The Private Islander

Some of you may be wondering about the lack of updates at The Private Islander over the last week. There’s no need to worry, as I have been in Japan and unable to update the blog for some time. I spent a week in Japan seeing the sights and studying the culture of this island country, and as a special treat to my readers here at The Private Islander, have made this post all about Japan. Read about the amazing places I visited, and see some amazing photos of Japan in this 8-page feature.

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Do you think your island is cool? You won’t after you see Aiola Island, a bowl-shaped island located in the middle of the river Mur in the city of Graz, Austria. Built by New York architect Vito Acconci in 2003, the island sports a cafe, bar, sun bathing area, and nightclub. The island serves the important role of bridging both sides of the river, and even lights up at night! See more pictures after the jump.

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Buying an island is an expensive proposition. In an unforgiving world such as ours, it is easy for an unsuspecting buyer to be led astray. From failing to hire a licensed broker to arousing hostile natives, many things can go wrong in the island-buying process. The following guide shows ten of the most common mistakes island buyers make, and ways to avoid them.

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A Maryland man has caused uproar in the Isle of Man after, in what he calls the “ultimate in true-life fairy tales”, he declared himself king. The man, David Drew Howe, is a 38-year-old who claims to be a cousin of the Queen, and claims heir to the throne because of his lineage.

Though originally viewed as a joke by residents, the islander began to take the new in a different light after Mr. Howe began selling titles, starting at £50,000. The self-idolized king declares the money will go to a Malawi charity to help AIDs orphans. However, he seems to have forgotten that the Queen of England is the official monarch of the isle with the title Lord of Man.

If you really believe this guy’s claims to kingship, you can check out his site here. He has never even set foot on the Isle of Man believe it or not. Ironically, he did file his claims to the throne to Her Majesty’s Stationary Office, the proper way to claim kingship in England, a year ago and his claims have yet to be contested by the Queen.

If someone would please visit this “king”, and give him a reality check, everyone would appreciate it.

Didn’t find what wanted under the Christmas tree this year? Don’t be too upset, because I didn’t get the private island I’ve been dreaming of either. Not wasting too much time on such a disappointment I knew would come, I put together a list of four things every island owner must have to be an island king. Sure, anyone can be an island owner, but if you want to be king of your island, you’ll need to check out the list after the jump…

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