Guide To Lubeck, Germany

Unique points

Lubeck is a charming Hanseatic city, surrounded by a canal and a river. It has plenty of parks trees and open spaces. The best known symbol of the city is the Holtesten gate, built in 1477. Unfortuntately the gate was covered in scaffolding during my visit in June 2005, so I didn't get any photos! The town hall (Rathaus) was first constructed in 1230, it is regarded as one of the oldest and most magnificent buildings in Germany. The whole of the old town is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The old town is quite compact and can easily be covered by foot. Lubeck is known as the home of marizpan. The story goes that during a siege the city ran out of flour and they ground down nuts as a substitute! You can visit the neaby Baltic coastal resort of Travemunde, nicknamed Lubeck's "lovely daughter", walk along the prom, take a dip in the sea, visit a fish restaurant. It is easy to reach Lubeck with Ryanair flights to Blankensee airport from Prestwick, Standsted, Shannon, Milan, Pisa and Skavsta.

History

Lubeck was the cornerstone of the Hanseatic League, a trading alliance between cities in Northern Europe, to protect trade. The League endured for three centries. Lubeck was the most important town in the Baltc basin by the end of the Middle Ages. However by the late 16th century the League began to disintergrate. The city is nickmaned the "City of Seven Spires". The cathedral is believed to be the oldest building in Lubeck, it was founded in 1137. It was badly damged in air raids during the Second World War, and was not fully renovated until 1982. The bells which fell during the raid have been left untouched as a reminder of the destruction of war. The salt warehouses, now retail space, were crucial to the city's ecomony. Salt was known as "white gold" as it the only means of preserving food. Lubeck was still a "free city" when it refused to allow Hitler to speak there during his election campaign. Hitler revoked this privilege once he came to power.

What to see and do

The old town is very pleasant just for wandering around. Every so often you will happen upon one of alleyways off a road with terraces of pretty cottages. These were originally built behind the merchants town houses as accommodation for the workers. Most of them have now been refurbished and converted into houses for the elderly. You are welcome to go into the alleys during the day to look around, as long as you are respectful of the residents.

There are lots of green spaces to walk around. I especially liked the Muhlenteich, a tranquil piece of water with great view over to the cathedral. There are paths round almost all the peripherary of the old town.

The old town is surrounded by the Elbe-Lubeck canal and the Trave River. You can take boat trips round the port from the jetties at Obertrave, Wall Peninsula and the Untertrave. You can also take a trip on the Wakenitz from Muhlerbrucke to Rothebhausen.

Thomas Mann, the German author, was born and spent the early part of his life in Lubeck. One of his best known novels, "The Buddenbrooks", helped him to win a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1929. It is the story of the downfall of a bourgeois family over several generations. It was Mann's first novel published when he was 25. The so called "Buddenbrooks House" was the home of Mann's grandparents but it was portrayed as the home of the Buddenbrooks in the novel. Some of the rooms in the house have been decorated as described in the novel.

Lubeck hosts various markets during the year. The Christmas market is held in Koberg Square from 21 November to 23 December. The Anno Dazumal Market is held in the town hall square during May. Stall holders dress in traditional custom and you can watch them practising traditional crafts. It is like a journey back through time.

For marzipan lovers, a visit to the Cafe Neideregger is a must. Neideregger have been making marzipan since 1806 using a secret recipe, with as little sugar as possible added, to preserve the almond aroma and taste. They serve all types of marzipan delicacies and you can choose from 300 products in their shop. There is a museum on the second floor, charting in the company's history.

The Duckstein Festival is held from 5 - 14 August on the banks of the River Travel. There are a variety of outdoor street performances - music, comedy etc.

Lubeck has several interesting museums. The Museum of Nature and the Environment, Muhlendamm 1 -3, tel 0451 1224121, has ten million year old whale fossils. The St Anne Museum, St Annen Strasse 15, tel 0451 1224134, is a former Augustian convent dating from the early 16th century. It has a collection of ecclesiastical art and late Medieval carved altar pieces. The Puppet Museum, Petersgrube 4 - 5, tel 451 178626, houses one of the largest collections in the world of 18th and 19th century puppets and puppet theatre equipment. The Holsten Gate houses the Museum of Local History. During September the Museums have some late opening nights, until midnight.

Travemunde, the coastal resort, can be reached by boat trip up to Trave River from Lubeck, by train or by bus numbers 30 and 31. The Travemunde Sailing Week is held from 22 - 31 July. It is the second largest sailing event in the world with around 3000 sailors from 16 countries taking part. There are fireworks and a family party in Brugmann Gardens. Sand World runs from 8 July - September 4. This is a display of sand scupltures up to 15 metres high. There is a prom which you can cycle or walk along. The beach is dotted with the characteristic beach chairs, which offer plenty of wind cover.

Day Trips

There are regular train/bus to nearby cities. I really liked Wismar, east of Lubeck. It is also a Hanseatic town. It has a large town square with a medieval water pumping station, built in Dutch renaissence style. Along the port, fish is freshly smoked on board boats. There are stalls selling snacks, mainly fish sandwiches and several restaurants and cafes. Schwerin is also very beautiful, surrounded by lakes.

Where to stay

Excelsior Hotel, this three star hotel is located just outside the old town, close to the bus and railway stations. I stayed at this hotel for one night in June 2005. The rooms are comfortable and the buffet breakfast is good. Rates for a double room are 78 - 108 euros, a single room is 60 - 80 euros. The Excelsior has a 3 day special which includes two nights bed and breakfast, two four-course meals (you can choose lunch or dinner), a city tour, a visit to the Cafe Neideregger and admission to the Puppet Museum. This package costs 142 euros per person, based on two sharing, 174 euros in a single room.

The two star Baltic Hotel is located just outside the old town, close to the bus and railway stations. A double roomcosts from 61 - 67 euros per night, a single room from 33 - 37 euros per night

Where to eat

Wullenwever, Beckergrube 71, tel 0451 704333, is run by the Peterman family. it is located in a 16th century house. There are several set menus, starting at 35 euros per person or you can dine a la carte.

Restaurant Toledo, Krahenstrasse 25, tel 451 7098111, is a Spanish/Mediterranean restaurant. They serve a buffet on Friday and Saturday evening with an extensive choice at only 11.5 euros per person. I liked this restaurant because I could see what I was choosing at the buffet. I didn't understand most of tne menus in Germany beyond chicken and pork. I do like some fish but never knew what all the kinds of fish on the menu were and didn't want to order something I couldn't eat.

Karen Bryan is a UK based independent travel consultant and writer, specialising in less well known destinations in Europe. Her website is Europe a la Carte: http://www.europealacarte.co.uk

[tags]Germany,Lubeck,travel Europe,travel writer,travel consultant,[/tags]

The Road Of Life

Have you noticed that vacations rarely go the way you planned? Here's a typical scenario: Mom and dad outline a fun and interesting trip for the family. They excitedly pack the Volkswagon and pull out of the driveway with great expectations. Then five miles down the road, a crazy driver cuts dad off in traffic, mom spills her Doctor Pepper in her lap, an albatross splatters a five gallon bucket of poop on the windshield, and somebody in the backseat spews chunks on the carpet, seat, and little sister. These are telltale signs that the trip isn't going to be what you'd anticipated.

When I flew across the country last year, I lost my driver's license in the airport. For the safety of other passengers, it's essential that everyone have a photo ID. I didn't have one. Apparently I looked like a terrorist, so the stewardess wouldn't let me on the plane. Security people were called to the scene and they pondered what to do with me. They finally decided to allow me on, if I passed a thorough body and luggage search. When I say "thorough," that's just what I mean. I not only had to take everything out of my suitcase (including my dirty underwear) and then try to squeeze it back in again; but I had to take off my shoes and socks and even unzip my pants and roll down the elastic of my underwear. These were not things I'd planned as part of the trip -- especially not in front of a hundred other passengers. What a humiliating predicament. Remember this story when you travel – and remember your mother's admonition to always wear clean undies when you leave the house. You never know who might see them.

Another trip that didn't go according to plans was a short, three hour outing with my brother and sister (kind of like the three hour trip of the SS Minnow on Gilligan's Island). Our car broke down and we had to spend a day and a night in a motel. This might not have been too bad if we'd had enough money to get separate rooms or if we'd brought luggage with us. We had no change of clothes or even a toothbrush (ewww)! The three of us slept in one room and one of us -- I won't mention any names -- snored loudly all night, keeping the other two awake.

My sister considered wrapping the telephone cord around my neck to strangle me as I slept, while my brother searched the dresser drawers just in case a previous occupant may have left a roll of duct tape. When they threatened to perform a tracheotomy on me, I decided to stay awake and sit up in the chair the rest of the night. That wasn't how any of us had expected the trip to go.

Mishaps, break downs, accidents, illnesses, injuries, unexpected side trips. That's a picture of our journey through life. Trouble is around every corner.

Nobody's life is a bowl of apricots. In fact, it can often be more like the pits, but when you accept the truth that life ain't fair, things get somewhat easier because you're not stunned by the detours.

The road of life is sometimes an arduous crawl uphill and sometimes you're speeding downhill, awaiting the crash.

I'm a master complainer. I don't need to look very hard to find something to whine about. My memory is nonexistent, but my forgetter works great, so I need to be reminded quite often that I'm not alone on this journey. I'm glad God is my ever present navigator, because I couldn't handle this trip over life's bumpy roads on my own.

Marsha Jordan
Author of "Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter"
hugsandhope@gmail.com
www.hugsandhope.org

[tags]inspiration,positive attitude,life lesson,life story,life journey,inspirational story,travel story[/tags]

Locks And Herring, Can Compensate Everything!

"Why always travelling to the South?" must I have been thinking when I visited Copenhagen for the first time. To be honest, I had this opportunity to stay a week in Denmark thanks to Dj Ishtar, a girlfriend who was participating in an art-project developed by one of Denmark's famous artistic directors called Kirsten Dehlholm.

So, before I knew, I was staying at the Hotel Pro Forma (Kirsten's atelier and the name of her company or the name of an hotel!) between hard working art-related employees. Every morning I had to pass them in their office in my underwear and a towel around my neck to be able to take a shower. I thought Dutch people were tolerant, but the Danish are much more relaxed when it comes to nudity at work. Anyway, I was lucky to get introduced into Copenhagen by Denmark's artistic levelled community and therefore I felt blessed!

It already started in the afternoon, when everybody at Hotel Pro Forma gathered together for the breakfast. There I have met people who can eat their lunch at work in a very cultivated and refined way. The Danish do not only create high-end design stuff (Lego, furniture, architecture, etc.) to use but also to eat! First thing to do when you are in Denmark is going to one of those huge supermarkets and check out the well-designed food. Not only the packaging is highly attractive, also what's inside those jolly jars, packings, bottles, etc. Especially the herring section is incredible!

I immediately felt at home as you can conclude. Just like they have created their food in stores that perfectly, the same counts for the buildings in the city: colourful and tasty!

In the center almost every building has been painted in a different colour. It looked like being in Havana-Cuba or somewhere in the Mediterranean. Sophisticated people who understood the meaning of life, I obviously thought. To compensate the weather conditions they make sure that everything else in life remains in its aesthetic value or at least becomes aesthetically. From this point of view, it is a bit of a contradiction that the notorious cartoons were not that funny at all. Symbolically speaking, it is a good horse that never stumbles. Even a Viking can loose his blond locks once in a while...

[tags]copenhagen travel, copenhagen art[/tags]

Who Was St. Patrick And Why Do We Celebrate His Life

St. Patrick's Day is known as a day of celebration and festivities, but very few people know the true story of St. Patrick and who he really is. By tradition, he is a patron saint of the Catholic religion because of the captivity that he went through, the time of solitude and his great faith, and eventually the number of people that were converted to know God through him. It is legend that he heard angels and they helped him in his decisions. All in all, he is known as the patron saint of good luck and blessings to the Catholics in that era up until the 21st century.

St. Patrick was a real live person born in the time around 400 AD in Roman Britian, when the British Isles were still under the domain of the Romans. He was born with the name Maewyn. His name wasn't changed until he was in the monastery. His father was a soldier in the army, and Patrick also reports him to be a deacon, civil official, and a town councilor, who was a son of a Romano-British priest. The family was Christian, but they weren't extremely religious, some historians even say Patrick was agnostic in his childhood.

According to his most famous work, the Confessio, Patrick was captured along with many others when his village was attacked, and he was taken to Ireland as a slave. Patrick was under the authority of a druid high priest and his family and here he learned the native Celtic language which he later used to communicate, and help those to be converted.

After 8 years in captivity, he escaped at the age of twenty-two, and legend has it that an angel directed him to spend twelve years in a monastery near Paris, France, where he adopted the name Patrick. It was during this time of captivity that Patrick found God and developed the habit of praying throughout the day to strengthen himself and to be closer to God. It is recorded in the Confessio that he would often pray up to 100 times a day. One night, while in the monastery, he said he heard many voices that were calling him back to Ireland to help the remaining slaves. At this time he was somewhere in his mid thirties and so he answered the callings. He became one of the first Christian missionaries in Ireland.

He was confident in the Lord, and he journeyed far and wide, baptizing and confirming with untiring zeal. Indeed, Patrick was successful at converting Ireland to christianity . And he even made important converts even among the royal families. For 20 years he had travelled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries, schools and churches, which would aid him in his conversions. He died on March 17th.

You can see how originally this was a Catholic holy day, but today St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. Or, rather, 'be Irish Day '. Speculation as to why this holiday is so popular could be the coming of spring that occurs within just a few days.

Niall Cinneide loves entertaining and celebrating St Patrick's Day. He publishes views, information and news about St Patricks Day at St Patricks Information.

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright http://www.St-Patricks.info

[tags]st pats, st patricks day, st patrick's day, dublin, ireland, holidays, travel, belfast[/tags]

Stickers A Gummy History

Stickers are defined as being a piece of paper or other material of which one side has a substance meant to help it cling to a surface. Wow, that is a pretty confusing definition of a pretty simply concept. The sticker, may have been discovered by ancient Egyptians who were trying to advertise the daily market specials, or it may have been a Department of Defense contractor who was hired to find a way to label the dangerous from the not-so-dangerous. It is really hard to tell which, if either of these explanations, is correct. So let's consider the third option. Apparently, European advertising gurus came up with the idea to help consumers identify products by their colorful paper labels somewhere in the early 1880s. The colorful paper labels were affixed with a gum paste. The main products that utilized this concept (at least at first) was fruit. There was a huge amount of competition among orchards so the stickers (also known as lithography) were used by the owners to bring attention to their fruit. The labels would be stuck to the side of the cedar crates that were full of fruit and ready to sell. The concept was also used widely on vegetables cans and on cigar boxes.

Stickers evolved a bit to pre-apply the paste to the back of the stickers and let them dry. Then, by applying water or saliva to the sticker surface, the past would activate and the sticker could be placed on a surface. These types of stickers were very popular as travel and luggage stickers and are considered to be collectors items today.

From the pre-pasted, the concept of stickers evolved when R. Stanton Avery manufactured the first self-adhesive labels. The label/sticker that Avery designed had a paper surface with a coat of adhesive which was then stuck on a liner. The liner had a special silicone coating that enabled the label to be removed and stuck to other surfaces. Stickers today still use the basic premise of the self-adhesive label that Avery invented. For over 50 years stickers have became a huge marketing item for every sort of household product imaginable. In addition, bumper stickers have also become part of the popular culture fads and icons as they have been used for political and social commentary.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette, and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free coloring sheets, printable games, and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Party Themes (PartyThemeShop.com) to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties is at the Party Theme Shop. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

[tags]sticker,label,advertising,lithography,prepaste,self-adhesive,avery,bumper,marketing,luggage,travel[/tags]

Vacationers Home Check-list Everything You Should Know Before You Leave

If you are planning on being away from your home for an extended amount of time, it is important that you secure your home. You will not be able to enjoy your family vacation, concentrate on the business meeting, or feel relaxed while visiting relatives, if the thought of your home being violated is always in the back of your mind. There are many things that you can do before you leave, as well as things you can have arranged to be done by a third party, that will ensure that your home, property and pets are safe.

The most important aspect an owner needs to be concerned with is that their home does not look vacant while they are away. Statistics report that generally a home is burglarized every 12 seconds. It is important that you leave your curtains open when you leave. Closed curtains indicate a vacant home. You can also purchase light timers. They will turn on and off different lights in your home throughout the day until you return from your trip. It is also good to invest in motion sensor lights for the outside. As added protection, you may want to keep a radio on somewhere in the main part of the house. The volume need not be very loud, just loud enough to fool an intruder. It is also good to have an alarm system. Make sure that it is turned on when you leave.

Do not leave house keys under rocks or flower boxes around your home. Make sure they are all removed prior to your departure. Never leave a message on your phone that you are away. That is just asking for an intruder.

You need to also be aware that your lawn can also give signals that you are away and your home is vacant. If you are leaving during the warmer months, clip your lawn prior to your departure. Arrange in advance to have someone come and cut your lawn while you are away, as well. It is also good to cut back plants or shrubs that would provide a good place for an intruder to hide, or lurk behind. If you live in a cold climate and it is winter, be sure that you make arrangements to have someone you trust come and shovel the snow while you are away. Nothing gives a clue that no one is home more than a driveway and side walk that is piled under 6 feet of snow. If it is pool season arrange for someone to clean your pool while you are away.

Make sure that all outside work buildings or sheds are locked. Mowers, bicycles, and tools need to be secured inside. It is important that you do not leave your garage door opener inside any vehicles that will be left on the driveway. You can even arrange to have someone move your vehicles around periodically in your driveway to give your home the lived in look. Check all windows prior to leaving, as well as outside doors. Dead bolts on the doors, and key locks for the windows are the safest. Just make sure that the keys are removed from the window locks before your trip. Do not forget your skylight windows, or the small fanlights that may be in your bathroom. If an area is small enough for a head to fit through, it needs to have a lock on it.

You need to contact your local post office and have all mail kept there until your return. Cancel all newspaper subscriptions, as well. This is not an uncommon practice, and it will ensure that you don't have papers piling up on your walk, or mail spilling out of your box. That is an open invitation to an intruder.

It is also important that you are careful during casual conversation with the clerk at the store, dry cleaners, clubs, etc. Do not let anyone in the general public know that you are planning a trip. You never know who might be listening. It is also important that you do not list your address on your luggage. You would be surprised at how many homes are burglarized because a future burglar saw your address on your luggage at the airport. They simply follow you to the departure gate and ransack your home that evening.

You can contact your local law enforcement office and let them know that you are going to be away. Give them the dates of when you will be leaving and when you will be returning. They will provide a patrol unit to drive by your house every day to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. If your neighborhood has a neighborhood watch program have your home listed as one of the homes that is in need of being watched.

It is a good idea to also make an inventory of your valuables, with serial numbers and model numbers where possible. This information comes in handy if you ever have to file an nsurance claim due to theft.

It is important that you make adequate arrangements in regards to any pets that you may own. You can board them at a shelter, if need be, though the comfort and care of your pet should always be kept in mind. It will be unsettling to your pet to be separated from you, make sure that their temporary home is as loving and comfortable as possible. No family pet should be kept in a cage for an extended amount of time. Make sure that you are leaving your pet with someone who is an animal lover, and not in the business of kenneling for greed. You should never forget the goldfish in the tank, or the plants in your home. It would be sad to come home to a floating fish and dead house plants. You may want to make prior arrangements to have someone come into your home to take care of these other special family members.

Prior to leaving it is important that you go through the refrigerator and dispose of any products that will have spoiled before you come home. You need to reduce the temperature on the hot water heater to a lower temperature, as well as the thermostat on any central heat and air units that you may have. Make sure that all outside water hoses are disconnected if it is the winter season, it will help to keep your pipes from bursting in extreme cold weather. It is also important that you check all smoke detectors to verify that they are in working order.

An option that you may want to check into that will give you peace of mind is a house sitter. This is a person that comes in and takes care of all the above listed things and stays at your home while you are away. Your pets will be able to stay in their own environment, the plants will be watered, the pool cleaned, the mail checked, the lawn will be mowed, etc. The house sitter's voice will be heard on the end of the telephone line when a future burglar calls to check to see if someone is home. It will be the house sitter that they see coming and going from your home on a regular basis if your house is under surveillance by a future burglar. The presence of the house sitter is the number one burglar deterrent.

A house sitter can also provide invaluable services like forwarding faxes to you if you run a home business and an urgent matter needs to be dealt with. They can also provide immediate attention to your home if there is ever an emergency.

House sitters are the best thing you can do in regards to your pets. They can take your furry friends for their scheduled checkups, and tend to them if they get sick or hurt. They can also bathe them, feed them and love them until you get home. You can also leave a grocery list with your house sitter. When you return home, you will have a pantry and refrigerator stocked full of food, and you will not have to worry about that dreaded chore upon your return. A house sitter can also be in charge of getting any needed prearranged servicing done on your vehicles, or your home, while you are away. Above all else, the main service that a house sitter provides is that you can call home and see how your home is doing.

There is no greater feeling than to have peace of mind and to be able to enjoy your time away from home. The only feeling that can match that is coming home and finding that your home is still intact, your pets are well, and that your valuable are where you left them. You cannot leave home without having someone watch over your home. The day of everyone leaving their front doors unlocked are over. Make sure that you do everything you can to assure that your home, pets and possessions are well-protected while you are away.

Author Ian L. White specializes in helping people who are interested in finding a house sitter in their town, or for more information about the benefits of house sitting. To find out about these services, visit http://www.housecarers.com today.

Registration is free for homeowners and a free trial is offered to House sitters.

[tags]house sitters,house sitting,house sitter,pet sitters,pets,travellers,home security[/tags]

Exploring Lisbon And Portugal On Your Next Vacation

Portugal has always been known as the land to the left of Spain on the Iberian Peninsula, caught among its traditional way of life - fishing and agriculture. But thanks to the technology and the integration, Portugal´s 91.985 km2, of which 88.944 km2 correspond to the mainland territory and the rest to the beautiful islands of the Azores and Madeira. The country is divided into 11 regions, with 18 districts headed by a Governor and these districts each have their own Town hall and Mayor.

Portuguese Traditions Since Early Times

At the beginning, Portugal was not differentiated from the northern part of Spain called Galicia because it was a homogeneous cultural unit. The first boundary stone was initiated in the Neolithic period when the Castrena Culture began with fortified huts in a circular pattern topped with cone shaped straw roofs. While in the fertile southern plains the Tartarians, Greeks and Phoenicians started rich colonies, in the rough and granate like north of Portugal, the Lusitanians presented their resistance. The Roman conquist put an end to this domain and for the first time in history, the Portuguese territory was separated from the Galician. Braga was named the first capital of the Swabian kings who reigned in Portugal from 408 to 585. Later the Visigods, who had been established in Spain expanded their land into Portugal. But as all the Iberian Peninsula, the Arabs extended their powerful arm and in 711 also reach the south. But for unknown reasons, the Arabs left Portugal, only leaving behind their culture and architecture. But Henry of Borgona, who was Earl of Portugal and the father-in-law of King Alfonso VI of Castilla had his own plans for Portugal and it was his son, Alfonso Henry, after a decisive battle in Guimaraes was proclaimed King of Portugal in 1128. From here, his successors extended the territory up until in the XIII the Portuguese territory was completed.

In 1415, King Joao I wanted to conquer more lands and started a campaign into the African territories. This impulse also sent Portuguese naval ships to occupy Madeira in 1418 and the Azores in 1427. But they did not stop there, as we all know they reached the Brazilian coast too. Leaving Portugal without any heirs, Philip II of Spain, who was born from the daughter of the king of Portugal, was proclaimed King in 1580. But in 1640 with the Treaty of Lisbon, Spain gave it its independence. Coming up to more modern times, Portugal joined the Atlantic Treaty in 1949 and the United Nations in 1955 . After having gone through many types of political parties, Portugal nowadays is a stable country open to the world.

A Quick over view of Portugal

Portugal has a seducing enchantment and anyone who surrenders to it will never regret it. The best way to see Portugal is to do it by car and very slowly. By car because it is the most comfortable way to stop and see all the spellbinding scenery that this amazing place has to offer. It is known as the country with 101 castle and we would like to see quite a few. Slowly, because the road ways, not main highways, are very sinuous.

Lisbon capital and heart of Portugal

I would recommend starting out from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and its surrounding towns. Lisbon is a city which makes you feel that time has never gone by, not only because of its architecture but thanks to the people themselves and for not being in a hurry. You can begin at the center in the Plaza do Comercio, set right on the River Tajo and either head down towards the water and along the port promenade or into the hub of the city to visit the numerous churches, monuments and living history unfolding before your eyes.

Once you have visited the city, I would head for the surrounding towns only a few hours to the south in the region called El Algarve. There are incredible fishing towns and beautiful sandy beaches. Once you have relax for a day or two, it would interesting to venture into the countryside and take direction setting north to the Alentejo region. The main city in this region is called Evora. The oldest monument in the town dates back to the II or III c. and it is the temple of Diana - A real architectural beauty. There is a Pousada, reconverted castles and palaces made into historical lodgings which are all over the Portuguese geography. Still heading north but towards the Atlantic we come across One of the most symbolic Catholic cities in the world, Fatima. Whether you are a believer or not, everyone has a favour or burning desire to help someone with problems and the profound religious ambience found here is very special. An from the religious to the intellect when we feast our sight on the very old university city of Coimbra. Just visiting the university grounds is a trip in itself. Still going up the coast, we come to the River Duero and the city of Porto or sometimes called Oporto. This area together with the Mino River valley make up the fertile vineyards for the famous Oporto wine. Other than enjoying the green vegetation which are the green grapes that make up this delicious wine, we can sip a few samples of the different varieties and see the process at some wine cellars.

Portuguese Cuisine

Lick your lips and dig in. Let´s see, I will try some Alentejana soup which are morsel of bread with coriander herbs, garlic and poached egg. Or maybe Cacao soup made from fresh fish. If it is chilly, I would like to try a typical meat dish called Pork a la Alentejana which is pork seasoned with wine, coriandro herb, onions and crushed almonds. Rabbit, hare or partridge with white beans can also warm your heart and stomache. Spread some creamy sheep cheese on some toasted bread or some hard, cured cheese from Evora with a touch of olive oil. Cod fish done in a hundred different ways, especially with tomatoes, onions, garlic and boiled potatoes which are all national products. To accompany all this scrumptious food we need the right wine. And flaky almond pastries to finish it all off.

Let yourself be overwhelmed by Portugal´s picturesque details, shades of green, enticing bodies of water, tiled murals, white washed houses and the warm feeling that the Portuguese offer to all passerbyer. The result is a total success, living up to your every dream.

Living and working at the iberian peninsula, Robert Carlton writes travel reports for many online publications. You can contact him at his internet site at http://www.lisbon-and-portugal.com

You may use this article online and in your email newsletters as long as you leave all links intact and do not alter it in anyway. The authors byline and biography must remain in the article. Permission is NOT required to use it offline. It would be great if you could let me know where my article is used online and off line.

[tags]Portugal,Lisbon,Madeira,Algarve,Evora,Pousada,Alentejo,Porto,Faro,Fatima,History,Travel,[/tags]

When Was The Last Time You Hit The Open Road

If you're a movie buff, you've undoubtedly come across and perhaps embraced the genre that is called, the "road" movie.

There are tons of them. "Thelma & Louise" is an anthem to certain women. "Five Easy Pieces" and "Easy Rider" are early rebel classics from Jack Nicholson's filmography.

And who can forget the immortal work, "The Grapes of Wrath," chronicling the Dust Bowl migration during the Great Depression? This is yet another enduring icon of road picture making.

Deep down, I think most Americans love the road, the grit of it, the adventure, and the flexibility that it requires of us.

You can find yourself on the road, tuning into a self that is different than the everyday.

Partly because you don't know the servers in the cafes and restaurants, or the bends in all of the roads, or the pillows in the next hotel, you're thrown off your routines.

On a recent trip to Northern California, I was shaken out of my complacency by the roadside fauna, on Interstate 5, near Sacramento. Beautiful plantings, mostly bushes and hedges, featuring deep reds and purples and blues utterly took me by surprise.

Someone planned this hardy, but beautiful landscaping, and credit is due.

This unexpected display made me pay attention, and it gave me "aesthetic arrest." That's just not likely to occur as I autopilot my habitual highways down South.

On the road, you have a chance to get away. This seems obvious, but I think it's more subtle and worth exploring.

For instance, I've visited faraway places, yet I never felt I was "away," in the grand sense. I hadn't left behind my buzzing thoughts, my duties, my various tics and habits.

The open road, especially if you're driving great distances over time, makes you realize you're in a different dimension, a dreamscape, where the impossible and improbable, suddenly, aren't.

What you've taken for granted is now receding in the rearview mirror.

You begin to appreciate that you're a construct, an amalgam of intention and molding from outside, and now, you have a chance to tilt in the direction of becoming truly intentional, once more.

You find yourself thinking, "I chose where I live!" and "I can un-choose it, if I like!"

I can be here.

Or anywhere.

Or anything.

Gosh, look at that sunset!

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service, and the audio program, "The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable," published by Nightingale-Conant. A Ph.D. from USC's Annenberg School, a Loyola lawyer, and an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. Headquartered in Glendale, California, he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com.

For more information about coaching, consulting, training, books, videos and audios, please go to: http://www.customersatisfaction.com

[tags]trip,travel,driving,I-5,vacation,getaways,self discovery,keynote speaker,sales guru,coach,UCLA,USC[/tags]

Six Offbeat Things To Do In Denver This Summer

Visit the 16th Century. Drive 45 minutes south of Denver and drop in to the Colorado Renaissance Festivel. This eight-week extraganza features court jesters and jousters, a King and his Queen, fun acts,turkey legs, a petting zoo and even full suits of armor for sale. June 10 – July 30.

Take the train to Glenwood Springs. You can jump on Amtrak's California Zephyr for a ride to Glenwood Springs through our spectacular mountains and valleys and beautiful Glenwood Canyon. The Cal Zephyr runs east and west on alternate days so you can take the train to Glenwood, spend the day soaking in the Glenwood Springs mineral pool and then catch the train back to Denver the next day. Amtrak – www.amtrak.com or call1-800-872-7245.

Zip down a river This past winter's snowpack in the mountains was one of the deepest ever. This means whitewater rafting will be flat outstanding this year. The closest rafting to Denver (June – July) is Clear Creek. Clear Creek is located in an old mining valley in the Colorado Rockies. Iit's a steep, technical river with sections appropriate for all ages. Its proximity to Denver and Summit County make this thrilling section of whitewater easily accessible. Clear Creek Rafting, 800-353-9901.

Saddle up. One of the best ways to visit our mountains is to visit our back country via a guided horseback ride.. We have a number of "dude ranches" and stables where you can ride for half a day or a full day (if your fanny can take it) or even do a evening ride with a steak fry or bar-b-que incuded. Nearby Allenspark has horseback riding at the Allenspark Lodge (303-747-2552. A bit further away is the Aspen Lodge in colorful Estes Park (303-332-6867).

Walk on the wild side. If you're up for it, one of Colorado's top attractions is a simple (and free) as taking a hike. One of the easiest trails (and closest to Denver) is the South Platte River Trail. It's located in Pike National Forest and is only four miles round-trip – making it about a two-hour hike, including a break for lunch.

Two-wheel it on the High Line Canal. One of Denver's real treasures is our High Line Canal. It's a neat slice of nature right in the heart of our metro area. The Canal wends throughout Denver and our suburbs for a total of 66 miles and is accessible from literally dozens of places. So a great way to spend a day is to rent a bike and cruise the Canal. You'll see bikers, walkers, joggers, horseback riders, wildlife, flowers, and big, stately old trees.

Just remember. Denver is unique in that it offers the best of two worlds -- the fun things to do and see that you find only in a big, sophisticated city, plus the breathtaking scenery, unforgettable vistas and amazing wildlife you find in our nearby Rocky Mountains. To learn more about a great Denver vacation, just go to Just go to http://www.best-denver-vacation.com

Douglas Hanna has lived in the Denver area for nearly 35 years and is an expert on both Denver and Colorado. He is also the author of more than 120 articles on Denver, family finances, and Internet marketing.

[tags]colorado rafting, colorado vacation, denver vacation, denver colorado vacation,denver travel[/tags]

Looking For A Great Summer Vacation Denver's Got It All

Looking for a great place to vacation? Well, Denver is one great place to vacation –whether you're a single, a couple or a family.

Over the past 30 years, Denver has grown into a big, bright, bustling, big-time city packed with a huge number of places to eat and stay and lots of fun things to see and do. Plus, it's just minutes away from the Rocky Mountains with their fascinating wildlife, awe-inspiring scenery and spectacular vistas.

In fact, Denver is just full of fun things to do and see. There is a world-class zoo, an amazing aquarium, museums, botanic gardens, theaters, terrific shopping, special attractions, festivals, parks, concerts and seven major league sports teams. You could easily spend a week in Denver and never run out of things to do and see. And if you do get tired of the city for any reason, there is always our beautiful mountains. In fact, one of our best-kept secrets is that Denver has a chain of parks up in the mountains just minutes away from the city where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery, hike a gentle mountain trail, have a picnic or even fish.

Denver also has affordable places to stay and eat. There are two hotels in the downtown area that, while not exactly budget hotels, are what I would call affordable – the Comfort Inn Downtown and a Red Lion Inn. Plus, there are dozens of affordable and even budget hotels with a 15-20 minute drive from the downtown area. You can also find restaurants designed for vacationing families in the downtown area, including a McDonald's and a fun restaurant called the Rocky Mountain Diner.

In short, Denver offers the best of both worlds – a sophisticated metropolitan area with plenty of things to see and do, and just a short drive away, hiking, exploring, picnicking, fishing or just sightseeing in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

You can learn what you need to know for a great Denver vacation at my web site. Just go to http://www.best-denver-vacation.com

Douglas Hanna is a 30-plus year resident of Denver and an expert on Denver and travel in Colorado. He is also the author of more than 100 ezine articles.

[tags]denver vacation, denver, denver colorado, vacation, travel[/tags]

Foreign Student Studying In The US Getting A Social Security Number

If you are a foreign student studying in the US, chances are that there are a lot of things that are unfamiliar to you. International students pay more than American students for tuition (sometimes almost double!) and so often have to get a job. If you are going to get a job, here are a few tips about getting a Social Security Number (SSN).

1. Try to work on-campus.

Working on campus is good for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps you get a better feel for the campus, which will make you more comfortable in a foreign place. Secondly, the campus often have a lot of support resources that can help you. But most importantly, if you work on campus (in a library, as a research assistant, or in whatever capacity you can find) the international students office of you school will write you a letter to take with you to get your social security number.

2. Why do I need a Social Security Number?

You need a Social Security Number (SSN) if you are getting paid in any way in the United States. This means that you will need a social security number even if you are receiving a scholarship. (Even that money is taxable, and trust me, they will be taxed). Don't delay in your SSN application because sometimes employers won't be able to give you your pay check until you have your number.

3. How long does it take?

It takes about four weeks to get a social security number, once you have gone to the government office. This means that you need to make sure that you begin your paperwork right away.

4. Where do I start?

The first step is to apply for jobs on campus (or off-campus). Once you have a printed job offer in your hand, then you can go to the office of international students. They will probably photocopy your job offer, your passport, and your visa. If you are not getting a job on campus, you will still need a written version of your job offer to take with you.

5. What should I bring?

Find out where the nearest SSN office is to you. When you go there, you will need quite a few things: a) Your Letter of Offer (from your job or scholarship), b) A letter from the office of international students (if you are applying for an on-campus job; this letter will say that you are currently enrolled and attending classes; you don't need it for an off-campus job), c) your passport, d) your visa (F-1, J-1, etc), e) all other immigration papers that you have (this means bring in any forms that you can think of, such as your I-94 form; you can even consider brining your SEVIS fee form…it never hurts to bring too much).

When I went to get my SSN, they also asked to see my birth certificate, which is not on the list of mandatory items to bring. For a friend of mine, they asked to see her driver's license. It is better to bring these just in case. You don't want to be turned away or have to come back with more information.

There aren't any forms to fill out for the SSN before you get there. A person at the office will help you fill out all of the forms that you need to.

Good luck!

I'm sure that you won't have any problems finding a job, or getting your SSN. It's a lot of paperwork, but in the end it's worth it.

You can also use your SSN to open up a bank account. You can even use it to take out a bank loan. For information on student loans, visit The Guide to Student Loans.

[tags]SSN,social,security,number,information,student,international,foreign,alien,work,job,visa,travel,stud[/tags]

Southern Tanzania Safari

Tanzania is one of Africa's top wildlife safari destinations. Wildlife lovers have a choice of two very different safari routes- referred to as the northern and southern circuits. The contrast is most obvious in the topography, habitat and climate. On the northern Tanzania safari circuit, which I have talked about in another article, you visit such renowned wildlife havens as Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. The southern safari route is anchored on Dar es Salaam, and covers Ruaha, Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountains National Parks and the Selous Game Reserve.

The southern circuit is more discreet, less accessible and has fewer visitors. Adventure lovers and those who seek closer contact with some of Africa's most complex ecosystems will be rewarded. Here you can view game in a variety of new ways- walking, riding and boating. If you have not had the privilege of getting up close to wild animals in their natural habitat, it is an exciting and refreshing experience. For this encounter, the park authorities require that an armed ranger escort you. It is therefore not as dangerous as it may first appear.

Mikumi National Park is the most accessible of the southern game sanctuaries. It is 283 km to the west of Dar es Salaam - Tanzania's coastal commercial capital. Occupying 3,230 sq km, it carries a variety of wildlife including elephants, lion, giraffe, impala, warthog, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, hartebeest and eland. Wild dogs- considered an endangered carnivore species -are found here in good numbers. Other resident animals are crocodiles, hippos, and monitor lizards. Birds are most plentiful in the wet season when up to 300 species gathers here. Many of these are Eurasian migrants, exercising to the full, the freedom that comes with wings.

The Mikumi flood plain is the dominant feature of the park, which is bordered on one side by the Uluguru Mountains and on another by the Lumango range. Mikumi forms the northern border of the Selous Game Reserve and is part of a vast wilderness ecosystem covering 75,000 sq km. Open grasslands stretch on the plains, while the miombo woodlands cover higher ground.

The park is accessible year round- unlike some of the sanctuaries in the southern circuit. To get to Mikuni from Dar, you spend 4 hours on road or 1 hour by air. Budget travelers take a bus ride to park gate, from where game drives are organised. There is limited accommodation at a few luxury lodges and tented camps and at 3 campsites. If you find yourself in Dar on a weekend, this is where you head to see wildlife.

The 1,990 sq km Udzungwa Mountains National Park is 348 km west of Dar and 65 km southwest of Mikumi. The mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains that fall southeast of Kilimanjaro. The park is unique in Tanzania, having been created primarily to conserve plant life. The pristine mountain forest habitat hosts numerous rare plants. There are six primate species, out of which two species are endemic - the Iringa red colobus monkey and the Sanje Crested Mangabey.

At the plateau area, you find elephants, lions, hunting dogs and buffalos, though not in as large numbers as in some of the other Tanzania parks. Birds also do well here, and indeed the park ranks as one of Africa's most important bird conservation areas. Scientists have in recent times come across at least four previously unknown bird species. The best time to visit is over the dry season between June and October. The hiking trails over the wet season are slippery, which can be quite a nuisance.

The Ruaha National Park is rightly named after its lifeblood- the Great Ruaha River. Occupying 12,950 sq km, it is Tanzania's second largest national park and its biggest elephant sanctuary. Home to numerous crocodiles and hippo, the Great Ruaha draws many thirsty waterbuck, leopard, buffalo, reedbuck, wild dogs, lion and hyena to its banks. Plain animals such as zebra, greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, impala and giraffe are found on the plains stretching from the rivers edge.

The topography is agreeable to hiking and walking safaris are allowed. In wet season months of March to April and October to November the bird population peaks and the park has over 370 bird species, including some Eurasian migrants. The flora is very diverse and over 1650 plant species flourish here. The Ruaha has the unique distinction of having plant and animal life found in both eastern and southern Africa. The climate here is hot and dry and temperatures can reach 40°C in October.

The Ruaha is located 128 km west of the central Tanzania town of Iringa. It was previously inaccessible, but there is now year round road access. From Dar, road travel is a backbreaking 10 hours while a charter flight takes 1 ½ hours. The best time for a safari is over the dry season- May to December. Then, the Ruaha River is magnetic to the animals and right at the banks, the drama of their daily life is on display- feeding, fighting, courting and mating. The accommodation is currently limited, but there is a luxury lodge, and a few self-catering chalets and campsites.

Selous Game Reserve is the star of the southern safari circuit. The reserve is named after the intrepid Fredrick Courtney Selous, a celebrated Victoria era explorer and naturalist. He met his end here in a sideshow of the First World War. The Great War had spilled over from Europe as the Germans then ruled parts of today's Tanzania. Located 500 km to the southwest of Dar, the reserve occupies a staggering 55,000 sq km - larger than Switzerland- and is the largest of its kind in Africa.

The Selous was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 due to the significance of both its flora and fauna. This immense wilderness has a diversity of habitats including savanna woodlands, swamps, open grasslands and forests. Over 2,100 species of tress and plants have been recorded. The mighty Rufiji River is the lifeblood of the reserve and its numerous tributaries and oxbow lakes are ideal for boat safaris. The wildlife to see here includes buffalo, hippo, black rhino, lion and wild dog. Elephants in particular are numerous and are estimated to number over 60,000.

Other inhabitants of Selous are bush back, waterbuck, reedbuck, impala, eland, giraffe, baboon, zebra, and greater kudu. Birders will also find a trip to Selous worthwhile - over 420 species are on record. In the very large game sanctuaries of the south - Ruaha and Selous in particular, game is scattered and a slow pace is advised, with at least 3-4 days in each. Photographic safaris can be very rewarding here. Most visitors take the time to visit to Stiegler's Gorge, which also happens to be a spot favoured by leopards.

From Dar, you arrive after a 1-½ hour charter flight or by traveling for 7 hours by road. Travel by road is not advised, except for the most adventurous souls. Selous is near the coast and is just a few hundred feet above sea level. The climate is hot and humid, particularly between October and March. Part of the reserve is closed in the wet season between March and May. The best time to visit is over the dry season period of June to October. Then on safari you can walk, boat and ride a 4WD vehicle. Accommodation is limited to just a few luxury tented and no-frills camps.

The typical southern safari will usually combine Mikumi, Ruaha and Selous. After the safari, a stay in Zanzibar rounds off an unbeatable holiday experience. It is generally recommended you take an escorted southern Tanzania safari package that includes transport, guide, park fees and accommodation. Particularly in the large sanctuaries of the southern circuit, tour guides bring valuable useful local knowledge - where to find the animals, and how to get where you are going.

On safari, avoid bright colours as this may get you in trouble with wild animals. If you are wise you will pack brown, beige and khaki clothing. It rarely gets really cold on the southern circuit and short sleeve shirts, shorts and trouser for men are adequate. For ladies, short sleeve blouses, slacks and skirts are ideal. But carry a jacket or sweater for possible chills in the evening and early mornings. Sunglasses will shield you from the at times harsh tropical glare; and a hat can save you from sunstroke. Bring along a sensible pair of shoes that will allow you to walk comfortably in the bush. Binoculars will come in very handy for spotting animals.

Copyright © Africa Point

Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of AfricaPoint.com- the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view more info on Tanzania safari and tours at the website.

[tags]tanzania, southern tanzania safari, travel, tanzania safari, wildlife safari, safari destination,[/tags]

Key West, Florida By Foot

There are some places that just cannot be fully experienced or appreciated from the window of your car or tour bus. Key West, Florida is one of those places. Here culture, history and architecture combine to form one of the most memorizing and unique vacation destinations to be found anywhere in Florida. From the pastel cottages to the waving palms to the long, sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets, Key West is a place that is only truly experienced by really getting intimate with the island and breathing in all that is Key West.

One of the best ways to explore Key West is by foot. Only while walking through this amazing island can one fully appreciate the culture that is unique to the Key West locals and truly memorize the attractions to be found in all of their exquisite and vivid detail. That is why a leisurely vacation in Key West that includes exploring the island by foot makes a perfect vacation getaway for one, two or the whole family.

The local culture of Key West and its locals are unique. Here the people live a harmonious life where they are free to express themselves any way they wish. From clothing to hairstyles to lifestyles and body piercing, the Key West locals dance to the rhythm of their own drum. This way of looking at life creates a laid back and friendly atmosphere, which usually means that it does not take long for one to be attracted to the Key West lifestyle.

The Key West lifestyle is very subdued, simple and laid back. Although there are a few grand homes to be found, many locals live in small homes or cottages, which feature steep-pitched tin roofs, louvered wooden shutters, and inviting front porches. One of the favorite pastimes of the Key West natives is lounging on these picture-perfect porches while reading, playing games or just simple enjoying the temperate weather.

Rich and ornate architecture and landscaping is another way that the Key West locals fully express themselves. Key West is full of inspirational and exquisite architecture. In fact, one of the most enjoyed activities of tourists to Key West is touring the National Historic District in Old town, which includes almost 3,000 structures, public homes and museums. This is where the best architecture of Key West is to be found.

Here are just a few of the main architectural and tourist attractions to be found in the National Historic District, Key West:

The San Carlos Institute, located on Duval Street, is a monument to Cuban patriotic activity. This Spanish styled building was originally built in 1924 and was later restored and opened as a museum, library, school, theater and conference center in 1992. Featuring high ceilings and ornate mosaic tile, the San Carlos Institute is a must see for anyone visiting Key West. Both guided tours and films, which highlight the history of this imposing structure, are offered year round in Spanish and English.

Just a few steps away on Whitehead Street, is the John James Audubon House. This Bahamian-style white clapboard house is one of the oldest homes in Key West. The home was built in 1830s by ship carpenters using mahogany, cypress and heart pine. A museum is on site highlighting many of Audubon's original engravings of bird species of Key West. There is also a tropical garden that features rare fruit trees and white orchids.

Also on Whitehead Street is the home where Ernest Hemingway lived during the years of 1931 to 1940. It was in this home that Hemingway penned some of his greatest works including To Have and Have Not, Death in the Afternoon, and The Snows of Kilimanjaro. The Spanish Colonial stone mansion features many of Hemingway's earliest manuscripts, a second floor studio used by Hemingway, and some of Hemingway's original furnishings.

So, if you are looking for a vacation experience like no other, perhaps you should consider touring Key West by foot. After a few days of taking one of the many walking tours mapped throughout the city and mingling with the natives, you may never want to come home.

By Rose Lenk
For more Key West and Florida articles and information visit Access Florida.

[tags]florida,key west,travel[/tags]

Mexican Steet Walking

I cannot say whether walking the streets of all Mexican cities is the same. However, I can say to walk the streets of Guanajuato, my adopted town, one immediately becomes aware of two things. One, the reason the Spanish pitched fits trying to plan the layout of this town and two, why Guanajuanteses (citizens of Guanajuato) walk fast but get nowhere on time.

The Spanish, being the good, anal-retentive Europeans we've all grown to know and love, were accustomed to building their cities in grid-like patterns. You know what I mean. Most of America, having inherited this same anal retentiveness from our European ancestors, is built on the same plan. To make it easier to find addresses (I suppose), cities are built in a grid. One finds the numbered streets going one way and the named streets crossing them.

Well, Guanajuato's topography was not exactly amenable to this type of city planning and development. Trying to apply the Spaniards' city planning to Guanajuato didn't work. To put it in terms that Americans might more easily understand, imagine the Grand Canyon.

If you've been to the Grand Canyon, have taken the little mule ride down to the bottom of the canyon, and then looked up, you will get a good idea what Guanajuato is like. When the Spanish set about harvesting Guanajuato's silver, they found the area was a giant ravine winding its way through a series of mountains. The topography made their modern city planning ideas impossible to carry out.

The mountains in this unique Colonial Mexican town form a jagged-shaped bowl with the city streets running along the bottom of the bowl. City buildings line the bottom of the bowl (the ravine) as well as climbing up the sides of the bowl. It is actually an incredible sight—one of which I never tire. Somehow they managed to build this city up the sides of these mountains. It makes one wonder in amazement just how they did it.

This of course vexed the Spanish to no end since it made it impossible for them to lay out the city in the usual grid of which the Department of Post Middle Ages City Planning and Imperialism was so fond.

If you want to experience a little of what the Spanish must have felt, just come to Guanajuato and try to navigate the streets. Better yet, try doing it with the map you can get at the Tourism Office. You have to give the city credit for trying, but trust me on this. Even with the map the city provides to tourists, it is as impossible to find anything in this town as it was in the days of the Spaniards. Only more so because there is far more to this town than when they built it.

Guanajuanteses seem to know where they are going. If you can get someone to show you, you might be able to get to where you need to go. The maps do not work and the street names are subject to changing suddenly without notice. Also, the locals walk at the speed of light; so getting someone to show you where you are trying to go can be dicey at best.

What confuses me about all conveyances in this town applies as well to the locals walking the streets. They seem to be going somewhere in a tearing hurry. But rest assured, the goal is not to arrive at their destination on time. A friend offered a possible answer.

"They must all be late for something and are therefore walking (or driving a bus, cab, or car) at the speed of light to get there."

This is the most reasonable explanation for the mystery that I have yet to unravel. Most likely, I never will solve it. Make an appointment with most Mexicans and one of the following scenarios will occur:

1. They will never show up and will never call to cancel the appointment.

2. They will never show up on time.

3. They will show up sometime but rarely at the appointed time and date—but they will show up without so much as an explanation.

Rest assured. They are on the streets of Guanajuato rushing to board the bus, to take a cab or bus which is being driven at warp speed, or walking faster than you can imagine is humanly possible to get somewhere fast but never on time!

Am I being anal retentive in saying that? Probably.

Expatriates Doug and Cindi Bower have successfully expatriated to Mexico, learning through trial and error how to do it from the conception of the initial idea to driving up to their new home in another country. Now the potential expatriate can benefit from their more than three years of pre-expat research to their more than two years of actually living in Mexico. The Plain Truth about Living in Mexico answers the potential expatriate's questions by leading them through the process from the beginning to the end. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn not only how-to expatriate but will learn what to expect, in daily life, before coming to Mexico. BUY BOOK HERE: http://www.zyworld.com/theolog/PlainTruth/Home.htm

[tags]mexico,mexican,travel to mexico,mexican culture,guanajuato[/tags]

First Monday At Ripley Mississippi

Believe it or not, Ripley Mississippi is overflowing with thriving industries. Its streets are clean. Its people are smiling. Someday soon we need to send a team of great social scientists there to explore how Ripley has accomplished such great success so that our entire nation can benefit.

One attraction that obviously makes Ripley more successful is an event called FIRST MONDAY. It was launched way back in the last part of the 19th century in an effort to help farmers market their wares directly to consumers. Even after a hundred years of experimentation there is still a lot of produce being sold at First Monday.

For many consumers the primary reason for coming to First Monday is to stock up on fresh fruits, melons, potatoes, trees to plant, geese, ducks, chickens, pigeons, goats, donkeys, dogs and probably cats too, as well as rare birds, iguanas, parakeets, snakes and so forth. But far more sellers now focus on flea market merchandise to make most of the profits. Wrenches, garden tools, gloves, printed T-shirts, work shirts, work pants, caps, flags, bumper stickers, pharmaceuticals, boxed and canned groceries, rifles, guns, ammunition, bows, knives, toys of all descriptions, and of course, cooked delicacies.

First Monday starts on the first Saturday of each month that comes before a Monday in that month. Consequently, First Monday will occasionally be held on a weekend for the Second Monday of the month.

Vendor nationality fluctuates from Good Old Boys to Yankee, from Red Neck to Viet Namese. Customer nationality is even wider. I saw one family from Guatemala visiting and two college boys from Peru were there selling South American flutes and flute music. Illegal aliens ran about 10% of the throng and were buying groceries like they were going out of style.

There is a lot of ground to cover here. First Monday is so large an event that you'll need at least five hours to see it all. If the place was empty you could walk it faster, but usually the place is packed solid. For the weak and weary there are golf carts being rented out. Because of the thronging crowds a golf cart won't make your visit any faster, just more comfortable. The way is always crowded and the speed limit is always "slow." There are four gateways off the main road and usually there is a line at all four of them. It costs $2 to get in and no help is offered in your search to find a place to park once you are in.

Vendors can set up any kind of booth they want, in any location they can find. However, hunting dogs and hunting weapons vendors tend to congregate over the bridge in a more distant part of the event. Farm and garden equipment is more predominant over the bridge too.

A large restaurant is found somewhere close to the center of the meeting ground. The last time I was able to wait in line long enough to get a table and sample the food, it was delicious. Nine or ten "stands" also vie to fill your hungry soul, but seating provisions are sparse at most of them. The one notable exception to this was a tent provided by a local church. The pews are hard but oh, the relief of getting off your feet is tremendous. I've never actually seen a service being held in the tent but I would gladly have donated to the plate just for the privilege of sitting down for those ten minutes.

Most of the fruit trees are about six feet tall and come five in a bundle for $25. Individual sockets of the tractor-sized, heavy duty, brand name kind are selling for $5 and up. Complete sets of half inch drive sockets are going for $20 to $40 depending on the number of sockets in the set. HUGE luggage bags are only $40 and pure leather billfolds are going for just $5.

There was a pellet gun I've been wanting for a long time now. Never bought it did I pursue because of the $119.95 price tag in view. At one of the booths here I saw it again, still in the box, big, long, powerful and true. The price tag on the box shouted "DOLLARS, ONLY TWENTY TWO." Now I'm not suggesting every item there is priced like these, but I do know that just about everything there was a genuine bargain.

Ripley is found where Highways 4 and 15 intersect. First Monday is on Highway 15 on the south side of town. If you go through Ripley you will see numerous opportunities to buy other flea market type produce. You will also get a closer view of a marvelous people that should be studied by a team of great social scientists to see how they accomplish so much.

Independently less than wealthy, Lin Stone writes how to articles for the trade. In his spare time Lin writes about the Three H-s: horses, humor and health. His first book, HOW TO BUY LAND AT TAX SALES, is so good it is still selling after seven years. Check it out at http://www.talewins.com/rs002.htm His other books are "selling" from Browzer Books.

[tags]ripley, mississippi, First Monday, dogs, hunting dogs, travel[/tags]