I've got 2-weeks vacation in November. 1998 has been a very busy/stressful year. <BR> Everytime I close my eyes while taking a break, I see myself laying on a hammock stretched between 2 palm trees...on some white-sand beach...aqua-blue ocean nearby...reading a ton of magazines/books which I've broght with me...not very many tourists around. <BR> For dinner I meander into some town/village, and have a feast "local-style." At night, I take-in a local party/fiesta/event...or I check-out a night-marketplace...or simply go back to my hammock between those two trees. <BR> Am I JUST dreaming...or is there an island/place in the South Pacific which comes close to the above??? I live in San Francisco, so airfare/air connections won't be a problem. <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance! <BR>

Try the Cook Islands. They are not high on the tourist list, but have a wonderful climate and beautiful, friendly people with a very laid back lifestyle. You get there from New Zealand, which they are north of.

Hello! Greetings from Spore! However, the fantasy island that I am recommending to you is not found in this city... it is a tiny tiny island in Perak, MALAYSIA. PAVROTTI [ oops.. I hope I got his name correct! ] went there in 1996 & he 'thought he landed in heaven'. Very cool place - isolated, sandy beach - Emerald Bay - beautiful seashells. E-mail to us if you need more info. My Singaporean husband [ busy cityman!! ] loves that place & kept pestering for another trip. <BR>

Depends on your budget. There are any of a dozen islands throughout SE Asia and Australia that would do the trick.

Hi! <BR> <BR>I'm planning a short trip tp Malaysia. Which island are you refering to? I'll be interested to find out more info from you. Many thanks & hope to hear from you soon. <BR> <BR>

<BR>I have to agree with Penny. The Cook Islands are very slow moving, but there is still lots to do if you want. We were there for the first time in March for one week. Rarotonga is the main island and the road around it is only 23 km. long. We also went to an island called Aitutaki. It's even smaller and quieter. <BR>I think you can get there from LA on Air New Zealand. At least we flew home that way. If you do get there, try out the Sunday evening buffet at Ati's Bungalows. Very friendly and very authentic.

<BR>I have to agree with Penny. The Cook Islands are very slow moving, but there is still lots to do if you want. We were there for the first time in March for one week. Rarotonga is the main island and the road around it is only 23 km. long. We also went to an island called Aitutaki. It's even smaller and quieter. <BR>I think you can get there from LA on Air New Zealand. At least we flew home that way. If you do get there, try out the Sunday evening buffet at Ati's Bungalows. Very friendly and very authentic.