobbled streets will lead you to the mansion of Lazaros Koundourioti, now a folk museum with a public art gallery. Another peaceful, if somewhat strenuous, walk takes you to the Profitis Ilias monastery and the neighbouring convent of Agias Evpraxias, both offering fine views of the Peloponnesus. The harbour itself remains as it has always been: the focus of all activity on the island with art galleries, stylish boutiques, and unique jewelry shops like Elena Votsi right on the waterfront.

Whether you have worked up an appetite climbing up hills to monasteries, lounging on the beach, or shopping in town, you will find welcome respite at Taverna Gitoniko, which serves up some of the island's best traditional Hydriot cooking on its rooftop terrace. Alternatively, the appropriately named Sunset Restaurant is a wonderful setting for dinner and a view of the setting sun, or, if you'd rather chill out to classical music, visit the Hydroneta bar, where the atmosphere hots up as the stars come out. The harbour-front Pirate Bar, favoured by the rich and famous, could also become a regular haunt, or stop in at the Amalour, which is open year round with ethnic music and excellent cocktails.

I remember the first time I read about a new term that was introduced into our lexicon here in the US recently, called "medical tourism". I didn't even know there was such a trend occurring, although as I read further about this increasingly popular pursuit, it made perfect sense. You see, here in the US we are facing, and have been facing for several years now, somewhat of a healthcare crisis.

There are scores more US citizens that are not insured than are insured at any given time, and that translates into a lot of people who are paying exorbitant doctors visit, surgery and treatment fees when they need medical attention, and an even bigger number of people who simply don't seek medical attention when they need it because they know they can't afford it.

Even if you have insurance, the cost of the premiums is going up higher every year, and even the co-pays are reaching higher numbers than ever seen.

Today, it is more of a rarety to have "a great insurance plan" than it was just ten years ago. Add into that, the fact that here in the US, our physicians, specialists, plastic surgeons, dentists, psychiatrists, and every other licensed and practicing medical professional are exposed to lawsuits that threaten to bankrupt them for malpractice. Add to that their skyrocketing malpractice insurance premiums, and you've got a full fledged medical crisis on your hands.

This is exactly the reason why more and more US citizens are travelling to get cheaper medical care. Many times, even after the costs of travel, these citizens are savings boatloads of money on their medical treatments and surgeries in other countries with equally well trained doctors, but a much lower cost.

The medical tourism industry is just now starting to catch on, and shows signs that it will become a boon for foreign travel, and may even be a solicited "main attraction" in many far away destinations, in order to get eager US citizens to their country, spending money to get medical and elective care that they otherwise may not be able to afford here in the US.

It ends up being a great win/win that way, but it still doesn't take away from the disturbing fact that the US is experiencing the worst healthcare system crisis in its history.

The largest industries for medical tourism at the moment seem to be for the fields of plastic surgery and dentistry. Many of the South American countries can offer much cheaper prices for tourists who are coming over to get procedures that would cost thousands of dollars here in the US, and to boot, they would be getting the same caliber of care.

Heck, they even say that some of the best plastic surgeons in the world practice in Brazil and Costa Rica, where plastic surgery is a booming business, doctors there are highly trained and skilled due to experience, and the cost is often times slashed in half or even better, after US money exchange rates and the cheaper rate are added in.

Colombia and the Phillipines are both notorious also for extremely cheap plastic surgery, dentistry, and other types of health care procedures, and are trying to edge into the industry to attract more visitors to their countries, which in turn helps out local economies and opens up a lot of further tourism development. US citizens aren't the only ones taking advantage of travelling to get cheaper health care and surgeries.

Citizens in Britain are also getting in on the action so they can get access to cheaper dental work, laser eye surgery, and even bariatric surgery. The business of cosmetic surgery probably gets the most publicity when it comes to medical tourism, but there are a lot of other fields in which one can get medically related services for a fraction of the cost in these countries that most people don't know about - yet.

Travelling for medical and surgical care, whether it's considered elective or not can result in a dramatic price reduction, you just have to do the research and see if, added with the costs associated with travelling, it will actually save you money in your particular case or not.

Of course it's not always going to add up to a dramatic savings when it's all said and done, so make sure you thoroughly research and consider all other potential costs of travelling before you make a final decision.

Perched on top of hills and owner of one of the most pulsating scenic beauty that one can ever hope to see, Edinburgh is any tourist's delight. A place prominent for Scottish history, it today is a thriving centre for commerce and culture. One of the highlights and signature of Edinburgh is its imposing royal palace which once was the home of royal family and of course Holy rood palace which is the official residence of the Queen of Scotland. There are several features which strengthens Edinburgh's claim to fame but in today's times this ritual is copyrighted by International Edinburgh Festival. An yearly venture that attracts thousands of tourists, performers and curious onlookers every summer. There are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh which makes it any tourist's delight. A perfect mixture of old world and new, Edinburgh welcomes the tourists with open arms and guarantees them a few days of sublime experience.

A promise that is well kept for there are plenty of Things to do in Edinburgh. For example if someone is interested in museums then he has his platter full for there are several places that can make any museum enthusiast's eyes lit up with joy. There are plenty of places where such people can go and make their stay worth a while. Similarly there are several cultural spots, beautiful and well maintained gardens, places of historical importance, tourist attractions, zoos etc. which are sure to keep the tourists in raptures for as long as he chooses to stay. And when the adventure comes to an end it would come to end with an anguish as no one would like it to come to an end.

This is purely from the knowledge point of view as activities mentioned above would make one richer in one's knowledge about the majestic Edinburgh. There is another side of Edinburgh as well. One which allows people to let their hair down and enjoy their stay. Places like casinos, discos, bars, nightclubs etc. are there in abundance which guarantees unlimited fun. Life surely is a dream if one is vacating in Edinburgh. These accounts clearly suggest that one is not short of things to do in Edinburgh. Whatever one might be interested in, Edinburgh is sure to serve something, and that too of highest order, for him from its huge repertoire.

Once in a while one's karma or destiny lines one up for an experience of a lifetime. In this case we felt it was more like divine intervention than anything else.

Believe it or not in planning a trip to Tasmania and South Australia last year, I had heeded my daughter's pleas to swim with dolphins by forking out a large amount of money to have us all go out in a boat on a tour, be tethered to a rope, and hope that dolphins would approach us. No guarantees, but money up front; this was to be in Adelaide, after our Tasmanian interlude. It was perhaps the one single planned event that we looked forward to more than anything else. We made our momentous journey over three days, in three planes, and one ferry (great excitement for the kids) over to Tasmania, then to pick up a car and ride across the island to Hobart. Long, but delightful and, yes, I would do it again, frankly.

Meeting up with the cousins in Hobart was no less of an exciting moment that anything up until then. A few days into the holiday, kids mooching around one hot afternoon, my sister-in-law calls out loudly from her deck overlooking Blackman's Bay. Dolphins in the water. Sixty seconds later, cousins, kids were on the beach and wading into the surf. I followed sensing this was going to be something special.

I soon realised we were all slightly out of our depth. Two of the children: my Antonie and cousin Julia could swim less efficiently than the others. Sadly Julia was ahead of me and calling for assistance. Antonie, now behind, wanted my attention also. I knew he could swim towards me easily, and he was closer to shore, so I made for cousin Julia. As I reached her they got to us. At least three swam in and around our legs. I could feel them "brushing" against my skin, yet without touching me at all. The kids were shrieking and all I could think of doing was diving down below the surface to get a glimpse of one, and to perhaps touch one. They were not going to have that happen and their agility and speed simply astounded me, notwithstanding many dolphins shows and demonstrations since a child: nothing can prepare you for the force and power of their physical presence when so near you, and in the water.

Two sped past and around me, deftly ducking from my outstretched arms. They made straight for Antonie. One must have touched him, albeit gently, and he decided this was just too much. He cried out and made for the shore. My daughter Maria, more or less level with me, saw her brother was in mild distress and forfeited a possible closer encounter with her favourite creature and helped him to the beach. My excuse was to stick with Julia, but I must be honest in saying I was more intent on my own personal encounter with a dolphin than going to Antonie's rescue, my main justification being that he had just won his first gala at school that year. All was resolved as Antonie could relate his story to his mother on the beach as she nervously aimed the video camera at our shrieks.

Maria was rewarded by being able to return the our pod of humans, while the dolphins repeatedly visited the children by swimming in and around them. I had taken Maria's goggles from her before she swam to shore, and for those precious, brief few minutes I had been able to focus somewhat on the larger than imagined, highly agile bodies of the dolphins beneath the water surface.

It was breathtaking and humbling. I was constantly aware that these creatures are very much in control beneath the water. And that I was not. As the two that made for Antonie passed me so quickly, they both cocked their heads to check me out. I noticed them swim past him, towards the shoreline. In fact had they not turned when they did, they might have been washed onto the beach. Not likely. I have an indelible memory of their sleek bodies powerfully thrusting forward in order to accelerate madly into the rushing, crashing waves that flowed over them. A sight I shall not ever forget.

My wife stayed faithfully on the beach, until we came out of the water, the dolphins having swam back out to sea. I suggested she swim out and see what would happen. Amazingly, as I filmed her, five dolphins spotted, or sensed her lonely presence from more than five hundred metres out. Even now the sight of them rushing towards her to investigate, filmed from far away, is breathtaking in its sheer moment of excitement and anxiety. She kept her ground and for more than five minutes they swam around and beneath her, before giving a gymnastic display and then disappearing.

Spending a day watching Cinderella and her lavish castle will make the holiday memorable and one that the child will cherish all their life. Located in the middle of the two theme parks, this has been around since 1971, giving every visitor something new to look forward to.

During your stay at the magical Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, you and you family members can take a walk through the Cinderella's castle, which has mosaic murals narrating the tale. Each of these is made of Italian smooth glass and rough ones that are made especially by Italian craftsman. One can make out the emotions playing across the faces of Cinderella and her evil step sisters right down to the ball, after which she tries on the glass slippers. There is an attached shopping arena called Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where young girls can get anything they desire.

In order to enjoy all this, you will need to book your journey way ahead, and this can be done either online or through an agency that will plan your entire itinerary. There is even a Cinderella Suite on the top of the castle which today can house upto 6 guests; this was once intended for Sir Walt Disney and his friends to reside in. Staying here would leave you feeling like a real princess, with the fluffy queen sized beds and rich castle like walls and view from your room. And as you get out of your castle, you can stroll through Mickey's Toontown Fair, where you can shake hands with Mickey Mouse and gang who live right there. A latest addition to the Disney World, this is sure to make your Walt Disney World vacation better.

You can take the train from anywhere in the park and watch the various splendors of their park come alive. What child would not like to check out the various castles and palaces home to their favorite characters? In the Magic Kingdom section, you find Fantasyland, filled with princesses, pixies and little boys who don't grow up. A play area where you spend time with Winnie the Pooh or what looks like scenes from the 20,000 leagues under the sea book is what awaits you.

When you get bored of these, you can take the train to Pinocchio's village which is near the fair lands. You will go through numerous tunnels that take you from Adventureland to the Liberty Square. Housed within these walls are the finest restaurants and souvenir stores for you to indulge in. A fun filled, learning experience is what you take back when you wind up for the day in your comfortable bed on tip the Cinderella's castle.

The Orlando area is famous for its condos and villas that you can pick up to add a bit of spice to your vacation. Fitted with all the amenities and services you could dream off, these make for ideal getaways from the crowd and close enough to spend time during your Walt Disney World Resort vacation.

Since I am writing this article about how to be wise when you travel (and I am on the road at a professional conference) the ideas are quite fresh in my mind. If you travel as part of your academic responsibility, then you will find these ideas helpful.

Let people know you are on the road so they won't expect you to get back to them as quickly. You can leave this information in a message on your outgoing voice mail and, if you are going to be out for an extended period of time, set up an email responder, as well. (Note: If you are going to be out for one or two days, then my suggestion is NOT to annoy people who email you with a return email that says that you that you will be out "until tomorrow afternoon" or the like.)

Answer voice mail as you travel so it's not all there when you get back in town. This means you must have a voice mail system that is easily retrievable. Make it a point to return voice mail within 24 hours of when you get the message, if at all possible.

Keep up with your email as you travel. Not doing so is even more onerous than taking the extra steps to be able to access it while you're on the road. There are several possibilities:

* you can have all your email forwarded to a web-based email system;

* you can set up your laptop to access all your email (and either leave the original message on the server or not);

* or you may use what I use, GoToMyPC, which lets me access my home office computer from any other computer. That way I'm answering my emails just as if I am in front of my main computer. It's convenient because all my deleted, saved, and sent messages are right there where they belong and all attachments I might need to send to someone are easily accessible.

Create a productive environment for yourself when you are traveling. Some ways to do so include:

* If you are traveling by car, make sure you have all the items that will let you be comfortable and productive while on the road.

* If you are traveling by plane, then make sure you have noise-cancelling headphones and the kind of work that can easily be retrieved while sitting in an airplane seat.

* Once you arrive at your hotel, take a few minutes and get it set up. I will often move tables around to create a L-shaped workspace. I have also been known to take 100 watt light bulbs with me when I go to Las Vegas (or stay at a W Hotel) because the lamps are so dim that it's very difficult to see and get reading and work done. Learn what works best for you-and then create that environment as much as you can.

Join loyalty programs whenever possible and then maximize your use of those particular airlines and hotels. There are small (and sometimes large) amenities that go along with being a member of a program. If at all possible, aim for the elite status which really gives you worthwhile perquisites (including leverage) when traveling.

You're a professor. You're smart. You need to travel to conferences, to conduct your research, to learn, to share your knowledge, and to expand your horizons. So now, be wise about traveling by putting one or more of the ideas in this article into practice and move closer to peaceful productivity as a way of life.