n["sa'gya"][0]="Sa'gya (Sakya - Sagyaxoi)|China|ch|Asia";
n["sa'gya"][1]="Sa'gya, sometimes called Sagyaxoi, is the town, where one of the most important monasteries in Tibet is located. Around 1300, the large monastery was the most powerful of the region. Nowadays it houses a museum, where you can see some of Tibet's last remaining collections of Tibetan religious relics. Most of the collection is off limits to visitors though.|Sa'gya has an erratic bus connection with Xigazê (Shigatse) and most travelers visit the town on their way to the Nepalese border, or when they are going to see the Everest Base Camp in the Everest Region.";
n["saaremaa"][0]="Saaremaa|Estonia|en|Europe";
n["saaremaa"][1]="Saaremaa is Estonia's largest island. It has always been fairly independent from the country's mainland and it was usually the last part of the nation that fell to invaders. Saaremaa is scarcely populated and covered with forests and rural landscapes. The town of Kuressaare is Saaremaa's capital and the main town on the island. There is a castle that was founded by the Bishop of Ãsel-Wiek to be used as his base. About 25 km west of Kuuressaare is the botanical reserve of Viidumäe, where you can see rare plant species such as the blunt-flowered rush, the Saaremaa yellow rattle and the white-beam.|During the summer season, from June to September, Saaremaa gets very busy with tourists, so accommodation can be tight then and it is better to book in advance. The rest of the year you'll have no problem finding lodging. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants all over the island. A regular ferry connects Triigi on Saaremaa with Orjaku on Hiiumaa, as well as with the Estonian mainland.";
n["sabah"][0]="Sabah|Malaysia|my|Asia";
n["sabah"][1]="Malaysia's Sabah region offers a wide variety of wildlife and includes some of the country's most scenic places. One of the best places in Sabah to see wildlife is the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, which covers a huge swath of ocean and includes several interesting islands. At the adventure-resort of Batu Punggul you can also see wild animals, but it requires long jungle walks to see them. In Kota Belud an interesting market is held every Sunday and Mount Kinabelu offers some of the regions best views.|Sabah is quite expensive, but if you shop around you might find some good bargains. Accommodation is available in most towns of the region.";
n["sabie"][0]="Sabie|South Africa|sf|Africa";
n["sabie"][1]="Sabie is the largest town in the northern part of the province. It is in the northeast of Eastern Transvaal, 270 km east of Pretoria. There is an interesting Forestry Museum in town and one of the entrance gates to Kruger National Park is only 60 km east of town.|There are several campsites and numerous hotels and restaurants in Sabie.";
n["sacramento"][0]="Sacramento|United States|us|North America";
n["sacramento"][1]="Sacramento lies on part of a Mexican land grant that belonged to John A. Sutter, who was an American pioneer of Swiss descent. In 1839 he founded the settlement of New Helvetia and a year later he constructed a fort there. The discovery of gold in 1848 at nearby Sutter's Mill, which is now called Coloma, led to the platting of the town and its population soon reached 10,000. The name of the town was changed to Sacramento and in 1854, it was made the state capital of California. In the late 20th century, Sacramento was one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Adjacent North Sacramento was annexed in 1965.|Sacramento is a deepwater port that is connected to Suisun Bay by a 69 km (43 miles) long channel. The channel was opened in 1963. The city is the shipping, rail, processing and marketing center for the fertile Sacramento valley, where fruit, vegetables, grains, sugar beets and dairy goods are produced. Cattle and poultry are raised in the area and food processing is a major industry. Aerospace and computer and electronics industries contribute greatly to the city's economy and other manufacturing includes printing and publishing, glass, wood products and building materials. The government is a major employer too.|Sacramento is the seat of California State University at Sacramento and has a professional basketball team, the Kings. The state capitol sits in a beautiful park. Another interesting place to visit is the former governor's mansion, which was occupied from 1903 to 1968. Nowadays it houses a museum. Other sights in the city include Sutter's Fort, the Crocker Art Museum and the Golden State Museum. Sacramento is known for its camellias, or festivals. An important camellia festival is held annually along with the California State Fair and Exposition.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Sacramento. The city is in central California, on the Sacramento River at its confluence with the American River. It is 3830 km west from Washington D.C.";
n["sacramentoriver"][0]="Sacramento River|United States|us|North America";
n["sacramentoriver"][1]="The Sacramento River is California's longest river. It is about 610 km (380 miles) long and rises near Mount Shasta in the north of the state. It then flows generally in southwestern direction to Suisun Bay, which is an arm of San Francisco Bay. There it merges with the San Joaquin River to form a large delta.|The Sacramento's chief tributaries are the Pit, Feather, McCloud and American rivers. At high water, the Sacramento River is navigable by small steamers all the way to Red Bluff, which is 420 km /260 miles) from its mouth. The surrounding valley was the scene of the great gold strike of 1848 and many of the cities that lie on or near the river and its tributaries, where established during the ensuing gold rush. Sacramento is the largest of these cities.|The Sacramento River flows through the northern part of the Central Valley, which has become an important agricultural region. In the last few decades of the 20th century, the Central Valley Project was developed to use the waters of the Sacramento with greater efficiency, particularly in the fertile but dry San Joaquin region, which forms the southern part of the Central Valley. Shasta Dam and Keswick Dam on the Sacramento River are major units of the project. They also generate electricity.";
n["safaris"][0]="Safaris|World|world|world";
n["safaris"][1]="The word 'safari' comes from the Swahili word for journey. During colonial times, pith helmets and shotguns were the tools of the trade, but nowadays, most tourists are only armed with cameras to shoot the wildlife. Modern safaris are focused on eco-tourism and photography, although hunting safaris still exist.|The most popular safaris are available in Antarctica, Australia, California and Florida (USA), Nepal, Kenya, Libya and other countries in Africa.";
n["safi"][0]="Safi|Morocco|mo|Africa";
n["safi"][1]="Safi is a modern fishing port on the Atlantic coast 293 km southwest of Rabat. It has an interesting walled medina where you can buy the area's well-known traditional pottery.|The walled city was constructed by the Portuguese. Later the Moors added the Qasr el Bahr fortress to it. There are good views over the area from its bastion. Immediately inside the walls, opposite the fortress is the medina with its narrow, winding streets. Inside the domestically oriented medina are the remains of the Portuguese Chapel. The Portuguese would have enlarged it to be a cathedral if they wouldn't have been driven away. The Grande Mosque is nearby. The 18th century palace that used to be home to the provincial governor is also in the vicinity. It boasts some beautiful gardens. Completely on the other (eastern) side of the medina is a huge defensive structure known as the Kechia. It includes ramps, gunnery platforms and living quarters. Part of the Kechia has been turned into a museum and it you climb to its highest point, you will be rewarded with fantastic views over the medina and the Qasr el Bahr in the background.|Safi's interesting potteries are just outside the northern walls of the medina, close to the Bab Châabah gate.|Most of the hotels in Safi are clustered in an area south of Qasr el bahr, close to the seafront. Most restaurants and cafés can be found inside the medina. The bus station is about 2 km south of the city center, on Avenue Président Kennedy. The railway station is another 2 km to the southwest, close to the seafront.";
n["sagada"][0]="Sagada|Philippines|rp|Asia";
n["sagada"][1]="At Sagada some interesting burial caves can be found. Accommodation is available in Bontoc, 18 km (11 miles) to the north. Sagada is 265 km north of Manila.";
n["saginaw"][0]="Saginaw|United States|us|North America";
n["saginaw"][1]="Native American trails once crossed the south of Michigan and there were numerous local native villages throughout the region. By the time Saginaw was settled in 1816, most of these villages had disappeared. In 1819, Lewis Cass negotiated a treaty with the indigenous groups, who ceded large parts of Michigan to the United States. Saginaw became a fur-trading center and later a great pine-lumbering industry was established there. Pine-lumbering thrived until about 1890.|Nowadays, Saginaw is a port of entry to the United States and boasts diversified industries. The city is located in an extensive agricultural area, which also includes major salt, coal and oil deposits. There is little of interest in Saginaw. If you like antiques, you should visit the nearby old Schuch Hotel, which dates from 1868 and has a nice collection of antiques.|Accommodation is available in town. Saginaw is in the south of Michigan, on the Saginaw River, some 24 km (15 miles) from its mouth on Saginaw Bay, which is an inlet of Lake Huron. The city is 95 km northeast from Lansing and 765 km northwest from Washington D.C.";
n["sagole"][0]="Sagole|South Africa|sf|Africa";
n["sagole"][1]="Most people come to the small village of Sagole to visit the Sagole Spa. The village itself is of little interest, but there is a huge baobab tree in the vicinity and the area is good for hiking.|Accommodation is available at the spa. North of town are the ruins of ancient fortifications. Sagole is one of the small towns near Thohoyandu.";
n["sagres"][0]="Sagres|Portugal|po|Europe";
n["sagres"][1]="Sagres is a small fishing port on Portugal's southwestern most point, 200 km south of Lisbon and 25 km southwest of Lagos. In the harbor you can see fishermen bringing in their lobster-catch and there are numerous places where boats are built. There are some nice beaches not far from town and Cabo São Vicente, the southwestern most point on Europe's mainland is not far from Sagres.|There are various hotels and restaurants in town, as well as several camping grounds. Sagres has bus connections with Lagos and Lisbon.";
n["saharadesert"][0]="Sahara Desert|Africa|africa|Africa";
n["saharadesert"][1]="The Sahara is an enormous expanse of sand. The desert stretches some 8370 km (5200 miles) from east to west and covers 9,000,000 km² (3,500,000 sq miles), or roughly the size of the United States and it is slowly but surely growing. It is one of the hottest and driest places on earth and yet, more people drown in the Sahara than die from exposure or thirst. That is because of the short, but devastating rains that hit the desert sometimes. You might also not expect to find any snow in the Sahara, but the opposite is true. In the central region are the snowcapped peaks of Emi Koussi and Tahat. During the winter, temperatures in the desert region drop as low as 14ºC (57ºF).|About 25% of the Sahara Desert is sand. The rest consists of gravel-covered plains, rock-strewn plateaus and volcanic mountains. At some places the sand dunes stretch for several hundred kilometers and reach a height of 300 m (1000 feet).|Desert storms can cause sand to whip up 1.5 km (1 mile) and cover everything in its path with a thick layer of dust. The town of Timbuktu, for example, is slowly being buried under the sand. Nowadays you have to step down from street-level to get into many of the houses. The Sahara is slowly expanding, as the winds move the sand dunes around. Ironically it are the sand dunes that make the Sahara so appealing. The Ténéré Desert in Niger has some of the most awe-inspiring dunes in the world. At other places, volcanic mountains, occasional green oases and even waterfalls can be found.|The Tuareg are the only inhabitants of the Sahara. They are nomadic desert dwellers and wouldn't like to live anywhere else. They say that when the wind stops blowing, you can hear the earth turn, so quiet it can get in the desert. Most of the time the wind blows, though. The Sahara is not a very gentle or domesticated region, but if you're looking for a sublime experience, you should take a tour on a Tuareg camel and experience the Sahara at night. This is when then air is crisp and clear, the stars appear to be so close you could touch them and the silence is absolutely frightening.|The Sahara Desert covers large parts of Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan and Western Sahara.";
n["saint-denis"][0]="Saint-Denis|Réunion|re|Africa";
n["saint-denis"][1]="Saint-Denis is the beautiful capital of Réunion. The city is divided into several districts. The area known as Le Barachois is on the eastern end of Saint-Denis' waterfront promenade. There you will find lots of chic cafés and trendy bars. The Hôtel le Saint-Denis, one of the most expensive places on the island is also situated in the neighborhood.|There are many interesting buildings in Saint-Denis, such as numerous beautiful Créole mansions and Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), which is probably the city's most beautiful building. The Monument aux Morts is the tall victory monument in the center of town. The Cathédrale de St-Denis and the Préfecture are also worth a visit. Construction of the latter began in 1735 and the building served as the headquarters of the Compagnie des Indes.|There is a busy handicraft market in Saint-Denis, called Grand Marché. The Leon Dierx Art Gallery is on Rue Paris and the Natural History Museum can be found in the Jardin de l'Ãtat, south of the city center.|Further to the south are the hill districts of Saint-Denis that offer fantastic views over the city. Treks to the misty peak of La Roche Ãcrite can also be made from there.|Accommodation is widely available, but quite expensive. Restaurants and bars are scattered all over town.";
n["saint-denis"][2]="20.52|55.27|n/a|150000|n/a|4|n/a|Not required|262";
n["saint-françois"][0]="Saint-François|Guadeloupe|gp|Central America";
n["saint-françois"][1]="The former fishing village of Saint-François has grown enormously and is now Guadeloupe's second-largest tourist resort area. The western part of town is still largely provincial, but the eastern side is filled with apartment blocks and hotels to house tourists. Saint-François has a deep, U-shaped marina that is lined with restaurants, expensive hotels, car rental agencies and boutiques and filled with yachts.|Apart from countless hotels and restaurants, there is a golf course in Saint-François. The town is also the major jumping-off point for trips to Guadeloupe's smaller islands of Terre-de-Haut, Marie-Galante and La Désirade. Saint-François is 55 km northeast of Basse-Terre.";
n["saint-gilles-les-bains"][0]="Saint-Gilles-les-Bains|Réunion|re|Africa";
n["saint-gilles-les-bains"][1]="During the 19th century, Saint-Gilles-les-Bains was a small fishing village that belonged to the estate of the Desbassyns family. In 1863 a new road was built that connected the village with Saint-Paul, 8 km to the northeast. More and more people started spending their holidays in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and nowadays it has become one of Réunion's major tourist destinations. Especially during weekends and holidays it gets very busy.|Saint-Gilles-les-Bains offers 20 km (12 miles) of beautiful white sand beach streatching along a lagoon from Boucan Canot to La Souris Chaude. Outside this area the beach is black and of volcanic origin. There is a reef, which is excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving.|The former mansion of Mme Panon-Desbassyns has been converted into a museum, called Musée de VillÚle. A tour includes the places where the 300 slaves, the family owned, were housed.|About 1 kilometer inland are several beautiful waterfalls and small pools. The Bassin du Cormoran is the best place to go if you want to go swimming, but you don't want to stay on a cramped beach.|There is plenty of accommodation available in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, as it is major tourist area. You will also find numerous restaurants. Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is 32 km southwest of Saint-Denis.";
n["saint-leu"][0]="Saint-Leu|Réunion|re|Africa";
n["saint-leu"][1]="There is not much of interest in Saint-Leu, but the beach is excellent. About two kilometers north of town is the Corail Turtle Farm that provides turtle meat for many restaurants on the island.|There are several such restaurants in town, as well as some hotels. Saint-Leu is 37 km southwest of Saint-Denis.";
n["saint-louis"][0]="Saint-Louis|Guadeloupe|gp|Central America";
n["saint-louis"][1]="Saint-Louis is a fishing village on Marie-Galante and the island's main anchorage for yachts. It is also a secondary port for ferries from Guadeloupe.|There are several hotels and restaurant in Saint-Louis. The town is 50 km southeast of Basse-Terre.";
n["saint-paul"][0]="Saint-Paul|Réunion|re|Africa";
n["saint-paul"][1]="Saint-Paul used to be Réunion's capital, before it was moved to Saint-Denis. There are many beautiful colonial buildings and the town has a seaside promenade, lined with cannons. The CimetiÚre Martin on the southern side of town is worth a visit. The cemetery includes the final resting place of Olivier Levasseur or 'La Buse' (the Buzzard), a pirate, whose grave is decorated with the pirate trademark of a skull and crossbones. Olivier was taken to Saint-Paul and hanged there in 1730, after being captured in Madagascar. It is said that his treasure of pirated goods is still hidden somewhere in Mauritius, the Seychelles or Réunion.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Saint-Paul. The town is 24 km southwest of Saint-Denis.";
n["saint-pierre+re"][0]="Saint-Pierre|Réunion|re|Africa";
n["saint-pierre+re"][1]="There is nothing of interest in Saint-Pierre, but there is a nice beach and it's a good place to stay if you want to explore the southern part of Réunion. There are several hotels and restaurants in town. Saint-Pierre is 50 km south of Saint-Denis.";
n["saint-pierre"][0]="Saint-Pierre|Martinique|mb|Central America";
n["saint-pierre"][1]="Saint-Pierre was the capital of Martinique, when it was known as 'Little Paris of the West Indies'. But, after a volcanic eruption destroyed it in 1902, the capital was shifted to Fort-de-France. After the disaster, rebuilding efforts started almost immediately and nowadays Saint-Pierre still has a fin-de-siÚcle (19th century) flavor, with many buildings that have wrought-iron balconies and shuttered doors.|The Musée Vulcanologique has displays of the volcanic eruption that destroyed Saint-Pierre in 1902. In the museum you can see artifacts, such as petrified rice and a blob of molten nails. If you like to see more, you should walk to the nearby ruins of the old theater. There you can climb the staircase for a good view to see what was left of the buildings's lower story after the eruption.|Not far south of Saint-Pierre is the long gray-sand beach of Anse Turin.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Saint-Pierre. The town is 20 km northwest of Fort-de-France. The montagne Pelée volcano is 8 km north of town.";
n["saintandrews"][0]="Saint Andrews|United Kingdom|uk|Europe";
n["saintandrews"][1]="Saint Andrews is a beautiful town, where you can see numerous medieval ruins. It used to be the political capital of Scotland, but nowadays is the region's golf-capital. One of the world's most famous golf courses is the Royal & Ancient Golf Club.|Saint Andrews is dominated by a ruined castle that overlooks the bay. Nearby are the remains of what was once the largest cathedral in the United Kingdom, but during the Reformation it was destroyed. In the center of town are numerous cobbled streets, chapels and museums, as well as the old city gate and a medieval cross. Most sights are within walking distance from each other.|Saint Andrews' university has no campus and its buildings are scattered all over town. There are many hotels and restaurants in Saint Andrews. The town is 565 km northwest of London and 45 km northeast of Edinburgh.";
n["saintaugustine"][0]="Saint Augustine|United States|us|North America";
n["saintaugustine"][1]="Saint Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. It was founded in 1565 by the Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés on the site of an ancient Native American village and not far from the place where Ponce de Léon had landed in 1513, when he first discovered Florida. The city was burned and sacked by the English buccaneers Sir Francis Drake in 1586 and Captain John Davis in 1665. Attacks by South Carolinians in 1702 and 1703 were repelled, just as in 1740, when by English general and philanthropist James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, tried to take the city. The city passed to the English in 1763, at the end of the French and Indian Wars, the North American colonial wars between Great Britain and France in the late 17th and the 18th centuries.|During the American Revolution, Tories flocked to the city from the North but they left when it reverted to Spain in 1783. In 1821, Spain ceded Florida to the United States. Saint Augustine grew rapidly until the Seminole War of the 1830's. Union troops occupied the city in March 1862 and held it throughout the Civil War.|Nowadays, Saint Augustine is a port of entry to the United States. It is an important shrimping and commercial fishing center, as well as a popular year-round resort. The economic mainstay is tourism, supplemented with revenues from small industries.|There are several interesting sights in the city. Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. The fort was built between 1672 and 1696. It was Spain's northernmost outpost on the Atlantic in the Americas and it is now a national monument. Fort Matanzas is also a national monument. The Spaniards built it in 1742. The old schoolhouse reputed to be the oldest in the United States. It is thought that is was built in the late 16th century. Saint Augustine's cathedral was constructed from 1793 to 1797. It has been partly restored. Saint Augustine is home to Flagler College.|Accommodation and restaurants are widely available in Saint Augustine. The city is located on a peninsula between the Matanzas and San Sebastian rivers. It is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by Anastasia Island. The Intracoastal Waterway passes through the city. Saint Augustine is in the northeast of Florida, 300 km southeast from Tallahassee and 1130 km south from Washington D.C.";
n["saintaustell"][0]="Saint Austell|England|uk|Europe";
n["saintaustell"][1]="St Austell is a popular destination for tourists visiting Cornwall. There are some nice beaches and the area has a mild climate, which is proved by the palm trees growing in the town. The Holy Trinity's tower dominates St Austell's skyline and is well worth a visit.|The town's main street is Fore Street, which is pedestrians only. There are several hotels and restaurants in town and there are rail links with the rest of the country. St Austell is in the southwestern corner of England, 350 km southwest of London.|The nearby Eden Project is an interesting place to learn more about tropical flora. It is several kilometers east of town.";
n["saintcatherinesmonastery"][0]="Saint Catherine's Monastery|Egypt|eg|Africa";
n["saintcatherinesmonastery"][1]="Located at the foot of Mount Moses, St. Catherine's Monastery, was constructed by order of the Emperor Justinian between 527 and 565 AD. It is built around Moses' Burning Bush, which has a chapel built atop it.|St. Catherine who was tortured and beheaded for her Christian beliefs, lends her name to Sinai's center of religious tourism. A Sinai monk once had a vision of her body at the top of a nearby mountain named Mount Catherine which is the highest summit in Sinai, where her remains were discovered.|The Monastery of St. Catherine is one of the best known monasteries in the world - a Greek Orthodox holy place connected with the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the exodus of the Jews from Egypt.|It is a spectacular natural setting for priceless works of art, including a wonderful Byzantine mosaic dating back to the 6th century, Arab mosaics, Greek and Russian icons, Western oil paintings, paintings on wax, fine sacerdotal ornaments, marbles, enamels, chalices, reliquaries, including one donated by Czar Alexander II in the 19th century, and another by Empress Catherine of Russia in the 17th century.|But of perhaps even greater significance is that it has the second largest collection of illuminated manuscripts after The Vatican. The collection consists of some 3,500 volumes in Greek, Coptic, Arabic, Armenian, Hebrew, Slavic, Syriac, Georgian and other languages. In 1844, a German scholar visiting the library discovered -- and then arguably stole -- the Codex Sinaiticus, an extremely important 4th century version of the Bible that now rests in the British Museum in London.|The Monastery even has a small 10th or 11th century Fatimid mosque which was probably built to appease the Islamic authorities of the time. There is also a small chapel (the Chapel of St. Triphone, also known as the Skull House) which houses the skulls of deceased monks.|St. Catherine's has a rich history indeed. So rich that it is a sparkling example of an undiscovered jewel of travel. It has been called the oldest working Christian monastery, though St. Anthony's predates it, and the smallest diocese in the world.|The Monastery was originally ordered built by Empress Helen, the mother of Constantine the Great, but was actually built by Emperor Justinian to house the bones of St. Catherine of Alexandria. St. Catherine, whose body was reportedly carried away by angels, was discovered 500 years later at the top of the peek that now bears her name. Her relics are stored in a marble reliquary in the Basilica of the Transfiguration.|St. Catherine's is also a formidable fortification, with granite walls 40 to 200 feet tall, surrounded by gardens and cypresses. Prior to probably the 20th century, the only entrance to St. Catherine's was a small door 30 feet high, where provisions and people where lifted with a system of pulleys, and where food was often lowered to nomads.|It has withstood numerous attacks over its 14 hundred year existence thus protecting a rich store of art, and today, while it is one of the oldest monasteries in the world, its original, preserved state is unmatched.";
n["saintcroixisland"][0]="Saint Croix Island|U.S. Virgin Islands|vq|Central America";
n["saintcroixisland"][1]="The island of Saint Croix is one of the least developed parts of the U.S. Virgin Islands and only very few tourists visit it. As a result, only a very small part of the island's population is involved in the tourist industry. Saint Croix is the largest island of the U.S. Virgin Islands and at one time it was a major sugar exporter and hosted more than 100 sugar plantations. Most plantations are now gone, but decaying plantation houses and the stone towers of the windmills that belonged to them can still be seen, scattered all over Saint Croix.|There are numerous isolated beaches. The island's interior consists of forested hills and fertile lowlands and it is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs that are excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving.|The town of Christiansted was once the capital of the entire Danish colony and nowadays it is the island's most important town. It is on the island's northern coast, where you will also find several excellent diving sites.|The best hiking possibilities are situated at the hilly, forested northwestern corner of Saint Croix. Saltpans and mangrove forests dominate the southwest. Sandy Point in the extreme southwest is one of only two leatherback turtle nesting grounds in the Caribbean.|Another interesting place on Saint Croix is the town of Frederiksted. Just north of Saint Crois is Buck Island|There are numerous hotels and restaurants on Saint Croix. The island is 65 km south of Charlotte Amalie.";
n["saintdavids"][0]="Saint David's|United Kingdom|uk|Europe";
n["saintdavids"][1]="Saint David's cathedral is not much of a landmark, since it was built in such a way that invading Norse raiders would overlook it. The cathedral was built in the 12th century and holds the remains of Saint David. The building was hit by an earthquake in 1248 that mixed up the foundations and the floor and makes the cathedral look much older than it actually is. During the Middle Ages it was said that two pilgrimages to Saint David's equaled one to Rome. Trips to nearby islands can be arranged at Saint David's. Saint David's is 355 km west of London.";
n["sainte-marie"][0]="Sainte-Marie|Martinique|mb|Central America";
n["sainte-marie"][1]="The region around Sainte-Marie has always been an important sugar-producing area. Molasses, which are left over from the process of sugar production, tend to turn into rum, when you let it sit around long enough. Since Martinique has always been a large sugar producer, the island is also famous for its rum.|Not far north from Sainte-Marie, at the Saint-James Plantation distillery, is the Musée du Rhum. It has nice displays of steam-powered sugar-making engines, rum stills and cane-crushing gears. The museum also includes a working sugar mill and distillery, as well as a tasting room, where different rums can be sampled.|About 5 km (3 miles) north of Sainte-Marie are the ruins of the old Dominican monastery of Fond Saint-Jacques.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Sainte-Marie. The town is 20 km northeast of Fort-de-France.";
n["sainteannemarinenationalpark"][0]="Sainte Anne Marine National Park|Seychelles|se|Africa";
n["sainteannemarinenationalpark"][1]="Sainte Anne Marine National Park includes the six islands of Sainte Anne, Cerf, Long, Round, Souris and Moyenne, off the coast from Victoria. The area around every single one of the islands is excellent for snorkeling, but the island of Moyenne is probably the best place to go to. Tours are available from the capital. On Moyenne you can see the House of Dogs, built at the end of the 19th century by an English woman, to serve as a home for stray dogs. The island has several walking trails and you will see beautiful flowers and some giant tortoises.|Round Island used to be a leper colony and the former chapel has been converted into a restaurant, where excellent Créole food is served. Also on this island you will find several walking trails.";
n["sainteliasmountains"][0]="Saint Elias Mountains|North America|northamerica|North America";
n["sainteliasmountains"][1]="The Saint Elias Mountains are a section of the Coast Ranges that covers parts of the southwest of Canada's Yukon Territory and southeastern Alaska in the United States. The Saint Elias Mountains rise to 6,050 m (19,850 feet) at Mount Logan, which is Canada's highest peak. Kluane National Park is also in the Saint Elias Mountains.";
n["saintflorisnationalpark"][0]="Saint Floris National Parks|Central African Republic|ct|Africa";
n["saintflorisnationalpark"][1]="This park doesn't have any special topographical features; it is mostly woodland savannah and it is an ideal place for viewing game. The park houses the 'big four' (elephant, lion, leopard and rhino), but you can also see giraffes, buffalos, hippos, monkeys, baboons, cheetahs, crocodiles, warthogs, pelicans and a all sorts of buck. The park's game density is quite low, as poachers kill large numbers of animals annually. There used to be some 80,000 elephants in the north of the country for example, of which only 3000 remain. Saint Floris National Park is well equipped to receive visitors.|It is best to fly to the park, as driving takes a lot of time on bad roads with numerous difficulties, such as fuel shortages etc. The park is some 650 km northeast of Bangui.";
n["saintfrancisriver"][0]="Saint Francis River|United States|us|North America";
n["saintfrancisriver"][1]="The Saint Francis River rises in the hills of southeastern Missouri and flows south through northeastern Arkansas to join the Mississippi River near Helena, Arkansas. The river forms part of the Arkansas-Missouri border. Wappapello Dam, near Poplar Bluff, Montana, forms a reservoir. The dam was completed in 1941. The river area is popular for recreational activities. Saint Francis River is 760 km (470 miles) long.";
n["saintgeorge's"][0]="Saint George's|Grenada|gj|Central America";
n["saintgeorge's"][1]="Saint George's is the lovely capital of Grenada. It boasts a deep-water harbor and it is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque towns in the Caribbean. There are numerous steep, winding streets in Saint George's, as well as many 19th-century, pastel colored buildings with red-tiled roofs. The fish-scale tiles where brought over as ballast on ships from Europe. When the ships returned with goods, the ballast was left behind.|Saint George's busy harbor is known as Carenage. It is filled with all sorts of cargo vessels, cruise ships and beautifully decorated wooden schooners from Carriacou. Mercantile houses, warehouses and cafés line the quays around the harbor. From there, the town's streets run up steeply and the whole scene is backed by Grenada's lush green hills.|To the west of Carenage is a particularly interesting part of town, with a maze of narrow streets that are nice to wander around. On some blind street corners, policemen take care of the traffic. In the center of town is the Grenada National Museum. It exhibits all sorts of stuff, including fragments of Amerindian pottery, an old rum still and the marble bathtub that once belonged to Empress Josephine. The museum incorporates a French barracks, dating from 1704.|In 1705 the French built the hilltop Fort George. It provides excellent views over the harbor and parts of Saint George. Inside the fort is a basketball pole, where you can still see the bullet holes, which were made by the firing squad that executed Maurice Bishop. The spot is market by a sign reading 'No Pain No Gain Brother'.|Fort Frederick was built at the end of the 18th century. It protects the harbor's eastern entrance and offers good views over Grenada's southwestern coastline. The fort was miraculously preserved after the U.S. mistakenly bombed Fort Matthew, several hundred meters to the north, when they invaded the island in 1983. Three of Saint George's historical buildings that were constructed in the early 19th century, burned to the ground in July 2002.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Grenada. The town sits on the southwestern side of Grenada Island.";
n["saintgeorge's"][2]="-12.04|-61.44|n/a|20000|n/a|-4|n/a|Not required|809";
n["saintgeorge"][0]="Saint George|Bermuda|bd|North America";
n["saintgeorge"][1]="Saint George was the second British settlement in the New World, as well as Bermuda's first capital. It remains one of Bermuda's most fascinating places and includes countless twisting alleyways lined with colonial-era buildings. Some centuries-old structures have been converted into museums.|They include Bermuda's oldest building, the Old State House, which dates from 1620. It is not very big but it is quite interesting. During colonial times it was Bermuda's parliamentary house and it incorporates beautiful Italianate features. North of the Old State House is Somers Garden, which was named after Admiral Somers whose heart (and his entrails) are contained in a modest tomb in the park. The rest of his body was shipped back to England, as was customary at the time. Old State House can only be visited on Wednesdays.|The original, Anglican Saint Peter's Church was built in 1612, but the thatch-and-wood structure was destroyed by a fire and replaced by the present building, which dates from the beginning of the 18th century. It is a nice building with open timber beams, marble memorials honoring early governors and a mahogany altar. The altar is the oldest piece of local furniture on Bermuda.|The Tucker House is a well-preserved, 18th-century building that was once home to one of the Bermuda's most prestigious families. Nearby is the Old Rectory, which is claimed to be one of Bermuda's first buildings with a stone roof. It can only be visited on Wednesdays.|Saint George's Town Hall was built in 1782. It sits on Kings Square and overlooks the pillory and stocks that were once used to publicly chastise suspected criminals. Nearby you can see the ducking stool, where the suspects were forced to endure the humiliation of being dunked in the harbor.|The Bermuda National Trust Museum has an exhibition that shows the role that Bermuda played in the U.S. Civil War. During that war, Saint George helped the southern states to get around the northern naval blockade and as a result the city became very wealthy. The museum is housed in a stately colonial building.|The best day to visit Saint George is on Wednesday, when the Old Rectory and the Old State House are open to the public. On Wednesdays the Bermuda Biological Station gives interesting guided tours of its facilities. There are several hotels and restaurants in Saint George, especially around the city's waterfront. Not far from the waterfront is Tobacco Bay, where good swimming and snorkeling possibilities are available.|Saint George overlooks Saint George's Harbor in the northeast of Bermuda, 17 km northeast of Hamilton.";
n["saintjohn's+newfoundland"][0]="Saint John's|Canada|ca|North America";
n["saintjohn's+newfoundland"][1]="Although the exact date of its first settlement is not known, Saint John's is one of the oldest settlements in North America. In 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert took possession of the region for England. Since that time fishing boats from many countries have been based there. The settlement was captured and recaptured by France and England and became permanently British in 1762. It served as a naval base during the American Revolution and in the War of 1812. Saint John's has been partially destroyed by fire several times. Many of Saint John's old buildings were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1892. One of the buildings that survived the fires is the Murray Premises, a beautifully renovated warehouse that dates from the 1840's. Signal Hill overlooks Saint John's to the east. It was the site where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless message in 1901. On the other side of the hill is the picturesque fishing port of Quidi Vidi, complete with microbrewery and historic fort. The first ever nonstop transatlantic flight was made from Saint John's in 1919.|Saint John's was built on several hills overlooking a fine harbor. The city is located on a series of terraces rising up from the waterfront. There are countless stairs everywhere, leading to narrow, winding streets lined with multi-colored clapboard houses. Saint John's has a quaint, homey feel and reminders of its fishing village origins are never far away. Not coincidentally, there are many drinking establishments in town. The legacy of the extinct Beothuk tribe, who once lived in the area, can be explored at the Newfoundland Museum. The museum has also displays on the Vikings who used to visit the region.|Saint John's is the provincial capital of Newfoundland and the region's commercial and industrial center. Saint John's is the base of Newfoundland's great fishing fleet and the city's industries are chiefly related to fishing. They include shipbuilding, the manufacturing of fishing equipment and marine engines and the storing, preserving and processing of fish. The city is mainly a service center that relies heavily on civil service jobs for its stability, however. Saint John's is the location of the provincial government offices and of Memorial University. There are Roman Catholic and Anglican cathedrals and it is the base of the Newfoundland Mus.|Accommodation and restaurants are available in town. Saint John's is on the northeastern coast of the Avalon Peninsula, in the southeast of Newfoundland, 1740 km northeast from Ottawa.";
n["saintjohn's"][0]="Saint John's|Antigua and Barbuda|ac|Central America";
n["saintjohn's"][1]="Saint john's lies on the island of Antigua. It is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda and home to about 30% of the country's population. Although Saint John's is a major tourist center, it remains surprisingly unaffected and is a truly West Indian town.|Most of the tourist complexes are situated on the harbor front. Heritage Quay is popular with cruise passengers, while Redcliffe Quay is where most shops, restaurants and galleries are located.|The Museum of Antigua & Barbuda is on the corner of Market Street and Long Street. It is housed in an old stone courthouse that was built in 1750. The museum exhibits Antigua's history and includes old tools, a reconstructed Arawak house and some examples of the local flora and fauna.|St John's Anglican Cathedral with its two identical spires is the dominant landmark in Saint John's. It stands between Newgate Street and Long Street and was originally built in 1681, although the present Baroque structure dates from 1847, after an earthquake destroyed the original building. The interior of the cathedral is encased in pitch pine to protect the building against natural desasters. South of the cathedral are numerous tombstones, several of which date back to the 18th century.|Fort James was first built in 1675, but most of the present building dates from 1739. The small fort stands at the northern side of Saint John's Harbor and some of its original cannons, as well as parts of the walls still stand. Fort Bay, north of the fort is the nearest beach to Saint John's.|There are numerous hotels and retsuarants in Saint John's.";
n["saintjohn's"][2]="-17.08|-61.50|n/a|30000|n/a|-4|n/a|Not required|809";
n["saintjohn's"][3]="";
n["saintjohn"][0]="Saint John|Canada|ca|North America";
n["saintjohn"][1]="The site of present-day Saint John was first visited by Champlain in 1604. From 1631 to 1635, a trading post was constructed there by Charles de la Tour. In the struggle between France and England for possession of the Acadia region, the fort was captured and recaptured several times. In 1758, it finally became British. Growth of the city dates from 1783, after a large party of Loyalists from the United States established themselves there on land grants. Loyalists were colonials who adhered to the British cause during the American Revolution. Their settlement was called Parr Town, which in 1785 was incorporated with Carleton and named Saint John. It was the first incorporated city in Canada.|Much of the old city was destroyed by fire in 1877. There are several interesting sights in Saint John. Market Slip and the old Loyalist Burying Ground both date from 1783. The fortification of Martello Tower was constructed in 1812 and the old court house was built in 1830. The Roman Catholic cathedral and bishop's residence date from 1853. Other sights include the New Brunswick Mus. and the Reversing Falls rapids on the Saint John River. Benedict Arnold lived and conducted a business there from 1786 to 1791.|Saint John is home to a branch of the University of New Brunswick. The city is a major year-round port. It has an excellent harbor, large dry docks and terminal facilities. It maintains extensive shipping connections with Europe, North and South America and the West Indies. Saint John is the commercial, manufacturing and transportation center of New Brunswick, although that position is being challenged by Moncton. There are many pulp and paper mills, oil and sugar refineries and food-processing plants in Saint John. Lumbering and fishing are also important.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Saint John. The city is at the mouth of the Saint John River on the Bay of Fundy. It is in the south of New Brunswick, 90 km southeast from Fredericton and 730 km northeast from Ottawa.";
n["saintjohnisland"][0]="Saint John Island|U.S. Virgin Islands|vq|Central America";
n["saintjohnisland"][1]="During the 19th century the island of Saint John was an important sugar and rum exporter. The bays of Coral and Cruz were always filled with merchant ships. By the 1950's business had dwindled and little was happening on Saint John. During that time, American financier Laurence Rockefeller bought half the island and constructed a secluded resort and campground on the site of an old sugar plantation and donated the remaining 5000 acres (2000 ha) to the government.|Nowadays, some 60% of Saint John is preserved by the Virgin Islands National Park and as a result, the island is tranquil and covered by dense forest. Saint John has also some beautiful, white beaches, some of which are included in the national park.|There are only a few towns on Saint John. Cruz Bay is a modest place, where most of the island's bars and restaurants are located. Cruz Bay has ferry connections with Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie, both on Saint Thomas. On weekends you can also find transportation to Fajardo on Puerto Rico. The town of Coral Bay is not much more than a hamlet and there is little going on. Saint John Island is 15 km east of Charlotte Amalie.";
n["saintlaurentdumaroni"][0]="Saint Laurent du Maroni|French Guiana|fg|South America";
n["saintlaurentdumaroni"][1]="Saint Laurent du Maroni sits on the eastern bank of the Maroni (Marowijne) River, which forms the border between French Guiana and Suriname. It was once the reception camp for newly arrived convicts and there are numerous colonial buildings that form a reminder of that period. Especially at the Camp de la Transportation you can still see countless reminders of the harsh life in the penal colony. Old cells can be visited and you will see shackles and other artifacts to keep the convicts under control.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Saint Laurent du Maroni. Trips op the Maroni (Marowijne) River to visit the Maron and Amerindian settlements in the region, can be arranged in town. Saint Laurent du Maroni is 200 km northwest of Cayenne.";
n["saintlawrence"][0]="Saint Lawrence|Barbados|bb|Central America";
n["saintlawrence"][1]="On Barbados' southwestern coast are several small towns with excellent beaches, the liveliest of which is Saint Lawrence. Its beach is known as Dover Beach and has fine, white sand. At low tide you can walk along the beach to the nearby towns of Worthing and Hastings, which both have interesting local crafts markets and nice white-sand beaches.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Saint Lawrence, as well as in other coastal towns in the region. Saint Lawrence is 10 southeast of Bridgetown.";
n["saintlouis+sg"][0]="Saint Louis|Senegal|sg|Africa";
n["saintlouis+sg"][1]="The French founded Saint Louis in 1659, as a collection point for slave bound for the Americas. It is the oldest French settlement in Africa. The Portuguese however colonized the area and their characteristic architecture set against the Sénégal River makes Saint Louis a very attractive place to visit. Saint Louis was the capital of Senegal-Mauritania, but when the two countries split up in 1958, Dakar became Senegal's capital. The city straddles the mainland, as well as an island on the mouth of the river. The island is connected to the mainland by a 500 meter (1640 feet) long Pont Faidherbe. The bridge was originally meant to cross the Danube, but in 1897 it was shipped to Senegal. On the other side the island is linked to the peninsula of Langue de Barbarie by two smaller bridges.|There are numerous colonial buildings in Saint Louis, especially on the island, which used to be the European quarter. Saint Louis is an excellent place to visit if you want to see what Senegalese towns looked like in colonial times. For good views over the area, visit the roof of the post office at the end of the bridge. The 18th century governor's palace, behind the post office, was originally built as a fort and nowadays houses government offices. The oldest remaining church in Senegal is the nearby cathedral. It was built in 1828. On the southern tip of the island is the Adanson Museum, which has a great collection of artifacts from northern Senegal.|The African quarter used to be on the peninsula. Nowadays that area is called Guet N'Dar and it feels like a lively fishing town. South of Guet N'Dar is a Muslim cemetery, where many graves are draped with the deceased's fishing nets. Further to the south, along the peninsula are several excellent beaches, as well as the Parc National de la Langue de Barbarie.|There is a wide variety of accommodation in Saint Louis. You will also find numerous restaurants and in the area of Guet N'Dar good seafood is available. Saint Louis has bus connections with the rest of Senegal; the rail connection with Dakar was discontinued and is no longer available. The city is 180 km northeast of Dakar.";
n["saintlouis"][0]="Saint Louis|United States|us|North America";
n["saintlouis"][1]="St. Louis is an independent city in the east of Missouri. It sits on the Mississippi River below the mouth of the Missouri and it is not included in any county.|The site of the city was chosen in 1763 by Pierre LaClede for a fur-trading post. To honor Louis XV of France, it was named for his 'name' saint, Louis IX of France. St. Louis was transferred to the Spanish in 1770, but it was retroceded to France in the time of Napoleon I. Later it was sold to the United States along with the other lands of the Louisiana Purchase.|Since St. Louis is the gateway to the Missouri valley and the West, it was an important market and supply point for fur traders, mountain men, and explorers such as Lewis and Clark. The city grew rapidly after the War of 1812, when immigrants arrived in large numbers to settle the West. St. Louis grew to be one of the greatest U.S. river ports and even after the arrival of the railroads in the 1850's, the river steamers remained of extreme importance.|St. Louis reached its population peak immediately after WWII. Between 1950 and 1990, the population of central Saint Louis decreased by half. The city's industry has significantly declined since 1970. While many of the outlying suburbs grew steadily and developed industries, some, such as East Saint Louis, have been marked by high unemployment and poverty.|St. Louis has long been a major industrial and transportation hub. It is a leading rail and trucking center and its airport and river port are among the busiest in the United States. The city's industries produce a variety of manufactures, including chemicals, aircraft, automotive vehicles and parts, railway cars, electronic components, textiles, shoes and beer. St. Louis is also a wholesale, banking and financial center.|
Places of interest
|Gateway Arch
|One of the most important attractions in St. Louis is Gateway Arch, which was erected in 1965. It consists if a 192 m (630 feet) high stainless steel arch, which was designed by Eero Saarinen. The arch stands on the banks of the Mississippi and symbolizes St. Louis as the gateway to the West.|The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, of which the arch is a part, was established in 1935 to preserve such historical buildings as the old courthouse. It was in use from 1839 to 1864 and the place where the Dred Scott Case was tried.|Other sights
|The poet Eugene Field was born in St. Louis and his house has been converted into a museum. The New Cathedral is one of the largest Roman Catholic cathedrals in the United States. The massive Union Station, once the country's largest railroad terminal, now houses shops and a hotel.|St. Louis has a noted symphony orchestra, a municipal opera, a large botanical garden and over 30 educational institutions, including Saint Louis University, Washington University, three theological seminaries and a branch of the University of Missouri. The city's large Forest Park has an open-air theater, an art museum, a zoo, a planetarium and the Jefferson memorial building, which recalls the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904, also known as the 'St. Louis Fair'. St. Louis is home to the National League's Cardinals, the National Football League's Rams and the National Hockey League's Blues.|There are countless hotels and restaurants in St. Louis. The city is 170 km east from Jefferson City and 1150 km west from Washinton D.C.";
n["saintluciaparkandgamereserve"][0]="Saint Lucia Park and Game Reserve|South Africa|sf|Africa";
n["saintluciaparkandgamereserve"][1]="The park consists of a strip of land around most of Lake Saint Lucia, while the game reserve includes the lake itself including several island that lie in it. The lake is home to crocodiles, hippos and many bird species.";
n["saintluciaresort"][0]="Saint Lucia Resort|South Africa|sf|Africa";
n["saintluciaresort"][1]="Saint Lucia Resort is a busy holiday resort on the southern tip of Lake Saint Lucia. There is a crocodile center some 2 km north of town. Bicycles can be rented in town.|There is a lot of accommodation in Saint Lucia Resort, including several camp sites.";
n["saintmalo"][0]="Saint Malo|France|fr|Europe";
n["saintmalo"][1]="Saint Malo has a history filled with piracy and trade. Especially during the 17th and 18th centuries, when the city was France's main port, trade flourished and most of the walls and fortifications that can still be seen nowadays were built. In WWII Saint Malo was completely destroyed by the Germans, but it was rebuilt and nowadays it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area.|Saint Malo's old town is surrounded by walls. The ramparts and fortifications can be climbed and provide good views over the city. Inside the walled area is the Cathédrale Saint Vincent, a cathedral that was founded in the 11th century. The 18th century Fort de la Cité was a German stronghold during WWII and damage done by allied attacks can still be seen. The fort is just south of the Old Town.|Many people come to Saint Malo for its excellent beaches, both north and south of town. Be very careful though, as the difference between low and high tide is usually more than 10 meters, causing large parts of the beach to flood rapidly, when the tide comes in. Not far from Saint Malo are the interesting Côte d'Ãmeraude and Mont Saint Michel, where an abbey can be visited.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants in town. Saint Malo is 345 km east of Paris.";
n["saintmartinisland"][0]="Saint Martin Island|Bangladesh|bg|Asia";
n["saintmartinisland"][1]="Saint Martin is a small coral island, some 10 km (6 miles) off Bangladesh's southern tip. It is a tropical paradise with white sand beaches, turquoise waters and shady palm trees. The sea around Saint Martin Island boasts a colorful marine life, which is excellent for scuba divers and snorkelers. Since the island measures only 8 km² (3 sq miles), it is possible to walk around it in a day or so. During high tide, the island's size shrinks even to only 5 km² (2 sq miles).|Some 5500 people live on Saint Martin Island, most of whom earn a living in the fishing industry. Between October and April, fisher folk from neighboring regions, come to Saint Martin to sell their catch at the island's wholesale market.|Accommodation is available on Saint Martin Island. You can get there by ferry from Teknaf in the south of Bangladesh; a trip that takes about three hours. You can get to Teknaf by bus from Cox's Bazar. Saint Martin Island is 390 km southeast of Dhaka.";
n["saintmaryscity"][0]="Saint Marys City|United States|us|North America";
n["saintmaryscity"][1]="In 1634, English colonists purchased a Native American village and renamed it Saint Marys. It was the first town in Maryland. Later they built Fort Saint George and the first state assembly met there in 1635. Saint Marys remained the provincial capital until it was replaced by Annapolis in 1694.|Accommodation is available in town. Saint Marys City is on the Saint Marys River in the south of Maryland, 90 km south from Annapolis and 95 km southeast from Washington D.C.";
n["saintmichaelscave"][0]="Saint Michael's Cave|Gibraltar|gi|United Kingdom";
n["saintmichaelscave"][1]="Saint Michael's Cave is a big natural grotto that was once inhabited by Neolithic people. Nowadays it is used for concerts, plays and fashion shows.|To get to the Grotto you should walk south down Saint Michael's Road from the top of the Rock. You can also walk up from the Apes' Den. Each way it is about 20 minutes walking.";
n["saintpetersburg+florida"][0]="Saint Petersburg (Florida)|United States|us|North America";
n["saintpetersburg+florida"][1]="Saint Petersburg was settled in the mid-1800's. The city has an annual average of 360 sunny days and because of that, Saint Petersburg is also known as the Sunshine City. The good weather attracts many retirees, making it one of Florida's largest retirement centers. As a result of the climate, Saint Petersburg is also one of the state's most popular winter resorts and year-round residential communities.|Saint Petersburg sits on Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico at the southern end of the Pinellas peninsula. The city has a port with a large harbor. Boats, trailers and campers, air conditioners and electronic equipment are manufactured in the city. There are also commercial-fishing industries and citrus-fruit processing plants. The Saint Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport offers flights to destinations all over the world, although most air-traffic goes through the international airport of nearby Tampa.|There are numerous interesting sights in Saint Petersburg. The busy yacht basin, the municipal pier, the auditorium-arena, the historical museum and the museum of fine arts and they are all on the waterfront. Another interesting museum is the Florida International Museum. The Salvador Dalí Museum houses the largest collection, outside of Spain, of Dalí's works. The connection between the city and the artist is fish. The museum has a total collection of nearly 100 of Dalí's oil paintings, representing every period of the artist's development.|On the Saint Petersburg-occupied side of Tampa Bay, at the southern end of Long Key Island and wrapped around Tampa's Gulf coast, is Saint Pete Beach. The island's beach offers blue waters and beautiful white sands. It is a popular day trip from Saint Petersburg. The beach front is dominated by the big pink outline of the Don CeSar Beach Resort. It was built in 1928 and completely restored in the late 1980's. Nowadays it is a resort hotel. About 3 km (2 miles) south of the hotel is the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, which has a large collection of 19th-century photographs. Most pictures feature Florida's western beaches. There are also some Indian artifacts.|Directly north of Long Key is another barrier island, which offers a fine spot for swimming and sunbathing, called Clearwater Beach. Nearby is a nonprofit aquarium, which is dedicated to rescuing and nursing marine animals such as dolphins, turtles and sea otters. Clearwater's Pier 60 is besieged by craft stalls and buskers around sunset from Thursday to Monday.|Saint Petersburg is home to Eckerd College, the Stetson University College of Law and a campus of the University of South Florida. There is also a military academy there, as well as a U.S. Coast Guard base. Bridges across Tampa Bay connect Saint Petersburg with Tampa, while the Sunshine Skyway links the peninsula with the mainland near Bradenton. The chain of narrow islands and resort beaches to the west of Saint Petersburg on the Gulf are inter-connected by several causeways.|There are countless hotels, bars and restaurant in Saint Petersburg. The city is in the west of Florida, 340 km southeast of Tallahassee and 1360 km southwest of Washington D.C.";
n["saintpetersburg"][0]="Saint Petersburg (Санкт-Петербург)|Russia|rs|Asia";
n["saintpetersburg"][1]="Saint Petersburg (Sankt Peterburg, if you translate it correctly from Russian) was a brainstorm of Peter the Great to outstrip Paris and Vienna and put Russia on the map of the 18th-century world. The location was chosen for its Baltic port position. The area was previously notorious for its swamps, mosquitoes, floods and wolves. Peasants and captured Swedes were forced to dredge canals through the stinking marshes and to carry in the earth that was used to build the city on. Thousands of them lost their lives as a result of the horrific working conditions. Later visitors had to bring some building material as a form of tax to be able to visit the city. Nowadays it's a beautiful waterside city that indeed competes with Paris and Vienna.|The city was built on a grand scale. The palaces and boulevards were designed to be seen from great distance. St. Petersburg is built around the mouth of the river Neva, which divides the city into several sectors. On the southern bank of the river the area around the Winter Palace and the Admiralty can be regarded as the city center. The Nevsky Prospekt is the main street. St. Petersburg is a very good city to explore on foot, there are waterside boulevards with great sights everywhere; distances are rather great so wear good shoes.|Originally the city was named St. Petersburg, and from 1712 to 1918 it was Russia's capital. It was renamed Petrograd and after Lenin's death, Leningrad, but after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, a referendum decided that the old name of St. Petersburg should once again been used. The city's northern latitude lines up with places such as Alaska and Greenland, but warm sea-currents prevent extreme temperatures in the area. In midsummer there are 'White Nights' celebrations that last all night, and celebrate the longest day. (Actually during midsummer the sun hardly sets, it is light all night long).|Places to Visit
|Palace Square
|Between 1712 and 1918 when St. Petersburg was Russian's capital, the government was housed in the buildings surrounding this square. The buildings are very elegant and colorful, built to outstrip similar ones in Paris and Vienna. There are also some monuments that commemorate the Russian victory over Napoleon. Many important events in Russia's history have happened there; Bloody Sunday in 1905 and the Bolsheviks taking over power from the tsars in 1917. The processions and gatherings to denounce the 1991 coup attempt also took places there.|The State Hermitage Museum consists of several buildings of which the green/white rococo Winter Palace that dominates the square is the largest. The Hermitage Museum is so enormous that you could wonder around in it for a week without even seeing anything twice. It is housed in four buildings straddling the Neva River (the Winter Palace, the Little and Large Hermitage buildings and the Hermitage Theatre). If you want to visit it, decide beforehand what you want to see, as it is impossible to see it all. The museum's exhibition consists of a huge collection of Western European art, chandeliers, high-end interior encrustations and jewels and treasures that belonged to the tsarist family. Most of the exhibits date from the time of Catherine the Great.|The Admiralty adjacent to the Winter Palace has a gilded spire and is a good point of reference as it can be seen from great distance. The Admiralty houses a naval college and is filled with statues of angels and fountains. Another building that might be used as a point of reference is the St Isaac's Cathedral with its golden dome. The supporting colonnade around it provides great views over the city.|Peter & Paul Fortress
|The oldest building in St. Petersburg is the Peter & Paul Fortress on the small Zayachy Island. It was built in 1703 according to plans drawn by Peter the Great himself. It served as a stronghold to prevent the Swedes from occupying the newly acquired land on the mouth of the Neva River. Up to 1917 it was mainly used as a political prison and people held there include Peter's own son Alexey, Dostoevsky, Gorky, Trotsky and the older brother of Lenin, Alexander. Next to the fortress there is the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul with its golden peak that can bee seen from afar. From the outside it looks quite simple, but it has a magnificent baroque interior. Most of the Romanov rulers are buried in this cathedral. Most buildings on the island were built in a time when Peter the Great was still living in a log cabin overlooking the city. The cabin is still preserved and serves as a shrine like museum. In front of the Fortress on the bank of the Neva River there is a small beach that locals use fiercely during hot days in the summer.|Aurora Cruiser
|East of the Peter & Paul Fortress the Aurora Cruiser, an old war ship can be visited.|Tsarist St. Petersburg
|St. Petersburg has an abundance of lush architecture, and when you look at it, it's easy to understand the ideas of the Bolsheviks and the revolution of 1917 to oppose the opulent decadent lifestyle of the Royal family and the nobility while the normal people, the workers and soldiers didn't have anything. St. Petersburg is Russia most European-style city, and most neoclassical styled buildings in the central area were erected during the reigns of Empress Elizabeth, Catherine the Great and Alexander I. The modest Summer Palace, built for Peter the Great, contrasts with the huge symmetric gardens around it.|The Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace is situated at the eastern end of the Nevsky Prospekt. It has dark-red stucco with a row of weight-bearing musclemen seemingly supporting the building. It housed the local branch of the Communist Party until its collapse in 1991. The green and white Stroganov Palace was built by Empress Elizabeth's favorite architect Rastrelli. It overlooks the Moyka River. The Stroganoffs made their fortune trading Siberian fur and are best known for their chef's invention of beef stroganoff.|Vasilevsky Island
|Vasilevsky island is the city's biggest island. From its eastern tip there are some magnificent views over the city. It can be easily recognized by the Rostral Columns, two red columns with ship-shapes that served as navigation beacons. Near these beacons there are numerous maritime buildings and museums that include the Naval Museum, Zoological Museum, Kunstkammer and the Academy of Arts. The Menshikov Palace is one of the oldest buildings on the island and nowadays serves as a museum.|Between the Lieutenant Schmidt Bridge and the Academy of Arts there are two original Egyptian sfinxes.|Literature
|Many books have been written about St. Petersburg. Tolstoy used the city in War and Peace and Anna Karenina, in which he compared backward Moscow with sophisticated St. Petersburg. Dostoevsky condemned the life of the poor in Crime and Punishment. His home, where he died of a throat hemorrhage, has been turned into a museum. Pushkin described the lifestyle of the Royals in Eugene Onegin, and his poem The Bronze Horseman talks about the statue close to the Neva River. His last home has also been turned into a museum. Pushkin died here after losing a duel to defend the reputation of his wife.|Pushkin
|The summer palaces at Tsarskoe Selo were erected for Empress Elizabeth and Catherine the Great. In 1937, the buildings were renamed Pushkin commemorate the centenary of the writer's death. Tsarskoe Selo lies about 25 km south of St. Petersburg and is easily reached by bus or train. The baroque Catherine Palace was completely destroyed by the Germans at the end of WW II. It has been reconstructed in a marvelous way, with golden domes and blue and white detailing in its facades. The interior is filled with mirrors, chandeliers and tumescent cherubs. Inside the palace the Faberge exhibition shows an interesting collection of artifacts and paintings. The Alexander Palace is just north of the Catherine Palace, it used to be the favorite place of Nicholas and Alexandra, but it became their prison before they were deported to Yekaterinburg.|Nevsky Prospect
|The main street in St. Petersburg is Nevsky Prospekt. This street runs west from the Admiralty all the way to the Alexandr Nevsky Monastery on the banks of the Neva, 4 km away. There are beautiful buildings on both side of the Nevsky Prospekt, and it is always full of people. Many famous people lived in the area around this street, including Gogol, Tchaikovsky, Turgenev, Nijinsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Dostoevsky. Walking down the street starting from the Admiralty you will see the multi-columned Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan which houses the Museum of Religion. Opposite the Cathedral, on the other side of the street is the House of Books, a huge bookstore in the beautiful Art Nouveau building that used to be home to the former Singer sewing-machine company. The Gostiny-Dvor department store is also a good example of a 19th-century palace of merchandise. It lies on a huge square with a statue of Catherine the Great surrounded by her numerous lovers. You will cross the Anishkovom Bridge with its many sculptures, and further down is the Moskovskij Vokzal, the train station that connects St. Petersburg with Moscow. Many of the shops along the Nevsky prospect are worth a visit for their interiors more than for their often overprized merchandise.|Radio-Tele Antennae
|The Leningrad Radio-Tele Broadcasting Center's antenna is supposed to be open to visitors. Although because of a lack of visitors you might find it closed. The tower is 310 meters high and has a 50,000-watt transmitter. The views from the bar-cafe at 200 m up, are just amazing. The structure swing about 50 cm on windy days, so be prepared for that. Its construction was ran entirely by an all-female group of architects.|Smolny Monastery
|The Smolny Monastery lies in the Smol'ninskij Rajon completely east of the city center on the banks of the Neva River. It was built by Rastrelli under the reign of Peter the Great's daughter Elizabeth. It has beautifully restored blue and white walls and towers.|Kirovsky Islands
|The three islands north of the city center are collectively called the Kirovsky Islands. They include the islands of Kamenny, Yelagin and Krestovsky. They are mostly occupied by parks, summerhouses, mansions and palaces. On the far west-point of Krestovsky, the Kirov Stadium is situated.|Petrodvorets
|Peter the Great built a number of palaces and beautiful gardens in Petrodvorets 30 km west of St. Petersburg. The whole place was completely destroyed by the Germans in WW II, but it has been completely reconstructed.|There are numerous fountains in Petrodvorets, of which the Grand Cascade & Water Avenue is the most important. It is a mixture of fountains and canals that was engineered for a great part by Peter himself. Other sights in Petrodvorets include the Grand Palace that was made even larger by Rastrelli for Empress Elizabeth. Later Catherine the Great adjusted it to her needs. Most artifacts in its interior are original as they were hidden from the Germans and escaped destruction. Peter the Great's favorite place to relax was his villa Monplaisir. It faces the sea and has bright and open galleries. There are many fountains in the gardens as well as pavilions and summer houses, including the private dining room, the self-contained and moated Hermitage.|Accommodation and Food
|There are various budget hotels and youth hostels in the city. Some of the best places to meet other travelers are St. Petersburg's International Hostel, and of course the huge Palace Square behind the Hermitage. There are many good restaurants and cafe's, although they are quite expensive in the central area. Try some of the more quiet places a few blocks away for more reasonable prices.|Entertainment
|St. Petersburg offer some high quality entertainment. The Kirov Ballet Company, the Philharmonia and the Kirov Opera are of the highest level without any doubt. There are numerous other theatres and puppet theatres, and street musicians treat you on the boulevards and avenues. There are hundreds of Rock music bars all over the city and if all that music is just too much you can always visit one of the museums and exhibitions, or join the locals to see a soccer match in the 100,000-seat Kirov Stadium on Krestovsky Island.|Cruises on the Neva River can be made. Boats leave from several places close to the Hermitage Museum and more to the west close to the Senate building.";
n["saintpetersburg"][2]="-59.56|30.16|5|5000000|120|3|y|812|7";
n["saintpetersburg"][3]="-8.1|2.5|3.3|2.5|17.8|6.4|5|4.6";
n["saintthomasisland"][0]="Saint Thomas Island|U.S. Virgin Islands|vq|Central America";
n["saintthomasisland"][1]="The island of Saint Thomas has always been an important trading place. Pirates used it to unload their booty and slave traders brought slaves. Nowadays cruise ship passengers visit frequently. Saint Thomas Island was also the ground of Blackbeard and the mythical Bluebeard.|Saint Thomas has beautiful, forested hills that form headlands, separating nice bays and coves. There are more than 40 beaches, many of which provide good places for snorkeling and scuba diving.|The island is also host to the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands: Charlotte Amalie. Another interesting place is the Virgin Islands panorama at Drake's Seat, an elevated point in the center of the island. Mountain Top, at the peak of Saint Peter Mountain, is much higher than Drake's Seat, but it is surrounded by forests that block the views.|One of the best beaches on Saint Thomas Island is Magens Bay on the island's central-north coast. Another good beach can be found at Coki Bay. Two of the most popular outlying islets include Hassel Island and Great Saint James. They are both uninhabited.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants on Saint Thomas.";
n["saintvincentisland"][0]="Saint Vincent Island|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines|vc|Central America";
n["saintvincentisland"][1]="Saint Vincent is the largest island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The country's capital of Kingstown is situated on the southwest of the island. A kilometer or so north of Kingstown are the Saint Vincent Botanic Gardens, the oldest botanical gardens in the West Indies. The gardens are home to numerous parrots and other birds. On the same grounds is the St Vincent National Museum, which features pre-Columbian stone carvings and clay works that were made by the island's early Amerindian settlers.|Other natural attractions on Saint Vincent include the Vermont Nature Trails, which are excellent for hiking. Especially the Parrot Lookout Trail is interesting. On the island's northwestern tip are the 18m (59 feet) high Falls of Baleine. They can only be reached by boat and feature a small pool where one can swim.";
n["saipanisland"][0]="Saipan Island|Northern Mariana Islands|cq|Oceania";
n["saipanisland"][1]="The island of Saipan is a popular destination with tourists, most of which are Japanese. Most of the year tourists and alien workers outnumber the Saipanese and as a result, the island has lost much of its Micronesian character. The island's interior is hilly, while its eastern coast is rugged and rocky. Along Saipan's northern coast are numerous cliffs. Most tourists stick to the western and southern coasts though, as most beaches are situated there. Saipan is 23 km (14 miles) long and 8 km (5 miles) wide.|The main town on Saipan is Garapan. The Laderan Tangke Trail is a 3 km (2 miles) loop at the northern end of the island. The well-maintained trail runs through the Marpi Commonwealth Forest, which includes dense jungle that is often not accessible to hikers in other places. The trail also skirts the Laderan Tangke Cliff, which offers beautiful ocean views. Along the trail are numerous markers that explain the surrounding flora, fauna and geology. Birds that can be spotted in the area include the rufous fantail or the bright red cardinal honeyeater.|Saipan's airport is at the southern end of the island, 13 km (8 miles) south of Garapan.";
n["sakkara"][0]="Sakkara|Egypt|eg|Africa";
n["sakkara"][1]="Sakkara lies about 18 km southeast of Cairo and is dominated by the famous step pyramid of king Djoser (or Zoser). This pyramid was build around 2600 BC by the famous architect Imhotep and it is the oldest surviving stone building in the world. It is about 100 years older than the pyramids at Giza. Inside the pyramid of Unas, southwest of the step pyramid of Djoser, are the Pyramid Texts, the oldest decorative writings in a Phaoronic tomb chamber.|Historical and archeological Sakkara and Memfis are the most important areas in Egypt. In the area around Sakkara there are 13 pyramids, all of which are smaller, but much older than the ones at Giza. The Serapeum consists of a series of catacombs where 70 sacred bulls where buried in an enormous granite sarcophagi. The Persian Tombs are one of the deepest burialk chambers in the country. They are decorated with beautiful wall drawings.";
n["saklikent"][0]="Saklikent|Turkey|tu|Europe";
n["saklikent"][1]="Saklikent lies about 50 km southeast of Fethiye. It lies in an area with beautiful surroundings and there is a gorge that can be explored, although it is not really worth the effort driving 50 km + 50 km to see it.";
n["saktengwildlifesanctuary"][0]="Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary|Bhutan|bt|Asia";
n["saktengwildlifesanctuary"][1]="The Sakteng Wildlife Reserve covers some 650 km² (253 sq miles) of wilderness in the easternmost part of Bhutan. It was created to protect the habitat of the yeti, known as migoi (strong man) in Bhutan. There are many sightings of the migoi, but there are no photographs and no migoi has ever been captured, nor have remains ever been found. Many scientists say that migoi is just a myth, but nevertheless the Bhutan government set up the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary.|The migoi differs from yetis, desribed in other Himalayan regions, as its body is covered in hair that may be anything from reddish-brown to black, but its face is hairless. Locals believe the migoi has the ability to become invisible, which explains why so few people have actually seen it (or claim so). Another feature that makes it hard to locate a migoi, is that many have their feet backwards, confusing possible trackers.|The goemba (village) of Sakteng, or Sakden serves as the entrance point to the Wildlife Sanctuary. Sakten is 30 km east of Tashi Gang and about 220 km east of Thimphu.";
n["sal"][0]="Sal|Cape Verde|cv|Africa";
n["sal"][1]="Cape Verde's international airport (Amilcar Cabral International) is on this flat island and as a result Sal is always very busy with package tourists, mostly Europeans. The bulk of the tourists stays in Santa Maria, but Espargos, 18 km to the north is far better.|Sal has daily air connections with the capital Praia. Boats make the trip several times a week.";
n["salalah"][0]="Salalah|Oman|mu|Asia";
n["salalah"][1]="Salalah is Oman's second-largest city. It sits in the south of the country, in the only corner of the Arabian Peninsula that is affected by the Indian summer monsoon rains. Salalah is an excellent place to stay if you want to visit southern Oman's archaeological sites and the region's smaller villages.|One of the most interesting archaeological sites in Salalah are the coastal ruins of Al-Balid, 5 km (3 miles) east of the city center. The ruins are the remains of the ancient city of Zafar, which was an important trading post in the 11th and 12th centuries. People in Zafar traded with places as far as China, prove of which was provided by the discovery of Chinese coins on the site.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Salalah. Along the road from Salalah to Mughsayl (Mughsail), 5 km (3 miles) to the west, are numerous beautiful beaches. Salalah is 865 km southwest of Masqat.";
n["salamanca"][0]="Salamanca|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["salamanca"][1]="Salamanca is a charming city of outstanding beauty and has a rich cultural heritage. It is famous for its cathedrals and of great historical importance for its University, the oldest in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe. The university and its students give Salamanca its unique vibrant ambiance. Salamanca is almost untouched in its architectural purity. All the buildings in the center of town, even the recent ones, are";
n["salamanca"][2]="made of the stone from Villamayor, which contains a high concentration of iron that allows very filigree works. The stone's characteristic golden color gives Salamanca its personality. The city has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is a very attractive place to visit if you are looking for cultural values, a lively night life and want to learn a bit of Spanish. Salamanca will impress any of its visitors.|Places of interest
|Catedral
|Salamanca's cathedral is a typical example of the Spanish plateresque architecture that marked the transition from Gothic to Renaissance styles. Locals call the cathedral La Nueva, or the 'new one'. The 'old' cathedral can still be seen next to it. La Nueva's splendid interior includes the Golden Chapel with extraordinary sculptures. The Patio Chico is a small yard that can be found at the place where the 'old' and 'new' cathedrals were joined. The narrow street of Calle Calderón leads from there to the University quarter.|University Quarter
|The University of Salamanca is one of the oldest in the world. It was founded by King Alphonse IX not long after the foundation of the universities of Bologna and Paris. The original building does not exist anymore and the present one dates from the time of the catholic kings. It is considered a masterwork of plateresque style. Its façade is ornamented with numerous figures, including the famous 'frog on a skull', which is not easy to make out, due to its large number of small figures.|The University's huge library of some 160.000 volumes is its main attraction. it is also interesting for its impressive fresco-painting known as 'The Heaven of Salamanca'. Also worth visiting is the staircase, which has reliefs showing scenes of bullfighting and the customs of students in old times. One of these customs consisted of students writing their names at the façade with bulls blood.|In front of the University is a square, where you can see the statue of poet and professor Fray Luis de León. He was persecuted by the inquisition. After years in prison he came back to give lessons and his first words were: 'As we mentioned yesterday ...'. In Calle Calderón is the Unamuno Museum. It is housed in the building where Fray Luis de Léon had his office. The old University Hospital features a beautiful Renaissance court with typical salmantinian arcades.|Other important buildings in the University Quarter are the Renaissance Palacio Anaya and the famous Casa de las Conchas, which is one of Salamanca's landmarks. The façade of this 15th-century building is ornamented with reliefs of Saint Jacob's shells. The Jesuit Monasterio La Clerecía dates from the 18th century. It has a huge cupola and its altar is gold-plated.|The 12th-century Iglesia de San Martin is at Plaza del Poeta Iglesias. Its northern portal was erected in beautiful Romanesque style. Other parts were added later in Plateresque and Baroque styles respectively.|Plaza Mayor
|The Plaza Mayor is a large square that was created in 18th century by Churriguera. It is without a doubt among the most beautiful in Spain and it forms the geographical and cultural center of town. In the streets leading to the square are many important monuments. The Iglesia de la Purisima and the Monasterio de San Ursula are in Calle Bordadores, while the Iglesia de Capuchins is in Calle Ramon y Cajal. Also of particular interest are the College of the Archbishop of Fonseca and the adjacent Monasterio de los Irlandeses. The 16th-century monastery is an outstanding piece of architecture and features a splendid Renaissance court. It was created by Berruguete.|Monasteries
|Around the cathedral and along Gran Via are several monasteries that are well worth a visit. The Convento y Museo de las Dueñas is a plateresque 16th century building with a fantastic claustrum and a beautiful court.
The Convento de San Esteban dates from the same period. It was built in plateresque style by Juan de Alava and its altar was made by Churriguera.
Churriguera was also the architect of the beautiful baroque Colegio de Calatrava.
Other interesting buildings in the vicinity are the Convento de las Claras, the Convento de los Jesuitas and the Iglesia de Sancti Spiritus.|Statues
|There are countless statues in Salamanca that remind the visitor of important historical or legendary figures, who have been of great importance to Salamanca's history. According to legend, the lovers Calixto y Melibea, used to meet secretly in the 'Gardens of the Matchmaker Celestina'. Their statue can be found there. A statue of San Teresa de Ãvila can be found on the square that was named after her, while a statue of famous jurist Padre Vitoria stands face to face to the Convento de San Esteban where he was living. Christopher Columbus lived at the same square for a time. The people of Salamanca were not interested in his projects, so he left. Maybe for that reason, his statue is not located where he lived, but at Plaza de Colón.|Some famous artists who lived in Salamanca include Nebrija, whose monument is close to the Iglesia de San Marcos and Gabriel y Galán, whose statue is at the square named after him. The monument of Miguel de Unamuno is close to the Convento de Santa Ursula.|Other Monuments
|Some other interesting monuments in Salamanca are El Puente Romano, the Roman bridge over the river Tormes that is one of the best conserved ancient bridges in all of Spain. The Casa de Lis is an outstanding example of modernist architecture of the early 20th century. It houses the region's most visited museum. The Gran Via avenue is of unique value, as all the buildings and arcades that line it are made of the golden stone from Villamayor. Salamanca has several nice parks.|Accommodation and food
|There are many hotels and restaurants in Salamanca, as well as several campsites not far from town. Since Salamanca is a university city, it has a teeming nightlife. There are countless bars and nightclubs and you will always see many students partying. Perhaps you may wonder when they have time to study.|Salamanca lies 180 km northwest of Madrid, about 100 km from the Portuguese border. It is the capital of Castilla y León. Salamanca has good rail and road connections with the rest of Spain.";
n["salamis"][0]="Salamis|Cyprus|cy|Europe";
n["salamis"][1]="Salamis was the most important city on Cyprus before Christianity arrived on the island. There are numerous Byzantine and Roman ruins in Salamis and some of them, such as the Roman amphitheatre and the gymnasium, have been fully restored. The ruins are scattered over a large area, but there is a nice beach, where you can swim if you get too hot.|There are camp sites in the vicinity of Salamis, as well as several hotels, but most people stay in one of the northern beach resorts and visit Salamis on a day trip.";
n["salardeuyuni"][0]="Salar de Uyuni|Bolivia|bl|South America";
n["salardeuyuni"][1]="Salar de Uyuni is a 12,000 km² (4680 sq miles) large saltpan in southwestern Bolivia. It lies at an altitude of 3650 m (11,970 feet) and in prehistoric times it was part of a huge salt lake that covered most of southwestern Bolivia. About 20,000 tons of salt are produced in the area every year, mostly using traditional methods and it is estimated that the Salar de Uyuni contains some 10 billion tons of fine salt.|In the middle of the salt pan lies the Isla de Pescadores, where you can see stands of cactus and a colony of vizcachas (long-tailed rodents related to the chinchilla). Northwest of the Salar de Uyuni is the Salar de Coipasa. On the northern shore of that saltpan is a unique Chipaya Indian village. It is though that the residents in that village are the descendents of the Tiahuanaco civilization.|The village of Uyuni, southeast of the saltpan is probably the best place to stay if you want to explore the area.";
n["salbanviharamonastery"][0]="Salban Vihara Monastery|Bangladesh|bg|Asia";
n["salbanviharamonastery"][1]="The Salban Vihara monastery is one of the most interesting of the Mainimati Ruins. In the courtyard of the 170 m² (182 sq feet) monastery is a temple and nearby is a museum, where you can see most of the finds, excavated at the site. The museum's exhibits include terracotta plaques, bronze statues and caskets, coins, jewelry and votive stupas, decorated with Buddhist inscriptions.|The Salban Vihara monastery is 90 km southeast of Dhaka.";
n["salem+newhampshire"][0]="Salem (New Hampshire)|United States|us|North America";
n["salem+newhampshire"][1]="Salem was first settled in 1652. Not far from town is Mystery Hill, the site of large stone structures, which are believed to date from around 2000 BC. Also nearby are a racetrack, a glider airport and Canobie Lake Park. Salem is a marketing and distribution center and there are many steel-fabricating, printing, electronic, shoe and wood-product industries.|Accommodation and restaurants are available in town. Salem is in the southeast of New Hampshire, 50 km southeast of Concord and about 640 km northeast of Washington D.C.";
n["salem+ohio"][0]="Salem (Ohio)|United States|us|North America";
n["salem+ohio"][1]="Salem was settled by Quakers in 1803. It was an early abolitionist center and an important station on the Underground Railroad, the loosely organized system for helping fugitive slaves escape to Canada or to areas of safety in free states. Nowadays it is a center where tools and dies, industrial machinery, appliances and pumps are manufactured. A branch of Kent State University is in town.|Salem sits in a coal region in the northeast of Ohio, some 390 km northwest of Washington D.C.";
n["salem+oregon"][0]="Salem (Oregon)|United States|us|North America";
n["salem+oregon"][1]="Salem was founded by Methodist missionaries in 1840-1841 and became the state capital of OregonTerritory in 1851 and remained the capital after Oregon became a state in 1859. Salem is in dairying, stock-raising and farming area on the Willamette River in the northwest of the state.|There are numerous food-processing plants and electronics, wood, paper, metal and cloth industries in the city. Salem is also the seat of Willamette University and there are various state and federal government buildings and state hospitals, as well as the state penitentiary. One of the major sights is the Neoclassic state capitol building, which dates from 1937. The annual state fair is held in Salem too.|There are many hotels and restaurants in Salem. The city is 3810 km northwest of Washington D.C.";
n["salem+virginia"][0]="Salem (Virginia)|United States|us|North America";
n["salem+virginia"][1]="Salem was first settled in 1806, but it was not incorporated as a city until 1967. The city sits on the Roanoke River, between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains in southwestern Virginia. A variety of products, such as electrical equipment, steel items and machinery, are manufactured there. Roanoke College is in the city.|There are several hotels and restaurants. Salem is 235 km west of Richmond and 320 km southwest of Washington D.C.";
n["salem"][0]="Salem (Massachusetts)|United States|us|North America";
n["salem"][1]="In 1626, Roger Conant led a group of settlers from Cape Ann to the site of present-day Salem, which was then known as Naumkeag by the Native Americans. Salem's early history was darkened by the witchcraft trials of 1692, in which Samuel Sewall was a judge. Many of the victims came from the part of Salem that now is Danvers. In 1711, the state of Massachusetts exonerated all those accused in the trials.|From the colonial days through the clipper ship era, Salem was well known as a center of wealth for the China trade. It was an important port and a privateering base in the American Revolution and in the War of 1812. When shipping declined after the War of 1812, the city turned to manufacturing. Nathaniel Hawthorne was overseer of the port from 1846 to 1849. His birthplace can be seen in Salem. The building dates from the 17th century.|There are many other interesting colonial buildings in the city. The House of Seven Gables was built in 1668 and has been marvelously preserved. It is probably the most famous house in the city, as it was the eponymous star of the 1851 Nathaniel Hawthorne novel. It is open to visitors year round. The Witch House was the place where witch trial hearings were held and suspected sorcerers and sorceresses were interrogated. It dates from 1642. The Salem Witch Museum uses dioramas, exhibits and audiovisual materials to explain the witch scare and the Witch Dungeon Museum has dramatic recreations of the witch trials that follow transcripts of the original proceedings. The Peabody Museum was founded in 1868. Salem Maritime National Historic Site is also well worth a visit. If you want to know what Salem looked like in the old days, you should visit Pioneer Village, which is a reproduction of early Salem. The Essex Institute was established in 1848 and has an excellent library, as well as historical collections. The Peabody and Salem State College is there.|Salem's once famous harbor has silted up and nowadays the city has many electronic, leather and machinery industries. Tourists are drawn to its many historical landmarks. The Salem Trolley takes visitors past all the major points of interest.|There are many hotels and restaurants in Salem. The city is on an inlet of Massachusetts Bay in the northeast of Massachusetts, about 32 km (20 miles) northeast of Boston. The train ride takes 35 minutes. Salem is 630 km northeast of Washington D.C.";
n["salerno"][0]="Salerno|Italy|it|Europe";
n["salerno"][1]="Salerno is a port city 235 km southeast of Rome. There are some Etruscan and Roman excavations in town, but not much remains, as the city was heavily damaged at the end of WWII, because it was one of the Allies' major landing sites.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Salerno.";
n["salisbury+maryland"][0]="Salisbury (Maryland)|United States|us|North America";
n["salisbury+maryland"][1]="Salisbury was settled in 1732 on the Delmarva's Eastern Shore, at the head of the Wicomico River. Poultry raising and processing is the city's major industry. Salisbury is also a trade and service center for the Eastern Shore and has varied light manufacturing industries. Salisbury State University is in the city.|Accommodation and restaurants are available. Salisbury is 100 km southeast from Annapolis and 140 km southeast from Washington D.C.";
n["salisbury+northcarolina"][0]="Salisbury (North Carolina)|United States|us|North America";
n["salisbury+northcarolina"][1]="Salisbury has a number of 18th- and 19th-century buildings, churches and homes. The national cemetery in Salisbury was the site of one of the largest Confederate prison camps during the Civil War. Approximately 11,700 Union soldiers are buried there. Salisbury is the seat of Catawba College, Livingstone College and Rowan Technical Institute.|The production of textiles and clothing is the major industry in Salisbury. Structural steel, brick, furniture and aluminum goods are among the many other manufactures.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Salisbury. The city is in the Piedmont industrial region in central North Carolina, 170 km west of Raleigh and 480 km southwest of Washington D.C.";
n["saltcay"][0]="Salt Cay|Turks and Caicos Islands|tk|Central America";
n["saltcay"][1]="Salt Cay is a small islet in the south of the Turks and Caicos Islands. There are several decrepit windmills, salt sheds and smelly salinas on Salt Cay, which is a sort of living museum of 19th-century salt industry.|It was on Salt Cay, where the first Bermudan salt traders settled in the mid-17th century. They created ponds and dug canals and sluice gates to connect them to the open sea. A series of windmills controlled the water flow. At its peak, Salt Cay was the world's largest producer of salt and around 100 ships left the island every year with a load of salt for the U.S. market. Nowadays salt is produces cheaper in other parts of the world and on Salt Cay there is little going on. The island has only several cars and some 100 inhabitants. There are no asphalt roads. The only settlement on Salt Cay is Balfour Town.|Salt Cay has some excellent beaches. The island is 20 km southwest of Cockburn Town.";
n["saltisland"][0]="Salt Island|British Virgin Islands|vi|Central America";
n["saltisland"][1]="At the beginning of the 20th century, about 100 people worked and lived in the salt industry on Salt Island. Every year around April, the salt ponds evaporated and the salt could be collected by hacking off chunks and bagging them up. The salt was used to preserve and season food on the other Virgin Islands, but since the arrival of electricity and refrigeration the salt business has dwindled to a minimum.|Nowadays only a handful of people live on the tiny, wishbone-shaped island and most visitors only come there to go wreck diving at the site of the RMS Rhone.|Salt Island is 10 km (6 miles) southwest of Road Town.";
n["saltlakecity"][0]="Salt Lake City|United States|us|North America";
n["saltlakecity"][1]="Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah. It sits on the Jordan River, in the basin of Lake Bonneville in the north of Utah, not far from the Wasatch Range. Salt Lake City is the largest city in the state and the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons.|The first Mormons arrived in the region in the mid-1800's, when they settled the valley of the Great Salt Lake. Salt Lake City itself was founded in 1847 by Brigham Young, as the capital of the Mormon community. The city became rich because it served as the Mormon's economic hub. After 1849 Salt Lake City started serving as a supply point for overland travel to California. After Brigham Young to Ogden connected the city to America's rail network with the first transcontinental railroad in 1869-70, development really took off.|The city's Mormon nature is reflected by the huge Mormon Tabernacle, or Mormon Temple on Temple Square in the center of town. Construction of the Temple started in 1853 and it was finished 40 years later. Other sights include the State Capitol, which dates from 1914, Assembly Hall on Tample Square, the Hansen Planetarium and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. You can also visit the Beehive and Lion houses, which are the former homes of the families of Brigham Young. The Brighan Young Monument was erected in 1897. The University of Utah, founded in 1850, and Westminster College, founded in 1875, are two nice examples of 19th century architecture.|Salt Lake City is an important processing point for products from irrigated farms throughout the region. The state of Utah is rich in minerals and as a result, industries that process copper, silver, lead, zinc, coal and iron ore, as well as other minerals have settled in the city and contribute heavily to its economy. Other industries in Salt Lake City include food processing plants, the production of computers and electronic equipment, oil refineries, textile mills and warehouses.|During the winter months (November-February), the region around Salt Lake City receives thousands of tourists, who are attracted by the major ski areas that are situated nearby and where the Winter Olympic Games where held in February 2002. Other outdoor recreation spots are also in the vicinity.|There are countless hotels and restaurants in Salt Lake City. The city is 2975 km west of Washington DC.";
n["saltlakecity"][2]="n/a|n/a|1320|200000|n/a|-7|n/a|n/a|1";
n["saltoangel"][0]="Salto Angel (Angel Falls)|Venezuela|ve|South America";
n["saltoangel"][1]="The Salto Angel (Angels Falls) is the world's highest waterfall, with an uninterrupted drop of 807 m (2647 feet). The waterfall lies on a tributary of the Río Carrao, in the northern part of the Canaima National Park.|Salto Angel is 710 km southeast of Caracas and the nearest accommodation is in Canaima, some 60 km to the northwest.";
n["saltoaponguao"][0]="Salto Aponguao (Aponguao Falls)|Venezuela|ve|South America";
n["saltoaponguao"][1]="The Salto Aponguao is one of the most stunning waterfalls in La Gran Sabana in southeastern Venezuela. It requires some effort to get there, but it is well worth it, as the 105 m (344 feet) high waterfall is spectacular.|You can get there via the Indian village of Iboribó. Ask local to take you across the Río Aponguao by curiara (dugout canoe), from where a marked path leads to the falls. At the foot of the Salto Apongao you can swim in the natural pools that have formed there.|You can camp not far from the falls and you can get to the village of Iboribó, by boat on the Río Aponguao, although boats can take you right up to the falls as well. It is also possible to travel 40 km (25 miles) on unpaved roads to the village, after leaving the highway that runs through the region.";
n["saltonsea"][0]="Salton Sea|United States|us|North America";
n["saltonsea"][1]="The Salton Sea is a saline lake in the northern part of the Imperial Valley in southeastern California. The lake measures 958 km² (370 sq miles) and is 71 m (232 feet) below sea level. Salton Sea was formed as the Colorado River delta grew across the Gulf of California, severing the river's northern part. The area was a salt-covered depression known as Salton Sink until 1905, when a flood on the Colorado broke through an irrigation gap in its levee and the river flowed into the sink for two years before it was checked. The water level has gradually risen due to runoff from surrounding mountains and irrigation systems, but the water's salinity has increased and fertilizer and pesticide pollution has grown, harming both fish and bird life as well as the once-thriving tourist trade. A state park and a national wildlife refuge are on the shores of the Salton Sea.";
n["salvadordebahia"][0]="Salvador de Bahía|Brazil|br|South America";
n["salvadordebahia"][1]="Salvador de Bahía is the capital of Brazil's Bahía State. It is often simply referred to as Salvador and boasts many historic buildings. The Portuguese founded the city in 1549 and until the 1850's it was the most important place in Brazil, as well as the Portuguese Empire's second largest, after Lisbon. Salvador became very wealthy thanks to the sugar trade and much of the assets were used to build 34 beautiful, gold-filled colonial churches, mansions and celebrate wild and decadent festivals.|Nowadays Carnaval in Salvador is one of the best in Brazil and attracts thousands of tourists every year. The Museu Afro-Brasileira is dedicated to Black culture. The Bahía State is Brazil's most Africanized state. The historic part of Salvador lies up in the hills, while the city's port is down below. The two parts of town are connected by the 85 m (279 feet) high Elevador Lacerda. The electric elevators were built in Art Deco style and transport some 50,000 people every day. There are many good beaches in the vicinity of Salvador de Bahía.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants in town. Salvador de Bahía is 1030 km east of Brasilia.";
n["salzburg"][0]="Salzburg|Austria|au|Europe";
n["salzburg"][1]="Salzburg is a picturesque city on the Salzach River, not far from the border with Germany. Most buildings in the old town were constructed in the late-16th and early-17th centuries, by three bishop-princes. In the old town are numerous churches, plazas, courtyards and fountains, as well as countless medieval spires, domes, belfries and turrets that give Salzburg its distinctive skyline. Salzburg was the birthplace of the famous composer of classical pieces, Mozart. As a result numerous museums, houses and squares are named after the musician and numerous products, such as chocolate bars and liqueurs are marketed with his name.|Salzburg's old town is dominated by the Hohensalzburg Castle. The castle was built in the 11th century, on a rock outcrop, some 120 m above the city. The castle is very large and on its grounds are torture chambers, staterooms, a tower and two museums, as well as all possible self-sufficient accoutrements of a tiny settlement. The Museum of Natural History is on the eastern side of the old town. It has excellent exhibitions on Austria's flora and fauna and physics, as well as various deformed human embryos. If you are turned on by that, you should also visit the catacombs in the graveyard of the 9th-century St Peter's Abbey.|In Salzburg you can also visit Mozart's birthplace and his home, as well as the graves of his father and widow. In July and August, during the Summer International Festival, many of Mozart's compositions are performed in Salzburg.|The Baroque Hellbrunn Palace is 4 km south of the old town, in Salzburg's outskirts. It was built in the 17th century by bishop Marcus Sitticus and features numerous hidden fountains and water-powered figures, as the bishop was fascinated with soaking unsuspecting visitors. The tour guides of the palace posses the same kind of humor, so be careful.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Salzburg. The city is 250 km west of Wien (Vienna).";
n["salzburg"][2]="-47.48|13.03|n/a|500000|n/a|1|y|662|43";
n["salé"][0]="Salé|Morocco|mo|Africa";
n["salé"][1]="Salé lies directly northeast of Rabat. Even though it's just on the other side of the Oued Bou Regreg estuary that separates them, Salé is a completely different city, with its own distinctive atmosphere. This is a result of the city's long independence from the rest of Morocco. Salé has an interesting souk with narrow, winding alleyways.|In the 13th century, the Merenid sultan built the walls that still stand today, as well as a canal between the Oued Bou Regreg and the Bab Mrisa, to provide a safe entrance for ships. The city's most prosperous period was during the times when the sultanate at Fès used Salé as its main port to ship goods to Europe, but since the 17th century it has been in decline.|The main access point to the city is via the Bab Bou Haja. In the souk is the Grande Mosquée, but it's some hassle to find your way through the winding streets. It is easier to approach the mosque via the road along the city walls. The mosque was built during Almohad times. The medersa is a beautifully decorated building, constructed by the Merenid sultan Abou el Hassan in 1333. It houses a museum and you can climb to the roof for great views over the city.|Like in Rabat there is a whole score of accommodation and restaurants in town. There is a campsite close to the seafront, next to the Oued Bou Regreg estuary. Salé is connected with Rabat by boat, bus and taxi.";
n["samarisland"][0]="Samar Island|Philippines|rp|Asia";
n["samarisland"][1]="One of the most scenic coastal roads in the Philippines runs along the western side of Samar, one of the Visayan Islands. The road runs along mountains, steep cliffs and picturesque bays, filled with small boats. When driving along the road you can see countless islands in the distance. One of the most interesting towns along the route is Viriato, where you can see a large waterfall and which offers good hiking opportunities.";
n["samarkand"][0]="Samarkand|Uzbekistan|uz|Asia";
n["samarkand"][1]="Samarkand is a very old city. The city reached its economic, cultural and intellectual peak during the rule of the ruthless warrior Timur, his grandson Ulughbek and the Uzbek Shaybanids in the 14th and 15th centuries. During that period it was one of Islam's most important cities and most of its attractions were built. Most of the interesting sights in Samarkand are situated in the old town and the majority of them are the work of Timur.|The Registan consists of a collection of beautiful medressas decorated with majolica tile work and azure mosaics. On the premises are several marvelously proportioned spaces. The Registan is one of Central Asia's most amazing sights. Not far from the Registan are the ruins of the huge Bibi-Khanym Mosque. It was built by Timur and at the time it was one of the world's largest mosques. Unfortunately it was built on such a grand scale that construction techniques available at the time were pushed to the limit and caused the building slowly to degrade. An earthquake in 1897 put too much restraint on the mosque and it collapsed.|The Shahi-Zinda is a street lined with tombs from Timur's and Ulughbek's family members and friends. It is said one of the tombs holds the remains of a much-revered cousin of the prophet Muhammad. Many of the tombs have beautiful majolica decorations.|The main bazar, which is located around the Bibi-Khanym Mosque is a colorful, bustling market where people from all over the area come to buy and sell their goods. It is an excellent place to watch people from all possible ethnic groups in Uzbekistan.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants in town. Food can also be purchased from the colorful bazaars. Samarkand has air connections with Tashkent, but it is also possible to make the trip by train or bus. Transportation to numerous other places in the country is also available. Samarkand is 270 km southwest of Tashkent.";
n["samch'ok"][0]="Samch'ok|South Korea|ks|Asia";
n["samch'ok"][1]="Samch'ok is of little interest to travelers, but the beaches south of town are absolutely stunning. Many of the beaches are sheltered by steep cliffs and rocks and some of them are completely deserted.|Kundok Beach boasts a magnificent scenery. It an isolated beach, off the main road and as a result it is mostly deserted and you will have it all to yourself.|At Yonghwa Beach you will find a freshwater stream, as well as many minbaks (rooms in private houses), where you can stay. There are numerous places where nice seafood is available.|Imwon Beach is very small. It only measures about 200 m (218 yards), but the scenery is marvelous. The beach is set in a cliff-lined cove, where you'll find numerous sea caves.|There are several other beaches in the area, including beach resorts, where Koreans spend their weekends. The most convenient way to visit these beaches is to rent a car and drive there, although local buses ply the coast road irregularly as well.|Accommodation is widely available along the coast. Samch'ok is on South Korea's northeastern coast, 190 km east of Seoul.";
n["samlord'scastle"][0]="Sam Lord's Castle|Barbados|bb|Central America";
n["samlord'scastle"][1]="Sam Lord's Castle is a limestone coral mansion on Long Bay, on the southern coast of Barbados. It was built by Sam Lord, who hung 'wrecker' lanterns off the point, to lure ships on the nearby Cobbler's Reef. The ships though to enter a safe harbor when they saw the lights, but crashed on the reef instead. According to legend Sam Lord collected the ships' cargo after they crashed. Most historians believe the lantern story as folklore, but the castle is still worth a visit. It contains a small collection of paintings and antique furniture.|Sam Lord's Castle is 20 km east of Bridgetown.";
n["sammountain"][0]="Sam Mountain|Vietnam|vm|Asia";
n["sammountain"][1]="Sam Mountain sits in the Mekong Delta, 20 km (15 miles) southwest of Châu Dôc and close to the Cambodian border. The area around Sam boasts numerous pagodas and cave temples. Many temples feature shrines and tombs that are places of pilgrimage to ethnic-Chinese.";
n["samos"][0]="Sámos (ÃÃîïò)|Greece|gr|Europe";
n["samos"][1]="Sámos lies close to the Turkish coast and is one of the seven major islands that form the group of Northeastern Aegean Islands. The island is the birthplace of philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. Most of Sámos is mountainous and covered with lush vegetation, including pine, sycamore and oak forest. There are numerous small waterfalls and lakes. The island's highest peak is 1611 m high Mount Fengari. Another mountain is called Samothraki and it is very distinctive for its egg-shape.|As most Greek islands, Sámos gets very busy with tourists during the summer. Accommodation, though plentiful, can be difficult to get during that period.";
n["samosirisland"][0]="Samosir Island|Indonesia|id|Asia";
n["samosirisland"][1]="Samosir is the wedge-shaped island in the middle of Lake Toba. It is thought that subsequent volcanic upheavals between 30,000 and 75,000 years ago created it. The island was originally inhabited by the fierce Toba Bataks. They have left the island with many stone tombs and traditional villages, of which Tomok, Tuk-tuk, Siallagan and Ambarita are the most interesting.|Samosir has long been Sumatra's premier tourist attraction and as a result, a wide variety of accommodation and eateries ring the shoreline. More accommodation is available in the town of Parapat, on the eastern shore of Lake Toba. The best way to explore the island is by rented motorcycle.|Samosir Island is 115 km south of Medan and 1330 km northwest of Jakarta and can be reached by ferry from Parapat.";
n["samothráki"][0]="Samothráki|Greece|gr|Europe";
n["samothráki"][1]="Egg-shaped Samothráki lies close to the Turkish coast and is one of the seven major islands that form the group of Northeastern Aegean Islands. Samothráki's scenery is excentric and the views from its highest point, 1611 m high Mount Fengari, are magnificent. The island's interior is covered with lush valleys, olive trees, dark pools and numerous waterfalls.|Accommodation is available in the town of Samothráki.";
n["san'a"][0]="San'a|Yemen|ym|Asia";
n["san'a"][1]="According to legend, San'a was founded by Noah's son, Shem and excavations suggest that San'a existed at least as early as the 2nd century AD. Up until 1962 all buildings in San'a stood within its ancient city walls, but nowadays it has grown far beyond them. Numerous houses in the Old City date from the 16th century and San'a's medina is the largest preserved one in the Arab world. Most buildings in the center of town have marvelously decorated façades with elaborate friezes, as well as beautiful takhrim windows with their distinctive fret-working and colored panes. San'a's skyline is dominated by numerous minarets and there are many old bathhouses in the city, some of which date from the times of Ottoman occupation.|Souq al-Milh is the city's central market. It consists of some 40 small souqs, each one of which is specialized in one certain product. There are separate souqs for vegetables, spices, qat, raisins, pottery, clothes, woodwork, copper and silver, amongst others. The Jambiya Souq is a good place to see the manufacturing of complex ceremonial weapons. The Al-Jami' al-Kabir, or the great mosque, was built in 630 AD and is located on the western side of Souq al-Milh. It can only be visited by Muslims.|The National Museum is situated in the so-called House of Good Luck. The House is an old royal palace and dates from the 1930's. The building has five floors, which are completely dedicated to exhibitions on the ancient kingdoms of Yemen, such as Saba, Yemen's Islamic history and its modern folk culture. The Museum for Arts & Crafts is also housed in an old palace. Its displays include artifacts from everyday Yemeni life. In the Military Museum you can learn more about Yemen's numerous wars.|There are numerous hotels in San'a, but especially the cheaper ones are of dubious quality. It is possible to stay in one of the city's converted tower houses, but that is more expensive. There are also many restaurants in San'a, the best ones of which can be found around Bab al-Yaman.";
n["san'a"][2]="-15.24|44.14|n/a|1100000|140|4|n/a|1|967";
n["san"][0]="San|Mali|ml|Africa";
n["san"][1]="San is a typical Sahelian town, but it is much quieter than most other places along the Niger River. It has a mud brick mosque, similar to the one in Djenné, but much smaller. The old town retains a traditional ambience.|Accommodation and restaurants are scarce in San. There is a gare routiÚre in town. San is 345 km east of Bamako.";
n["sanandreasfault"][0]="San Andreas Fault|United States|us|North America";
n["sanandreasfault"][1]="The San Andreas Fault is a great fracture of the earth's crust in California. It is the principal fault of an intricate network of faults that extends almost 1000 km (600 miles) from northwestern California to the Gulf of California. The San Andreas Fault is a strike-slip fault that extends at least 30 km (20 miles) vertically into the earth.|The San Andreas Fault separates southwestern California from the North American continent and forms the boundary between two sections of the earth's lithosphere, the North American plate and the Pacific plate. The Pacific plate is moving northwest in relation to the North American plate and it is believed that the total displacement along the fault since its formation more than 30 million years ago has been about 560 km (350 miles).|Movement along the fault causes earthquakes, of which several thousand occur annually. Only a few of these earthquakes are of moderate or higher magnitude. The destructive San Francisco earthquake of 1906 was caused by a movement in which land surfaces on either side of the fault were displaced horizontally up to 6.4 m (21 feet).";
n["sanandresyprovidencia"][0]="San Andrés y Providencia|Colombia|co|South America";
n["sanandresyprovidencia"][1]="The San Andrés y Providencia Department consists of an archipelago of several small islands, some 720 km northwest from the Colombian mainland and 200 km east of Nicaragua. There are two clusters of islands. San Andrés is the main island of the southern group, while 90 km to the north lies mountainous Providencia.|San Andrés is a duty-free zone, which has generated a thriving tourist industry, but it hasn't affected the island's charm and beauty. There are extensive coral reefs around most of the islands, which provide an excellent environment for snorkelers and scuba divers. The waters are turquoise colored and there are numerous beautiful cays with nice beaches. Life in the San Andrés y Providencia Department is easy going and the atmosphere in the archipelago is much more friendly than that on the Colombian mainland.|The archipelago has air connections with Colombia and several southern U.S. cities, but there are no regular ferries. It is possible to get there on freighters and cargo boats, which take passengers. There are numerous hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities on the islands, but they are all quite expensive.";
n["sanangelo"][0]="San Angelo|United States|us|North America";
n["sanangelo"][1]="The first major construction in San Angelo, was Fort Concho, which was founded where two forks join to form the Concho River, beside a border military post in 1866. San Angelo was laid out three years later. It was a rough of cattle trails and overland traffic in the 1870's and started growing after the arrival of the railroad in 1888.|Nowadays it is an important wool and mohair market and a trade and shipping point for a wide area of sheep, goat and cattle ranches, irrigated farms and oil and natural gas fields. Meat and dairy items, shoes, leather goods, oil field equipment and stone, clay and glass items are also produced. Fort Concho has been restored and houses a museum. San Angelo is home to Angelo State University, Goodfellow Air Force Base and Lake Nasworthy, which serves as the municipal reservoir. San Angelo Reservoir is also in the vicinity.|Accommodation and restaurants are available in town. San Angelo is in western Texas, 370 km southwest from Dallas and 2280 km southwest from Washington D.C.";
n["sanantonioabad"][0]="San Antonio Abad (Sant Antoni de Portnani)|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["sanantonioabad"][1]="San Antonio Abad is also known as Sant Antoni de Portnani. It is a very important tourist center with outstanding, but often overcrowded, beaches. The best ones being Cala Gració and Cala Blanch. The beautiful beach that sits opposite the small Isla Margalida (Ses Margalides) is absolutely stuning.|There are countless hotels and restaurants in San Antonio Abad, as well as many bars and clubs that offer a busy nightlife. San Antonio Abad is in the west of Ibiza, 460 km southeast of Madrid.";
n["sanbartolomedetirajana"][0]="San Bartolomé de Tirajana|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["sanbartolomedetirajana"][1]="The village of San Bartolomé de Tirajana lies 'hidden' in a huge volcanic crater and can only be accessed by some narrow mountain streets. When going to San Bartolomé de Tirajana you will pass some of Gran Canaria's highest mountains: the Pozo de las Nieves (1965 m) and Los Pechos (1961 m). Close to town is the Necropolis of Artenara, where the Guanches, the Canary Island's original inhabitants, used to bury their death.|Accommodation and restaurants are available in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The town is in the center of Gran Canaria, about 1650 km southwest of Madrid.";
n["sanclemente"][0]="San Clemente|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["sanclemente"][1]="Close to San Clemente is Calas Covas, where you will find an original 'hippies'-colony with people living in caves. Transistor radios are their only contact with the rest of the world.|Accommodation and restaurants are available in town. San Clemente is on Menorca, 685 km southeast of Madrid.";
n["sandriverdam"][0]="Sand River Dam|Swaziland|wz|Africa";
n["sandriverdam"][1]="There are no facilities whatsoever at Sand River Dam. The water is infected with bilharzia, so it's better not to swim there.";
n["sandycays"][0]="Sandy Cays|Jamaica|jm|Central America";
n["sandycays"][1]="The Sandy Cays lie some 32 km (20 miles) off the coast from Alligator Pond. They consist of a collection of small islets and cays that poke out of the ocean only several feet. The Sandy Cays are excellent for scuba diving, snorkeling and nude bathing. Trips to the cays are available from Alligator Pond.";
n["sandyground"][0]="Sandy Ground|Anguilla|av|Central America";
n["sandyground"][1]="Sandy Ground is a stretch of white-sand beach lined with restaurants, a dive shop and several cheap places to stay. The bay of Sandy Ground is the main port of entry for yachts that visit Anguilla.|The large salt pond behind Sandy Ground was commercially harvested until the end of the 20th century, after which the cost of shipping salt began to exceed its value and activities came to a halt. The northern end of the salt pond is very quiet and home to egrets, herons, stilts and numerous other wading birds.|Sandy Ground is 3 km (2 miles) west of The Valley. About 1.6 km (1 mile) off the coast from Sandy Ground is the small islet of Sandy Island. Tours to the islet and to the Prickly Pear Cays are available in Sandy Ground.";
n["sandyisland"][0]="Sandy Island|Anguilla|av|Central America";
n["sandyisland"][1]="Sandy Island is a small islet, 1.6 km (1 mile) off the coast from Sandy Ground. The islet itself consists of little more than a sandbank with some palm trees, but the surrounding reefs offer good snorkeling and you can see finger corals, sea fans and numerous small tropical fish. Boat rides to Sandy Island can be arranged in Sandy Ground.";
n["sangerman"][0]="San Germán|Puerto Rico|rq|Central America";
n["sangerman"][1]="San Germán is a picturesque, Mediterranean-style town in the southwestern foothills of Puerto Rico's Cordillera Central. It is the island's second oldest settlement and it features two nice plazas, some beautiful townhouses and the Church of Porta Coeli (Gate of Heaven), which was built by Dominican monks in 1606. It served as San Germán's jail during a short period in the 19th century.|There are several hotels and restaurants in San Germán. The town is 110 km southwest of San Juan.";
n["sangimignano"][0]="San Gimignano|Italy|it|Europe";
n["sangimignano"][1]="San Gimignano is often referred to as 'San Gimignano of the Fine Towers', because of its 14 medieval towers. Every large mansion and castle used to have a tower to watch out for danger. Originally there were 72 towers, but many were destroyed. Most of the remaining towers can be seen on the buildings around the largest piazzas (squares) in San Gimignano. The Torre Grossa is the tallest remaining tower. It measures 54 m.|Other interesting sights in San Gimignano include a cathedral, the remains of a fortress and a church with nice frescoes. There is also an interesting museum in San Gimignano that has displays of art from the Sienese and Florentine schools.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants in San Gimignano. The city is in Tuscany, some 210 km northwest of Rome.";
n["sanipass"][0]="Sani Pass|Lesotho|lt|Africa";
n["sanipass"][1]="The road through the Sani Pass is the only connection Lesotho has with the Natal Drakensburg area in South Africa. The nearest town on the South African side is Underberg. At the pass you will find the Sani Top Chalet that can be used as a base to make hikes to 3482 m high Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest mountain in this part of Africa. You can also go there on horseback.|The only place to stay is at the chalet. The only way to get there is by own means of transport, as the pass is not served by any buses or minibuses. In the winter it is possible to ski there.|The Sani Pass is in the east of Lesotho, 185 km southeast of Maseru.";
n["sanjoaquinriver"][0]="San Joaquin River|United States|us|North America";
n["sanjoaquinriver"][1]="The San Joaquin River rises in the Sierra Nevada in the east of California. It is 510 km (320 miles) long and flows firts west, then north through the southern part of the Central Valley, after which it merges with the Sacramento River to form a large delta, not far from Suisun Bay, an arm of San Francisco Bay.|Oceangoing vessels can navigate the San Joaquin some 60 km (40 miles) upstream to Stockton. The San Joaquin's chief tributaries are the Mokelumne, Tuolumne, Merced and Fresno rivers. The San Joaquin flows through the wide basin between the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Range. The southern part of that basin is usually called the San Joaquin Valley, although it includes independent rivers such as the Kings and the Kern. There are many cites on the San Joaquin River, including Stockton in the north, Fresno, Modesto, Merced and Bakersfield in the south. The Central Valley project, which was largely undertaken to bring surplus water from the north to make the San Joaquin Valley more fertile, includes the Friant Dam, which is on the San Joaquin. The San Luis Dam is on the nearby San Luis River.";
n["sanjose+cq"][0]="San Jose|Northern Mariana Islands|cq|Oceania";
n["sanjose+cq"][1]="All of Tinian's 2100 inhabitants live in the island's only settlement of San Jose. The town was built around the site of an old Chamorro village. One of the best sights in San Jose are the remains of the Chamorro Taga House. The ruins consist of a large collection of latte stones that are said to be the foundations of the home of Taga the Great. He was one of the ancient Chamorros' legendary kings.|The best beach in San Jose is Kammer Beach. The airport is several kilometers north of town.|There are several hotels and restaurants in town. San Jose is about 20 km south of Garapan.";
n["sanjosé+sp"][0]="San José|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["sanjosé+sp"][1]="San José on Ibiza features the most beautiful church on the island. Most tourists are only interested in the town's great beaches. The best places to go for a swim are Cala D'Or, Cala Bassa, Cala Tárida and Es Vedra. Some further from town are several un-crowded beaches, as well as the cave of Ses Fontelles, which boasts prehistoric wall-paintings.|San José offers a wide variety of hotels and restaurants. The town is in the south of Ibiza, 465 km southeast of Madrid.";
n["sanjosé"][0]="San José|Costa Rica|cs|Central America";
n["sanjosé"][1]="San José is Costa Rica's main transportation hub, so even if you're not planning to visit it, you'll probably end up there for a day or two. The capital has many department stores, shopping malls and fast-food restaurants, as well as several bustling markets and some good museums.|The Museo Nacional is the best of the museums. It features exhibitions of colonial furniture, costumes and religious art, as well as displays of the country's archaeology. The Museo del Oro Precolombino boasts an incredible collection of pre-Columbian golden artifacts. The world's largest collection of American jade sculptures can be seen at the Museo de Jade.|One of the most impressive buildings in San José is the Teatro Nacional, which hosts plays, operas, ballets and performances by the National Symphony Orchestra. It was built in the 1890's. All sorts of leatherwork and a wide variety of cheap, local foodstuffs can be bought from the Mercado Central.|More food is available in the restaurants that are concentrated on the area west of Calle Central, between Avenidas 1 and 2. In the same area, most of the cheaper accommodation is situated. San José is blessed with a fine climate and has rail and road connections with most other cities in Costa Rica, as well as air connections with numerous international destinations.";
n["sanjosé"][2]="-9.56|-84.08|1146|500000|93|-6|n/a|Not required|506";
n["sanjosé"][3]="19.2|1.5|21.4|4.6|20.8|21.1|20.3|30";
n["sanjuan"][0]="San Juan|Puerto Rico|rq|Central America";
n["sanjuan"][1]="San Juan was founded by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1521 and grew to be one of the strategically most important outposts in the Americas. During the 17th century, massive fortifications were constructed, in order to protect the city from British and Dutch maritime incursions. During the same time, the trade in sugar, coffee, cotton, tobacco and African slaves flourished. During the 18th century however, smuggling was on the rise and the plantation-owning bourgeoisie became more powerful, causing Spain's grip on the city to weaken. As a result San Juan began developing its own distinct identity.|In the 19th century, a nationalist fervor spread throughout Puerto Rico, but that was stopped when the U.S. occupied the island during the Spanish-American War in 1897. Twenty years later the islanders received U.S. citizenship, just in time to get drafted for WWI. During the 1940's San Juan expanded rapidly, as a result of the influx of U.S. cash (consisting largely of tax breaks to resident US companies). During that time, suburbs such as Santurce, Condado and Miramar were incorporated in the city. After WWII, tourism became the country's major earner.|In 1993, the 500th anniversary of Columbus' sighting of Puerto Rico was celebrated and a huge restoration project was started in San Juan. At that time numerous buildings in the city were lying derelict and in disrepair, but nowadays the walled city is a beautiful showpiece of an old colonial Spanish city and a major tourist destination in itself. Nationalists keep the independence debate on the national agenda continuously, but in reality San Juan remains an important cultural beachhead for spreading U.S. influence throughout the Caribbean.|Around the historic colonial walled city, a modern metropolis has developed, including high-rise beach strips and a major commercial center. Most of the buildings within the city walls date from the 16th century, making San Juan the second oldest city in the Americas (only Cuzco in Peru is older). San Juan is the country's economical, political and cultural center.|Most visitors to Puerto Rico never make it past San Juan; they arrive there and lay their towel down on one of the superb white sand beaches and never move anywhere until the holidays are over. Others who do explore other parts of Puerto Rico, base themselves in San Juan, which is a good idea, as Puerto Rico is a compact island and most places can easily be visited on a day trip.|San Juan sits on Puerto Rico's northeastern coast. The old town occupies the western part of an island, which lies on the eastern side of the entrance to the Bahía de San Juan. The resort areas of Condado and Isla Verde lie east of the old town, while the rest of the city radiates south, east and west. San Juan's international airport is 16 km (10 miles) east of the old town.|When to Go
|Most of the year, temperatures in San Juan lie between 24 and 30°C (75-85°F), but most tourists who want to escape the winter in North America, arrive between December and April. During these months accommodation is hard to find and San Juan's streets are packed with Americans. Las Navidades is a thee-week long celebration that begins on 15 December and has its climax on the 6th of January, when hundreds of children advance on La Fortaleza to receive presents from the governor. In the third week of January San Juan takes to the streets during the Saint Sebastian Festival.|The low season between May and November is the best time to visit San Juan if you want to avoid the crowds, but during that time hurricanes can occur, so keep an eye on the weather forecasts if you're heading to San Juan at that time of year. Usually hurricane season means that the weather is slightly hotter and wetter than the rest of the year, but occasionally powerful hurricanes strike Puerto Rico.|In June the Casals Festival honors the famous Puerto Rican cellist Casals. It is one of the most important cultural events in the Caribbean. Later in June the Festival of St John the Baptist is celebrated. It fuses pagan and Catholic iconography with Indian, African and Spanish traditions. During the festival colorful costumed processions are held and there's a lot of feasting, music and dancing. The highlight of the festivities is the backwards midnight walk into the sea, which is supposed to bring you luck.|In July the Festival del Chicarrón (ham-festival) is held in Bayamón, southeast of the old town and in August the International Old Lacers Convention gives you a chance to get wrapped up in traditional Puerto Rican mundillo lace.|When the baseball season starts in November, all Sanjuaners are focused on that until it reaches its climax in February.|The first Tuesday of each month (except January and June through August) is Gallery Night in Old San Juan. During that night, art galleries stay open late, many open new exhibitions and there's an arty buzz through the cobbled streets.|Places of interest
|Old San Juan
|In San Juan's Old Town are numerous nice plazas and cobble stoned streets that are lined with beautifully restored colonial buildings. The Old Town is on the western end of San Juan Island and is surrounded by the sea on three sides.|One of the oldest constructions in San Juan's Old Town is the 16th-century fortress of El Morro. It sits at the western end of the district and rises almost 45 m (150 feet) above the sea. Its 4.5 m (15 feet) thick walls repelled raids by Caribs, the Dutch and the English, led by Sir Francis Drake. The fortress contains a labyrinth of ramparts, tunnels and dungeons.|One mile (1.6 km) east of El Morro lies its twin of El Castillo San Cristóbal. Construction of this fortress was started in 1598, when the Earl of Cumberland's English forces took El Morro by siege. This was the only time El Morro fell and even then it was only a matter of months before the invaders succumbed to disease. Both forts have so-called garitas (sentry boxes) jutting over their outer walls.|In the lee of the two forts lie the colonial monuments of Old San Juan. The Iglesia de San José dates from the beginning of the 16th century, while the Casa Blanca was built for Juan Ponce de León, although it is thought he never actually lived there. The Casa Blanca is nowadays a museum, where you can see Spanish colonial-era furniture. The Catedral de San Juan was originally a modest building with a thatched roof, but it was expanded several times over the centuries and has become a huge Gothic structure. La Fortaleza, not far from San Juan Gate, was originally built as a fort, but it has mostly been used as a dwelling for the rich and powerful.|Old San Juan is an excellent place to explore on foot. There are many small museums, boutiques, hotels and cafés in the area.|Condado
|The district of Condado is just several kilometers east of Old San Juan. It boasts a beautiful beach, lined with high-rise hotels, restaurants, pubs and haute couture boutiques. El Centro des Bellas Artes offers some of the best entertainment in the region.|Santurce
|Southeast of Condado, across the San José Lagoon, lies the suburb of Santurce. It is a good place to go if you want to get away from the tourist hordes. Among the shanties you'll find various interesting markets and shops, as well as the Museum of Contemporary Puerto Rican Art, which is situated on the grounds of the Sacred Heart University.|Bacardi Rum Factory
|The Bacardi Rum Factory, on the western shore of the Bahia de San Juan can be visited and tours include a trolley tour of the distillery and bottling plant, a modest museum and a free rum cocktail. At the gift shop the precious liquid, manufactured in the bottling plant is for sale. You can get to the factory by ferry from the pier in Old San Juan. Upon arrival at Cataño a shuttle bus will take you to the distillery.|Nearby, in an 18th-century mansion, is the Barrilito Rum Distillery, while the ruins of the island's first settlement can be seen at Caparra, a little farther south. Artifacts recovered from the ruins can be seen at the Museum of the Conquest and Colonization of Puerto Rico.|Bayamón
|When going southeast from Old San Juan, you'll notice a scent of smoked ham in the air that gets stronger once you get to the suburb of Bayamón. There Puerto Rico's famous chicharrón is prepared better than anywhere else. Bayamón has been a center of manufacturing and agricultural production since the mid-16th century and traces of that history can still be seen. A sugar cane train runs through the suburb's Central Park and there is a coming and going of trucks loaded with local products that are shipped through the port of San Juan.|Bayamón's oldest part includes a nice plaza, an 18th century church and the Museo de Oller, where works of local artists are on display. In the Luis A Ferré Science Park you'll find technical exhibits, playgrounds and a zoo.|Transportation
|The best way to get around in Old San Juan and its immediate vicinity is on foot, although a free tourist trolley is available within the walled city. It stops at places marked with a 'parada' sign.|For larger distances you will have to rely on the public bus service, taxis of car rental. The public bus system is quiet unreliable, while taxis have either meters or fixed prices.|Car rental is easy in San Juan, but local driving habits are erratic, so be careful. Very confusing is the fact that speed limits are in miles per hour, while distances are in kilometers.|San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is about 16 km (10 miles) east of Old San Juan. Transportation from the airport into town is widely available.|Accommodation and Food
|There is a wide range of accommodation in San Juan, but between December and April it can be difficult to find a room. There are countless hotels east of Condado, on Isla Verde and in Carolina, but these areas only offer fast-food restaurants. In Old San Juan are many smaller and more atmospheric hotels with fine restaurants.|Many hotels lower their prices between May and November, but be careful for unexpected 'surcharges' such as an energy surcharge, service charges or taxes. Make sure you know the total price before checking in. Tourist offices will help you to find accommodation.|The Puerto Rican cuisine is a mix of Spanish, African and U.S. influences that blend into a distinctive Caribbean hybrid. Local dishes often include a lot of seafood. Some of the typical dishes include asopao (soup with rice) and mofongo (fried pork skin mixed with plantain and garlic and stuffed with seafood or meat). The local coffee is served strong and sweet and rum is the national drink. So-called piraguas, ice and syrup concoctions, are sold from mobile stands. There are also numerous fast food and international restaurants in San Juan.|There are numerous casinos, night clubs and discos in San Juan, as well as countless smaller establishments, giving the city the best nightlife scene in the Caribbean. Around the Calle San Sebastian and the southern end of Calle Fortaleza (SoFo) in Old San Juan are many nice bars, while the area of Condado Ave east of the Hwy 26 overpass is a happening nightclub area.|There are two craft centers in San Juan, where handicrafts, such as cedar wood santos figurines, masks, wooden snakes, mundillo lace, woven baskets, hammocks, musical instruments, ceramics and Indian-inspired jewelry, are sold. There are also several markets, where the same goods can be found.|San Juan has countless galleries where the works of local artists can be seen and purchased. Latin music is for sale in the city's countless music shops. Condado's Ashford Avenue is mostly lined with boutiques.";
n["sanjuan"][2]="-18.26|-66.00|4 |2000000|n/a|-4|n/a|787|1";
n["sanjuan"][3]="23.3|11.9|24.7|9.4|26.9|16|26.7|14.7";
n["sanjuanriver"][0]="San Juan River|United States|us|North America";
n["sanjuanriver"][1]="The San Juan River is about 640 km (400 miles) long. It rises in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado and flows generally west through New Mexico and Utah to Lake Powell on the Colorado River.|The Navajo Dam, part of the upper Colorado River storage project, is on the river, which is un-navigable. Its chief tributaries are the Animas, Los Pinos, La Plata, Piedra and Mancos rivers. The San Juan is used for irrigation and vegetables, fruits and grains are grown in the river valley in northwestern New Mexico.";
n["sanktantonamarlberg"][0]="Sankt Anton am Arlberg|Austria|au|Europe";
n["sanktantonamarlberg"][1]="Sankt Anton is the largest and busiest of the skiing resorts in Austria's Arlberg region. Skiing around Sankt Anton is excellent and beginners can go to the nearby slopes on Gampen and Kapall.|There are countless hotels and pensions in Sankt Anton, but they are all quite pricy. The town lies on the main railway route from Bregenz to Innsbruck, some 475 km southwest of Wien (Vienna).";
n["sanmarino"][0]="San Marino|San Marino|sm|Europe";
n["sanmarino"][1]="San Marino is the world's oldest republic and the tiny country has been more or less independent since 301 AD. In that year, the Christian stonemason Marinus the Dalmation hid from the anti-Christian Roman Emperor Diocletian on the peak of the beautiful, foreboding and easily defended Mount Titano. The area has been independent ever since. Nowadays, San Marino has one of the most vibrant political and social cultures in Europe.|San Marino is completely surrounded by Italy and its 30,000 inhabitants speak Italian. The country celebrates its founding day every year on 3 September. The celebrations include a crossbow competition and a nation-wide bingo game.| San Marino is also stunningly picturesque. Out of the center of the country just the majestic medieval Mount Titano, itself crowned by the three defensive forts that have made independence possible. Spectacular cliffs face the Adriatic while the Old City tumbles like a veil down the back of Titano, towards the Apennines.|San Marino's economy is largely dependent on the 3 million tourists that visit the country every year. Most tourists drive to the market town of Borgo Maggiore, where they take the cable car up to San Marino city. San Marino's Old Town consists of a labyrinth of cobble-stoned streets, lined with ancient limestone houses. The limestone was quarried from the mountain beneath. There are many museums that cover the span of Sammarinese history in San Marino. Two the city's three old forts that are perched along the edge of the cliffs, house museums. The museums include impressive collections of ancient weapons. The views from the forts are spectacular and on clear days you can see Croatia, on the other side of the Adriatic.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants in San Marino. The city sits on the top of Mount Titano, in the center of the country. San Marino has good rail and road connections with the nearby city of Rimini in Italy, where transportation to the rest of Italy is available.";
n["sanpedrosula"][0]="San Pedro Sula|Honduras|ho|Central America";
n["sanpedrosula"][1]="San Pedro Sula is the capital of the Cortés Department in Honduras. It is situated in the Sula Valley, where bananas and sugar is grown. San Pedro Sula is the country's second largest city and one of its major export hubs. It is an important commercial and industrial center and industries include sugar refining, tanning, flour milling, brewing, meatpacking, tobacco processing and the manufacture of lumber, furniture, dairy products, and soap. Most of the products are transported by rail to Puerto Cosrtés from where they are shipped abroad.|San Pedro Sula was founded by the Spanish in 1536, several kilometers east of its present location. It was then moved in the 17th century. In 1974 and 1998 San Pedro Sula was heavily damaged by hurricanes.|There are several hotels and restaurants in town. San Pedro Sula is 180 km northeast of Tegucigalpa.";
n["sanpedrosula"][2]="-15.26|-88.01|n/a|450000|n/a|-6|n/a|Not required|504";
n["sanpedrosula"][3]="";
n["sansalvador"][0]="San Salvador|El Salvador|es|Central America";
n["sansalvador"][1]="San Salvador has been El Salvador's capital since 1839 and it is the country's largest city. It lies in a valley, which is dominated by the San Salvador volcano. The downturn of the valley is that it traps all of San Salvador's pollution. During the civil war in the 1980's, countless people migrated from rural areas to the city, causing large shantytowns (favelas) to spring up. People from these shantytowns line the streets of San Salvador and sell everything from fruit to plastic bags, just to survive.|San Salvador was founded in 1546, but since the region is prone to earthquakes, and because of the civil war, there are only few old buildings in the city. San Salvador was destroyed completely during earthquakes in 1854 and 1873, while an eruption of the San Salvador volcano flattened the capital in 1917. Floods had the same result in 1934.|The Catedral Metropolitana is San Salvador's major landmark. Archbishop Oscar Romero is buried there. The square in front of the cathedral is Plaza Barrios. Not far from there is the Teatro Nacional that was built in 1917 and boasts a huge ceiling mural. Most of El Salvador's archaeological sights can be seen in the Museo Nacional Davíd J Guzmán.|There are two major markets in San Salvador. The Mercado Central is where you'll find all your daily needs, while the Mercado Ex-Cuartel has countless stalls where handicrafts, hand woven textiles and ceramics are sold. The Jardín Botánico La Laguna is a nice place to get away from the city's horrendous traffic and noises. It consists of a beautiful garden that was laid out on a former swamp at the bottom of a volcanic crater.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants in San Salvador. Most accommodation is concentrated around the eastern and western bus stations, but you should be very careful in these neighborhoods, as they are unsafe, especially at night. Better places can be found on the city's western edge and near the center. The best place to go for San Salvador's nightlife is the Zona Rosa. There you will also find numerous restaurants.";
n["sansalvador"][2]="-13.42|-89.13|682|600000|85|-6|n/a|Not required|503";
n["sansalvador"][3]="23.9|0.8|26.1|4.3|25|29.2|24.4|24.1";
n["sansebastián"][0]="San Sebastián (Donostia)|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["sansebastián"][1]="/coa.San Sebastián is one of the world's most beautifully located cities. During the 19th century it was a famous aristocratic beach resort of great reputation and it still conserves its exclusive and cosmopolitan ambience. Its beautiful buildings and excellent beaches still make it a privileged holiday destination. San Sebastián's bay is surrounded by hills and mountains and it has a magnificent beach. Many wealthy Spaniards rather spent their summer vacations here than in one of the resorts in Southern Spain. In Euskera (the Basque language) the city is known as Donostia, and many road signs are in Euskera only, so don't get confused. If you want to have a beach holiday in Spain, without the tourist masses; and you like some culture added to it, then San Sebastián is the best place to go. The city lies in the north of Spain, not far from the French border.|San Sebastián's main beach is Playa de Concha which continues at Ondarreta. The beach surrounds the bay Bahía de Concha on nearly all sides and at the open end of the bay lies Isla de Santa Clara. In summer you can swim from the beach to this island (rafts are anchored halfway to serve as places to rest).|In the city itself there are a number of museums and churches that can be visited. One of the better ones is the Museo de San Telmo which is housed in a 16th-century monastery. The collection includes a wide range of artifacts such as ancient tombstones, sculptures, agriculture and carpentry displays and some fine arts. There is a small but lively harbor at the eastern end of the beach, close to the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). Behind the harbor Monte Urgull can be climbed. There is an aquarium at the far end of the port.|On the other end of the bay, Monte Igueldo is easier to ascend, as a funicular takes you up. The small mountain provides spectacular views over the city and its surroundings. In summer there is a fair-ground at the top and, especially on weekends and school holidays, it can be very busy with kids.|Budget accommodation is unknown in this city where most tourists have pockets full of money. There is a camping site not too far from the city to the west. There is a light-rail station at Amara for destinations in France and toward the border. South of that station, the bus-terminal provides coaches to most other destinations in the country. The main railway stations is on the other side of the Río Urumea in Egia.";
n["sansebastiándelagomera"][0]="San Sebastián de la Gomera|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["sansebastiándelagomera"][1]="San Sebastián de la Gomera is the picturesque, small capital of La Gomera. Christopher Columbus stopped at San Sebastián de la Gomera on his way to discovering America. He received help of Doña Maria de Bobadilla, the widow of Grafen Peraza, to repair one of his ships, La Pinta. Many things in San Sebastián remind of this event still today. The Count's fortress doesn't exist anymore though. Only one tower has survived, the Torre del Conde.|There are many hotels and restaurants in San Sebastián. The town has boat connections with Tenerife. San Sebastián de la Gomera is 1800 km southwest of Madrid.";
n["santabarbaradesamana"][0]="Santa Barbara de Samaná|Dominican Republic|dr|Central America";
n["santabarbaradesamana"][1]="Santa Barbara de Samaná is mostly referred to as Samaná. It is a laid-back town with colorful houses built against the hillsides. The town lies on a peninsula, not far from the northern shore of the Bahía de Samaná. The bay used to be considered of strategic importance and the U.S. once occupied it for eight years. Most people come to Samaná for its environment. The area around Samaná boasts some of the Dominican Republic's finest natural treasures and town is a perfect place to stay if you want to explore them.|About 7 km off the coast, south of Samaná, is the beautiful Cayo Levantado, a small island with dense forests and three spectacular beaches. Unfortunately, in the afternoons they are filled with tourists, but during the morning they are usually completely deserted. There are also numerous hiking trails on the island.|Southwest of Samaná, at the base of the peninsula, is the Parque Nacional Los Haïtises, which includes numerous islands that are covered with jungle, as well as thick mangrove forests that can be explored by boat.|Every year in January, or February, the Bahía de Samaná is visited by large amounts of humpback whales, who come there to mate. It is thought that some 80% of the world's humpback whales come to the waters of the Dominican Republic during the mating season and they can easily be spotted from vessels that take you out for a reasonable fare. The whales hurl their 40-ton bodies into the air and fall back into the water with an impressive splash. The males jump higher than the gals.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Samaná. The town is 100 km northeast of Santo Domingo.";
n["santacruz"][0]="Santa Cruz|Bolivia|bl|South America";
n["santacruz"][1]="Santa Cruz used to be a small backwater at the fringe of a wilderness, but during the last four decades of the 20th century is has boomed and nowadays is Bolivia's second largest city. Santa Cruz is a major transportation hub and the city has direct air connections with Europe and North America. On the other hand it retains much of its tropical, small town ambiance.|Santa Cruz is a good place to stay if you want to visit the nearby rain forests and the 18th-century Jesuit missions. There are many hotels and restaurants in the city. Santa Cruz is 540 km southeast of La Paz and 250 km northeast of Sucre.";
n["santacruzdelapalma"][0]="Santa Cruz de la Palma|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["santacruzdelapalma"][1]="Santa Cruz is the small but interesting capital of the island of La Palma. The mighty volcanic crater of Caldereta serves as the town's impressive backdrop. Santa Cruz has many characteristic, steeply inclined alleys and a lively ambience. The main waterfront is Avenida Marítima with its beautiful old houses. Most sights are situated in its vicinity. The 17th-century Palacio de Salazar is on Calle de O'Daly, sided by numerous shops, bars and offices. The Calle de O'Daly runs into the Plaza de España and they both lie in the old town's most scenic area. On the Plaza de España is the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) that was built in the 16th century. From the same period is the chapel of Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Luz, which was built on a small rise behind the Plaza de la Constitución. The Iglesia de San Salvador dates from the same period and can be found nearby.|The Casa del Tabaco is a small museum/factory where cigars are hand-made.|The Museum of Natural Science is quite interesting and well worth a visit. Several kilometers out of town is the Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves, the sanctuary of the island's patroness.|There are numerous hotels, bars and restaurants in Santa Cruz de la Palma. The city has air and ferry connections with Tenerife and some of the other islands in the archipelago, as well as the mainland of Spain. Santa Cruz is on the eastern coast of La Palma.";
n["santacruzdetenerife"][0]="Santa Cruz de Tenerife|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["santacruzdetenerife"][1]="Most tourist sights in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are located within 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) of the Plaza de España, with its Cabildo Insular. The Teatro Guimerá doesn't look very special from the outside, but its interior is very nice. Nearby is the beautiful Iglesia de San Francisco that was built in baroque style during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Baroque Iglesia de la Concepción is the city's oldest church. It has a distinctive bell tower. The 17th-century Castillo de San Juan on the waterfront was built for the slave trade. On the Plaza de la Candelaria you will find the impressive 17th-century Carta Palace. The Castillo de Paso Alto is another one of Santa Cruz's interesting sights.|There are several museums in Santa Cruz, of which the most interesting one is the Museo de la Naturaleza y El Hombre (Museum of Natural and Human History). There are exhibitions of mummies and skulls, as well as other ancient artifacts. The Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) has a collection of paintings and in the Museo Militar de Almeyda you can see all sorts of weaponry, including the cannon that supposedly hit Nelson when he attacked the city. The Museum of Painting and Scultpure is also worth a visit.|There are many beautiful parks, such as Parque García Sanabria, in Santa Cruz, as well as countless lively streets. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the busiest ports in Spain and ferries to a large number of destinations are available. Many cruisers from all over the world visit its picturesque port, which is surrounded by high rocks. Not far from town are the beaches of Las Gaviotas and Las Teresitas, while the Monte de la Esperanza, 20 km west of town, provides excellent views over Tenerife.|There are two airports near the city and there are many hotels, hostels, campsites, bars and restaurants to cater your needs. The Parque de García Sanabria is an excellent place to relax and get away from the city's hassles.|Santa Cruz is on Tenerife, some 1700 km southwest of Madrid.";
n["santaeulaliadelrio"][0]="Santa Eulalia del Río|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["santaeulaliadelrio"][1]="The picturesque village of Santa Eulalia is in the southeast of Ibiza. It is an important tourist destination, because it has modern facilities and the following extraordinary beaches: Playas de Santa Eulalia, Cala Blanca and Es Canar.|There are many hotels and restaurants in Santa Eulalia. The town is 480 km southeast of Madrid.";
n["santaluciacotzumalguapa"][0]="Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa|Guatemala|gt|Central America";
n["santaluciacotzumalguapa"][1]="Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa boasts important Indian statues and art. There are numerous large stone heads, carved in relief, scattered all over the cane fields around Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa. The heads are the ritual remnants of the Pipils, a non-Mayan Indian culture that has connections with the Nahuatl-speaking tribes of central Mexico. It is not known why the heads were placed there or how the Pipils got there.|There are three sugar cane fincas (ranches or plantations), where most of the stone heads can be seen. Finca Bilbao includes numerous stone sculptures, hidden among the cane. Finca El Baúl lies on a hilltop and apart from the ancient ritual features, it is still used as a place of worship nowadays. Finca de Ilusiones has an exhibition of hundreds of objects that have been found in the cane fields, over a period of centuries.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa. The city lies on Guatemala's Pacific Slope, 60 southwest of Guatemala City.";
n["santamaria"][0]="Santa Maria|Cape Verde|cv|Africa";
n["santamaria"][1]="Santa Maria is the main destination of Cape Verde. It can become very crowded with package tourists. Santa Maria lies on the island of Sal.";
n["santander"][0]="Santander|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["santander"][1]="Santander is the capital of Cantabria. It is situated on a beautiful bay and it is an economically extremely active place. Santander's port is one of the most important ones on Spain's northern coast.|The city offers a wide variety of cultural events, of which the International Festival and the Menendez y Pelayo International Summer University are the most important. Santander's great sports facilities make it an ideal place for leisure.|There are many hotels and restaurants in Santander. The city is 340 km north of Madrid.|Several kilometers from Santander are the interesting medieval town Santillana del Mar and the prehistoric caves of Altamira. Other sights in the surroundings of Santander include the Iglesia de Santa Maria de Valverde and the Parque Nacional de Cabarceno, where you will find animals from five continents in an outstanding and singular landscape.";
n["santarosalia"][0]="Santa Rosalía|Mexico|mx|North America";
n["santarosalia"][1]="Santa Rosalía is an old French company town in the central desert of Baja. The town used to house the workers for the massive copper-smelting factories, but nowadays the industrial ruins are rusting away and are being buried by the sand. The town's residential area was designed by Eiffel and includes a prefabricated church that was originally destined for Western Africa, but ended up in Mexico. The town's French legacy can still be seen in daily life; for example the bakery sells oven-fresh baguettes.|Santa Rosalía is in Baja California, some 1595 km northwest of Mexico City.";
n["santelmo"][0]="San Telmo|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["santelmo"][1]="San Telmo is probably the most visited port on Mallorca. The most important sights in town include the 16th-century fortress and the ruins of the nearby Sa Trapa Monastery. San Telmo is also the starting point for excursions to the beautiful Isla Dragonera.|There are several hotels and restaurants in San Telmo. The town is in the southwest of Mallorca, 530 km southeast of Madrid.";
n["santiago"][0]="Santiago|Chile|ci|South America";
n["santiago"][1]="Santiago, the capital of Chile, is an enormous metropolis, but the city's central area is relatively small and can be explored on foot. Santiago's central area is roughly triangularly shaped and bordered by the Rio Mapocho on the north. There are numerous plazas and thoroughfares, lined with large public buildings, in Santiago. The city boasts numerous churches and parks as well. Santiago's grid was imposed by the Spanish and nowadays it is prone to traffic jams and pollution. Especially lively is the area of Bellavista, also known as the 'Paris quarter'|Some of the most interesting sights in Santiago include the bustling Mercado Central, the pedestrian mall of Paseo Ahumada and the Palacio de La Moneda, which was originally built as the mint, during colonial times. It was also Allende's final refuge and nowadays it is used as the presidential palace. Santiago's historical core is centered on the Plaza de Armas.|There are numerous museums in Santiago. The Pre-Colombian Museum has a large exhibition of ancient artifacts, while the Museo de Santiago shows Santiago's sprawl with dioramas and reconstructions. European and Chilean art can be seen at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, which was built as a copy of the Petit Palais in Paris.|On the top of the 860-metre Cerro San Cristóbal that looms over the city, is a huge statue of the Virgin Mary. The mountain is included in the Parque Metropolitano recreational area.|There are countless hotels, hostels, dormitories and other forms of accommodation in Santiago. Around the bus station of Terminal de Buses Norte are many of the cheaper places, while more expensive and thus better hotles can be found in the central area, which is bounded by Avenida Balmaceda and Avenida General O'Higgins, which is more commonly known as the Alameda. Bars and restaurants are scattered all over the city, although many of them are clustered around the Alameda and Plaza de Armas, as well as in the vicinity of bus terminals and on pedestrian malls.";
n["santiago"][2]="33.27|-70.42|520|8000000|119|-4|y|2|56";
n["santiago"][3]="20.6|0.3|15.3|1.3|8.9|7.6|14.7|1.5";
n["santiagodecompostela"][0]="Santiago de Compostela|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["santiagodecompostela"][1]="The monumental city of Santiago de Compostela is the final destination of the legendary way of pilgrimage, known as Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James). The camino has been in use since medieval times and still nowadays it attracts visitors from all over the world.|The name 'Santiago' goes back to Roman times when Apostle James (Saint James = Santiago) went to this north-westernmost part of Spain to preach and convert people to Christianity. The Romans called the region 'Finis Terrae', or 'end of the world', a name that still exists as the town of Finisterre, some 50 km west of Santiago de Compostela.|According to legend, Apostle James returned to Palestine in 44 AD and Herodes Agrippa took him prisoner and tortured him to death. The king forbid to bury him and but during the night, Jacob's disciples stole his body and brought it, in a sarcophagus of marble, on board of a small boat. The current of the sea drove the boat to the Spanish coast, into the port of the Roman province's capital, Iria Flavia. There the Apostle was buried at a secret place in a wood.|In 813, the hermit Pelayo listened to music in that wood and saw a shining. For this shining the place was called, in Latin, 'Campus Stellae', or field of the star, a name that later changed into Compostela.|When bishop Teodomiro received notice of the event, he instituted an investigation and discovered the tomb of the Apostle. King Alphonse II declared Saint James the patron of his empire and had built a chapel at that place. It is reported that from then on Saint James did several miracles, even that he fought side to side with King Ramiro I in the decisive battle against the Moors.|Pilgrims started to follow the way of Santiago, the 'Camino de Santiago' and the original chapel was enlarged and soon became the cathedral of the new settlement, called Santiago de Compostela, after Apostle Saint James. The town reached its greatest importance in the 12th and 13th centuries. Pope Alexander III declared it a Holy Town, just like Rome and Jerusalem for example. Pope Calixto II declared that pilgrims who went to Santiago in a Holy Year should be free of all their sins. Nowadays the Holy Year, El Año Santo is still celebrated each time when the Apostol's day (25 July) is a Sunday.|Santiago is a lively university town and the large number of students guarantee a youthful ambience within the city's historical walls. Santiago de Compostela is one of the great cultural and monumental centers in Europe. It has a particular architectonical style all of its own and it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.|Places of interest
|La Plaza del Obradoiro
|The name of this square derives from 'Obra de Oro' (work of gold) and it forms the center of Santiago de Compostela.
On one side of the square is Santiago's Cathedral. Construction started in 1075, when the town arrived to the climax of its importance. The original Capilla del Salvador has been preserved and around it a second phase was started after the wedding of Doña Urraca and Raimundo of Bourgogne. It shows influences of French Romanesque style, as well as the so-called Románico Compostelano, a style that is unique to Santiago. The Obradoiro Façade, to which Baroque elements were added later and the Torre de las Campanas and Torre de la Carraca were built during the same period. Through the Obradoiro Door you enter the so-called Old Cathedral, a Romanesque crypt with the earliest vaults of groined arches that were ever constructed in Spain. The sculptures of the Portico de la Gloria, another entrance door, are considered some of the most important works of medieval art.
The Gelmirez Palace sits face to face with the cathedral. It is a marvelous example of Romanesque civil architecture. Especially interesting are its groined arches and sculpture works.
The Hospital Real was built in 1492 to shelter pilgrims. Nowadays, the Plateresque and Renaissance building serves as Parador de Turismo.
The Rajoy Palace is a huge and elegant neoclassical building that dates from the 18th century. It is situated opposite to the cathedral.
The Colegio de San Jerónimo and Colegio de Fonseca are both 15th century monasteries. They were founded by Alfonso III de Fonseca. The Colegio de Fonseca houses the University library, which includes the famous 11th-century manuscript known as Libro de Hojas.|Plaza de las Platerias
|The Plaza de las Platerias is named after the many shops of silver articles (Platerias) which are situated under its arcades. The square provides a good view of the cathedral's gothic portal and the only façade which has been conserved in the original Romanesque style. That façade features wonderful sculpture works, including the figure of King David.|At the center of the Plaza de las Platerias is the 19th-century Fuente de los Caballos (fountain of the horses). Some of the most interesting buildings around the square include the 18th-century Casa del Cabildo and Casa de los Canónigos, also known as Conga. The latter separates Plaza de las Platerias from Plaza de la Quintana.|Plaza de la Quintana
|The Plaza de la Quintana offers good views of the Cathedral's Portico Real (Royal Door), the towers Berenguela and Torre del Reloj and the Puerta del Perdon (Door of Forgiveness), which is only opened during the Apostle Festival in a Holy Year.|On the Plaza de la Quintana you will find the Monastery of San Pelayo de Antealtares, with its austere granite façade. Alphonse II founded it in the 11th century to serve as a tomb for the mortal remains of the Apostle James. It is one of Santiago's oldest buildings. The baroque Casa de la Parra is another interesting building at this square.|Plaza de la Azabacheria
|The Plaza de la Azabacheria was the square to which the Puerta del Paradiso (Door of the Paradise) originally opened. The door was used by pilgrims to enter the cathedral, but it was later replaced by the present neoclassical work of Ventura Rodriguez.|The monumental Monastery of San Martin Pinario lays also on this square. It dates from the 16th century and it is one of Santiago's most impressive examples of Barroco Compostelana. It was built over a Romanesque church that had always been an important medieval religious center.|According to legend, the Convento de San Francisco was founded by Saint Franciscus of Assisi, after a revelation on his pilgrimage to Santiago, from 1213 to 1215. God told him that he should buy land from the monks of Saint Martin's Monastery for the symbolic price of a basket of fish. He should then build a monastery there. Some Cotolay would find money for that project in a fountain. Of course everything happened as predicted and the monastery was built. Little remains of the original gothic building though; the present monastery was built in 17th and 18th century.|Around the University
|It is very nice to explore the poetic surroundings of the University district. One of the most important streets there is the Rua del Villar, where you can see some beautiful palaces, such as the gothic Casa del Dean, the Renaissance Monroy Palace and the Palacio de los Marqueses de Bendana, which boasts a neoclassical façade and a baroque portal.|Rua Nueva means 'New Street', but it is not very new, as it has had its name since the 12th century. The Romanesque church of Santa María Salomé dates from the same period. It has a baroque tower that was added later. In its vicinity are the Palacio de Ramirans, the Palacio de los Condes de Gimonde, the Casa de las Pomas and the Palacio de Mondragón.|Accommodation and food
|There are many hotels, bars and restaurants in Santiago de Compostela. The city is in Galicia, 485 km northwest of Madrid and has excellent road and rail connections with the rest of Spain.";
n["santiagodecuba"][0]="Santiago de Cuba|Cuba|cu|Central America";
n["santiagodecuba"][1]="Santiago de Cuba is regarded as the 'cradle of the Cuban revolution', because of the important role it played in overthrowing the Batista regime. It is Cuba's second largest city and one of the country's major cultural, musical and political centers. In the 19th century, countless French planters that were driven out of Haiti, settled in the city and as a result Santiago de Cuba has a unique Caribbean flavor, although the city's own history contributed to that as well (for example, Santiago de Cuba's first mayor was the conquistador of Mexico, Hernán Cortés).|Some of Santiago de Cuba's most significant sights include the Casa de Diego Velázquez and the Museo Municipal Bacardí, which are some of the oldest buildings in Cuba. Many houses in Santiago de Cuba have ironwork balconies, pointed windows and narrow external staircases. On the Cementerio Santa Ifigenia you can see the graves of several revolutionaries, such as José Martí.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Santiago de Cuba. The city is in the southeast of Cuba, overlooking the Bahía de Santiago de Cuba, 765 km southeast of Havana.";
n["santiagodeguayaquil"][0]="Santiago de Guayaquil|Ecuador|ec|South America";
n["santiagodeguayaquil"][1]="Santiago de Guayaquil, usually referred to as Guayaquil, is Ecuador's largest city and main economic center. It sits on the outflow of the Guayas River, some 280 km southwest of Quito and it is Ecuador's main Pacific port. Sebastián de Benalcázar founded Guayaquil in 1535 and it was often subjected to attacks by buccaneers during the 17th century. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was destroyed by fires various times, but rebuilt after each fire. In 1821, patriot forces under Antonio José de Sucre, occupied the city. This event was the first major step in the liberation of Ecuador.";
n["santiagodeguayaquil"][2]="2.10|-79.53|6|2000000|n/a|-5|n/a|4|593";
n["santiagodeguayaquil"][3]="26.4|21.1|26.7|20.6|24.2|0.5|25|n/a";
n["santiagodeloscaballeros"][0]="Santiago de los Caballeros|Dominican Republic|dr|Central America";
n["santiagodeloscaballeros"][1]="Santiago de los Caballeros is the second largest city in the Dominican Republic. It is a provincial town and it is usually referred to as Santiago. The city is an important economical center and home to numerous factories, where raw sugar and tobacco are processed into fine rum and cigars. One of the Dominican Republic's finest universities is also located in Santiago.|There are several interesting museums in town, but you won't find many colonial buildings. Santiago's main street is Calle del Sol. There, you'll find many shops and restaurants. On Sundays many locals take their horse-drawn carriages for a ride in the city's central park. At the eastern extreme of the Calle del Sol, on a hill, is the Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración, which offers excellent views over Santiago. The Rio Yaque del Norte is the city's western fringe. Along the river runs the Avenida Mirador del Yaque that provides good views over the area west of Santiago. On this Avenida is the Fortaleza San Luis, which, unfortunately, is in use by the police and cannot be visited.|There are many hotels and restaurants in Santiago. The city is 140 km northwest of Santo Domingo and a two-lane motorway connects the two.";
n["santiagodelteide"][0]="Santiago del Teide|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["santiagodelteide"][1]="The area around the town of Santiago del Teide offers extraordinarily nice landscapes. The impressive steep coast is known as Acantilados de los Gigantes. The town itself boasts a beautiful Cathedral.|Santiago del Teide is on the western coast of Tenerife, 1750 km southwest of Madrid. Accommodation and restaurants are widely available in town.";
n["santjoandelabritja"][0]="Sant Joan de Labritja (San Juan)|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["santjoandelabritja"][1]="Sant Joan de Labritja, or San Juan, as the locals call it, has some great beaches, including Cala de Sant Vicent, Cala Portinaitx and Cala Xarraca. The town is especially interesting for its Cueva des Cuieram, a cave with a Carthaginean temple in its interior.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Sant Joan de Labritja. The town is in the north of Ibiza, some 485 km southeast of Madrid.";
n["santluis"][0]="Sant Luis|Spain|sp|Europe";
n["santluis"][1]="The small village of Sant Luis is in the south of Menorca. It was founded by the French, who reigned over Menorca for a short period of time during the 18th century. There are several nice beaches around town. They include Cala Alcaufar, with its high quality urbanization, Cala d'es Rafalet and Punta Prima, which has fine white sand.|Accommodation and restaurants are available in Saint Luis. The town is 690 km southeast from Madrid.";
n["santodomingo"][0]="Santo Domingo|Dominican Republic|dr|Central America";
n["santodomingo"][1]="Santo Domingo was the fist 'European' city in the Americas, although nowadays it is a truly Caribbean place, including all of the usual pollution and crime. Santo Domingo has countless colonial sites and there is more to do than you could manage in one visit.|Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial includes the place where ships arrived from Europe and where settlers disembarked. Columbus' son Diego led the administrative center there and his former home can be visited. One of Santo Domingo's most important landmarks is the Catedral Primada de América, the oldest extant cathedral on the American continent. The adjacent Parque Colón is a lively place, where locals meet and get updated on the district's latest gossip.|There are numerous museums in Santo Domingo, many of which have exhibitions on the Dominican Republic's colonial history and the country's indigenous people. Some museums boast artifacts made of amber, which is one of the country's most important products. Apart from the Parque Colón, there are numerous other parks and gardens in the city, as well as a zoo. The city's main shopping street is El Conde|There are numerous hotels and good restaurants in Santo Domingo and there is also a wide variety of discos and nightclubs. Santo Domingo lies on the Dominican Republic's southern coast and has air and boat connections with numerous destinations throughout the Caribbean.";
n["santodomingo"][2]="-18.29|-69.54|17|1000000|100|-4|n/a|809|809";
n["santodomingo"][3]="23.9|6.1|25|9.9|26.7|16.3|26.4|15.2";
n["santorini"][0]="d.write('";
n["santuariodenuestraseñoradelaslajas"][0]="Santuario de Nuestra Señora de las Lajas|Colombia|co|South America";
n["santuariodenuestraseñoradelaslajas"][1]="The Gothic Santuario de Nuestra Señora de las Lajas Church sits on the side of the gorge of the Guáitara River. It is about 7 km (4 miles) from Ipiales in the south of Colombia. A bridge spans the spectacular gorge and the church sits on the other side.|According to legend, in the mid 18th century an image of the Virgin Mary appeared on a large rock above the river. The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de las Lajas Church was constructed around it in such a way that the rock, including the image, are now the church's high altar. The church is a pilgrimage place for people from all over Colombia.|Accommodation is available at the convent that was built next to the church. The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de las Lajas Church is 645 km south of Bogotá, close to the border with Ecuador.";
n["sanvicente"][0]="San Vicente|Bolivia|bl|South America";
n["sanvicente"][1]="San Vicente is a tiny village in the southern Antiplano of Bolivia. There is nothing of interest, but it is supposedly the place where the legendary outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were killed by the Bolivian army in 1908. There are several spots that are claimed to be their last resting place. Accommodation is available in town.";
n["sapa"][0]="Sa Pa (Sapa)|Vietnam|vm|Asia";
n["sapa"][1]="Sapa lies in the remote Northwestern Highlands of Vietnam. The French built it as a hill station in 1922 and because of its altitude of 1600 m (6112 feet) it has a nice and refreshing climate, though it can be cold in winter. The area around Sapa is mostly inhabited by the Hmong, Dao and Kinh hill tribes, who sell their handicrafts on the Saturday market in Sapa.|Only 9 km (5.5 miles) southwest of Sapa is Fan Si Pan (Fansipan, or Ngoc Linh), which is Vietnam's highest mountain and measures 3143 m (10,309 feet). Guided treks to the top of the mountain are available and last about four days. You'll need good equipment and clothing, as it is usually cold and wet on the mountain.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Sapa, but especially on weekends and holidays, accommodation can be tight, as tour parties visit the area then. You can get to Lao Cai, 30 km (19 miles) east of Sapa, by train from Hanoi. The last 30 km have to be done by local bus. Sapa is 1325 km north of Ho Chi Minh City and 250 km northwest of Hanoi.";
n["sapporo"][0]="Sapporo|Japan|ja|Asia";
n["sapporo"][1]="Sapporo is the capital of Japan's Hokkaido prefecture and best known as the place that hosted the 1972 winter Olympics and for its annual Snow Festival. Sapporo is an important winter sports center and during the winter (November-February) it is packed with holiday makers.|Sapporo is one of Japan's most rapidly expanding urban centers.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants in the city. Sapporo is 840 km north of Tokyo.";
n["sapporo"][2]="-43.05|141.21|n/a|2000000|203|9|n/a|11|81";
n["sarajevo"][0]="Sarajevo|Bosnia and Herzegovina|bk|Europe";
n["sarajevo"][1]="Sarajevo used to be the most Oriental city in Europe, with countless mosques, markets and a picturesque old Turkish bazaar, but the war following the disintegration of Yugoslavia has caused much damage and it is going to take many years before everything is restored again.|The city was founded in 1263, when it was a citadel known as Vrh-Bosna. It fell to the Turks in 1429 and it was renamed Bosna-Seraj. The city that was established around the citadel became an important Turkish military and commercial center. Bosna-Seraj reached the zenith of its prosperity in the 16th century. In 1878, the Congress of Berlin decided that Sarajevo and the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina was to be incorporated into Austria-Hungary. It remained that way until the end of WWI, when it was included in Yugoslavia.|Sarajevo was also the place where WWI started. On the wall of the City Museum you can see a plaque that reads: 'On this corner, WWI began'. The Bosnian Serb Gavrilo Princip shot dead Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and his wife Sophia at point blank range as the royal couple crossed the bridge on the above image, in a convertible touring car in June 1914. Ferdinand was in Sarajevo to inspect Austrian troops that were stationed there. Bosnia and Herzegovina were former Turkish possessions that had been annexed by Austria-Hungary in 1908 and the reason for the assassination was probably that many of the region's Serb inhabitants had not been allowed to join their native state Serbia. Gavrilo Princip was arrested, but tensions raised so high that a conflict between Serbia and Austria-Hungary was inevitable. Six weeks after the assassination Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. The Russians stepped in to aide the Serbs, who are their fellow Slavs. The Russians were not very keen on having the Balkan dominated by the Austrians and Germans, who jumped into the conflict on the Austrians' side. Later France joined as well. By the end of the summer of 1914, almost all of Europe was at war.|Sarajevo's beautiful riverfront had remained unchanged since the fateful events in 1914, when the Winter Olympic Games were held there in 1984. But when Yugoslavia disintegrated in the beginning of the 1990's, hundreds of years of peaceful coexistence of Muslims, Serbs, Croats, Turks and Jews, as well as others, came to an abrupt end. As a result of the fierce fighting in Sarajevo, much of the waterfront was destroyed and nowadays it's a sad reminder of the Bosnian war that caused some 10,000 casualties and wounded more than 50,000.|Since a lot of damage was done to the city, there is little of interest in Sarajevo, but life has returned to normal and reconstruction efforts are in process everywhere. There are several nice mosques in the city, as well as some other monuments that survived the war.|Numerous hotels and restaurants have opened their doors to visitors again and there are many small cafés scattered all over the city. Sarajevo is in the eastern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina.";
n["sarajevo"][2]="-43.52|18.26|n/a|500000|n/a|1|y|71|386";
n["saratogasprings"][0]="Saratoga Springs|United States|us|North America";
n["saratogasprings"][1]="The last battle of the Saratoga campaign, the first great American victory of the Civil War and considered by many to be the decisive battle of the Revolution, was fought near the Saratoga Springs in 1777. The nearby Saratoga National Historical Park embraces the battlefield. After the American Revolution, as the fame of its carbonated mineral waters spread, the village became a health resort. In the 19th century, Saratoga Springs was one of the most popular social and sporting centers in America. Horse racing, which continues to be one of its major attractions, was begun after 1863.|Of interest are the racetrack, racing museum and hall of fame and many old buildings and homes, including the Casino that was built in 1867 and now houses two museums. The renowned artists' colony of Yaddo is also there. An elaborate state-owned spa preserves and utilizes the waters and offers curative baths. It was opened in 1935. Saratoga Spa state park, summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York City Ballet, is south of the city. Skidmore College is the largest source of employment, but the city also has light manufacturing.|Accommodation and restaurants are available in town. Saratoga Springs is a resort and residential city. It is in the east of New York, 50 km north from Albany and 550 km northeast from Washington D.C.";
n["sarawak"][0]="Sarawak|Malaysia|my|Asia";
n["sarawak"][1]="Malaysia's Sarawak region includes large areas of untouched jungle, although logging decreases their surface at an alarming rate. Fortunately several parts of the jungle are protected by a good system of national parks. In Sarawak you have the chance to visit longhouse-dwelling Dayak tribes.|The region's capital city is Kuching. Around Kuching are several remote coastal villages, such as Pandan and Sematan. There is also a lot of unspoilt tropical rainforest and you can relax on some of the area's nice beaches. The nearby Bako National Park boasts several good hiking trails.|Further east, on the tributaries of the Balang Rajang (Rejang River), as well as along the river itself are numerous Longhouses. The Rejang river is central and southern Sarawak's main transportation archery. The areas downriver from Kanowit and Song are usually less frequently visited by tourists.|In the northwest of Sarawak are the Niah Caves that are accessible by longboat only.|Accommodation is available in numerous towns throughout Sarawak.";
n["sardegna"][0]="Sardegna (Sardinia)|Italy|it|Europe";
n["sardegna"][1]="The island of Sardinia has a moved history. Over the centuries it has been occupied and colonized by the Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Pisans, Genoese and Spanish. Despite of all that, the Sardi, as the locals are known, have retained their culture and habits.|Gagliari is Sardinia's beautiful capital. It has an interesting old town that dates back to medieval times. There are also several nice beaches in the vicinity.|The region around Alghero in the northwest of the island is a major tourist area, with numerous hotels and restaurants, but the rest of the island is much less developed. Sardinia's scenery is rugged and the island is excellent for trekking.|There is a lot of accommodation on Sardinia, as well as many nice beaches.";
n["sareksnationalpark"][0]="Sareks National Park|Sweden|sw|Europe";
n["sareksnationalpark"][1]="The Sareks National Park is a 2000 km² (780 sq miles) large area of glaciers and barren mountain peaks, some of them more that 2000 m high. The summit of the Rapa Ãlv provides excellent views over the area's lakes and the delta of the Laiture River. The park is very good for hiking, but there are no huts and you will have to cross most rivers and streams by wading through them. Kvikkjokk Fjällstation is served by bus and the most popular entry point to the park.";
n["sarh"][0]="Sarh|Chad|cd|Africa";
n["sarh"][1]="Sarh is the capital of the southern part of Chad. Though at first sight Sarh appears like a quiet place, it is one of the Chad's major transport hubs. Nightlife is booming in the city and during the day you can rent a bike and ride around town without any hassles.|Sarh has a central market where many different items are available. You can visit the small museum, not far from the Mission Catholique. Another interesting place is the artisans workshop on the road to the airport. They sell their work, which is some of the best in this part of the continent.|In Sarh you won't run into problems easily; the people are friendly and it is one of the most easy going places in Chad. The city has air links with the capital. The bus connection is a 15-hour ride. Sarh is 370 km southeast of N'Djamena, 50 km from the border with the Central African Republic.";
n["sariskatigerreserve"][0]="Sariska Tiger Reserve|India|in|Asia";
n["sariskatigerreserve"][1]="The Sariska Tiger Reserve covers 800 km² of barren mountains and several wooded valleys near the town of Alwar. There are some ruined temples, a fort and a palace in the park, all built by the maharajas of Alwar. The palace has been converted into a hotel.|Animals that roam the park, apart from tigers, include blue bulls, sambar, spotted deer and wild boar. In July and August most animals move to higher places to avoid the heat, but the rest of the year the park is open and can be visited. The best chance of seeing wildlife is to rent a hideout overlooking one of the waterholes where the animals come to drink.";
n["sarlat-la-canéda"][0]="Sarlat-La-Canéda|France|fr|Europe";
n["sarlat-la-canéda"][1]="Sarlat is a lovely medieval town, but during the summer it gets very busy with tourists. A Benedictine abbey was founded there in the 9th century and people started building their dwellings around it, until it grew to be a town. Sarlat was completely ruined during the Hundred Years' War against the British and during the various Religion Wars.|There are numerous sandstone buildings in Sarlat. The Cathédrale Saint Sacerdos was originally part of the Benedictine abbey, although much of it was destroyed during the various wars and most of what you see nowadays dates from the 17th century. In 1147, Sarlat was visited by St Bernhard. His relics were given to the abbey and not long after his visit the Lantern of the Dead (a tower) was built to honor him.|All sorts of creepy things such as trussed-up geese and sheep's heads, as well as truffles and mushrooms are available on Sarlat's market, which is held every Saturday. Sarlat is a good place to stay if you want to visit the VézÚre Valley, where many prehistoric sites are located.|There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Sarlat and the town is 485 km south of Paris.";
n["saronicgulfislands"][0]="Saronic Gulf Islands|Greece|gr|Europe";
n["saronicgulfislands"][1]="The five Saronic Gulf Islands are the closest to Athens of all the Greek islands. Salamis is so close to the capital that is can be reckoned one of Athen's suburbs. The other Saronic Gulf Islands include Aegina, Hydra, Spetses and Poros. All five islands are main tourist destinations and filled with hotels and restaurants, although each one of them differs greatly from the others.";
n["sasangirlionsanctuary"][0]="Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary|India|in|Asia";
n["sasangirlionsanctuary"][1]="Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary is a 1400 km² large park that is home to the world's last 300 Asiatic lions, as well as antelope, bears, chinkara gazelle, deer, foxes, monkeys and hyenas, as well as several bird species. The sanctuary was founded to save the Asiatic lion from extinction and the park's breeding program is successful, but progress is painstakingly slow.|Safaris in the sanctuary are best made between December and April; a guide is compulsory. During the monsoon season (May to October) it is closed.|Accommodation is available in the form of lodges and the sanctuary has bus connections with Junagadh, 50 km to the north. Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary is 1015 km southwest of Delhi.";
n["sassandra"][0]="Sassandra|Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire)|iv|Africa";
n["sassandra"][1]="Sassandra is a timber port on the coast, at the mouth of the river Sassandra, 230 km west of Abidjan. There are great beaches and you can wander around its port and along the riverside that is very scenic. Sassandra is a Fanti fishing village, where you can see the men going out on sea in the mornings and return with their catch in the afternoon. Local palm wine called bangui is produced in the area. Sassandra used to be an important trading post, but after a port in San-Pédro, 70 km to the west was opened, Sassandra's importance deminished.|The superb beaches are west of town, scattered over a 25 km long strip along the coast. The first beach you will see is Plage Le Bivouac, very near to the village, but the best beach is Poly-Plage with its Fanti fishing village, more to the west. If you don't have your own transportation you will need a taxi to get there.|Accommmodation is available in Sassandra, but if you bring your own food you could camp on the beaches as well. The town has bus connections with Abidjan.";
n["saundersisland"][0]="Saunders Island|Falkland Islands|fa|South America";
n["saundersisland"][1]="Saunders Island lies immediately north of West Falkland. It was the site of the first British garrison settlement on the Falklands, which was constructed in 1765. Two years later the British were ousted by the Spanish, which brought the two countries on the brink of war. In 1774 the British finally left voluntarily and the Spanish immediately destroyed the settlement. Nowadays only several jetties remain, as well as some block-house foundations and garden terraces.|There are huge colonies of seabirds on Saunders Island, as well as elephant seal.";
n["sauteurs"][0]="Sauteurs|Grenada|gj|Central America";
n["sauteurs"][1]="Sauteurs is the largest town on Grenada's northern coast. It is the site where Carib families leapt off the 40 m (130 feet) high coastal cliffs to their deaths rather than surrender to approaching French troops. The cliffs are known as Carib's Leap. The name 'Sauteurs' derives from the French word for 'jump'. You can walk to the edge of the cliffs to get a good idea of its altitude.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Sauteurs. The town is 23 km north of Saint George's.";
n["savannah"][0]="Savannah|United States|us|North America";
n["savannah"][1]="Savannah is Georgia's oldest city. It was founded by English general and philanthropist James Oglethorpe in 1733 and served as the colonial seat of government. During the American Revolution the British took Savannah on 29 December 1778 and held it until July 1782. A land-sea force of French and Americans tried to retake the city in 1779, first by siege and on 9 October that same year by direct assault, but failed dismally. Savannah was Georgia's state capital from 1782 to 1785. With the growth of trade, especially after the invention of the cotton gin and the construction of railroads extending to the cotton fields of central Georgia, the city became a rival of Charleston as a commercial center. The first steamship to cross the Atlantic, the Savannah, sailed from the city to Liverpool in 1819. In the Civil War, Fort Pulaski, on an island near the mouth of the Savannah River, was captured by Federals in 1862, but Savannah did not fall until 21 December 1864, when Sherman entered. The city was spared destruction though.|At the end of the 19th century; economic troubles put Savannah into severe decline. Fortunately, as a result, there was no money for development and nowadays the city boasts a wonderful collection of elegant streets, lined with well-preserved 18th and 19th century buildings that also survived devastating fires in 1796 and 1820. In downtown Savannah's Historic District are more than 1000 restored Federal and Regency buildings, wide tree-lined streets and numerous shady squares. There are many parks in Savannah, featuring magnolias, pines and ancient oaks, which are indigenous there. The district has a serene Old South ambiance. The famous park bench that features in the movie Forrest Gump is in Chippewa Square in the middle of the district. Savannah's historic district was designated a national historic landmark in 1966.|Some of the most interesting monuments in the Historic District include the Pirates' House, which dates from 1754 and was an old seaman's inn mentioned in Stevenson's Treasure Island, the Herb House, which was built in 1734 and is the oldest existing building in Georgia and the Pink House from 1789. It was the site of Georgia's first bank. The mansion birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low was built between 1819 and 1821. It is owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. as a memorial to their founder. The monument and grave of American Revolutionary general Nathanael Greene are in Johnson Square. There are many churches in Savannah, including the Lutheran Church of Ascension, which dates from 1741, the Independent Presbyterian Church, which was constructed in the 1890's and is a replica of an earlier church that was destroyed by fire. It was the scene of Woodrow Wilson's marriage to Ellen Axson. The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist can also be found in Savannah. It dates from 1876 and is one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the southern United States.|Southeast of downtown is the traditionally African-American Victorian District, where the King-Tisdell Cottage has exhibits on African-influenced crafts and African Americans through slavery. There are also displays on the Civil War and Reconstruction. The Beach Institute displays current African-American art.|Savannah is a rail, fishing and industrial center. It is a leading southern port for a wide variety of manufactured goods. Among the city's exports are tobacco, cotton, sugar, clay and wood pulp. Shipping is a major industry, but tourism is becoming increasingly important. Chemicals, plastics, transportation equipment, lumber and paper are among the most important products that are manufactured in Savannah. The city is the seat of Savannah State University and Armstrong State University, which are both part of the University System of Georgia. There are several interesting museums in town, as well as the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences. An air force base and a U.S. coast guard station also are there.|There are many hotels and restaurants in Savannah. Several beach and island resorts as well as a wildlife refuge are not far from town. Savannah is a well-planned city near the mouth of the Savannah River, some 360 km southeast from Atlanta and 870 km south from Washington D.C.";
n["savonlinna"][0]="Savonlinna|Finland|fi|Europe";
n["savonlinna"][1]="The principal attraction in Savonlinna is Olavinlinna Castle. Olavinlinna was founded in 1475 in order to protect the eastern border of the Swedish-Finnish empire. The name comes from the 10th century Catholic saint Olof. In the beginning of the 18th century Russians occupied the castle, and stayed there until Finnish independence in 1917. They added the red towers and a yellow house inside the castle walls. Inside the castle you will find two small museums showing exhibits on its history and some Orthodox treasures. You can visit the castle all year around, but you will have to join the hourly, guided tours, as you are not allowed to wonder around by yourself. The castle is accessed by a floating bridge which is removed when ships pass.|Savonlinna lies in the southeast of Finland and has good connections with the capital by air, rail, water and road. Day cruises on the surrounding lakes are available from the town center. There are numerous hotels and restaurants in town. Savonlinna is 290 km northeast of Helsinki.";
n["sawakin"][0]="Sawakin (Suakin)|Sudan|su|Africa";
n["sawakin"][1]="Sawakin was Sudan's only port, until the British founded Port Sudan 50 km to the north in 1905. For 3 decades both ports were used, but in the 1930's the British abandoned Sawakin altogether and the town started decaying. The city is full dilapidated coral houses, but still an interesting place to wander around. It seems to be inhabited mostly by cats.|Sawakin has excellent beaches and the Red Sea is a magnificent place for scuba diving and snorkeling. Sawakin is on an island, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. There is only little accommodation in Sawakin, which is 630 km northeast of Khartoum.";
n["sawan"][0]="Sawan|Indonesia|id|Asia";
n["sawan"][1]="Sawan is one of Bali's major centers for the manufacture of gamelan gongs and instruments. Most of the workshops are housed in small cottages and the craft workers welcome visitors to have a look. Sawan is 10 km east of Singaraja and 60 km north of Denpasar.";
n["say'un"][0]="Say'un|Yemen|ym|Asia";
n["say'un"][1]="Say'un is the largest town in the Wadi Hadhramawt valley and is home to some of Yemen's most beautiful mosques. The town is dominated by the Sultan's Palace, a massive white building with blue window decorations that was built in the 1930's. It includes a museum that displays various archaeological artifacts, as well as folklore and belongings of the former sultans.|There are several hotels and restaurants in Say'un. The town is 515 km east of San'a.";