nerth sho Pnoto submitted GREEN fees fer The Shore's Beach course are $120 (U.S.), half-price at twilight. Strategic looks at a vast nation South-West Ciina by Bradley Mayhew and Thomas Efuhti; Lonely Planet, 1998, First Edition. 594 pp., softcover. ’ Chinese in 10 minutes a day by Kristine R. Kershul; inal Books, 1999, 134 a softcover, John Goodman Travel Editor TWO books on China with very different approaches to studying the Yin/Yang of cul- ture. South-West China hones in on one section of the vast nation, giving us a micro view of several border provinces. These regions (Yunnan, Sichuan, Guangxi and Guizhou} have a combined [ Liters | pera | inspiration. Tour the homes and Farnous places of Dickens, Lawrence, Kipling, Shakespeare and many more famous authors Call the professionals at ROSEWAY TRAVEL 926-4344 email: roseway @direct.ca -www.rosewaytravel.com : population of 236 million —_ people with only 30% of the total classified as urban. Approximately 45 million are “minority nation- alities" from 26 different — ethnic groups. In the rural areas tradi- tional fife has remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years. Chinese, ‘Tibetan, Thai and Burmese peoples have. inter- acted here for millennia with each segment of ethnic kin developing their own cultural practices. A formidable task to “explain” this complex environ- ment but the authors have done an excellent job. Seattle-based publishers - Bilingual Books use every trick in the book to teach readers the basics of Putonghua - — the “com- mon language”. The modern, standardized language, derived mainly from the Beijing dialect of Mandarin Chinese, is worlds away from the polyglot south. Gift vouchers available 1305 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver 986-5855 Park Royal North, West Vancouver 913-1640 All lacations are registered with the B.C. coco ey ety Condions OPP Prices per person ex Vancouver. IGHT CENTRE “DI. ounT witGHiF 4) AALS renews Asto Sunday, March 14, 1999 — North Shore News - 35 Hawall’s KONA — A condo in Kona has a nice ring to it, but they’re not all the same, and there’s only one Shores at Waikoloa. This place, and I'm pre- pared to ber a large mai-tai on it, is the best youll find not jusi onthe Big Estland, but maybe in the entire Hawaiian group. I’ve been a condo believer for years, particularly for fami- lies and anyone interested in having an affordable vacation. Some condos, however, have been a disappointment and | couldn't check out fast enough. The Shores at Waikoloa biew me away. For a start it has an AAA three-diamond award. Second it is run by Aston Hotels and Resorts, a family-owned company, based in Honolulu with a five-star reputation for quality. Finding it is easy. Just drive out from the airport, turn leit and it’s maybe 15 minutes along the highway. Turn leit and you're into the Waikoloa resort and going by the superb King’s golt course. A little far- ther on and the Beach golf course is all around, at which point the golf clubs in the car trunk start to rattle and ral! and try to force their way out. Relief is in sight. TI he Shores’ entrance is 10 yards away from the Beach course pro shop. Our condo was maybe 30 yards away. It had two bedrooms (some have one) and was huge. It could easily sleep six people and maybe another 10 on the lanai, although this is not encouraged. There were all the com- forts of home such as wash- er/dryer (with soap powder) and fully stocked kitchen, but also daily maid service. There were overhead fans and air conditioning, swimming pool and two free tennis courts nearby, while the lanai had a sea view, table and chairs, loungers — even a wet bar. The Sultan of Brunei would have loved this place. There is a pleasant shop- New deferred payment for Bay Card Customers OEE Park Royal West Vancouver ping area close by, the star of which is Ray's, Save fora splurge there, or do what we did and nibble a few starters at the bar. The ribs are of a sacntice. Green fees ; $120, and thar’s U.S. dollars, not Canadian dollarettes. However wwilight is half price, and if you get away with the first groups you'll get 18 holes in. A couple of whales gave a show when we were plying the Beach course. Big hitters will prefer the King’s, one of the best courses in Y Hawaii. If your wallet is healthy try Mauna Kea, all of $175U.S. but they do give free coffce with a smile. This course is a Hawaiian classic, featuring the much-photographed famous par 3 over the Pacific. Some lads put themselves through college diving for golf batls that end up in the surt The beach near Mauna Kea Hotel is one of the best on the island. ‘Take a pienic. A bonus for Aston guests is a coupon book with up to S400U.S. of values, including reduced rates for the golf courses, 50% off restaurant mieals and even a one-day shopping pass at Costco Wholesale. One coupon we used was at the Blue Dolphin, where you dine under the stars and can enjoy five neusic on Friday and Saturday nights. When we went there must have been a dozen musicians on stage. Even without the coupon the price was modest. Don’t miss it. Rates at che Shores start at (all U.S.) $275 for a one-bed- room condo, $320 for a nvo- bedroom conde with a 25% discount if the person booking is over 50. So, deduct 25% trom $320 and divide by six and that works out at about $65 Canadian per person per night. Not bad. Canada 3000, which flies non-stop from Vancouver to Kona (and all the other major Hawaiian islands) has air and hotel packages. LUXURY CRUISING Separate Yourself From Ordinary. Treat Yourself on the World's Best. wate Join us in Rome on May 20 and cruise the is [S ES Ancient Empires of the Mediterranean. Malta, Venice, the Greek Isles and Turkey in 12 days aboard Crystal Symphony. Maria Morden, CTC, our represen- tative, will be on board to ensure smooth sailing. Call for details. Ambleside Office ccgemon Offic ice 928-851} 986-2262 od Prices are subject to change at anytime. Brochure terms and conditions apply.