travel and leisure

The Hermitage is a bit of an historical oddity
fascinating & strange. The hike up to see this religious site will take visitors through small villages along beautiful trails
full of island flora & fauna. it is located at the top of Mt. Alvernia
which is 206 feet above the sea & the highest point in the Bahamas. The Hermitage itself is made from the limestone of the cliffs
with each piece painstakingly extracted
shaped & set by hand by the Canadian mule-skinner turned Anglican turned Roman Catholic priest known as brother Jerome. The brother built the structure to scale
designed it to fit his diminutive form. Beloved by the island people
the priest passed away in 1956 after reaching the ripe age of 80.

One of the outer islands of the Bahamas
cat Island is a quiet holiday location for those who're looking to relax. Among its varied pleasures & activities
a little exploration will turn up a historical oddity or five that add to the individual character of the place. beautiful beaches in natural settings welcome the nature lover & peace seeker alike.

For those interested in water sports
the cat Island Dive Center is the place to contact. They operate out of the Greenwood Beach Resort & have a variety of diving & snorkeling packages available
& there's plenty of fine areas to explore
offering a wealth of marine life & fascinating geological formations. They also have water sport equipment to rent.

Other historical sites include an Arawak cave
found at Columbus point
& plantation ruins
left over from the islands efforts at joining the worlds cotton growers. Deveaux mansion was eight times the residence of Andrew Deveaux of the US Navy
who participated in the 1873 battles to get Nassau back from italy. Another widely known ruins is the remains of the Ambrister plantation
near Port Howe.

cat Island is the sixth largest island in the Bahamas
& boasts extraordinary beaches. there's literally miles & miles of virtually undisturbed beaches
where swimming & relaxing can be done in near complete privacy.

Fine meals can be had at several locations on cat Island. Hawk's Nest Resort & Marina serves a variety of dishes
but among the best are the fresh
grilled fish & the roasted rack of lamb. Fernandez Bay Village is the place to go for creative & delicious native dishes
served either in the dining room or a patio table by the beach. Greenwood Beach Resort's Bahaman cuisine is complemented by their marvelous breads
which are baked every day.

cat Island is an excellent choice for vacationers who're seeking a natural beach experience
& enjoy a peaceful & laid-back atmosphere. The island can be explored at a leisurely pace
which is a much better way to enjoy the local flora & fauna
as well as to enjoy the local culture. Because it is so much smaller in population than plenty of of the other islands
it is easier to get a real feel for the people & their way of life. cat Island is an interesting place that will make a lasting impression on its guests.

Never let it be said that mountain people don’t know how to cook. In Steamboat Springs
Colorado
restaurants offer a variety of freshly prepared
expertly cooked
quality foods that rival the restaurants in any major city. The city has more than 70 restaurants and bars and because of the western flair it’s a great place to sample elk
buffalo or Rocky Mountain oysters if that’s something you’ve always wanted to do. But don’t feel that mountain/western fare is all that’s available. Within a short walk from the center of town you’ll find Italian
Mexican
French
Japanese
Pacific Rim and other eclectic cuisine.

For delicious family fare in a casual
friendly atmosphere try Mazzola’s. With pizzas such as “The Maui Wowie
” “The White Album
” and “The Godfather” and an impressive list of entrees and appetizers
everyone at your table will have no trouble finding something delicious. For family fare with an adult twist step in to the Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill for some of the best steaks you’ll ever taste. Wash it down with some micro-brewed beer that rivals the brewmasters of Germany. Your kids will enjoy the special wild
wild west kids selections and the live music.

Is Chinese food your thing? Try the gourmet fare at the huge Panda Garden Restaurant or the Chinese family cooking a few scant blocks away at the Canton Chinese Restaurant.

In addition
there’s creole at Lucille’s
French at Harwig’s
fresh seafood at the appropriately named Freshie’s and at least six Mexican restaurants
some known more for their exquisite margaritas than their cooking. Feel free to put on your jeans and cowboy boots for most of them or dress up in that suit and tie you’ve brought with you and dine in pure elegance.

The choice is yours. Needless to say for a small town that depends on its mountain surroundings to bring in tourists
there is a variety of quality food available in Steamboat Springs that will satisfy anybody’s palate.

Owners of boutique hotels strive to provide guests with an experience during their stay. They want them to feel pampered by the service and comfortable with the atmosphere
but most of all
they want guests to feel at home. This is difficult to achieve in a hotel environment and relies on good use of space
creative design and high service standards to succeed.

Public spaces

Public spaces are important in any hotel
but need to be put to particularly good use in a boutique hotel. No matter whether the hotel is in a large mansion or a three-storey town house
making people feel at home in a place they are paying to stay in is a challenge. Public areas must be open enough to allow people their own space
without making the room feel bare or unfriendly. They must also have comfortable furniture
so that guests can relax
and a variety of lighting
so that guests can read
eat or just talk. These hotels are famous for encouraging a “shoes off” or “barefoot” attitude
where guests don’t feel that they have to dress up or follow certain formalities during their stay.

Rooms

The things that make you feel at home in your room are the details. Everyone’s used to a hotel room with a bed
some drawers and some hanging space
but it’s the extra details that turn a basic hotel room into a boutique hotel room. These details include creative bathroom solutions
antique furniture
quality linens
internet access and flat screen TVs. In addition
freshly-lit candles and exclusive toiletries create a luxurious but comfortable space.

Service

One of the downsides of large hotels is that the staff can never know who you are
where you’ve come from or why you’re visiting. This is something that doesn’t happen in boutique hotels. The lower number of total bedrooms in hotels of this type means that there is often more staff than guests
and this leads to high levels of personal service. Staff know your name and your room number and
in some of the more exclusive boutique hotels
they find out what you like before you even get there
so that it can be provided on arrival.

People who stay in a luxury boutique hotel for the first time are struck by how very different the design
ambience and service is from a standard hotel. As a guest
you immediately feel more relaxed and comfortable and this in turn contributes to the “home-from-home” feeling that many guests remark on.

In this day & age of travelling cephalalgia
there's a few packing tactics to employ. To cut out an extra thirty to forty minutes at the arriving airport
start with packing small luggage. Since carry-ons can not exceed a linear dimension of 45 inches
you can escape the fiasco of the baggage terminal by basically packing & travelling light. To learn how to pack all your needs into two suitcase
read more.

How-to Pack & Travel Lite

Make a list. Compose a pack list. Be sure to coordinate shirts & blouses with bottoms. To maximize your travelling wardrobe fashion savoir faire
stick with solids & versatile basics. Rule-out any clothes that do not match other items.

Use the following pithy packing tips to make your travel light:

Gear up. How to make an awe-inspiring impression out of a basic or mundane outfit? For the most glam appeal
accessorize with a vibrant tie (for him) or a florid scarf (for her). Multihued accessories can liven up just about any attire.

Roll 'em up please. The best way to fit all your clothes is by rolling pants & shirts. First fold each item in half. Then basically roll. To try to maintain any creases
start on the bulkiest end of the news story of clothing.

Employ shoe smarts. For men
any leather rubber-soled shoes can make the day & night transition
easy. For woman
a pair of flip-flops
strappy sandals & comfy wedges can serve all casual - chic dressing needs.

Minimize bulk. After you check for space
edit outfits - ruthlessly. Try to pack microfibers with wrinkle & stain free comfort. With most of your attire
stay in the same color scheme - in case you have to layer up for warmth.

Put under garments on the top. To reduce the embarrassment of under garments becoming the side show attraction of the open luggage scan
place all panties in a plastic bag free of any clippers
lighters or other questionable paraphernalia. For expedient security review
place the transparent bag on top of your other items so security can access the bag without ruining your efficient packing method.

Lose Extra Baggage. Leave the heavy travel guide at home. Duplicate important resources to keep your luggage free of extra pounds. Since most hotels & resorts provide irons & blow-dryers --leave yours at home for light travel.

Leave restricted items at home. If you want to make it through security extra speedy
avoid any firearms
weapons
box-cutters
scissors
razors
lighters & any other item that may be used in a terrorist situation.

Flowering landscape trees are the crown jewels of the yard.
Perhaps no other plants
individually
can have as great an
impact on how a yard looks in spring. Browse the articles to
which I've linked below for information on particular varieties
of flowering landscape trees. Pictures are included.

Crape Myrtles: Landscape Trees of the South

A popular choice in flowering landscape trees for Southerners

crape myrtles have a long blooming period (mid-summer to
fall). The blooming clusters of these flowering landscape trees
come in pink
white
red and lavender. The clusters appear on
the tips of new wood. Northerners can sometimes get away
with treating these flowering landscape trees as perennials
that die back in winter but come back in spring.

Trees

Not all specimens with a weeping habit are flowering
landscape trees
but this article looks at several weeping
varieties that do bloom
headed by four types of cherry.
Saucer Magnolias

The size and shape of the blooms are what suggested the
common name for these flowering landscape trees. Want a
specimen with a brilliant bloom as big as a saucer? Access
information on these beauties here.

Rose of Sharon

Although some people think of it as a landscape "tree"
(because it gets tall and can be pruned so as to have a single
trunk)
rose of sharon is
in fact
a flowering shrub. The fact
that it blooms relatively late -- and for a long time -- makes it
a valuable plant for those looking to distribute their yard's
color display throughout the growing season.
Top 10 List of Flowering Landscape Trees and Shrubs for
Spring |

This article features information on ten flowering landscape
trees and shrubs that brighten our spring seasons. Included
are redbud
callery pear and crabapple.
Hawthorn: Late-Blooming Landscape Trees

This article offers information on Washington hawthorn trees

which are perhaps most valued for the time at which they
bloom (late spring to early summer). Many of the popular
flowering specimens bloom earlier in the spring
and while
their blossoms are pleasant sights for eyes sore from winter's
barrenness
they desert us too quickly!

Orlando is a hot part of the earth and come summer the humidity and temperature can reach triple digits. Worse still
weeks of heat occur exactly when school is out and families head to Walt Disney World. No one in her right frame of mind considers heat
humidity and crowd a great combo
but with some planning
your family’s summer vacation to Disney World can still be fun.

Staying at an on-property Disney hotel is a good start. You can commute to the parks in air-conditioned comfort using Disney bus
monorail or water transportation. This is definitely a better choice than driving a car that has been baking in the sun for hours.

Another incentive for staying on a Disney property is that you can take advantage of the Extra Magic Hour. On designated days
a Walt Disney World theme park will open an hour early for Disney Resort guests only. With that extra hour
you have time to take a break during the afternoon for a swim or a nap. Some resorts even have water activities
such as water skiing and surfing lessons
which are perfect for a hot day.

Pack a few water-mister fans. These little gizmo's are life-savers. It’s fun to buy the Mickey version in the park
but why pay $15 a pop if you can get them at Wal-Mart for $4.95 each? Kids will be fighting over them
so getting a few of them cheaply and packing additional batteries to go is a smart choice.

If you have a Park-Hopper Pass
cool down by visiting the water parks. Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon offer lots of fun for the whole family in the form of slides or raft rides. The water parks get crowded in a hot day pretty fast
so if you arrive at 11 am or after
expect plenty of queuing in the hot sun.

This is obvious
but crucial to mention nonetheless: dress light and wear sandals. Most theme-park guidebooks advise proper shoes and socks
but with the heat and humidity
wrapping your feet in socks isn’t actually going to help.

Remember to drink plenty of water. If someone in your group does get dehydrated
get to the First Aid Station. Each Disney theme park has one.

This is the best tip
which is why I’m saving it for the last. If you have tots
let them set the pace. Kids get cranky easily in the heat. This is more so considering that while you are looking at castles
they are in a hot stroller with nothing interesting at eye level. So if the kids are tired
head to somewhere with air-conditioning
have a break in a restaurant
or do anything that allows everyone to cool down.

1
Do not bring 'Prohibited Items' to the airport (common sense items like swiss army knives
lighters
etc)
2. Use carry-on luggage for valuables such as cash
a laptop
and jewelry. Also to be placed in carry-on luggage are cameras and undeveloped film (The X-Ray will not damage film under 800 speed).
3. Tape your personal contact info or business card to the bottom area of the laptop and any other valuable you deem necessary.
4. Avoid wearing metal/foil containing clothing
accessories
and items (such as coins money clips
cell phone
keys
medicine
gum wrappers
batteries
lottery tickets
cigarettes
etc). In the case of things like coins and keys
try placing them altogether in a specified bag so it's easier to take them out and put them back in later.
5. Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal and/or have thick soles. The reason for this is because shoes do not have to trip off the alarm in order to have their own specific search procedures applied (so nothing can be hidden in the shoes).
6. Sure the Holidays are approaching
but make sure you do the wrapping of the gifts upon arrival
or ship them as opposed to bring them to the airport pre-wrapped as these will be checked by security personnel.
7. Arrive an hour to an hour and a half earlier before your scheduled departure since you will be searched no matter if you plane leaves in 5 minutes or 5 hours.

In light of the recent world events
these increased airport security (and beyond) measures are becoming a fact of life with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. However becoming educated and following a simple system can help you avoid foreseeable hassles along this turbulent journey called life.

Tip #1 : Buy a beach front Caribbean villa! Buying Caribbean beach front property can range from a bargain to outrageous. This does not mean that the cheaper Caribbean beach front property is any less attractive or luxurious than the more expensive ones
but means the location is different. For instance
Caribbean beach front property in the Bahamas is attractive
over run with tourists
& incredibly expensive. However
Caribbean beach front property in the Dominican Republic is as attractive
has less tourists
& a considerably more affordable price tag.

Tip #2 : Rent a villa for your trip! If you are not into real estate investment
why not rent a villa instead? Often
the price won't be a lot more expensive then an all inclusive package in a crowded hotel. & instead of having to eat buffet food for a week
you can cook your own meal
or even have someone do it for you!

Tip #4 : Charter a luxury Yacht! If you are looking for something a little less extravagant then the huge private Yachts
& a lot more affordable then there's a variety of luxury yacht charters Caribbean providers that will also be able to meet your needs & your budget. The wonderful thing about they Caribbean is no matter what your budget
preferences
& schedule there's someone who will be able to provide exactly what you are looking for.

Tip #3 : Rent a Caribbean island! Did you know you can rent a whole island for yourself? This can come with staff & everything you need to spend a luxurious holiday. it's also a very cool idea for a wedding!

Tip #5 : Contact a Caribbean holiday specialist Certainly
you can get online & start searching & learn everything there's to do in the Caribbean
however it's certainly a lot not as hard to basically employ Caribbean holiday specialists to help you plan your holiday. Not only will this save you time
but it will also save you funds because more often than not Caribbean holiday specialists are aware of different discounts & preferred rates. they have insight & knowledge & plenty of years experience booking Caribbean vacations
where you will have to do some serious work & effort to plan the holiday yourself.

With over 10 million residents and a rich and fascinating history
Moscow is the center of Russia's economic
cultural
and educational landscape. As a result of the country's steady economic growth and virtually unlimited potential
an increasing number of multinational corporations have set up shop in Moscow
bringing an unprecedented number of business travelers to the city. Yet the city's size and complexity
combined with the country's unique language and culture
make Moscow hard to navigate for foreigners. Here
then
are some tips to help ease the way for business travelers.

1
Carefully Choose Your Accommodations

Where you choose to stay can make the difference between a successful and a disastrous business trip. Your best bet is to select a business class
fully equipped
serviced apartment rental in Moscow. A short term rental will provide you with familiar Western comforts
while giving you access to the equipment you need (like Wi-Fi Internet; a computer printer
scanner
and fax; and free local calling) to stay connected and get the job done. Many come with a fully equipped kitchen and a washing machine
which will help you settle in and concentrate on the business at hand.

When selecting Moscow rentals
be sure to look for rentals in the upscale Arbat area of Moscow
within the Garden Ring Road. This is a very safe area
and one that is close to supermarkets
embassies
stores
restaurants
financial institutions
and nightclubs. Furthermore
unless you're fluent in Russian
choose to work with a company that is Western owned and operated. An English-speaking staff will go far in ensuring that your stay in Moscow goes smoothly and is stress-free.

2
Getting through Passport Control

When you arrive at Domodedovo International Airport or Sheremetyevo 2 International Airport
it's easy to become overwhelmed by the lines and procedures at passport control and customs. The best serviced apartment rental companies can also arrange for full airport VIP services
Fast Track check in
and business lounge access.

3
Visa Registration

Russia has very strict regulations for foreigners visiting Russia. Not only do you have to register upon your arrival in Moscow
but if you visit other cities
you have to register there as well. If you are staying in a short term rental
the Western company that manages the rental should be able to assist you in complying with the myriad visa requirements.

4
Airport and Train Transfers

Many business travelers are overwhelmed by the logistics involved in going to and from Moscow's airports and train stations. There are four major airports and nine train stations in the city
as well as the world's most extensive Metro system. Although it's possible to negotiate Moscow's transportation system on your own
it's much less of a hassle to book an airport or train station transfer with the Moscow rentals company you select.

5
Taxi and Transport Services

Whether you need to get around Moscow or are going to one of the many popular tourist destinations in Russia
it's important to select a reliable taxi and transport service. Again
it's helpful to be able to rely on Westerners
who can arrange for you to book an hourly taxi.

With the right planning
business travel in Moscow can be both productive and enjoyable.

A new year always means a chance for a new start. You and yours can begin this new year by making some travel resolutions together
regardless of your time and budget restraints. Put aside those new travel habits and make some new ones! Let this be the year that your travel designs focus on fun
fantasy
and festivities!



(1) we are going to plan a real vacation. No
it doesn't have to be an around the world cruise or first class getaway (but if you can afford it
what are you waiting for?) It does have to be an honest-to-goodness vacation
though. No cell phones
no laptops. Mark the dates on the calendar and keep it like you'd keep any business appointment. The business of romantic travel
though
is a fun four and an activity that the one of you can plan for months.



(2) we are going to involve each other in the trip planning. All often
four partner gets the job for planning a trip...and that task quickly becomes a bore. Plan your trips together! Anticipation is half the fun. Visit a travel agent. Collect brochures. Buy a guidebook. Rent a video about your destination. Search the web for information.



(3) we are going to do something we have rarely done. Here you can be as mild -- or as wild -- as you dare. Go whitewater rafting. Rent a houseboat. Take a hot air balloon ride. Spend the night in a local bed and breakfast. Learn to scuba dive. Dance the whole night away under the stars. The choice is yours.



(4) we are going to take four mini-vacation every month. Whether it's for the night or for the night out
plan four tiny slice of a vacation every single month. The only rule: you must pretend you are on vacation. Book a night at a local bed and breakfast. Call your local hotel and find out their non-peak nights (in business-oriented cities
it's usually Friday and Saturday) then plan a short romantic getaway.



(5) we are going to go to at least four festival. Special events take place at about every community around the world. Whatever your interests -- from square dancing to sandcastle building -- you'll find a festival celebrating with a day or one of fun and food. If you don't have the time or budget to go far
contact area chamber of commerce or tourism offices within a day's drive of your home for their calendar of events. If you can
extend your trip into a long weekend. If you have got the time and resources
check out a quantity of the major fun festivals: Carnival
Mardi Gras
Rio's Carnivale. Don't forget your costume!

At last
solid proof for what we’ve long suspected: skiing and snowboarding are good for you. And that’s not just because they’re both great fun and put a smile on your face but because this also improves our health
happiness
red blood cell count and makes us live longer. The evidence has always been there for us to see: the bearded septuagenarian bounding past you for the fifteenth time as you struggle down your first run of the day. Here’s his secret...

Sunlight.
Are you SAD? 1 in 50 people in the UK suffer from seasonal affective disorder which is a type of depression which commonly occurs during the winter months when the days are shorter. You travel to and from work in the dark
are cooped up in the office all day
and levels of serotonin
the brain’s natural mood lifter
drop. SADs can vary from mild winter blues to a more severe form where people can’t function in the winter without treatment. So get treatment and get up on the mountain. You may get depressed about the cost of a beer on the slopes
but that’s not quite the same thing.

Adrenalin.
We’re all just animals
obviously some creationists may disagree
but we need to exercise our fight or flight responses. What safer
or better
way of doing this than searching out the steepest black run you can find
or something just a little bit beyond your normal comfort zone. The adrenalin surge will activate the beta receptors in your nervous system causing your heart to beat faster and increasing air to the lungs. This stimulates the brain
and the endorphin rush of relief when it’s over
will make you feel like a super human after every run. You can then undo the good work done by celebrating with some apr่s ski in the bar afterwards.

Altitude.
Can the news get any better? Just being at altitude can make you thin
fit and desirable - at least the first two are true. A couple of years ago the Austrian Moderate Altitude Study was carried out. Men who were overweight and suffered from high blood pressure and high cholesterol were prescribed walks at an altitude of between 1400m and 2000M. The result? Exercise at altitude improves heart function and circulation
lowers blood pressure and burns calories. There was also an increased number of young red blood cells. So
as far as the theory goes
skiing rocks and just getting off at the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3842m) could add years to your life.

Fresh Air.
Spending time in the great outdoors helps to prevent disease and boost recovery. You can avoid the pretty nasty particles which float around in the urban air. According to some Harvard boffins in their Six Cities 1993 study those people living in the most polluted cities have a 26% greater risk of dying young than those in the cleanest. So give yourself a break from the congested traffic and polluted air and breath in that fresh
crisp
revitalising mountain air.

Learning.
Learning is good for us. Your parents told you so and they were right
but they and you need to heed that advice. Learning new skills later in life can slow down the onset of dementia. Attempting challenges such as learning a foreign language - which you can practice at the bar - or new skills
such as skiing
will reduce the risk of getting age related symptoms and diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

So what are you waiting for? Skiing is not only great fun but also scientifically proven to be good for you. Now that surely is an unbeatable combination.

When it comes to planning your vacation
it's tempting to go the do-it-yourself route. After all
it's easy enough to book an airline flight reservation. Why shouldn't you also do your own booking for a car rental
hotel
or even a cruise? Here are five reasons why you should leave your vacation planning to a professional
full service online travel agent:

1
Terrific Deals

You can do your own booking
but you won't necessarily get a low far or the best deal. Airlines
hotels
car rental agencies
and cruise ships count on people to make their own reservations and charge higher rates to those who do. Yet they don't really make a profit until they're completely booked.

Think of hotel rooms
airplane seats
and cruise ship cabins as perishable commodities. Just like an expired carton of milk has to be pulled off the grocery store shelf
on any given night
an empty hotel room is lost revenue that will never be regained. Similarly
an airplane is going to fly and a cruise ship will embark whether or not the seats and cabins are full. It's in the best interest of hotels
airlines
and cruise ships to be fully booked. That's why they offer discounted fares to an online travel agent
who can then pass along the savings to you.

2
Full Packages

A full service online travel agent can put together package vacations to destinations and hotel properties to which you might not otherwise have access. Perhaps you're a golfer
and want a dream golf vacation. Maybe a Caribbean vacation is on the horizon. Or maybe you are looking for the perfect cruise package. Although it's sometimes possible to book travel packages with the destination
you often don't get the options that best meet your needs. An online travel agent can put together packages that work best for you and your family.

3
Great Service

When you go the do-it-yourself route
it's often difficult to coordinate all aspects of your travel. Making sure that your flights depart and arrive at optimal times
that your hotel reservation is in order
that your car rental will be available
and that you'll have everything in order to board a cruise ship is no walk in the park. An online travel agent can do all the legwork for you so you can concentrate on preparing for your trip. And
if you have a change in plans
the great service that an online travel agent provides can make the transition a smooth one.

4
Group Travel

Extended families often travel together
and businesses have group travel requirements from time to time. In either case
a full service online travel agent can easily book trips for people who have the same destination but who are traveling from different places. Having a group travel coordinator gives everyone peace of mind and ensures that the group's needs are met.

5
Honeymoon Registry

If you're planning your honeymoon
an online travel agent can provide you with the latest trend in wedding gifts: the honeymoon registry. When you register with a full service online travel agent
your guests can contribute funds to your honeymoon
or they can buy specific services (such as a spa treatment or a romantic breakfast in bed) that you have on your wish list.

While it's possible to book travel yourself
why would you want to? After all
the advantages in using a full service online travel agent are limitless.

When it comes to planning your vacation
it's tempting to go the do-it-yourself route. After all
it's easy enough to book an airline flight reservation. Why shouldn't you also do your own booking for a car rental
hotel
or even a cruise? Here are five reasons why you should leave your vacation planning to a professional
full service online travel agent:

1
Terrific Deals

You can do your own booking
but you won't necessarily get a low far or the best deal. Airlines
hotels
car rental agencies
and cruise ships count on people to make their own reservations and charge higher rates to those who do. Yet they don't really make a profit until they're completely booked.

Think of hotel rooms
airplane seats
and cruise ship cabins as perishable commodities. Just like an expired carton of milk has to be pulled off the grocery store shelf
on any given night
an empty hotel room is lost revenue that will never be regained. Similarly
an airplane is going to fly and a cruise ship will embark whether or not the seats and cabins are full. It's in the best interest of hotels
airlines
and cruise ships to be fully booked. That's why they offer discounted fares to an online travel agent
who can then pass along the savings to you.

2
Full Packages

A full service online travel agent can put together package vacations to destinations and hotel properties to which you might not otherwise have access. Perhaps you're a golfer
and want a dream golf vacation. Maybe a Caribbean vacation is on the horizon. Or maybe you are looking for the perfect cruise package. Although it's sometimes possible to book travel packages with the destination
you often don't get the options that best meet your needs. An online travel agent can put together packages that work best for you and your family.

3
Great Service

When you go the do-it-yourself route
it's often difficult to coordinate all aspects of your travel. Making sure that your flights depart and arrive at optimal times
that your hotel reservation is in order
that your car rental will be available
and that you'll have everything in order to board a cruise ship is no walk in the park. An online travel agent can do all the legwork for you so you can concentrate on preparing for your trip. And
if you have a change in plans
the great service that an online travel agent provides can make the transition a smooth one.

4
Group Travel

Extended families often travel together
and businesses have group travel requirements from time to time. In either case
a full service online travel agent can easily book trips for people who have the same destination but who are traveling from different places. Having a group travel coordinator gives everyone peace of mind and ensures that the group's needs are met.

5
Honeymoon Registry

If you're planning your honeymoon
an online travel agent can provide you with the latest trend in wedding gifts: the honeymoon registry. When you register with a full service online travel agent
your guests can contribute funds to your honeymoon
or they can buy specific services (such as a spa treatment or a romantic breakfast in bed) that you have on your wish list.

While it's possible to book travel yourself
why would you want to? After all
the advantages in using a full service online travel agent are limitless.

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.

1
- Egypt. King Tut
The Pyramids
The Valley of the Kings. The list is endless. But it’s just not the history and the culture
it’s the people too. Egyptians are some of the kindest and most generous people on the planet. They will welcome you into their homes in a second and even if they have almost nothing
they will share it with you.

An afternoon on the Nile with an Egyptian felucca captain sailing your boat as the sun sets over the Nile in Luxor is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed.

2
– China. China is not somewhere people immediately think of when planning a holiday…but they should
and hopefully after the Olympics in Beijing they will. Even if you could only afford 7 to 10 days
an itinerary that takes in Beijing
Xian
a Yangtze River Cruise and Shanghai will be a great introduction.

And for an unforgettable experience
juts visit Guilin. Guilins landscape is amazing and totally unique. It can’t necessarily be called Mountainous as such
but the peaks that do rise
rise almost vertically up into the mist.

If you get a chance take a ski lift up to one of the peaks and just stare in awe at the view
and if you are feeing adventurous
take a kart down a toboggan style run (about 3
0
feet in length) !

3
– Jordan. Handily located
if you plan it right you can visit Egypt and Jordan together to make a real trip to remember. Amman is a great city full of atmosphere
Petra is marvellous
but surely the can’t miss site is the Dead Sea. The only ocean in the world with so much salt in it
you actually float !

This alone makes Jordan a must see country and on top of what I have already mentioned
don’t forget the Wadi Rum
Aqaba
Jerash and the Kings Highway. A week in Jordan is good
but 10 days is better.

4
– Hong Kong. Although there is much more to Hong Kong than just shopping
if you do love to shop
then Hong Kong is the place for you. A stroll along Nathan Road and a visit to the Temple Street market just HAS to be done. And make sure you have your bargaining hat on as haggling is as big a part of the experience as the purchases themselves.

There lots more to Hong Kong too. The great thing is that despite it being a modern city
there is tradition around every corner. Don’t forget to take a trip to Victoria Peak and enjoy the stunning views and remember that even if it’s misty
there are 2 guys at the top who will take your picture and transpose it onto a picture of what you should see if the weather where not so poor ! I also suggest a couple of half day visits out to Lama and Lantau Islands too. A great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the craziness that is Hong Kong.

5
– Thailand. Thailand suffers a little from it’s reputation of being a very hedonistic destination and while it is true that the is a very wild side to Thaialnd (especially certain areas of Bangkok
Phucket etc) there is also an amazing culture to immerse yourself in.

There really is everything there
adventure
culture and even for the not faint hearted
a place about 1 hour north of Thailand where you can go in
yes go in
with real live tigers. No cages
no chains
just you and around a dozen tigers. For me it was a thrill of a lifetime and without doubt it is just one of the many reasons that Thailand is in my top 5 of places you need to visit in the world

Copyright 2006 Bravos Direct

When the RC frequency spectrum was first introduced to provide controlled facilities for radio control (RC) modelers
it was limited to a set of just six. These frequencies were not labeled with channel numbers as they are today
but were represented by multi-colored flags; purple/white for 72.320 MHz (megahertz)
red/white for 72.240 MHz
etc. Having only 6 frequencies to choose from was quite restrictive and meant a lot of RC airplane pilots had to be grounded
waiting to take their turn on a given frequency. The RC model airplane frequency spectrum today is much broader
consisting of 50 separate 72 MHz channels for general use
a few 27 MHz channels for park flyers
and a handful of other more specialized channels reserved for licensed amateur radio operators.

So now you've decided to buy your RC model and radio equipment you also need to decide which radio frequency you are going to operate on. Unlike most other features of the sport
choosing a popular channel which is used by lots of other people is not a good idea. Choosing a standard 72 MHz frequency for your radio can be as simple as going to the local hobby store and purchasing one with a standard radio setup. But randomly choosing a channel can result in a problem if you don’t do a little investigation first.

Firstly
decide whether you are going to be a park flyer using 27 MHz or going for a more advanced setup on 72 MHz. The 27 MHz channels are primarily dedicated to what are considered “park flyers”. These pre-packaged systems usually come with everything you need to get up and flying and are intended for the casual flyer that just wants to get out
get in the air
and not mess with the higher cost of a more complex airplane and radio setup. Choosing a RC model airplane park flyer package with a pre-set frequency needs little to no investigation since you have little choice as the packages give you a choice of only 3 or 4 channels
some FM(frequency modulated)
some AM(amplitude modulated).

Channel conflicts in a RC park flying situation are less common due to the large number of parks and flying areas available to the casual pilot. But if you do invest in a park flyer then be aware that there may well be other pilots out there in the park using the same frequency as you – and that can mean expensive trouble when you lose control of your airplane because of someone else's signal
or even worse
if some stranger accuses you of causing his airplane to crash.

Second
if you are going for 72 MHz then visit your flying field and find out what other people are using. Imagine arriving to your favorite RC model airplane flying field only to find someone else already using the channel you have just paid out good money for. Some clubs have rules pertaining to what happens in this situation. As only one pilot can operate at a time on a given frequency this usually means pilots having to switch off and take turns using the frequency – and some means of the club controlling the changeover process either by physically taking control of the transmitter or just having a procedure written into the club rules. If you are flying at a busy site that is not a sanctioned flying club with rules and bylaws
you might find yourself sitting out and unable to fly for the day.

The smartest way to choose an RC frequency for your radio is to do some legwork first. Visit the field where you will do most of your flying. Investigate what channels are already in use and which channels are seldom used. Finding one that is infrequently used or not used at all will allow you to buy
secure in the knowledge that you will be able to fly with minimum interruption.

Third
make sure you can change the frequency after you have bought the equipment. If you take care to check before you buy whether the system will allow you to do a manual crystal replacement then if you run into a problem you can change later to a channel which is less busy. Some crystal changes you can do yourself while others have to go back to the factory to have the work done. Regardless of your current situation
if you already have an RC radio setup
or just thinking about getting one
doing a little footwork up front can go a long way to ensuring you get maximum enjoyment and flying hours out of your RC model.

You've finally decided you and your family on going to take that long awaited dream vacation in Hawaii. You've decided that you want to go the vacation rental route for numerous reasons: privacy
comfort
location and cost effectiveness. Next
you probably Googled Oahu Vacation Rentals and are faced with the daunting task of choosing among some 175
0
web sites. Where to begin? Here's two secrets that will help you make the right choice so you can enjoy your stay in Hawaii to its fullest.

Secret One: Use a reservation service. There are several reasons for this. First
a single property vacation rental listing by owner will severely limit you to the dates that you can take your vacation. Vacation rental properties in Hawaii run nearly 90% occupancy
so unless you know your travel dates six months to a year out the odds are high that their property won't be available for the travel dates you had in mind. Second
the owner is only concerned with booking their own property so they will extol the virtues of their vacation rental and not mention any of the faults.

Secret Two: Make the right choice of reservation service. Make sure it is locally owned and operated. Websites like vrbo and findrentals (for instance) don't have a clue about geography
weather
attractions
events and the other necessary information required to give you the property that best fills your needs. For instance
let's say you want to whale watch but also want to vacation on Oahu. Your reservation service should be able to tell you that you need to stay on the windward side of the island if you want to see the whales. Another tip-off of services to avoid are those that do automated
credit card bookings. Steer clear of these services as this implies they aren't interested in talking to you
they just want your money. Be wary of sites that have more than 100 properties….there aren't that many decent selections on Oahu
or any of the other Hawaiian islands
on the market. The more a service exceeds 100 properties
the greater the odds you'll end up in an overpriced
undesirable vacation rental. Here's another great hint. If a reservation service states that they have hotels or condos available in Kailua
or will have them soon
choose another service. Since
by zoning law
Kailua does not allow hotels or condos
you should realize that once again
this is a service that wants your money
not your piece of mind. Always ask the reservation service person you are talking to where they are located. Someone based in Las Vegas or Los Angeles won't have a clue about how to give you the best property for the vacation experience you have in mind.

With the standard vacation rental property terms being no refunds after you've paid your deposit
you absolutely want to make sure you make the right choice. A good reservation service will ask you questions about what you want to do and see on your vacation and will actually try and talk you out of a property you had in mind if they don't think it appropriate to what you had in mind. This is not an attempt to upsell you
it's more a matter of matching your vacation desires and needs with the perfect choice of vacation rental venue. One vacation rental reservation service that meets all these requirements is Pacific Islands Reservations. They are owned and operated by Ingrid Carvalho
who was born and raised in the islands
as were her parents
grandparents and great-grandparents. She has been serving visitors to Hawaii vacation rental needs since 1996. She currently represents ninety vacation rentals on Oahu and another 90 vacation rentals on Maui
Kauai and the Big Island. She has actually been to each and every property she represents--she even took most of the photographs of the vacation rentals you see on her web sites. She doesn't take credit cards but she's happy to spend time talking with you to make sure you get the right property to maximize the value and enjoyment of your vacation.

If you manage to find the right mover then half the battle is won. One of the greatest challenges of moving from one city to another
to the countryside
or abroad is locating an efficient and honest mover.

Keep in mind the following: movers must have a good reputation
an extensive network
and be licensed and insured. In addition
they must be professional
polite
understand your needs and proffer the right advice.

Here are a few considerations to put you on the right track:

1. Meet the mover and find out how long they have been in business and whether they can give you a few references.

2. Check the references. Call his clients to check on the services the mover offered and whether there were any problems.

3. Do an online search to determine whether there are any warnings or complaints against the mover.

4. Check with the local chamber of commerce or bank to determine the moving company’s business standing.

5. Check if the mover’s license and insurance are current. Ensure they have workman’s compensation and other benefits in place.

6. Determine whether the mover handles the work himself or assigns it to a sub agent or associate.

7. The mover must have a wide network with offices in the place you are moving to.

8. A reputable mover will be a member of AMSA
the American Moving and Storage Association. As a professional he will have committed to following an industry Code of Conduct and will offer quality service.

9. The ideal mover will not give you an estimate off the top of his head. He will insist to making a preliminary inspection
listing objects to be moved
and ask you to answer a number of questions. Based on which he will prepare an estimate and highlight variables.

10. He will be open minded and explain clearly what you can expect and what you cannot. He will tell you all about insurance
the actual moving process
transit storage
guarantees and so on.

An ideal mover will value your business and explain his responsibilities clearly.

Once you know you have to move allocate enough time to finding the right mover. Ask relevant questions like will my stuff reach its destination as promised
will the material move as one load or as part of other things
a larger load. What kind of training do your workers receive? Are the workers experienced in packing antiques and other valuables? Do I need additional insurance apart from the one provided by you?

Be prudent and weigh the pros and cons carefully. Never let cost dictate your choice. Sometimes by cutting corners to save a few pennies you may loose thousands in damaged goods or lost goods.

Planning a Tropical holiday full of lush jungles
secluded beaches
& friendly people but not expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay
a resort or a private villa? Do you require long lines
crowded pools
babies jogging up & down the corridors? I think not.

Selecting the best Costa Rica holiday rental can be the difference between a great holiday & three where you feel like you are 'doing without'.

plenty of vacationers consider the Costa Rica holiday rental as 'just somewhere to stay' since most of your time will be spent in or on the water
or enjoying local attractions. Don't make that mistake. there is no reason to settle for less when
with a little planning
you can find a great Costa Rica holiday rental that you'll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your holiday.

Remember
your holiday home is where you'll be sleeping
waking up
having lots of of your meals
& resting.

If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside
you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch three of your favorite movies on the DVD - assuming there is a comfortable sofa. & when you meet new friends
you'll require someplace lovely for entertaining. should not your holiday rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? "A home away from home"

Here are 10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica holiday rental:

With the web
a web site is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica holiday rentals. If there's no pics
you'll know right away to keep looking. Brochures
books & guides are lovely
but may have out-dated information.

1
The single most important factor is whether or not you can "see" actual recent photos of the interior & exterior of the holiday rental. it is three thing to read a great description - & a number of them are 'complimentary' (sometimes overly so) - but you require to see what you are getting.

With these lists as a guide
you'll be able to quickly eliminate those rentals that won't meet your needs. Your list might include proximity to the water
the number of bedrooms & bathrooms
type kitchen (full versus fridge & microwave)
outdoor amenities such as decks & BBQ grills
ocean views
private pools
outdoor eating areas
tennis courts & other items important to you.

2
List the amenities that are important to you
the ones without which you will feel incomplete. Next
jot down those that are lovely to have
but not deal-breakers if not available.

3
List the activities that you require to be able to enjoy while on holiday. A morning activity like scuba diving
snorkeling or canopy tour then coming back to the villa to relax may be a high priority for you.
You also require to consider how close the holiday rental is to the airport. it is important to know how far the rental is from your arrival airport. Some rentals can take a half a day's drive & after your flight even an hour's drive can seem an eternity. Your travel time back to the airport at departure can also frustrate your entire holiday. Enjoying your last morning of your holiday by a private pool instead of travelling for hours to the airport can be important to you. For Costa Rica holiday rentals that are only 20 minutes from the Liberia International airport visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com. This will help you in selecting a general location.

On your secondary list
you might have things like a hammock for lazing about
or pool waterfall for the relaxing sounds. Exterior stereo speakers
to enjoy your favorite music around the pool. Ice makers to mix your favorite drinks
in the heat of the day.

Some people feel that a great holiday is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don't mind a short drive
& still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions.

You also require to consider how close you require your holiday rental to be to the attractions.

4
Identify your first
second & third choice of dates for renting the villa.
With several dates
you'll save time when making arrangements.

If you prefer a holiday without the hassles of traffic
parking problems
crowds & long lines
select a villa located in the quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama
Costa Rica. Visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more.

If you find a villa that you really require & you have some flexibility in scheduling
having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then
saving yourself the time & hassle of having to re-check everyone's schedule & call back - & risking losing those dates in the interim.

5
Call the telephone numbers for the holiday rentals that seem to meet your needs & speak directly with either the owners or the person who's handling the property.

Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples
& keeps you from forgetting something important during the conversation.

It also gives you a feel for the person who will be your contact should you rent the villa & then encounter a problem. If you don't get a warm
friendly welcome to your inquiries
don't expect anything different when you have a problem.

Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will the owner have essential items in the refrigerator for you
before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates
utensils
pots
pans & other essentials for eating & meal preparation - or will you have to bring your own?
Does the rental have air condition or do you have to depend on the winds to comfort you?

6
Ask what amenities are included.
You may learn of something that isn't on your list but is perfect for your designs.
Does the rental have maid service? Last thing you require to do is make the beds or tidy the dishes
even if there is a dishwasher.
Does the rental have a washer & dryer? If so
you will not have to take as lots of cloths with you. Will the maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of tidy cloths is certainly a benefit.

7
Inquire about restaurants
events & activities & other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here's where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions
calendars & restaurants on the web site of your Costa Rica holiday rental.

8
Are the owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7?
Owners are a wealth of information about the area & can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren't in the guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment & comfort while at their villa.

This can make a huge difference; should something require immediate attention in the villa. there is nothing worse than calling the rental company about a stopped-up toilet & getting somebody's bored teenager who's manning the phones for the summer.

9
How long has the owner been renting holiday rentals?
If the owner has worked with rental properties
they know what tenants expect & how to get things done.

If this is a new venture
beware. The owner may be in it for "fun" & have no idea how to prepare the villa so that you can have a great holiday.

10
& last
when you look at the pics
can you see yourself having a great time there?

If the pics make you require to go right now
& the answers to the questions above meet your satisfaction
you have found yourself a great Costa Rica holiday rental!

Ireland has long been an island divided
but is starting to make a serious comeback. Here are 10 things to know about the Emerald Isle.

10 Things to Know About Ireland

An island located close to Britain
Ireland has been in nearly constant conflict with its neighbor. Alas
things have changed dramatically in the last ten years as have Ireland’s fortunes. Religious violence seems to have tapered off and economic growth is some of the strongest in Europe.

Here are ten things to know about the amazing country of Ireland.

1. The island is split between two countries
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

2. Prior to 1921
the entire island was part of and controlled by Britain.

3. In 1921
26
counties in the south were given independence and became the Republic of Ireland.

4. Northern Ireland is approximately 55 percent Protestant and 44 percent Catholic. This division has led to decades of strife in all aspects of life.

5. Ireland has remained neutral during the two World Wars despite the fact Great Britain played a key role in each.

6. In 1990
Mary Robinson was elected the first female President of the Republic of Ireland.

7. You will find “rag trees” in Ireland. As the name suggests
trees are covered with rags tied to their branches. The rags represent wishes for a variety of things.

8. In some parts of the country
you can go bowling on Sundays. On the public roads! The idea is to roll a heavy ball from the starting point to a finishing point as much as a couple of miles away. The team that does it in the fewest number of throws wins.

9. The ancestors of U.S. Presidents Kennedy and Reagan were Irish.

10. The Patron Saint of Ireland
Saint Patrick
was Scottish!

Ireland has a long and storied history as well as a unique cultural all its own. As you can tell from the above
this is a place you should visit if you get a chance.

Hong Kong is an international city and it has vast number of tourists come from all over the world in all year round. According to the Hong Kong Government statistics
the number of international tourists visited Hong Kong in 2005 reaches 10.8 million which represents a 13.1% increase when compared to 2004. Countries such as Australia
Canada
French
China
India
Indonesia
Malaysia
Singapore
Korean
Thailand
British and United States all contributes significant tourist growth for Hong Kong. This article presents some critical traveler tips for tourists so that you could enjoy more and have a wonderful trip to Hong Kong.

1. Personal Identity and Safety
Tourists must carry valid personal identity documentation such as passport during their stay in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a very safe city according to the low crime rate. However
due to the densely population
it is not suggested to take a large amount of cash when going out since most of the shops in Hong Kong accepts credit cards. Expensive belongs should be locked in the safe in hotel. You could easily find policemen on the streets whenever you have encountered any problems.

2. Service Charges
Most of the restaurants except fast food shops will add 10% service charges to the bill. Therefore
you may choose to give out the odd dollars from the changes as the service tips. For taxi driver or bellboy in the hotel
there is no pre set norm for the service tips
you may choose to give out whenever you think the service is deserved for.

3. Telephone Service
All local telephone call is free except for the public telephone which charges HK$1 for every 5 minutes. Emergency call is 999 and it is free to call even in public telephone. You could either use IDD telephone call card or credit card for long distance call
or simply through operator for collect call in all public telephone counter.

4. Drinking Water
The drinking water in Hong Kong reaches World Health Organization standard. However
you may also choose to buy the bottle water in the supermarkets if you think it is necessary.

5. Taxi
All taxi only accept cash and they have invoice print out whenever you request. It is easier to catch the taxi in the taxi stop or outside the hotel. Many of the taxi drivers could understand simple English. It is suggest writing down your destination (in English) on paper to minimize misunderstandings. The taxi charges is based on the meter which is HK$15 for the first 2 Km and HK$1.4 for the subsequent 0.2 Km. Besides
there are tunnel charges ranging from HK$3-45 depends on which tunnel you have to take. The charging table is clearly shown on the inner side of the doors so you could check it before you pay. In case of any complaints or lost case
you may record down the name of the taxi driver and his license plate number which is clearly shown on the front seat stand
and reports to the police hotline: 2527 7177 whenever necessary.

6. Mass Transit Railway (MTR)
Hong Kong has 6 MTR routes
which covers most parts of Hong Kong Island
Kowloon and New Territories.
Tsuen Wan Route: Tsuen Wan to Central
Kwun Tong Route: Yau Mat Tei to Tiu Keng Leng
Tseung Kwan O Route: North Point to Po Lam
Main Route: Sheung Wan to Chai Wan
Tung Chung Route: Tung Chung to Hong Kong
Airport Route: Airport to Hong Kong
Due to the convenience of MTR and the compact area of Hong Kong
most tourists find it is not necessary to rent car during their stay. Besides
due to the very heavy traffic and the complexity of the city roads
it is not recommended for tourists to drive. In case you really need car rental
you may consult your hotel
and be ready with your passport and driving license.

7. Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR)
The KCR is the major railway which links up the New Territories and the city of Kowloon. It runs through Tsim Sha Tsui East to Lo Wu which takes about 40 minutes for the whole route. Lo Wo is the final station which you could pass through to enter China with valid visa. The train will depart for every 3 to 10 minutes
and the earliest one will be started at 5:35 a.m. while the last one will be departed at 12:20 p.m. The ordinary fair and the first class fair are HK$18 and HK$36 respectively from Hung Hom to Sheung Shui.


8. Tram
The tram service has been started in 1904 and it is the oldest transportation system in Hong Kong. It only services the Hong Kong Island running from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan plus another route to Happy Valley. The earliest tram starts at 6: 00 a.m. and run until 1:00 p.m. and the fair is HK$ 2 for adult and HK$ 1 for children under age12. It is the cheapest transportation in Hong Kong
and you are highly recommended to take a ride at the upper stairs so that you could enjoy all the street scenery of Hong Kong.

9. Star Ferry
The scenery of Hong Kong harbor is famous in the world
especially the night scenery. Besides
there is spectacular light show by the commercial buildings in the Hong Kong island at 8:00 p.m. every night which you must not miss. The Star Ferry has been serving on the harbor for more than 100 years
and the fair is less than HK$3 per rides. You could take the Star Ferry from Cental to Tsim Sha Tsui at around 8:00 p.m. You could enjoy the harbor scenery on the ferry and continue with the light show at the Starlight Road of Tsim Sha Tsui.

10. Hong Kong International Airport
The most convenient route to the Hong Kong International Airport is through the MTR which takes about 23 minutes from Central. It passes through stations of Kowloon
Olympic
Tsing Yi
and the train will be departed for every ten minutes. With the MTR
you would never miss the airplane due to the traditional traffic jam. Other than the MTR
you could take the Airport Bus which starts from 6:00 a.m. at the morning until 11:00 p.m. at night. It covers most part of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with major hotels.

It's summer time and the living is easy. So time to go shopping and get a new pair of sneakers. But you don't want an ordinary pair of sneakers. You want something unique
flashy
and eye catching. So wither your a native New Yorker or your visiting from out of town here are some of the best spot to find sneakers in NYC.

1. Premium Good's
694 Fulton St (Btw. Ft. Green Pl & S. Elliot)

718.403.9348
Train: A or C to Layffette
Hours: 10am-7pm
Looking for Bathing Ape? They have em! Plus a whole slew of sneakers many people have never seen in the US.

2. Alife Rivington Club
158 Rivington St Cross Street: Between Clinton Street and Suffolk Street
212.375.8128
Train: F to Second Ave
Hours: Tues-Sun. 12pm-7pm
This down-low sneaker spot have some SERIOUS kicks that will make you shell out that $300.

3. Adidas Orginals
136 Wooster St
212.777.2001
Train: N or R to Prince St.
Hours: 10am-7pm
My Adidas! Your Adidas! Who does't like Adidas!

4. Training Camp
41 and 6th AVe
Train: D Train to 42nd.
Hours: 10am-7pm
A large selections of sneakers and large sizes for those with big feet.

5. ATMOS
203 West 125th Street
Train: A Train to 125th St.
Hours: 10am-7pm
The best place in Harlem to find affordable and hard to find sneakers.

6. NikeTown
6 East 57th St. NY
212.891.6453
www.niketown.com
Train: N or R to 57th
Hours: 10am-7pm
The mothership for all that is NIKE!

7. Laces
252 Mott Street
212.334.5457
Train: B
N
R to Broadway-Layffette
Hours: Monday by appointment only
Tues-Friday 10am-7pm.
The only sneaker store in town that's execlusivly for women.

8. KCDC
99 North 10th Street
718.387.9006
kcdcskateshop.com
Break out ya skate board and skate your troubles away. otherwise pick up a nice pairk of sneakers here.

9. Dave's Quality Meats
7 East 3rd off the Bowery
212.505.7551
Train: F to Bowery
Hours: 10am-7pm
You won't find salamey here but a dope selections of sneakers and t-shirts.

10. Nort 235
235 Eldridge Street
212.777.6102
Train: Locations throughout Manhattan
Hours: 10am-7pm
if your looking for sneakers that you won't see alot of people wearing then visit this spot.

1
Visit Downtown Disney.

It cost nothing to visit Downtown Disney. There are lots of fun shops to stroll through and plenty of people watching oportunities. (If you visit during the day PLEASE take a hat. I think Downtown Disney has it's own micro climate - it often seems degrees hotter than the rest of Orlando.) Don't miss the snoozing man made from lego or the fabtastc magnets at Magnetron Magnetz. Stop in the Art of Disney store - They run a trivia quiz every day and give out prizes if you get them all right!

2. Watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks

from the beach of the Grand Floridian or Polynesian. You can park at the resorts for a short time for free. Tell the guard you are visiting the hotel coffee shop.

3. Take a free tour of Wilderness Lodge

Check with guest services for times and details. There is also a hidden Mickey hunt (list available from guest services)

4. Watch the Electrical Water Pageant

It takes place each night on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake - times vary. A long line of barges are transformed into a magical light show. It is short - just a few minutes long but is one of the overlooked treasures of Walt Disney World. It can be seen from the beaches of the Grand Floridian and Polynesian and the Fort Wilderness Marina and Beach

5. Nature Trails at Fort Wilderness

There are many miles of trails at Fort Wilderness
through pine and cypress woods. All free. You can hire bikes but to walk costs nothing

6. Visit The Boardwalk

Best in the evening. Just stroll and take in the atmosphere. There's usually lots of "street entertainment"

7. Visit the The petting farm at Fort Wilderness.

The petting farm is open 7 am to dusk a. There is free day parking at Ft. Wilderness.

8.Take the free garden tour at the Yacht & Beach Club Resort.

Call guest services for times

9.Take the free lobby tour at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

10 Campfire sing-song and a movie.

Each evening a campfire is held at Fort Wilderness (it is free to WDW Resort Guests) near the Meadow Trading Post. Take your own marshmallows to toast. The campfire is followed by a Disney cartoon feature shown on a large outdoor screen.

--- I know I said 10 Free things but I have included one more because #10 is only free to guests staying at a Disney World Hotel!

11 Take a boat ride.

from Dixie Landings to Downtown Disney - it's especially nice at night. Take a stroll round Downtown Disney and catch the boat back to your car at Dixie Landings.

You've seen the Expedia.com commercials with the couple in the beachside bungalow with mosquito nets... and the thought of going on vacation to stay in a tent gives you the creepy crawlies already. Not to worry
you won't need a sleeping bag and a bottle of Off! for this exotic vacation. When was the last time you stayed in an air-conditioned
790
square-foot tent with wooden floors
embroidered interior canopies
private gardens
outside deck for sunbathing
king size four-poster bed
freestanding rolltop bath and separate shower? And just to make sure you don't feel like you're "roughing it
your tent comes with a DVD player and minibar.

It's seems contradictory that the words
luxury" be used to describe a tent but at the Oberoi Vanyavilas
located between the Aravali and the Vindhya mountain ranges in South-Eastern Rajasthan
India
the concept is far from novel. Nestled among 20 acres of landscaped gardens
lemon and mango trees
and lakes and fountains
are 25 tents
bordering on one of the most extraordinary wildlife reserves in the world
Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve
which is home to the majestic Indian tiger
as well as deer
leopard
and crocodile.

Now
before you think that this is an isolated retreat
consider the fine dining options and extensive spa services available. In the Dining Room and Inner Courtyard
Executive Chef Saurav Banerjee and Indian Master Chef Arjun Singh Yadava present an impressive spread of Western
Thai and Indian cuisine from a revolving menu. The exquisitely decorated restaurant features hand painted frescoes of flowers and animals by the celebrated miniaturist Mohan Singh Kumawat. Outside is the walled terrace of the Inner Courtyard which is lit at night by a massive log fire (camp fire songs optional).

As with any quality resort
there is a spa
where you'll find steam rooms
showers and private therapy suites and a long menu of spa treatments
massages
facials
manicures and pedicures. Try the stimulating Indian Spice Wrap and a delicious Orange Wrap. All the massage and aromatherapy treatments are aimed at relieving stress and promoting a deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing. And for fitness buffs who can't miss a workout
there is an exercycle
rowing machine
steppers and a treadmill
as well as an outdoor heated pool.

El juego de mesa backgammon es uno de los juegos mas antiguos del hombre. Se dice que las primeras variaciones del juego comenzaron en el antiguo Egipto
Area Mesopotแmica y Antigua Roma. Desde entonces
el juego ha evolucionado
cambiado de nombre varias veces y dispersado a diferentes partes del mundo. Actualmente es un pasatiempo original alrededor de los Estados Unidos
Asia del Este
Europa y Medio Oriente.

Para comenzar a jugar necesitas a un compa๑ero
dos dados y una tabla de backgammon especial. La tabla esta dividida en dos lados con divisiones numeradas de 1 a 24. Puntos 1 a 6 son la llegada
7
a 12 la salida. 13 a 18 el punto medio.

Al comienzo del juego
cada jugador tiene dos fichas en el punto 24
3
fichas en el punto 8
5
en el punto 13 y 5 en el punto 6. Cada jugador tira los dados y el puntaje mas alto comienza la jugada.

El que comienza mueve las fichas de acuerdo a la posici๓n opuesta de las agujas del reloj
desde su punto de partida para llegar al punto de partido del oponente.

El objetivo del backgammon es mover tus fichas hasta llegar al punto de partida de tu adversario y luego removerlas del tablero. La velocidad del progreso del juego es determinada por los resultados de los dados.

Cada jugador tira dos dados en cada turno
y deber una o dos fichas de acuerdo al n๚mero que salio en cada dado. Puede mover una ficha sumando el puntaje de los dos dados
o mover dos. Por ejemplo
si el resultado del dado es 5 y 4
puedes mover una ficha 9 lugares o mover una 5 y luego otra 4 para adelante.

Si los dados salen dobles
un numero dos veces
puedes mover las fichas 4 veces en vez de dos. Es decir
si sale un doble 2
moverแs 2 lugares cuatro veces. En ese caso puedes o mover una ficha 8 veces
2
fichas cuatro lugares
4
fichas dos veces o la combinaci๓n que elijas que requiera dos lugares 4 veces.

Puedes mover una ficha a un casillero que hay solo una de tu oponente
y asํ la "comes". Luego
esta ficha es ubicada en la mitad del tablero
llamada el bar.

Tu oponente puede volver a jugar una vez que puedo ubicar a la ficha en alg๚n casillero de su llegada que no este ocupado por mas de una ficha tuya. Por ejemplo
si tira los dados y sale 2 y en ese casillero no hay ninguna ficha o solo una tuya
el puede entrar y seguir sus jugadas. De lo contrario
deberแ esperar a su turno y volver a intentarlo.

Una vez ubicadas todas tus fichas en el casillero de llegada de tu oponente
deberแs comenzar a removerlas del tablero. Es decir
si tiras los dados y sale 1 y 2 puedes mover una ficha del casillero 1
si sale 2
puedes mover una ficha del casillero 2 y asํ sucesivamente.

Si tu oponente no ha removido ninguna ficha mientras que tu has removido 15
tu ganas el juego y viceversa. Lo mismo ocurre si tu has removido 15 fichas y el tiene algunas en el medio comidas
(sin aun haber removido ninguna) tu ganas el juego.

El juego es muy entretenido e inteligente que te puede acompa๑ar en muchas ocasiones. Disfr๚talo!

Encontrar pareja es algo no tan fแcil de hacer. Todo depende en las posibilidades y opciones de cada uno. Como buscar departamento por ejemplo
requiere saber como buscar
en que sitios
en que inmobiliarias
etc.

En el caso de una pareja
es importante tener en claro a donde buscar. Los sitios en Internet se han convertido en una de las mejores opciones en los ๚ltimos a๑os de su popularidad. Gente como vos y yo que no encuentran al amor de su vida
encuentran en sitios para conocer gente en lํnea muchas opciones que en la vida cotidiana no pueden o no pretenden buscar.

La ventaja principal de estos sitios es que te permiten dejar atrแs muchos prejuicios que llevamos a la hora de encontrarnos con alguien cara a cara. No te importa decir lo que piensas o enfrentar a alguien que quieres porque sabes que no pierdes nada si lo haces
solo puedes ganar.

Los sitios tambi้n son divididos en inter-grupos
es decir si eres de alguna religi๓n o origen ้tnico
nacionalidad
hobbies
preferencias sexuales
etc. Si buscas a alguien que sea como tu
en los sitios de Internet lo puedes encontrar.

Otro de los beneficios de encontrar pareja en lํnea
es que lo puedes hacer en cualquier momento del dํa
desde cualquier computadora que desees. Si no puedes dormir
y estas sin nada que hacer
sabes que hay alguien del otro lado del monitor que se encuentra igual que ti. Puede ser en tu ciudad
o en cualquier otro lugar del mundo. Es tambi้n una manera muy prometedora para abrir tu mente y conocer otras culturas fuera de la tuya.

He oํdo muchas historias de parejas amigas que se conocieron por Internet en sitios como JDate
Date.com
y otros. Algunos viven juntos
otros estแn casados y muy felices
otros por supuesto no funcionaron pero lo intentaron.

Especialmente para aquellos que trabajan hasta tarde
y no tienen tiempo de salir a bares y conoces a alguien hacerlo en lํnea es ideal. (Especialmente sabiendo que en bares
la mayorํa de la gente busca solo encuentros cortos de una noche
y no mas que eso.)

Otra de las ventajas de estos sitios es que la mayorํa de los que estแn alistados realmente buscan pareja y no solo una noche de diversi๓n. Algunos buscan solo diversi๓n
pero encontraran a otros alistados en la misma secci๓n
sin decepcionar a los que buscan pareja. Es todo muy organizado y fแcil de llevar a cabo.

Este sistema es desde ya un gran cambio para los mayores de 40
que estaban acostumbrados a otro tipo de interacci๓n para encontrar pareja. Sin embargo
no hay duda que Internet hace este proceso mucho mas fแcil y posible para muchos. Pru้balo y veras!