Philippines Travel: The Old World Charm Of Ilocos

Going to the province of Ilocos is like treading back in time. Not only for the Spanish colonial houses, but for the simple, laid-back feel of the towns and its people.

In old times, Ilocandia has been described as a God-forsaken land because of its arid and difficult terrain. But the hardy people of this province had the patience and the will to survive, and eventually turned it into a lush and abundant highland. Amidst all these, is a rich history consisting of legendary uprisings, monumental edifices, and noble men and women who have made Ilocos a unique and remarkable place that it is today.

Vigan is a sleepy town at the heart of Ilocos Sur. It’s easy to find your way around because the people are friendly and warm to visitors. At the center of the town is Plaza Salcedo erected in honor of Juan Salcedo who named this place Ciudad Fernandina after King Ferdinand of Spain. Right across the plaza is the St. Paul’s Cathedral built in 1641 and which came under the Diocese of Nueva Segovia in 1758.

A few minutes walk will bring you to the Burgos House. Now converted into a museum, the house is the birthplace of Fr. Jose Burgos, one of the priests executed in Cavite during the revolution. The museum houses what were left of the Burgos family belongings which include antique furnitures, clothing and other artifacts donated by some prominent families in Vigan.

Indeed, Vigan is best known for its Castillian houses with old tile roofs, hardwood floorings and azoteas. These houses are located in Heritage Village which is the core of the Mestizo district. Some of the houses remain in possession of descendants of their original owners with the antique interiors and furnishings intact, while some of these ancestral homes have been turned into cozy inns, museums, and souvenir shops.

Although many of these houses have been converted into commercial establishments, the brick structures are preserved. The whole block breathes in an eerie feeling emphasized more by the calezas or horse-drawn carriages which remain a mode of transportation around town.

You can buy real or reproduction antique furniture around VIgan’s antique stores or visit pottery factories along Rizal street for ceramic products. These factories will be more than happy to give a demonstration on pottery-making. You can also buy woven blankets and table napkins at low prices.

Vigan has been declared a World Heritage Site and it is recommended that you view the houses at night with the streets lighted perfectly and the air cool.

Galveston Cruises

Nothing resembling the Galveston cruise port that exists today harbored ships coming to Galveston in the year 1900. Much of that old port washed away during the unnamed hurricane that blew ashore in early September of that year. Motivation for creation of a new port (and an entire new city) became evident on September 9, 1900, the day following that storm.

The bells of the Ursuline Convent sounded on that day. Travelers on present day cruises from Galveston, Texas might want to listen for sounds similar to the sounds made by those tolling bells. Then perhaps they could imagine the sounds of those bells being carried over a part of Galveston harbor. The travelers would, of course, need to realize that the Galveston Cruise Terminal did not exist back in September of 1900.

In fact, only a fraction of the buildings in Galveston remained standing after that September storm had pounded on the Galveston shores. At least 1600 homes had to be rebuilt by the residents who stayed in Galveston after September 9, 1900. Yet the challenge of rebuilding did not drive people out of Galveston, To the contrary, volunteers from Houston came to Galveston in order to aid the rebuilding efforts.

Those Houston visitors did not get much of a reward for their efforts. They could not leave the rebuilt City on a Galveston cruise line. No one could offer the Houston guests tickets for a discount cruise. Galveston extended whatever hospitality it could, but that hospitality had its limits. During the rebuilding, the City had been filled with pumps, sludge, stench, canals and long catwalks.

The work of those volunteers, combined with that of the City residents, laid the framework for a new City. Today that City frequently harbors a Carnival cruise line. Galveston residents can stand on the dock and watch the cruises departing Galveston. In addition, the rebuilt City has attractions that draw ships into Galveston harbor.

On repeated occasions, the ship coming into the City harbor has been a Galveston cruise line. The occupants on that ship were thus returning from a Galveston Texas cruise. They returned to a city where the residents felt prepared for whatever nature might send their way.

Today the residents of Galveston relish the chance to show-off their rebuilt City. They take pride in the fact that their City has been chosen as a stopping point for Carnival cruises. The residents of Galveston understand the extent to which cruises out of Galveston, TX help to swell the coffers of the government treasury.

Maybe the residents participating in the rebuilding efforts appreciated the financial benefits expected in Galveston. Maybe they saw that what the sea can take away it can also return.

Family Go Away Or Family Getaways

Right about the time you are ready to get away from your family, that is the time to realize just getting away is all you really need to do. Getting away. Two words that seem elusive to most of us. Well if you think smart, plan early, and take a leap of pure faith you can find resort deals that will have you asking why you did not get away sooner.

There are all types of hot spot vacation resorts offering deals that will keep the family happy all year round. Planning a getaway and looking forward to that specific getaway is almost as fun and rejuvenating as the actual vacation.

Disney resorts are one of the most widely offered vacation resort deals that scream ‘family’. But the vacation resort deals don’t stop in California or Florida. When you have coastlines with every type of ocean settings from tropical with seashells galore to craggy cliffs with amazing lighthouses you will not be surprised there are vacation hot spots in the United States alone that stretch from sea to shining sea.

Aside from the coastlines there are historical getaways, hysterical getaways, and also harrowing getaways. Maybe you want to learn about things in the past and create a stronger sense of history and heritage within your family unit. From snow skiing in Colorado to sunbathing in Maui there is not any reason why you should put a family getaway off for another minute.

You can search online for the perfect getaway for the entire family. The fun begins when you make it a family project to engage in the search. Whether you have toddlers or teens or “inbetweens” everyone needs to step back from the rush of piano lessons, soccer practice and career deadlines to breathe in some fresh air.

Arranging the finer points of a vacation resort deal is simple enough when you choose to do it yourself. Or if you prefer to leave booking flights and securing the best deals up to a trained professional then there are ample ways to find the best possible resort vacation deal provider for you.

Heading out of to encounter new adventures in other continents is affordable also. Deciding to see what other countries have to offer and making vacation resort deals of the century is fast and easy. If you and your family want to experience in person the island chains of the Caribbean or the old world charm of the Mediterranean it will be the most exciting getaway. Just don’t wait any longer to achieve that refreshing vacation dream. Do it today.

© Copyright 2006 by Dana Sanders. All rights reserved.

How to Win More From the

It may be for the excitement, it may be for a vacation but it is the dream of going home a big winner that keeps us going back to the casinos, but are there ways other then cheating that can help you take home more cash? The answer is yes.

Believe it or not gambling at on online casino is a great way to gain experience so that you can win some big money in the casinos.

May online casinos besides having games as low as 50 cents, also have practice rooms that are free. You are given some play money to make your bets, but no real money is exchanged.
These practice rooms are available for most of the different casino games like poker, blackjack, roulette and baccarat.

This is a great way to gain experience. Not only do you get to play, you also get the experience of playing against other people instead of a computer. This allows you to learn how to watch their betting habits to look for patterns. This may not be so important in a game like roulette or craps but in poker this is almost as important as the cards you are dealt.

These patters are called tells. A tell is when someone gives away their hand by an involuntary action.

Some common tells are the way players arrange their cards, or playing with their chips when they have a good hand, or rubbing their face when they are bluffing

In a practice poker room you also get the experience of learning how to watch your money, without losing your shirt when you make a mistake, which will happen at first.

On of the biggest problems with learning to gamble in a casino is that the dealer and the other players are not forgiving. By this I mean let’s say you are playing roulette, a first time player may not know that until all winnings are placed on the table you may not take your winnings. Getting a warning from the dealer the first time you play can be embarrassing and unnerving to a new player.

So by playing in an online casino at first you will learn the rules, procedures and the etiquette for playing in a land based casino.

If poker is your game it is a little different, most games depend on luck and all you really need to know if the basics, but poker is totally different because you are playing against other layers that know all this information already. when you feel confident enough then go to the casino and find the game you want to play and spend some time watching the other players. You want to find a table where all the players are less skilled then you. This will give you the edge, but make sure you watch carefully. Many times players will do things to make themselves look worse then they really are to give the other players a false confidence.


Then as you see yourself getting better and better you can move up to higher stakes tables and against better players.

Once you get confident and see your skills increase so will your bank account.

Kensington Palace London Guide

Kensington Palace in London is a working Royal residence. Of great historical importance, Kensington Palace was the favorite residence of successive sovereigns until 1760. It was also the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria. Today Kensington Palace accommodates the offices and private apartments of a number of members of the Royal Family. Although managed by Historic Royal Palaces, the Palace is furnished with items from the Royal Collection.

Today Kensington contains the offices and London residences of The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke and Duchess of Kent and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Princess Margaret, Diana, Princess of Wales and Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester used to live in Kensington Palace and have their offices there.

Kensington Palace stands at the western end of Kensington Gardens and is perhaps the finest building in the Borough. Originally called Nottingham House, it passed into royal ownership in 1689 when it was acquired by William and Mary.

After William III's death in 1702 the palace became the residence of Queen Anne. Wren designed the Orangery for her and a 30-acre garden was laid out by Henry Wise. Further extensive alterations were carried out for George I and William Kent painted the elaborate trompe l'oeil ceilings and staircases. The last monarch to live at Kensington Palace was George II, whose consort, Caroline of Ansbach, influenced the development of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. For her, Charles Bridgman created the Serpentine, the Basin and Grand Vista and the Broad Walk.

Early one morning in June 1837 Princess Victoria, who was occupying apartments in Kensington Palace, awoke to the news that she was Queen of England. She immediately moved to Buckingham Palace. Kensington Palace first opened to the public in 1912 with a display of relics and objects relating to the City of London. It attracted 13,000 visitors in just one day. The museum pieces now form part of the collection at the Museum of London. Visitors today can see the State Apartments, the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection that includes outfits from the 18th century to the present day, the Orangey and sunken gardens.

The palace was the London home of Diana, Princess of Wales and is still home to several other members of the Royal Family. The State Apartments and the Court Dress Collection are open to the public and highlights of a visit include the recently restored Kings Apartments and a magnificent collection of paintings. The Court Dress Collection includes a fabulous and very rare court mantua made sometime between 1750-53 and the 'exploded' gentleman's outfit - everything from underclothes to fine lace cuffs and all part of the elaborate costume worn to Court by an 18th century gentleman. The Orangey Cafe adjacent to the Palace serves light lunches and snacks throughout the year.

Oktoberfest - A Celebration Of German Culture

Oktoberfest is one of the world's great seasonal festivals. It is held every fall in Munich, Bavaria, and in other locations around the world.

The first Oktoberfest started as a series of horse races in honour of the wedding of the Crown Prince of Bavaria in 1810. The horse races became an annual event and were combined with the state agricultural fair the following year. By 1818 the folks were setting up booths and serving food and drink.

By the late 1800s the booths had become large beer halls or tents. And that is the image of Oktoberfest that persists to this day.

The beer tents are still set up each year at Oktoberfest on the Theresienwiese, named in honor of the Crown Prince's bride. Today the Munich festival also features a large midway and fair, and always lots of eating and beer drinking.

This year’s Munich Oktoberfest runs from Sept. 21 through October 6, and it is expected that roughly 6 million foreigners will visit the city. They will be there for the non-stop festivities -- "endless rounds of beer, sausages, toasts, dances, parades and oompah bands."

Bavaria is a distinctively Catholic area and carries on the Catholic tradition of celebrating the abundance of the earth with lots of jovial merrymaking, hearty eating, and unrestrained drinking.

Oktoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

The world's second largest Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration is held in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The large German community in the Waterloo County area had been accustomed to celebrating Oktoberfest at their local cultural clubs.

In 1969, some enterprising citizens took the festival, then being held annually at the Concordia Club in Kitchener, out into the community. They saw it as an opportunity to turn it into a civic event that the entire community could share in. It became a uniquely local celebration of the deep German traditions of the area.

Since those first years, the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has become the largest Bavarian festival in North America, and hosts the grandest Thanksgiving Day Parade in Canada.

Visitors come from all over North America and around the world to share in the spirit of Gemuetlichkeit. As in Munich, numerous Festhallen (large beer tents) are set up around the community, and the trademark eating, drinking, and celebrating takes place day and night for two weeks.

There are also a growing number of family and cultural events including presentations highlighting German traditions, language, clothing, dancing, music, and cuisine.

Villa rentals in Greece is now a great advantage for the tourists

Villa rentals in Greece embody white houses overlooking the sea, along with enticing beaches, exquisite sunsets that seem to emerge in the Aegean Sea, delicious food and of course a rich historical background and all these are the incentive for the surge of people that are determined to rent a villa in Greece, rather than in any European country. Luxury villa rental Greece really meets your highest standards and avail to you a new lease of life while you enjoy the wonderful Villa rentals in Greece. Therefore, Greece is a great tourist attraction, and taking into account the fact that it is not so much explored and this presupposes that Villa rentals in Greece are a wise step to take.

Apart from this, it is important to know that Greece has a plethora of breathtaking islands that are adorning the landscape and that are an outstanding oasis for you to relax and unwind. Thus, a luxury villa rental Greece opens you the possibility to explore more environments than you have ever thought of.


Villa rentals in Greece are all you need in order to have an excellent holiday away from the stresses and strains of your daily life. These villas are usually closer to your favorite places in Greece and hence you can do some sightseeing and enjoy your private moments awarded to you by the luxury villa rental Greece.


There are so many Villa rentals in Greece offered to be rented in many Greek islands as well. Therefore, if your dream is to spend a magnificent time in Greece and want to taste one of the luxury villa rental Greece, but you are not quite decided to commit yourself to this, a good advice is to try seeking and finding answers to all your enquiries in the internet. Moreover internet companies, that are willing to help you choose a suitable luxury villa rental Greece, spring up so rapidly as the time goes by. Furthermore, the majority of the WebPages include detailed villa search pages that are a great support for you. You can see the villa and in the same time ferret out important details about the conditions available, about the local services and of course about the price required for the rent.


It is time that you should take a break from your daily activities and step in the mysterious lands of Greece. Here both the gates of the past, present and future will be open to you and will be intertwined into your life while you explore the awesome country. Villa rentals in Greece is the perfect choice for you in order to take advantage to the fullest of your well-deserved holiday and in order to make your dream come true start looking right now for a luxury villa rental Greece.

Mauritius tours and vacations

Welcome to destination travels, we offer discount holiday packages for Mauritius tour, vacations and holidays.

Mauritius is situated close to Africa but it has greater impact of French and Indian influence.



Said to be an island paradise, it is also known as pearl of the Indian Ocean. This island covered on all sides with beautiful sea and white sand making it a paradise in true sense. Its tropical sea, its string of beaches of white sand, sugar cane fields and exotic sceneries, give you a true sensation of paradise.





The best time to visit Mauritius is between May to November, which is also winter time in Mauritius. With less rain and humidity, this is one of the nicest times to visit.

Mauritius offers an extensive range of diverse and amazing cuisine. Due to people originating from a wide variety of places, the local cuisine of Mauritius is a blend of different cultures and traditions. Seafood is a favorite food out here.



So enjoy our special offers.

Out tour inclusions are



04/06 nights accommodation as per choice

Breakfast & Dinner

Airport/hotel/airport transfers.

Full day City tour excluding lunch

Full day South Tour excluding lunch with entrance fees at Chamarel.

Full day Ile Aux Cerfs

Handling and assistance during entire stay

All transfers on SIC basis

Hotels That Give A Little Bit Extra

A boutique hotel will often provide additional services that guests in large chain hotels won’t find.

One of the joys of staying in a boutique hotel is that a range of activities can be arranged for you. Countryside retreats provide a number of options within their own grounds, whilst city and beach hotels have local contacts and can help you to book places or tickets or use facilities, often at a favourable rate.

Sports

Many people choose to take part in sporting activities whilst they are on holiday. Some boutique hotels have golf courses on-site, whilst others can offer tennis, fishing or horse riding. At beach resorts, you can take advantage of water sports, snorkelling and scuba diving. Whether you are a newcomer to these sports, or you have chosen this holiday specifically to indulge in your favourite pursuit, you boutique hotel can help.

Spa

It has become very popular for hotels in this sector to offer spa treatments. It doesn’t matter whether the hotel is in a small city building or a large mansion in the countryside, a spa facility of some sort is always welcomed by guests. Some hotels have their own Turkish Baths where you can fully unwind at the end of the day, or refresh yourself at the beginning of one. Some hotels provide cosmetic services and hairdressers, so that you can look your very best before you step out on the terrace. There are boutique hotels that are geared to offer you a full spa experience, where the emphasis of your stay is on treatments and remedies, sending you home totally refreshed and relaxed.

Dining

Although most hotels have dining rooms, not all of them take dining and great food as seriously as the boutique sector. For these hotels, having a great restaurant is a natural extension of having a great hotel and it is often these restaurants and bars that become favoured hangouts for locals as well as guests. With careful attention paid to the menu and the ingredients, hotel owners know that food is an integral part of any hotel experience and that, in many hotels, it often fails to meet expectations. That’s why so many descriptions of boutique hotels include a full review of the food available; it’s part of the appeal for guests.

Whatever you want to get from your holiday, a boutique hotel can help you to find it. If you want nothing other than peace and relaxation, just ask for the paper and your favourite drink and spend the morning on the terrace – just because all these extras are on offer doesn’t mean you have to use them – it’s just nice to know they’re there.

The Perfect African Safari

Many people dream of going on safari; seeing animals in the natural habitat and experiencing the beauty of the African landscape. A boutique safari hotel offers luxurious surroundings with an outstanding backdrop. Where is it? Many safari holidays are based in South Africa and Kenya. South Africa is one of the largest African countries, located at the bottom of the continent, whilst Kenya is further north on the east coast of Africa. Where can I stay? The beauty of staying at a boutique hotel when you’re on safari is that it offers you the comfort and luxury you would expect from a city hotel, whilst also allowing you to experience the unique landscape. The Makanyane Safari Lodge in South Africa is set within a huge game reserve and features just eight suites, whose design includes indoor and outdoor showers and glass walls so that your view of the park is undisturbed. Wide folding doors allow you to let the outside in and the hotel organises safari drives and game walks so that you can see everything you came for. In Kenya, Dodo’s Tower is a luxury boutique way to see big and small game up close. It’s expensive, but worth every penny, as a private airstrip allows you to go wherever you want to, the excellent cuisine can be served as you watch the sun go down from your balcony and you are free to drink in the sights and sounds of Kenya’s Lake Naivasha. What can I see? Safari holidays are designed to let you see big game and other wildlife in its natural habitat. There is nothing more astounding than being in the same environment as animals you’ve only ever seen in a zoo or on the television. The plains of Africa are home to a huge number of species, but most people want to see elephants, giraffes, big cats, zebras, hippos and birds. Whatever your particular interest, the guides arranged by boutique hotels can tailor your trip to give you the best chance of seeing it. In addition to the animals, don’t forget to pay close attention to the landscape itself. The wide plains, lakes and volcanic formations all make for stunning photographs and unforgettable memories – and the perfect backdrop for some stunning sunrises and sunsets. How do I get around? Once you’ve arrived at the airport, you will need to drive or take a connecting flight to the game reserve. This can be organised for you by your hotel, who may also be able to arrange your safari tours. These will either be in 4x4 jeeps, or special minibuses. You can also take safari walks with a trained guide, charter an aircraft or take a hot air balloon ride.

Turning A Trip Into An Experience

Don’t underestimate the difference that staying in a boutique hotel can make to your next journey. How often do you hear someone say, “I can’t wait to stay in the hotel”? Discussions about forthcoming holidays nearly always centre on the things we want to do, or the places we’re looking forward to seeing, and the place where we’re staying doesn’t feature at all. All that changes once you’ve booked into a boutique hotel. These hotels have been lovingly created by their owners in order to offer you an experience, not just a place to stay. The belief that your holiday or business accommodation should be well designed and provide great service is one that has resulted in hundreds of “boutique” hotels opening up around the world, to cater for the increasing number of travellers who want to stay somewhere special. Anticipation Anticipating your holiday is one of the things we all love. In the weeks before we leave home, we get increasingly excited and really look forward to taking a break from our everyday lives and having new experiences. This anticipation can often be flattened when we reach the hotel, which turns out to be impersonal and indifferent; unless you’ve booked boutique: • Welcoming – boutique hotels are designed to be welcoming, so you are looked after from the minute you arrive. • Different – you’ll notice lots of differences from regular chain hotels as soon as you arrive. From the way you check in to the design of the rooms and the public spaces, and the facilities on offer, you’ll know immediately that you are staying in an individual hotel. • Design – all the things you want to do with your home but haven’t had time to do. It might be polished wooden floors or spectacular artwork; Egyptian cotton bedding or funky armchairs. It’s this design and detail that makes boutique hotels different from all other traveller accommodation. • Facilities – large hotels have pools and spas, but they’re impersonal. The facilities at small, individual hotels are designed to make you feel at home whilst indulging in treatments or taking advantage of concierge services. The experience The low number of rooms at most boutique hotels defines your experience: you’re one of a small number of guests who are benefiting from the great designs and flawless service that these hotels provide. You immediately feel more relaxed and you’re able to enjoy your holiday as an all-round experience. Book again for next year, so that you can tell everyone how much you’re looking forward to staying in the hotel.

New York Limos Aren't Just for Business!

When most people think of New York limos, those shiny black luxury cars, they think of LaGuardia airport transportation or Newark airport transportation, or perhaps picking up and dropping off business people. The New York limousine business does that, of course, but they also perform a whole variety of other services, some of which you may not be familiar with: Limos can be rented for all sorts of events, from weddings to graduations to proms to a night on the town or going to a ball game. Just imagine: Planning for a wedding is a big, stressful project where any number of things can go wrong. Staying on schedule is supremely important and everyone needs to be there on time. Making sure a large number of people get there safely and enjoyably in New York City is a job for professionals, and a limo service can do it. Whether is just that certain something special for the bride and groom after they exchange their vows, or comfortable transportation for the entire bridal party or the families, luxury car services can make sure that everything goes off like clockwork. Your guests will appreciate it. Ever feel the need to really kick back and enjoy an evening of visiting the finest clubs? If you do, you know that time can get away when you party. And there's nothing worse to ruin a great evening and mood than to have to wait for a cab or walk when you can't find one. At the end of the night you may well be quite exhausted, and then it's certainly good to know you'll be driven back to your hotel or home safe and sound. Oh, and if you don't like waiting in line, limo drivers can often cut them for you. Should things get a bit wild, you can be assured that limo drivers are discrete and courteous and will take good care of you. If you plan on going to catch a ballgame with your buddies or business associates, why not do it in style and rent a limo? The leading New York limo companies can accommodate any size group. You can ask for a late model luxury car, such as an S-Class Mercedes or a 7-Series BMW, you can get a stretch limo, a stretch SUV, or even a specially equipped bus with all the luxury you'd expect in a limo. Groups with as many as 20 can easily be accommodated. Not only do you arrive fresh and with a touch of class, but the limo will be waiting for you when the game is over, even if it goes into overtime or extra innings. Want to reward your son or daughter for their academic achievements? Why not make graduation a day to remember forever not only for finally being done with school, but also for being taken there in a Stretch Hummer or something equally outrageous? They will never forget it and it costs less than you think. So next time you see a shiny black New York limos, remember that they're not just for business. Think what using a limo could do for you!

Have Fun While Having Car Travel

It is fun when you are taking road trips. Even the gasoline’s price is keeping rising, families are still taking road trips. Or maybe because of the higher air fares caused by higher gas prices, people are opting to take more trips by car. Kids get bored riding in the car. If the children are bored, they start to pick on each other or insist on asking the dreaded, “Are We There Yet?” question that all drivers love to hear every 10 minutes. Below are some suggestions to keep your ride fun and most importantly, peaceful! Assuming your children are old enough to read or at least recognize letters, alphabet game is a great game to keep young travelers occupied. There are a few variations. They must find the alphabet, starting with A – on signs, billboards or license plates. You can make up the rules if you’ll use a combination of sources or just stick to one (it’s harder and takes a lot longer if you limit it to just license plates.) The next big decision you need to make is whether or not the word must start with the letter you’re searching for or if it just has to contain the letter. For example, if you’re looking for B, and drive past a Burger King restaurant, then you have your B, and can begin looking for C. If you decided it’s ok to find the letter anywhere within the word, then you could also claim the E, in Burger King. The key is that you must find these letters in sequence. You can’t claim an E if you haven’t found a D yet. Nor can you say “There’s a D on the street sign Doors R Us… and there WAS an E on Burger King.” There are no retro rules allowed. Another variation of the alphabet game is that you have to find objects that begin with each letter. If you drive past a red barn, you could probably claim either an R (red) or a B (barn), depending on which letter you need next. There’s always the trusty I SPY game. I spy something green and it’s outside (as opposed to inside the car). Riders take turns looking outside for something green. If you’re driving, chances are the object will pass by quickly – so participants have to be alert. Or perhaps you spy something black and inside. Possible guesses would be the steering wheel or Mom’s purse. Equally important to the entertainment is the intermission. Take frequent stretch breaks. Even if you’re on a tight time frame to get to your destination, if you let others have a chance to get out of the car, to tap a kidney, have a snack and get some fresh air, your road trips will be much more enjoyable for all involved! Have fun!

Eastern Russia – Vladivostok, Khabarovsk and Magadan

With an incredibly large land mass, Russia is really many countries in one. In this article, we take a look at travel destinations in the Far East. Vladivostok A naval port city on the Pacific Ocean, Vladivostok has a passing resemblance to a run down San Francisco. Home to the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy, the city has lost a little of its luster as spending on the military has dried up. Like San Francisco, the city is built on the hills surrounding a harbor with the center of the city sporting a nice collection of architecture from the pre-communist era. The city is dotted with parks and scenic points overlooking both the harbor and Sea of Japan. Although the center of the city is very clean the surrounding suburbs have unbelievable industrial pollution problems. As the saying goes, “A nice place to visit, but you wouldn’t want to live there.” Khabarovsk The largest city in Eastern Russia, Khabarovsk is the headquarters of the Far Eastern Russian Military Command. The city is built on merge of two large rivers, the Amur and Ussuri. Vying with Vladivostok, the city is a major tourist hub for Asians flying into Russia and has a corresponding open atmosphere. Although Khabarovsk is primarily a military and industrial city, it is a good launching place to pursue inland activities such as fishing, exploring and hiking. The city is also an excellent location to pick up the Trans-Siberian Railway for the trek to the west. Magadan The town of Magadan is located in the far north of Russia on the Pacific Ocean. The town is very remote and can be classified as the stereotypical frozen Russian town in the middle of nowhere. So, why would anyone visit Magadan? The town has played a major role in the suppression of Russians throughout history. Under Stalin’s rule, Magadan and the surrounding area was the final stop for many exiles. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of political prisoners and “undesirables” were sent to Magadan to be dispersed to labor camps mining for gold. Indeed, the only road to the town is known as the “road of bones” for the prisoners who died building it. Today, a large memorial stands in Magadan in memory of the dead. Trips can also be arranged to visit the decrepit gulags and labor camps used so mercilessly by Stalin during the Red Terror. Ironically, the town has also gained a reputation with hunters and anglers as a launching point as game is plentiful in the area. Much like Auschwitz, a visit to Magadan serves to remind visitors of the evil man will visit upon his fellow man. The cities and towns of Eastern Russia are nothing like those found in the west. Having lived in Russia for a year, however, I believe they are a better representation of the conditions in Russia as well as the soul of the country.

Creating A Boutique Hotel

Renovating and designing a new hotel is a daunting task; even more so when you’ve decided to create a chic, boutique place to stay. How do they do it? Owners of boutique hotels often transform buildings no-one would touch into hotels that everyone wants to go to. It takes a lot of hard work, planning and an eye for design and detail to create a successful boutique. Imagination Imagination is a key skill when it comes to creating a stunning small hotel. To see a building that is either derelict or in need of substantial renovation, and know that you can transform it into a stylish, desirable place to stay is a talent that not many people have. You need to be able to see the arrangement of the guest rooms, the provision of public spaces, the kitchens and offices and the outdoor spaces. If you don’t have a vision, it can be very difficult to pull off a successful make-over. Experience Although many boutique owners are first-time hoteliers, many have either hospitality or design experience. This helps to ensure that every angle is considered and that as much attention is paid to the running of the hotel as to its style. Understanding the market you are trying to attract, and designing your hotel with that in mind means that you are more likely to be successful. Equally, a knowledge of which design ideas work and which don’t is invaluable when creating a boutique hotel. Design is a key factor in turning a basic small hotel into an individual chic hotel and you need the experience to get it right first time. Determination Transforming a building into a hotel is a long, hard job. You need determination, focus and strict controls to ensure that everything is finished as close to your deadline as possible and within your budget. Research at the beginning of the project should allow you to set realistic deadlines and financial plans which in turn will contribute to the success of your project. There are bound to be times when things go wrong, but determination and a clear vision of the end product will help you succeed. Personality Some of the most successful boutique hotels are those where the personality of the owner or designer shines through. This is what gives these hotels their characteristic individuality, which attracts a lot of guests and repeat visitors. Personality can be evident in themed rooms, the choice of art, music or food and in the way that guests are treated during their stay. Never underestimate the importance of a hotel’s personality when it comes to marketing and occupancy rates.

Many people were hoping that if the Democrats won control of Congress they would reverse the online gambling ban, but experts doubt they will even try or that if they do that the will be successful. Once the bill was passed and signed into law by the president, it became much harder to reverse the law. The democrats would need to bring up the law and get it to a vote, then after the vote passed it needs to go to the president for his signature. The problem with this is that the current president is the one who signed the bill into law in the first place. Another problem is because the gambling ban was attached to another bill, it means that to reverse the law the entire bill needs to be reversed, but the other part of the bill is for an increase in port security, so any congressmen who recommends reversing this law, will be going on record as trying to reverse the increase in port security. Because of this trying to get the law reversed could ruin a congressman’s chances of ever getting elected to public office again for the rest of their lives. It is more likely that it will have to wait till the end of George Bushes term in office and then get an amendment to the law that reverses only gambling ban part of the law. So if you are on Online Gambling enthusiast and you were hoping that after the election the online gambling ban would just disappear I am sorry to say you were mistaken and that you are going to have to wait a little longer, but that does not mean you need to sit quietly by. The key is to make sure that you are heard, write letters to congressmen, and attend protest rallies anything that will keep this issue in the front of the minds of the politicians so they know that just as the Republicans lost the house so can they. The republicans used the online gambling ban to try to gain votes for them in the last weeks before the election, but it backfired on them and lost them more votes then it brought in. Hopefully the Democrats will learn from the mistakes of the Republicans and will understand that banning something never works, and that it is only thru regulating the online gambling industry that will ensure that it is safe and honest to play and that no underage children manage to play. Other wise I am sure that the Democrats will also see the wrath of the American voters when it comes time for the next elections. The American people are tired of having the government controlling every aspect of their lives and I think this election may have made their point for them. So if the question is will they try to reverse the law I am sure they will try, but how successful they will be is still up in the air, and no one can really know what the outcome will be.

Marriage Counseling: Using Games to Reduce Tension

Marriage is one of the most enjoyable but also one of the most painful experiences that people undergo. It carries with it the whiff of romance and eternal bliss, but sometimes you get a pack of thorns instead. How Do You Ensure Your Marriage Is a Bed of Roses and not Thorns? One of the major ingredients that a happy marriage needs is a willingness to compromise. But that is much more difficult than it seems. Everyone will agree that they need to compromise, but what happens when the issue is not a simple and tiny one? What then? Who Compromises first? I am sure you must have said to yourself at one point or another that enough is enough. You will no longer be the patsy. You are an independent person and your partner has crossed the line. Maybe. Maybe your relationship has died and you are just beginning to realize it. Maybe your sentiments are more passionate than romantic. Maybe you no longer love her. Stop being a fool! What if I told you that the solution to your marital strife is not divorce. Am I mad? Look around. How many divorces do you know? Plenty. Me too. But are they really happier off? What is the first thing that a divorced person does? He or she goes out and starts looking for partners. Isn't that strange? No. You say that everybody needs somebody to love. Maybe. I say that they had that somebody and they just let them go. So please stop being foolish. Why not tackle your problems with a simple suggestion? A Game. Games as a Peace Maker: Playing brings out the child in us and causes us to express more than we normally would. We also release bottled up frustration and let go of mental thorns in our outbursts of joy and anguish as we win or lose. Games unite people together and therefore I suggest playing together but if you wish one can play against the other. The game turns into a battle but only this time, after its over, you will both feel refreshed from losing all that bottled up pain and anger. Games to Pick From: Try picking games that both of you like or at least somewhat active ones. You could even play hide and seek in the house or something else. If you do prefer playing cards, pick a game which does not go on for long and which requires some thinking like hearts, poker, bridge or rummy. Keep score and determine before hand that the loser has to do something for the winner. Chores is not a prize for the winner! If you lose you have to do something that that the other person wants for themselves like give them their favorite massage or cook them their favorite meal. Conclusion: Games are a welcome ambrosia to love and will excite you as a couple to disregard all your frustrations and anger and deal only with the good. The anger and frustrations will not magically disappear, but now you can deal with them together calmly and in a good mood.

Taking A Honeymoon Cruise Can Be Magical!

Many couples are finding that an all-inclusive honeymoon cruise can make their special getaway after marriage even more special. When they climb on board, they cannot believe the joy and simplicity of their vacation, with no worries and no stress! Taking a honeymoon cruise can make for one of the most memorable vacations you will ever experience and it all occurs on a single cruise ship! In the last several years, millions of couples have enjoyed honeymoon vacations on cruise ships, and with all the perks that you can find on a cruise ship it is not hard to see why. When you think of a honeymoon cruise, you can think automatically of romance. When you watch movies, many of the most romantic moments you can think of are a couple on a ship sailing into the sunset. When you are on the deck of a cruise ship, you will have several opportunities to take advantage of this romantic situation! You will sail off into the sunset for however many nights your vacation lasts, while also getting romantic, moonlit nights and fun, sun-filled days. When you take a honeymoon cruise, you will also get the enjoyment and intimacy of secluded beaches and exotic locations. These events will make the memories of your honeymoon cruise very special for the rest of your lives together. The reason it is so easy to see why so many people choose a honeymoon cruise is the simplicity of your whole vacation. When you purchase the fare for a honeymoon cruise, you are purchasing everything you could possibly need on your entire vacation. Included in that one cruise fare are your meals, snacks, accommodations, entertainment and any on-board activities. This in addition to the exciting destinations you visit all over the world! What could be easier than a cruise for all of that? You don’t have to make your own dinner reservations or purchase theatre tickets when you are on a cruise. It’s already done for you! How you enjoy your honeymoon cruise is also up to you. You can sit back and relax, enjoying the sunny days by the pool or on the beach without exerting yourself. Or you can be on the go constantly, going from one show to the next, one activity to another, and exploring each and every exotic location you visit in detail. All of this between delicious dining experiences you’ve only ever dreamed of. Again, there are no worries or stresses, as all of these wonderful things are included in the cruise package! Booking a cruise is easy, whether it is for your honeymoon or a special getaway. Look online or call a travel agent near you today.

European Capital Of Culture - What's It All About

The European Capital of Culture changes on an annual basis. Each country in the EU takes its turn having the European Capital of Culture (ECC) within its boundaries. The nation is fixed on a rotational basis, but there is great competition between the cities and regions of the nominated country for the honor of being nominated as ECC. The decision is made three years ahead, to allow time for preparation. The reason every city wants to be nominated is because there it will receive millions of euro of national and EU investment. The nominated ECC region will also receive millions of euro from the 500,000 extra visitors during its yearas European Capital of Culture. Cities are invited to put forward their proposals and reasons why they should be chosen. The national government makes the decision as to which city deserves the title most, though the decision is partly based on which city can benefit most from the financial investment. In 2005 Cork in Ireland was the European City of Culture. Roads were improved, a sewage system installed and hundreds of thousands of extra visitors flocked to Cork to spend their money. They were treated to musical, theatrical and folk extravaganzas throughout the year. In 2006 Patras in Greece has been chosen as the European City of Culture. Patras is about 90 miles west of Athens. Flights, car hire and accommodation are readily available, just search online, or ask your travel agent. In 2007 Sibiu-Hermannstadt in Romania has been chosen for the European Capital of Culture. Hermannstadt is the German name for Sibiu. The city is the largest centre of German culture in Romania. Located in the Transylvanian forests of legend Sibiu is fast becoming the centre of Romania’s developing tourism industry. The European Capital of Culture in 2008 is Liverpool in England. Liverpool is a historic city whose wealth is based on its port. The port of Liverpool still exists, but is less important now. Liverpool is famous as the home of the Beatles, but has some stunning architecture. The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral is unusual outside, but absolutely mind blowing inside. You will find it half a mile uphill, behind Lime Street Station, the main railway station. Liverpool has an excellent public transport system and friendly taxi drivers. Liverpudlians are famous for their wit and quick repartee. The airport is small, but the city is easily reached from its rival Manchester airport, too

La Nueva Cara de James Bond

La reciente versión de James Bond "Casino Royale" ha traído al agente James Bond un nuevo actor que no solo ha cambiado su personalidad, pero también su actitud y ha traído un nuevo estilo sensual, frió y asesino al Agente. El actor que lo protagoniza es Daniel Craig, quien nunca antes había aparecido en una James Bond, pero que sin embargo ha podido traerle al popular personaje una cara diferente a la usual. Esta vez James. Bond no es tan simpático ni tan amistoso, es mas bien un chico malo que cuando se pone un objetivo es difícil detenerlo y lo hará a pesar de tener que lastimar o tener que matar a otros. El actor se ha preparado para protagonizar a James Bond seriamente haciendo ejercicio y formando su cuerpo de una increíble manera. Ha impactado a todas las espectadoras con su increíble figura(Especialmente en la escena en que sale del mar), y ha enamorado en escena a la actriz Eva Grin, quien después logra engañarlo a el. Comparado a otros actores que protagonizaron a James Bond en el pasado, como Pierce Brosnan o Sean Connery , David logro sacarle al personaje algo que nunca había salido antes. Un carácter más egoísta, determinado, seguro y luchador que no duda un segundo de sus acciones. Fue realmente sorprendente ver como en esta nueva versión de James Bond, el agente se desenvuelve en secuencias brillantes de máxima acción que nunca había habido en ningún otro James Bond. La diferencia entre este y otros Bond también es que el personaje es mucho mas real que en otros casos. Todavía cuenta con los lugares exóticos, los increíbles autos, mujeres hermosas pero sin el tono irreal que contaban otros James Bond. Aquí sin duda James Bond es mucho más sadista, quien se convierte en un asesino de sangre fría con poca simpatía por los demás trayendo una actitud dura y audaz la cual David Craig la personifica excelente. También es importante mencionar el juego de poquer del final en el Casino Royale, igual de entretenido que los momentos de acción del principio de la película. La actuación de la actriz francesa Eva Grin también ha convertido a la chica Bond en alguien difícil de descifrar quien atrapa al agente desenvolviéndose en la trama con un final inesperado. Podrás ver al final de la película un lado de Bond que no piensas que existe en el, ni creías que verías durante toda la trama. Además de todo lo mencionado previamente, no hay duda que este James Bond esta dedicado no solo a los hombres que buscan acción, autos espectaculares y chicas Bond deslumbrantes. Esta vez a las mujeres nos dieron al increíble David Craig quien es el centro de atracción de la película. La película estrenada en 2006, dirigida por Martin Campbell ha logrado traer al querido personaje de Bond un estilo renovador, interesante, frió e indomable que sin ninguna duda te hará disfrutar de la pantalla grande.

Edinburgh Stag Do Ideas

While most folk will take any excuse for a party, there are some party reasons that have stood the test of time. Take the stag do, for example. It's been around since at least early Greek times when the lads of Sparta saw to it that their about-to-be-married chums got a send-off that was worthy of Zeus. Today, stag parties have come a long way, but the idea is still the same - one last fling for the happy fellow before he puts on the ball and chain for life. While many folks are heading off to the continent for a stag weekend, there are some excellent reasons for choosing a city closer to home. You might, for instance, choose to do a stag weekend in Edinburgh, where you'll have your choice of dozens of daytime activities and the same wide variety of nighttime fun to send your mate off to the altar in style. Here are just a few of the things that you might include in your Edinburgh stag do. Daytime Edinburgh Stag Weekend Fun A stag weekend in Edinburgh can accommodate the tastes of any group from the active to the scholarly. Few other cities offer a range of activities as wide as the traditional Scots city. From kayaking to orienteering, from Five a Side to quad runners there's plenty of choice for a day of getting physical to gear up for the night. For the truly adventurous, there's canyoning - the art of hurtling down a canyon flume with nothing but a wetsuit to protect you from the rocks below. Is there a more appropriate metaphor for the new life your guest of honor is about to enter? Edinburgh Stag Weekend by Night They say laughter can cure almost anything - and Edinburgh's The Stand Comedy Club is sure to put that to proof. The popular club is often standing room only, so if you want to laugh yourself silly at up to five world class comedy acts in one night, you'd do best to get your tickets early. If clubbing is your thing, you won't even have to leave The Stand - when the comedy's done, a DJ takes the stage and the club transforms into one of the hottest nightclubs in the city. Just a Little Bit Of Naughty Stag Night Hijinks If you're of a mind that no stag do is complete without a pretty girl shedding her clothing and giving the soon-to-be husband a wiggle and tweak, then you'll want a tour of the clubs that hits Bottoms Up, the Fantasy Palace and Big Daddy O's. The girls are first rate - but again, the clubs can be busy on a weekend night. If you're only in town for a stag weekend in Edinburgh, you'll do well to set up a tour in advance with a UK tour operator who can assure you tickets and entry.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Maine - A Great Vacation and Travel Destination

There are all kinds of vacation activities in Maine, but one of the best and most unique is taking a hot air balloon ride for an aerial tour of the area. The best place to take a hot air balloon ride is in Kennebunkport, Maine. Everything beautiful about New England is so obvious floating among the clouds. If you are afraid of heights then a hot air balloon ride is not for you, but if you don’t mind heights then you will be overcome with the beauty you see from the basket. There are several hot air balloon providers that can take you up, but before you book you should talk to past customers or read some reviews. The reason why is that taking a hot air balloon over Maine is such an amazing experience that you don’t want to risk running into any problems. So, if you read reviews about the different operators you will have a better chance of finding the best operator for you. Remember that a full afternoon before sunset or else a couple hours at sunrise should be allotted for your balloon ride because there is no exact time for the tour. Balloons go as fast as the wind takes them, or as slow, so you should just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Know, too, that most balloons carry enough fuel to last for a couple of hours. There are several factors like weather, weight, and more that affect the length of the ride. Most balloon rides occur between 500 and 1000 feet off the ground, but sometimes hot air balloons will go even higher! Most hot air balloon operators in Maine operate seven days per week, that is depending on the weather. Early reservations are important to make sure you have the day and time you want and weekend flights are the busiest. Weekday flights will give you more flexibility and you may be able to show up last minute and still fly. Remember that it is colder in the balloon than on the ground and a light jacket or sweater should be taken. Several people may go up in the hot air balloon, but generally the limit is four. You will want to talk with the tour operator to find out rates, schedules, and the like. Hot air ballooning in Maine is gorgeous and if you go during September and October when the leaves are changing you will have a breathtaking experience like no other. Give hot air balloon rides a chance and you will likely fall in love! There is a website that has great information on USA Vacations and Unique Travel Spots Listed State By State and Season, the website is called: Seasonal Vacation Spots, and can be found at this url: http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com By Robert W. Benjamin Copyright © 2007 You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.