n["peakdistrictnationalpark"][0]="Peak District National Park|United Kingdom|uk|Europe"; n["peakdistrictnationalpark"][1]="Peak District National Park is a 555 square miles large area of rugged green hills, stonewalls, limestone caves and interesting historic sites in the center of England's most densely populated region. The northern part of the park consists of moorland, while the south is more accessible. Most people come to the Peak District National Park for hiking and caving. The service town for the area is Bakewell."; n["pearlharbor"][0]="Pearl Harbor|Hawaii|us|North America"; n["pearlharbor"][1]="Pearl Harbor was originally known for its stocks of pearl oysters. Mudslides from the surrounding hills denuded by overgrazing, eventually wiped out the oysters. But most people know it for the Japanese attack that started at 7.55 AM on the morning of 7 December 1941.|The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is the most visited sight in Hawaii. It receives some 1.5 million visitors annually, most of which come to learn more about the surprise Japanese attack and to pay their respects to the 2335 US servicemen who died as a result. The USS Arizona Memorial commemorates the victims and the facts that the US joined WWII. The 55 m (185 feet) floating memorial perches directly over the Arizona, the huge warship that took a direct hit in the early morning fighting and sank within 9 minutes. It was the first of 21 US ships that were either sunk or damaged during the two-hour attack. Some 1177 sailors died in that attack alone. The wreck still rests in the shallow waters where it was sunk by Japanese fighter planes on 7 December 1941.|The memorial is administered by the National Parks Service, which maintains the onshore visitors center and its museum and theater. The park service's 75 minute program includes a documentary film on the attack, followed by a boat ride to the memorial. Everything is free.|Off nearby Ford Island is the USS Missouri, the WWII battleship that saw the formal surrender of the Japanese on its deck on 2 September 1945. The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park includes a decommissioned sub and a museum detailing the interesting history of submarines.|The peaceful Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area covers 134 hectares (334 acres) of park land and features a 17th-century Hawaiian medicinal temple.|The Arizona Memorial visitors' center is off Highway 99 (Kamehameha Highway), on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base. It is about 15 km (9 miles) west of Honolulu via H-1. Shuttle buses connect it with all the major Waikiki hotels.|Pearl Harbor is some 10 km northwest of the center of Honolulu."; n["pearlrivercruises"][0]="Pearl River Cruises|China|ch|Asia"; n["pearlrivercruises"][1]="The northern bank of the Pearl River includes some of the more interesting areas of Guangzhou. There are numerous bustling markets and old dilapidated buildings. A good way to see the northern bank is by boat from the Pearl River. Tourist boats run from the Renmin Bridge and night cruises are available from Pier 2 during the summer only."; n["pec"][0]="Pec|Kosovo|sr|Europe"; n["pec"][1]="Pec is a very picturesque city in the west of Kosovo. Control of Kosovo was handed from the Ottomans to the Serbs in 1913 and ever since, the region's people have endured repression and neglect. Every time calls were made for more independence, the Serbian government hit back hard. They dismantled Kosovo's health, education and governmental institutions. The U.S. air strikes on Yugaslavia in 1999, after the Kosovo war, have helped the region to finally become more independent from Serbia. Kosovo has a distinctly Muslim atmosphere. The people are much friendlier and open to travelers than in the rest of Yugoslavia.|There are eight working mosques in Pec. The Bajrakli Mosque is one of them. It was built in the 15th century and at its base you'll find Pec's bustling bazar. Just outside Pec is the Patrijarsija Monastery, which was a stronghold of Serbian Orthodoxy under Ottoman rule. There are three 13th-century churches inside the monastery, all of which boast marvelous medieval frescoes. The Visoki Decani Monastery, just south of Pec, includes some frescoes as well. They date from the 14th century.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Pec. The city has bus and train connections with Beograd (Belgrade), 240 km to the north."; n["pedhoulas"][0]="Pedhoulas|Cyprus|cy|Europe"; n["pedhoulas"][1]="Pedhoulas is one of the many pleasant little towns of the northwestern part of the Troodos Massif. Its main attraction is the white-washed Church of Archangelos in the center of town.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Pedhoulas. The town is a good place to stay if you want to visit the Kykko Monastery. Pedhoulas is 55 km southwest of Nicosia."; n["pedrocastle"][0]="Pedro Castle|Cayman Islands|cj|Central America"; n["pedrocastle"][1]="Pedro Castle is an imposing Caribbean great house that was built in 1780. It is the oldest structure in the Caymans and it has been used as a jail, courthouse and parliament building, but nowadays it houses a museum. The castle has no ramparts, moat or drawbridge, but it is still quite interesting.|Pedro Castle is touted as the Cayman Islands' 'birthplace of democracy', as it was the location, where in 1831, the decision was made to vote for elected representatives. It is also the place where the Slavery Abolition Act was read four years later.|Pedro Castle is 7 km east of George Town. You can take the road towards Bodden Town and take a right turn at Savannah to get there."; n["pejeng"][0]="Pejeng|Indonesia|id|Asia"; n["pejeng"][1]="The region around the town of Pejeng, not far from Ubud boasts some of Bali's most interesting ancient monuments and relics. Pejeng is situated in a lush valley with palm trees and terraced rice paddies. Not far from town, in the side of a mountain, are the 10 rock-cut shrines of Gunung Kawi. The impressive shrines were carved out of the rock face, depicting statues, in a similar fashion to the great rock-cut temples of Ajanta and Ellora in India.|Other interestung sights in the region include the rock carvings at Yeh Pulu, the Pura Samuan Tiga temple and Goa Gajah, which is also known as the elephant cave. All these places are only a few kilometers east of Ubud and not far north of Pejeng. The best way to get to them is by bemo from Ubud. You can also rent a mountain bike and pedal your way there."; n["peleliuisland"][0]="Peleliu Island|Palau|ps|Oceania"; n["peleliuisland"][1]="Peleliu is only about 13 km² (5 sq miles) in area, but the island has seen some of the bloodiest battles during WWII, with around 20,000 casualties, more than Palau's current population. Most of Peleliu's inhabitants are descendents from WWII survivors and you can also still see the remains of pillboxes, tanks, as well as several war memorials.|Before the WWII battles, Peleliu was covered in thriving forests. During the battles most of them were burned to the ground, but nowadays the second growth jungle teams with bird life again.|Most people come to Peleliu to see the island's war relics or its fantastic underwater sights. In the main village of Klouklubed is a small war museum. Both White Beach and Bloody Beach are excellent for snorkeling and scuba divers can head out to the Peleliu Wall, southwest of Peleliu. The 'wall' is one of the world's finest diving sites. It drops abruptly 300 m (900 feet) and there are many sharks, hawksbill turtles, mammoth gorgonian fans and colorful fish.|Accommodation is available in Klouklubed, as well as in several other villages on the island."; n["pellestrina"][0]="Pellestrina|Italy|it|Europe"; n["pellestrina"][1]="Pellestrina is in the lagoon of Venice, not far from the southernmost tip of the Lido. It is an excellent place to see the lagoon's famous Murazzi, the seawalls of Istrian stone that protected the lagoon from the Adriatic's swell from 1782 until the floods of 1966.|Pellestrina itself is not much more than a sandbank of some 11 km (7 miles) in length that lines these walls. It is home to several fishing villages, where you will find lace-makers, cats and seabirds. At low tide you can walk along the deserted ribbon of grey sand.|The No 11 Lido-Chioggia bus and ferry connection takes you to Pellestrina."; n["peloponnese"][0]="Peloponnese (Pelopónnissos)|Greece|gr|Europe"; n["peloponnese"][1]="Greece's southernmost peninsula is an important area in historical perspective. Its scenery is very diverse. There are numerous ancient cities in the Peloponnese, such as Epidaurus, Korintho (Corinth), Monemvasia, Mycenae, Mystras, Návplion (Nafplio) and Olympia.|The southern part of the Peloponnese is known as Mani, where numerous abandoned stone watch towers stand scattered all over the barren landscape. The Diakofto-Kalavryta railway provides excellent views of the Vouraïkos Gorge."; n["pemayangtsemonastery"][0]="Pemayangtse Monastery|India|in|Asia"; n["pemayangtsemonastery"][1]="The Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the Indian state of Sikkim. It was built in 1705 and it is owned by the Tantric Nyingmapa sect that has been active since the 8th century AD.|The monastery has three floors and inside there are numerous beautiful paintings and sculptures, as well as a wooden model of paradise and hell. It took Dungzin Rinpoche 5 years to complete the model.|The Pemayangtse Monastery sits between two high peaks of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 2805 m, some 1100 km east of Delhi."; n["pemba"][0]="Pemba|Mozambique|mz|Africa"; n["pemba"][1]="Pemba sits on a large bay, some 1570 km northeast of Maputo. In the lively old town (Baixa) you will find some interesting architecture. Beautiful wood carvings can be bought at one of the small Makonde workshops on the road between the coty and the beaches.|There are some good beaches in Pemba, especially Wimbi Beach, 5 km (3 miles) east of town is a popular spot. There is a coral reef not far out that provides excellent snorkeling and scuba diving possibilities.|There is a wide range of accommodation in town, as well as many restaurants, bars and nightclubs. There are also many places where boats can be rented to go fishing or diving. You can get to Pemba by bus or by rented car."; n["pembaisland"][0]="Pemba Island|Tanzania|tz|Africa"; n["pembaisland"][1]="Many people visit the island of Zanzibar and Pemba is often ignored. The island is a quite backwater with little transportation off the main road. The only way to get around is by Jeepney (jitney bus converted into a jeep).|There are several interesting sites on the island. The ruins of Ras Mkumbu are the oldest on the island. They lie on the peninsula, west of Chake Chake and are the remains of a Shirazi settlement that was founded in 1200 AD. To the east you'll find the remains of a palace. The Portuguese destroyed it in 1520.|There are marvelous beaches all around Pemba and most of them are protected by coral reefs. The reefs are excellent for snorkeling of scuba diving.|Pemba has air and boat connections with Zanzibar. Most boats arrive in the town of Mkoani on the southwestern end of Pemba Island.|There are hotels and restaurants in many towns all over the island."; n["pembrokeshirecoastnationalpark"][0]="Pembrokeshire Coast National Park|United Kingdom|uk|Europe"; n["pembrokeshirecoastnationalpark"][1]="The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park includes the 200 km (167 miles) long Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Parts of the trail run along the coast and take you past numerous sandy beaches, cliffs, coves and small fishing villages. Inland are the Preseli Hills, which include forts, standing stones and burial chambers. Out on sea lie the islands of Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm. They are inhabited by colonies of gannets, guillemots, puffins, razorbills and gray seals. The entire area is excellent for hiking, fishing and water-activities."; n["penangisland"][0]="Penang Island|Malaysia|my|Asia"; n["penangisland"][1]="The small island of Penang was the first British settlement in Malaysia. It measures 285 km² (177 sq miles) and boasts nice beaches, which attract tourists from all over the world. Penang Island is one of Malaysia's prime tourist resorts. The largest town on Penang is Georgetown. It is a nice place with a Chinese atmosphere and several interesting monuments.|There are numerous kongsis on Penang. Kongsis are clan houses that serve as meeting places for Chinese of the same clan, or who have the same surname. They are also used as temples. The most interesting one is Khoo Kongsi. Originally it was built lavishly, but on the very night it was completed, the roof caught fire and the people thought it was a sign that the building had been too grandiose and decided to rebuild it in a more modest way. The 'modest' version of the Khoo Kongsi still exists nowadays, but it makes one wonder how opulent the original building has been, as the present one holds a stunning collection of dragons, statues, paintings, lamps, colored tiles and carvings.|Accommodation is widely available on Penang Island and there are countless Chinese and Indian restaurants, as well as local places. Penang Island is only several kilometers off Malaysia's westernmost coast, about 290 km northwest of Kuala Lumpur."; n["peng-huislands"][0]="Peng-Hu Islands|Taiwan|tw|Asia"; n["peng-huislands"][1]="The Peng-Hu Archipelago consists of 64 beautiful islands, about halfway between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. Most of the islands look nothing like Taiwan; they are completely flat and covered with brush and grasslands. The Peng-Hu Islands boast sandy beaches, lovely fishing villages, turquoise seas and, at least from May to September, sunny skies. The rest of the year the islands are windswept and cold.|The only city in the archipelago is Makung, on Peng-Hu Island. It is a beautiful town of about 60,000 and there are numerous temples, including Taiwan's oldest. At its fishing harbor you can try delicious seafood, while other foodstuffs can be purchased at one of Makung's outdoor markets.|The Islands of Paisha and Hsiyu are linked to Penghu by bridges. On Paisha you will find a huge 300-year-old banyan tree. It is so big that walking underneath it is like entering a cave. Hsiyu is the most beautiful island in the entire archipelago. Along its coastline are countless hidden coves that are excellent for swimming. At Hsiyu's southern tip stands Hsitai Fort, which was built in 1883. On clear days you can see both Taiwan and Mainland China from its top.|The only hotels in the archipelago are in Makung. There you will also find numerous restaurants, although the best seafood is found on Hsiyu. Makung has air connections with every large city in Taiwan, as well as boat services from Kao-hsiung. If you want to visit any of the Peng-Hu archipelago's smaller islands, you will have to charter a boat."; n["pengantap"][0]="Pengantap|Indonesia|id|Asia"; n["pengantap"][1]="Pengantap is a wonderful town on the southern coast of Lombok. It lies in a region of forested hills and offers stunning ocean views.|There are various hotels and restaurants in Pengantap. The town is 1070 km east of Jakarta."; n["peniaminasgrave"][0]="Peniamina's Grave|Niue|ne|Oceania"; n["peniaminasgrave"][1]="Nukai Peniamina is the man that was credited with introducing Christianity to Niue in 1846. His grave is on the island's western coast, about 4.5 km (2.5 miles) north from Alofi. Peniamina himself was converted to Christianity by the London Missionary Society, whilst in Samoa. Aided by a Samoan missionary known as Paulo, he managed to convert the majority of Niue's population to Christianity in about a decade. Most people in Niue are buried on their family land and you will see many gravestones scattered around the island.|Just offshore from Peniamina's Grave are the two excellent dive sites of Namoui and Anono. There is also a marine reserve, where turtles are protected."; n["peninsularmalaysia"][0]="Peninsular Malaysia|Malaysia|my|Asia"; n["peninsularmalaysia"][1]="There are numerous interesting sights in the 'mainland' part of Malaysia, known as Peninsular Malaysia. The country's capital of Kuala Lumpur is situated there, as well as the cities of Ipoh, the capital of Perak, the historic royal town of Kuala Kangsar, Melaka and low-key Taiping.|There are several interesting islands not far off Peninsular Malaysia's coast. The most important one is Penang Island, where you can visit the interesting city of Georgetown. Off the coast from Perlis are the 104 islands of the Langkawi group, while Tioman Island is to the southeast of the peninsula.|Other interesting places in Peninsular Malaysia include the Cameron Highlands, Tasik Chini, which includes 12 lakes and the Taman Negara National Park."; n["pentecostisland"][0]="Pentecost Island|Vanuatu|nh|Oceania"; n["pentecostisland"][1]="Many people visit Pentecost to watch boys practice land diving, or naghol as it is locally known. Others are more interested in underwater diving, which is especially spectacular at Laone. Around Hotwata are some hot springs and at Melsisi you can visit kava and cocoa plantations. From Pentecost's southwestern coast you get excellent views over the neighboring island of Ambrym and its active volcanoes.|Many islanders live traditional lifestyles and adhere strictly to indigenous beliefs, despite the appearance of Christianity being the main religion on Pentecost.|There are several hotels and restaurants on Pentecost. The island is 200 km north of Port Vila and has air connections with the capital."; n["penujak"][0]="Penujak|Indonesia|id|Asia"; n["penujak"][1]="Penujak is well known for its pottery made from the local red clay and fired in traditional kilns. The town is not far south of Sukarara, which is often visited by organized tours.|Penujak is 1080 km east of Jakarta."; n["penínsuladenicoya"][0]="Península de Nicoya (Nicoya Peninsula)|Costa Rica|cs|Central America"; n["penínsuladenicoya"][1]="The Nicoya Peninsula is a remote area in the wets of Costa Rica. It is difficult to traverse because if the lack of paved roads, but it includes some of the country's best and most deserted beaches. There are several wildlife reserves and national parks on the peninsula, but because of the area's inaccessibility they are rarely visited.|The Parque Nacional Marino las Baulas de Guanacaste, just north of Tamarindo is a good example of such a wildlife refuge. It includes Playa Grande, where baula (leatherback turtle) come to lay their eggs. These turtles are the largest in the world and can weigh more than 500 kg (1105 lb).|The Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Ostional, halfway between Sámara and Paraíso teems with wildlife, such as iguanas, howler monkeys, coatimundis and countless bird species. The park's most interesting feature is the annual nesting of the olive ridley sea turtle.|Some of the best beaches around the peninsula include Playa del Coco, near the village of El Coco, Playa Tamarindo, which offers excellent surfing and windsurfing possibilities, Playa Sámara and Montezuma, near the peninsula's southern tip. The last two beaches are among Costa Rica's prettiest and safest.|If you like caving, you should go to the Parque Nacional Barra Honda, northeast of Nicoya, which includes some of Costa Rica's most interesting caves."; n["penínsuladepedernales"][0]="Península de Pedernales|Dominican Republic|dr|Central America"; n["penínsuladepedernales"][1]="The Península de Pedernales in the southernmost part of the Dominican Republic includes three marvelous national parks, countless beautiful beaches and some of the finest scenery in the Dominican Republic. Despite of this, the area receives very few tourists and only committed independent travelers will make it to the peninsula.|Barahona is the major urban center in the region.|Nearby is the Reserva Científica Laguna Rincón (Corner Lagoon Scientific Reserve), where the largest freshwater lagoon in the Dominican Republic is studied and protected. In the lagoon live Florida flamingos, Hispaniolan freshwater slider turtles, Louisiana herons, and plenty of endemic water plants to ogle.|Some of the national parks on the peninsula include Jaragua National Park, Sierra de Bahoruca National Park and Isla Cabritos National Park."; n["peoria"][0]="Peoria|United States|us|North America"; n["peoria"][1]="La Salle established Fort Creve Coeur in the region in 1680. Later the spot became a French trading post. The area was known as Fort Clark after 1813 and six years later, the first permanent American settlement was established there. Peoria was incorporated as a city in 1845. It is one of the oldest settlements in Illinois.|Peoria is a busy port of entry, it is a regional trade and transportation point, where grain, livestock and coal from the area are marketed, processed and shipped. The city has large distilleries, a brewery and factories that produce numerous heavy and light industrial goods. Although it is an industrial city, Peoria is also known for its scenic beauty and its many recreational activities associated with Lakeview Park, which also contains a planetarium, community theater and an arts and sciences center.|Peoria is the seat of Bradley University and a U.S. Department of Agriculture research laboratory. Nearby are a state park and Metamora courthouse, which dates from 1845 and is now a state memorial.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Peoria. The city is in central Illinois, on Lake Peoria and the Illinois River, 100 km north from Springfield and 1090 km west from Washington D.C."; n["peradayanforestreserve"][0]="Peradayan Forest Reserve|Brunei|bx|Asia"; n["peradayanforestreserve"][1]="The Peradayan Forest Reserve is the most accessible rain forest in Brunei. There are several walking trails, some of which lead to the peaks of Bukit Patoi and Bukit Peradayan that are also included in the reserve. Animals such as moonrat, mouse deer, squirrels and treeshrews roam the park, but they are mostly nocturnal species and you'll probably not see them. You might spot some hornbills though.|Peradayan Forest Reserve is 40 km southwest of Bandar Seri Begawan."; n["periyarwildlifesanctuary"][0]="Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary|India|in|Asia"; n["periyarwildlifesanctuary"][1]="The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses 777 km² of jungle in southern India. The artificial Periyar Lake was created by the British in 1895 to provide water to Madurai and covers 26 km². The park is a good place to escape the hassles the come with traveling through India. Animals that roam Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary include antelopes, bison, elephants, langurs, several leopards, monkeys, sambars, some tigers, wild boars and a wide variety of birds.|Interesting jungle walks are available, as well as accommodation, but you can also stay in the nearby towns of Kumily and Thekkady. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is 2060 km south of Delhi."; n["perquín"][0]="Perquín|El Salvador|es|Central America"; n["perquín"][1]="During El Salvador's civil war in the 1980's, Perquín was the FMLN rebels' headquarters and now houses the Museo de la Revolución Salvadoreña, where you can see photos, weapons and maps showing the progress of the war.|Accommodation is available in town. Perquín is 115 km northeast of San Salvador. Buses ply the route."; n["persepolis"][0]="Persepolis|Iran|ir|Asia"; n["persepolis"][1]="At the archaeological site of Persepolis the huge palace complex, known as the Throne of Jamshid was discovered in the early 1930's. By the time it was found, the whole place was covered with earth, sand and dust and it took many years to dig it all up. Persepolis was founded in 512 BC and it took some 150 years to complete it. In 331 BC the whole complex was burnt to the ground by Alexander the Great, although it is not known if this was accidentally, or in retaliation for Xerxes' destruction of Athens. All there is to see nowadays are some ruins, but with the map you will be provided at the entrance and some imagination you can get an idea of what it would have been like in its heyday.|Once you enter the site, the first thing you'll see is Xerxes' Gateway. The gate is decorated with inscriptions in Elamite, as well as several other ancient languages. Further on is the Apadana Palace complex, a huge building where celebrations took place and visitors were welcomed by the king. Alexander the Great looted most of the gold and silver that was used in the palace. The items he, and others after him, didn't take can be seen in the National Museum in Tehran. One of the largest buildings constructed during Achaemenian times was probably the Palace of 100 Columns, a huge hall that was used as the reception hall for Darius I.|Persepolis is 650 km south of Tehran and 60 km northeast of Shiraz. It has bus and taxi connections with Shiraz. Most people stay in Shiraz and visit Persepolis on a day trip."; n["perth"][0]="Perth|Australia|as|Oceania"; n["perth"][1]="Discoveries of stone implements near the Swan Bridge suggest that the area around Perth has been inhabited for some 40,000 years by groups of the Nyoongar tribe and their ancestors.|In December 1696, the three ships of Nijptangh, Geelvinck and Het Weseltje that were in the fleet commanded by de Vlamingh, anchored off Rottnest Island. On 5 January 1697, an armed party landed near what is nowadays Cottesloe Beach and marched eastwards in an effort to contact the Nyoongar. They wanted to enquire about the fate of survivors from the Ridderschap van Hollant, which was lost in 1694, but they were unsuccessful. De Vlamingh named the river 'Swan' and they continued their journey north.|In 1829 Perth was founded as the Swan River Settlement. The settlement grew very slowly and in 1850, convicts were brought in to alleviate the town's labor shortage. Many of Perth's fine buildings, such as the Government House and Perth Town Hall, were built using convict labor.|In the 1890's, gold was discovered in the region and Perth's population started booming. Within a decade the town's population four-folded and initiated a building boom. Most of those 19th-century buildings have since been demolished in favor of more modern constructions.|Since the 1980's Perth has become synonymous with a get-rich-quick atmosphere. A number of political and corporate scandals that have rocked the city in recent years have added to its frontier image.|Perth is a vibrant and modern city. It is located on a sweep of the Swan River and the Canning River. The Swan borders the city center to the south and east and links Perth to its port of Fremantle. The western end of Perth rises to the pleasant Kings Park, which overlooks the city, then extends to cosmopolitan Subiaco. Further west, suburbs extend as far as Scarborough and Cottesloe beaches on the Indian Ocean. The ancient Darling Ranges lie to the east.|Perth is advertised as the sunniest state capital in Australia. It is on Australia's western coast, close to the country's southwestern tip. It is very isolated from the rest of the country and closer to Singapore than to Sydney for example.|The compact city center, with its sterile concrete and glass skyscrapers, dominates the skyline. There are still several 19th-century buildings and façades, as well as some patches of greenery in Perth. There are some nice places in Perth, including the Indian Ocean beaches, the hillside hideaways, beautiful Fremantle, cosmopolitan Subiaco and the cozy suburbs that fringe the Swan River.|