Look Travel

Buying Cheap Humidors

2009-08-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

There are numerous vendors who offer humidors at low prices. Many retail stores have departments that sell humidors of many kinds. Typically though retail stores will offer limited styles of smaller desktop and travel humidors. There are also stores that specialize in humidors and cigars that offer upgraded models of humidors and may even offer specials on cabinet humidors.

However, the prices one may pay at a specialty store will likely be more than what one will find on the Internet for comparable items. The Internet is a great place for researching and purchasing humidors of all styles, brands, and models. There is no limit to what one can find except for where imagination ends.

A quick search of the internet using humidor sale returned hundreds of companies offering low prices on humidors of all kinds from small travel humidors to large cabinet humidors even to humidors designed for jewelry. A search for discount humidors also returned hundreds of companies in the same way that a search for wholesale humidors returned many possibilities.

With access to so many companies selling cheap humidors, the most difficult part to purchasing a humidor today, especially with internet stores, is being able to narrow down one's search and to settle on one particular style of humidor with many costing much less than $100.

In an internet search, one can find a very beautiful rosewood cabinet humidor with a Spanish cedar interior that measures 15"" x 9 3/4"" x 6 3/8"" and will hold up to 120 cigars for a mere $79.99, plus shipping and tax costs. This item typically retails for $199.00. Another deal on the internet was for a cabinet humidor that holds up to 3000 cigars and only costs $599.00. And these are only two examples of such great deals one can find for Cheap Humidors on the internet.

The internet now affords the cigar aficionado the opportunity to research and purchase cheap humidors, offered either through a sale, discount or wholesale offering, from the comfort of their home.

Humidors Info provides detailed information on cigar humidors, travel humidors, and humidor plans. Humidors Info is the sister site of Cigars Web.

[tags]humidors, cigar, travel humidor[/tags]

Sun, Surf And Wine

2009-07-07T06:00:00.002-07:00

As Captain Cook traveled north along the east coast in 1770, he made notes in his Captains Diary about a headland, now called Nobby Head. However it wasn't until 1797, while chasing escapees, that Lieutenant John Shortland discovered the Hunter River and also large deposits of coal.

Some four years later, in 1801 convicts began the backbreaking work of mining coal and cutting timber. Slowly, on the back of coal and the construction of the major prison in NSW (with over 1000 convicts) Newcastle begin growing, along with the schools and a flurry of buildings, its population grow to approx 50,000 in 1890.

A major turning point in the towns history come in 1911, when the large steelworks, BHP, chose Newcastle as the its new location due to the abundance of coal. BHP would remain in Newcastle until the company decided to close its doors in 2000, despite record company profits.

Today Newcastle is the second largest city in NSW (250,000 pop) and is growing in popularity with many Australians and foreign tourists. Located around 150km north of Sydney, Newcastle is easily reached by road or rail in only a few hours. There are also regular flights to and from Williamstown, just to the north.

Once here, the wide and diverse choice of activities on offer will have you wondering in amazement. Located on the coast, some of Australia's best beaches can be found only minutes from the CBD. Nobby's and Newcastle Main Beach, famous for hosting the International Surfest Contest, are only a 5-minute stroll from the main shopping and business districts. Continuing south, through the hilly, yet stunning gardens of King Edward Park, you will travel down the long windy slope arriving at Bar Beach. Further south the white sandy beaches of Merewether, Dudley, Redhead and Blacks Beach will greet you. All perfect for working on the tan, catching some waves or cooling of on a hot summers day.

For the non-beach goers, Newcastle Harbor and foreshore offers a variety of restaurants, cafes and park area to sip on a latte, try a Newcastle Ale or just chill out on the grass. For the more energetic, the large look out tower located next to the Brewery gives you a wonderful 360' view of the city and it's vast coastline. Walking over the footbridge, located below the look out, you enter the Hunter Street Mall, full of more shops and cafés.

For the day-trippers, a visit to the famous Hunter Valley Wineries is a great way to check out the internationally renowned wines of the region. Tours can be private or in groups, by old vintage cars or by bus. Whichever way you go, it is recommended that you don't drive, allowing you to fully appreciate the character and flavor of Australia's leading wine makers!

If history is your thing, Newcastle won't disappoint! Downtown in the CBD you'll find the Newcastle Art Gallery, City Museum and Botanical Gardens, along with Fort Scratchley and the Maritime Museum. A little out of the city, is the Wetlands Center and Blackbutt Nature Reserve, both great for short walks, picnics and learning about Australia's natural beauty.

For more info on Newcastle, check out this useful websites:

· Tourism Website - www.newcastletourism.com

· Accommodation - www.newcasltebackpackers.com

· Accommodation - www.backpackersbythebeach.com.au

· Shortland Wetlands www.wetlands.org.au

· Newcastle Herald Paper - http://www.theherald.com.au

Originally from Newcastle, Australia, Adam now lives and works in South East Asia.

http://snapperphotography.com

http://vietnaminfocus.info

[tags]newcastle, australia, nsw, tourism, travel, history, culture, beach, sun, surf, wine[/tags]

Amsterdam Vacation

2009-07-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

It's pretty good to get a background of Amsterdam before spending a vacation there, isn't it? Well, for those who are currently planning or thinking for an Amsterdam vacation, or those who wish to know more about Amsterdam, here are facts below.

Amsterdam is actually a compact and instantly likeable city in Europe. As claimed by many of those who have been there for an Amsterdam vacation, the city is very appealing to look at and pleasing to walk around. It is a city where the parochial and international behaviors meet, and it is where you will feel a welcoming attitude towards visitors. This kind of behavior we known about Amsterdam was said to be shaped by the liberal counterculture it embraces since the last four decades.

Majority of the people of Amsterdam is able to speak English fluently. Some know how to speak German and French, but it is highly considered that if you are an English speaker, it is better to speak in English than in French and German as speaking the two languages is more likely to offend than do anyone a favor.

The layout of the city of Amsterdam is generally determined by a web of canals radiating out from a historical core to loop right round the center. As many of the Amsterdam vacation resources have noted, these planned, seventeenth century extensions to the medieval town make for a distinctly elegant urban environment. This is further shown by the presence of tall gabled house that are reflected in the black green waters of the city. It is then nice to know that many of the Amsterdam vacationers have deemed the city as the city at its most beguiling, that is, a world away from the traffic and noise of a number of many other European city centers. It is these facts actually that made Amsterdam one of Europe's most popular short-haul destinations.

Before your Amsterdam vacation it is interesting to know that there is actually an apparent contradiction to the positive aspects of the city, and this embodies much of the spirit of Amsterdam. Many of those Amsterdam vacationers who have strolled the city for a long time may know that Amsterdam is worldly known as a place where the possession and sale of cannabis are effectively legal, or at least decriminalized. For the most part, people of Amsterdam themselves can't really be bothered with this stuff.

Also, while the city is renowned throughout the world for its tolerance towards all styles of behavior and dress, a primmer with a more mainstream dress sense would be hard to find. And, as many of the Amsterdam vacationers have known, behind the cozy cafes and dreamy canals lurks the suspicion that the Amsterdammers' hearts lie squarely in their wallets, and while the new Amsterdam vacationers see the city as a liberal haven, locals can seem just as indifferent to this as well.

Amsterdam Vacation

Europe Travel blog: Europe Travel Budapest travel blog Budapest

[tags]amsterdam,amsterdam vacation,travel europe[/tags]

Genealogy In Switzerland - A Longenecker Family Search

2009-06-07T06:00:00.002-07:00

I recently visited Langnau, Bern, Switzerland and spent two days immersed in all things Langenegger. My wife and I arrived at the Langnau rail station on June 25, 2004, exhausted from a long flight from San Francisco. As we left the train station we were immediately struck by the unique character of this area.

Outside the train station are the remnants of a cobblestone street, now patched by asphalt. Everywhere we looked were beautiful Swiss houses and buildings many of them hundreds of years old and all colorfully decorated with pink and red begonias placed in flower boxes below each window. As we found later, the Emmental is also a wonderland of covered bridges, friendly people, church spires with Swiss clocks and chimes, tinkling cow bells everything you expect Switzerland to be.

As we walked toward our hotel in Bareau we noticed how friendly and courteous the locals are stopping to allow us to cross the street and smiling as we passed with a friendly "Hallo" or "Guten Morgen." The town is dotted with long stone tanks with well water splashing in at one end and draining out the other. They look something like a stone horse tank. These are available to anyone who wants a cool drink of well water.

After we settled into our room at the Landgasthof Hotel Adler, the owner kindly invited us to a short ride into the countryside where we saw more beautiful houses and pastures. After we returned we asked a few locals in the hotel restaurant about the Langenegger farm and they had a good laugh. Turns out that there are a lot of Langeneggers there and we didn't know the name of the people who lived in the original house that we came to see.

The hills are about 1200 feet above the valley floor and incredibly green with grass and forested areas visible from anywhere in town. Langnau is small perhaps three or four long blocks across and the hills seem very close. Black and white cows break up the greenery and produce and wonderful tinkling sound as they graze around ringing the bells around their necks. Higher pitched bells worn by sheep and goats blend with the clunk-clunk bong-bong of the cow bells making a delicious backdrop to the scenery. This is the last sound we heard as we drifted off to sleep covered with a feather quilt on our first night in Langnau.

The birds woke us up to wonderfully green world that is Langnau in the summer. We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast of homemade bread and jelly provided by our host, Stephen. We hoped to attend church, but found that our information was incorrect and arrived too early. Instead we started our walking tour of Langnau early. Langnau is a small town and we walked all of the main streets by about noon when we took a break for lunch to share a small cheese tart and an apple pastry from a small shop near the center of town. By that time, the local museum had opened. It is housed in one of the oldest houses in Langnau and is a great opportunity to look around inside one of these magnificent buildings and see all of the fancy joinery done by the builders. It is also a great museum with a number of permanent and rotating exhibits that depict the history of Langnau and its residents.

The museum's docent has lived in Langnau for 70 years and knows the Langenegger name very well. She quickly found a book that contains the Langenegger family crests one for those in the valley (Langenegg Ey) and one for those up higher in the hills (Langenegg Unter). She also loosely parsed the name into Lange (Long in English pronounced 'Long' in German too) and negg (hill in English pronounced 'neck' in German). I haven't been able to confirm the word 'negg' anywhere but that is what she said. The book also included a statement, "Ulrich, von Langnau, wanderte 1748 nach Pennsylvanien [USA] Aus (Faust 61)" which roughly translates that Ulrich Langenegger immigrated to Pennsylvania in the United States in 1748. This is our ancestor Ulrich Langenegger Sr. The book doesn't give a further source for this information. On the map, the Langenegg Unter is just about a 30 minute hike up the hill from the museum and Langenegg Ey is about a mile down river from Langnau. Since the Unter had been owned by someone other than a Langenegger for many years, we decided to take a closer look at the Ey property in the valley to see if we could at least get a picture of the house and perhaps, if we were really lucky, meet a distant relative.

Margaret and I walked along the river where many of the local people were taking a break from regular life to cool off. We were pleasantly surprised at the number of covered bridges in and around Langnau all still being used. We even drove over one just outside of Langnau.

Just as we approached the long driveway to the Langenegger house, two women came up from the river and one of them spoke English. She told us that we were in the right place and that the Langenegger family did live here. She offered to escort us to the right house among a group of several houses and buildings located on the property. With a cheery German "Woo hoo" she called out to the people inside and introduced us to my 9th cousin who lives in the house where Ulrich Langenegger Senior was born in 1664 (the same one mentioned in the book that immigrated to Pennsylvania).

Our new-found cousins were gracious and greeted us warmly even though we just showed up on their doorstep after over 250 years without a Christmas card! We had a short conversation about the family and viewed some of the information that they had there. Coincidentally, the couple's sister-in-law next door was in Pennsylvania to attend a Longenecker reunion while we were in Langnau. We exchanged contact information so that we can follow up with them with information we find that might be useful to them. They kindly offered us a cool drink from their well before we took a short walk around the farm to get some photos. The cows were in the barn as it was unseasonably hot that day. Milk from their cows is sold into a coop of local farmers that makes it into cheese. If you are looking for some authentic Langenegger cheese, look for the Emmentaler type as that is what they make there. It is sold in the US as simply Swiss cheese the type with holes in it. I must admit that it tasted much better in Langnau than in California.

The house is located an easy hike along the river from Langnau and consists of the original house plus some additional houses and outbuildings. I found the house a challenge to photograph by itself. It is a typical Swiss farm house arranged with living quarters and barn under one roof. On one side is an earthen ramp going directly into the attic over the barn that is used to move hay into that area for storage and use during the winter.

The roof is steep by US standards but not as steep as I expected in an area that gets lots of snow. Most roofs in the area are tile and include a series of brackets about six inches high that hold the snow in the winter so that it doesn't all fall down at one time. Some buildings had a simpler system with only one set of brackets near the bottom of the roof that held a four inch pipe running the entire length of the house apparently for the same purpose as the brackets on other buildings. In addition, this system probably uses the snow to insulate the roof from the cold. Another interesting thing about some roofs and houses the builders sometimes put their initials and the date of construction on the roof by using different colored tiles. Others painted this information under the eaves or on the face of the building under the eaves.

The Langenegger house is not as fancy as some in town but is large and includes some fancy joinery work that we saw repeated inside the museum, on the covered bridges, and elsewhere in the area. The main structure appears to be large beams carefully joined together at the proper angles so that they get stronger as more weight is put on them and held together with wooden pegs. On one bridge near town we saw metal strapping that seems to have been added later.

The business of the farm centers around the milk cows. There was a large field of corn planted near the house along with a well-kept garden that seems to grace every house we saw in Switzerland. Along the driveway approach to the farm there are some cherry trees with mostly green fruit just beginning to turn pink in places. The rest of the farm appeared to be in grass. My friend John Garland in Oklahoma would call the fencing "psychological fencing" not much of a barrier to an animal that wants out. We noticed that a lot of fences appeared to be temporary and electrified so that the cows can be easily moved to fresh grass as needed. We even saw one electric fence hooked up to a solar panel up high in the mountains a long train-ride away from Langnau. Out of respect for the current occupants' time and space, we only stayed briefly.

We returned to our hotel via a path the goes along the river and stopped for a rest in the shade of an old covered bridge. We were exhausted again and happy at getting to meet our distant relatives and to view the old house.

Research: If you are researching this area, no genealogy information is readily available in Langnau. The records office has records from 1886, but doesn't release it without permission of the persons mentioned in the records and the charges to do so are very high. You will have much better luck in Bern where most of the Swiss records are held. There is almost always someone around that speaks English and the records offices are no exception. The records are neither computerized nor indexed but they are very neatly categorized by location and time frames. You will need to tell them exactly who, where, and when you want to look in order to get the right microfilm. Then it is an old-fashioned search browsing through records written along time ago using unfamiliar styles and letters. Lockers are located outside the office in the hallway and you will have to leave your backpack, purse, etc. there. It's free and secure.

The Archives de I'Etat de Berne is located at Falkenplatz 4, CH-3012 Berne near the main railroad station. It was easy to find the third time I tried. The rail station is large and busy and on several levels. Locate the elevators on one end of the station and take them all the way to the top. If you have trouble, follow the students and the signs to the university in order to find the elevators. Once you are at the top, go toward the campus the only way you can go really and pass between two large university-looking buildings. Falkenplatz 4 is the first building on the right after you pass through the campus area. There is a small street stand just across the small park where the students congregate for a cheap and good sandwich get there early as they run out of sandwiches quickly after noon. The office is open from 8:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:00 every weekday except Friday when it closes at 4:30. If you want to confirm before going, their phone numbers are 031/633 51 01, fax 031/633 51 02. Copies are one Swiss Frank per page so take along plenty of cash so that you can get everything you want. You can easily spend 50 franks in one afternoon depending on the records you want. I didn't have time, but you may also want to check out these sources provided by the museum in Langnau . . .

Zivilstands-und Burgerrechtsdienst
Des Kantons Bern
Eigerstrasse 73
3011 Bern
031/633 47 85
Fax: 031/633 47 39

Nieisen Paul-Anthon
Biochstrasse 7
3753 Oberhofen am Thunersee
033/243 24 52

Gene Hall has been working on the family tree for over 25 years and currently is the CEO of FamilyTrackers, Inc. - a World Genealogy Exchange located at http://www.familytrackers.com/
The Landgasthof Hotel Adler mentioned in this article is located at http://www.landgasthof-adler.ch/

This article comes with reprint rights. You are free to reprint and distribute it as you like. All that I ask is that you reprint it in its entirety without any changes including this text and the link above.

[tags]Genealogy, Switzerland, Longenecker, Langenegger, Emmental, Langnau, Travel, Cows, family,[/tags]

Traveling In Mexico Eating Inexpensively In Mexico City

2009-06-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

Whether you're planning on teaching English in Mexico or are just traveling in Mexico, you still have to eat, don't you? So here are some of my recommendations for eating out inexpensively in the Historic District of Mexico City.

Café Popular

Address: Avenida Cinco de Mayo 52

Located right next to the Zamora Hotel, one and a half blocks from the zocalo. Economical local meals are featured 24 hours a day priced around 25 pesos. Almost always busy, you may have to wait a few minutes to be seated, but the food is well worth it. A generous platter of sweet, tempting breads, rolls and pastries baked in-house is served along with your meal and you are charged only for the ones you eat. Look for the brown awning with a short line of people waiting outside. That'll be the place.

Café La Blanca

Address: Avenida Cinco de Mayo 40

Another neighborhood spot popular with the locals is just two blocks further along the street from the Café Popular. Larger but with decidedly less atmosphere, the food is nonetheless good although still basic and a bit pricier with entrees in the range of 30 - 40 pesos. The large plate glass windows along the front are prime for people-watching along the heavily-trafficked Cinco de Mayo, especially late afternoons and evenings.

La Casa del Pavo

Address: Motolinia No. 40 Phone: 518 4282

A small but unique restaurant a few doors down from the Hotel Lafayette that specializes in turkey (pavo) dishes of all types. Rows of mouth-watering charcoal-roasted turkey drumsticks are displayed in the plate glass window outside and the aroma of fresh roast turkey will drive you just about out of this world. Prices are moderate, entrees range from 20 to 40 pesos. Dishes of other meats are on the menu, although most are the popular pavo ones.

Rosticero Molina Address: Cinco de Mayo and Isabel Catolica

An open-on-all-sides bar-B-que joint on the corner that serves hot roast chicken and , you guessed it pavo. Entrees here are really inexpensive with a whole roast chicken, side dishes, pickled jalapenos, drinks and condiments (a HUGE stack of soft corn tortillas) for two people selling for a mere $4 (47 pesos) ! Quick and delicious meals can be eaten at the counter downstairs or upstairs at comfortable tables. For a fast and filling lunch this is unquestionably the place. There is another turkey rosticero right around the corner and a few steps down on Isabel Catolica with very similar fare at about the same prices. They almost always play tropical music at supersonic levels so a conversation is out of the question most of the time. Both places close by 8:30 pm or so however, so get there early.

Restaurante Madero Address: Avenida Madera at the corner of Motolinia

A popular lunch-time spot with the locals and famous for its "cabrito al horno" (roast goat meat that's right, Goat), the Restaurante Madero also has a selection of "mole" (a kind of spicy chocolate sauce) dishes. Lunch prices are especially attractive but getting a table on weekdays is somewhat nip and tuck. It's worth it if you can get though. Maybe, just maybe you'll get lucky.

If You're Feeling a Tad "Homesick" and

you've just got to have that "little taste of home", there are a number of fast food franchises in the Historic District as well as throughout Mexico City. Domino's Pizza (tel. 510 2122) is on the corner of Motolinia and Cinco de Mayo. Prices are from 65 pesos for a medium-sized pizza with the works to 130 pesos for their largest. Dunkin Donuts is mere steps from the Zocalo in the first block of Madero and has the best real coffee in the area in addition to their honey-dips. McDonalds is in front of the Zocalo on Cinco de Febrero. You can't miss it.

Be sure to check out my other articles in the continuing series: Teaching English in Mexico and Traveling in Mexico. If you would like more information, have questions or comments, the author can be e-mailed at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an ELT Teacher Trainer, English language learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. He has published more than 350 articles and academic papers and presented at numerous EFL teacher training and TEFL conferences throughout North America, South America and Europe. For comments, questions, requests, to receive more information or to be added to his free TESOL articles and teaching materials mailing list, e-mail: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

[tags]Mexico, travel, Mexico City, English teaching, inexpensive food[/tags]

A Different Holiday

2009-05-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

There are holidays and there are holidays. Some people are happy to go to the same old place every year because they are comfortable there. It is not too dangerous and it can be fun sometimes. Others want to get away to every exotic place they can find and do it all and see it all. Trouble is you are usually doing it all and seeing it all with busloads of other tourists with the same interests. That is ok if you like that sort of thing but what about getting away on your own and doing and seeing something where there is just you and the locals.

Imagine being in an interesting place with a fascinating culture with no other tourists about to clutter the landscape. Imagine how you could really soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the unspoilt culture. Are there any such places still left that are safe to go to. Where there are no major terrorist attacks or major crime waves. Where there are comfortable and cheap hotels to stay in while enjoying a fascinating culture and all on a shoestring budget.

This sounds amazing. Where are we and why havn't we heard of this before. Well once I tell you you better get there quick before everyone else hears about it too. I am talking about Davao City, the southern capital of the amazing Philippines. I only found it because my wife found me and I went there to get married. Now I can't wait to get back there and live permenently as lots of other x-pats have done. Don't worry, you don't see them about much so they don't spoil the landscape.

Davao is an amazing place. It is the largest city in the world in area with a population of about 1.5 mill. It is on the coast of the Davao Gulf and very sheltered so there is no violent weather extremes with the temperature a lovely 30 all year round.

Davao used to be the most lawless city in the Philippines but has had an amazing turn around with the best police force in the country and has been constantly in the top 10 most livable Asian cities. You can even drink the water straight from the tap, buy a large bottle of coke for 20 cents to go with your local bottle of rum, very smooth, for $2.00. MacDonalds will cost you about $1.00 for a meal and the best 5 star restaurant dining only will set you back $10/20 for a top meal.

Hotels there are not expensive and there is heaps to do and see. That is if you can get out of the large shopping centers with their budget prices. Shopping is so much fun when you can get a pair of shoes or a nice shirt for a few dollars. And the best part of course is the local people. Go into a shop there and you are a sir or a maam. Walk the streets and you will bombarded with the local smiles, all wide and genuine. For a people with very little money and basic comforts of life they are always so happy and relaxed and will just love you because you are you and a little bit different. School kids will come up to you on the street and offer a high five. Truckies going past will still call out, 'hey Joe' and wave and make you feel a little special.

There are always the sad things too like the dirty, hungry kids begging for a meal and the same in some adults who are caught short of something and need a loan. They always make it a loan and have the intention to repay it but will never be able to. But just to see a people so happy in their poverty is a treat to enjoy. You will marvel at the tall glass high rise with the lean-to shack alongside. Davao seems to be a modern city built amongst the poverty of the past with both cultures mingling with each other in a fascinating mix of old and new.

Just to cross the street there will have you in stitches as will a taxi ride as there doesn't seem to be any road rules. After three months there I was still fascinated by the travel systems. You will ride a jeepnee and tricycle as well as taxis and a mixture of other home made styles of transport. You will buy your food fresh from the street vendor each day. That very day's catch, fresh and so cheap. You will see beaches of white sand and beaches of black sand. You will come across lots of squatter settlements and see people bathing in a tub in the front yard. There will be cocks tethered there ready for the cock fights on Saturday. There will be a small pig roasting over an open fire in the front yard and lots of dogs roaming around. Scores of little kids with cheeky grins will come up and take your hand and touch it to there forehead, a sign of respect. There is just so much to experience. If you want a holiday with a difference and one you will remember for a long time, check out Davao City Philippines. Might see you there one day..Nick

Nick Young

http://www.cadenville.com

[tags]holiday,davao city,travel,international travel,international holiday[/tags]

Four Great, Downtown Denver Bed And Breakfasts

2009-04-07T06:00:00.003-07:00

There are four great B&Bs near the downtown Denver area that are not only fun to stay in but very convenient to everything in the downtown area museums, the 16th St. Mall, the U.S. Mint, the Colorado State Capitol ... and more.

These four are:

Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast
This bed and breakfast offers eight, elegantly-appointed rooms and suites. Some rooms have private balconies, gas fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. All rooms feature private baths, beautiful antique furnishings, fresh-cut flowers, high speed wireless Internet, cable TV, writing desks, modem-ready phones, in-room refrigerators, irons and ironing boards, and air conditioning. It serves a full gourmet breakfast every morning.
1207 Pennsylvania
800-839-9329

Gregory Inn Bed and Breakfast
The Gregory Inn B&B is in the Historic District at the foot of Lower Downtown (LoDo).All guest rooms have thick, pillowtop king- or queen-size mattresses with down comforters. The rooms also have mosaic tile and marble private baths with showers and jetted whirlpool tubs. There is also a working gas log fireplace in each room, except for Lori's room. They also have digital phones, high-speed wireless DSL Internet connections, and desks, as well as bathrobes, hairdryers and a large-screen, LCD projection TV.
2500 Arapahoe St.
800-925-6570

Queen Anne Bed & Breakfast Inn
Built in 1987, the Queen Anne was the first and largest of the urban bed and breakfast inns in the city. It has 14 rooms, Including 4 gallery suites dedicated to famous artists.

Each room features fresh flowers, chamber music, period antiques, direct dial phones, and private baths. Six of the rooms have special deep tubs, and one has a fireplace. The Inn is air conditioned and there is free parking. There is a hot breakfast every morning (in bed, if desired) and Colorado wines are served in the evening. These wines are even included in the cost of the room.
2147-51 Tremont Place
(800) 432-INNS

Holiday Chalet
The Holiday Chalet has been open and serving travelers for more than 50 years. The Chalet's ten air-conditioned guest rooms are full mini-suites. Each room has an equipped and operational kitchen, as well as a private bath with classic toiletries. Three of the "king-size" suites offer sun rooms and eating areas. Two of the "king-size" suites have fireplaces. Sleeper sofas are available in two of the rooms. All the rooms are designed to accommodate families. There are also TVs and VCRs in each room, and the Chalet has a library of videos. There are data ports in all phones and a Continental Breakfast served every morning in the new "breakfast nook."
1820 East Colfax Avenue
(800) 626-4497

There are other great bed and breakfasts in the Denver metro area. To get information on these other B&Bs, go to http://www.bbonline.com/co/denver.html

To learn more of what you need to know to have the best 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 the author of more than 120 articles on Denver and Internet marketing.

[tags]denver travel, denver vacation, vacation denver colorado, bed and breakfasts, b&bs,[/tags]

Retirees Find House Sitting Opens The Door To A New World

2009-04-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

Recent press releases highlighting the travels of retiree house sitters are showing that becoming a senior is not a ticket to boredom, or a sedentary lifestyle. Retirees from around the world are finding house sitting to be the key that opens the door to unique, authentic and free travel to destinations that they had once only dreamed about.

Unfortunately, many retirees do not have the liberty of spending their retirement egg on pleasure items or excursions, such as traveling. Many individuals and couples who live on a fixed income have found that their funds usually only cover the basics of living. After a lifetime of raising families, running businesses and being everything to everyone, retirees are finding there is a way to travel and experience the world on their terms. House sitting is allowing them to connect with home owners who are in need of house sitters. In exchange for a valuable service, retirees are able to enter into new worlds, that would otherwise be closed to them.

Jim and Thelma McSkimming are retirees from New Zealand. This retired couple has only been house sitting for a year. They report that they would not be able to travel to all the places they dreamed of--if it were not for becoming house sitters. The McSkimmings have found that house sitting is the key that enables them to experience different cultures on a new level.

Jim and Thelma McSkimming reports they do not desire to travel as "tourists," and quick visits to some popular areas does not satisfy them. The McSkimmings truly relish immersing themselves into new areas and they enjoy house sitting. House sitting lets them become mock citizens in various countries and gives them an authentic experience.

The McSkimmings had five months to allot for house sitting in the UK, and were thrilled when they were able to find five house sits. "We stayed in a beautiful 200 year-old stone cottage, which was previously a flour mill, in South Wales. We minded pigs, geese, miniature Dexter cattle and two adorable Border Collies," the McSkimmings report. They have also recently had a stay in a Rectory in County Cork, Ireland, where they made friends with an African parrot they were minding. Many house sits involve the care taking of pets. The McSkimmings report that this is a one of the highlights of their stays and it fulfills their love of animals.

The wonderful experience of house sitting is echoed by Brenda Marie Batty. Ms. Batty is a retiree from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Ms. Batty has been a house sitter since 1999. She has visited seven different countries, and reports that her favorite house sits are in Greece, France and Italy. "House sitting gives me the opportunity to travel further afield for a longer period of time--to places I otherwise could not afford to stay in on my retired budget."

Like the McSkimmings, Ms. Batty truly enjoys sinking into the culture and lifestyle of the various areas that she visits. She has found that each country has welcomed her with open arms. On a recent house sit in Greece, she truly felt one with her neighbors. "I even got into white washing steps and walls in Greece . . . I joined in with the island folk who were all in preparation for Easter's arrival. I really felt like a local then! It was lots of fun, too. I enjoy travel on this level, meeting new people and becoming part of their communities."

House sitters are in high demand around the world. Retirees who register as house sitters are among the first sitters looked at by home owners. Home owners know that life experience cannot be replicated. Home owners have confidence in seniors and trust them to watch over and care for their home, possessions and pets.

Many times senior house sitters are asked to come back for return stays. Ms. Batty has had numerous repeat visits. Chances are great that the McSkimmings will also be asked for a repeat stay--as this is their first year and they are just now getting their feet wet and making acquaintances with home owners. Both the McSkimmings and Ms. Batty report that home owners are warm and welcoming. Friendships are easily forged and many home owners keep up with "their" house sitters year round.

Both the McSkimmings and Ms. Batty report that maturity, flexibility and a love for animals are essential to being a good house sitter. However, to make the proper connection with prospective home owners registering with a reputable house sitting site is key. HouseCarers is sitting pretty on top as "the" place to make safe connections. Ms. Batty doesn't hide her enthusiasm or appreciation of Ian White and HouseCarers.com. "Two thumbs up for HouseCarers!"

Becoming a house sitter is a fairly easy process. You can visit HouseCarers.com on the Internet and for a price that is less than an evening meal out, you can register as a house sitter for an entire year. You will be given 30 full lines to describe yourself. You can list multiple locations where you are available to house sit, along with the dates you are available. You can even use the sample ad that is listed on the site to guide you in writing your personal information.

The information you enter is instantly available to prospective home owners who are seeking out a house sitter. At any time you can go in and update your profile, change your destination areas or dates, and all of it is free of charge. When house sits become available in your chosen areas, you will receive notification via email. You will also be notified when you have messages from prospective homeowners in your chosen areas. Your identity and personal information are kept confidential and it is only revealed to a home owner when you are comfortable.

Becoming a house sitter will save you thousands of dollars on travel and accommodations. By making yourself available to a home owner as a house sitter, you are giving them an invaluable service. Home owners can leave their residence knowing they are leaving it in capable hands. House sitters may be asked to perform routine things such as pet care, gardening, or even scheduling a home repair if the need arises. You may be asked to forward mail, relay phone messages or take a pet to a scheduled vet visit. House sits range in duration. Some may be for a week, while others may be for a month, or more. The requirements are minimal when you compare it to what you receive.

House sitting opens the door up to experiences you could not pay for, even if you had the funds to do so. House sitting is enabling individuals to live in seaside beach homes, English country cottages or castles, ski lodges in the snow capped mountains, and even ranches or farms in the country. Can you think of any other service you could give to someone that would allow you to sample grapes from a working vineyard, pick Dutch tulips, or eat authentic cuisine straight from their native homelands with no monetary investment on your end? This can all be yours, and more, as a house sitter.

You simply cannot put a price on the services that a house sitter provides. Home owners are not comfortable leaving their homes empty when they have to travel for an extended time. House sitters are the number one crime deterrent. Criminals can bypass most alarm systems with ease. However, criminals and would be thieves will avoid a home if someone is in residence.

Besides providing the much needed security that a home owner desires, house sitters can also save a home owner much worry over their homes "physical" safety. If a pipe bursts, most home owners would not know until they returned to a deluge of water, and tens of thousands of dollars in repair work. If a fire starts, a home owner could possibly return to find their home a smoking pile of rubble and ashes. By having a house sitter onsite, a home owner can leave knowing that if an emergency arises, there is a sitter onsite who can tackle a burst pipe, call the fire department, or handle a weather emergency.

If you are interested in traveling the world like Jim and Thelma McSkimming or Brenda Marie Batty, you should register with HouseCarers.com. These house sitters have found that retirement doesn't mean an end to an exciting life. If anything, their senior years are bringing them unique and fulfilling experiences. The McSkimming and Ms. Batty have found a way to take hold of their dreams and do all the things they have longed to do. With the support of their family they are globe trotting without making a dent in their retirement funds, and they are enjoying every minute of it.

Author Ian White is founder of housecarers.com House Sitting Directory.

Register with Housecarers House sitting directory today. Registration is free for homeowners (and they'll never have to rely on cousin Eddie again.)

[tags]house sitting,house sitters,housesitting,housesitter,house sitter,house minding,retireee travel[/tags]

Vacation Tips

2009-03-07T06:00:00.001-08:00

Vacation tips are usually ideas that other people have found helpful. If you are an experienced traveler, you would have some vacation tips that others could benefit from.

Traveling as a single young person, you may have some vacation tips that would benefit other single people. For families with small children, your vacation tips are completely different. When children come into the picture, traveling gets a little more complicated.

Vacation tips for families with children are:

>Make a checklist

>Start planning about a week before traveling regarding what you're taking

>With older children, get them involved; show them where you're going

>Keep positive and don't get stressed out

>Don't forget to pack your things, mom (I learned the hard way)

If you are staying inside the country vacation tips are a little simpler. If you are going on a trip internationally or even taking a cruise, vacation tips are a little more needed. Did you know that you now need a passport to take a cruise? Yes, that law just changed, so that takes a little more planning ahead on your part.

Biggest vacation tips:

>Plan ahead way ahead of when you want to take a vacation

>Do your research the internet is full of information.

>Always confirm and reconfirm reservations

>Remember..have fun and enjoy your vacation

Some more vacation tipsto be able to get the most out of your vacation, plan events or outings before you arrive at you destination. Most places have a web site, and you can book your tours or activities on-line. That saves time, and you also won't have unpleasant surprises if the event is already sold out.

Hannah Mason is a netrepenuer and her website is http://www.worthyourtime.net For more Vacation Tips, Homemaking Tips and Stay-at-Home Job Tips check out the website.

[tags]travel tips,vacation,family,outings,cruise[/tags]

8 Smart Things To Do As A Parent During The Holidays

2009-02-07T06:00:00.003-08:00

With the holidays fast approaching, our schedules are getting full, we're stressing about what to buy for whom, and chaos seems to rule. The season can be a magical one for our children, filled with happy memories, or it can be one filled with feelings of emptiness as the adults in their life are 'too busy' to pay them much attention.

It's up to us as parents to make sure that our children don't get 'lost' in the whirlwind of holiday activitiesbeing swept along on trips and through malls, without any warmth, closeness, or meaning that they can relate to. Here are eight things you can do to help get through the holidays with your relationship with your childas well as your sanityintact:

1. If you'll be traveling over the river and through the woods this holiday with small children, being prepared is your best defense against having a chaotic trip that you vow never to make again. Each child should have their own bag (tote bags are best) or box (a plastic one with a snap-on lid is great). Allow them to put their favorite books inside, then add paper, crayons, pipe cleaners, a sticker book, crossword or word search puzzle books, and any other small artsy items your children would enjoy. A clipboard is a great way to give them the nice, hard surface they'll need for drawing, and it can keep the papers in order as well. Buy a ream of multi-purpose paper from an office supply store and you're guaranteed not to run out, and it will be a lot cheaper than buying those little pads at WalMart. Crayons do best in a Ziploc bag since the boxes they come in usually only last to the city limits before they get torn apart. If your kids are particularly fussy, you might want to create a schedule and distribute these items on an hourly basis so they have new activities to look forward to.

2. While traveling, especially in the car, it can be very tempting to load the kids up with toys, books, movies, and video games to keep them quiet and occupied all day. But if yours is like most families, with two working parents and kids at school all day, the time spent in the car can be precious family time. Use at least some of it to get reacquainted with each other. Talk about what's going on in everyone's lives, what they're looking forward to, their dreams, their friends, their interests. You may discover something you never knew before! And the more you know about each other, the closer you'll be and the better you can help your children through this struggle called childhood.

3. Consider not having a 'traditional' Thanksgiving meal this year, with its huge and unending portions and the stress of getting everything on the table at the 'right' time. Spend the day instead at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen serving families, and children, who don't have the option of a huge spread of delectables this year. Children are naturals at wanting to serve others, and seeing children their own ages living a life very different than their own can be an eye- and heart-opening experience they will always remember. Then go 'low key' with turkey sandwiches, fun finger foods, and maybe a special punch on Friday or even Saturday at home by the fire.

4. If yours is the house where everyone will be congregating this year, don't stress yourself out by trying to do everything yourself and everything 'perfectly.' This is where children feel the most left out during the holidays. It may take a little more time to sit down with your kids and ask for their input on the menu and decorations for the house, but they'll love feeling like they played a part in making it special for everyone. Put a few non-traditional foods on the menu so they feel that the meal is for them, too, and not completely geared toward adult tastes. Have them make placecards to put on the table. Let them choose the music (from a pre-censored list you make up). Station the children at the front door to greet your guests and take their coats. Have a few topics of conversation ready to bring up at the table that specifically include the children, so the adults don't monopolize the airtime. The more involved they are and the more personally they get to interact with the guests, the more enjoyable and memorable the day will be for the younger crowd.

5. Instead of racing all over town, or even all over the Internet, looking for that 'perfect' something to give the people on your list, try something even more personal, more meaningful, and more fun: either buy or, better yet make, a beautiful card, perhaps with a photo of you and the recipient having a great time together (the older the better!) and write inside an offer to do something with or for them. For grandparents, promising a delivered, home-cooked meal and a night of watching home movies together could be much more thrilling than opening a box with yet another coffee mug warmer. For shut-ins on your list, your children or you entire family could promise an afternoon of reading to them or even putting on a little song-and-dance performance right in their room. Other ideas for friends or relatives could be to: clean out their garage for them; cook some casseroles to stash in their freezer for a busy week coming up; babysit their children or take their children for a weekend so young parents can put a little romance back in their marriagethe list could go on and on. To some this may sound like a 'cop out', but to the recipients it could very likely be the most meaningful, personal, and loving gift they've ever gotten.

6. Take some time during the winter break from school to reconnect with your children. Schedule at least one nightmaybe an entire dayto spend just hanging out at the house, picking on finger foods, listening to music, and talking. Talk about anything that interests them: a book they read, how much they think they 'hate' science class, hobbies or sports they enjoy, their friends and extracurricular activities. Really talk about themdon't just mention them or let the kids off with a mumbled 'yeah, it's OK' type of response. Set the casual atmosphere with music and food so the time is relaxing, not structured or formal. Sit on the floor in front of a fire. Have hot chocolate. If they're hesitant to open up to you, open up to them. Talk about what you liked, or 'hated', when you were their age. Once they realize that you used to be a kid, too, it may help them 'relate' and get the ball rolling for a closer relationship.

7. If you've never done it before, taking time to sit down and talk about everyone's hopes and plans for the coming year can be a valuable, if not eye-opening, exercise for the family. It may take more than one session to brainstorm things each person wants to accomplish and figuring out what needs to be done, scheduled, acquired, or happen to meet that goal. Conflicting goals can be worked out ahead of time in a calm and practical way, rather than letting chaos and bickering ensue when schedules collide later. And, as the experts say, the vast majority of people who have written their goals down actually achieve them. This exercise can help your family negotiate the coming year with a well-guided purpose, and be a very valuable skill and habit to instill in your children as well.

8. You may not feel like an award-winning parent, but you have figured out a lot of neat 'tricks of the trade' that have helped in sticky situations or solved an everyday problem you faced in your family. Don't keep all your valuable 'nuggets' of parental gold to yourselfin the spirit of giving, share your success with other parents. One way to do that is by visiting www.SmartestThing.com and submitting your success story or advice to be used in a new book titled "The Smartest Thing I Ever Didas a Parent" which will be published next year. Not only will you help other parents who have found themselves in the same situations, but you'll receive recognition with a byline and bio (and if you own a business, you can pick up some free national exposure by including your web address). "Give and you shall receive!" What could be better?

Kathryn Marion is the creator of the new book series due out in 2007 called The Smartest Thing I Ever Did She is seeking contributions of success stories and advice for the first six titles: as a Parent, for My Marriage, for My Career, with My Money, for Myself, and for My Business. Visit www.SmartestThing.com for complete details and to make contributions online. All contributions published will include a byline and author bio (which may include a website and/or email address, giving contributors valuable national exposure). She is also the author of Success in the 'Real World', a book dedicated to helping new graduates succeed in their new life in the 'real world' of work and independent living, which was distributed to almost 1.7 million students last year (available by visiting www.EducationForReality.com).

[tags]parent,parents,children,kids,holidays,christmas,thanksgiving,travel,gifts,gift-giving,relationship[/tags]

They Never Even Saw Our Faces (and They Only Heard Our Voices Once!)

2009-02-07T06:00:00.001-08:00

There are two categories of writing that occupy our time and interest here at the beach on the Aegean Sea Coast of Turkey. The first is "the fiction category," which we hope will make us rich someday...

This year, our fiction slot has been filled by Habibullah at the Ottoman Court, a crime series set in the court of Süleyman the Magnificent, the mid-16th Century Ottoman Turkish Sultan. Habibullah, the eccentric detective hero, is a foreign-language translator for the Sultan's Imperial Council.

However, we also dedicate a portion of our writing lives to non-fiction, which helps, now and then, to pay for our harmless extravagances. The non-fiction category includes travel brochure and language-related writing in English, or Turkish, or both. My wife, Perihan -- who, besides being joint creator, leads me, sometimes forcibly, through the more thorny thickets of Turkish -- is my collaborator in this work.

With an eye towards drumming up more non-fiction business (and in hopes of finding a publisher for our own Turkish Language Guide and books), we developed and sponsor the MSNBC award-winning "The Learning Practical Turkish" website. The LPT website is intended for language lovers who like their lessons with a little bit of sugar, to help make the medicine go down.

Just before we embarked on a three-month U.S. vacation in 1998, the website paid off when Lonely Planet Publications contacted us to collaborate on a Turkish Language Phrasebook.

Lonely Planet Publications, you ask? LP, as it's fondly known, publishes tourist guides and language phrasebooks for most of the countries you or I would ever care to visit -- and some we wouldn't. And LP Guides and Phrasebooks are, well, jazzy. They even warn you of 'problems' you may encounter. For example, the LP Guide to Turkey warns the traveler to beware of obnoxious carpet hucksters near the Selçuk bus station during the height of the summer tourist season. Now, we live 25 minutes from Selçuk, and, by God, it's true: those hucksters are nuisances. Whenever we have to go to Selçuk during the summer tourist season, we give that location a wide berth!

Anyway, Sally Steward, the Lonely Planet's Publishing Manager in Australia at the time, visited our website in April '98 and left us an enticing e-mail message.

Dear Webmaster, I am looking for a suitably qualified author or team of authors to work on a new edition of our popular Turkish phrasebook. Please get back to me as soon as possible and we can discuss the details of our project. Regards, Sally Steward

Well, we were tickled. We'd been fans of the LP Guide to Turkey since we first saw it. (A dear friend had even favorably reviewed it on our website long before Sally ever contacted us). But, alas, after we had responded enthusiastically to Sally's message, LP's business plan changed and the deal fell through. So, a little disappointed -- but humbly gratified at having been considered in the first place by such a prestigious publishing house -- we went our separate ways.

Then, quite unexpectedly, 15 days before our U.S. vacation departure date, Sally contacted us again by e-mail, and the deal was back on! But, how were we going to manage a book and a vacation across 3 continents, at the same time...?

[Click following to see what happened next, during The Summer of '98.]

Jim and (co-author) Perihan Masters are a husband and wife team, living on the Aegean Coast of Turkey just 50 miles south of Izmir. Jim was born in Shanghai, China -- of American military parentage. Peri was born on the Black Sea coast of Turkey near Trabzon, of Turkish military parentage...Enticed by a Financial Times advertisement, Jim joined a NATO sponsored enterprise in Ankara in 1974 where he met the beautiful and brainy Perihan, a rising young Turkish banking executive. Settled now in the heart of what was once the ancient Ionian Empire -- the couple live an idyllic life by the sea.. writing, drawing and painting, teaching English, and providing computing service support to local businesses. They also sponsor the MSNBC award-winning Learning Practical Turkish Website which has built an enthusiastic international following of devoted Turkophiles and inquisitive language students of all ages.

[tags]wrting, book, language book, on the road, while traveling, remote location writing, travel[/tags]

Visit Alpine, Arizona

2009-01-07T06:00:00.003-08:00

Create your own Arizona day trip experience!

Whether you wish to plan a trip to see nature and wildlife, learn about the history of the southwest or just want to get away from it all Arizona has a variety of places to see and things to do that will interest any recreational adventurer.

Day trips make a refreshing break from the chaos of the daily routine. They can also be cheap, since many of the areas are distant from the city.

Arizona features a surprising range of terrain that includes desert, grassy lowlands and vegetated mountain regions. The climate found across the state also shows much variety. And you don't have to travel far to appreciate this assortment of scenery. In the summer you can take a break in the cool, nearby hills, while the lower lying areas are more popular in the winter months.

Alpine is in Apache County which is in the eastern most part of Arizona. Located due east of Scottsdale-Phoenix it is only 6 miles from the border with New Mexico. You can get there by taking U.S. Highway 180 and U.S. Highway 191.

The town is nestled among the gentle pines of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The San Francisco River also begins its winding path toward the pacific coast near Alpine.

The land is at a very high elevation. The climate is continental steppe and highland so that plant life is rich what one expects to see along mountains. The distinctive mountains stand out boldly against the surrounding lower elevations. Wildlife includes elk and mountain lion. The area is mostly geared toward year around outdoor recreation.

Wildlife preservation is a passion here. There are many animal habitats here, of which the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Habitat (an endangered species of bird) is just one example

Alpine is also designated a Biotic Community. This means that interdependent natural resources, such as soil, water, climate, topical features, flora and fauna are all linked, resulting in unique life zones from sea level deserts to Arctic tundra.

Alpine is, in a word, a naturalist's paradise.

The earliest settlers put up their first log cabins about 1876. The first settlement was named Fort Bush. Mormon settlers came to this area to build a community and the name was changed to Alpine because some thought the mountains surrounding the town looked like the Alps. In 1953 a historic Fort Bush Monument was erected to honor the early pioneers.

There is one attraction in town that will be a real hit with golfers. The Alpine Country Club offers 18 holes of golf set amongst the pines. An outdoor attractions: high altitude golf (should assist duffers with their loft and distance), Luna Lake. Luna Lake Wildlife Area is a wildlife refuge. Bald and golden eagles live here as do swans and geese.

The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway provides viewers gorgeous landscapes.

As you might guess, hiking, back packing and pack animal, camping, hunting, fishing and sightseeing are popular here.

The many winter cabin and chalet style flats highlight the focus on fall and winter recreation. There is plenty of bed and breakfast lodging available for those not so eager to rough it in the wilderness.

The higher elevations make skiing and backpacking popular; and for the winter sportsman there is even an Iditarod in January.

The area is popular for conventions as well. Many car, motorcycle and other groups hold events at this location. Accommodations are priced so that Alpine's popularity will likely continue.

See which features of this community appeal to you the most.

History, nature, and memorable experiences are all a part of what Arizona offers those who live, work, and visit. So consider the things this area has to offer the next time you take off to discover Arizona

R. Steven Thomas Yacono is a legal scholar, educator and writer who has traveled extensively over the course past decade. From Beijing to Barstow and Xiamen to Sedona, his journeys have provided a wealth of experiences about fascinating people and places to share with interested readers. You can find out more about Arizona at http://www.arizonan.com; and to plan your next trip visit http://www.on-holiday.com Your comments are welcomed. Please direct correspondence to R. Steven Thomas Yacono at aztreking@hotmail.com

[tags]arizona, travel, vacation, day trip, history, scenery, southwest, wildlife, phoenix, scottsdale[/tags]

How To Have A (Relatively) Stress Free Car Journey With Your Kids

2009-01-07T06:00:00.001-08:00

One of the joys of being a parent is taking your children on a day out and seeing their eyes light up as you pull into the car park at your destination. But there is one thing that may taint the rosy memories of your day out the stress of the car journey there. And I don't mean the stress caused by spending half an hour stuck in road works, or the annoyance caused by your incompetent Sat Nav system. Read on for advice on how to prevent, or at least delay, the words every parent dreads on a car journey "are we nearly there yet?"

Make frequent stops

If the journey is going to be a couple of hours or more try to stop every hour. It doesn't have to be for long, even 10 minutes will suffice. Giving the children the opportunity to get out and stretch their legs will make them far less restless when they are travelling.

Bring Snacks

Bring plenty food and drink, both for you and your children. If everyone is eating at regular intervals the mood in the car is going to be far happier.

Bring Toys

Activities such as colouring or drawing should keep your children entertained for a while, but bring a separate pack of crayons or pencils for each child to avoid inevitable arguments. Books are also great if you want some peace and quiet on the journey, although they are best avoided if your child suffers from travel sickness.

Nursery rhyme CDs are popular with parents for car journeys, but your older child may not appreciate hearing their younger sibling's favourite CD over and over and over again (or vice versa). You'll probably find hearing '5 Little Ducks Went Swimming One Day' twenty times tests your patience too, so consider taking a storybook CD instead.

Pack a rucksack with an assortment of favourite toys. Avoid anything with small parts as these may get lost down the back of the seat. For long journeys, keep some of the toys in the boot and bring them out once the kids are starting to tire of the selection. It will help keep their interest for a little longer, and if you rotate the selection of toys every time you make a stop it will also keep the back seat from disappearing under a pile of clutter.

Play Games

Let's face it, even the best behaved child isn't going to sit quietly with a colouring in book for the entire journey so look into fun games you can play with the kids while you are driving. For example 'Who am I?' where players have to guess which celebrity you are by asking a series of yes or no questions. Games that get your children look out of the window are good too, as shifting their focus outside the car can help prevent or ease travel sickness. Try back seat bingo, where everyone has a list of objects you might see outside for example, a bus, a tree, a tractor and have to look out for and mark off each of these items. The first person to cross all items off their list is the winner.

Bring a Blanket

If it is going to be a long journey, your children are young or you'll be returning late in the day, bring a blanket, or maybe even pillows. Children often become tired during car journeys and a blanket will make them more comfortable and more likely to settle for a nap.

Bring Medicine

You don't need to bring the entire medicine cabinet, and the chances are you aren't going to need whatever you do bring, but it's worth taking the basics. Headaches are unpredictable so it's always worth bringing the Calpol. Children are often susceptible to travel sickness so it may be worth taking a few remedies just in case.

Most of all just remember to relax and enjoy! There's no reason why the only enjoyable part of your day out should be what you do at the destination.

Happy motoring!

Angela is a mum of one and webmistress of UK Days Out . Find a great day out in your area by visiting www.uk-days-out.co.uk

[tags]kids, travel, car journeys[/tags]

Baby Cot - And Good Parenting

2008-12-07T06:00:00.003-08:00

Is there any pleasant sight than seeing a just-awakened baby after a good sound sleep? With the correct choice of the baby cot and a vigilant eye, can't we ensure our babies to have a safe and sound sleep? Of course, yes, why not.

When babies are put to sleep, into a cradle or a cot or in a crib, you feel relaxed, and try to make optimum use of that time doing some work or relaxing. In this situation, you should be extremely careful so that accidents related to baby cots are avoided. Never let the baby out of your sight.

Often cribs are usually the first piece of nursery furniture parents shop for. These versatile baby beds come in traditional Jenny Lind designs or more modern styles. Some of them can be converted to toddler beds for added value. Designer cribs are available in a wide range of designs. You can even find round cribs instead of traditional rectangular cribs. However, don't forget to take a look at bassinets, cots, cradles, and Moses baskets, as well. These smaller beds are perfect for newborn infants, since parents can easily move them from room to room.

Choosing a good baby cot

We have the liberty of choosing the baby cots as per our choice and safety of our baby, since wide ranges of Baby cots are available nowadays.

· If the baby cot is made of wood/wrought iron and has thin strips, ensure that the distance between the strips is less than 2 inches. This will avoid the baby's head being trapped in between the strips.
· Avoid old and used baby cots; there may be chances of cracks, or chipping off of the paint coating. This may harm the baby, if she is teething.
· Check for pointed surfaces or splinters in a baby cot.
· You better look into the height of the baby cot, so that she doesn't topple down while standing.
· The mattresses should partly cover the sides of the baby cot, so that baby's hand and legs don't get trapped into the strips of the baby cot.
· The size of the baby cot should be such that her feet does not touch the end of the cot and can have enough space for rolling at least once.

Safety in using a baby cot

By any chance if the baby is made to sleep on the bed, and you are having a sound sleep, there are chances of the baby rolling and falling down the bed, and getting injured. An adult bed has bedspreads, pillows lying around. There are chances of the baby being suffocated. So it is better to have a perfect baby cot for our little wonders that bring joy and cheers in our life. The pleasure in seeing a baby sleep is hardly measurable.

NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites Baby Cots Cribs, Parenting Advice and One Stop Information

[tags]baby travel cots,baby cots,baby cribs,travel baby crib,baby cot travel[/tags]

Botanical Gardens Of Costa Rica

2008-12-07T06:00:00.001-08:00

On my last trip to Costa Rica in Feb. 05, while doing research for my botanical tour programs, I visited the three most important botanical gardens in this small Central American Republic Wilson Botanical Gardens, Lankester Gardens and Arenal Botanical Gardens. Each of these venues was quite different from each other in terms of design, location and focus. If you are botanical enthusiast, it wouldn't hurt to visit all three venues. To follow is a brief description of all three

Wilson Botanical Garden

Located in southern Costa Rica near the Panamanian border at an elevation of 4500 feet above sea level, Wilson Botanical Garden cover an area over 25 acres and were designed in part by the famous andscape designer and arhitect, Roberto-Burle Marx. The gardens are operated by the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS) as a center for research, scientific study and public education in tropical botany. The gardens are terraced to give it sort of a natural feel; plants of the same culture requirements are grouped together - Bromeliads, marantas, heliconias, gingers in particular are well represented here. There are over 700 species of palms alone, the second largest collection worldwide. Easy to navigate walking trails circle the entire property which abuts a private biological reserve. Believe it or not, this is one of the most popular venues for the birdwatcher crowd. When I was there, a small group of real avid Birdwatchers from California and Massachusetts stayed at the lodge and were really stoked as they added many new bird species to their life history list. Nearby is the quaint little town of San Vito which was founded by Italian immigrants sometime after World War II; there are several great pasta and pizza ristorantes in the area.

Lankester Garden

Located in the Central Plateau near the historic colonial city of Cartago, Lankester Garden are operated by the University of Costa Rica. It's an easy 1-hour drive from San Jose. For several years, this facility was poorly maintained, however when I visited the gardens in Feb 2005,the gardens were in good shape as the University spent some money on upgrading the facility. The gardens are located on a relatively flat terrain at an elevation of about 3,000 feet above sea level; while it does not have the raw and wild look of Arenal Gardens or the classical natural terraced landscaping of Wilson's, it is still an absolutely delightful place to see and is especially popular with visiting Tico Families from San Jose.

Featuring over 1,100 different species of orchids including the most important collection in the world of the minature Pleurothallids, Lankester is definitely the place to go if you're an orchid enthusiast. Walking inside their Orchidarium, I saw many unusual and colorful species of cattleyas, ladyslippers (Phragmepidiums), moth orchids (Phaelonopsis) oncidiums, stanhopeas as well as the tiny looking " dwarf orchids". I'm not really an orchid enthusiast per se, but I have to admit some of the exotic orchids on display in the Orchidarium were real knockouts. For your information, The National Orchid show, a special weekend festival in San Jose takes place every year in March.

Arenal Botanical Garden and Serpentarium

Located about 3 1/2 hours northwest of San Jose, Arenal Botanical Garden is situated on a sloped hillside directly across from Arenal Lake. These gardens are primarily a native species preservation project; it definitely has the wildest feel of the three described venues and features many native Costa Rican plants, trees and flowers in addition to a good selection of imported and introduced species. Overall, 2,200 species are represented here including an extraordinary collection of Cycads and ferns. The trails climb a relatively steep grade and circle the entire facility. There is also a small Serpentarium on site - if you're interested in becoming familiar with some of the indigenous snakes of Costa Rica, this is definitely the place to visit. Boas, pythons and poisonous species are equally represented here

There lots of attractions in this region of Costa Rica, including the majestic Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world; in addition there are some small butterfly gardens in the area and several venues with thermal hot springs. Sportfishing and windsurfing are two of the most popular activities at Arenal Lake, a large manmade lake, located just east of the volcano.

In addition, if you're staying in the San Jose Area, you must visit the lovely gardens at the Bougainvillea Hotel, located in the quiet San José suburb of Santo Domingo.

Bus Goldberg is a seasoned world traveler and the director of Calypso Island Tours, a travel company that specializes in botanical adventures and nature tours to such diverse destinations as Costa Rica, Thailand and the Caribbean. He also maintains his own travel blog, Calypso Island Chronicles

[tags]Costa Rica, Travel Costa Rica, Botancial Gardens , orchids[/tags]

Guide To Lubeck, Germany

2008-11-09T06:00:00.003-08:00

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

2008-11-09T06:00:00.001-08:00

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!

2008-11-08T06:00:00.003-08:00

"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

2008-11-08T06:00:00.001-08:00

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.

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

Stickers A Gummy History

2008-11-07T06:00:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-06T06:00:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-05T06:00:00.003-08:00

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

2008-11-05T06:00:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-04T06:00:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-03T06:00:00.003-08:00

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

2008-11-03T06:00:00.001-08:00

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 formit 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

2008-11-02T06:00:00.002-08:00

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.

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

2008-11-02T06:00:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-01T06:00:00.003-07:00

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 sightone 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 datebut 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

2008-11-01T06:00:00.001-07:00

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]

Top Things To Do In New Zealand

2008-10-31T06:00:00.003-07:00

Throughout New Zealand
Buy the Lord of the Rings location guide, and do some hunting out of familiar scenes from the LOTR trilogy.

North Island
Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach
Swim with the dolphins in Paihia, Bay of Islands
Vertigo Climb, Auckland Skytower - beyond the observation decks, and wear an orange suit to do it.
Take a ferry or kayak from Mission Bay, Auckland to Rangitoto Island & climb to the top.
Waiheke Island - only 35 mins by ferry from Auckland, for some great wineries, maybe spend the night.
Raglan- & catch some wild surf.
Waitomo Haggas Honking Holes and tubing the glow-worm caves
Kayak from Whitianga to Cathedral Cove - then go to Hot Water beach and dig your hole in the sand
Drive from Opotiki to Gisborne then around the East Cape and back to Opotiki
Hawkes Bay- wineries, East Coast, North Island
Whakatane- Take a scenic flight over White Island, an active volcano.
Rotorua - to see the geysers, thermal activity and smell, visit Te Whakawerwera for your Maori cultural experience.
Drive out to Lake Tarawera near Rotorua- check out the Blue and Green lakes on the way
Taupo- Tandem Skydive 12,000ft
Craters of the moon outside of Taupo
Tongariro Crossing- one of the best one-day walks in the world, stunning scenery with volcanoes
Walk up Mount Taranaki- West Coast, North Island
Watch the sun rise at Te Araroa - the eastern most place in NZ
Martinborough- wineries- bottom East Coast, North Island
Te Papa Museum in Wellington- you could spend all day here learning about NZ / Maori -culture

South Island
Abel Tasman- for relaxing walking and kayaking around the National Park
Walk the Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough Sounds- Top, South Island Marlborough- wineries, top East Coast, South Island
Kaikoura- for whale watching and swimming with dolphins
4 day hike, Banks Peninsula - East Coast, South Island
Moeraki Boulders - East Coast, South Island for unusual round boulders Christchurch- Arts Centre
Akaroa- for a bit of French New Zealand history
Dunedin- for historic homes, albatross, yellow eyed penguins and seal colonies
Oamaru- for Old Oamaru Stone buildings and Penguin watching
Pancake Rocks and blowholes- Punakaiki, upper West Coast, South Island Mount Cook - South Island
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers- West Coast, South Island
While looking at the glaciers in the Fox/Franz Josef area take a cruise out to Lake Matheson first thing in the morning to take some amazing photos of the reflection of Mount Cook in the water
Wanaka- a relaxing place in Central Otago
Arrowtown- an old Central Otago Goldfields town with an old Chinese village, 20 minutes from Queenstown
Queenstown- for adventure activities and party atmosphere
Pipeline Bungy Jump in Queenstown
Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy- have a beer at the Glenorchy pub, after stopping and taking plenty of photos whilst on the drive
Queenstown- wineries
5 day trek of Routeburn/Greenstone Track
Walk Milford Track- one of the Worlds best.
Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park- lower West Coast, South Island Doubtful Sound in the Fiordland National Park- swim with dolphins
The Catlins- for nature East Coast, South Island
Stewart Island- for nature bottom South Island

Once you have done all these things you will have had a great look around beautiful New Zealand

http://www.newzealandatoz.com New Zealand AtoZ provides useful New Zealand information to travelers, including a full list of all New Zealand car, motorhome and campervan rental companies along with their daily hire rates Your complete guide to New Zealand.

[tags]new, zealand, travel, vacation, holiday, top, things, activities, ltor,[/tags]

Some Like It Cold

2008-10-31T06:00:00.001-07:00

Beaches, swimming pool havens, and tropical islands all across the globe are favorite summer destinations of vacation hungry Americans. Hot spots like the Caribbean, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and Southeast Asia look just about mouth-watering as a huge grilled piece of steak. But there are also quite a number of us who would rather spend 109 degree weather indoors with our lemonades and our divine air conditioning. Some would even go to farther lengths just to snuggle up with their loved ones in the cold. Are you one of those people who just aren't built for fine warm climates? Are you tired of the smoldering heat? Are bikinis and surfing just too much for your taste to handle? If you are indeed summer's fair-weather friend, fly to the nearest possible arctic escape and enjoy snow, wind, and hale in the middle of the heat wave.

If you are not worried about denting your bank account and you simply have all the time in your hands, I suggest you go international. I hear Switzerland is just completely fabulous this time of year. Temperatures in most Switzerland cities barely even reach 80 degrees during the summer, which is around 26 degrees centigrade. Most tourists would go there in June or July. This is the ideal time for availing tours, then it gets quiet for another couple of months. Tourist season peaks up again some time around September and October after the summer wave when mountain roads and peak passes are still manageable from the snow. Bern, which happens to be the largest city in the Bernese Oberland alpine region of Switzerland, has a long list of chic and elegant ski resorts that's sure to endear any traveler; Gstaad, Interlaken, Grindelwald, Murren, Kandersteg, and Wengen to name the most popular ones. Its mountain ranges are beautiful and captivating all year round, but summer would be the best time to visit to completely enjoy the outdoors as much as the indoor amenities. At tripadvisor.com, you would be able to find great ticket deals and hotel accommodations to virtually anywhere in the world. Fill out the date and destination fields for real time availability and cost estimates. It actually doubles as your very own personal travel agent so you would be able to pick up more information about your travel destination, and maybe even learn about a great new place to visit next time you fly.

For shorter vacations, why not fly domestic and rediscover the overwhelming beauty that is North America. Last summer, my family and I decided to visit some friends in the north, and the unusual cool airiness and refreshingly crisp ambiance made it my best American summer yet. Juneau, Alaska is definitely a welcoming delight in the summer. The urbane summer hot spot used to be a mining town in the 1800's, but through the centuries it managed to transform itself into a hub of local and foreign culture. Anchorage used to be the only airport that welcomed tourist into the state. But with Juneau's expansion and international appeal, prominent local flight providers such as Alaska Airlines and ERA Aviation have created cost-efficient deals to fly directly into the city. Wine, dine, and relax at a resort that triumphantly shows off the city's breathtaking glacier vista views and conveniently directs you to a variety of whale watching spots. Get a good deal and discount on flight and accommodations to Juneau at www.alaskaair.com. For other available discounted packages, compare super saver deals with various American airlines and destinations on hoppa.com.

Not a huge fan of flying? I strongly suggest you go coach. You should take the train or the bus to a much closer local resort that you and your friends have always been planning to see. You might not get to ski in the majestic snowy slopes or share a cup of hot cocoa in front of the blazing fireplace, but you still get that long overdue vacation you truly deserve. At www.coachusa.com, you can get more information on their daily scheduled bus routes, exciting individual city tours, fun group sightseeing tours, and even first class charter services. It's the summer, for crying out loud, so go out there and be sure to enjoy every minute of it.

For more valuable information on discount shopping, discount travel, please visit http://www.shoppersdiscount.com.

[tags]discount shopping, discount travel[/tags]

Bulgaria - Like Spain 30 Years Ago

2008-10-30T06:00:00.001-07:00

Before one of my recent trips to Bulgaria, I was surfing the net for information about the country in general. I came across a line on a property website that claimed "Bulgaria is like Spain 30 years ago". It set me thinking

When I was in my early teens I travelled across Europe with my younger brother and parents every summer. We would just set off with no clear plans as to where we were going to end up, but a rough idea of when we would be back, which was basically when we were down to our last pound note!

We didn't have the luxuries I or my children take for granted as today's seasoned travellers such as crisp clean hotel beds and room service. We either had an over- ladened roof rack, stacked high with our camping gear and clothes, or if we were a little better off that summer, we had a second hand caravan hitched to the back of our old car. I remember the caravan was always sold on our return to tide us over while Dad went back to work.

I vividly remember one summer, when my father had ingeniously welded together two bread vans yes bread vans and made them into a camper van, but the really clever bit was, when we arrived on the camp site, the rear section slid out, to give twice the living and sleeping area although not very good for the "street cred" of two cool 70's teenagers - we certainly had fun.

My point is, we saw and experienced on those adventures, some of the most traditional and native parts of France, Italy and most of all Spain.

So, is Bulgaria like Spain 30 years ago? Well, in my humble opinion yes, in many ways...

The roads for instance in Spain, their motorways were simple dual carriageways, poorly maintained and infrequent. Until this year - Bulgaria's roads were very similar where you would hope to have found a sturdy motorway you might find a two-laned, pot hole ridden, carriageway, unfit for donkeys never mind cars and in-land, donkeys were more common! This year however, I am pleased to note, that with EU funding the new motorway is nearly finished and many of the main artery roads have now been re-surfaced but the "four by four" transport still most commonly used in the quaint rural regions is still the donkey and cart!

Just like the Spain of my youth.

The toilets  I remember many tears in my youth, where I had the embarrassment of squatting down behind a tree, at the side of a dusty Spanish road, with my nether regions exposed to any passing insect or giggling doe eyed Spanish boy, because I just couldn't travel any further looking for an English style toilet to sit on! We had travelled mile after mile, because I had stubbornly refused to use the traditional Spanish "squat pot" a smelly hole in the ground, with a porcelain tray with dirty footprints on either side, giving you a hint as to where to put your feet! Yuck!! But I wonder, was the tree any better?

Over the past three years I have travelled the length and breadth of Bulgaria, on my business travels not looking for an English style toilet to sit on, but certainly wishing I could find one!! Mile after mile, I have refused to visit their "squat pots", but I am happy to report that they are now cottoning on many of the little roadside cafes and bars of the rural regions have now been re-furbished, and you can find more and more "proper" toilets", and in the tourist resorts, it would be very unusual to have to go looking for your own private "tree"!

The people one of the things that stands out from my childhood holidays are the memory's of the people in Spain. They were always so eagar to please, particularly when you escaped into the countryside. I remember many occasions when we were given fruit from the trees and drinks from the villagers, even though there was no café to speak of, the people genuinely wanted to meet us, to try and chat to us and always to shake hands that way they could brag to their friends and relations that they had met the foreigners! Bulgaria today is very similar.

As I travel across Bulgaria, from village to village, acquiring property and land, I have the good fortune to meet many Bulgarians mainly the older generation, the grandmas and grandads left behind to tend the crops. You can see them in summer particularly, bent double from years of hoeing the land that their fathers and their grandfathers tended. Working away in their cut off wellies, with their 80 year old daughters bringing them a glass of home made rakia or beer they break off to tell you, proudly, how many generations have ploughed those fields, how many brothers and sisters they have left and thrust upon you the fruits of their labours literally, the largest bulbs of garlic I have ever seen, apples, plums, carrots you name it they grow it. I suppose when you bear in mind that they get the equivalent of less than £10 per month in pension, they have to grow everything and anything they can, to either eat or exchange with their neighbours. This is an old way of life, a harsh and un-comfortable way of life, but also a calm and un-complicated way of life many of us, who rush from one crisis to another, watching the clock, reporting to the boss, struggling with the bills, are looking towards this sort of calmer lifestyle for our early retirement.

Many of my clients, whilst not looking to spend generations farming the land, are certainly looking for the peace and tranquillity that comes with rural living, whether it be in the Spain of yesteryear, or the Bulgaria of today, the opportunities to settle in some of the little villages just 30 or 40 minutes from the coast have never been greater. From as little as £8,000 or £9,000, British people are settling in these villages and breathing life back into these havens. Renovating and building properties, alongside their grateful and friendly neighbours, this is a new kind of heaven. You may have a nice 4 by 4, whilst your neighbour has a horse and cart, and you may have a luxurious pool, whilst your neighbour bathes in an old tin bath, and your pension may buy a whole years groceries in one month but your neighbours won't mind, they will still share with you what they have, still watch out for you, so they can greet you with a smile and a handshake..

So is Bulgaria like Spain was 30 years ago? Well in my opinion yes, but Bulgaria is moving faster, learning quicker and has an honesty about it that Spain lost somewhere along the way - Go and see for yourself Bulgaria has so much to offer everyone.

[tags]Bulgaria, Spain, Tenerife, Holiday Homes, Holdiay Home investments, Bulgarian Mortgages, travel help[/tags]

Fliying To Barcelona Airport Please Get Me Out Of Here

2008-10-29T06:00:00.001-07:00

There is only one airport in Barcelona city, commonly known by the locals as "L'Aeroport del Prat".

Barcelona Airport is located 12 kilometres south-east of Barcelona city centre and 3km from Barcelona's harbour (one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea).

There are a few ways you can get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre, let's have a look at them so you can go by;

* Taxi

* AeroBus

* Night Bus

* Train

* Car

By Taxi

-------

By Taxi is without doubt the fastest way to leave Barcelona Airport but not necessarily the fastest way to get to your destination. Barcelona, is a big modern city and has so much traffic that sometimes it can drive you nuts.

For a detailed tariff list see below;

There are taxis 24/7 all year long and they'll always have change of a 20 note (this is your right as a customer) but any bigger note than that, could cause you problems when paying, especially late at night.

Taxi drivers have been obliged to accept guide dogs for blind people since 1993 by law.

For a selection of Taxi companies telephone numbers, see list below (you can also use these numbers to book a taxi).

By AeroBus

----------

The AeroBus is, as you may have already guessed, a Bus service. It's simply one of those "Airports to City Centre destinations only" that all big airports have.

You buy the ticket on the bus, it costs (at the time of writing) 3'60 ? one-way and 6'15 ? return, they accept Visa. During the day there is usually one AeroBus to Barcelona city centre every 12 minutes.

Check a detailed timetable below,

The journey from Barcelona Airport to the city centre is about 30 minutes long and it stops in 3 other important key destinations before it ends in "Plaça de Catalunya".

For the whole route check below;

By Night Bus

------------

There is also a regular local night bus, the 106, which takes you from Barcelona airport to "Plaza España". This is the only late night public transport service available.

For a detailed timetable see below,

Try to be at the bus stop about 10 minutes early, as the timetables are approximate and it always depends on traffic.

You can buy a ticket on board just try to have some change on you.

If you don't know where you have to get off, ask tell the driver which your stop is and he'll let you know.

By Train

--------

The trip takes around 30 minutes. The price depends on where you stop but getting to the centre will cost you 2'30 ?

You can get straight into four of Barcelona's main train stations offering connections to anywhere in Spain.

For a detailed timetable see below,

Be warned that you'll need your ticket on arrival at your destination, so don't throw your ticket away. While you can take your pets on local transport, they must be on a lead or in some sort of cage.

You can also take bicycles on the local train but there are some restrictions at peak times.

For a map of all the Train Zones and Stations see below,

By Car

------

There are many car hire companies based in Barcelona Airport, for a detailed list of these companies with contact details and web address see below.

Depending on where you are going you'll need to take one or the other. If you plan to drieve in the city you'd better get hold of a good street map, remember Barcelona isn't a small city (over 3 million people live there and most of them have cars)

The journey to the city could take about 20 minutes but that will depend on traffic conditions.

If you plan to stay in Barcelona city, I wouldn't recommend hiring a car as it'd be more trouble than it's worth and public transport can take you anywhere at anytime. However if you plan to visit the outskirts of the city, a car would be helpful.

Read the full article Flying to Barcelona Airport? Get me out of here with all the missing details & more. Travel Spain Barcelona

[tags]travel spain barcelona, barcelona airport[/tags]

Albania - Tirana, Korca, And Petrela Castle

2008-10-28T06:00:00.001-07:00

Located in Southeastern Europe, Albania is a country off of the beaten travel road. Of course, this makes Albania a great place to visit.

Albania History

Albania is a Mediterranean country sitting on the coast of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The country is bordered to the north by Serbia and Montenegro, Greece to the south and Macedonia to the east. Involved in the massive strife arising in the former Yugoslavia, the country was previously a Soviet-Bloc country. These days, Albania is a democracy fighting to find its economic feet.

Tirana

Tirana is the capital of Albania and has a population of a little over 300,000. The city is an eclectic mix of traditional European structures, soviet style five story buildings and mid-east influenced architecture. Relatively small, Tirana is a city with a small town feel.

Korca Rugs, Rugs, Rugs

Korca is a city located in the east of Albania close to the border of Greece. Built high up on a plateau, Korca is a must see if you love Turkish style rugs and carpets. The entire city seems to be devoted to the manufacture and sale of every size, color and type of rug. If you're staying overnight, Hotel Iliria is your best option.

Petrela Castle

Dating back to 500 AD, Petrela Castle is an ancient structure, which is in relatively good shape considering the history attached to it. At one time or another, Petrela was the primary defense of the city of Durres. It has been held, used and conquered by Romans, Greeks, Turks and other. Seriously off the beaten path, getting to Petrela requires a sturdy Jeep or Landcruiser. It is a very bumpy road, but the view is more than worth it.

While Albania is struggling to recovery from a communist pass, it is a fairly safe place to visit. The people are nice and it is definitely an opportunity to visit a country off the beaten path.

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of travel journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles about Albania and Adventure Travel.

[tags]albania, korca, tirana, Petrela Castle, rugs, travel, eastern europe, europe,[/tags]

Involving Your Baby In Christmas Celebrations

2008-10-27T06:00:00.001-07:00

The Christmas holiday period is a time when, for millions of families, the daily routine is likely to change, sometimes drastically or sometimes just a little. If you have a new born, or very young, baby in the house, do not believe that they will not be aware of what's going on just because they are lazing around in their crib sleeping most of the time. They will be aware of differences in their environment, so it is a good idea to think about the well being of the baby in advance, and plan your Christmas period accordingly.

Probably the first sign that something different is going on in the home will be the Christmas decorations and ornaments going up. While the baby may seem oblivious to all commotion and activity as the decorations go up all around, there is a good chance that a baby who has lived in the house for a few months will be very aware of them, even if they cannot focus on the detail of the decorations themselves. This is a good time to get the baby involved in Christmas, right at the start, by letting them lie in the room being decorated while they are awake. Let them watch the rest of the family as they hang the Christmas tree decorations and lights, and all the other ornaments. Once in a while, take over an ornament that is bright and let her see it up close; find some that make a noise, and let her hear the gentle sounds up close. Nothing too noisy, of course, that will scare the baby, just the gentle sounds. Also, pick her up and take her up close to hanging ornaments. That will help the baby feel a part of what is going on, even if they do not have a clue what it is all about.

If your Christmas holiday is being spent at home, then the routine with the baby need not change too much. If you are expecting a lot of guests, though, then it may be rather different, so try not to forget to plan for the baby too. If you are getting caught up in a frenzy of cooking and other preparation in the days before Christmas, and on Christmas morning, then try to involve the baby just a bit, by allowing her to lie in the kitchen with you, or in whatever room the preparation may be going on. Remember, your baby will sense stress and anxiety in the parents, so it is best to allow plenty of time for your preparation so that you are not too rushed and stressed out.

If the baby is used to having a lot of people around, then she will probably not be too disturbed by the sudden influx of visitors. Even then, remember she needs peaceful periods, and when she joins the throng while awake it is worth keeping an eye on whether she is becoming overwhelmed by too much boisterous attention, especially as the alcohol may flow later in the day, or sooner in some cases. Always remember, your baby just needs love, warmth, care, food and security, so as long as you remain conscious of those things at all times, then your baby can enjoy Christmas as much as you, even though she may not be able to tell you so.

If you are going away, then the routine upset will be greater, so it may not be quite so easy for baby or parents. Everything mentioned above for staying at home still applies, and the travel preparation should be no different than for an ordinary trip away. However, take extra care and ensure you have everything that you will need for the baby while travelling and away, listed well in advance and organised in plenty of time. Depending on where you live, there may not be shops open on Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve shopping may be a stressful nightmare for you and the baby. So, it is well worth getting yourself, and your baby's, things well organized in advance.

Christmas should be a great time for you, your family and your baby. Much will be just as normal, but it is always worth remembering that she will be aware of anything that is different, whether in surroundings, tension levels, or sounds. If you are breastfeeding, you should be aware that what you eat and drink will provide her milk.

So long as you remain aware of those things, and act accordingly, your baby will be happy, and have a good grounding for getting more involved next Christmas.

This baby care article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner author of the Bouncing New Baby website. Ably assisted by his baby daughter, he is also responsible for the Baby Blog

[tags]baby travel,baby holiday,christmas baby,christmas with new baby,baby visitors,including baby[/tags]

Plane Trip With Kids

2008-10-26T06:00:00.001-07:00

Though you can cover even very long distances by car if you have the guts to, as soon as it comes to crossing water, you'll have to stick to a plane. The equation is the same as usual: limited space + long time of inactivity = whiny, annoying children.

The big difference towards a car is that when you're on a plane, you can't just stop and let your children run around a bit, and you even have to share it with a lot of other people (who probably want to have a rest). So how to keep the little ones calm?

Entertainment electronics cut in again. Modern airlines provide a small tv in the back of the seat even for economy class, or at least one hanging from the ceiling, which might be difficult for your kids to see if they're not sitting on the corridor side. If you don't have that kind of luxury, a camcorder with headphones will do the trick. Modern camcorders have a little flatscreen, so you can use it as a mobile tv/vcr combination. For older children, a laptop with a DVD-player can do the job as well. But keep in mind to charge the batteries before!

Airplane food is generally not very tasty. The free drinks, though, are acceptable, and if you're in with a baby or toddler, the cabin crew will surely help you warming up some milk. Still, you should bring some snacks in case your kid's don't like the food.

Even for adults, the pain in the ear from the pressurizing during liftoff and landing can be quite annoying, so how much more for children. If they're too young for chewing gum, a drink (best with a straw) also helps.

Be careful with your choice of toys. The playground size is very limited, and things easily get lost under the seat, or worse, under someone else's seat. You normally have a tray built in there, so you can set it as a limit. The temperature in airplanes tends to be slightly too cold, especially when your flight is ongoing for some time already and you haven't moved much. So it's useful to dress your kids in layers, that makes it easier to adjust. For yourself, avoid white clothes and have a spare shirt in your handluggage when you're dealing with babies.

Brigette Meier is an occassional author for http://www.e-nterests.com - visit the site for more interesting articles.

[tags]plane trip kids, kids trip, plane kids, kids travel[/tags]

Haiti Fortress In The Sky

2008-10-25T06:00:00.001-07:00

[summer of 1986] Let me give you a little background before I get into the actual site. I went to Haiti, nineteen of us flew into Port de Prince, and stayed at an orphanage for a few days (slept on a blanket, on the roof top, swatting cockroaches); then got some Jeeps, and went into them mountains, it was during the summer so it was miserable hot. I had two main objects; first to go up to an area where there was a little village and help put in the foundation for a medical clinic. The local doctor, local in the sense he was 20-miles away, would not come to this village until there was clinic. So anyhow, I helped build the walls, doing some masonry work, and touched up the concrete slap putdown for the floor. The roof would have to wait.

After a few weeks up there, lying on the floor of one of the three churches that were there, other than that, there really were no accommodations, my work was completed. People slept in shanties, on the floor with mats. So in Rome you do as the Romans do, so did I.

On my way back to Port de Prince, I stopped at what some call the 8th wonder of the world, Haiti's Citadel. It is on top of a hill, three thousand feet up. Consuming about the same area of the Acropolis of Athens (where I was in l995, and what a beautiful view of the city from up there). When I was there they were dong some renovation. The Citadel is a fortress on a hill, and was constructed to keep Napoleon's fleet at a distance, and perhaps other foes. The walls are some 15-feet thick. Twenty-thousand workers, worked on this project. Many were killed or died in the process. It was built in the early 1800s.

I had noticed it was decaying when I was there, so it was nice to see the renovation process in action. Below the Citadel was the San Souci Palace and its grounds were also being renovated. I drove by there, and only stopped in front of it too takes a few pictures, I was anxious to make it back to Port de Prince.

They were starting to rebuild a roof on one of the main sections on the fortress; I suppose because of the tropical downpours, it is a decaying foe to the fortress. Not sure if I saved any souls up in this land of Christianity in the day light, and voodoo in the moonlight. But all and all it was a most adventurous trip.

Dennis Siluk's books can be seen at http://www.bn.com

[tags]Travel[/tags]

Hello From Cuba (7) - Fun And Recreation

2008-10-24T06:00:00.002-07:00

So, of course, not everything is politics, learning, philosophizing and studying languages. Life also has to include some fun. And Cubans, despite all the hardships, know how to have fun. They love to laugh, to dance, to make music, and they are very sensual people. The women in particular around here are very good-looking (for the most part) and they dress in very tight, sexy clothes. It´s been a true delight observing the Cuban lifestyle.

For me it all starts with the "GuaGua", the official local Havana transit system: overcrowded, with extremely long line-ups, and people pressed up against each other. I have read that the GuaGua is like the local Saturday night movie: it contains "sex, violence and crude language".

Yesterday my friend Pedro and I took the GuaGua for the first time. As a foreigner, I would never take the GuaGua by myself and my professor recommended me not to. But with my friend Pedro as a tourist guide and body guard I felt safe. And indeed you have to line up (sometimes for several buses since each one of them is full), and then when you are inside you have to elbow your way to the back exit to get off at the back door. And it´s not surprising that pick-pocketing and some physical groping is quite normal. I certainly clutched my little backpack in front of me and didn´t let anything out of my sight.

2 evenings ago, Pedro and I went for a walk along the Malecon (waterfront promenade) and we had a peak at the "United States Office of Interests" (there is no US embassy here due to the political tension between these 2 countries). The US Office of Interests is a heavily guarded austere looking office building and right in front of it is a square that (I believe it´s called La Plaza Anti-Imperialista) where the Cubans hold anti-American demonstrations and parades, sometimes a million people strong. Another rather ironic constellation....

We then walked through the Vedado area and entered the famous Hotel Nacional, built as a grand hotel in 1930. Although Cubans normally may have problems entering luxury hotels by themselves, we were not held up by any guards and we ended up sitting and chatting for almost 2 hours in the beautiful gardens of the Hotel Nacional. That evening the Hotel also had a concert by the Buena Vista Social Club, but I decided I didn´t want to spend Can$30 plus. Next week I might have a chance to go to the Casa de la Musica and hear music for $5.00 instead.

My friend also explained to me the male-female dynamics in Cuba, that casual relationships (including sex) are very normal and that a young guy and woman can link up for a steamy night and return to being regular friends the next day. The same apparently applies in marriages where the concept of fidelity is apparently not very deeply entrenched. Some very interesting insights which are in quite strong contrast to the official morale in Canada....

Yesterday after class Pedro and I took a private car (which can always be organized in some way through somone) to Havana´s famous Playas del Este area, the cost is not cheap: more than US$25.00 for a few hours. Playas del Este is an area with kilometers of light sandy beaches with light blue and turquoise water, simply beautiful. The area where we went is mostly frequented by Cubans, although we also saw a few middle-aged Russian tourists with young beautiful Cuban jineteras. My friend had not been at a beach for the last 2 years since the public transport is so cumbersome and other alternatives are too expensive. And there are many Cubans who never even leave their local neighbourhoods. Living in such a beautiful country and not even having access to a beach - indeed hard to imagine...

The water was gorgeous, and scarred from the Canadian winter, all my pores opened up and soaked up the sun. But even changing into my bikini was a half hour ordeal! There are no changerooms or washrooms on the beach and I had to wait in front of the lifeguard station for about 30 minutes (since the male lifeguards took their sweet little time) to change into my bikini. Same with drinks: I tried to buy a pop at the beach bar: closed. So I walked to another beach bar: closed. Finally I followed some locals to a goverment-owned store on the street: it was temporarily locked by a guard, supposedly because there were too many people in the store! So I had to wait another 15 minutes to buy the pop..... "Hacer cola" - being in a line-up - is a way of life here and you encounter long line-ups several times a day, in banks, stores, all sorts of places.

I also noticed that the local Cubans at the beach were having quite a lot of raucous fun, drinking beer (unimaginable in Canada: drinking beer in public!) and then tossing the cans into the ocean. Environmental awareness has a huge way to go here...

Tomorrow or on Sunday I am going to meet a professor of mine, a very nice lady in here mid to late 50s, and we are going to go to a local market together. And Pedro and I made plans to do a little excursion outside the city, I am either going to rent a car or Pedro is going to arrange a loal private car and together with his family (wife, sister-in-law and daughter) we are going to have a nice outing outside of the city, something that is very exceptional and a real luxury for local Cuban people. I am already looking forward to it...

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions(http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest(http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

"Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons".

The interview with photos is published at Travel and Transitions - Interviews

[tags]travel, travel web site, travel website, travel portal, travel information, spanish study, cuba[/tags]

Carl Sagan, Fritjof Capra On "The Dance That Reveals The Mysteries Of Universe" Part I

2008-10-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

In order to understand the mysteries of Universe one has to turn to Nataraja, The King of dance says Carl Sagan, the world renowned astronomer. He was the head of the Department of Astronomy, Cornel University. The famous 13 hour T.V serial, Cosmos: a Personal Voyage was viewed by an estimated ten million viewers in January 1982. He said that "The Hindu cosmology may contain the answer to the modern day astronomers' conflicting views that the universe may either be expanding or contracting." "If the universe is expanding as per the 'Big Bang' model of Fred Hoyle and Able Le Maitre, then what happens to the stars that expand, explode and died? Off, as another school of astronomy says, the universe is contracting and that the stars and galaxies are being pulled back to a centre of creation, where do they all go?" To find out the answer for this question he traveled to India. He found the answer in Nataraja , the Hindu God worshipped by millions of Hindus. Pointing to the statue of Nataraja, the dancing model of Shiva, he said, 'The answer lies in Hindu Cosmology." Pointing to the conch held by Shiva, Carl Sagan said : " "This symbolizes creation of the universe, stars, galaxies and the human being." Pointing to the fire in the other hand he added: This symbolizes destruction of what has been created." He was wonderstruck on knowing the wonderful aspect of Hindu cosmology. Why he has chosen India for Cosmos : a Personal Voyage? He explained it very clearly:

"The main reason that we oriented this episode of COSMOS towards India is because of that wonderful aspect of Hindu cosmology which first of all gives a time-scale for the Earth and the universe -- a time-scale which is consonant with that of modern scientific cosmology. We know that the Earth is about 4.6 billion years old, and the cosmos, or at least its present incarnation, is something like 10 or 20 billion years old. The Hindu tradition has a day and night of Brahma in this range, somewhere in the region of 8.4 billion years.

As far as I know, it is the only ancient religious tradition on the Earth which talks about the right time-scale. We want to get across the concept of the right time-scale, and to show that it is not unnatural. In the West, people have the sense that what is natural is for the universe to be a few thousand years old, and that billions is indwelling, and no one can understand it. The Hindu concept is very clear. Here is a great world culture which has always talked about billions of years. Finally, the many billion year time-scale of Hindu cosmology is not the entire history of the universe, but just the day and night of Brahma, and there is the idea of an infinite cycle of births and deaths and an infinite number of universes, each with its own gods. And this is a very grand idea."

Not only Carl Sagan, Fritjof Capra the famous scientist also admired Nataraja. In the next article we will see his analysis on Shiva Nataraja.

S. Nagarajan is a vehicle body engineer by profession. He has written more than 1300 articles in 16 magazines and published 18 books. He is revealing Eastern Secret Wisdom through T.V. Programmes, magazine articles, seminars, courses. His email address is: snagarajans@gmail.com. His articles on Yoga, laughter, efficacy of mantras and sound, Hypnotism, Tele Kinesis, Power of Prayer, Vastu and Feng Shui, Auto suggestion, Success Formula, Out of Body Experience etc are regularly appearing in ezinearticles.com. So far seventy two articles have been published in ezinearticles.com.

[tags]Carl Sagan, traveled to India , pointing Nataraja he said, "The answer lies in Hindu Cosmology[/tags]

What You Need To Know About Senior Citizens Travel

2008-10-23T06:00:00.002-07:00

Are you drained of sitting at home, doing babysitting of your grandchildren? Have your dreams to explore the world not turned to reality? Are your eyes longing to capture the grandeur of the world around you? If yes, don't detain yourself from discovering the world. Your age should not be an impediment in living your life to the fullest.

When it comes to traveling, horde of choices are available for the senior citizens too.

From opting a perfect destination that lives up to their tastes to the mode to travel and the place to cuddle, all lie at their discretion.

· The destination

For those who enjoy basking in glory of the sun at the beaches, locations like Hawaii Islands, Bahamas and the like are ideal holiday spots. The connoisseurs of art and architecture can move to the cities like Barcelona, New Orleans etc. that are swarming with the masterpieces of eminent painters and architects. Evergreen places like Switzerland, Germany and so forth are never meant to be overlooked.

· The Decisive Factor

The determination of a destination is directly proportional to factors like budget, mode to transport, the climatic conditions and the food.

Most of the senior citizens prefer and desire to travel according to their pockets. Since the youth bids goodbye at this age, the potential to earn more takes a backseat. The expenditure is by and large made from the savings that mushroom a little. Keeping in mind the state of affairs of senior citizens, numerous travel agencies offer discount packages that can be availed in the peak as well as the off season.

If you propose to make a trip within the periphery of your country, the costs incurred will be significantly minimized. For instance, you can accomplish your destination by traveling via a bus, a rented car or a train. The fare will be relatively low as compared to outlay on air tickets. But bear in mind that money is not prior to life. If the distance is a bit too long and you haven't got the muscle to sit for long (in a train or bus) take a flight. Your health always precedes your wealth.

A majestic feel of heaven on earth is readily available on the deck of a cruise in a cruise voyage. There are several cruises that can serve you with the best of all amenities, all you have to do is discuss with your travel agent and search online about it.

At this age you should not excuse food as a crucial factor in determining the venue. A little search on the Internet and your travel agent can familiarize you with the cuisine, tastes of people and the luxury plus the budget restaurants at the place you propose to go. Also if you have a petite idea about the cuisine of the place, you can ask the locals the place they throng to gratify their hunger. This definitely will correspond to your pocket.

Try to leave the home when the weather conditions are adverse there and positive and enjoyable. It is always prudent to make an assessment of the climatic conditions beforehand and plan your trip accordingly.

· Some crucial tips

1. The senior citizens and students should be extra vigilant in carrying cash. Avoid moving with lot of cash. Take your credit card along. This safeguards you against uninvited perils.

2. Carry a mobile phone. If that is unaffordable, leave your complete itinerary and all the contact numbers (of the hotel, villa, apartment etc.) with your children.

3. Pack the clothes with your all your essential and even not so significant medicines.

4. Last but not the least, if on the cards get all the reservations done in advance for at this age you should excuse yourself from the last minute anxiety and stress.

Things can be easy in life, all one needs is a little planning and prudence.

Mansi aggarwal writes senior citizens travel topics. Learn more at http://www.seniortravelcentral.com.

[tags]senior citizens travel[/tags]

A Look At The Humidor Plan

2008-10-23T06:00:00.001-07:00

There are many styles of humidors that range from the smaller traveling humidor to the large cabinet and even walk-in room humidors. By far, the most popular humidor is the glass top humidor also referred to as the desktop humidor.

While many people will choose to purchase an already made humidor, for those who are more inclined, the art of making one's own humidor can be a very appealing idea and lend bragging rights at the same time. By making one's own humidor, the cigar aficionado can choose the materials, the size, the design and the specific humidifier for his or her own personal creation. The only limit is the imagination of the individual. Whether one chooses to make a simple, rectangular box design or one decides to be more elaborate, choosing to tool the wood with intricate designs, there is no wrong approach.

Performing a simple search for a humidor plan, one can find a wide variety of designs and plans, some for free and some for very inexpensive prices. If one so chooses, there are even plans on the internet for making a humidor out of Tupperware®. One can make any humidor from the traveling humidor to the glass top humidor to the cabinet humidor. The biggest question one must ask is how much time and effort does one want to invest in the finished product.

The major materials for starting ones own project include: -Cherry or rosewood (for external sides of the humidor)
-Spanish cedar (for the interior finish)
-Hinges (for the top)
-Hygrometer (mounted externally for monitoring)
-Humidifier (for maintaining humidity levels)
-Propylene glycol and distilled water (to maintain humidity levels)
-Weather stripping material (to maintain a tight seal)

The basic process for making a humidor from wood with the hygrometer and the mechanical humidifier is as follow:

-Cut the cherry wood to make a bottom, the four sides and the lid
-Cut the Spanish cedar to fit inside the cherry and to be used as the internal lining
-Drill a hole in the front wall of the humidor to receive the hygrometer
-Place weather-stripping around the hole where the hygrometer will be inserted and mount the hygrometer
-Attach the walls and the bottom of the humidor according to the design. Usually, with smaller cases, simple wood glue can be used with small brad nail for support
-Insert the humidifier according to the instructions for the specific humidifier purchased
-Mount the lid hinges to the lid and then mount this to the back wall of the humidor
-Attach weather-stripping along the lip of the humidor where the lid will sit
-Turn the humidor on and allow it to run for at least 24 hours to test the operation and to ensure that the humidifier maintains an approximate 70% humidity level
-After checking, place your cigars in the humidor and enjoy

There are many variations of humidors, affected by taste, requirements and funds available. However, the above plan describes simple steps for building an effective humidor.

Humidors Info provides detailed information on cigar humidors, travel humidors, and humidor plans. Humidors Info is the sister site of Cigars Web.

[tags]humidors, cigar, travel humidor[/tags]

Getting And Treating "Monteczuma's Revenge"

2008-10-22T06:00:00.003-07:00

Walking past the row of vendors cooking meat, sausages, French fries and small yellow potatoes was tempting. Sporting a fedora and a Grand Canyon smile, Charlie Martinez fronted his cart offerings of fresh-squeezed orange juice and fresh-strained carrot juice. We ordered one each. I opted for a fried sausage with some yellow potatoes. The potatoes were fine. "Don't eat that sausage", my wife Doris warned. I heeded not - even when I noticed it was slightly undercooked. That night I paid the price. Bathroom trips came every 20 minutes or so. The smell alone could kill. I swallowed Gatorade like an Olympic athlete in training to help prevent my growing dehydration. Finally, in the wee hours we headed for the emergency room. I had Giardiasis.

Giardia is a microscopic parasite which moves around using a pair of whiskers called flagella and lives in the small intestines. It is a common cause of diarrhea. Symptoms can include yellow, foul-smelling diarrhea with bubbles or froth but without blood or mucus, an uncomfortable, swollen abdomen, and mild cramps with lots of gas. The diarrhea may come and go from day to day. There is usually no fever. One symptom that is fairly specific to Giardiasis is passing stools which stink and are difficult to flush away because they float.

Recommended treatments are fairly straightforward. You could try 24 hours on clear fluids and a bland, fat-free diet with lots of rest before starting antibiotics. Giardia infections can often clear up by themselves. "Flagyl" (metronidazole) 2 grams per day for 3 days or Tinidazole (not available in the USA) are common. The drug Quinacrine (Mepacrine) works well too but can cause some side effects. Do not drink alcohol during treatment or you will feel ill. Competent medical treatment by a physician should always be sought for symptoms of any illness while in a foreign country.

Untreated Giardiasis normally does little harm except make you an unwelcome guest and cause some loss of weight. My case was treated with Tetracycline tablets for three days. The organism is transmitted through improper hygiene, especially fecal-oral transmission. Always observe proper hygiene and don't eat raw, uncooked or partially-cooked foods. Take NO foods or drinks with ice in them. Use treated or bottled water only at all times. Hotels in the mid-range and up often can recommend a physician or treatment for minor infirmities while you are abroad. Before traveling it's also a good idea to see your doctor for recommendations and advice. Protect your health. Protect yourself.

Two recommendable health references for travelers are:

"Bugs, Bites and Bowels" by Dr. Jane Wilson Howarth

"Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa and Latin America" by Dirk G. Schroeder

Larry M. Lynch is a bi-lingual copywriter and photographer specializing in business, travel, food and education-related writing in South America. His work has appeared in Transitions Abroad, South American Explorer, Escape From America, Mexico News and Brazil magazines. As an expert author he can ghost-write original articles for your articles marketing campaign and content for your website, newsletter, blog or e-zine. Please e-mail him now with your requirements or details at: pentagon_elsb@hotmail.com.

[tags]diarrhea, travel illnesses, Giardiasis, parasites, Flagyl[/tags]

Increasing Opportunites For Skilled Migrants

2008-10-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

Skilled Independent Migration has become increasingly popular with a number of countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Essentially, Skilled Independent Migration allows individuals with strong experience and/or education to migrate to another country with the right to work WITHOUT first needing to find an employer to sponsor a work permit. This gets round the problems faced by people seeing great jobs that they cannot apply for because the employer is unwilling to sponsor their work permit.

The purpose of allowing people to enter the country with the right to work already gained is to encourage the entry of people with exactly the skills that the country needs. These visas tend to be more flexible for the individual as they do not tie the person to only one company.

United Kingdom

The HSMP (Highly Skilled Migrant Programme) is a points based system. Applicants are awarded points for their education, experience and previous earnings and must be awarded a minimum of 65 points to qualify. Applicants who are under 28 will get points for this and find the criteria for other areas easier in terms of lower criteria for points being awarded. MBA students from certain universities around the world are also awarded HSMP purely based on their education. The HSMP Visa allows for an initial one year period, with a further three year extension to be applied for at the end of the first year. This scheme has proved very popular since its creation. You can use an online points calculator to get an idea as to whether you are likely to qualify, such as http://www.skillclear.co.uk/hsmp-highly-skilled-migrant-programme-points-calcultor.asp

Canada
The Federal Skilled Worker Visa is again a points based system, but rather more complex than the UK version, with additional points being available in a wider range of areas. These can include points for having a relative in Canada, for having a job offer, for French and English language skills and more. This Visa takes a considerable time to be approved presently, but many feel that the opportunities available in Canada make the wait more than worthwhile. Again, there are online points calculators available to find out if you qualify, such as http://www.skillclear.co.uk/canada/canada-skilled-worker-points-calculator-1.asp

Australia
Skilled Workers wishing to migrate to Australia face two main options - the full Skilled Worker Visa and the Skilled Independent Regional Visa. As its name suggests, the Regional Visa allows you to work in a specific region of Australia and is designed to encourage development of these areas specifically. The full Skilled Worker Visa allows you to work anywhere in Australia but requires you to gain a higher level of points. Again, these visas are more complex than the UK version.

New Zealand
New Zealand is working hard to encourage skilled migrants to move there and have lowered the pass mark from 195 points in 2004 to its current level of 100 points. As with Canada, having a close relative in New Zealand will gain you extra points and previous work experience gained in New Zealand can also gain you extra points.

For individuals with good education and/or experience, there is a strong initiative in these countries to try and encourage you to bring your skills and experience to their economies, representing increasing options available for individuals to experience different cultures and career opportunities.

SkillClear Immigration and Work Permit Services
http://www.skillclear.co.uk/

Dean Marshall is a Director and co-founder of http://www.SkillClear.co.uk - Immigration and Work Permit Consultants for the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

[tags]work, immigration, migrate, migration, emigration, emigrate, work permit, visa, travel[/tags]

Malaysian Holidays For Your Travel Itinerary

2008-10-21T06:00:00.003-07:00

Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a hidden gem for those willing to try something new. One of the best ways to experience the culture is to attend one of the many Malaysian holiday celebrations.

Malaysia is a beautiful country made up of 13 federated states located in Southeast Asia. Originally British colonies, Malaysia is now a multicultural and multilingual country with aspects of everyday life drawn from native Malay and British customs. The official language spoken here is Bahasa Malaysia, although Chinese residing in the country speak their own dialects of the Chinese language, and other languages are spoken sporadically as well.

The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur, and the country's population, spread out among the various states, is about 25 million. Most of the country is Islamic with anyone claiming to be of Malay decent (about 65% of the country) being Muslim. Other religions are also tolerated with Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity also found in Malaysia. Many of the most interesting celebrations in this country, however, are the Muslim holidays. Visiting the country during these periods can be a great experience.

One celebration in Malaysia that shouldn't be missed is the Moon Cake Festival. Ironically, it is a Chinese holiday made popular by the thousands of Chinese immigrants in residence here. This holiday, which takes place in August, September or October (there are no set dates for Muslim holidays, as they follow calculations from a lunar calendar) was started in the Mongolian dynasty of China. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth moon, and it is held to celebrate the end of the harvest season. The celebration is also associated with paper lanterns. The Moon Cake Festival is celebrated with mooncakes, which are round and about the size of your palm. Flavors range from black bean paste to lotus paste to yellow bean paste, and they are traditionally given to elders to foster better relations.

Another holiday in Malaysia worth experiencing is the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is a Muslim holiday where you can meet the King and Queen of Malaysia personally. The line for this privilege can stretch for miles outside the palace in Kuala Lumpur, but is worth the wait. After all, how many opportunities do you get to meet a king? During this holiday, Muslims practice an "open house" where anyone can drop by whether you know the hosts or not and share a feast. The Hari Raya Aidilfitri is one of the most festive of Muslim holidays, occurring after the fasting month of Ramadan.

Witnessing a country wide holiday in Malaysia is an experience not to be missed! Contrary to what you may see in the media, people are generally very friendly.

Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of travel journals for preserving your experience on trips. Visit us to read more adventure travel articles.

[tags]malasia, asia, southeast asia, kuala lumpur, muslim, moon cakes, lantern, mooncakes, holiday, celebr[/tags]

Guide To Best Family Beaches In USA

2008-10-21T06:00:00.001-07:00

Beaches have always been a hot favorite as vacation spots. When one needs an escape from their daily chores the gusting waters at the sea provide a perfect sight to sooth the senses. Nothing is more rejuvenating than the best of U.S. beaches. Among top rated beaches in U.S. is the Fort Desoto Park's North Beach, St Petersburg, Florida. The beach is a natural treasure for the city and accounts for majority of popularity enjoyed by it. It offers excellent opportunity for variety water games including kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, camping and bird watching. A specialist attraction of the place is a dog park that enables one to go touring with their animal partners. Another vital facility offered here is ample parking space that is an essential requirement for any beach to be successful and popular. Concerned officers and administrators, who work to educate public about environmental concerns of the sea, contribute to enhance popularity of the beach through planned management and smart projects.

Ocracoke Islands, Outer Banks, North Carolina is another favorite beach for vacationers. Ocracoke Islands being surrounded by water on all sides is reachable only by air or water and is a part of Hyde County. Its banks spread to around 16 miles offering all possibilities for surfing, fishing and swimming. Many birds that migrate from water and land on the eastern flyway present exotic view for bird lovers.

One more beach adding to U.S. list of admired coastlines is Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii. The region offers excellent opportunities for high surfers and serves as a contest site for expert surfers. However there might even be dangerous waves at specific time spans. Both Amaama Road and Hee Road lead to Waioli Beach Park. Another popular coast is Hanauma Bay, on the island of Oahu that is essentially an underwater park.

Florida boasts of having finest coastlines that spread around 1,100 miles. It has beaches to suit everyone's taste. Shell Key, St. Pete Beach offers best birding opportunities with bird sanctuary spread more than half of the area. There is minimal concrete on the surface and consists of only natural beauties. Bahia Honda State Park is supreme tropical seashore revealing clear, gentle water. It serves as a tropical heaven on earth with swimming opportunities. Sebastian Inlet State Park at south of Melbourne Beach is excellent for surfing and is treated as capital of east coast. Another attraction of Florida's beaches is that of South Walton famous for its soothing effects on feet. The gleaming sand on the beach provide exciting experience when walking bare foot. This is basically due to fact that this sand is composed mainly of pure quartz that has been brought down by Appalachian Mountains. The list of Florida's superb coastlines extends to many other beaches but giving space to other seashores in U.S. are the following water bodies.

Massachusetts, Coast Guard Beach at Cape Cod is major swimming beach during summer season. The region has limited parking space and even that remains closed during summer days. Visitors to the place are taken to and fro by specific shuttle bus services provided at those days. The place is excellent for hiking opportunities.

Mansi gupta writes about family beaches in usa . Learn more at http://www.usbeachbum.com

[tags]family, beaches, travel, florida, duck[/tags]

Alice Springs - Australia's Outback Capital

2008-10-20T06:00:00.001-07:00

The town of Alice Springs is located in the middle of the Australian continent and is the unofficial but undisputed capital of the Australia's vast outback. This unique town is rich in history and natural features, and is the perfect base from which to explore Australia's Red Centre which includes world famous features such as Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and the MacDonnell Ranges.

Alice Springs is nestled in the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. Roughly equidistant between Adelaide and Darwin, it lies almost at the geographical centre of Australia, approximately 1500 kilometres from any major Australian city in any direction. The highest mountain in the Northern Territory of Australia, Mount Zeil, rises to 1,525 metres out of the West MacDonnell Ranges about 200 kilometres west of Alice Springs. The town has a growing population of around 28,000 and is today a thriving regional centre where an amazing variety of tours, accommodation and activities for every taste and budget are available.

The history of Alice Springs began in 1871 with the construction of a telegraph repeater station, one of several such stations built between Adelaide and Darwin as part of the historic Overland Telegraph. Originally known as Stuart, this name was never really popular and in 1933 the town's name was officially changed to Alice Springs. Development was initially slow, with the original dirt road to Adelaide not being replaced until 1987. Until then, travellers including train travellers on the historic Ghan railway followed the same route north as that followed by early Scottish explorer John MacDouall Stuart, north from Port Augusta in South Australia to Alice Springs via the outback towns of Oodnadatta and Finke. Today, the Stuart Highway which runs from Adelaide to Darwin is a first class highway suitable for any vehicle.

Development in Alice Springs accelerated greatly in the 1980's, and the town today is a modern, moderate sized municipality with a wealth of resources and facilities compared to similar sized Australian towns. The Ghan Railway played a significant role in the town's development, first arriving in 1929. The railway line was recently extended north to Darwin, with the resulting route across the centre of the Australian continent from Adelaide to Darwin now representing one of the world's great train journeys.

A variety of historic buildings can be found in the centre of Alice Springs, including the original hospital in Adelaide House, the John Flynn Museum and Church, the Old Courthouse, the Residence and the Stuart Town Gaol. The original Telegraph Station is located in a reserve a short distance outside Alice Springs to the north. On the eastern side side of the normally dry Todd River, which runs through the centre of town, is the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, an arid zone botanical garden located right in the heart of town.

Alice Springs is located in a predominantly dry region, with glorious cloudless blue skies from April to September. Rainfall is unreliable and intermittent, but can normally be expected during the warmer summer months from October to March. During summer, temperatures of 40 degrees C (104-108 F) are common, while in winter (June to August) overnight temperatures often fall below freezing point. Winter days are typically bright and sunny, making this the most popular time of year for visitors.

Information about the Arrernte people of Alice Springs can be found at the Strehlow Research Centre, where many fascinating artifacts are displayed. The Araluen Arts Centre maintains a large collection of paintings by Aboriginal artists from the Alice Springs area, including renowned the watercolour painter Albert Namatjira. Many other activities are available in and around Alice Springs, including hot air ballooning, horse and camel riding, cycling, and excursions to nearby natural attractions in the MacDonnell Ranges. Alice Springs also hosts a variety of events and festivals in the cooler months between May and September.

Alice Springs is well serviced with accommodation suited to all tastes and budgets, from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, and has several good restaurants. Alice Springs is easily accessible by air or bus from all Australian capital cities. To travel in style to Alice Springs, consider the luxurious Ghan train which departs from Darwin, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Cars can be carried on the Ghan so that your own transport is available when you arrive in Alice Springs.

Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Alice Springs Tour topics including Alice Springs Tour destinations and Alice Springs Tour itineraries.

[tags]alice, springs, central, australia, tour, travel, holiday, vacation[/tags]

A World Cup Guide To Berlin

2008-10-19T06:00:00.001-07:00

Out of the twelve German cities to play hosts to the FIFA 2006 World Cup Finals it is Berlin - Germany's capital - that has arguably the most important role to play. It is in this city on Sunday 9th July that two teams will contest the final game of the tournament, and one of those teams will claim the ultimate prize in international footballthe World Cup.

The stadium in which the Final will take place is Berlin's Olympic Stadium - the very same venue that was used for the 1936 Olympic Games where Jessie Owen claimed four gold medals. In preparation for the FIFA 2006 World Cup finals the Olympic Stadium has undergone a complete renovation. Some 242 million euros were invested to bring the stadium into the 21st century. Work was completed in July 2004, and in September of that year Brazil met Germany for the inaugural international game.

Aside from the World Cup Final on 9th July, Berlin's Olympic Stadium hosts a number of other World Cup matches. Brazil play Croatia here on 13th June, Sweden take on Paraguay in Group B on the 15th June, and Ecuador will attempt to defeat the hosts Germany at Berlin on the 20th. Ukraine face-off against Tunisia on the final day of group competition in the tournament too, while Berlin will be home to the first 2006 World Cup quarter-final on 30th June.

Berlin Sights

Berlin has so much to offer visitors this summer. There are world famous monuments, parks, restaurants, shops, museums and a zoo to take in. Two 'must see' attractions that should top everyone's list are Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower.

Brandenburg Gate

Arguably Berlin's most famous monument, the Brandenburg Gate towers 20 metres high into the Berlin sky. It was built in 1791 and survived the conquest of Napoleon, but was badly damaged in the Second World War. For years it stood as a partition between East and West Germany as part of the Berlin Wall. Today, it is a symbol of a reunited Germany.

The TV Tower

Affectionately known as the 'toothpick' the TV Tower near Alexander Square is the second highest in Europe. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city and offers spectacular views from the viewing tower and restaurant. On a clear day you can see up to 25 miles out into the German countryside. It's well worth a visit!

Seb Jay is a freelance writer specializing in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com.

[tags]europe,germany,berlin,brandenburg gate,travel,football,soccer,world cup,airport,car,car hire[/tags]

14 Great Tips For Better Holiday Photos

2008-10-18T06:00:00.001-07:00

Do you want better holiday photos? Are you snaps a bit of a let down? Follow my 10 top tips to get photos that will live up to the memories. You'll be amazed how good they'll look and your friends and family will too.

1. To get clear photos avoid camera shake or moving the camera as you take the photo. Squeeze the shutter gently and steady yourself against solid objects.

2. Frame the shot carefully to get well framed photos and keep fingers and other items away from the lens. Obvious but true and yes I have done it.

3. Experiment with compositions. Use roads and paths as strong lead-in lines, use objects in the foreground to add interest and tilt the camera for added drama.

4. Look for details. Often close-up shots of local objects can say as much about a location as scenic panoramas.

5. Take photos in the early morning light or the hour before sunset, know as the 'Golden Hours', for dramatic lighting.

6. Get up early and capture your holiday destination with a different character, empty of tourists and peaceful.

7. Really fill the frame with your subject for extra impact. Get close and then closer still. Move around and take photos from different angles.

8. Ask permission first if you want to take photos of local characters to avoid causing offence on cultural, personal or religious grounds.

9. Take photos on bad weather days. Some great atmospheric shots can be achieved when the weather is bad especially with stormy seas.

10. Frame your subject through doorways or windows to create a frame within a frame. Street entrances or trees can also work.

11. Photograph the old next to the new, modern next to the traditional or poverty in the midst of riches. These statement making photos will really stand out.

12. Look for strong graphic images such as sunset silhouettes or combinations of colour and form.

13. The sky can often be as dramatic as the land. If it is include more sky or even just the sky.

14. If you're shooting digitally check your shots as you go to make sure you get the best ones.

My final words are experiment, get involved, have fun. Don't be too stiff, relax and get into it. With digital cameras you can take as many photos as you want and just keep the good ones.

Sean McCarthy is the Marketing Director for the Help-Me-Park.Com and a keen amature photographer. Get a great start to your holiday by booking meet and greet airport parking at Gatwick with Help-Me-Park.com. Save money and book airport parking across the UK in advance with HelpMeTravel.com.

[tags]Photos, photography, travel, holidays, top tips[/tags]

The Top 3 Advanta Credit Cards

2008-10-17T06:00:00.003-07:00

Advanta credit cards are offered only to businesses. A search of the internet showed the top three Advanta cards as being, Advanta Business Rewards Platinum BusinessCard, Advanta Platinum BusinessCard and Advanta Life-of-Balance Platinum Card.

Business owners who apply for any of these cards must have good credit to be accepted.

Advanta Business Rewards Platinum BusinessCard

This card offers a 0% APR on all balance transfers for fifteen months. After the introductory period, a 7.99% fixed APR is assigned; this is the regular APR for all such cards.

Being an awards card, the Advanta Business Rewards Platinum card has five percent (5%) cash back or travel awards.

Like the other two Advanta credit cards there is no annual fee.

Advanta Platinum BusinessCard

Also offering a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases for twelve months, this also has no annual fees attached. The regular APR is 13.49%, which makes the introductory 0% a deal.

The best thing about the Advanta Platinum is the Fifty Thousand dollar credit limit. Card holders also have access to free online bill payments as well as other benefits, such as, free vehicle insurance, theft and damage protection, as well as great discounts at select companies such as IBM.

Advanta Life-of-Balance Platinum Card

The Life-of-Balance credit card offers a fixed APR of 2.99% for life on balance transfers made within three months of getting the card. The regular APR on this card is 9.99%.

Cash back rewards of 6% are available on gas, utilities, computer supplies and dining expenses; other purchases earn 2% cash back. Card holders can also earn travel rewards on the Advanta Travel Rewards Point Program. Customers also have the option to select reward types after signing up for the card.

These cards were selected as the top Advanta cards based on APR rating and cash back rewards.

To compare Advanta credit cards, Eric Wasselman recommends Find Credit Cards.

[tags]travel rewards credit cards, credit cards[/tags]

Budapest - Delight On The Danube

2008-10-17T06:00:00.001-07:00

Over the 2,000 years of its history, Budapest has been ruled at various times by the Romans, Turks, Goths, Germans and until recently the Soviets. They have all left their influences and the combination has given Budapest an ambience all its own. It's a large city that was once considered three cities. Pest, Obuda and Buda were divided by the Danube, which forks in the middle of the city. The three cities were combined in 1873 and Budapest was adopted as the new name.

During a stay in Budapest there are a few must see attractions.

Spas - Budapest sits on a tectonic plate fault line in Eastern Europe. While earthquakes might seem inevitable, one advantage to the location is the proliferation of mineral water spas in the city. Perhaps the best known is The Gellert Spa Hotel located in the center of Budapest on the eastern shore of the Danube River. From the front, the hotel looks like a classic renaissance building you would find in Paris or Vienna. The entrance to the hotel opens onto an indoor pool that looks like something out of ancient Rome. The square pool is surrounded by baroque columns and covered by a glass roof two stories above the water. Palms, plants and relaxing Hungarians are everywhere. It is staggeringly impressive.

For roughly ten dollars, you can have the full Gellert experience. There is one mixed sex indoor pool and two sections reserved for just men and women. In these reserved sections, you can get massage services, but keep in mind these are vigorous Turkish style massages. Put another way, you will be getting slapped around a bit instead of nearly falling asleep.

At the rear of the Gellert, there is an outdoor area that rivals any Las Vegas hotel. Unlike Vegas hotels with themes, this pool area is truly historic. The area comes with marble steps, ceramic tile mosaics and lush landscape. One tends to feel a bit like you are taking a bath in the Vatican.

There are spas all over the place in Budapest but another that you might try is the Kiraly Baths. Kiraly was apparently built during Turkish rule and the spa experience is entirely Turkish, including the massages.

Castle District - Situated in the Buda section of Budapest, the Castle District sits on the eastern side of the Danube. Positioned a couple hundred feet above the Danube, the entire city of Budapest can be seen from the numerous vantage points. The view is so amazing, the Italians coined a saying, "Europe has three gems - Venice on the water, Florence in the plains and Buda in the hills". The Italians definitely got it right. Some travelers will tell you it's a reason in itself to visit Budapest.

Buda Castle - Sitting on top of a hill and towering over the Danube, the Buda Castle is stunning. Started under the guidance of King Bela IV in the 14th century it was expanded upon by later rulers. Medieval times, however, saw the castle burned, looted, demolished, bombed with cannon balls and ransacked. Each time, new rulers rebuilt. Visiting Buda Castle is like stepping back into the heights of the renaissance. The Castle is adorned with red marble stairways, gothic facades, bastions and epic statutes overlooking the Danube. The fountains around the Castle are simply fantastic for variety and beauty.

Holy Trinity Square - Just to the south of Buda Castle lies Holy Trinity Square. The Church of the Holy Lady, which is also known as Matthias Church, dominates the square. The church has served as the location where Hungarian Kings undertook their rule and many famous figures are interred on the grounds.

Fishermen's Bastion - This Roman bastion has the appearance of a mini-castle at Disneyland. The views from the parapets are amazing as you take in the Danube River as it cuts its way through Budapest.

Just outside of Bastion, however, you have to keep your eye out for something amazing. Hungarians historically have been some of the best horsemen in the world. As part of the tradition, the horseman carry bullwhips instead of ropes. Big bullwhips. And they like to crack them just outside of the bastion. If you aren't paying attention when this occurs, the world's loudest snap will send you diving for cover. The only thing I can equate it to is the sound of rolling thunder, but without the rolling. When it happens tourists' drinks, food and cameras go flying!

Margaret Island - In the middle of the city chaos lays an oasis of tranquility, Margaret Island, which is one of the unique elements of Budapest. The island is located in the middle of the Danube River in central Budapest and is a little more than 1 mile long and 500 yards wide. With the exception of a hotel at the south end, the island is free of cars and buildings. In the past, Margaret Island served as a private park for Hungarian royalty and you can see why. The island consists mostly of paths flanked by old growth trees, rose gardens and tailored lawn areas. Peacocks walk freely around the island and wild ducks nest throughout the island. At the south end of the island, you can visit hot thermal springs, walk on paths through peaceful ponds or relax in front of tiered water cascades. During part of the year, plays are undertaken at an outdoor theatre. Only in Budapest can you be in the middle of an active city, walk 200 feet across a bridge and be in a peaceful, forested area.

When visiting Hungary, it is easy to fall in love with Budapest. Don't let the language frighten you away, there are getting to be more people - particularly students - who can speak a little English and they're all eager to practice on you. Hungarians are a proud people. While most are polite and some helpful beyond belief, they are reserved, perhaps the most reserved people in Europe you'll meet south of Scandinavia. Make a friend though and you'll have a friend for life. Welcome to Budapest!

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Travel

[tags]travel[/tags]

Two Canadian Immigration Options

2008-10-16T06:00:00.001-07:00

When you apply for Canadian Permanent Residence visa under the Skilled Worker Immigration scheme, you have two options:

a) Hiring an Immigration Representative: The first option is to hire the services of an Immigration Representative / Consultant. They are also called Immigration Lawyers. Their job is to make the process easier for you, because they know exactly the documents you need to submit with your application. They normally charge legal fees and government fees. The legal fees refer to the fees they charge for their consulting services, and the government fees refer to the fees that have to be paid to the Canadian government in order to apply.

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (2005), authorized, paid representatives may only be:

- Immigration consultants who are members in good standing of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants. If you wish to verify if an Immigration Consultant is in good standing of this Institution, please visit the following website:http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/consultants/verify-rep.html#consultants

- Lawyers who are members in good standing of a Canadian law society and students-at-law under their supervision. Please visit their following website to verify a lawyer's status in a Society: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/consultants/verify-rep.html#law-societies

- Notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec and students-at-law under their supervision. For further information please visit the following website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/consultants/notaries

If you wish to hire an Immigration Representative to assist you with your Permanent Residence application, you need to complete the form called "Use of a Representative" [Number - IMM 5476].

Its purpose is to appoint the representative to establish communication and conduct business with Citizenship and Immigration Canada on your behalf. Please note that the forms may change from time to time, so you should verify which form you need to use at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/consultants/index.html.

Of course, not all Immigration Lawyers are professional and ethical. If you are interested in finding an ethical and authorized Canadian Immigration Lawyer, send me an email to: consulting@stepbystepimmigrationcanada.com and I will be glad to send you my recommendations.

b) Applying by yourself You can also apply by yourself. The advantage is that you save the legal fees of the Representative, which sometimes can be 2 to 3 times the government fees.

If you decide to apply by yourself, I strongly recommend downloading Step-by-Step Immigration to Canada. This take-you-by-the-hand manual will simplify your Canadian visa application process.

Alex Berez is author of "Step-by-Step Immigration to Canada" and owner of http://www.stepbystepimmigrationcanada.com.

[tags]immigration canada, canada immigration, canada, canadian immigration, canadian visa, canada, travel[/tags]

Talking Parrot In Skara Brae!

2008-10-15T06:00:00.003-07:00

Kara Brae, the home of the Ranger's guild, was recently visited by a strange individual indeed. This fellow, although rather short and greenish, proved to be a wonderful addition to the town's atmosphere, if only for a day. This individual was a parrot, and his name was Ale. He resided, for that day, in the Farmer's Market, with his owner, Piku. The citizens of Skara Brae first spotted Ale when he rushed -- flew, rather, to the Skara Brae bank. There, Ale began to speak aloud -- yes, speak! -- informing the citizens of Skara Brae of his need for their assistance.

Apparently, someone had snuck into their home at night and stolen a box of precious jewels from Piku. After several minutes, a good search party had been aquired ; they began their search on the mainland portion of Skara Brae, at the nearby 'tavern,' Joh's Creb Sheck. Suddenly, a fellow in bone armor jolted past. Ale recognized him, and the adventurers broke into pursuit. They cornered this odd suspect in a small abandoned building -- he claimed to know of no jewels, and blamed everything on a fellow named Triden.

Beware the Dreaded Theet O Vac!

The adventurers, knowing a clue when given one, immediately fanned out and attempted to find Triden. Very soon, Triden was discovered, and the jewels recovered from his cold corpse. The box was returned to Piku, and all involved were given a hefty reward. Those who inquired as to whether or not they would ever see Ale again were told that a fellow named Zemaj Taldor may very well become Ale's new owner, but the transaction has not yet been confirmed.

Beware the Dreaded Theet O Vac!

All in all, the events that forepassed gave all a reward, both literal and spiritual. I return now, however, to my hallowed halls of learning.

-Seer Rhykan

My games and blog (http://www.freenewarticles.com) are devoted to the next phase in marketing - Role Playing for the New World! As I explain and show the fun that it can be to play the role of a Banker, a President, or a crazed terrorist with 85 lbs of explosives strapped to your 80 lb frame. Imagine! Wandering into the Harry Potter premier! Visions of virgins dancing in yor head! Maybe you will want to play the part of a mortgage broker? Help people 'get the home they have always wanted' during a housing bubble!! Talk about realistic! There will be Tech bubble guys, gold bugs, free article writers, gurus of all kinds, UFO cult members, and many others. All dedicated to helping you spend money you have not earned yet. Write on target. See my molds here - http://www.delsmolds.com

[tags]Thetan,theet o vac,rhykan,free new articles,molds,concrete,travel,hubbard,religion,school,plaster[/tags]

Antigua Guatemala - Latin Charm Beneath The Volcano

2008-10-15T06:00:00.001-07:00

Antigua was the capital of Guatemala until 1773, when the Santa Marta earthquake rocked the foundations of the town. Still, the city retains its colonial charm in the extravagant architecture of buildings, churches, convents and old residences, which offer more than a glimpse of past prosperity.

Tourism is Antigua's main income generator. With more than 60 language schools in a city of just over 30,000 people, it's a popular destination for westerners to spend a few months studying Spanish amongst cobble-stoned streets and colourful neighbourhoods. In the evenings, locals and tourists alike arise from that fabulous Latin American tradition, the siesta, and head out to enjoy the wide range of local or international cuisine on offer.

Not surprisingly, the dreaded Ronald McDonald plague has spread to Guatemala. However, Camperos, the local finger lickin' chicken chain dominates, having sent Colonel Sanders and his army running for the border like...well like a pack of chooks with their heads cut off some time ago. Whatever your pleasure, once you've fuelled the belly, you can head on to a bar for a few local cervezas, or Samba the night away in one of the lively nightclubs.

During the day, most of the action takes place around the Grand Plaza. Street vendors ply their trade as tour buses roll into the square. It's a great place to sample the local food and world-renowned coffee in the outdoor cafes and restaurants, or simply hang out under shade in the park with the Antiguans.

As you find in most developing countries, children are always at the ready to sell you some local textiles, a wood carving or jewellery, while displaying sales techniques that would put the best real estate shark to shame. Being a sucker for an angelic smile, it was useless trying to resist the charms of a little Mayan girl who promised me that my senorita would adore me if I bought her the lovely embroidery scarves her mother had made for us.

At the other end of the bench, knee-high brother was smoothly working on senorita, telling her that she had the eyes of a goddess, and any man who did not adorn her with such a gift was not worthy of her. It was now three against one, so I handed over a wad of Quetzales to the grinning dynamic duo.

It's worth spending at least a day exploring Antigua's colonial buildings and ruins. The most impressive examples being Catedral de Santiago, San Francisco, the town's most notable church near Parque Central, and the former nunnery, Las Capuchinas.

Looming over the city like a sleeping giant is the active volcano, Pacaya. For a few dollars you can take a guided hike up right to the rim of this 2500 metre chimneystack.

Climbing a volcano is not so much a strenuous activity as a complicated one. After a two hour uphill trek through dense bushland and small mountainside villages, greeting passing bulls, cows and chickens as they head into town to do lunch, you find yourself staring up at the huge dark grey cone of Pacaya, and realise the hike has just begun.

The combination of loose rubble, steep incline, and gale force wind provides excellent practice for your Latin dance moves...one step forward, two tumbles back. On a clear day, you can see right into bubbling, glowing cone. Unfortunately, we experienced fairly heavy cloud cover. Nonetheless, you get a great sense of fulfillment on reaching the peak.

For anyone contemplating a trip to Guatemala, Antigua provides the perfect introduction with its wonderful assortment of Latin charms and spirited adventures.

Take a peek at Guatemala.

Simon Hillier is a freelance writer based in Sydney, Australia. His company, Get There Writing Services, provides copywriting, travel writing, feature articles, scripts and ebooks that will have your readers clicking and streaming for more. For further information on Simon's article services, visit the feature articles and travel writing section of the Get There Writing Services website.

[tags]Guatemala, Antigua, Get There, travel writing[/tags]

A Bite On The Toe Says Time To Go

2008-10-14T06:00:00.003-07:00

One of the truly inexpensive ways to travel is with a group doing volunteer work of some type.

Several years ago, my wife, oldest son and I were able to travel to Sarawak, Malaysia on the island of Borneo. We went with a group of mostly high school students that was going to build a church.

My wife and I were going to provide medical treatment for the local people while the rest of the group worked on building the church.The cost for us was about $1300 apiece for airfare, bus, boat, room and board. That covered a two week trip. Try and get a trip anywhere for that and you will see what a bargain that is flying from the United States halfway around the world.

We arrived in Kuching early one morning and were taken to a mission to stay the first two nights and get a chance to acclimate to the different time zone and temperature. It was very hot and humid.

During those two days, we were able to tour the city, visiting the museums and shopping for souvenirs. We were also able to go to a cultural center where we could watch native craftsmen and dancers. They had some unique stringed instruments - like a cross between a guitar and a sitar.

The next morning we took off by bus before daybreak, riding about twelve hours through typical tropical vegetation and small farms. Whenever we stopped for a break, there were many large cicadas. The largest ones in Borneo are about the largest in the world, the size of a large mouse with about an 8 inch wingspan.

If you catch one, they sound like a frog croaking. Although I'm really not interested in partaking of them, I'm told they are good to eat.

When we finally got to Tatau, we got off the bus and took our things down to the river to get on a boat. At least that is what they called it. It was more like a large torpedo. Very narrow but large enough so that inside we could sit four across with an aisle in the middle.

Once we had loaded all our gear - which included a small cement mixer - we took off at an estimated thirty miles an hour. The river had enough twists and turns that I was totally disoriented by the time we arrived at our destination. During our time there, I was convinced that the sun rose in the west and went down in the east.

On the way, we passed a village that was the home of Nyla - the subject of the book "Nyla and the White Crocodile" which I had read as a child. As a young girl, a local witch doctor had told Nyla's (pronounced 'Neela') father - the cheif- that she must be sacrificed to a large white crocodile which had appeared in a creek next to their longhouse. The book describes her adventures.

One of our interpreters, a local pastor, was a nephew of Nyla and told us that later in life she had been killed by a crocodile. An ironic end to one of my childhood heroes.

When we finally arrived at our destination, there was a great commotion. We started hearing music and then a procession of dancers led us up to the longhouse. This was a very impressive structure of over one hundred houses built into a single long building and sharing a covered and enclosed front porch about twenty feet wide. The porch serves as both sidewalk and community meeting and play area.

We were welcomed with a party of dancing, music and food. After a long trip, we were then mercifully shown to our accommodations. Our family was given one of the houses for our use both to sleep in and to serve as a clinic during our stay.

We had brought our own cook and water filter, so we were not as worried about getting sick. Local dishes were interspersed with potatoes, bread and peanut butter. The potatoes were imported from China.

During our short stay, the youth worked hard and mostly finished a very nice cement block, metal roof church.

In the meantime, we were treating everything from head lice to leprosy. We were told that people had come as much as six hours by boat to get treatment from us.

One of the saddest things that we saw was a woman with severe burns on her back. It was the custom for women who had recently given birth to sit by a fire for the first 24 - 48 hours. This poor woman had fallen asleep and then leaned back against the burning hot bricks of the kitchen fire. We were told that this was a very common injury. Fortunately we had some good creams for her and treated her twice a day.

One of the problems that I had was with the toilets. Each house had a board behind it which went up at about a thirty degree angle to a small hut on posts. Inside was a small toilet. What you would do is take a small pail of water from the rain barrel beside the back door, climb up the plank and take care of business.

The roof of this little hut was only about 5 and a half feet from the floor. The hut was about three foot wide and three foot deep. I'm glad nobody was able to watch this 6 foot 3 inch man who after entering the hut had to squat down and do the hokey pokey to get turned around get the pants down, do the required actions and get dressed again.

We were told that these toilets were not only inconvenient (though much better than the squat pots - just a hole in the ground) but were dangerous. The year before, a pastor had lost his balance in one and fallen through the wall head first to the ground and breaking his neck.

We slept on air mattresses with mosquito nets covering us. While this gave us pretty good protection, it did not keep some rodent from biting my toe through the net two nights before we left. This happened about three in the morning. I made a pretty good commotion trying to scare it away and get a light so I could look around and make sure a Cobra was not following him.

After that, I was more than ready to go home.

On the way back, we boarded a bus that had a fairly loud engine knock.

We got on the bus about dusk. During the night, the knocking got worse and worse. Finally, about three in the morning, the driver stopped, stood up and said, "Scuse please, scuse please, change bus!" We got off and in another hour or so, another bus came to get us and take us back to Kuching. We later found out that for an additional $50 each we could have bought plane fair and skipped the bus ride altogether.

Despite the great memories of the trip, getting on a Malaysia Airlines plane with air conditioning and cold soda pop was a real pleasure.

We were able to go back to Sarawak to another village the next spring - but that is another story.

Ron McCluskey has prepared more valuable information for you including updates to this article. Go to I Love Travel Vacations now to find more great travel resources.

http://ilovetravelvacations.com

[tags]Sarawak, Borneo, travel, vacations, travel vacations, travelers, discount travel[/tags]

Top 5 Most Scenic Highways In The US

2008-10-14T06:00:00.001-07:00

Now here is a subject that is open to lots of controversy. Anyone attempting to put "a stake in the ground" on this subject must be really brave or incredibly stupid. You may see some bias here four of the five are in the west, and four of the five run at least partially along water, and two, are Interstate highways the nemesis of civil travel; so you may already disagree without even looking at the list.

Everyone has their one or two favorite highways, but after traveling over 50,000 miles in the contiguous 48-states, this is our consensus of "the best of the best." See if you agree.

#5 Interstate-84, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon (80 miles) It is hard to imagine that an interstate highway runs through this magnificent stretch of scenery that was only recently designated a National Scenic Area. The gorge is the only cut through the Cascade mountains near sea level and the gorge varies in depth up to 4,000 feet. It forms part of the state line between the states of Oregon and Washington and features waterfalls (Multnomah Falls), scenic view points (Crown Point), Cascade Peaks (notably Mt. Hood) and the mighty Columbia River. http://www.gonorthwest.com/Oregon/columbia/Columbia_River.htm

#4 Going to the Sun Highway, Glacier Park, Montana (51 miles) There are many engineering marvels throughout the US highways, but none rivals "the Garden Wall" climb from Apgar, MT at Lake McDonald to the Continental Divide at the top of Logan Pass. The highway took eleven years to build and was completed in 1932. In fact, if your vehicle is over 20 feet (including bumpers they are very exact) or over 8 feet wide (including mirrors), you won't be driving that portion of the highway. The scenery is unparalleled everywhere you look, and the wildlife is still abundant. http://visitmt.com/tripplanner/wheretogo/glacier.htm

#3 Interstate 70, Salina to Green River, Utah (100 miles) Now the first thing some of you will say is, "why not keep going?" and yes, the section from Green River through the Glenwood Canyon to Vail and beyond is also eye-popping, but you've got to stop somewhere on this marvelous highway. The section chosen winds through the red rock country, skimming the edge of several national parks, and provides the highway traveler with turn after turn of vistas that are like watching a movie. http://www.rockymountainroads.com/i-070b_ut.html

#2 Highway 1, "The Overseas Highway", "The Keys,"Florida (120 miles) Where life still moves slowly on a two-lane road with 42 bridges and the bluest water in the states, the Florida Keys are the closest thing we have to the Caribbean. The Keys are composed of five areas, each boasting its own unique contribution to the area: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Lower Keys, and finally Key West. Only in Key West do they celebrate sunset every night with a party at the dock, and the sound of steel drums permeates the air. Here, everything having to do with water is available. Whether it is fishing, snorkeling/diving, kayaking, or simply bobbing around in the water, you'll find what you want. http://www.fla-keys.com/

#1 Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway, California (a little over 100 miles) Don't let the distance deceive you this is a three hour-plus trip. Unless you have no fear of heights, start in the south and go north from Morro Bay to Carmel. Stop frequently to gawk. Feel the ocean wind and spray in your face. See the most incredible views this country has to offer. If you get tired of the outdoor beauty, stop at the Hearst Castle and take in the man-made beauty that William Randolph Hearst imported mostly from Europe for his castle by the sea. Gas up and grab some snacks before you leave, both are scarce along the way, but be sure to save room for lunch or dinner once you reach Big Sur or Carmel. Both have excellent choices and incomparable local ambiance. http://www.byways.org/browse/byways/2301/index.html

So there you have it the experience of seasoned road warriors. One of the great things about road trips is the opportunity to explore new roads and towns, go places you've often been intrigued by in the Sunday paper. Sometime in your life, you have to find time to take a really long road trip. Thousands of miles, months of time; there is nothing like it. Only then will you truly experience being a kid again. We'll await your list.

Phil and Carol White decided to live their road trip dreams when they retired, while they still had their health, stamina and sense of humor. All along the way people kept saying, "Oh, we'd love to do what you are doing, but what did you do about " and the list would begin. When we returned home, we did some research and found that they was really no "handbook" to help people plan that dream trip that long trip in the back of your mind. So we wrote Live Your Road Trip Dream so that you too could live your dreams.

[tags]road trips,RV trips,baby boomer travel,US travel,travel planning,road trip planning,travel budgets,t[/tags]

Money Matters While On Vacation - Tips And Tricks

2008-10-13T06:00:00.003-07:00

You certainly must prepare for your vacation by packing your bags and having your mail forwarded, but fewer and fewer people today are preparing for money matters while on vacation.

It's very important to keep track of the money you take with you when you leave on vacation. It can be easy to overspend your money, lose your money or even have it taken from you.

Pickpockets are prevalent in tourist locales. They operate in different ways and according to different standards according to the locale you happen to be in. There are some places where parents teach their children the art form of pick pocketing so be aware that just about anyone can be a pickpocket, whether it be a well-dressed man or the children running around the neighborhood. There are some simple precautions you can take to reduce the chances of being picked. Keep your money in a zippered pocket or fanny pack properly worn at the front of your waist. Pickpockets will often try the back pockets first because it is less likely to be noticed. You can also walk against the current off a crowd to make it more difficult for a pick pocket to follow you.

Often travelers find that simply making use of money and accessing money can get a little tricky. Besides local currency, keep a few smaller denomination US currency bills on hand. Some people will gladly accept US currency and others will be able to exchange a small denomination for local money if you run out. For back up cash see if you can add cash to your credit card so that you actually have credit. That will give you a wider range of places to use your money without having to flash a lot of cash. Don't neglect to make use of the ever steady traveler's check.

Gail Leino is known throughout the internet world as Mrs. Party. She has become the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies with clever themes. Her simple party planning approach demostrates how to use proper manners while teaching etiquette with organizational skills. She shares lots of interesting fun facts. See travel vacations for more travel tips.

[tags]vacations, travel, safety, con artists, pickpockets, visit, money, finances,vacations,travel,holiday[/tags]

How To Avoid Summer Holiday Stresses

2008-10-13T06:00:00.001-07:00

It's summer time again and the masses are flying away for two weeks of sun, sea, sand and good times. Actually, this summer, we're even enjoying holidays on the UK's own beaches and waterways with temperatures reaching 36 degrees in places. We all look for different things from a holiday; some look for sheer relaxation, others live for two weeks of partying hard and sleeping it off the next day, and then there are those that appreciate culture and like to get off the beaten track. Whatever type of holidaymaker you are there is one thing that nobody likes unnecessary stress! Who wants to feel like they need a holiday to recover from their holiday!?

The great news is that holiday stress can be avoided; you just need to set aside some time in advance to make preparations. There are now some fantastic websites that can help by providing advice on a number of potentially stressful areas; from packing effectively to advice on food, drink and transport in your chosen location. Just search for "holiday tips" in your search engine of choice, adding your destination to the "key words" if you're looking for specifically local advice. Don't you just love the online world?

For those parents out there, fear not. Going away with your family does not have to be difficult. Some simple research and planning will ensure you are prepared for an enjoyable, safe and stress free family holiday. Your children will look back fondly on the holiday and hope to do something similar when it's their turn to raise a family. The Mothercare website has a great section on summer travel which covers many essential areas. Useful topics include feeding on the move, baby and kids summer clothing tips, sun safety for babies and toddlers and travelling when pregnant.

For anyone who hasn't decided on their ideal holiday destination, or needs a comprehensive guide, there are many online sites that can provide help, however an easy to carry guide in book form is usually the best option. Currently one of the best is the Dorling Kindersley's series of Eyewitness Travel Guides. The DK travel guides are well illustrated and comprehensively cover all the general areas you would expect from food and drink, to entertainment, weather, cultural information and lots more. What a productive way to kill some time on the plane!

Wherever you decide to go just remember, a little time spent planning in advance will lead to a lot of relaxation and happy times in your chosen destination. Happy holidays!

About the author:
Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.

[tags]Mothercare, summer travel, Dorling Kindersley, Eyewitness Travel Guides, travel guides, travel books[/tags]

Visit Boca Raton Florida

2008-10-12T06:00:00.003-07:00

The city of Boca Raton, Florida, with it's more than five miles of publicly owned beachfront property and it's approximately 1,080 acres of parks is situated in Palm Beach County, almost midway between the cities of Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

Stay at the famous Boca Raton Resort And Club, 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432, (561) 447-3000, with it's five distinct styles of deluxe guestrooms and suites, The Cloister which is the most classic of the Resort's five accommodation choices, the Tower which is a dramatic contrast, the Boca Beach Club, the Yacht Club and the Boca Bungalows. The Boca Raton Resort & Club offers its guests an unmatched variety of sports and leisure activities, all of which can be found on the Resort's 356-acre property. If that is too much for you, try the Marriott Boca Raton at Boca Center, 5150 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, Fl. 33486, (561) 392-4600, with it's marble bathrooms, rainfall showers, solid walnut highlights, and deluxe aromatherapy amenities, or the Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel, 2000 NW 19th Street, Boca Raton, Fl. 33431, (561) 368-5252, with it's Mediterranean ambience, tropical pool and lush grounds or any one of a number of other excellent hotels in the city.

Play golf at the Boca Raton Resort And Club Resort Course on the Resort grounds, a 6,253 yard par 71 course highlighted with a variety of elevation changes and 12 surface acres of water including a signature water feature designed by Hugh Hughes, or the Boca Raton Municipal Golf Course, Golf Course Road, (561) 483-6317 with it's 18-hole regulation, 6,115-yard, par-72 course, nine-hole, 1,877-yard, par-30 executive course, driving range and putting green, or at the Red Reef Executive Golf Course, 1111 N. Ocean Blvd., (561) 391-5014, with it's nine-hole, 1,628-yard, par-32 course on the ocean, or at the Southwinds County Golf Course, 9557 Lyons Road, (561) 483-1305, with it's 18-hole, 72-par course.

Check out the Royal Palm Polo Sports Complex, 18000 Jog Road, Boca Raton, Fl., (561) 994-1876, the oldest existing club in South Florida, Boca Raton's Royal Palm Polo Club is known as the sport's winter capital.

Go shopping at the Town Center Mall, 6000 Glades Rd., Boca Raton 33431, (561) 368-6000, where you will find almost 200 exclusive stores including Bloomingdales, Burdines, Cartier, The Disney Store, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom's and Tiffany's, or try other area centers like the Royal Palm Plaza, Boca Center, Glades Plaza, the Fifth-Avenue Shops, Oaks Plaza, Shops at the Sanctuary, Polo Shops, Del Mar Shopping Village, Garden Shops of Boca, Palms Plaza, Point West Centre, Village Pointe, Mission Bay Plaza, Shadowood Square, Boca Lyons Plaza, Somerset Shops, Regency Court, Shops of Boca, Piccadilly Square, VPC Center, Lakeside Centre and West Boca Square

Lie on the beach, go swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving, go freshwater or saltwater fishing, dine in one of the many fine restaurants, play tennis, check out Lake Okeechobee, the second-largest freshwater lake in the United States or just lie around your hotel pool and relax. If you get tired of Boca Raton you are right near Palm Beach and you are within just over an hour's drive from Miami Beach and all it has to offer.

For more information about the city of Boca Raton, Florida see: http://bocaratonfl.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to the city of Boca Raton, Florida guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, real estate brokers, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

[tags]boca raton,florida,fl,travel,destinations,vacations,leisure,tourism[/tags]

Cambodia And Back

2008-10-12T06:00:00.001-07:00

We went overland from Bangkok, taking a bus to a border marked by tacky casinos. We paid our visa, were photographed by customs and walked from the second to the third world. Our taxi, a fifteen year old Toyota sedan, would take us to Battanbang, Cambodia's second largest city.

The journey took seven hours and it gave us an opportunity to ease into the country in a way that jet travel can not. The main road south, connecting the two countries, was potholed dirt, almost as bad as our driveway in Santa Fe, NM. It was dry season, yet even so, the land appeared fertile with rice fields spotted with fish ponds. We passed several colorfully illustrated signs showing people giving up rifles for shovels that read: "We don't need weapons anymore."

Battanbang is slightly off the tourist map. It has a happening market and a lively local street scene along the Sang Sanker river. Helen, my wife, had grown up in Southeast Asia. Her first impression, which held for everywhere but Angkor Watt, was that Cambodia was like Thailand in the seventies. Tourists are not seen as walking ATM machines yet. You can still have a real conversation with people.

After settling at our hotel, a young man who introduced himself as Chris offered to show us the local sites. The next day, we were off on his motorbikes, traveling on dirt roads through small family farms. I wasn't too concerned about where we were going. I just wanted him to show us what he thought was important.

The countryside was beautiful with kampongs surrounded by bananas, mangos, palms and avocado trees. Chickens, pigs, rats, dogs and cattle meandered about. After about forty-five minutes, occasionally eating "Cambodian snow" (road dust), we arrived at what looked like a mesa rising up from the plains of rice fields. This was one of the centers of operation for the Khmer Rouge.

After about a twenty minute climb up steps, we reached the top of a rounded hill with some flat areas. While we rested on the steps of a Buddhist stupa, Chris told in detail how uncles were killed while mother and father narrowly escaped, though they were separated for five years. The account was heart wrenching. Pol Pot was no longer just one of many distant, twentieth century figures who perpetrated genocide.

We were shown a big open hole leading down into a deep cave. People were tortured and then pushed into the blackness to die. But many didn't die. So those who lived fed on those who died until they died.

Now, the bones were stacked in a wire cage. Next to it, a reclining Buddha, candles, the smell of incense.

"What about all the army who supported Pol Pot?" I asked. "Where are they?"

"They were young. No one could recognize who they are now."

Even though there are plans for war criminal trails soon, and there have been elections, Chris was not very hopeful about the future. How could anyone be? Every Cambodian lost family members to Pol Pot and the perpetrators could be your neighbor. Some of the top people who helped to orchestrate the genocide still have political power in the current government

At the bottom of the site, we rested for lunch. A coconut with a straw. Noodles and mysterious flesh in broth. And we discuss the culinary merit of various meats.

Getting down to basics, I asked him, "But which do you like better? Dog, pig or rat?"

"Dog," he replied with the assured confidence. "It's rich, like beef."

(PS: for those of you with an entrepreneurial bent, the US has an excess of dog meat, wastefully incinerated at our shelters.)

Having a second helping of noodles, Chris explained that even eating insects without permission during revolutionary work on collectives was a capital offence. All food had to be given over. Rice was exported to China. Chris had starved when he was a young child.

No wonder the market has baskets of beetles, frogs and grass hoppers sautéed in soy sauce. It is all childhood comfort food. Appropriately, our last stop was a distillery, where we indulged in fresh pineapple and rice whiskey.

Leaving Battanbang the next morning, a little hung over, we traveled to Angkor Watt by public water taxi. We sat on crowded, uncomfortable wooden benches with grandma and her chickens, sacks of rice and the elderly Dutch couple with their suitcases, squatted on the ground next to the deafening smoke coughing diesel engine.

After a few minutes, we jumped on top of the boat's roof tin, using our luggage, two small day packs, as a back rest. From our perch (still keeping our ear plugs in) we saw river village life as it was and has been for hundreds of years: fisherman casting their nets, temples and houses built on stilts.

The next day, we visited Angkor Watt-- impressive, even to a jaded ruin visitor. It is not just one site, but several, and each is grand in its scale and detail. Here is Cambodia's glorious past, when their great kings dominated most of Southeast Asia and built monuments of Mount Meru, the mythical Hindu and Buddhist center of the universe.

Cambodians take such pride in Angkor as a symbol of Khmer destiny that when a Thai actor recently said that the ruins were really part of Thailand, it caused rioting. Never mind that Angkor is managed by a Japanese company which gives hardly anything back for the preservation of the monuments. The site attracts thousands every day. To see it with any peace you have to get up early and beat the tour busses.

In the town of Siem Reap, where Angkor is located, beggars missing hands or legs squat in front of bars popular with westerners. A few hawk knockoffs of tour books. Some of the most fertile farmland and gemstone areas are still heavily mined.

I am a cut throat bargainer but here I give them nearly what they want every time. The difference between comfort and strife costs less than a latté at Starbucks. I don't want postcards, but I buy a pair of sandals from a girl selling them who hounds me for half a mile.

Cambodia economically wasn't much different in the early sixties than now prosperous Thailand, but how do you make up for thirty years of civil war? That border road from Thailand-- paving it would cost less than a resurfacing a secondary highway connecting any American town to a suburb.

On our last day back from touring ruins, we stopped at the children's hospital funded by a Swiss philanthropist. A banner above the road read that you can save a child's life by giving blood, which Cambodians are reluctant to do for cultural reasons. We wanted to give some money.

After the donation, Helen told the guard that she was giving blood but her husband, she said, pointing to me, was too scared. Well, it didn't hurt much and it was harder than giving money; but I got a free tee shirt, butter cookies and some vitamins.

From Angkor, we traveled overland by bus to the capitol, Phnom Penn, suffering six hours of the hokiest romantic Cambodian karaoke videos. I watched a man pull large spiders out of a paper bag and eat them leg by leg, chewing the body just like a soft shell crab. He licked his lips with delight.

I chastised myself for not being more courageous and buying some at the bus station to sample, but Helen said I shouldn't be so hard on myself. It is one of those things you need someone to walk you through the first time.

Phnom Penn is situated beautifully on the vast Mekong river. Its streets are graced by French colonial architecture. The city has relatively few cars and busses, so pollution is minimal and unlike Bangkok, traffic moves faster then 5 km an hour.

Sitting in one of the riverside cafes, it is hard to imagine that this city was totally evacuated by the Khmer Rouge thirty years ago. But it was, and the resulting bones have become big business. The first thing any tuk tuk driver asks is, "U wanta see killing fields?"

I had seen enough bones, but I went to see the notorious torture prison, S21. The dilapidated three story concrete u-shaped building surrounded by razor wire was once a school. It was the last stop for over 17,000 prisoners. Records of the detainees were meticulously preserved under the supervision of a former math teacher.

On the first floor, we passed large photos of mutilated bodies above cots. These were the last people killed right, photographed by the North Vietnamese army when they drove out the Khmer. Iron and wire torture implement were still in situ. The third floor had rooms of black and white mug shots, slightly larger than passport size, in row after row behind large glass frames.

Babies, children, teenagers, young adults, middle age, elderly, were neatly arranged according to age. The dark eyes peered out, sometimes blank, sometimes in fear and unimaginable terror.

Who were these people who died, bleeding upside down on wooden posts, or through electrocution while writing seven hundred page autobiographies for their captors-- listing their bourgeois family members who would also be gathered up to confess and die?

They were not special. They were the same as the people I'd seen since I'd entered the country. They were me. They were you, too. And who killed them? Same as the above, minus the babies. But the most effective recruits though were young children who could be easily brainwashed. People in their thirties and forties now. Perhaps, today, Chris' neighbor.

The revolution gained momentum partly because of Kissinger's private war. Evacuate Phnom Penn. The Americans are going to bomb us! But once they got all the teachers, civil servants, merchants, intellectuals, and artists out into the country and found out they made lousy farmers who couldn't be reformed, they killed them. Not long after that, they killed the farmers who got disillusioned with killing and starving.

After two days in the capitol, we left a country where perhaps everyone has post traumatic stress. Yet at the airport, I noticed that there were no guards carrying Uzis. Every country I've been to has armed guards at airports. I then realized that during my stay in Cambodia, I didn't see anyone carrying weapons. This was extraordinary. I had never been in a country without an armed military or police presence.

These thoughts seemed just like a dream flying home on a 747, 400 series. Nothing like being handed a hot wash cloth to remind me of my privileged status in the world's economic pecking order.

What follows now is a bit of a postscript which crystallized the entire pilgrimage. We rested in LA, where we had prearranged to meet friends with two teenage daughters. Our penance to the girls for dragging them to the Getty Museum was a trip to Universal Studios.

In the internal chaos of jetlag, Cambodia was a lifetime away, until a walk through a fun house where piles of bones were stacked, looking exactly like the ones in the killing caves. Later, in a live "Fear Factor," a TV show I hadn't heard of before that day, two contestants vied with each other over who could endure a self generated electric shock and eat "gross" insects.

It was merely amusement. Yet given how fear has been used to manipulate people over the past few years, our American dream is not as far from the Cambodia's experience as we might think. It doesn't take any devils or demons to create killing fields. Ordinary people do just fine with the right political leadership.

About the Author

Marc Choyt graduated from Brown University in 1984 with a degree in English. In 1995, he received an MA degree in Humanities from St. John's College. In 1996, he and his wife, Helen Chantler, founded Reflective Images, a designer jewelry company specializing in contemporary Celtic jewelry.

http://www.artisanweddingrings.com
http://www.celticjewelry.com
Please send email requests to marek@celticjewelry.com

[tags]Cambodia, travel, Kmer, Rouge, Terrorism, Ruins, Laos, River[/tags]

Philippine Destinations

2008-10-11T06:00:00.003-07:00

If you have travelled to a great deal of places and all over the world already then you probably have noticed that each city you visit is in some ways distinctly different from all others. You found out how each city has its own essential characteristic: the sophistication of New York, the glamour of Hollywood, the romantic atmosphere of Milan, the artistic flavor of Paris, the old charm of London, the liveliness of Tokyobut if you decide to travel to the Philippines, there's one quality that you'd notice all its cities have and that's warmth.

Below are several great spots to visit when you travel to Philippines. I assure you that there's no need to fear getting lost or being treated in an unfriendly manner because the country is quite known as a tourist-friendly place.

Boracay In recent years, Boracay, found in Aklan, Philippines, became very popular as a beach paradise to tourists all over the world. White sand, sparkling sea water, luxurious accommodation, great food and great company you'll find all of those and more when you travel to Boracay.

Intramuros Fondly known as the Walled City because of its historic significance to the Philippines, traveling to the country wouldn't be complete without a tour to Intramuros. There, you can check out the museums of the country and get to know a little bit more about the history and culture of the Philippines. Enjoy the beautiful wildlife that Luneta Park offers.

Malacañang Palace I'm sure you're aware of the legend of Ms. Imelda Marcos and her shoes. If you want to see where she lived when she was still the First Lady of the country, do try to travel to the deeper part of Manila and drop by at Malacañang Palace.

Ongpin This is the Chinatown that everyone's very proud of. If you travel to the Philippines and want to see a different side of Filipinos, perhaps you should travel to Binondo, Manila, where Ongpin is located and get to know the Filipino-Chinese communities. During holidays and festivities, you'd see that the streets of Ongpin would be decorated in authentic Chinese decors and everyone would be wearing red to honor the occasion they're celebrating.

Banawe Rice Terraces Located in the northern part of the Philippines, travel to Banawe to see for yourself what's described as the eighth wonder of the world. Wherever great spot you may find yourself in the Philippines, you're sure to be welcomed by the natives with friendly smiles and warm hospitality.

John Grant has been living in the Philippines for 5 years and has travelled the country extensively. His online Philippines Travel Guide contains a wealth of information from Boracay and other hot destinations in the Philippines.

[tags]Philippines, Travel[/tags]

Scotland History And Tourism - Edinburgh Travel

2008-10-11T06:00:00.001-07:00

Scotland's geography has been integral to its political, social, economic and cultural development, discover more about the physical make-up of the country, together with some facts and figures about its people.

What makes Scotland so distinctive? There are some things that are uniquely Scottish but in truth, there's no single element that defines the country. Rather, it's a subtle blend of many different ingredients that have been added to the mix down through the centuries. Here, you can find a flavour of these - Scotland's often turbulent past, her extraordinary people, the rich diversity of her arts and culture, and the many other features found around the country which have produced a nation that treasures its past and keenly anticipates its future.

So whether you opt for a dedicated city-break or use them as a base to explore the surrounding countryside, Scotland's cities offer a truly memorable experience.

A nation's artistic and cultural life says much about its people and the vibrancy and creativity we display across a wide range of artforms quickly dispels the myth of the dour, downbeat Scot. In successive generations, Scotland has produced writers, painters, sculptors, musicians, composers and dancers whose talents have received both national and international acclaim.

Some of these artforms - such as our traditional dance and music - are uniquely Scottish both in style and inspiration and are appreciated chiefly at home. Others - such as theatre, opera and painting - draw on and incorporate influences from elsewhere in the world and consequently receive wider recognition. All, however, have the power to enthrall, challenge, provoke and inspire.

Scotland's position on the edge of the European continent with sea on three sides means that the weather is very varied. Records show that May and June are usually drier than July and August.

Generally speaking, the east coast tends to be cool and dry, the west coast milder and wetter. July and August are normally the warmest months, average temperature of 15-19oC/60-68oF.

Historically, Scotland has always been a popular destination for those seeking a truly romantic setting in which to make their wedding vows and several recent high profile weddings have served to highlight the reputation of Scotland as a great place to tie the knot. As a country, Scotland is famous for its beautiful and unspoilt scenery, its distinctive culture and its dramatic history. In addition it is renowned for the high standard of its cuisine and the quality of its accommodation which ranges from bed and breakfasts to magnificent castles. Perhaps most importantly though, Scotland is famed for its hospitality and the genuine warmth of its people.

So, whether you are planning to 'run away' to Gretna Green for a small intimate wedding or to do something on a much larger scale, be it in a hotel or castle or even on a canal boat, Scotland offers endless possibilities to make that special day truly memorable.

Edinburgh has a network of local bus services allowing frequent travel throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians making this a great - and cost effective - way of getting around the city. Local bus companies offer daily bus tickets, which allow you unlimited travel in and around Edinburgh. You buy these tickets, and single journey tickets, on board the bus from the driver - remember that no change is given, so you'll need the exact fare.

If you're heading further afield, you can buy your coach tickets for UK and Scottish travel from the bus station in St Andrew Square in advance. And if you're heading to the airport a regular express service runs from Waverley Bridge to Edinburgh Airport, with pick up points along the way.

You can also take in the sights of the city on one of the many Edinburgh bus tours - City Bus Tour tickets can be bought in person at the Edinburgh and Scotland Information Centre, 3 Princes Street or on Waverley Bridge, which is where the tours start.

The following companies can provide more information;

For travel in and around Edinburgh including Edinburgh Airport, city bus tours and night buses - Lothian Buses contact number - 0131 555 6363

For Travel in and around Edinburgh, Central and The Borders First Buses contact number - 08708 72 72 71

Air travel-Scottish airlines or air operators servicing Scotland and/or Edinburgh include; BMI, Loch Lomond Seaplanes Scotland's first commercial seaplane service, British Airways, Eastern Airways, EasyJet, Highland Airways and Loganair.

For more on Scotland please visit scotland travel or Fife information

[tags]scotland, UK,edinburgh, travel, scottish[/tags]

The Botanical Ark

2008-10-10T06:00:00.001-07:00

The Botanical Ark is situated in a unique position in Australia's wet tropics. High rainfall creates lush jungles and permanently flowing creeks. Established in 1981, the Botanical Ark was created as a self-reliant farm. The search for new plants led Alan and Susan Carle to some of the most remote regions of the tropical world - from the Amazon to Central Africa; from Papua New Guinea to the dense jungles of S.E. Asia. A visit to this unique concept that brings people and plantstogether and fosters conservation through understanding. The Botanical Ark is preserving some of the genetic diversity that makes life on this planet so interesting and varied. The Botanical Ark attempts to conserve as many of these types of tropical plants as practicable - including their wild relatives - growing more than 300 different types of fruits and nuts, hundreds of rare species of flowers, and numerous botanical medicines, fibres, dyes, oils, cosmetics and other unusual and threatened plants. They follow his specific path of Ethnobotany, the study of plants useful to the peoples of the world.

Consider the Miracle Fruit - a small tree (Synsalum dulcificum) from Nigeria...It's small red berries are an amazing natural sweetener - the complex protein in the fruit coats ones taste buds and blocks out the acid and sour receptors - making the sourest lemon taste deliciously sweet. This sensation can last up to two hours. Not satisfied with just growing lots of plants in a garden setting, the Botanical Ark has embarked upon a unique experiment of recreating, as near as possible, small microcosms of rainforests from Asian, American, African and Pacific tropics. Forests where people can enter and find many of the plants that they may need to survive- plants which indigenous cultures use in their everyday lives.

The Botanical Ark is located in Tropical Queensland, adjacent to the Daintree Wilderness, Great Barrier Reef, near Port Douglas (30 minutes) and Cairns (90 minutes). Open by appointment, Susan and Alan Carle, will entertain you or your group with morning and afternoon tours that include tea with exotic fruits, juices, and cakes, lunches, or even breakfasts, conference venues, site locations for media shows, lectures and workshops. Call 61-70-988-174 or fax: 61-70-988-173 or write to PO Box 354, MOssman, 4873, Tropical Queensland, Australia.

This article can be freely published on a website as long as it's not modified in any way including the author's bylines, plus the hyperlink must be made active just like below. Irene G. Lebow is the author of "The Ice Cream Man of Corte Dulce," "Heartstrings to Strum," and "A Visit To Veluona,". Visit my www.suncitybooks.com

[tags]plants/conservation/farm/ lush fruits/unique travel venue[/tags]

Drakensberg Diaries The Drakensberg Boys' Choir In South Afria

2008-10-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Travelling to South Africa? Well, you're going to Cape Town, right? And you want to see if you can get the Big 5? Here's something that's better than Cape Town. Better than the Big 5. And it's the Drakensberg Boys' Choir. There aren't that many things that are unique or world class in South Africa, but the Drakensberg Boys' Choir is one of them.

Doors opened in 1965 to the first 20 pupils, after John Tungay persuaded his parents, Ronald and Gwen, to dedicate 100 acres of their farm to his proposed school. The Drakensberg Boys' Choir was born.

The dream was of a multi-racial, multi-cultural Choir School to rival the Vienna Boys. Not in the middle of a history-rich, ancient European city. But in the boondocks. In a beautiful, rural, sparsely populated valley in the Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The first and only one of its kind on the continent.

Today the annual intake is 100 boys between 9 and 15, and auditions are held nation-wide.

The Drakensberg Boys' Choir tours overseas every year and is internationally recognized as one of the best in the world. And they aren't just holier that thou brats either after hours they're into rapids tubing, abseiling and hiking in their Drakensberg paradise. They work hard and play hard.

Can you think of anything more sublime than crisp, mountain air, majestic mountains, azure skies and natural beauty as far as the eye can see, complemented by the pure tones of counter-tenor harmony?

Be prepared for diversity. If you like a good dirge, stay away. The Drakensberg Boys' Choir has very catholic tastes. The first half of the concert is classical. You might hear Bach or Beethoven or Mozart. The second half can be anything. It could be Queen sung in rounds by groups of immaculately trained 12-year old tenor and bass vocalists. (Freddie Mercury would have loved it). Or folk, or jazz, or sacred music. Or African harmonies you've never heard before that will bring tears to your eyes.

Come with tissues. And a jersey, for the goosebumps. But whatever you do, BE THERE. The Drakensberg Boys' Choir performs most Wednesdays during term time at 3.30 p.m. There is a world class auditorium on campus.

If you're in the area on a Wednesday, you've got time for an early lunch (or a late breakfast) and a scenic drive along Route R600. Its not called the Champagne Valley for nothing. Or if you're planning on December, go to the Drakensberg Festival Celebration, a four-day extravaganza of music, with lots of guest artists, Xmas music, and stalls for shopping.

So if you're coming to South Africa sure Cape Town's good and you need the Big 5. But the Drakensberg is good too. And you really shouldn't miss this.

Brian & Janette Kemp own and run an award-winning Drakensberg accommodation establishment on the Giant's Castle road, in the Central 'Berg. Halls Country House is a 4-star country retreat in the foothills of the Drakensberg in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

[tags]drakensberg,drakensberg boys choir,kwazulu,natal,south africa travel,south africa tourism[/tags]

Keeping Your Kids Happy On Long Trips

2008-10-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

Okay you are about to embark on the great adventure, a trip to see somewhere new and exciting-just as soon as you get there. Meanwhile you are going to be spending a lot of time in cramped quarters with the kids and it would behoove you to keep the kids happy during the long trip.

This applies whether you are about to get on a long air flight or taking a road trip across the country because nothing can be harder than trying to keep the peace in an aggravatingly cramped situation.

Most children have their own space that they like to occupy without being touched or annoyed by their siblings. You all remember that childish 'I'm not touching you," game your little brother or sister irritated you with by holding a finger just close enough to your person to upset you but not quite touching you. Well, it's still popular. If you are on a long flight think about breaking up the kids by sitting in the middle and having each sit on either side of you. If in the car put one in the front passenger seat and one in the backseat. Or you can rent a larger vehicle such as a van that will allow quite a bit more space to the kids.

In a way kids experience a Pavlov response as soon as you hit the highway by feeling the urge to go to the bathroom while at the same time realizing that they are very hungry. I blame it on the prevalence of fast food signs by the roadsides. Deal with the potty issue by checking that everyone and I mean everyone has gone to the restroom before getting into the car. This also serves for those on air flights. You don't want a kid to have to go potty during take off. As for food take snacks that you know the kids will like on the plane and in the car. You should also take more than you estimate you'll need, because the estimate will never be enough.

You can try to take advantage of the kids sleep schedules to make the most time on your travels. Kids often go to bed much earlier than their parents, so you can actually start your trip towards evening and let the kids fall asleep in the back. Be sure to make it as comfortable as possible to properly induce sleep. Take blankets and pillows and pack a small pen light or two for the ones who do manage to stay up to use for reading. Similarly you can pick air flights that are scheduled for later in the evening so that the kids will hopefully sleep through most of the flight.

[tags]kids,travel,entertain,vacations,trip,[/tags]

Imaginary Reality

2008-10-06T06:00:00.001-07:00

It's interesting to consider the ways in which the computer and the Internet have changed our lives. Tasks that once required visiting certain locations and interacting with specific people, such as booking a holiday or accessing your bank account can now be performed online. Often when you do go somewhere to talk to an assistant they end up performing the task online in the same way you could have done yourself.

Online banking intrigues me greatly. We've almost lost the need for real currency. I get paid by check, which goes straight into my bank account. I then access my bank account using the Internet and transfer some money over to my savings account, which is at a different bank to my regular account. If I ever need money from my savings account I log in and transfer it back to my main account. I have never given any 'real' money to this bank, nor have I ever received any from them. The majority of my purchases these days are made using Eftpos. I hardly ever actually have cold, hard, real cash on me. Basically we purchase things with data these days. Numbers flit all over the place, being subtracted and added from one variable to another. Presumably there is still real money somewhere being couriered between banks but I generally never see it. It makes me wonder how long it will be until we actually don't technically have money.

The stock market similarly intrigues me. I've never been involved myself but it seems to me that it's the professional equivalent of gambling. People take a punt that a certain stock will go up or down, and they either gain or lose money depending on whether or not their bet pans out. What interests me more is the fact that in essence this is an economic reality built around the concept of buying and selling absolutely nothing. What you own are theoretically 'parts' of a particular company. Collect enough bits and you could own the company. In actuality you transfer a few numbers that represent money and receive a few numbers that represent stocks. When these numbers become larger numbers you sell them again, and receive in return a few more money numbers. There's usually no real product or money (that you hold in your hands) seen in any of this process.

We have moral dilemmas now that just didn't exist in the past. For example, is piracy really stealing? All you take is a copy of data. No one actually loses anything tangible out of the theft. Stealing a handbag means that someone no longer has their handbag. Stealing a car means that someone has to catch the bus for a while. Stealing a computer program means that another copy just 'magically' pops into existence and becomes yours. The futuristic super-villains of the past held countries to ransom with real-life weapons of mammoth size, often floating in space. The reality of our modern world is that you could hold a nation to ransom with nothing more 'real' than a copy of a few files from a secure computer.

Virtual reality may not have eventuated in the way of realistic virtual worlds, but in a way reality is becoming 'virtual'. It may not be problematic or even surprising, but I find it interesting that cold, hard cash and cold, hard facts are fast becoming anything but tangible.

Daniel Punch
M6.Net Web Helpers
http://www.m6.net

[tags]internet, society, life, money, bank, travel, reality, imaginary, stock, market, gamble, finance[/tags]

Singing Hobbits, Wizards, And Orcs - Oh My!

2008-10-05T06:00:00.003-07:00

It all started with a simple statement scribbled across a blank page of an examination answer-book: "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." Sixty some-odd years and several volumes later, Middle Earth is one of the most well-known and beloved fantasy worlds.

Last year, 2005, marked the 50th anniversary of the complete publication of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece. The Lord of the Rings, a multi-volume epic that followed The Hobbit, was first published in London in 1954, with an American edition following in 1955. This tale of unlikely heroes has been made into a radio play (the BBC's Third Programme aired it in 1956); an animated film (1978); a trilogy of live-action films (2001, 2002, 2003); several video games (1985, 1990, 1992, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004) with more being planned; and now is being made into an ambitious live-theatre musical production.

"The responsibility is huge," says Mathew Warchus, the man chosen to direct the stage version of The Lord of the Rings, "but the opportunity is huge as well, because you can do some things you always dreamed of doing on the stage."

Lord of the Rings opened at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto in February 2006, cost about $27 million (Canadian) to produce and faced many challenges.

"People feel so strongly about Tolkien's work," Warchus says. "I studied the books very carefully. I vowed I would not trivialize the piece in any way, but honor it and perhaps even add something to all the available incarnations of the story."

With so many adaptations of the work on hand, why would someone tackle a stage production? "To read the novel is to experience the events of Middle Earth in the mind's eye; to watch the films is to view Middle Earth as though through a giant window. Only in the theatre are you actually plunged into the events as they happen," says Warchus. "The environment surrounds us. We participate. We are in Middle Earth."

Fans who have seen the preview agree. One said, "It was unlike reading or watching Middle Earth, it was like being there!"

The biggest question, however, was why a musical? Do we really want Frodo to sing, orcs to dance? "We have not attempted to pull the novel towards the standard conventions of musical theatre," says Warchus, "but rather to expand those conventions so that they will accommodate Tolkien's material."

There is "music virtually the whole way through," says Kevin Wallace, producer of the show, "Like in the books, the characters in the stage adaptation use songs that are already part of their culture to express themselves. They do not sing as in a traditional musical, but as in a culture with a strong singing tradition, they use music as part of their everyday life."

The music is a collaborative composition of A.R. Rahman, a composer from India, Värttinä, a vocal group from Finland, and Christopher Nightengale, the show's musical supervisor. Since, Tolkien used Finnish as a basis for Elvish, having a Finnish group as part of the musical collaboration has given the music for this production an authentic and unique sound.

"It's not really a musical in the tradition sense," Liam Kearns, a fan from Vancouver who traveled to Toronto just to see the show, told The Canadian Press. "It's really a stage extravaganza. There's music, but it's a dramatic play."

When rumors of this production first surfaced, there was fear that the result would be cheesy or would stray too far from the original work. To help keep the adaptation in line with Tolkien's material, Laurie Battle, Head of Licensing at Tolkien Enterprises, worked as Creative Consultant, advising the director and producer directly, as well as pointing the way to further research when necessary.

The effort paid off. "I highly recommend any and every Tolkien fan to watch this production," said one fan who saw the preview.

Lord of the Rings is appropriate for children aged 8 and older. Wallace advises, "People should use their own discretion and bring children who are old enough to enjoy the performance." This is especially true, since it is about three and one-half hours long.

Knowing the story and its characters isn't necessary to enjoy the musical, according to Kearns. You can follow the story, which takes in all three books, even if you don't know the difference between an ent and an orc.

Previews of Lord of the Rings started Feb. 4, 2006 and the Gala Opening is scheduled for March 23. Toronto will be the only place to see this production for at least nine months, when the London production premieres later this year. And Wallace says that Toronto will be the only place to see this musical in North America for at least 18 months.

A Kevin Wallace Limited Production, Lord of the Rings is presented by Kevin Wallace and Saul Zaentz, in association with David and Ed Mirvish and Michael Cohl. Tickets, which are $78 or $125 (Canadian), are available at http://www.lotr.com or by calling (416) 872-1212 or (800) 461-3333.

About the Author:

C.S. Pothitt is the editor of The Genre Traveler, an online travel magazine for science fiction, fantasy and horror fans. You can find it at http://www.thegenretraveler.com In May, The Genre Traveler, in cooperation with Beyond Boundaries Travel, is taking readers on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the World Premiere Lord of the Rings musical. If you'd like to join, or you'd like to learn more, go to http://www.thegenretraveler.com/LOTRTour.htm before the April 1, 2006 deadline for reservations.

[tags]tolkien,lord of the rings,genre travel,fantasy,hobbit[/tags]

Ireland - A Visitor's Guide

2008-10-05T06:00:00.001-07:00

INTRODUCTION

This report has been written with the traveller to Ireland in mind. However, if people who live in Ireland and want to make use of it to get to know their own country a bit better, or simply to spend a bit of time rambling about, no one will be more delighted than me if they find something worthwhile within its pages. I have tried to organise the book into logical sections, and this introduction will give a brief flavour of what is to follow.

For anyone planning a trip to Ireland, there are certain recommendations I would make, and certain suggestions which may be of use. Where you go in Ireland will depend a lot on your reasons for coming. Obviously, if you have family connections or genealogical research to do you will want to go to the relevant place. Within this book I have listed in detail some more detailed descriptions of places to go and things to do.

I have lived in Ireland, North and South, for the last 33 years, and there is still much of it that I haven't seen or explored. The first point, therefore, is that you cannot do it all in one trip. You have to decide how much you want to see and do, and what general areas you want to visit.

Be prepared for any sort of weather. The weather in Ireland is continually changing, but overall it rains a lot; this is what keeps the country looking so green! If you are coming for two weeks, you may be lucky and get the best two weeks of the year, with unbroken sunshine, or you may get two weeks of non-stop rain. Probably it will be somewhere in between, and there are many days where it rains for part of the time and is very pleasant for part of the time. However, the point is that if you are following a tight schedule, the day you want to see some particular place or view, all you may get will be mist, dampness and drizzle. I would therefore recommend spending a few days in each place you want to visit. Temperatures in Ireland seldom go to extremes. In high summer you may get a few days where the temperature rises to more than 25° Celsius, you may get days when it rises no higher than 12°. Winter temperatures (other than in the mountains) range from -5° to +15°, unless conditions are exceptional.

The island of Ireland is a very beautiful place, with a great variety of scenery ranging from wild and desolate areas of mountain, to gentle pastoral landscapes, spectacular coastal drives, to quiet inland lakes and waterways. All these are within a day's easy drive of each other in an island that is some three hundred miles long and about half that width. It is also a place where the local people are renowned for their hospitality, not to mention good craic conversation, conviviality and a glass or two of the local beverages!

It should also be noted that Ireland is a magical place, that leaves its mark on all who visit. It is a land of leprechauns, fairy thorn trees, of myths and legends, and of far-fetched tales which you can never quite tell whether to believe or not. And in the end who cares whether they are true, the fact that they might be is part of the charm of the place. If you allow yourself to fall victim to its magic, you will want to return to Ireland again and again.

Geographical Framework

Ireland is an offshore island in the Atlantic Ocean on the Western fringe of Europe. It is the second largest of the British Isles (Great Britain being the largest) and covers some thousand square miles ( thousand square kilometres). Its climate is maritime temperate, and its prevailing wind is from the West or Southwest, bringing moisture laden air in from the ocean. It therefore has a damp climate. Rainfall occurs throughout the year, though it is usually slightly higher in winter than summer. It varies from a minimum of about 25 inches per year in the East to well in excess of 200 inches per year on the Western facing slopes of some of the mountains in County Mayo.

Politically the island of Ireland is divided into two jurisdictions The Republic of Ireland, a sovereign country, occupies a little over three quarters of the island, while Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, occupies the six most north-easterly counties.

Driving in Ireland is a mixed blessing. As in Great Britain, you drive on the left, so if you are not used to this it may take a bit of mental adjustment and a good deal of concentration. Traffic around Dublin and Belfast is generally heavy, and at rush hour on weekdays is best avoided if at all possible. It can also be heavy in Cork, Waterford, Galway and Derry (Londonderry). In the more rural parts of Ireland, traffic is light, and often you will have empty roads which are a joy to drive upon. Petrol (gasoline) is a lot more expensive than in America, but in the Republic of Ireland is cheaper than in Northern Ireland or Great Britain at present. Most cars are manual transmission, and if you want to hire an automatic you may need to specify this in advance. Also, bear in mind that the cars in Ireland are generally British, European or Far Eastern models, which are generally smaller than American cars. Main roads are generally good, but in parts of the country the minor roads can be very bumpy and full of potholes.

Cities

Dublin is a mixture of all sorts of things. There is much left of the elegant Georgian architecture which at one time made Dublin one of the finest cities in Europe. There are also vast sprawling estates of public housing, including the Ballymun estate of 1960s high rise apartments, which are a real eyesore, and a place of considerable social deprivation (now, thankfully, in the process of demolition and redevelopment). Dublin has a convivial atmosphere and a lively social life. It also has a serious drugs problem, and a crime rate similar to that of many American cities. If you are looking for good shops, hotels, historical places to visit, museums, art galleries, concerts, theatres, etc., Dublin has all these to offer in abundance. One thing Dublin does not have is skyscrapers, and in this respect it is very different from any American city (the Ballymun Flats referred to earlier, lie on the northern outskirts and rise to 14 stories).

Belfast, in Northern Ireland, has quite a different character. It is, of course, world renowned for its "troubles", but for the present at least this is an undercurrent below the surface, and should not put off the visitor. Belfast is a city that grew out of a heritage of heavy industry: shipbuilding, linen weaving, rope making, and heavy engineering. It does not have the elegance of Dublin. However it has many very fine buildings, including the City Hall (an almost exact copy of the one in Durban, South Africa, by the same architect), Queens University (built in Victorian Tudor-renaissance style), and the new Waterfront Hall - a concert hall par excellence seating some 2500 people. Belfast has been transformed in the last twenty years it is now a thriving place with many new developments and an increasing cultural and social life.

Cork is the Republic of Ireland's second city. It is a more relaxing place than Dublin, noted for its tranquil setting on the River Lee. It has a lively, bohemian atmosphere, and an increasing multi-national, multi-cultural feel to it.

The same is true of Galway, in whose narrow, picturesque streets you will find Italian, Spanish, Indian, Chinese and French restaurants all plying their trade.

Derry, or Londonderry (which version of the name you use depends on whether you are Catholic/Nationalist or Protestant/Unionist! If you do not fit either description use whichever you like) is one of the finest examples of a walled city with the walls still intact in Western Europe.

Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland (for both Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland faiths) is notable for its tree lined Georgian Mall, where cricket is played in the summer, and for its astronomical observatory and planetarium.

Waterford, Kilkenny and Limerick are also cities of note, and worth a visit.

Pre-historic Sites

The most important pre-historic site in Ireland is Newgrange, near Drogheda, in County Louth, along with its nearby sister sites, Nowth and Dowth. All three are passage graves. They can be compared in importance with Stonehenge and the Pyramids as one of the great wonders of the ancient world. Nearby is the Hill of Tara, where the court of the ancient High Kings of Ireland was located.

Navan Fort, near Armagh, is another important site on a smaller scale to Newgrange.

One of the most spectacular places to visit in Ireland is Dun Aengus, on Inishmore, largest of the Aran Islands (go by ferry from Galway or Rossaveel). It is a semicircular stone structure, with walls so thick you could drive a car on them, situated on a hilltop at the very edge of a sheer cliff several hundred feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

The Grianan of Aileach, between Derry and Buncrana, in County Donegal, is another very fine and impressive structure.

Throughout Ireland there are many dolmens and standing stones.

Early Historical Sites

There are a great many historical sites throughout Ireland. In particular, it is noted for its Celtic round towers.

One of the most picturesque sites is Glendalough, County Wicklow. An early stone church and round tower are situated between two lakes in a deep wooded valley in the Wicklow Mountains.

An extremely dramatic site is the Rock of Cashel, in County Tipperary. The rock itself rises suddenly out of the surrounding lush, fertile plain known as the Golden Vale. An impressive ruined ecclesiastical citadel, complete with cathedral, round tower, and high cross surmounts it.

The crypt of St Michan's Church in Dublin contains the preserved remains of a crusader.

Later Historical Sites

There are so many historical places from the last five or six hundred years that I could not possibly list them.

Throughout the country are many fine country houses, which were once the residences of the Anglo Irish "Ascendancy" (some still are). Some of the largest and finest of these are open to the public during the summer months contact the Irish Georgian Society in the Republic of Ireland and the National Trust in Northern Ireland for details. Many of the not-quite-so-palatial country houses are now run as guesthouses or hotels. For some of the best of these contact the following association of Private Country House Accommodation:

The Hidden Ireland, Kensington Hall, Grove Park, Dublin 6, Ireland

Telephone + 353 1 6686463; fax + 353 1 6686578

Scenic Areas

The West of Ireland is generally wilder, more rugged, more mountainous, and more sparsely populated, and the pace of life is slower and more relaxed. Within this broad description, there are several distinct areas, each with their own local characteristics.

The Southwest has the highest mountains in Ireland, and is noted for the Lakes of Killarney and the Ring of Kerry. Also here is Dingle Bay, where you can go swimming with Fungi the Dolphin (he is a wild bottlenose dolphin who is now quite used to humans swimming with him). This area, however is very much on the tourist trail. West Cork, to the South of County Kerry, has spectacular scenery in its own right. One interesting thing to do is to visit Garanish Island, or Ilnacullen. It is a small, wooded island in Bantry Bay, set with lush sub-tropical gardens with backdrops of the surrounding mountains. It is a short boat journey from the jetty at Glengarriff.

County Clare contains the Burren, a prime example of what is geologically known as a Karst landscape, or limestone pavement. From a distance it appears as rounded hills of blue-grey bare rock, giving a surrealist moonscape effect. Closer examination reveals that it is bare rock, but the surface has been weathered and eroded into many cracks and fissures in which grow an astonishing variety of plant species. Spring is the best time to visit, when all the wild flowers are out, but it is impressive at any time. On the edge of the Burren lie the Cliffs of Moher, the highest sea cliffs in Western Europe. A cliff-top path (well fenced and a few feet back from the edge) runs along them. Also in the Burren, the Ailwee Cave is worth a visit.

Connemara, in County Galway, is another area renowned word-wide for its natural beauty. It consists of two parts: the Southern part is mostly flat bogland, with many small lakes. The population lives mainly along the coast. This is one of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) areas. Two ranges of mountains occupy the northern part of Connemara, with a valley between them: the Twelve Bens, and the Maumturk Mountains. Clifden, the largest town in Connemara, is noted as the place where Alcock and Brown landed following the first transatlantic flight. Marconi also had a radio station here and telegraphed news of their arrival to the rest of the world. To the North and East of Connemara lie two large lakes Lough Corrib and Lough Mask noted for their fishing potential.

The mountainous beauty of Connemara extends northwards into County Mayo. Achill Island, joined to the mainland by a causeway, is of particular note for its wild and rugged beauty. Much of the Northwest part of County Mayo is bogland. Killala, in the North of the County, is noted as the place where the French soldiers landed in 1798 to assist the United Irishmen in their rebellion against the British. They arrived too late. (The film The Year of the French depicts these episodes).

The mountains of Counties Sligo and Leitrim are quite different from anything else in Ireland. They are flat topped, intersected by deep valleys with sheer walls (reminiscent in shape to a smaller version of the Grand Canyon). Also in County Sligo is Lough Gill, with its Isle of Inisfree, made famous by W.B. Yeats.

Donegal is a big, sprawling, County occupying the Northwest of Ireland. Within it are several areas the flat coastland from Bundoran to Donegal Town, the Blue Stack Mountains, the Derryveagh Mountains, and the Inishowen Peninsular. All have their own scenic charms. The wildest and most dramatic area is probably that around Errigal Mountain and the Derryveagh Mountains. Of particular note here are the Poison Glen, and Glenveagh. Glenveagh Castle was built in Victorian times and at one time owned by an American gentleman called McIlhenny, who made his fortune from Tabasco Sauce! The setting could not be more dramatic; it is situated on the side of a long, narrow lake (Lough Veagh), with bleak mountain ridges on either side of the valley. Surprisingly, for such a barren place, the castle is surrounded by lush gardens in which grow an astonishing variety of sub-tropical and temperate trees and plants. It is a place well worth visiting.

The central part of Ireland the Irish Midlands is mostly much flatter than the West, though there are some mountains; the Galtee Mountains in the South, on the borders of Counties Cork, Tipperary and limerick; the Ara and Silvermines Mountains near Lough Derg; and the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Offaly. The River Shannon, the longest river in the British Isles, flows in a North/South direction through the Western part of the region. It is now joined by canal to the lakeland areas of Upper and Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, and the whole system is navigable from Killaloe northward. If you want a relaxing holiday at a leisurely pace, consider hiring a cabin cruiser and touring this system. You will pass through some of the most tranquil pastoral scenery, have lots of interesting places to visit, and wont have to worry about accommodation (you sleep on board). The waterways, though popular, are uncrowded (deserted by comparison with the Norfolk Broads in England), and adequate instructions are given in navigation by the boat hire companies. Places worth visiting in the Irish Midlands include:

# Cahir, in County Tipperary, which has some fine walks in a parkland setting on the banks of the River Suir (pronounced shoor, as in sure) with the adjacent rustic house called The Swiss Chalet. Cahir also makes a good base for exploring the Glen of Aherlow, on the slopes of the Galtee mountains.

# Lough Derg: visit the scenic viewpoint near the village of Portroe, between Nenagh and Killaloe, for a very beautiful vista of the lough. If you are boating, Dromineer is a pleasant place to stop overnight; a good meal can be had in the Dromineer Bay Hotel.

# Leap Castle, a few miles to the North of Roscrea, was reputedly one of the most haunted houses in Ireland. Now largely a ruin, it still maintains a very grim and sinister appearance.

# Birr, in County Offaly, is right in the middle of Ireland. An attractive Georgian town, it is noted for Birr Castle, still the home of Lord Rosse, with gardens open to the public during the summer months. In the grounds is the famous Birr Telescope, throughout the nineteenth century the largest in the world, currently in the process of restoration.

# The great Bog of Allen, which used to occupy the area around Tullamore, was the greatest of the Irish raised bogs. Much of it has now been drained and the peat (known in Ireland as turf) extracted on a vast scale for use as fuel. Remnants, however, remain.

# On the banks of the Shannon, nearby, is the monastic site of Clonmacnois, once one of the most important monasteries in Ireland. It is a very fine site, with a magnificent round tower, and well worth a visit.

Northward, County Fermanagh is one of the jewels in Northern Ireland's crown. It is an area of lakeland surrounded by mountains, and very scenic. Marble Arch Caves are worth visiting.

The Eastern part of Ireland is the most densely populated and the most prosperous. The cities of Belfast, Dublin and Waterford are all in this region, as are many other towns, large and small. The most scenic areas are the Comeragh Mountains, South of Waterford City, the Wicklow Mountains, the Cooley peninsular in County Louth, the Ring of Gullion in South Armagh, the Mountains of Mourne in County Down, and the Glens of Antrim, together with the coast road that runs along their foot (the Antrim Coast Road has been compared with the Grande Corniche on the French Riviera for its spectacular beauty). Not strictly on the East side, but round the corner on the North coast is the famous Giant's Causeway. If you want to get away from the tourist trail, one place I would recommend is the village of Carlingford, on the Cooley peninsular. It is an unspoilt village with old houses and medieval castles, good pubs, restaurants, and accommodation. It has the rugged ridge of the Cooley Mountains behind it, and it looks across the narrow waters of Carlingford Lough to the loftier but more rounded peaks of the Mountains of Mourne on the other side.

Eating

The main cities in Ireland have a range of restaurants of every variety, including those of the highest international standards. Country towns and villages will normally provide more basic fare, though there are exceptions.

Kinsale, in County Cork, is known as the gourmet capital of Ireland because of the tremendous number of high quality restaurants there. Near Cork is the famous Ballymaloe House, with its gourmet cookery school.

The monastery in Roscrea produces fresh wholemeal bread every day, the like of which is not to be found in many places.

Speaking personally, the finest meal I have eaten in Ireland was in the Erriseask House Hotel and Restaurant, Ballyconneely (near Clifden), Connemara, County Galway at a time when the chef was Stefan Matz. Since then Mr Matz has gone on to become head chef at Ashford Castle, in Cong, Co Mayo, one of Ireland's most prestigious and luxurious (and expensive!) five star hotels.

Finally, if you are prepared to spend a little bit more money and are looking for one special place to go and stay, the place I would choose would be the Zetland House Hotel, Cashel, Connemara, County Galway (telephone + 353 95 31111; fax + 353 95 31117; reservations from the USA & Canada [800] 223-1588). It is a country house hotel of great charm in a beautiful setting with very pleasant gardens. It has its own fishing rights on 4 miles of river and 14 lakes, and its own tennis courts. There are two 18-hole championship golf courses nearby. The food is excellent. It is also an ideal base for touring Connemara.

Further information and lots of links can be found on the following website: www.ireland-plan-a-visit.com

Robin McClelland, born 1954 in Nairobi, Kenya of Irish parentage, has lived on the island of Ireland (mostly Northern Ireland, with a few years spent in Dublin) since 1965, and has travelled the length and breadth of the island.

[tags]Ireland, travel, visit, visit Ireland, travel to Ireland, holiday in Ireland, vacation in Ireland[/tags]

Seeing The Great Pyramids Of Ancient Egypt In Cairo

2008-10-04T06:00:00.001-07:00

Seeing the Great Pyramids, one of the ancient wonders of the world, is a once in a lifetime trip for many people. Because of the travel distances involved for most tourists who go to Egypt, advance planning is definitely required. In many cases, a visa from an Egyptian consulate would be required in advance of a trip. There are many tour agencies located around the world with access to organized trips to Egypt that would make things much easier for many travelers. There are even Egyptian Tourist Authority offices located in Europe, North America and Japan to help with information on travel to Egypt.

Once in the capital city of Cairo, one should be prepared as it is a very large city of 83 square miles with 16 million inhabitants. It is not a picturesque city for tourists but instead it is noisy, polluted, crowded and very chaotic. However, this is the entry point for most travelers to Egypt and the base for some famous sights such as the Great Pyramids. Tourists can travel to other parts of Egypt which will be more pleasant and less busy for other ancient Egyptian ruins but a short stay in Cairo is still warranted in order to catch what's located in the capital. One definitely does not want to drive in Cairo as the traffic is just crazy. Either take organized tours booked in advance or take taxis to leave the driving to the locals. Good hotels are available in Cairo including many of the worldwide chains. Like many other large crowded urban cities, one should be careful especially for pickpockets so take the necessary personal security precautions.

The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx of course are the main attractions here. They are located in the Giza plateau just outside the city. There are three pyramids with the largest being the Great Pyramid built by King Cheops in 2650 BC. The second pyramid was built by King Chephren, Cheops' son and the third by King Mycerinus, son of Chephren. Of course the photo opportunities at the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx are just wonderful. Sometimes, it is possible to enter the insides of the pyramids for an extra admission charge but this is not a recommended option for those who are claustrophobic. The tunnels leading into the inner burial chambers of each pyramid are not comfortable at all. One pretty well must walk down in a crouching position all the way until the burial chambers are reached since the tunnels are quite long and not very high. The insides of the pyramids are also not air conditioned so temperatures are hot but at least the entire path is now electrically lit. When one makes this trip down to the burial chambers, it is fascinating to think about the conditions the original grave robbers must have went through as there were no lights and it's a long way down. They certainly had their work cut out for them.

Outside on site, there are numerous hustlers offering camel rides. They are a real novelty since there are not many opportunities to ride a camel in the desert with the Great Pyramids in the background. But be warned that some of these hustlers will try and get as much out of the unsuspecting tourist as possible. Negotiate with a few of them before hand. One ride was bargained for the equivalent of $7 US which is quite reasonable. After the ride was paid for, the camel owner passed over the actual duties of working the ride to his teenage son. During the ride, his son kept hinting that he expected a tip. At the end, a $2 US tip was offered but the son was expecting a ridiculous amount of $30 US and got angry when he realized that amount wasn't going to happen. The tour bus driver who was watching the entire incident had to come over to 'rescue' the tourist. The problem with many of these local hustlers is that they think that most tourists have mountains of cash. Polite customer service attitudes are just not priority with many of them.

There are other important Egyptian ruins within the Cairo area as well including Memphis which has the giant statue of Ramses II. Some of the important ancient Egyptian attractions are housed within the Egyptian Museum, another must-see attraction. The treasures of King Tutankhamun including the famous gold mask are at the Egyptian Museum. The treasures are extremely impressive as each object was made with such fine detail and remember that they were made thousands of years ago. It is interesting to note that although Tutankhamun's treasures are impressive, the boy king was not one of the major pharaohs. So one can just imagine what the treasures of the other pharaohs would have been like. It's too bad that the grave robbers got to them first. The other antiquities at the museum are also quite impressive so one can easily spend a good portion of the day here.

Egypt's population is 94% Muslim and 6% Coptic Christian. As expected, there are some marvelous looking mosques in Cairo that are worth seeing and they would usually be in the agenda of most organized tours. The markets such as the Khan El-Khalili bazaar are interesting experiences too. At these markets, one can shop for spices, perfumes, jewelry, brass, copperware, ceramics, fabrics including Egyptian cotton and many more souvenir items including replicas of ancient Egyptian treasures. Be prepared to shop around and bargain though. Prices for the same items can vary greatly at different shops. Even though many shop owners will tend to be nice at first offering potential customers a soft drink or a cup of tea, the Egyptians are hard sellers and will put on the pressure to buy. Most prices can be brought down even if the sellers appear irritated. Some will even follow customers out the door still trying to get the sale. So be warned that the Egyptian markets are not relaxed places to shop.

To get change of pace, one can take a ride on the river Nile on local sailboats called feluccas. However, if one is going to travel to other parts of Egypt, a ride on a felucca will be even better further away from Cairo since the locations will be quieter and more peaceful. There are some restaurants located in Cairo with surprisingly pleasant outdoor terraces overlooking the city and the Great Pyramids in the distance. The tour guides will know where they are and will likely include one in the tour's itinerary.

One thing that tourists will have to get use to while in Cairo and other parts of Egypt is the sight of many uniformed security personnel armed with machine guns. They are stationed at all the tourist sights including the ancient ruins, airports and the Egyptian Museum. At many locations, they will perform a search on all tourists including their bags before entry is allowed. Tourism is Egypt's main industry and the government vowed to protect it, especially after 9/11. So a trip to Cairo and Egypt will be quite an adventure for any tourist but it is the Great Pyramids of ancient Egypt after all.

Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca , an online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo and Northwest Native American art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native Indian art as well as free eCards.

[tags]egypt, egyptian, ancient, ruins, pyramids, museum, travel ,tourism, nile, cairo, tutankhumun[/tags]

Shantiniketan And Its Festivities An Unparellel Cultural Heritage Appealing To The World!

2008-10-03T06:00:00.003-07:00

"Sujalang Sufalang Malayaja Sheetalang Shashyashyamalang Mataram, Bande Mataram."

The magical surroundings of our dear motherland India, consisting of the glorious seas and Bays, the desolate deserts, the opulent palaces and marvelous "havelis", the surreal mountains and lakes, is a splendid legendary land with exuberant folk-culture, rich artistry and spectacular festivities adored and admired by the entire globe.

The wanderlust of the Bengalis is phenomenal in nature and speaks volumes of the quest of the eternal Bengali soul for romance, chivalry, and adventure as well as for exploring Mother Nature's marvels and the history and cultural heritage of the diverse parts of the globe. Always teeming with vibrancy, joy and friendliness, we form a very significant part of the globetrotting generation, always ready to soar greater heights and touch the glory of the world.

Our good old Bengal, does, by no means, lag behind in the tourism industry of India. With its enchanting natural beauty, its magnificence of cultural expressions and multi-hued festivities that together work towards blending the marvels of modernity and the rich harvests of tradition, Bengal, along with the entire eastern zone of India is an exquisite destination that tourists all over India will cherish for a lifetime.

Shantiniketan: In the proverbial "red soil" and sublime ambience of Bolpur, Birbhum District of West Bengal, stands the historic Shantiniketan, Gurudev Tagore's heavenly abode of peace, an immensely rich and culturally stimulating experience for every tourist who would like to bask in the glory and essence of Bengal's creativity and intellectualism.

Places of Tourist attention:

Kalabhavan: The Kalabhavan is the nucleus and cultural essence of Tagore's Shantiniketan. Founded by the fertile hands of this great soul of Bengal, Kalabhavan is a unique institution where traditional art and culture is taught, preached, exhibited and worshipped to the whole of the world.

Exhibits: Murals and frescos of Binod Behari Mukherjee, Somnath Hore's Sculptures and lots of others.

Khoyai-Deer Park- the most exotic forest area of the Shantiniketan, the Khoyai Deer Park is every tourist's delight, with its lush green surroundings and adorable species of deer roaming around with pristine innocence.

Sriniketan: a world-renowned haven of leather and handicraft specialties including "Batik" art that evolved from that particular historical place.

In Bhuvandanga, just adjacent to the much-hyped Shriniketan, another very historically stimulating experience is awaiting to be unfolded by you. It is here that you will get to see the prodigious banyan Tree where Maharshi Debendranath Tagore used to meditate and philosophize-the legendary lush green surroundings is named "Chhatimtala."

Upasana Kakshya: The famous alter of worship that the eternal pride of every Bengali soul Rabindranath Tagore used to reside upon early at dawn at the time of his prayers to the almighty along with all inhabitants of the Ashram of Shantiniketan. Amrakunja: The surreal vicinity of the heavenly orchards of "Amrakunja"---a very famous tourist attraction for the loners and lovers throughout the world.

Kalor Dokan: It is a typical food-hub running very successfully straight from the times of Tagore as an Asramite.Comprising of several Bengali delicacies, "Kalor dokan", as it is known by (it is proverbial for the typical Bengali fruit "Kalo Jam"), carries the spiritual remnants of Tagore and his times.

The festivities of Shantiniketan:

Poush Mela: The Poush Mela, held amidst the freezing winter of December, is a notable amalgamation of the diverse cultural sects of Bengal. It is this festival that incorporates all the"Bauls"(nomadic singers famous for their bohemianism and philosophical chantings) from numerous parts of the state.

Nandan Mela: Art and sculpture fest celebrated every year immediately after the Poush Mela.It is a gala celebration time for art-lovers from every part of India as well as abroad when legendary as well as contemporary artists and sculptors of India come together under one single platform and showcase their creations to the national and international tourists.

Basanta Utsav:

The lovely springs charm the minds of the students of Viswa Bharati University, Shantiniketan, when they cherish the vibrant "Dol Utsav" or "BasantaUtsav", as it is popularly known in Shantiniketan, amidst colours, gaiety, frolic, and, not to forget, its enchanting music. Tourists from all over the globe come to witness that spectacular festivity of spring called Basanta Utsav that has now been a trademark of Shantiniketan and its cultural legacy.

Pochishe Baishakh:

The spectacular birth-anniversary of Gurudev or "Robi Thakur", as he is popularly known in Shantiniketan, is celebrated with remarkable pomp and grandeur in Shantiniketan. Artists, poets, writers, art-connoisseurs and intellectuals from the whole of Bengal assemble in Biswa Bharati to commemorate the auspicious occasion of the birth of the holy poet, writer and philosopher of the globe. With its music, melody, and cultural ambience-Pochishe Basisakh (the 25th date of the first month of the Bengali Calendar) is a rare carnival that the people of the entire Bengal boast of as a rich cultural and spiritual experience.

Baishey Shravan:

The death-anniversary of Tagore, Viswa-Bharati's spiritual father, like his birth-anniversary, is celebrated remarkably in the whole of Shantiniketan, though it is observed in apparently somber tones.

With flowers, bouquettes and music, the Ashramites pay their soulful tribute to the deceased soul of their dear Gurudev and pray to the Almighty so that his soul rests in peace forever in the Divine Abode.

Lopa Bhattacharya is a content writer/developer working for various overseas corporate website projects, CD-Rom presentations, brochures, flyers and other communication materials). Has worked on numerous SEO copywriting projects on varied themes ranging from travel, hotel industry, photography, web design and software development to US-based clubs and network communities. Was previously an editorial associate for the news, culture and entertainment portal based on the life and times of Kolkata.

[tags]travel india, tourism india, festivities india, festivals bengal[/tags]

Five Things You Can Do To Help Deal With The Stress Of Long Haul Trips

2008-10-03T06:00:00.001-07:00

Long Haul Trips on aircraft, trains or buses can really challenge a person's ability to cope and deal with travel stress. Have you noticed the number of irate people who travel these days? There are five things you can try to help you cope with traveling on long haul trips so that you are not another statistic of being an irate passenger.

#1. Do Not Drink Alcohol

The number one cause for people getting stressed during long haul trips is alcohol, in particular with air travel. Look I like a good drink like the next person, but alcohol has a tendency to change a perfectly sane and calm person into a raving lunatic. Just look at the number of airline shows that you see on television with people behaving badly.

If you are taking a long haul trip on an aircraft, I recommend that you limit your alcohol as when flying at height the affects of alcohol are in fact multiplied. Personally, I discourage all of my staff from drinking whilst flying to avoid travel rage.

#2. Make Sure That You Drink Lots Of Water

Have you ever had a headache come on? Often this can be because you have not drunk enough water especially when you are working in air-conditioning. Just because you are working or traveling in air-conditioning you can still dehydrate which can cause aches and pains and in particular headaches. By ensuring that you drink lots of water during your trip, it will ensure the aches and pains will not exacerbate your travel stress.

When going on long haul flights I always ensure that I carry a 1 litre bottle of water and a small 300 ml bottle of water with me, so that I can stay hydrated especially if the airline charges for water like some of the discount ones. I carry the 300 ml bottle of water so that you can fill your 1 litre bottle in the bathroom because quite often it will not fit under the tap in the sink in the toilet.

#3. Make Sure You Walk Around the Cabin Once An Hour

Nobody likes to be cooped up especially in a confined space and your body does not like it. There are studies throughout the globe, showing that people who sit in the one position on a long haul flight may have the risk of contracting Deep Vein Thrombosis. Having seen my grandmother go through this disease because she did not do the right thing whilst traveling on a train for 24 hours, I strongly encourage everyone to make sure that each hour you get up and walk the cabin.

Walking does two things, one it allows you to stretch your legs and get the blood flowing through your veins and secondly the exercise helps you to produce alpha waves or calmness waves in your head which will in turn help you to beat the travel blues.

#4. Listen To Relaxation Music

Listening to music is a fantastic way to reduce stress and with IPODs and cheap CD players it has never been easier. However, a word of warning, you need to choose music that is not going to stimulate stress. Some music is not really suitable for stressful situations as it can in fact amplify the feeling of stress.

One type of music, which research has shown to help reduce stress is Baroque music. This music is written so that there are only 60 beats per minute and funnily enough that is what our heart rate should be. The baroque music has been found to increase the alpha waves in the left and right sides of your brain and this helps improve learning ability, creativity and calmness.

#5. Meditate

Okay, I can hear it now, "Oh Yeah Hippy, Want Us to Meditate do ya?" Absolutely! Look whilst meditation has certainly been a thing of fringe groups in western society or associated with eastern religions many researchers are now coming to the distinct conclusion that meditation can make a huge difference to our day-to-day lives and help us to overcome stress, especially while traveling. Look, why not try out meditation for just 20 minutes a day. It is a fantastic tool and when you become proficient in the art you will find that moving to a start of calm is really easy.

There are many different techniques to help you meditate and I certainly recommend meditating using Baroque music as we have found that it helps the person meditating get to that point of peace a lot quicker than other types of meditation music.

The bottom line is this. I have traveled many hundreds of thousands of kilometers across the globe and many people ask me why I travel so well and the simple secret to it is, I follow the five things I outlined before. Apart from that, when dealing with airline staff, if you are not absolutely calm and extremely polite and gracious they could send your baggage to Timbuktu and make you wait a day or two in the airport lounge before they will help you get to where you want to go. Maintaining your composure whilst traveling will also help your health and help you to enjoy your trip. I love traveling because I get to see the world and see the wonderful things it has to offer. Why be stressed when you are there?

To finish off this article let me reiterate the five things you can try to reduce your stress when traveling on long haul flights:

#1. Do Not Drink Alcohol
#2. Make Sure That You Drink Lots Of Water
#3. Make Sure You Walk Around the Cabin Once An Hour
#4. Listen To Relaxation Music
#5. Meditate

Chris has a Six Step Meditation Program called Relaxation Techniques for Stress Management, Baroque Meditation Music - Meditation Music and Seven Ways of Reducing Stress

[tags]stress, traveling, travel, dealing with stress, travel stress[/tags]

Spacetrip - Christmas Present Of The Year

2008-10-02T06:00:00.001-07:00

There's no doubt what the most popular Christmas present will be this year. Influenced by the launch of the first manned mission to Mars next month, you will most likely get a present with stars, a gift card for a spacetrip.

The interest in the suborbital trips (100 km above the surface of the Earth) have grown steadily since the launch 20 years ago, but the market has basically exploded this year since the official announcement of the Mars mission. More low cost spacelines have entered the market and you can now find suborbital flights for as low as US$ 3,495.

Space tourism is one of the markets that have developed the most during the last decade, with the opening of the Starbright Hotel on the moon, as well as the low orbital hotels that started accepting guests. However, accommodation in space is still expensive for the average household, so the suborbital flights with thirty minutes weightlessness during the three-hour flight, with four hours preparation, will for some time be the most popular trip.

The spacelines might however in the future face fierce competition from space elevators, like the one that are projected for construction start within a couple of years. Once it is fully functional it will start to ship cargo to space, but it will as soon as possible accept passengers to get back the giant investment. Even though the elevator become successful, it will take several years before there will be more elevators in the world, to get in the competition for the space traffic with the spacelines.

Pontus Edenberg is the editor of News of Future, a publication about the future of space tourism and news about society, health, environment etc. People of the world are invited to comment on the news and take part in shaping their future.

[tags]future, travel, space tourism, moon, mars,[/tags]

Keep Current With Your Currency When Traveling Abroad

2008-10-01T06:00:00.002-07:00

The prospect of traveling to a foreign country for a holiday is always excited, yet one should never let the minor details get in the way of having a good time. Considerations like type of plugs to use in outlets, keeping necessary paperwork current, and what to pack and what to leave behind are hopefully decided well in advance, so you can relax and enjoy this experience. Most of all, one should consider how to handle finances while away.

Currency exchange can be a tricky business, particularly in this day of the wavering dollar value as it relates to the foreign markets. Oftentimes when traveling, friends strive to hang onto American dollars to make transactions easier for them. Especially when traveling to Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, and other Caribbean islands where the American dollar is valued, some may find it simpler to negotiate purchases with merchants who will accept American cash. One advantage to this is that no extra fees are taken as they would be were you to withdraw foreign money from an ATM machine, and if you are a good judge on the value of souvenirs you may not feel as though you are being cheated.

However, not every foreign country is as accommodating. In Europe and Asia, you may find some places will not accept a Lincoln for that pint of ale or bag of chips. It becomes inevitable then that you must exchange your cash and keep track of its worth.

The question arises then, where to exchange the money? Is it more economical to obtain necessary cash in the US, or try a bank in a foreign country? Are hotels a better source, or specialized exchange offices? The answer is not always simple to pin down, as the fluctuation of the dollar varies too much. The simplest solution one can offer is to constantly study the exchange rate of the country you plan to visit. For the few weeks before you leave the country, check the daily rates online to determine how much your American dollar will be worth on foreign soil.

Determine how much ready cash you think you will need for your trip, though it is prudent not to carry more than a few hundred dollars regardless of where you go. Travelers checks, though rarely seen or advertised these days, are always handy to have in the event of loss or theft, whereas cash is more difficult to reclaim in such a situation. Once arrived, exchange a small amount at the airport immediately for incidentals (a newspaper, drink, or transportation fare), then inquire with your hotel's concierge about nearby exchange offices and banks. Compare the current rates and make your decision from there.

Depending upon where you travel, most ATMs will accept American bank and debit cards. Look for matching symbols and look for machines associated with banks. Ultimately you may pay an exchange fee, and bank machines may be easier to negotiate. Keep track of everything you buy, and don't forget to enjoy yourself as you shop.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance travel writer who writes articles for many websites, including Park Atlanta (http://www.parkatlanta.com), long-term private parking for Hartsfield Airport, and The Grand Summit Hotel of New Jersey (http://www.grandsummit.com).

[tags]travel, travel tips, currency exchange, exchange tips, money[/tags]

Farewell To Lagos -The Story Of A Final Farewell

2008-10-01T06:00:00.001-07:00

In 1962 the two of us waited to board the Mail Boat the M.V. "Accra", bound for Liverpool from Lagos, West Africa. My daughter was three years old. The port was a teeming mass of humanity including local traders who plied their wares, many of them women. As always their baskets were supported on their heads. The aroma of spices pervaded the air along with the indescribable smell of Africa itself. Stalls were set up in every available space, however small. Immediately next to a display of pots and pans, fruit and vegetables nestled beside sweet pastries. Brightly coloured fabrics clamoured for attention alongside a variety of glorious rugs. Just a few yards on, a vendor extolled the virtues of his coffee beans, inviting everyone to sample them. All the traders considered their wares to be the best in the world: the juiciest water melons, the largest prawns, the thickest rugs, the richest coffee, the choicest pastries, the heaviest tapestries.

Amidst all the hustle and bustle we slowly worked our way forward towards the gangway. Finally we were on board where a stewardess showed us to our cabin. After unpacking we went up on deck. Beverley anxiously scanned the faces on the dock, looking for her Daddy. "There he is, there he is", she shouted excitedly. He was frantically waving to attract our attention. Everyone had now boarded and the ship prepared to sail. Suddenly I heard the sound of "Rule Britannia" which I discovered would be played every time we arrived at and left port.. Everybody waved their final "Goodbyes" before settling down to 13 days at sea.

I remember feeling dreadfully seasick but fortunately it didn't affect Beverley. After a couple of days I suddenly felt much better. I mentioned this to a woman I'd started chatting to each day and she burst out laughing. "You idiot ! We've been docked for two hours !" We'd arrived at Sierra Leone, Freetown, still on the West Coast of Africa. The harbour was most impressive, surrounded by mountains. The ship was there for just a couple of hours whilst it took on cargo and more fuel. Once again we listened to "Rule Britannia" as the ship majestically departed from the harbour. To my relief I no longer suffered from seasickness and started to enjoy the voyage. I wondered why I'd never travelled by ship before instead of waiting until my very last trip from Lagos to England.

I was astonished at the wonderful food that was served in the splendid dining room. The ship offered all the services I would have associated with a cruise. We all changed for dinner of course, nothing too grand or formal but something a little dressy or smart. I went to lots of cocktail and other drinks parties but all the officers thought they were God's gift to woman. I could have happily stayed on board travelling backwards and forwards forever. Of course I was very young at the time.

Beverley had a wonderful time but can't remember anything about it now. She was with me all day and in the evenings a stewardess kept a close eye on her and would call me if necessary. Forgot to mention that I met a "sugar Daddy" who promised me an all expenses paid holiday anywhere in the world with my daughter - no strings attached !! When I refused he never spoke to me again - so much for "no strings attached!".

We finally docked at Liverpool and said our fond farewells to people we'd met and took home some very happy memories. My next trip would be to Benghazi, Libya, but that's another story.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Travel

[tags]travel[/tags]

Ten Tips For Today's Mobile Executive

2008-09-30T06:00:00.003-07:00

In this increasingly service-oriented and partner-based economy, mobility has become critical to workforces of all sorts. Employees are constantly on the go - working at client sites, at home, branch offices or with business partners across town and across the globe. In fact, research studies have estimated that over 54 million American employees are currently involved in some form of remote work equaling more mobile workers than the total combined population of California and New York.

How can a business traveler stay organized and productive while on the road? Here are some ways that the mobile executive can keep focused and be efficient while traveling. Whether you are a first time traveler or a seasoned road warrior, these tips will be useful.

1. Carry Pen and Paper: Even in the digital age, the most low-tech solution is still the best, so always be equipped with a pen, pencil, highlighter and notepad. You might need to just dash off a message or take notes, but remember - paper and pen will always work during a power failure.

2. Be Tech Savvy: Advances in technology are making it easier to be a mobile executive, and having the latest technology at your fingertips such as a cell phone, wireless e-mail, PDA, lap-top computer- will help stay in touch and in sync with your office, your colleagues and your clients.

3. Do Your Research: Do your homework and research the area of where you are going before you get there. This includes noting the currency exchange, places to stay, nightlife entertainment, appropriate attire, restaurants for you and your clients, car service/car rental information, and the distance between the airport and your destination. Be aware of the do's and don'ts of where you are going and dress accordingly, you don't want to end up dressed too formally or too casually for your destination.

4. Bring Batteries: Sure, this sounds like a no-brainer, but it is important to have batteries to back up all of the technological products you may have with you. And, don't forget the charger for your cell phone!

5. Take Business Cards: Always carry extra business cards on you, and keep them in an easy-to-reach place. When traveling, your business card is your calling card, and you want to make sure to have enough with you to give out to important clients, business partners and new contacts.

6. Keep Important Information Close: Keep your license, passport, tickets and directions to your destination in an easy but safe spot close by. Always keep this on hand, in briefcase or on your body, perhaps in a fanny pack or an inner jacket pocket, and never pack your traveling information - always keep it accessible.

7. Bring Office Essentials: I always suggest carrying special organizers for paper files and presentations with you, along with an expanding organizer for all of your paper-based files to keep at your fingertips. This will keep your files handy when you reach your destination.

8. Color-Code Your Files: Color-code papers to save time looking for the variety of documents you need to carry with you. Color-coding keeps your papers visually accessible, making it easier to locate your paperwork when it is organized by color.

9. Stay on Top of Finances: Keep a daily journal of all expenses associated with your traveling so that you can reconcile the money spent upon your return. Travelers should be aware of hidden costs, special surcharges and taxes, especially from hotels.

10. Stock up on Literature: Always carry reading material to keep you occupied, since clients can run late and planes may be delayed. You can also use this time to review your notes, peruse a business journal, catch up on a proposal or return phone calls.

Sharon Mann is an organizational expert for Pendaflex the world's leading maker of innovative organizing products and solutions. Sharon also serves as president of the Pendaflex® "I Hate Filing" club a dedicated group of nearly 100,000 office professionals who dislike filing but enjoy finding new ways to become more organized and more productive in the workplace. For more information visit: http://www.pendaflex.com

[tags]travel,organization,solutions[/tags]

How To Make Sales With Noisy Kids In The House

2008-09-30T06:00:00.001-07:00

Kids play hard, and sometimes that means they play really loud in the midst of exploring their worlds and role playing with siblings and friends.

I know with my kids, if I'm not hearing some degree of noise; [i.e. play], from them, it probably means one of them is not feeling well, or they are coming down with a cold.

My world is blessed with two very artistic and rambounous boys; 5 years and 2 1/2 years old. With their play and with their singing; [they love to sing Country music at the top of their lungs!]; they have the ability to raise the noise level in our house to a "heaven-bending" volume in 9 seconds flat!

And while I loved to hear them hard at play, the sporatic and unpredictable noise [play], posed challenges at times when I was doing sales calls, or when clients called with final questions about starting a business relationship with me.

Clients don't wait, when they want to have questions answered and they don't always call at the best times. Sometimes these calls would come through when the kids were eating or doing activities that were not so noisy. Great! But.... most of the time, they did not!

5 year olds are pretty predictable. You basically know when they are going to make noise. But, if you know anything about the 'terrible 2's syndrome', you're already familiar with the unpredictability of when the next scream, or loud laugh will erupt!

Some clients understood. I would say: 'yes I know you can hear kids in the background. That is why I do this business. So I can be at home with them". For other clients, that was not okay. I had some near misses and some fair size loses in bringing people in, to work with me in my business because of this home-based situation.

Over the course of working out of my home, I have had many a conversation with other work at home Moms [WAHMs], and at times have doubled over in laughter at some of the ingenious, and sometimes silly tactics they've pulled just to get a moment of quiet when they needed to portray the illusion of "executive-office professionalism" for the really important calls.

Some of them would hide in the bathroom. Others would sneak downstairs, or sneak out into the garage. The funniest one I heard was the hiding in the closet trick... so the kids would not be making noise right under-foot. That one really made me laugh, because I have pulled similar tactics just trying to get a moments peace! And, yes, I have to admit, I have used them to make my business workable too!

Oh I know... I hear some of you saying... why don't you just get your kids into daycare, or find a babysitter or a Nanny to take them. Well, that makes perfect sense of course. But for the many WAHMs who have given up jobs to work at home, first, they do not want to be giving the majority of what they earn to those services; although they are very valuable services. And, second, there's that guilt.

The guilt we feel because it was our choice to stop working at jobs and stay at home so we could be with our kids. That was a conscious choice we made. So when we start looking at having to farm our kids out to daycare, babysitters, or bringing in a Nanny, guilt; as to the purpose of why we were staying home in the first place starts to manifest.

So what is the solution? Is there really a solution to how to make sales with noisy kids in the house? Well, I don't know if this solution is for you... But I do believe I found the right solution for me!

I don't have to hide in the closet anymore. I don't disappear into the bathroom to talk muffled into the towels, lol! I no longer work 5 to 9 hours a day on the phone during play time, or any time, doing follow ups and sales calls.

Clients no longer call the house at unpredictable times, or at all for that matter. My kids no longer have to worry about how much noise they make in the house! And, I'll still make a nice 5-6 figure contribution to my family's income this year!

What did I discover to make my sales business work for everyone in the household? Well.... that's another story that needs to be explained at another time!

My typing time is up - and my kids are calling me to come outside and play water-bomb balloons with them! Got to go ; )!

Tracey DePaoli is a work-at-home-Mom [WAHM] who got tired of building success at the expense of her family's time. She has a successful business now that allows her the time freedom to travel, play and spend precious time with her two young boys - 2 1/2 and 5 yrs and her partner! She has been an avid Internet marketer and researcher of online trends for over 15 years. Discover more about how you can also earn a 6 figure income while at PLAY! Site: http://www.WeCloseYourSaleForYou.com

[tags]work from home, work at home, home based business, sales, sales reps, telesales, travel reps[/tags]

Sterling, Virginia Another Loudon County Star On The Rise

2008-09-29T06:01:00.001-07:00

Sterling, Virginia is another testimony to the leaps-and-bounds growth of the energetic Loudon County, VA.

Today it's a bustling center of commerce sitting right on top of the very-busy Route 7, the very same route that has been active during the Civil War era as well. You can see two Civil War Site signs marking the route's historic significance a few miles before you reach Sterling's bee-hive of a commercial navel.

Did you know that the whole town itself was started back in 1961 with the far-sighted developer Marvin T. Broyhill Sr.? He bought the 1,762 acres of land which became the "Sterling Park" for only a little over $2 million.

The single-family houses completed back in 1967 went for an average of $18,000 each. Today you're lucky if you can find a townhouse in Sterling for under $400,000.

The Sugarland Crossing Shopping Mall right across one of the cheapest service stations in the whole region is where I shop frequently. It is home to the store where I buy all my vacuum cleaners and cleaner bags, as well as the camera store where I purchased my small but trusty Nikon digital camera.

Other businesses of Sterling include a Giant, Starbucks (but of course!), many restaurants, cleaners, a Middle Eastern grocery (a lot of Arab-Americans, Iranian-Americans and Bahais also live in the area), car dealers, convenience stores of all kinds, an emergency pet hospital, churches, a golf club, and a community center.

Sterling is where the dignified history meets the bustling future. It's always a good place to do some shopping for your daily needs.

Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases, movie reviews and hi-tech documentation. He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 companies for the last 7 years.

In addition to being an Ezine Articles Expert Author, he is also a Senior Member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), and a Member of American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI).

You can reach him at writer111@gmail.com for a FREE consultation on all your copywriting needs.

You are most welcomed to visit his official web site http://www.writer111.com for more information on his multidisciplinary background, writing career, and client testimonials. While at it, you might also want to check the latest book he has edited: http://www.lulu.com/content/263630

[tags]ugur akinci,sterling,virginia,travel,loudon county,America,writer,editor,copywriter[/tags]

Discover Alaska Ports

2008-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Alaska the superlatives describing our 49th state always begin with biggest, it is the biggest state in the Union, one-fifth the size of the entire lower 48, and has the tallest mountain in all of North America, Mount McKinley at 20,320 feet high plus is home to the biggest state park in the U. S., Wood-Tikchik State Park, which boasts some 1.6 million acres of wilderness. The list of biggies goes on to include being the biggest producer of zinc luring in the biggest king salmon at 97 pounds four ounces and the worlds largest concentration of glaciers covering some 29,000 square miles. It is no wonder that Alaska is one of the most popular cruise travel destinations in the world.

One of the key features of cruising is to be able to get to know more about the destinations being visited. Cruise lines have expanded their shore excursion options and offer a variety of packages and kinds of experiences for travelers to choose from. Here are some examples of what is being offered.

Wrangell

This is one of the most popular and one of the newest ports of call. It is the third oldest community in Alaska and the only city in the state to be ruled by four nations and under three flags: Tlingit, Russia, England and the United States. Fur trading was prominent under the first three "rulers," but by 1861 gold had been discovered on the Stikine River. Until Skagway came into existence, Wrangell was the trade center for all gold rushers as the Stikine River was the principal access to the Klondike fields. It is been reported at one point some 10,000 persons were held in Wrangell while waiting for supplies and transportation to the gold fields. The current population of Wrangell is 2,600. Shore excursions offered range from a one and one-half hour city highlight tour to a five-hour Petersburg "Little Norway" adventure. A myriad of more active outdoor experiences are also featured.

On the city tour, you will learn not only the colorful history of the community but also the significance of the Stikine River and its influence on the citys development. Of special interest is a visit to Petroglyph Beach, recently designated a State Historic Park, which has the highest concentration of rock carvings in southeast Alaska, dating some 8,000 years before the Tlingit tribes. A petroglyph rubbing demonstration and a visit to the Wrangell Museum are also included. A selection of Stikine River jet boat adventures, island jeep and sea excursions, kayaking, hiking in the footsteps of John Muir and experiencing the magic of a rainforest are available to the more adventurous travelers. Contact: 800-367-9745,

Sitka

Some 90 miles west is the historic capital of Russian-America, Sitka. It was once referred to as the "Paris of the Pacific" for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and sociability in welcoming trading ships that traveled the coast of North America en-route to Russia and the Orient. It is the ancestral home of the Tlingit Indians, was captured by the Russians and eventually sold to the Americans. The Tlingit and Russian heritage is evident throughout the community of 9,000 residents that continues to be rich in beauty, charm and hospitality.

There are 19 structures here that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, seven of which have been designated National Historic Landmarks. There are tours to visit these structures, which include the Anb Hall and the Alaska Native Brotherhood building that was constructed in 1914 in the heart of the Tlingit Village. Russian heritage tours include stops at the Log Cache building 29, a structure remaining from the Russian era, the Russian Cemetery a replica of the Russian Block House Saint Michaels Cathedral, the first Russian Orthodox Cathedral in America and Castle Hill, site of the transfer of Alaska to the United States.

A tour to the Sitka National Historical Park where the 1804 Battle of Alaska was fought between the Russians and Tlingits is also available. The 107-acre park hosts a collection of Haida and Tlingit totem poles as well as an exhibit of Russian and Tlingit artifacts.

Another shore excursion highlight is to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, a pioneering wildlife project dedicated to the preservation of these birds of prey. For the adventurer, there are several options for sea excursions that explore the eel grass beds and kelp forests and underwater explorations of jellyfish, anemones, crab, starfish and a variety of aquatic plants. Contact: 907-747-5940,

Skagway

Located northeast of Juneau, Skagway is home of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Here visitors can retrace the steps of the Klondike Gold Rush miners either by climbing the Chilkoot Trail or taking the famous White Pass and Yukon Railroad. The rail trip follows the Dead Horse Trail, which was followed by over 30,000 prospectors who spent three months crossing the mountain range en route to the gold fields. The rail trip does cross into Canada and passengers need to present international identification to complete this crossing.

This article is sponsored by: www.grouptravelblog.com

Working on group travel blog

[tags]Group Travel Tours ,Singles Group Travel, Travel Tour Groups, Corporate Travel Planning, Tourism[/tags]

Franfurt Germany Tour

2008-09-28T06:00:00.001-07:00

Frankfurt is one of Germany's important cities, being the biggest international financial and trade center of Europe. It's famous for it's skyline - a line of towering skyscrapers which is mostly consisting of banks and other financial institutions. Frankfurt is better known in the country as Frankfurt am Main, since there are 2 cities which are named the same. Main is the river which flows through the city thus the source for the city skyline's nickname Mainhattan.

The metropolis of Frankfurt is not that big. You can easily tour the main attractions in 1 day. But as most cities in Germany, it's normally divided into 2 attractions, the old and the new city. Unfortunately, due to the fact that Frankfurt was heavily bombed during WW2, there's not much left of the old city, but still something worth seeing.

OLD CITY

The Roemer - Frankfurt's city hall
One of the most important historical old buildings, housing the election of the former German kings and emperors during the early times. Since 1405, it has been used as the city hall. The area where the Roemer is, the Roemerberg, offers a surrounding of beautiful old houses, used nowadays as stores and restaurants.

The Kaiserdom - Emperor's Cathedral
As the name says, the Emperor's Cathedral. This church was used as the venue of the coronation of the new emperor or king. In front of this church is an archaeological finding of an ancient sauna used by the Romans when they were colonizing the area.

Paulskirche - Paul's Church
This church was built during the end of the 18th century. From damages during the war, it was rebuilt in the mid 20th century and considered one important attraction of the old city.

Goethe's House
Frankfurt is the home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of the world's most famous poets. The house of Goethe is located in the inner city and is open for public viewing. The Goethe Museum is just right next to it, housing a very rich Goethe collection.

A Walk Crossing the River Main
From the old city, you can walk down to the river then cross a pedestrian bridge called Eiserner Steg (iron bridge). From the other side of the bridge, you can properly see the skyline. The road parallel to the river is called Museumufer - Museums on the river bank - lining up a variety of museums. You can walk more until you arrive at another pedestrian bridge called Holbeinsteg. After crossing that bridge, look for the Nizza Garden. This garden is unique because it contains tropical plants and palms in an open German climate.

The NEW CITY
This won't be that difficult to find, just follow the new buildings. Towering banks and offices is a sight you won't miss in Frankfurt. Some bank buildings are combining both new and old architecture. You would see for example Dresdner Bank having an old building and two skyscrapers next to it. Around the new city, you can see modern arts like the hammering man and the inverted necktie, representing the city's trademarks, banking and trading.

Shopping in Frankfurt
There are several good shopping opportunities in Frankfurt but probably the most famous area to shop is the Zeil. If you're going for posh shopping then Goethestrasse is the right one for you. This street is lined up with boutiques from Chanel to Tifanny & Co.

Enjoy your stay in Frankfurt!

View Frankfurt Picture Gallery at Capturedplaces.com.

[tags]travel tips frankfurt, travel frankfurt germany, frankfurt germany tour, visit frankfurt, frankfurt[/tags]

Enjoy A Memorable Nova Scotia Vacation

2008-09-27T06:00:00.003-07:00

Nova Scotia can be found on Canada's eastern coast bordering the Atlantic Ocean. This Peninsula touts dense, rich forests to windswept, rocky shores and fertile inland orchards that make it a perfect vacation spot for scenic viewing and perfect relaxation.

The French first settled in Nova Scotia in 1605 - one of the oldest settlements in North America by Europeans. This is now home to a vibrant ethnic mix of cultures. Nova Scotia offers a unique combination of European history along with its cultural diversity.

On your vacation, visit historical landmarks such as the Halifax Citadel. Go back in time and view the Capital city, Halifax, from the Citadel, a fortress completed in 1856 and in use by British and Canadian Forces until the Second World War. Experience the Victorian age recreations of soldiers training in the courtyard - kilts and all! The Citadel also portrays soldier's wives and civilians in authentic recreations.

Nova Scotia's history also plays a role in of one of the largest sea tragedies in recorded history, the sinking of the Titanic, and is home to the graves of the largest concentration of the victims.

Do you enjoy the outdoors? Want to take an active vacation? there are several scenic trails that cut through Nova Scotia's inlands and coastal areas. There are also hiking, canoe, kayaking and biking routes and tours.

Spring ushers in the traditional festivities of the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival in May where you can enjoy parades, celebrations and the breathtaking beauty of some of the loveliest apple orchards in full bloom. Fall is equally well admired with the landscape becoming a sea of brightly colored trees painting the hills and valleys with orange, yellow and red.

View the barren, rocky landscape of Peggy's Cove and visit the most photographed lighthouse in the world. You'll also be impressed with the awesome power and beauty of the ocean crashing and spraying over the rocks. Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy is home to the world's highest tides - so be aware when enjoying the many beaches that dot the coastline.

There are quaint pubs, shops and the art shops of the historic properties in Halifax. Great high end shopping on Spring Garden Road or take a glimpse of works by up and coming artists at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design - a leading visual arts university in North America for more than a century.

Nova Scotia, a beautiful and diverse local, whatever your taste and enjoyment, there is always something for everyone!

Adventure Package Travel: for travel tips, advice, insight and booking for Air/Cruise to North American and Caribbean vacation spots. Visit: http://www.travel-adventure-guide.com

[tags]Nova Scotia vacation, travel adventure, adventure package travel, Nova Scotia, vacation package, tra[/tags]

Carnavel In Panama 2006

2008-09-27T06:00:00.001-07:00

It's the morning of the first day of carnaval and I think I am ready. According the lore of carnaval and memorialized in song, one should sleep with his fingers crossed the night before to bring him luck throughout the following four-day festivities. Indeed, with the help of a rubber band and some gauze pads, I expect to have good fortune. I like to invent traditions.

Panama's Carnaval, running simultaneously with New Orleans' Mardi gras, is a sort of last flinga last chance for people to have fun before the 40 days of lent begin. Around 1910, Panama started celebrating Carnaval in grand scale and today, it is bigger than ever. It consists of 4 days of celebration throughout the country, from big cities to tiny villages. I'm not sure what to expect.

Imagine the annual beer-inspired celebration at your college or the day when your town closes off a main street and allows vendors to sell cotton candy and hot dogswell imagine that times one zillion. Carnaval was extraterrestrial.

They closed off Via Espana which is the four lane highway I usually have to frogger myself through to get to Dunkin Donuts. Vendors everywhere: It seemed to be a universal ruleno seller may charge more than $.50 for a beer. Incredible food: I felt like packman trying to get a taste of everything I could. I had smoked chorizo doused in a delicious, garlicky, herby chimichurri. I had two traditionally prepared Panamanian hot dogs with all the fixings. I tried samples from several of the hundreds of Ceviche merchants with giant trays of the stuff balanced on top of their heads. I smelled the smoke from old garbage cans turned BBQs blowing crispy roasted chicken bits into the streets. It was great.

My newly shaved head was getting sunburned so I bought a banana leaf hat for a quarter.

Whether it's a legit tradition or just an excuse to be obnoxious, I don't know, but children at Carnaval have this thing where they attack you and throw confetti in your eyes or squirt you with water pistols. It's funny for about 4 minutes then it gets a bit oldbut alls fair in Carnaval. I got soaked and covered by a clan of 4 little scoundrels with high-powered Super Soakers, which was funny. One casino on the route had a beautiful VIP-looking stage from which you could drink their beer and throw their T-shirts into the passing carnavalers. I wandered up to the entrance and pretended like I had been there before. A man in a suit at the gate stopped me with his large stubby hand and asked me something in fast mumbly SpanishI though my plan was foiled, but after nodding and waving to a fake friend at a table, he let me through. It was hilarious. From atop my newly befriended stage I had the perfect view. Tons of people screaming at me for a shirt, lots of pretentiously dressed partiers giving me over-enthusiastic high fives. I felt like a rock star.

This is when I had another one of those momentswhat am I doing here? Drinking free beer, eating tasty snacks, partying with all these fancy peoples in a VIP stage overlooking a century-long Latin celebration wearing a banana hat. I shook my head at myself in self-righteous shame. I am cool.

Matt Landau Read all my travels at http://www.thepanamareport.com

[tags]panama info, panama bar, panama travel, panama blog[/tags]

Guide To Skiing 101

2008-09-26T06:00:00.001-07:00

For all those who cherish skiing, this sport has everything to offer from fun, adventure, excitement, to some of the exotic skiing resorts and quite a few thrilling contests. This archaic sport has thus been able to garner worldwide acclaim. Now there are wonderful skiing resorts almost all across the globe to cater to the skiing enthusiasm of people especially visitors. Let us take a look at a few globally recognized or eminent skiing resorts in the world today.

When we talk about skiing, the foremost spot that figures is Aspen. Aspen Highlands as well as Aspen Mountain cuddled in Colorado, United States, offer around 1400 acres of slopes for all the skiing lovers. These slopes are not just meant for the professionals but even the beginners, young and old, snowboarders and skiers can have a lifetime experience skiing here. But skiing is not the only sport to relish in the breathtaking ambience. Well there are other activities such as hot air balloon tours, snowshoe walks and snowmobile rides. All in all the 7495 feet high Aspen Mountains together with Aspen Highlands leave no stone unturned to gratify the skiing passion of people. You can make your stay comfortable at the accommodations offered by Aspen Alps, Ajax Condominiums and Aspen Meadows Resort.

Another skiing destination that is swarming with people during the months of November to April is the Big Mountain. Big Mountain standing firm in whitefish, Montana is America's everlasting attraction. On this approximately 3000 acres of real estate you can enjoy on incredible 91 runs. The proficient ones can ski at a set of 15 separate runs and bask in the glory of wonderful aura and the pleasant game. Other games such as sledding, tubing, sleigh riding, dog sledding tours etc. can even be enjoyed here. But this isn't allthere are nine different restaurants too! The average low temperature of this place is around 44 degrees but winters at 17 degrees can be icy cold. Once Big Mountain is another big destination on your mind, you can get your reservations done at the beautiful Alpenglow Inn or the Grouse Mountain Lodge.

Big Sky welcomes all the skiing aficionados. The resort is a construction of the former NBC broadcaster Chet Huntley. This area as later on purchased by Boyne Resorts in USA. The contemporary attraction of Big Sky is its being recognized as one amongst greatest skiing resorts and its amazing accommodations.

Another big name associated with skiing is that of Deer Valley. Deer Valley, a ground to four mountains is situated in Park City, Utah. These huge mountains- Bald Mountain, Flagstaff Mountain, Empire Canyon and Bald Eagle Mountain together make Deer Valley an ideal skiing destination. Horseback riding, swimming, golfing, river rafting are other activities to delight in.

Colorado presents another great skiing spot- Copper Mountain. Copper Mountain has gained immense recognition because of its incredible 12,313 feet elevation and the huge area 2433 acres of land it conceals, thereby making a perfect skiing spot. Along with these characteristics there are other delightful features too. For instance the West Lake District a home for skating, shopping and bars. The Lazy Lizard and Endo's Adrenaline Café serve as excellent eating joints to all the visitors.

Besides these for the skiing devotees there are timeless other hot destinations to hit like Whistler Blackcomb, Valle Nevado and Snowmass.

Mansi aggarwal writes about skiing . Learn more at http://www.skiforvacation.com

[tags]aspen, ski, travel, slopes, skills[/tags]

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