Is this book a 'first'? Pregnant with ideas and opportunities, it gives you hundreds of places to stay in six countries. I had no idea that our Special Places could do so much for travellers! We have always sought out the most appealing places and people, but the range of interests and activities within these pages has astonished even us. You may never need another holiday brochure. Read on... The list is long and fascinating - and exhausting: beach riding, pottery, organic vegetable growing, fly-fishing, archery, aromatherapy, falconry, wind-surfing, writing, wood-turning, parachuting, French, Irish dancing, yoga, Alpine flora, ballooning, flamenco dancing, geology... and much more. You can drive a carriage, a horse, a quad-bike, a canalboat or a canoe. You may learn to make stained-glass windows, flower arrangements, furniture, corn dollies, jam or just dinner. Play jazz, golf, the guitar - even polo. Your mind, your body, your spirit - all can be nourished by Special Places. Our ability to launch this remarkable book has been due in no small way to 'The Observer'. They spotted its potential for their wandering readers - who tend, I suspect, to be independent in their travelling habits. These places - and the fascinating, bizarre, energising, life-enhancing things you can do in and around them - will, however, appeal to you all. No more excuses for not doing what you have long wanted to do. Go forth and release those arrows.