It is Fun to Be a Tourist in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, NC

Your Ad HereWhether you live in the area or are just planning a visit, you will find it an easy occupation to be a downtown Hendersonville tourist. Hendersonville is a city with roots stretching back centuries.

Hendersonville became an incorporated city in January of 1847. And to everyone's pleasure, Hendersonville was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in March 1988.

You will find Hendersonville located at the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 26 miles south of Asheville, N.C. Hendersonville is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area of Western North Carolina where history and tourist attractions abound.

Hendersonville's population is rather small with only about 12,000 people living within the city limits. However, the city is booming with historic sites, attractions, and places to explore. Because of the area has four distinctive seasons, yet mild temperatures in both winter and summer, it is a wonderful place to visit or to live year-round.

When you walk down Main Street Hendersonville you will notice it is a serpentine shaped street lined with overflowing flower boxes and trees of all shapes and sizes. Along Main Street you will find antique shops, restaurants, and specialty stores of all kinds. There is something to be found along Main Street for people of all ages to enjoy.

Throughout the year Historic Downtown Hendersonville hosts the North Carolina Apple Festival, an antique show, art shows, car shows, and various parades throughout the year. Hendersonville shows off its traditional southern hometown charm through these special events. The friendly local residents are always welcoming to other locals and visitors alike.

Located on North Main Street you will find The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County. The museum hosts special traveling exhibits from around the world and specializes in local Geodes. You can even purchase a Geode for yourself and they will crack it open and reveal its inner wonders for you! There is no admission fee for the museum though it is considered appropriate to leave a small donation to help support the museum.

Located in the same area as The Mineral & Lapidary Museum you will find the Henderson County Genealogical & Historical Society. This excellent resource library was founded in 1983 to aide researchers and historians on the history of North and South
Carolina.

While visiting the museum and the Genealogical Society make sure you notice the McClintock Chime Clock attached to the Genealogical Society's building. The clock is about 65 years old and is a unique sight not to be missed.

The Henderson County Curb Market is open for business Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, all along Main Street. This large farmer's market offers only handcrafted items from local residents of the county. Here you will find produce, craft items, baked goods, and just about anything else you could possibly want to find at an open air market.

No tourist trek through Downtown Hendersonville is complete without a visit to the Hendersonville City Hall Building. The building was erected in 1928 and contains many interesting historic artifacts of the local area. Because three presidents were from North Carolina, (Andrew Jackson, James Knox Polk and Andrew Johnson) you will find statues and information on them located at the Hendersonville City Hall Building.

Whatever your pleasure, you are sure to find it in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina. It is great to be a Downtown Hendersonville Tourist!

Be Careful Fishing In Alaska As You Might End Up Staying

Be careful taking an Alaska fishing and camping trip. You may never want to go home again. The scenery is amazing, the fish are huge, and nature is still largely uncluttered by industrialization.

For those who have never been to Alaska, imaginations usually conjure up extreme cold, Eskimos, and igloos in a sparsely populated wilderness. Actually, Alaska has a lot to offer in outdoor tourism like camping, fishing, hiking and so much more.

For instance, a young man, in the military, is stationed in Alaska. Normally, a tour of duty lasts approximately 3-4 years. Whether you like the area or not, as a soldier in any branch of the service, when Uncle Sam says go, you pack up and move to the next base.

So, the gentleman moves to Alaska. Fortunately, he is close to getting out of the service, so he knows his stay will not be extended for years. However, he also has no idea how living in Alaska would begin to grow on him. An avid outdoorsman, he soon enjoys the great Alaskan fishing and camping opportunities, during his free time.

Halibut, salmon, lingcod, and Rockfish are all waiting for the adventuresome fisherman/woman. His favorite is probably the salmon. The fish are unbelievably huge, not to mention they taste great on the dinner plate. For instance, the winner of a halibut fishing tournament catches a fish tipping the scales at over 251 pounds!

Yes, individuals often talk about the big one that got away. However, pictures are worth a thousand words. Unbelievable! He catches enough to send some to his family in the lower 48 states. Awesome!

For the ultimate Alaska fishing trip, consider an extended camping trip. The fish are waiting to be caught, and the fisherman can hobnob with the local wildlife. For the city dweller, the wildest animal available to view may be an ornery house pet. Now, imagine seeing a big bull moose, up close and personal. How cool is that!

Fishing and camping in nature, largely unpolluted by careless human beings, being able to go on hunting and fishing trips whenever free time and finances allow, and catching fish big enough to feed a family for a month or more. What more can an avid outdoors person ask for? The sportsperson has found heaven on earth.
So, what if you are not an avid outdoorsman, yet you still want to experience the magnificent Alaska camping and fishing opportunities for a true adventure in the wilderness? No worries. Alaska tourism is alive and well; and guided expeditions are in abundance. For those who do not mind rubbing elbows with like-minded strangers, simply sign up for an awesome fishing experience.

While fishing, enjoy watching the whales in their natural habitat. The beautiful coastal waters are also home for sea-lions, sea-otters, puffins, and other indigenous species dependent on the Alaskan waters. Do not forget to look up; the majestic eagle also claims residence in the area. Although intending to catch fish for consumption, remember the camera. Catch nature at its very best, for a hard copy record of an unmatchable vacation, and the new friends undoubtedly made during the expedition.

Maybe you already brought friends along, and you would rather have a private fishing trip. So, charter fishing vacations are available. The captain and the crew will provide an optimum experience; take the group to the best fishing spots for a good catch and a excellent view of fish and animals in their natural environment.

Then, when the fishing trip comes to an end, the party does not have to be over. Camp in the great outdoors with a tour group, or set up camp in pristine areas set aside safe family camping. In a group, lead by an experienced guide, the fabulous beauty of the Alaska wilderness will come alive, and provide a memorable camping excursion like none other.

So what happens to the gentleman who was stationed in Alaska? Yes, you guessed it! When the young man retires from the service, he chooses to make his home in the great and wonderful Alaska, where he can fish and hunt to his heart's content whenever the notion strikes. Family members love to visit, view the awesome scenery, and eat the fresh catch of the day.

So what about the tourist coming to fish in Alaska for the first time? Chances are he/she is likely to fall in love with the scenery and abundance of outdoor fishing. The experience will likely be repeated in future, or maybe a permanent move will be in order. So, be careful! For an avid fisherperson and hunter, to know Alaska is to love Alaska.

Discover the Alaskan Cruise

Alaska is one of those rare destinations that never succumbs to the "been there, done that" syndrome. People who cruise once to Alaska usually go there again. It is not unusual for first-time cruise visitors to Alaska to plan or even book their next cruise before they get off the ship. What's so great about an Alaskan cruise, anyway?

The largest state in a very large country, Alaska is probably not the place you think it is. First, it is a vast land where civilization exists in outposts against a wilderness background. There are many parts of Alaska where animals outnumber people.

The wilderness theme crops up where you would least expect it. Try to get in and out of the state's capital city, Juneau, and you find that you need to do it by boat or plane. The place is not accessible by car.

Flying is altogether a normal way of going from point A to point B in Alaska. The state has made flight-seeing popular since so many great natural attractions were best accessed from the air.

Alaska also has a railroad system that was built specifically to show off the state's enthralling natural beauty. Though not extensive, you can travel by rail in Alaska in dome-topped luxury club cars and see the mountains, valleys, and wildlife from the comfort of a luxury vehicle.

That's not such a very different concept from cruising, where you can sail by glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and postcard-perfect scenery all without leaving the comfort of the balcony of your stateroom. (If you like to travel inside stateroom to save money, you can watch this from the many public rooms on the ship.)

If you cruise to Alaska, expect to find chilly temperatures, even in summer. Factor in the breeze off the water and the chill when the sun sets and you can see why a cruise to Alaska requires you to take what passes for winter wear in some of our more southern states.

Of course, that has never stopped adventurous souls from appreciating Alaska. The state has a very diverse history. First, it's the only part of the United States that was ever once part of Russia. You may find Russian artifacts, habits, and even souvenirs in some places. When Seward bought Alaska for the U.S. in the 19th century, the deal was negotiated with Russia.

Early in its American history, Alaska became the sight of a gold stampede as lots of miners headed north to make their fortunes. A few even planned to pan for gold.

Today, Alaska is more concerned with "black gold," or its native oil reserves. Despite abundant natural wealth and beauty, life and even tourism in Alaska isn't always easy. Many products and services in Alaska are expensive, at least by lower-48 standards. The weather is cold, and travel requires some pre-planning and fortitude.

That's why an Alaskan cruise makes sense, particularly for those modern-day adventurers who aren't so sure they want to climb a mountain of ice to see a glacier or struggle along an unpaved road in an off-road vehicle in the snow to get to the next town.

When shopping for an Alaskan cruise, look at the excursions that are offered. Most cruise ships offer plenty of time for you to soak up on-board activities, so you should take advantage of whatever shore excursions best match your interests.

Want to see polar bears? Go whale watching? Go fly fishing? Flight-see around a glacier? Shop for native art? Drive a dog sled? Most Alaskan cruises offer great excursions like these.

Some cruise shoppers penny pinch for excursions, but it is usually a better deal to penny pinch on a stateroom. Here's why. The biggest part of your bill in seeing Alaska is getting there. That's your cruise fare. Once you're there, you may be able to flight-see or whale watch or do other once-in-a-lifetime thing for a few hundred dollars.

Think of it this way. If you wanted to go fishing for Alaskan king salmon, right this minute, you'd have to get to Alaska and then charter a fishing trip.

If you wanted to whale watch today, you'd have to get to Alaska and then book passage on a whale-watching expedition.

On the cruise, you're already there. You're just paying a supplement or upcharge for these incredible experiences. If you have to economize, you're better off making do with a smaller or inside stateroom and getting the excursions.

Years from now, you won't remember your cruise so much from what your room was like but rather the excursions you had.

A Bahamas Family Vacation Is The Required Prescription

The kids are back in school; extra curricular activities are demanding constant shuttling of kids from point A to point B and then back again; the family dog needs attention from a pet groomer in more ways than one and the house needs cleaning and repairs. So why in the world would you be thinking about a Bahamas family vacation at this time in your life?

This is the best time to be thinking about a Bahamas family vacation. Make plans now so that when the weather turns cold your family turns south for a tropical paradise bonding experience all families should enjoy.

The Bahamas are located off the coast of Florida, about one hour of traveling distance. The islands are located near the Atlantic Gulf Stream making the water temperature an average of 80 degrees year around. Starting to get the mental picture?

The beaches are white and sandy with more water activities than you can dream of. Swim with the dolphins, snorkel along the reef, or scuba dive with the sea creatures. Brilliant colors combined with sun and sea fresh air will create memories that cannot be lost.

If splashing in the sea with your family is not the required prescription for enjoyment then head over to Paradise Island and the Atlantis hotel in the Bahamas. Luxury accommodations are waiting to pamper you and your family for the most grand Bahamas vacation ever.

There is no shortage of activities on Paradise Island. The Atlantis Resort has a 14 acre waterscape filled with water slides sure to excite kids of all ages. Dad and mom can head over to the quarter mile lazy river ride and soak up the sun. Don’t forget the sun tan lotion!

The Atlantis Resort has eleven different pools with smaller kiddies’ pools as well. Plenty of Marina Village shops are nearby for those souvenir purchases.

If you are looking to book your Bahamas family vacation, check with your local travel agent. There are also many online Bahamas travel package options available from the major travel web sites.

Some of the travel packages will be all inclusive meaning that you can pay up front when booking your trip for things like meals and snacks and then relax during your vacation not having to worry about paying for these items. Just make sure when booking your package you know exactly what is included. The savings in cost may also cost you flexibility in choosing where you dine.

Shop around for airfare to the Bahamas. Most of the major airlines fly into Nassau International Airport, located in the Bahamas.

The best time to travel to the Bahamas would be from November to May. This will avoid the hurricane season and provide the warmest escape from your cold, northern winter weather.

Take time out now and plan your family vacation. It will be time well spent and long remembered.

Finding The Best Deals In Hotels

When it comes to choosing a hotel for your vacation, it often becomes an issue of low cost and convenient location. More often than not, particularly when traveling to major tourist areas with popular attractions, the closer the lodging is to the destination or attraction, the more expensive it will be. That is why the best way to save money on lodging is to stay in an outlying area.

Unfortunately, this might mean that you will spend more time driving to your destinations, which inevitably means more money spent on gasoline. It is important to asses all of the factors in order to make sure that staying in more distant hotel will really cost you less money.

There are several ways to save money on lodging without compromising the quality of your accommodations. For example, paying for a membership in AAA or a similar auto club also provides you with discounts on hotel rooms, as does being a member of the military or being a senior citizen. When booking a hotel room, make sure you ask about discounts that may be available.

Another tip for finding lower cost lodging is to try shopping early for your hotel room. Often, hotels will reserve a block of lower-priced rooms, available on a first come, first serve basis. Getting the best lodging deal is often based on timing and planning ahead.

Saving money on a hotel room means next to nothing if the place is a pigsty, or unsafe. Shopping for a budget hotel does not mean you have to settle for a hotel that is dirty, poorly run or in a dangerous area.

Fortunately, the Internet makes it so easy to find great deals on quality budget hotels. The Internet cuts the time it takes to research lodging down to a fraction of what it used to take.

Most hotels, even budget properties, have websites and feature photos of the property, rooms, and the surrounding area. It has never been easier to research the lodging that you are considering, especially if you have never stayed there before.

Don’t forget to research the area in which the hotel is located also. Be sure to check out things like restaurants and attractions within walking distance of the hotel. Amenities, especially on vacation, are important.

On the Internet there are a number of review sites available where those who have stayed in various hotels can share their experiences and their opinions of the hotels. These review sites are invaluable for travelers, especially if you are going to a place for the first time.

In addition, the Internet hosts a number of travel web sites where travelers and tourists can locate and compare lodging based on their particular need, such as for their individual dates of stay and destinations. These web sites provide several ways to search, including distance from an attraction, price, and star level. The only thing that you need to bear in mind when using such a web site is that comparison web sites only showcase properties that pay a fee, so using a particular site does not necessarily ensure the best price for your trip. For locating the best deals online, it is best to refer to several web sites in order to get a real idea of the lowest prices available.

Gear Up For Hiking- Tips on Staying Healthy on the Trail

Hiking is one of the best pastimes you can imagine: it's good for you and just about anyone can do it, since there are so many different levels of trails out there. However, no matter how fit you are, there are some medical problems you could encounter in some situations. This is a quick run-down of the most common environmental hiking hazards, and how to deal with them. There are environmental hazards, traumatic injuries, animal & insect dangers and, believe it or not, infectious diseases. However, we are only dealing with the environmental hazards here.

Environmental hazards would be things like altitude sickness. This is caused by lack of oxygen which occurs at high elevations (over 8000 feet). Most people are affected by altitude sickness, and a more severe form is called Acute Mountain Sickness, or AMS for short. In short, less oxygen in the air means your muscles and brain aren't getting as much oxygen. This makes the heart and lungs work harder to compensate, in order to get the required oxygen to the brain and muscles. Symptoms of AMS are dizziness, loss of appetite, hard time sleeping, headache, 'laziness'. AMS can get worse without warning, and you can die from it. When it gets worse, you get breathlessness, coughing up pink stuff, severe headache, loss of balance and coordination, vomiting, acting irrational, and unconsciousness. If you think you have AMS, stop hiking and rest. Rest for a day or two. Take aspirin for the headaches. If your symptoms get worse, go back down the mountain immediately. There are some controversial drugs to prevent AMS, but they can mask the warning signs altogether. Prevention is better with slow ascent, keeping hydrated, keep snacking on carbs, don?t drink alcohol or take sedatives.

Fungal infections are another type of environmental hazard to hiking. This goes especially for backpackers, who may not have as many opportunities to wash clothing as they normally would. You can get a fungal infection like athlete's foot (tinea). This shows up between the toes. Moisture is your enemy in this situation. To prevent a fungal infection, wear clothing that allows your skin to breathe. Tight clothes made of artificial fabrics that don't wick away the moisture are to be avoided. If you are backpacking and stay at a campground, wear sandals in the shower area so you don?t catch it from another hiker. In general, wash your clothes and towels in hot water and dry thoroughly.

Our final environmental hazard for hikers is heat exhaustion. Dehydration contributes to heat exhaustion, as does a salt deficiency. Sweating a lot in the hot sun causes your body to lose salt as well as liquid, so drink lots of water. A little extra salt on your lunch should be enough supplement for the salt deficiency problem No need to eat salt tablets. Athletic drinks or sports drinks as they?re sometimes called have the replacement salts, too.

Selecting The Portable GPS System That Is Right For You

GPS systems are becoming increasingly popular - and for good reason. These symptoms are capable of helping drivers find their way when they are lost, as well as providing them with directions to nearby hospitals, restaurants, car services, or other businesses or points of interest. With the help of GPS systems and the voice prompts that they provide, drivers can also drive more safely by keeping their eyes on the road rather than looking at a map.

Obtaining a GPS System

Many newer model vehicles are including GPS systems built into the car. For those consumers that do not have vehicles with a built-in GPS system, another option is to purchase an in-dash add-on GPS system. Unfortunately, these devices require replacing the radio or CD player. While many of these add on systems include CD players or even DVD players, this is more of a hassle than many car owners wish to undertake. In addition, they can be quite expensive to purchase and often require adding an additional antenna to the outside of the vehicle. For these reasons, portable GPS systems are the more popular choice with many consumers.

Choosing a Portable GPS System

If you have multiple vehicles, one of the first things you will want to consider when shopping for a portable GPS system is whether or not it can be easily moved from one vehicle to another. Many systems can be easily mounted to the window or dash of the vehicle, but this is not always the case. So, be sure to check into how to mount the unit before making a purchase.

You should also make sure the portable GPS unit has a satellite receiver or a built-in GPS antenna. Otherwise, you will still have to add an antenna to the outside of your vehicle in order to use your navigation system.

Another consideration when purchasing a portable GPS unit is how it is powered. Some are battery powered while others are powered through a plug. If you don't have any plugs conveniently available in your vehicle, you will obviously need to purchase the battery powered model. For most consumers, however, the models powered by plugs are the most convenient.

When purchasing a portable GPS system, you also want to be sure it can be easily updated. Most units will allow you to attach the unit to your personal computer in order to update the software and to add new maps. Without this ability, the system will quickly become outdated and of little use to you. Make sure the system you are considering purchasing is compatible with the operating system of your PC in order to avoid hassles down the road.

GPS systems are a modern convenience that are becoming increasingly popular. Be sure to purchase a unit that is both easy to use and to update and it will be sure to become an invaluable component of your driving experience.

Bangkok First Hand

My personal experience of Bangkok is that it is one of the most fun, vibrant, culturally infused and delightfully exciting places that I have ever visited.

While not recommend to those with high blood pressure, the is something to be said for the experience of merely driving into Bangkok. With the sizzling food stalls, the open shop fronts, the omnipresent orchids, the rattle of the three-wheeled tuk-tuks, the saffron of the Buddhist monks, it's one of Asia's biggest cities, population seven million and growing.

Bangkok is truly a melting pot of eastern and western cultures, with its own unique blend of spices added for good measure. They like, for instance, the fact that our two countries have royal families, our conservative dress, and understated British manners. But more than that they love our football, with highlights of Premiership matches to be seen hours before we see them here. From what I knew of Alex Garland's The Beach, Bangkok's Khao San Road, the international back-packers' first stop in Asia, was a dangerous, druggy place of sexual sighs behind paper-thin walls, where Western junkies hid from the real world.

While as with most developed societies that that scene may well exist, my visit to the Khao San Road provided me with a very different experience. My personal experience of Bangkok was one of inexpensive hotels, clubs, restaurants and great clubs where one could dance the night away. I was staying in the glistening, towering new Peninsula Hotel, on the Chao Phraya River, in the centre of Bangkok, across from the old city. The river was mesmerising, the living soul and main artery of Bangkok, an ever-busy place of long tailed speedboats, junks and river taxis. I took a riverboat ride upstream from the old port, the Farang Quarter (a foreigner is called a farang in Thai) with its hotels, embassies, shops selling antiques, jewels and fossilised dinosaur droppings, past the beautiful old, dilapidated European customs house and on to the Park Khlong flower and vegetable market. Nowhere in Bangkok is far from a shrine or a statue of the Buddha and, as we pulled upstream passing slums and temples the spiritual presence followed. Some of the best Buddha statues are in the Grand Palace in central Bangkok, where the 15th century Emerald Buddha, made from a single piece of jade, is the most revered.

The blend of spirituality, Asian culture and western speed is something that I have been unable to convey in words. Everyone who visits Bangkok will have heard about its sexy image and every night thousands of Western tourists are drawn to the Patpong area. While some visitors are either tempted by, or visit Bangkok specifically for the carnal pleasures on offer, many like myself find themselves in little more risqué that haggling over the price of a fake Rolex.

Not being so inclined I did not experience any of the sex clubs and similar establishments. But after a quick look around, I was making my way around out of Patpong when a smiling Thai tout in a Manchester United T-shirt emerged from a house of ill repute. "Would you like a beautiful young lady, sir?" "No, thank you," I replied politely. He hurried after me. "What about a handsome young boy then?" "Don't be ridiculous," I said, somewhat taken a back. With a philosophical shrug, the tout dropped back, obviously thinking, "There's no pleasing some folk."

But it was not all hedonistic. Hiring a tuk-tuk I sped back into the centre of town where earlier I'd spotted my own carnal speciality. Slipping inside a doorway down a riverside alley, I prepared myself for something really decadent. A beautiful young woman in a long, white dress padded over. Very gently, she took off my footwear then very carefully began to wash them. It was the closest I've come to Nirvana since, well, never mind. My feet after a day and a half legging it around Bangkok, were screaming with pain. The young masseuse anointed my feet with sweet-smelling oils, simultaneously pointing out to me, on a map of a foot, how every bone of the foot represented a different organ of the entire body. This, at last, was the exotic East. Later, on the green-canopied ferry as we made our way back across the river to the Peninsula Hotel, I realised that for what seemed the first time for ages I was standing and my feet weren't hurting. It was all I could do to refrain from dancing with joy.

The Exotic North of Australia

Australia’s Northern Territory is a land of swirling, near-phosphorescent, ochre dust, rocky mountain-high thunderclouds and sky-shattering storms - a region of pawpaw (papaya) and mango farms, pearl oyster meat from the pearling industry, farm-raised alligator and Thai spices. Indigenous people still dive for lily roots and burn the forests to trap game and make passage through the undergrowth possible. To journey through this land and taste it was one of the greatest privileges of my travel-writing life.

Equivalent in size to France, Italy and Spain combined, Australia's Outback Northern Territory is bordered by Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. A vibrant, developing economy, the Northern Territory has one-sixth of Australia’s land mass and just over one percent of the population, but with the youngest, wealthiest people in the nation. It has an environment that ebbs and flows with the seasons, of contrast and colour, where change is the only constant. Of awe inspiring iconic wonders - the World Heritage National Parks of Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock).

Darwin, the state’s capital, is so close to Asia that it’s much easier to head to Singapore than Sydney. Immigrants of every Asian culture have brought their foods and cooking traditions. At Darwin’s Hanuman, Thai Nonya cuisine meets Tandoor Indian: soak up the lemon grass and basil-flavoured sauce drenching the grilled rock oysters with warm naan bread. These are served in the trademark earthenware plates with little lids covering the oysters.

Australia’s Outback Northern Territory is renowned for its colourful characters. The type you’d meet at one of the legendary outback pubs, cattle stations or country towns. The gateway to Asia for the rest of Australia, or the window into the country for the rest of the world, the Northern Territory is a unique part of the most exciting continent on earth. It’s almost hard not to fall in love with its down to earth attitude.

Don’t miss this great once in a lifetime experience.

Volunteer-missionary-charity-tours in Kenya Africa

The volunteer and missionary tours have grown exponentially due to the increasing North South pro-poor movement. Needy situations in Africa including Kenya,-Africa’s volunteer and charity missions are a result of HIV/AIDS, Education, poverty environment, Hunger etc.

There exist very ideal projects with which charitable volunteer human resources are channeled to Kenya and Africa including: - volunteering in Destitute Homes – volunteering in Conservation Organizations - School volunteer teaching – volunteers in Hospitals-Churches/mosques/temples.

Charity missions, internships and gap year students

Participants in this kind of travel include-Gap year students -volunteers -Missionaries -Internship programs etc. There are as such organizations and tour operators that handle the traveling, orientation, booking and other logistics of such groups. Others also understand placement of these volunteers in needy institutions as volunteers, teachers, interns, missionaries etc.

Currently, opportunities exist for volunteers, missionaries and interns for several organisations that we collaborate with in Kenya. These include: Dagoretti Children’s home, Kenya hospital, East African Wildlife society among others

Working with Kenyan Destitute children

Internship with the children’s home will require an intern to house themselves in the many hostels where food and accommodation is cheap and affordable. Working with children accords the interns and volunteers a chance to care for the most venerable destitute of the society-children. There is no experience as righteous and self developing as working with children as a volunteer intern.

Wildlife Conservation volunteers project

The conservation organisations are more than willing to have your voluntary input in many of their wildlife conservation projects. Most of them accept volunteers ranging from gap year interns to retired volunteer workers.

Kenyan Health based internship

There are also many AIDS organisation involved in research, mobilization and sensitization of people about the disease. This is an ideal opportunity to work as a volunteer social worker in many of their countrywide projects. Hospitals are also in need of extra manpower and this would be ideal for graduating health workers to experience health matters from an African context.

Kenya Community volunteer Projects

There are other community based projects that volunteers from Europe and the Americas can engage in Kenya. Each community has its distinct development, health, education and social issues that could benefit from an interns valued contribution.

Affordable volunteer Accommodation

Accommodation is mainly hostels, home stays & Budget hotels due to the lengthy stay and the fact that this group is more of workers than tourists.

Kenya Volunteer logistical support

Your link operator will inform you of availability of an opportunity in your desired field. Arrangements on accommodation, payment of other necessary services is done through the agent company. A mandatory orientation and induction course is done for 3-5 days which also serves to introduce the volunteer to their assigned project.

All logistical support is arranged through the link company including booking into hostel, transport, health advice, security issues and visa facilitation among others. They basically are your minders for the duration of your voluntary assignment.

Travel in Australia - Cairns

The geographical shape of Australia is very simple and can be divided into three specific regions: The Australian Shield; Tasmania and The Great Dividing Chain, which is a series of rolling hills and high plains, that run parrallel to the West Coast, for over 2000 kilometres, forming the characteristics of a tropical climate at one end and those of sub-alpine at the other.

Cairns is a regional city and Local Government Area located in Queensland, Australia.

Originally settled in 1876, and named after William Wellington Cairns to serve miners heading for the Hodgkinson River goldfield, the settlement declined when an easier route was discovered from Port Douglas.

However, Cairns' future was secured as it developed into a railhead and major port for the exportation of sugar cane, gold, precious metals and agricultural industries from the surrounding coastal and Tableland regions.

The city is rapidly expanding, with a population of 128,284 and is reliant on the sugar and tourism industries.

The City of Cairns lies about 1070 miles from Brisbane and about 1600 miles from Sydney by road.

Cairns is a popular travel destination for foreign tourists because of its tropical climate and proximity to many attractions.

The Great Barrier Reef can be reached in less than an hour by boat. The Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation, about 80 miles north of Cairns, are popular areas for experiencing a tropical rainforest.

It is also a starting point for people wanting to explore Cooktown, Cape York Peninsula, and the Atherton Tableland.

Top 10 things to do and see in Krabi Thailand

With so many activities that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy, Krabi has framed itself as a laid-back resort destination where the emphasis falls on comfort and relaxation instead of on high-energy parties. The natural landscape is accentuated by limestone outcroppings known as karsts that pop up all over the countryside. With abundant plant life and beautiful coral reefs, there's plenty to explore while you're staying here.

Exploring the archipelago
One of the most remarkable ways to experience the limestone rock formations and spectacular beaches is to take a daytrip from one island to another. Many tour guides offer organised daytrips to the highlights of the archipelago, which are worth it and a chance to break away from the crowds of the mainland resort. For the more independent explorer, sea kayaks can be rented for trips out to some of the nearest small islands. A boat day trip to Phi Phi is a must too!

Than Bok Khoranie National Park
If you have a tent and would like a place to set up camp, consider heading out to Than Bok Khorani National Park, a secluded place with no concrete accommodation but an abundance of plant species culminating in a very picturesque pond surrounded by gardenias and apocynaceae. The park also boasts several limestone caves and some lovely mangrove forests. Many visit on a day trip from Phuket.

Rock climbing
Many rock climbing outfitters in Krabi also give lessons at various skill levels to help you improve your rock climbing abilities. The limestone cliffs and unique stone formations have helped Krabi carve out a global reputation among rock climbing circles. Ton Sai is the first stop for most climbers, as it’s the most frequented climbed spot in the area. Other climbing outings to more secluded areas are easily arranged with the help of climbing outfitters.

Koh Lanta Marine National Park
The sea gypsies, or Chai Leh, still live and work on the island of Koh Lanta—now a marine national park. For centuries they have practiced their own form of spirit worship and spoken their own distinct language. This island also has the region's standard fare of beautiful beaches, unique rock formations and stunning coral reefs for exploration. Some of the rainforest on this island is virtually untouched and remains protected. Visitors can rent bungalows and stay a while. It’s also connected to Phi Phi island by ferry.

Shell Fossil Cemetery
Thirty five million years ago, the site of Ban Laem Pho Cape was an enormous freshwater swamp that hosted millions of small snails. The remains of these creatures formed a fossilised composite that has grown almost 16 inches thick. This huge slab has become one of Krabi's most popular attractions and can be reached via a 10-mile drive from the town of Krabi.

Krabi nightlife
Ao Nang Beach resort area is the primary tourist hub of Krabi, with Krabi Town itself not offering a whole lot to out-of-towners except for a glimpse of everyday life for the locals. While not quite as exciting as Phuket, in the resort area you'll find bars and restaurants whose doors remain open past midnight, though you'll be hard-pressed to find any exhilarating parties or discotheques. Instead, this is a more family-oriented holiday spot with some nice restaurants and a relaxed, quiet atmosphere.

Scuba diving
The official diving season in Krabi is from November to Mach, though the conditions are hospitable all year round and divers are here at every time of the year. Snorkelling is also a great way to get a view of the coral reefs. Diving companies on the mainland can get you certified as a diver and will also arrange diving trips out to all of the best reefs in the surrounding area. The diving at Phi Phi is especially good.

Biking
Bikes can be rented in the Ao Nang resort area, and a cycling loop that heads out of town guides cyclist through the limestone rock formations that dot the landscape. The road curves through old villages and groves of coconut trees, and riders can stretch this spectacular route into as much as 15 or 20 miles of biking.

Railay Beach
Railay Beach may be the region's most unique coastal area, with its crescent shaped coastline that's cut off from the mainland by huge outcroppings of rock. Only accessible by boat, you can charter a vessel to drop you off for a daytrip to Phra Nang, a sacred enshrined cave, or for an overnight stay in one of the resorts that lay claim to these peaceful beaches. Even the beaches at Phuket don’t even compete!

Daytrip to Wat Tham Seua
Wat Tham Seua is the largest temple in Krabi, and its name means Tiger Cave Temple. It's literally tucked into the limestone cliffs of Ao Luk Thanu mountain range, and the Buddhist monks that live and worship here do so in the caves themselves. The highlight of this temple is 'Buddha's footprint', located at the summit of a 1,272-step climb, a point that affords wonderful views of the countryside spreading in every direction.

Rules And Regulation Of International Travel

Since September 11th, 2001, international travel has changed drastically. Quite honestly, all domestic travel has changed as well. Life since then will never be the same for anyone, not just when it comes to travel. Since many changes have been implemented in regards to domestic and international travel, travelers need to constantly be aware of what is going on. As many people have already discovered, the rules and regulations can change on a daily basis - especially with international travel. At airports very recently, a new terror threat caused much havoc for passengers carrying on many items. Airport garbage cans were overflowing with items that were banned and needed to be abandoned. Passports were checked and rechecked numerous times. Security for international travel was incredibly intense and should remain that way. It is a shame that there are such radicals in the world that have the need to force all of society to live in fear and paranoia when it comes to not only international travel, but life.

Remember the days of simply being able to show your driver's license and walk onto an airplane without having to be searched and searched again? The biggest fear was whether or not your plane would crash, and that was almost unheard of. Now, if you watch passengers sitting in the airport lounges and waiting in lines, they are all checking each other out and sizing one another up. I know this because I am one of them. I don't mean to be racist, but you can't help but notice certain individuals who may look suspicious because they appear a certain race. I flew right after September 11th, and there was a dark skinned gentleman waiting for the same flight as I was. As I sat there with the other passengers that were to be on the same flight as well, he got quite a few glances and stares. He began to look incredibly uncomfortable and while I felt a sense of sympathy for him at that moment, I couldn't help but put him through my own scrutiny as well.

International travel has its warnings for survival in an intended country as well, not just for the process of getting there. Americans are not as well liked throughout the world as they once were. All you have to do is open up the newspaper or turn on the television to see or hear other countries bashing Americans. Our government warns Americans to be cautious about international travel. There are many more dangers in the world today than there once were. International travel to some countries that are in the midst of wars is simply not wise. Many tourists do it every day, but it simply isn't the safest decision to make anymore. There was a time in my youth that I was determined to see the world. Now, with international travel being as risky as it is, my determination simply isn't there anymore.

Cruise Ship Honeymoons

Each year, thousands of couples make the decision to get married. If you are planning on becoming one of those individuals, then it is likely that you and your new spouse will plan a honeymoon. When it comes to selecting a honeymoon destination, you have a number of options to choose from.

Honeymoons are often thought of as vacations. In a way, the only difference between a family vacation and a honeymoon is romance and the lack of children. Honeymoons are supposed to a fun, exciting, memorable, but private time. Instead of vacationing with the whole family, a honeymoon often only involves the bride and groom.

As previously mentioned, you have a number of different options when it comes to planning your honeymoon. Many newlyweds schedule their honeymoons at popular beaches, ski resorts, or other secluded areas. Did you know that you can also have a honeymoon aboard a cruise ship? Cruise ships are increasing in popularity, but still many individuals do not consider them as a vacation option.

One of the reasons why cruise ships are rarely thought about when selecting a vacation destination, let alone a honeymoon, is because of their cost. It is no secret that cruise ship tickets are expensive, but this cost should not prevent you from having the perfect honeymoon to go along with the wedding of your dreams. If you are concerned with the cost, you may want to try obtaining discount cruise ship tickets.

Most discount cruise ship tickets can easily be found online or with the assistance of a travel agent. Discount cruise ship tickets are nice, but they are often hard to come by. Discount cruise tickets are sought after by many newlyweds and other vacationers. If by chance you do come across discounted tickets, you are urged to purchase them while you still have the chance.

Even if you must pay full price for the cruise of your dreams, it is likely that you will still receive a good deal. Despite the large cost of tickets, it is important to examine the activities available onboard and the length of the cruise. The longer the cruise and the more services available, the more expensive tickets are likely to be. If you take the time to figure out all the services that are included and the cost of overnight accommodations, you may see that cruises aren’t all that expensive after all.

Once you have made the decision to spend your honeymoon aboard a cruise ship, you will have to book reservations. As mentioned above, if you are looking to save money on your honeymoon, you are encouraged to search for discounted cruise ship tickets. If money is not an option, you may want to search for cruise ships that have romantic settings and romantic destinations.
When examining cruise ship destinations, you may want to take into consideration the possibility for romance at each destination. Since your honeymoon is supposed to be a romantic and relaxing time, you will want to select an environment that will keep those feelings alive. Cruise ship destinations are located all around the world. Popular destinations include Alaska, Hawaii, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico. To find the perfect honeymoon cruise, you are encouraged to select a cruise that offers stops at destinations of your choice.

In addition to taking cruise ship destinations into consideration, you are also encouraged to examine the type of cruise that you wish to set sail on. Multiple cruise lines have ships that are targeted to specific groups of individuals. These cruises often include cruises for adventure lovers, the whole family, or couples. As a couple, you should be welcome on any cruise. If you are looking for a private, romantic, and intimate setting, you may want to avoided cruises that are targeted for family vacations.

Before booking your honeymoon trip on a particular cruise ship, you are urged to examine want you want and need out of your trip. Doing so will enable you to select the perfect cruise ship for you and your new spouse.

Beating the Bangkok traffic

There’s two things Bangkok is most famous for; its go go bars and its traffic congestion. Both are a chronic problem that the city administrators have been trying to tackle for years without much success, and the locals simply do as locals do in Thailand and learn to put up with and ignore it. But visitors haven’t got quite the same patience and without some handy advanced tips you could end up spending half of your Bangkok holiday sitting in a taxi.

Here’s how to beat the Bangkok traffic blues. Firstly, the mass transport system in Thailand’s capital has come along in leaps and bounds on the back of thirty years of phenomenal economic growth. Of course, city planners in Thailand are always playing catch up as Bangkok’s population has ballooned in recent decades. But after 10 years of construction two transport systems have been completed, including a two line skytrain and a more far reaching metro system.

The MRT and BTS (as the metro and skytrain are officially nicknamed), cover most places that a tourist would need to get to and even when disembarking at a station there are always taxis waiting to take you the last few blocks if the tropical humidity is too unbearable to walk. Despite this, the sad reality of modern Thailand is that middle class and wealthy Thais would sooner sit for hours in the convenience and comfort of their air conditioned cars than join the public transport system. Taxis may be cheap in Bangkok but there’s simply too many cars on the road and not enough law enforcement or traffic planning. When in Bangkok, take the public transport if you can.

Yet there are times when taking a taxi is by far the most convenient option. It’s the only realistic way to get to either of the two airports, and a handy way to get around town, provided your timing is right. It’s easier to catch a taxi than a sun tan in Thailand, and unless they’re in demand or at a tourist trap, the drivers can be pretty honest with using the meter. A typical 20 minute ride should cost no more than 200 baht ($5), but if you’re a first-timer to Thailand they may get away with charging you double that. But they hate the traffic just as much as you might, and don’t be surprised if they refuse to drive to a far away destination on the cusp of the rush hour. This we might add, starts at 3.30 pm when schools finish, but it gets worse between 4.30pm and 7pm. Later in the evening the traffic is breeze, and taxis are the best option for a pub crawl through the city’s naughty nightlife. Then there is the rain, which buckets down unannounced for hours in the monsoon season. This generally runs from May until October and causes absolute havoc with traffic, especially when the city floods later in each season.

What would Thailand be without the iconic tuk tuk. These three-wheeler buggies are the quintessential Thai holiday experience and can be a fun ride but aren’t recommended in Bangkok. They are unmetered and unavoidable as their drivers relentlessly hassle you to take a ride, but with their noisy motors and open backs, you’re at the mercy of the din and dust of the city. Once out of Bangkok, by all means take ride, but in this big city an airconditioned and metered taxi is much better value. Of course, tourists fall for the free tuk tuk scam all the time. The ruse is pretty simple, they offer to take you to your destination for free or very little but makes several unscheduled stops at tailors and gem shops, where you’ll have difficulty leaving without having bought something, stay clear of this popular trick.

If your destination is near the waterfront, as many of the tourist attractions are, you can hop on the many water buses that ply the Chao Phraya river. It also gives you some great views. For example, neither the MRT or BTS pierce the heart of Rattanokosin Isle or Banglamphu, where you will find the Grand Palace and Khao San Road. But you can catch a boat from the Phra Athit Pier near the Pin Klao Bridge and ride as far as Thaksin Bridge to link up with skytrain.

What about buses? Yes Bangkok has plenty of those too, ranging from modern air conditioned vehicles to old, belching unroadworthy old commuter buses that are the cheapest way to get about. However, with all the vehicle pollution and humidity you’re better off sticking to the a/c options. When the traffic is heavy the bus trips take longer but so do the taxis. They are the only however the only way of getting from the central Siam Square to the Khao San Road or Grand Palace area. When the traffic is heavy you’re better off taking the bus, since they at least have the advantage of the newly introduced rapid bus lanes.

When the traffic really reaches the peak of rush hour and you absolutely need to get across town, the last resort is a motorbike taxi. These are an integral part of the Bangkok public transport network and are used mostly to get from the public transport stations down lengthy streets. Mostly they are used by locals to make the last leg of their journey home, but some tourists use them to avoid a long walk to a hotel that might not be conveniently close to the skytrain. Charging no more than 20 baht (50c) they congregate at the head of the sois (lanes) dressed in special number coloured wastecoats. But they are also willing to go across town for a set fee and can be ruthless at dodging traffic and getting you there in no time at all. Of course, you’re putting your life very much at risk with this option and it’s not recommended on busy roads.

Travel Abroad To Discover The Mystery Of The Orient

Even as the political climate continues to wax and wane, tourists from all over the world flock to China. Perhaps one of the most exotic destinations for those who love to travel abroad, this ancient country offers a multitude of sites tourists just love to visit. From the natural landscapes to the culture itself, China is a one-of-a-kind tourist destination.

Those who travel to the Orient do so to view a civilization that's ancient. Perhaps the biggest attraction here are the ancient relics that remind the world - Chinese and visitors alike - that this country is unlike any other in the world. With strong ties to its past and firm roots in the present and future, China is a country that's distinct.

Four of the biggest stops for tourists include the cities of Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and Guilin. Here visitors will find a mix of the old and the modern melded in a way that makes both vitally important to the Chinese people. Ancient cultural practices mix with modern technology and ways as reminders of the past peek around every corner. All four destinations offer their own unique draws, but each speaks loudly to the country's rich history.

Beijing is the country's capital and gives visitors a real feel for what was, what is and what will be. The city mixes modern conveniences with ancient practice. Shanghai, too, is a bustling metro area that's known as the country's financial heartbeat. Keep in mind though that this city, too, is ancient and there's lots of history to be uncovered. Xi'an is known for its terracotta warriors and horses in the mausoleum of the first emperor. This site is an incredible archeological uncovering and it's visited by thousands and thousands annually. Guilin is a natural beauty that's smaller than the other destinations, but that doesn't mean it doesn't pack a punch.

Those visiting China often come to see the major attractions. Not the least of which, of course, is the Great Wall. This is found in northern China and runs for about 2,000 miles from Jiuquan to Shanhaiguan. This ancient structure was finished in 204 B.C. or thereabouts and includes walls that are fifteen to twenty-five feet thick and more than fifteen feet high!

Mount Taishan is one of the country's most impressive natural features. It includes 112 peaks and has many temples and ruins to see. It was and is the location for personal pilgrimages and more for thousands of years.

The Beijing Imperial Palace is one of the country's most incredible man-made features. Second only to the wall in awe factor, this palace has 9,000 rooms.

Even with more open tourism, China remains a land of mystery, one many choose to visit. Those who travel abroad will find the destinations in China are breathtaking and incredible. Few things here are built on a small scale and visitors are as likely to find a connection to the ancient past as they are to enjoy the modernization of cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

Cruise Vacations Planning Tips

Cruise Vacations are one of the most exciting and fun vacations destinations you and your family can ever experience. Many people consider taking cruise vacations ships at least once in their life. This is because of the unique offers cruise ships provide vacationers. Cruise vacations ships are like floating hotels that sail through the ocean while you enjoy all the hotel’s amenities can provide. They have casinos, swimming pools, theaters, restaurants, shopping centers or boutiques, spas, gyms and more.

However, as great as taking vacation cruises may seem, you still need to know how to plan cruise vacations properly. You need to know about the different type of packages cruise lines offer. When planning a cruise ship vacation you need to know how to choose one that will meet your expectation or tailor your needs. Here are some guidelines that you can follow to plan your cruise vacations :

Whom will you take with you?
There are many types of packages of cruise liners. There are packages for the whole family and there are packages for single travelers. You need to ask yourself whom you will take on your cruise vacations. Will you be taking your family with children? Maybe you will take your significant other for a romantic getaway. There are many cruise vacations packages available for each.

How long is the cruise vacation ?
Normally, cruise vacations start at three nights and can go anywhere from seven to fourteen days. You should know what is best for you. In order to have worry free cruise vacations you need to know how long you want your vacation to be. Maybe your boss only allowed a short period for your vacations and you do not want to worry about not showing up on workday.

What destination appeals to you?
When deciding where to go on your cruise vacations, most people have an idea of their ideal vacations destinations. It could be in Alaska where the weather is cold or it could be somewhere warmer and tropical like the Caribbean or South America. It all depends on your taste. Many large names in cruise lines have a wide variety of popular cruise destinations where it is easier for people to choose. You can call their offices and ask about the destinations they offer for their cruise vacations or you can log in to their website and find out about their destinations packages.

Port of departure
You should consider the port of departure for your cruise vacations. You do not want to spend a fortune on plane tickets or drive across the country just to reach the port of departure of your cruise ship. It is wise that you should know where the port of departure would be and save yourself long drives or expensive plane tickets.

The cruise ship
Finding out about the cruise ship you want to spend your cruise vacations on is very important. You should know what kind of services a cruise ship offers to ensure you maximum comfort and relaxation. Large cruise lines have a lot of variety of activities and facilities that you can use in the ship. If you like to gamble then choosing a cruise vacations ship with casinos is probably right for you or if you are taking your kids with you, a cruise vacations ship that offers activities and facilities for children is probably the right ship. A particular ship specializes in romantic getaways, this ship is great if you are taking your significant other with you or taking your wife for another honeymoon.

Land activities
Cruise vacations don't necessarily mean that you have to spend all your cruise vacations time onboard. There are cruise ships that offer land and shore excursions. If you want to see more of the cruise destinations then it would be probably a good idea if you go with a cruise ship that offers guided land excursions. Land excursions are a great way to explore different cultures and destinations in cruise ships. You can do many activities once you reach a port of call. Either you can go kayaking, scuba diving or you can even go shop in the markets of the port of call. Following these guidelines can give you an idea of planning your cruise vacation properly. Always remember that proper planning leads to more satisfying cruise vacations.

Super Yacht Show In Monaco 2007

The superyacht industry has blossomed over the last ten years, with multi millionaires and billionaires buying yachts in the tens of millions of Euros price range - and when it comes to some billionaires they seem intent on buying a fleet that would put some small countries navies to shame.

Despite being the second smallest country in the world Monaco has established herself as the natural European home for many of the world's wealthiest men and women due to her tax haven status, with many more visiting on holiday while cruising the Mediterranean for the Monte Carlo casino - and Monaco has managed to stay as a top destination by cleverly spotting and exploiting trends ahead of her competitiors.

The Monaco Yacht Show is part of the attraction for the super-rich, and has firmly established itself as the leading super yacht show in the world over the last fifteen years. For Monaco itself the Yacht Show is second only to the Monaco Grand Prix for visitor numbers. Combined with the Hotel de Paris and other Monaco hotels the principality has successfully secured her position as a natural environment for the wealthy to live or visit.

Monaco is showing that cuts in carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases are possible in a land of plenty, and the Monaco Yacht Show has successfully achieved carbon neutral status for the 2005 and 2006 events, with plans to repeat this for 2007, establishing itself on the map of Monte Carlo as an environmentally friendly event.

To attain carbon neutral status last year, the organisers sponsored various projects in Europe and further afield to offset carbon emissions generated by the show.

The show paid for wind turbines In New Zealand, generating enough electricity for 45,000 homes and in Brittany France paid for a heath to be planted with chesnut and oak trees to protect water catchments and provide a recreational area, while in the USA paid for a methane capture system, reducing the amounts being emitted by some 95 per cent.

Monaco Casino

The leadership for the move to a greener Monaco has come from Sovereign Prince Albert, who has been successfully campaigning among world leaders since his inauguration two years ago to move the environment up the political agenda, and it has brought the issue to the fore at home.

Prince Albert signed Monaco up for the Kyoto Protocol shortly after becoming Sovereign, and a few months later left behind the comfort and glamour of his palace and the poker tables of Casino Square for the wilds of Antartica to see for himself the damage being caused to the glaciers because of global warming.

Upon his return he set up a foundation with his own money to study the impact of rising sea levels, and since then has been active in the attempts to publicise the need to cut CO2 emissions in the industrialised world.

In recent months he has met both Prince Charles and President Chirac of France to discuss global warming. Although he spent some time in the US in his early years and speaks English fluently, he hasn't had to learn Italian and can converse with leaders the world over without the need for a translator.

Close to the Fontvieille harbour where the yacht show takes place, a new island is to be built, and the bidders have been told that a successful application must be environmentally friendly, and some proposals indicate that the island will be a floating one to avoid any disruption or damage to marine life.

With real estate in Monte Carlo the highest priced in Europe, the new apartment buildings will be welcomed by the property sector as there is a very real shortage of property for new residents, forcing prices even higher. One bedroom apartments are currently exchanging owners at over a million Euros.

The environmentally friendly island will also include new Monaco hotels, a university and possibly a museum, with the winning bidder due to be announced towards the end of the year.

Paris Fashion Week: Who Says Paris Is Best In The Springtime?

You haven’t lived until you’ve been to Paris in the winter -- during Fashion Week of course! It may be cold and rainy, but Paris is always beautiful, and buzzing with excitement at a myriad of fashion shows, expositions and parties that even us mere mortals of the public can attend. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to brush elbows with celebrities and fashion world icons who jet-set over from the prior Fashion Weeks in New York, London and Milan.

The Fall/Winter Paris Prêt-a-Porter Fashion Week is the most prominent trade event for the fashion industry, when Fall fashions are rolled-out as a season preview for the world’s biggest retail buyers who’re scrambling to place their orders for fashion, handbags, jewelry, shoes, hats and cosmetics. Unlike other large industry convention hall tradeshows, Fashion Week is orchestrated citywide at some of Paris’ most prominent points of interest.

This year from February 25th to March 4th, top designers and fashion design students staged fashion extravaganzas ranging from the pinnacle of good taste to the surreal. Among the selected sites, were the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Musée de l'Homme, le Champs-Elysee, le Tour Montparnasse, place du Trocadéro, Théâtre du Châtelet, and La Sorbonne.

Winter Paris Fashion Week 2007 took place February 26 through March 4, and featured everyone who’s anyone in the designer world, including long-time Parisian favorites Chanel, Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Givenchy.

Ah, the drama! Aside from the expected eccentric styles and surreal shows, more than a few eyebrows raised when an animal rights protestor stormed the catwalk nude in response to this year’s apparent return to use of fur as a luxury material.

London designer Stella McCartney (daughter of Beatle Paul McCartney), then made headlines for her “fur-free” show, showcasing warm alternatives to fur, with models clad in taffetas, satins, knitwear and cashmere.

Emanuel Ungaro’s Peter Dundas got everyone ready to hit the discos with his collection designed to celebrate night clubbing. Decked-out in plenty of bling and leather, the models strutted and slinked down the runway.

The most controversial show of the week had to be that of Viktor & Rolf. Dutch design partners Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, are renowned for elaborate, wildly-imaginative shows. This year, they invented awkward contraptions that the models had to balance delicately, which were fitted with lighting and music as a kind of “personal fashion show.” The designs were somewhat gothic, reminding one of the movie Van Helsing. The poor models were also required to were stylized wooden clogs, which clip-clopped loudly as they paraded carefully down the runway.

Expectedly, there were WWII and ancient war themes in many of the fashion collections this year, incorporating tall boots, leather, fur, fatigue green, body armor, medallions and epaulettes. Even Jean Paul Gaultier revealed models wearing Scottish tartans with stylized Mohawks, as if going into battle.

Also during Fashion Week, the exclusive Paris boutique Colette, celebrated its 10th anniversary by inviting 10 art curators to spotlight a talent gallery-style on one of it’s walls. It was a fabulous way to show off it’s ultra-trendy collection of music CDs, shoes, handbags, branded water and accessories. The boutique is also renown for glamorous parties, art exhibits and dance classes, and definitely worth a visit when you’re in Paris.

Speaking of accessories, Nokia decided to unveil its Nokia 7373 Special Edition fashion phones by designer Giambattista Valli at Fashion Week, at the “Dress-your-Nokia-in-Giambattista Valli” Party. For the label-conscious, this is a must-have phone. Each one comes pre-loaded with a "behind the scenes" video for a glimpse into the life and inspiration of the designer, along with a selection of Valli graphics and the exclusive ring-tone, "Rhodium.”

Next year is sure to hold more fun and surprises. For sure, Paris in March is the place to be!

Africa – a unique world waiting to be discovered

It is not rare that we happen to hear people complaining that they’ve run out of locations and resorts for their holiday, or that the place they used to go to every summer has lost its shine, forcing them to search for an alternative. And with so many wonderful vacation opportunities out there it can become, ironically or not, very difficult to choose the perfect one. Most people choose to have their holiday in well-known resorts from famous locations, Europe and the United States mainly, but more and more people have discovered the tremendous potential that the African continent has. Many years of international media isolations have been put behind and people from all over the world can now enjoy their Africa holiday in quality lodging places, while visiting the black continent’s finest natural wonders and exhibits, perhaps in an African safari.

For those that love wildlife Africa is the perfect destination offering tourists the opportunity of coming close to animals that can only be found here. The African savannas are islands of amazing wildlife beauty, with a variety of animals gathered by this ecosystem sharing wide territory of habitat throughout the continent. An African safari tour can be the experience of a lifetime for any nature enthusiast, and only here can this dream be accomplished. The boom of tourists interested in animals in the savannas has led to many qualified guides emerging, as well as many high-quality accommodation places near the most important traveling objectives. The growing popularity of safari trips is helping people in the neighbouring regions to preserve the natural environment and assure that nature’s course is not altered in any way. African safari parks are the most popular objective for the wildlife fans, providing quality guides, information and a lot of things to do, as well as millions of hectares of natural habitat for an incredible number of species. Also, these parks offer the possibility to stay in well accustomed rooms that will make your Africa holiday even better.

But the African continent is ideal for other types of tourists as well, many countries developing a tourism system based on natural and urban attractions that manage to gather millions of travelers each year. The black continent is home to some remarkable architectonical accomplishments found in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Cairo or Nairobi, but also to extraordinary natural sites, such as the Kilimanjaro peak, the Victoria Falls or the Fish River Canyon. Whichever your destination, quality hotels and inns are always available and are dedicated to providing you the best staying experience possible.

All things considered, whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or a traveler that enjoys visiting natural and urban sites, you will find that your Africa holiday can be full of locations to stopover, interesting things to do, information to acquire, magnificent animals to see and friendly people to meet.

'Thorrablot': An Icelandic Winter Food Festival

Holidays and festivals are among the most important aspects of Icelandic culture. They mirror not only Iceland’s character but also that of its people. Icelanders await and prepare for these lavish celebrations with reverence and anticipation.



An Age-Old Custom

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In Iceland, as in any other country, a combination of nature, folklore, religious beliefs, socioeconomic factors, and history influences every celebration. However, it is the tenacious adherence of Icelanders to their ancient customs—which date back to Iceland’s pre-Christian, heathen history—that best characterizes their festivals such as 'Þorrablot' (Thorrablot).



A Feast of Traditional Viking Food

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One of the most awaited Icelandic event is Þorrablot, ‘The Blessing of Þorri,’ which commences on the first day of Þorri, the fourth month of Icelandic Winter. In standard calendar, it always begins on a Friday between the 19th and the 25th of January and ends on a Saturday between the 18th and the 24th of February. The highlight of this month-long annual festivity is the consumption of traditional Viking food. These delicacies include 'svið' (boiled lamb’s head), 'hákarl' (putrefied Greenlandic shark meat), 'skyr' (yogurt made with 'rennet' [a dried extract made from the stomach lining of hoofed mammals such as cattle, sheep, and goats]), 'flatkokur' (flat, thin rye breads eaten with butter), 'hardfiskur' (dried fish, eaten with butter), 'lifrarpylsa' (pudding made out of lamb’s liver), and 'brennivín' (an alcoholic beverage distilled from potatoes and flavored with the seeds of caraway herb).



The diet and eating habits of the Icelandic people, like those of many other nationalities, have largely changed in the passing of time, so it is unsurprising to know that many Icelanders now eat food prepared in the old fashion only during festivals.



In a Nutshell

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'Viking' is any of a seafaring Scandinavian people who raided the coasts of northern and western Europe from the eighth through the tenth century.



Tracing the Origin

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Many Icelandic historians say that the earliest extant reference to the word Þorrablot can be found in the late-fourteenth-century Old Icelandic collection of manuscript ‘Flateyjarbók,’ (the Flatey book). According to the book, a certain King Þorri held a festive offering every late Winter to ask the deities to spare his kingdom from the harshness of the freezing season. Thus, many people believe that Icelandic Winter’s fourth month, 'Þorri' (Thorri)—when the season is at its mildest—was named after the said king, who started the festival in the first place. Through the passing of time, Icelanders eventually came to regard the king as an Icelandic Winter god. To other people, however, Þorrablot means ‘Feast of Thor’—an ancient feast originally celebrated back during Iceland’s pagan times in honor of the Norse god Thor.



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Celebrating in the Modern Day

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Whatever its real origin, Þorrablot to this day remains to be a standard part of the Icelandic social calendar, and it has even been adopted by many neighboring countries like Denmark, Greenland, Norway, and Sweden.



As festivities take place in Winter, most of the food served are preserved in some way—dried, pickled in whey, putrefied, salted, or smoked. And amidst this food galore are children playing traditional games, dancing, singing Old Icelandic songs, and heavy drinking (especially that 'brennivín' and other alcoholic beverages are, in Winter, ideal for warming the body and stirring the spirits).

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10 fun things to see and do in Pattaya Thailand

As one of the nightlife hubs of Thailand, Pattaya has as much to do during the midnight hours as it does during the day. It has gained notoriety as the capital if Thailand’s sex industry, but there are plenty of other entertainment venues in town including beach-related activities, amusement parks and fine, five-star accommodation.

Mini Siam
For a glimpse into Thailand's historic and architectural past, pay a visit to Mini Siam on Sukhumvit Road. Tourists flock here daily to walk in among the 80 buildings that make up this miniature reconstruction of Thailand's more popular sites such as the Temple of Phimai in Nakorn Ratchisima, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as well as modern additions like Don Muang Airport. These recreations are scaled down to 1:25 of their original size and are best viewed at night when the exhibits are illuminated.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Pattaya is not particularly well-known for its museums however there is one facility that fits the bill in an off-beat sort of way. Ripley's Believe It or Not is a shrine to bizarre, unexplained phenomena that have stumped and amazed people for years. There are more than 300 displays and several immersive exhibitions including the Motion Master, the eerie Haunted Adventure and the walk-through sound and light show called the Infinity Maze. Many of these larger exhibits employ actors, impressive special effects and animatronics to enhance their effect. The museum can be found on the third floor of the Royal Garden Plaza.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo
The Sriracha Tiger Zoo is located just off Route 3241 and can be reached via a 30-minute drive from Pattaya. Animal lovers are given the opportunity to interact with tiger cubs and even bottle feed them under carefully supervised conditions. Photo opportunities are possible, and there are a few other side exhibits that include elephant shows and crocodile demonstrations. One of the more outlandish presentations features a woman wrestling a crocodile.

Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm
A wealth of flora and fauna can be found at the Million Years Stone Park, located 15 minutes drive from the city centre. These well-kept grounds are home to a variety of plant and animal life with impressive specimens included in the beautiful bonsai garden, and breeding pens accommodate 1,000 crocodiles. The daily crocodile roundup can be viewed by visitors every afternoon, and there are also elephant shows and a group of rare albino bears on display.

Wat Yansangwararam
Pattaya's most well-known temple was built in 1988 in honour of King Bhumibol's 42nd year on the throne. The temple sits atop 299 stairs skirted by slithering snakes. The grounds are well-kept and include a pond and Chinese pavilions. There's also a small museum on the grounds that contains antiques and art exhibits that originated in China. Yansangawararam is located just a few miles south of the city centre.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
This sprawling, 600 acre park is a replica of a Thai village and offers a glimpse into the life of the agricultural population. Some of the ground’s more outstanding attractions include a cactus garden and an impressive orchid nursery. There's a zoo that houses local animal species and a lake for canoeing. In the arts centre, daily presentations include exhibitions of Thai dance, Thai boxing, an elephant show and cock fighting. The gardens are located a few miles south of Pattaya, and shuttles leave from Nipa Lodge Hotel several times a day. There are also bungalows and cottages on the grounds itself for those visitors who wish to stay overnight.

Pattaya Elephant Village
The Thais have had a long relationship with their indigenous elephants, with roots that date back to their roles as beasts of war in ancient times. More recently, elephants were employed in the timber industry as teak wood haulers. Today, they are protected by law and are most easily viewed at special facilities like the Pattaya Elephant Village. A variety show is performed every day in which the elephants play football and demonstrate their prowess at hauling lumber. Visitors are also given the opportunity to ride elephants.

Pattaya Beach
Pattaya's greatest local attraction is its beach, more than two miles of which borders the city centre. A tree-lined walking path gives easy access to several laid-back restaurants that serve some of the city's finest fresh seafood. The southern stretch of beach is livelier due to the commercial development and the thriving nightlife, while the northern stretch is more peaceful. Swimming in the waters takes a back seat to the more aggressive water sports and chartered boats bound for nearby islands.

Nightlife
You can't visit Pattaya without acknowledging its strongest asset, a behemoth nightlife and sex industry. A great number of foreign tourists come here to specifically indulge in the many bars and clubs that are fronted by minimally-dressed, young Thai ladies. Walking street is home to a long stretch of go-go bars, along with a few establishments that cater for gay clientele. Those who would like to enjoy a night out with a little less sleaze will find a couple of Irish pubs, a blues bar and an English pub.

Amusement parks
Due to the city's status as a tourist destination, there is every manner of amusement park to entertain visitors. Underwater World is an impressive, modern aquarium—the largest in all of Asia, with an underwater walking tunnel that allows a unique perspective on the aquatic life. Funnyland Amusement Park has mainstream carnival rides including a roller coaster, carousel and a swinging Viking ship. Pattaya Water Park offers respite from the summer heat with water slides, whirlpools and a children's swimming area. For a more secluded experience, check out the Pattaya Park Resort and Amusement Park which is located on a secluded coastline with staggering towers that house revolving restaurants with spectacular views.

5 Days In Amsterdam

All was still. Around one hundred people had settled in the rest room for the overnight ferry crossing from Hull to Holland. It was pitch black and the only sounds were the faint humming of the engines and the odd snorer.

All the seats had been snapped up so I found myself lying in a vacant space on the floor with a couple of mates trying to get comfortable. About five minutes had passed and I could feel myself about to drop off.

You could hear a pin drop. Then my mate farted. It began as a kind of muffled snort and developed into a full crescendo. The whole process must have taken at least five seconds. I struggled for a moment, trying to contain my laughter. Eventually I had to leave the room, quickly followed by my two mates.

After docking in Holland we were ushered onto a waiting coach for the one-hour drive to Amsterdam. The landscape was full of all the quintessential things that make Holland so unique.

Windmills were liberally scattered throughout the land. Wonderful white structures whose arms spun endlessly in the wind. The undramatic flat countryside seemed to stretch forever. In fact, over a third of Holland lies below sea level.

The coach dropped us off in the heart of Amsterdam, deep amongst the network of canals that divide this old city into a million different pieces. We found ourselves stood outside the central train station debating our accommodation options. We had decided beforehand to wait until our arrival until finding a hotel.

Just as we were getting anxious, a middle-aged woman approached us. She walked with a swagger and wore an air of confidence.

“Are you lads looking for a room?” she asked in broken English.

“Yes,” we all replied simultaneously. We sensed a solution to our predicament was imminent.

“I have a bed and breakfast not far from here, just two stops on the underground. Would you like a room?”

The hotel was reasonable enough. A twenty-minute walk and we were back in town with all the other tourists, walking round in circles trying to get a bearing.

Amsterdam is a truly surreal place. Legalising cannabis has certainly raised an eyebrow from the rest of the world and is regarded with a certain fascination. As we sampled the local delicacy, one day pretty much blended into another like some sort of hazy dream. Before we knew it we were back home contemplating a quite bizarre vacation.