This year has been a bumper one for archaeology in Turkey with a number of new sites and finds unearthed. Highlights include newly discovered lost cities and significant artifacts from ongoing excavations.

The discovery of the lost city of Germenicia in Kahramanmaras with its many houses decorated with mosaics such as found in Ephesus and Zeugma.

The antique Roman city of Julianopolis close to Ankara during whose unearthing the ancient city of Parnassos was also discovered.

In Istanbul and its surrounds, findings include ceramics of the Roman and Byzantine period and a Roman tombstone at the ancient city of Bathoneia situated at the edge of Lake Kucukcekmece, Istanbul. A 60-metre section of a Roman road and a tunnel have been found in Kocaeli. A temple with statues of Aphrodite and Eros dating from the 2nd century BC in addition to a plethora of ceramics and the remains of walls and a tower in Tekirdag.

The Black Sea region was also the location for many interesting finds including a 2500-seater antique theatre during excavations of the antique city of Tieios, Zonguldak. This ancient city looks set to become known as the Ephesus of the Black Sea Coast. There have also been discoveries of unique mosaics of such animals as horses, elephants and panthers at the ancient city of Hadrianapolis in Karabuk, leading to this site being referred to as the Zeugma of the Black Sea Coast.

In and around the coastal areas of Turkey findings include those such as what is believed to be King Hekataios’s (father of King Mausolos) marble-relief sarcophagus found in the Zeus Karios area of Milas in southwestern Turkey. A relief statue of a crowned female holding a torch has also been found in Perge. A 1500-year-old Byzantine paint-manufacturing workshop indicating that the port was once full of such premises and a 900-year-old Byzantine chapel have been uncovered in Demre, Antalya.

On the Aegean coast, a 3000-year-old wine-manufacturing centre has been found in Cesme, whilst an 8200-year-old seal has been unearthed in Bornova, Izmir.

Findings in Central Anatolia (inland Turkey), include Cuneiform-script tablets near the ancient city of Kanesh (Hittite Neša) in Kayseri, showing that the first written trade agreement in Anatolia was made 4000 years ago. The ancient city of Kanesh is also the site of discovery of the earliest traces of the Hittite language, and the earliest attestation of any Indo-European language, dated to the 20th century BC. 5000-year-old ramparts have also been unearthed at Kultepe in Kayseri.

In Eastern Turkey, a 2600-year-old wall belonging to the Urartu Empire has been found at Dogubeyazit castle.

An 1800-year-old fountain, the Antoninen Nymphaeum, from the ancient city of Sagalassos in Burdur which collapsed after a major earthquake around the year 650 reopened after restoration; today it flows again with water.

The 19th-century Ayavukla Church was restored to be used as a cultural centre. The figure of Christ as well as the frescoes depicting St John and the angels Michael and Gabriel have also been uncovered.

Rushing around is standard airport behavior, but surprising collections of art at U.S. airports offer a moment for reflection - for those who have the time.
Here are five airports where you can catch some art on the way to catching your flight.
1. Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport in Denver, Colorado, was one of the first airports in the United States to integrate art into its public spaces, according to its officials.
Some 30 permanent art exhibits are on display at the airport, including "Mustang," a 32-foot tall, bright blue, cast fiberglass horse sculpture with gleaming red eyes.
New Mexico artist Luis Jiménez created the 9,000-pound piece - the largest of his career.
Jiménez died while working on the sculpture in 2006 when ...

“Malaysia Truly Asia” is the tried and tested advertising slogan, which has considerably helped brand Malaysia and implant its unique identity to the world. The country is truly Asian and is made up of a potpourri of ethnic races, cultures, and religions. It is precisely this ethic mix, or cultural cappuccino, that brings out the best in Malaysia. From its food to its traditions the country is one of the most diverse and yet tolerant nations in Asia, if not the world. It is home to three main races - Malay, Indian, and Chinese - all practicing their respective religions alongside a multitude of many Christian churches, which prevail throughout the country.
Kuala Lumpur is home to the iconic Petronas Towers and is a vibrant commercial capital home to both government and commerce. ...

Is tourism normalization on its way in West Sumatra? While Padang is still struggling to recover as urban reconstruction moves at slow pace, the rest of the province is back to the normal. This is especially true in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra’s largest tourist destination. The city has a population of over 90,000 inhabitants and is considered as the cradle of the Minangkabau culture, the principal ethnic living in the region. Only 90 km from Padang, the city can be reached from the capital in two hours. Its cool climate made it a favorite retreat during the Dutch colonial time as many European-style bungalows still testify. Next to the Jam Gadang (a clock tower built in 1926 by the Dutch) a local open-door market is the most attractive destination for tourists. Bukittinggi offers also a f...

PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE CARNIVAL IN SEYCHELLES
When the Seychelles islands were first settled, it was by a blend of individuals of different ethnicity, customs, and ways of life. Throughout its history and to this very day, Seychelles has continued to be a melting-pot of peoples from the four corners of the Earth who have each contributed their particular thread to the fabric of this vibrant yet peaceful society, adding to it and being, themselves, subtly transformed in return.
Against this background of multi-culturalism, diversity, and the coming together of peoples, it is fitting that Seychelles should be, once again, the focal point of an annual "Carnaval des Carnavals" – bringing representatives from the world’s carnivals to the islands to participate in three days of ce...

The murmuring of winds, the soft sun rays pampering your skin and the waves of the ocean swirling beneath will sweep you off your feet at Goa. Situated in the Southern region of India, off the Arabian Sea at west coast Goa is blessed with enormous exquisite beaches. The smallest state of India, Goa houses lovely beaches and captivating natural beauty. Travellers from world over are charmed by the picturesque beaches, breath- taking beauty and relaxed life style of the popular ‘Ibiza of India’.
Dotted with palm groves the beaches of Goa are full of life and are thus favourite spot of all. For fun and frolic the beaches here offer a variety of options ranging from water sports for adventure freaks to small shacks offering delectable sea food for gourmets. Goa offers its visitor...

The Cancun Underwater Museum officially opened its doors, completing the exhibition titled “The Silent Evolution” by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. With 400 life-size sculptures submerged, this completed phase 2 of the world’s largest underwater museum, located in the beautiful waters of Cancun.
The National Park located on the West Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc, welcomes approximately 750,000 tourists a year and is now home for this impressive sculpture museum. Just days after almost all the sculptures were submerged, the welcoming they received by Mother Nature was amazing, with hundreds of swarming 'grey angel' fish, that up until now, were rarely seen around the area. The main gallery is formed by 400 life-size figures, based on real people. Its buildin...

Costa Rica, an amazing diverse country and a global leader of sustainable tourism, has put together a broad variety of vacation packages and discounts for the upcoming holiday season. Travel deals are available after the Thanksgiving weekend through the first few months of 2011.
Whether someone is looking to enjoy beautiful sun and beaches, relax with the family, explore nature, take in a second honeymoon with someone special, or all of the above, Costa Rica has something for everyone. There are over 70 special travel promotions running throughout the country. These travel promotions will only be valid for a limited time, so travelers shouldn’t miss out on the chance to book today.
Vacation packages and promotions will be running across the country and in all of your favorite...

There are three things that are all but certain during the winter high-travel season: family gatherings, plenty of food, and strict security at the nation's airports.
To improve the safety of passengers, the federal government has introduced advanced imaging technology at some of the country's airports. These are machines designed to screen people for weapons, explosives, or other items that might present a security risk.
Here is some information to help you learn more about how this technology works, as well as tips to help you prepare for the busiest travel season of the year.
How Advanced Imaging Technology Works
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed two types of body scanners with advanced imaging technology at dozens of airports across ...

Travelers who visited Seoul a decade ago might probably remember South Korea’s capital as a rather bleak place. But Seoul has changed beyond recognition in the last five years. “Rising standard of living in the population has suddenly redefine priorities in Seoul. In the past, Seoul used to build quick and cheap to accommodate a growing population. With more and more affluent people, Seoul has now decided to reinvent itself and fix architecture failures from the past,” explained Maureen O’Crowley, Senior Director, MICE marketing Tours at Seoul Convention Bureau, during a presentation on Seoul.
Seoul’s location has always been exceptional: the massive 10-million people city is adorned by a chain of mountains, giving the city its distinctive shape and impressive vistas. “Fr...