Travel Blog Your Next Vacation

Some years ago, I took an extended trip to Europe. During that
vacation, I kept a travel journal in which I made notes of the
places I visited, the people I met and the events that occurred.
I still get out that travel journal and read through some of the
entries. The problem with the journal was that the entries were
not easy to share. I still had to write postcards and letters to
my family and friends.

Now, with the advent of blogs (web logs) your travel journal can
also serve as a way of sharing your vacation with your family
and friends. Your friends will be able to immediately read about
your adventures as soon as you\'ve written about them. No need to
buy stamps or send letters via snail mail.

Because you\'re writing a blog, there\'s also no need to send out
multiple emails either. Write it once and your done. Your
friends and family can subscribe to your blog and they are
automatically notified when you make an entry. Additionally,
your friends can make comments on your blog post that are
available for others to see, giving your friends an opportunity
to actively participate in your vacation.

The best part about your blog is that while you are sharing your
vacation with your family and friends, you\'ll also be making a
record of your vacation so that you\'ll be able to easily
remember what you did and reminisce about the great times or the
challenges that you faced.

Because blogs are web-based, you can make an entry from any
location that has access to the Internet. Many of my friends
have started to make regular trips to an Internet cafe a
standard part of their vacations. Many hotels also offer and
Internet terminal that you can use for a few minutes.

There are many websites where you can post your blog for free.
Many of them even allow you to post pictures. Some blogs even
specialize in travel logs. Two of my favorites are:

Travellerspoint - Allows you to
create a public travel blog or a private travel diary that is
password protected for selected viewers. TravelBlog - Provides blog space and allows for
unlimited photos in your travel journal.

If you\'ve got the travel bug, but can break away from work or
don\'t have appropriate funds, you can go on a virtual vacation
by subscribing to a travel blog that someone else is keeping.
You may also want to read through a blog of someone who\'s been
to the destination that you\'re planning to visit. You\'ll get
first hand travel tips and advice for that destination.

A travel blog can enhance your vacation by allowing your friends
and family to participate as well as creating a record of the
trip that you can enjoy later. Make sure you create one for your
next vacation.

First Hard Rock Hotel in Europe Confirmed

First Hard Rock Hotel in Europe Confirmed Madrid is to be the
first city in Europe to have a Hard Rock
Hotel. The 192-room property is to open next spring
in a revamp of the Gran Hotel Reina Victoria.

US-based Hard Rock

Tips For Italy Travel

Located in Southern Europe, Italy is a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia. When traveling to Italy it is important to remember that you are not at home, so always be respectful and conservative.

WEATHER AND CLOTHING

In general the weather is very hot and steaming in the dead of the summer. We recommend that you wear light clothing. Be sure to have sunglasses, hat and sunblock, as they are essential. Afternoon thunderstorms (brief) are common in Rome and inland cities, so you may want to consider bringing an umbrella. It is essential to follow dress standards (no bare shoulders or knees) and is strictly enforced in many churches, especially in Rome at St. Peter's and the Vatican Museums and at the Basilica di San Marco in Venice.

SAFETY

Remember to protect yourself against purse-snatchers and pickpockets. It is recommended that you wear a money belt or a pouch on a string around your neck, both concealed. When you have to carry a purse make sure that is around your neck and tucked between your body and arm. A word of caution: gypsy children are widespread in Rome, are skilled pickpockets that are quick, and know more tricks than you do.

TELEPHONES

Since hotel tend to overcharge for long distance and international calls. It is best to make such calls from public phones, using telephone cards. For general information in English dial 176. To place international telephone calls via operator assisted service, dial 170 or long distance access numbers. The country code for Italy is 39.

If you are in need of additional information or have found what you are looking for. We suggest that you complete an internet search for additional information.
Have a safe and enjoyable trip to Italy!

About the Author: For more information, visit http://www.italyinfocenter.com http://www.tuscanyinfocenter.com David Chandler

Source: www.isnare.com

Living Like A Native In Morelia Mexico

The beautiful, rustic, old, colonial city of Morelia is situated about halfway in between Guadalajara and Mexico City and has a thriving population of around 1,000,000 people. It has everything from historical buildings and monuments to modern-day conveniences, shopping centers, restaurants, movie houses, universities and colleges, etc. What makes Morelia special, though, is its people. Their backgrounds vary from native Indian to French to Spanish and other nationalities. Their greatest asset, however, is their warmth and friendliness.

What Brought Me To Morelia

Most of my life I have studied foreign languages and other cultures. I spoke Spanish as a child and then went on to other languages. In 1996, I was attending Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington for a degree to validate my business experience. Then, one day, a visiting international programs speaker came to one of my history classes and shared her experiences about living in the country of Sri Lanka (an island country just south of India). As I was in a transition period of my life and needing a change, I checked on nearby countries where I could go on an exchange program to re-establish my Spanish language skills. My school had such a program with Centro Mexicano Internacional (CMI) in Mexico that really appealed to my sense of adventure and interest in other cultures. So, I signed up for Spring Quarter 1997 and headed off to Morelia, Michoacn, Mexico.

Morelia would be my home from March 1997 until I moved to Guadalajara to enroll in a more advanced Spanish language program in August 1997. Even now, though, if given the choice of living in Morelia versus Guadalajara, Morelia would always win out. The city is vibrant with a deep sense of culture and history dating all the way back to the 1500\'s. Every day, on my way to school and back, I walked by old colonial style structures, buildings, statues, monuments, fountains, and parks, each with a story about the past. For instance, an aqueduct (called El Acueducto in Spanish), built in the 1700\'s to carry Morelia\'s water supply goes right through the center of town (El Centro). I passed this marvelous structure every time I walked the avenue (Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel) leading up to my school. Next to the Calzada is a wide cobblestone pathway with benches to sit and relax, read, or visit with friends. On one side of Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel are churches and schools. The other side has shops, art galleries, and a restaurant or two. All of the buildings appear to be at least as old as the Acueducto or older and are fairly well maintained.

Paying the bills

When I first arrived in Morelia, I was depending on financial aid from my school in the US. Within a week or so of arriving at my new school I was asked to substitute for an ill teacher to teach Mexican students enrolled in CMI\'s ESL (English As A Second Language) program. I found out that I loved teaching the Mexican students. And, as the school was very impressed with my teaching skills, they offered me a part-time job teaching all levels of English and Linguistics classes. Also, I began to work in the school\'s computer laboratory as a supervisor in the evening after classes were done for the day. Together, both of my positions paid about $3 per hour. With the surplus from my financial aid and from what I earned, I lived on approximately $500 a month or less. Out of this amount I paid for rent, food, travel, entertainment, and obligations I had back in the US. After paying my US expenses, I usually had about $300 or less for my day-to-day living.

My monthly expenses generally amounted to approximately: $50 rent, $150 food, $25 clothing, $25 transportation, $50 other personal expenses (laundry, haircuts, entertainment, etc). Now, some people may think one can\'t do too much on $300 or $400 a month. It can be done if one does not have to worry about the ownership and upkeep of an automobile. Granted, things were tight at times, but I always managed to go see movies at least a couple of times a month. And, I went to a lot of free or other low cost events such as concerts put on by some of the local schools or musicians. Movies, haircuts, and restaurant meals only cost about $2.

Finding a place to live

Before I even left the US, I checked Morelia\'s hotels on the Internet and asked for recommendations from officials at my new school. The first place I found that I liked and stayed at was the Mintzicuri Hotel at Vasco de Quiroga No. 227. The rooms were very clean and comfortable at a rate of about $8 a night. Within a week of arriving in Morelia my school\'s housing director, Charly (a dear, sweet lady), took me to look at local apartments. I found one at the Posada de Villa located at Padre Lloreda No. 176 for about $150 a month. Then, after a few weeks I decided to see what was available in the local paper. I found a rooming house that offered a room for about $50 a month at Vincente Santa Maria No. 1925. When I went to check it out, I found a large, comfortable room with a bath shared by 3 other roomers. We also had access to cooking facilities as well as a mini refrigerator in each room.

Day-to-day life in Morelia

I lived a basic, simple life. I would stop at a local bakery and buy rolls, bolillos (small loaves of bread), and/or galletas (large cookies) for breakfast on my way to school. Then, I ate sandwiches and fruit at my school\'s snack bar for lunch. For supper, I would either eat at a local caf or buy groceries and fix something in my room. My favorite item at the cafs was milanesa, a thinly sliced beefsteak, chopped up and mixed with fresh avocado and eaten with tortillas. Or, I would have milanesa sandwiches and other local dishes. Usually, if I cooked at home, I would eat spaghetti type meals or fruit and vegetables.

Routinely, Monday through Friday, I took Spanish classes and taught English between the hours of 8:00 AM through 2:00 PM. 2:00 to 4:00 PM was siesta (break) time. Afterwards, I taught and worked in my school\'s computer lab from 4:00 to around 9:00 PM. After 9 was suppertime. Saturdays, I taught classes half-day. I devoted the rest of the weekend to either resting or other personal activities.

When I wasn\'t busy working or studying, I oftentimes walked around town or took a combi (Morelia\'s VW Van Mini-Bus system) or taxi to various cultural sites such as the city library, the government buildings, other buildings of historical interest (ex: Mexican Patriot Jos Morelos\' birthplace and house), or mercados (open markets either outside or housed in large buildings) and did a little exploring.

I almost always felt safe in Morelia, not because of the visible presence of gun toting policemen, but because of the very low crime rate. El Centro (downtown) was generally always crowded and busy. Many of the side streets off of Avenida Francisco Madero (Morelia\'s main downtown street) had shopping bazaars and mercados with every imaginable item from food to clothes to leather goods to electronic items and much more. The one area I did not care much for was right around the bus depot (long distance buses). There are x-rated theatres and other nefarious activities close to that location.

One thing I came to really appreciate in a hurry, was that I did not have to wash my own clothes. There are no self-service laundries that I am aware of in Morelia. I usually took my clothes to the laundry service in the block just down the street from my room. The two young ladies that ran it were efficient, prompt, and always welcomed me with smiles.

The people of Morelia

Generally, the people of Morelia were very friendly, warm, and caring. Two of my friends at a local Internet cyber caf were especially helpful to me. When I first went to Morelia, my spoken Spanish consisted of only being able to speak in the present tense. I had never really learned how to properly conjugate verbs. Even though I could read and understand Spanish very well, I was very limited in my ability to converse. At first, I carried 2 very helpful books - Practical Conjugation of Verbs and a Spanish dictionary, both published by Larousse. For 2 months I carried these books everywhere I went and referred to them almost constantly. One day, my friends Genaro and Marcos took me aside and told me to put the books away, try to think and talk as best I could in Spanish and let them help me to correct errors in my grammar. That was the very best thing I could have done. It worked! It was not long at all before I was able to converse fairly freely. The key is immersion in a language - thinking, speaking, and living it.

Other people and families also befriended and \adopted\ me. Two of my students took to me like an older brother and included me in their family activities and meals and recreation and also acted as my personal guides around Morelia. One of their favorite activities was gathering around a big-screen TV and watching ftbol (soccer). Sometimes, we would go to a local park or concert. Another of my students took me to events like the local fair and flea market.

Places of interest for tourists

Places I would recommend for visitors to Morelia to see: The sidewalk cafes and food stands, the shopping bazaars and mercados, Morelia\'s Zoo, the annual Feria in April-May (the local fair), the cyber cafs, local book stores, church and government buildings, museums and art galleries, the parks and fountains (ex: Bosque Cuauhtmoc and the Three Sisters fountain in El Centro), the local universities, movie theatres (generally $2 or $3 for an adult ticket), musical entertainment - one place that comes immediately to my mind is El Colibri restaurant (located in El Centro just off of Francisco Madero). El Colibri has a live band that plays both local music and soft rock as well as a show called El Baile de los Viejitos (The Dance of the Little Old Men), a delightful presentation and musical score.

The shopping bazaars and mercados have all kinds of clothes, leather goods, electronic gadgets, and food items. They even sell birds - big birds! There are shopping areas or mercados all over Morelia. Some that I frequented are: 1). on the way towards the central bus station - several shops selling food items and leather goods; 2). Mercado Revolucion - between Francisco Madero and Plan de Ayala in El Centro; 3) Mercado Independencia - on Avenida Lazaro Cardenas just off of Vincente Santa Maria. One word of caution - when eating at the local food stands, make sure the food is fresh and has not been sitting out for an extended period of time. And, always, always ask for agua purificada (purified water). One more word of caution, this time to women, Mexican, American, or any other nationality - always take along a companion or stay in a group.

Morelia\'s weather

I was not there during winter months; however, I have heard that the winters are fairly mild. The summers can be very hot at times, but, for the most part, I found them moderately warm to hot. I have heard that it is wise during late summer, fall, and winter months to carry an umbrella, though.

Do your homework before you go

If you are really serious about visiting Morelia - do your homework before you go. Many excellent hotel deals, information about sites to see, historical background, information about language schools, etc. can be found by looking on the Internet. Other great sources of information are travel guides you can either purchase or find at your local library.

My experiences in Morelia were generally positive mainly for the following reason - I went there expecting to live like a native, not a foreigner and I kept a good attitude and sense of humor.

If you are looking for a place to start a new life or to seek a little culture and adventure then, this little hidden gem, Morelia, could be your ticket.

About The Author

The author, David Wix, lived, worked, and traveled extensively in Mexico during 1997 and has degrees in history and languages. Currently he is working as an insurance broker in California. He has had articles published in his areas of expertise and is currently working on a couple of books to be published in the near future. Author\'s website: http://www.dave-wix.com and http://www.travelwriters.com/davewix.

dave@dave-wix.com

River Music on the Green River with Dvorak

Rive Music on The Green River - Paddling with Dvorak
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My wine glass is almost empty. A long, sweet note from the cello signals the end of the first movement. I stand and make my way to the hors d'oeuvre table as warm sand sifts between my toes.

This ain't the Philharmonic.

The rock walls projected Kirstin,
Jackie, Maurice, and Lynn's music
throughout the canyon.

It's a rafting trip with a soundtrack or a concert with scenery, if you prefer. For decades, Bill Dvořk's Kayak and Rafting Expeditions has combined the splendid isolation of scenic rivers with the at-home comforts of good food and relaxation. The collision with music occurred over 20 years ago when a guest brought a violin. Bill must have said, Hey, your classical music is in my rafting trip! and then discovered that it was a wonderful combination. The Classical Music River Journey was born.

Rafting on Utah's Green River.

Desolation Canyon is a wilderness area in eastern Utah, named in 1869 by explorer John Wesley Powell, and it seems almost as inaccessible today as it was then. A small airplane delivered us to a dirt strip on a plateau beside the river. The musicians arrived on a second plane, and we got acquainted during the short hike down to our put-in point at Sand Wash. Conversation turned briefly to the local black bears that occasionally make pests of themselves. How might we scare them out of camp, someone asked. Maurice, the cellist, suggested, Make the violist play! The violist in the quartet happened to be his wife. I liked this group already.

For eight days the Green River carried our rafts through Desolation and Gray Canyons to the take-out 84 miles downstream at Swasey's Rapid. Guests who wanted exercise could go on hikes with Bill, swim in the khaki-colored water, or paddle an inflatable kayak. Actually, those last two were one and the same if we weren't careful: the nimble little duckies were lots of fun in the Class II and III rapids, but they could easily be turned and flipped by the waves. However, I wasn't worried that my fellow guests might laugh at me from their nice stable rafts, since for the next week I would know where they lived.

It's probably five or six hundred years old, Bill said of the huge, gnarled cottonwood tree. We were lunching in its shade. The sunshine wasn't hot, but we would be getting plenty of exposure in the next few days and didn't want to overdo it. Eying a distant thunderhead, I wondered if we might soon have more shade than we wanted.

The tree was young compared to the petroglyphs we saw during the trip. Carved by Fremont and Anasazi tribes 750 to 1200 years ago, the depictions of warriors and animals were well preserved in the clean, dry air. More recent residents left their marks, too: in Fire Water Canyon we visited an abandoned moonshiner's hideout with the remains of the distillery inside, and the next day at Rock Creek Ranch we walked through the old stone house and mulberry orchard.

The length of this trip compels guests to hit a stride in a way that a mere weekend trip cannot. Settling into new routines, you are more able to leave your everyday life behind and fully appreciate your new surroundings. The upscale nature of the Classical Music Journey also helps: on most trips, guests partake in camp chores, but on this outing your biggest job is to consume lots of great food and wine so the guides have less to reload on the rafts each morning. We did our best that first night, but something about camping makes people extra sleepy in the evenings. After fresh guacamole and chips, blackened halibut, and fresh grilled vegetables, we weren't too full for the warm brownies we were too tired. That was okay, though. Brownies are great for breakfast.

Violins, violas, and cellos are soft-spoken instruments. However, place them before the huge backdrop of a red-rock amphitheater, and the sound of a string quartet will carry a long way. At our first camp, we heard a morning performance of the Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in a nearby side canyon. Many of us moved to the far side, several hundred feet away, to hear the music reverberating all around us. There were no bad seats in this concert hall.

Rowing all day is strenuous work for the guides, and at lunch I observed Bill spreading peanut butter on a leftover brownie for extra energy. It reminded me vaguely of some old television commercial. Oh, never mind.

Besides the musical instruments and wine, the crew had brought another unusual bit of baggage: a massage table. A professional massage therapist was on this trip, and she offered everyone a complimentary five-minute sample of her skills. Guests could receive longer massages for a fee, and I opted for a half-hour working over. Tonight was Italian night, and I later slouched like a wet noodle in my beach chair, enjoying Vivaldi's The Four Seasons and the aroma of baked lasagna.

I still can't say I've ever seen a bear in the wild, but I know what they sound like. Late that night I dreamed a freight train was passing by my tent. I awoke in time to hear a large animal crashing carelessly through the nearby woods and headed in my direction. I sat up, peered out the mesh window, and just made out a round shadow, a hole in the night. It grew closer until it was about ten feet from me. The loud snuffling and snorting could only have been from a curious bear, since no properly maintained freight train would make such a racket. More annoyed than apprehensive, I made a loud noise of my own: Pssssst! The cowardly shadow bolted knocking down several large trees in the process, to judge by the sound. I felt a bit sorry for him as I went back to sleep. It's a good thing roots and berries don't have ears.

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By Rob LaGrone, Las Vegas Correspondent, Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

About the Author

Robert LaGrone, Jetsetters Magazine. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

Happy Trails for a stressfree year

Finding happiness is easier than you might think. Happiness is
all around us, and all we have to do is hop in the car and hit
the road to find it. Actually, there is more to true happiness
than just jumping in the car, but for many people,
self-actualization does involve discovering new places, new
cultures, beautiful nature and secret little hideaways. Kathleen
Walls, publisher of American Roads Magazine, and David
Leonhardt, publisher of Your Daily Dose of Happiness share a few
of their favorite \Happy Trails,\ hoping you, too, will find
happiness there.

MOJAVE DESERT

For a Canadian, snow is no big deal. This year, we\'ve been
shoveling it since early November. But to find snow in a desert,
that really made my eyes pop. It was noon, and it had rained in
Palm Springs, California, the previous evening. But the famous
Mojave Desert is actually quite high up in the mountains, and
the rain fell there as snow. Just how amazing was it to see snow
tucked up against the north side of a cactus? Amazing enough
that, through my jetlag, I delivered a mostly impromptu speech
on the sighting at my Toastmasters club.

If you want to see snow sidling up to a cactus - what a photo
op! - head for the desert in January or February, and make sure
to choose a desert with a high altitude. The Mojave Desert
proved most effective for this. Now, should I mention the Joshua
trees?

YELLOWKNIFE

It really is hard to fill one\'s eyes with wonder, what with Star
Wars and The Lord of The Rings and so many special effects that
make a person just want to yawn. Then, every now and then, one
comes across something truly unique, something that actually
does make your eyes pop with wonder. Such is Yellowknife, a town
built on a peninsula of rock in the Arctic. What is unique about
this town are the houses in the old city. There are some amazing
mansions hoisted up on the rock. Well, at least some corners are
on the rock. Others are on stilts one or two stories high. Each
house is unique, and so are the various contraptions to keep
them level on this uneven land. (Why would anybody choose this
spot to settle in the first place, with so much flat land all
around?)

The second amazing feature is the shanty-town shacks scattered
among the mansions. In every other city, the slums and the ritzy
parts of town are separate, but not in Yellowknife. I found that
a truly stereotype- shattering sight.

LUSK CAVERNS, GATINEAU PARK

Happiness is spelunking. Let\'s face it, you\'ve done a million
vacations on the road and in the air and on the water. How many
have you done underground? Two, in my case. Once in Pennsylvania
on a boat, and once in Gatineau Park, in Quebec. If you think of
a cave as something cavernous, these don\'t qualify. The two
caves are merely a passage for a stream that flows underground
for a few yards. The first cave is just right for little
children, who can wade in the gently-flowing water.

The second cave is a little more challenging, as the water pools
into a miniature underground lake. In the spring, when the water
is high, there\'s not much room for a head to pass between the
water and the roof of the cave. Of course, you have to be daring
to brave the cold spring water. June is a great time to visit;
by August there\'s not as much water. And can there be anything
happier than splashing in water while exploring a cave?
Happiness is watching the sunrise over Mobile Bay. And what
better time to visit the city by the bay than Mardi Gras, when
the historic city puts on it\'s party face. This traditional
celebration was brought to Mobile by the French even before it
was established in New Orleans. That history is preserved at the
Mardi Gras Cottage Museum located on the grounds of Oakleigh, an
antebellum mansion located in the historic section of this fun
city. Centuries of Mardi Gras history are packed into this
little cottage. Be sure to visit Oakleigh while you are there.
In fact Mobile is packed with great historic sites from the
French Fort Conte to the U.S.S Alabama, These sites have been
carefully preserved or restored

Take time away from the celebrating to visit Bellingrath Gardens
and home, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Weeks Bay Preserve, and Mobile
Botanical Gardens (which will introduce you to the ecological
diversity of Mobile as well). Then there are all of those
parades. All of which are guaranteed to make you feel good.

MACON GEORGIA: SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

For some people, sports equate happiness. The Georgia Sports
Hall of Fame\'s 46th Induction Class, which will be held February
7-8 2003, will includes two female pioneers, arguably baseball\'s
greatest home run hitter, one of football\'s best place kickers,
a Peach State high school coaching legend, and one of Georgia\'s
most celebrated golfers.

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is the newest of Macon\'s attractions
housing memorabilia of pro and amateur athletes in all fields.
You can even experience the thrill of driving in a Nascar event
without the danger. Climb into a racecar and take the wheel in a
fast paced race. Hear the sound when you ram the fence.
Experience the thrill of the track. Then get the results of your
foray into professional racecar driving. Depending on how well
you drive, the results may or my not make you happy. The museum
is sure to be a crowd pleaser for sports fans and non-fans alike

FORT VALLEY GEORGIA: FESTIVALOF CAMELLIAS

Flowers are a sure mood lifter, so don\'t miss the Festival of
Camellias at Massee Lane Gardens in Fort Valley Georgia
encompasses the entire month of February when camellia blooms
are at their peak.(Something is out of place in this sentence.)
The flowers begin to show color in October and continue through
late March.

Not only camellias show their beautiful faces here. Each season
provides a new delight for the eyes with roses, flowering bulbs,
day lilies and much more. Even the path winding throughout the
gardens is unusual. Scattered randomly through it you will find
ancient millstones gathered from middle Georgia. Also along the
path you spot granite mile stones from the Old Wire Road witch
ran from New Orleans to Washington, D. C. The road was so named
because it was the route of the first telegraph lines in the
southeast.

After you have absorbed nature\'s outdoor offerings, visit the
two museums housing the largest public collection of Boehm
Porcelains. Here you will find nature reproduced so exquisitely
you will sometimes think you are looking on a live bird or a
blooming flower.

ATHENS GEORGIA: TASTE OF ATHENS

Food is sure to make everyone happy and Taste of Athens, a
community fund raiser, is sure to make you feel good all over.
You get to sample all of the exotic restaurants Athens Georgia
abounds in all under on roof and contribute to a good cause at
the same time this February 23th.

Athens\' restaurants are hard to beat both in number and in
excellent cuisine. Harry Bissett\'s New Orleans Cafe and Oyster
Bar, where you experience the ambience as well as the authentic
food of \The Big Easy\. It\'s housed in an old bank building and
the mellow brick walls are reminiscent of some of the French
Quarter\'s courtyard restaurants. The majority of the food served
here is spicy, for example The Blackened Redfish, gumbo and
Crawfish Etoffee, but there are enough less heated dishes to
suit any taste. Any festival that brings all of these culinary
delights together makes me happy.

It looks like for David, happiness is scenery, and for Kathleen,
it\'s festivals. Whatever it is about traveling that turns you
on, now\'s the time to hit the trail. So \Happy Trails to you
until we meet again.\

Mexican Bus Riding Part I

I am sitting on a bench in Guanajuato, Mexico, trying to determine why Mexicans board public buses the way they do. I am determined to figure this out. I\'ve staked out a seat in front of a bus stop for my scientific observations. This is important and here is why.

I will not lie to you. I have a vested interest in this investigation. Living in this beautiful Colonial Mexican city, I ride the public buses almost daily. Riding the bus to get around can be a convenient way to save on transportation costs. Convenient, yes. Comfortable and safe? I don\'t think so.

I was sitting next to a woman with multiple packages, multiple kids, and with a look of utter desperation on her face. I mean, who wouldn\'t be desperate? She had more bundles to carry than any human should and kids in tow to boot. I watched her carefully. She seemed the stereotypical Guanajuato Mexican bus rider. She would give me valuable empirical evidence. She would teach me.

Miles before this woman\'s bus came roaring up the street, she somehow knew it was coming. This amazes me. I see this all the time. My wife and I can show up at the bus stop and wait for an hour for the bus. Mexicans know exactly when the bus is coming and do not waste their time waiting for it. They just show up when it shows up. I can only assume this capacity is part of their Mexican genes.

This woman jumped up while gathering her bundles and screaming something to her children. The kids were already snapping to attention without being told to and were at the ready. They, too, knew their bus was coming.

Next, a surge of people appeared mysteriously at the front door of the bus. Where these people came from I do not know. They were just suddenly there. Mexicans do not stand in line, they surge. It is like when your two-year-old decides to unravel the entire roll of toilet paper into the commode forming a perfect ball of white glob bouncing and floating in the water. Mexicans blob into buses in no orderly fashion.

If you are a giant gringo trying fuse yourself into the blob of human flesh attempting to board a Mexican bus, here is what happens. The smaller Mexicans (and most will be smaller than you) can and do duck under the arms you are using to grab the bus door handles while trying to board it. They will simply see this as something to exploit and will duck under your arms to wiggle ahead of you.

So picture this. There you are trying to board the bus. You think, \Oh boy it is my turn to board this bus.\ You grab the handles to haul your carcass into the bus only to have fourteen four-foot-high Mexicans dash under your arms ahead of you.

Once, a nine-hundred-year-old woman grabbed my waist, jerked me back off the bus\'s step, and jumped on ahead of me.

Now here is what is worth noting: Mexicans never show up on time for anything. This is culturally endemic. It is nothing to shake your American head at nor something about which to click your tongue. It is just the way it is here.

So, where are they going in such a hurry that they need to push you out-of-the-way and get on the bus before you? Bus boarding is the closest thing you will find to witnessing panic in a group of Mexicans. They will rush the door of the bus, seemingly coming from nowhere, in an almost panic to board the bus and yet they are never in a hurry to arrive anywhere on time.

I truly do not get this at all.

I watched that small family rushing the bus in typical Mexican fashion. They were assimilated into the huge blob of humanity trying to board the bus. I can only assume that since no one was left standing when the bus pulled out that they all boarded successfully.

Lessons:

1. Ask any Mexican you see at a bus stop where they are going. If they are waiting for your bus then watch them carefully. They will know when the right bus is coming before you can even hear it.

2. Watch your mark like a hawk. Watch for any sign of movement. Jump up when they start gathering packages or shouting at their kids.

3. Run for all you\'re worth to the front of the bus and board as quickly as you can. Do not pause for even a nano-second.

4. Try walking to avoid bus riding.

More bus riding stories to come...

Freelance writer, Syndicated Columnist, and book author, Doug Bower, has written a compelling new book titled, AMERICA\'S ANTI-MEXICAN XENOPHOBIA. Have you wondered if the Minuteman Project is really on the \up and up\? Have you wondered if they represent all that is good and right with Americaparagons of patriotic virtue? Doug Bower may have the answers you\'ve been looking for. FREE CHAPTER: http://www.lulu.com/content/140958

Disney's 10 Most Magical Experiences

How do you narrow down a place like Walt Disney World into just a few days? A great way is to be sure to experience Disney's most wonderful offerings first and foremost and then allowing the rest to just fall into place. Here are the best of the best:

An Epcot Illuminations Cruise Each evening boatloads of visitors depart from the docks of Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Disney's Yacht Club headed for Epcot. Their destination is a prime position under the bridge between the United Kingdom and France for a view of the Illuminations fireworks spectacular. Cruises are offered nightly with your choice of either a pontoon boat seating 10 or a beautiful reproduction of a 1930s Chris Craft accommodating 6-7 people. Although reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance, they sometimes sell out on the first day. Call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Dinner at the California Grill The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort is a definite highlight for any connoisseur of cutting-edge cuisine. Through immense windows is an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon and on many nights picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to the exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California wine list, this place has it all.

Breakfast With Cinderella High atop Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom is your chance to feast in a fairytale setting with Cinderella, Jasmine, Aladdin, and Belle. Kids love the grand dining room where through glittering leaded-glass windows is a birds-eye view of Fantasyland. The characters make their way around the dining room and give each child quality time signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Beachside Vista of the Magic Kingdom's Fireworks On evenings when fireworks are on the Magic Kingdom's agenda, head to one of the Polynesian Resort's idyllic white-sand beaches, grab a hammock, kick back, and view the festivities.

Your First Glimpse of Cinderella's Castle As you walk under the train station at the Magic Kingdom and into a world of make believe, the splendor of Main Street is spread out before you with that celebrated fairy tale castle sitting at the end.

The Sight of Exotic Animals Grazing Below Your Guestroom Balcony A stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge comes with a view of its marvelous savanna filled with hundreds of roaming exotic animals. After dark the preserves are lit with a moon glow effect, perfect for a nighttime stroll or after dinner entertainment from your room balcony.

A Picturesque Ride on the Monorail Hop on board Disney's favorite form of transportation for a delightful journey around the Seven Seas Lagoon, through the interior of the Contemporary Resort, past the Magic Kingdom, and off through the pine trees on your way to Epcot.

Cocktails in the Grand Lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort This resort's favorite gathering spot is an exquisitely soaring, 5-story lobby of stained-glass cupolas and filigreed chandeliers. Find a seat on a cushy sofa and take pleasure in the lively big band orchestra while sipping a strawberry-topped glass of champagne.

Reliving the Drive-In of Your Youth At Disney-MGM Studios At the Sci-fi Dine-In Theatre, guests are served in sleek 1950s-era convertibles while watching B-grade sci-fi and horror trailers on the big screen. Waiters on roller skates carhop the darkened, starlit theater, speaker boxes hang on the side of your car and, of course, popcorn and hot dogs dance on the screen during intermission. Though the food is just so-so, who cares when Godzilla is your entertainment.

A Float Through Splash Mountain Who can resist the charms of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Bear, and the rest of the gang, even if it culminates in one heck of a plunge? Drift round the briar patch in a hollowed-out log while toe-tapping music plays among the cabbages and carrots, jugs of moonshine, chirpin' birds, and croakin' frogs as you relax and bob your head to the beat. As you float through bayous, marshes, and caverns, all a delight to the eyes with loads of colorful detail and too-cute cavorting characters, the heartwarming theme song Time To Be Moving Along plays. It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, or www.luxurydisneyguide.com

Marrakech An Experience Not To Be Missed.

We would like to suggest you a trip to Marrakech, Morocco for the simple reason that we help a convention there and we did find it a very interesting place to visit if you're up for some 'emotional inputs' overdose. The 'Great Imperial City' is surely a great mix of sleepy infusions of meant tea, tasty spices and incenses tha spice up the air and of course great tasting food of the best moroccan gastronomy. The city of Marrakech is a assault to the senses in the middle of incredible old buildings that seem made out of colorful silk in a frame of sand of the 'old good times' of the imperial 'belle epoque'. If you do choose to go there, the first place that you'll visit will be most probable the big square 'Jeema-el-Fna' that has inspired many many movies, including the well known Casablanca (that -yes- was not filmed in Casablanca but in Marrakech, the real cultural exotic capital of Morocco). Jeema-el-Fna is just a short stroll south of the main 'suk' (traditional, labyrinth style market); the square seems to come directly out of a painting and it is full of visual experiences that hardly could be found anywhere else in the world, including snake trainers, silver merchants and much much more. We would suggest to use Jeema-el-Fna as a starting point to explore the fascinating city center of Marrakech and in particular the main 'suk'. The everchanging main suk is a melting pot of different misterious sounds, chants and also lovely odours and incredible colors that we've never seen around in the US (apart of paint stores). You will find that in the main suk haggling is in fact art and you will soon have fun in the process + you will grab incredible deals on high quality goods. In the main market textiles hanging down from the ceiling of small rustic shops to dry might seem quite odd, but surely are goodlooking. The Medina of Marrakech (the old walled city center) is the oldest and the most big of Morocco and sometimes looks like a colorful maze ready to be explored for new enchanting experiences to be discovered and tasted. Old buildings are so elaborate and detailed that it looks like they're made of carved wood. In the Medina itself more than 300.000 people live and work making it a crowded but peaceful place where to observe life 'flow'. A visit to Marrakech is not complete without a visit to the Koutoubia tower and the gardens of Agdal. If you've got some time on your side we would like to suggest that you visit (tours or cars are easy to find) the nearby Atlas Mountains and of course the beginning of the Sahara desert, in fact Marrakech is the perfect base if you wish to explore one of the most interesting and beautiful area of Morocco and still be able to take advantage of modern comforts and high standards in Marrakech hotels. If you want to read the full guide of Morocco and Marrakech by Rough Guides Ltd. for free please go to http://dg.ian.com/index.jsp?cid=94779&action=viewLocation&locationId=36727 . Thanks for reading. http://www.Travelton.com
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Budget travel and free flights how to get yourself bumped

One of the most popular strategies for budget traveling is to
make what is traditionally one of the most expensive parts of
travel - the airfare - free. One great way to score free flights
without tediously collecting frequent flier miles is to get
yourself bumped off of the flight on which you are booked. While
getting bumped won't make your current flight free, it will
traditionally score you a free ticket you can use at a later
date of your choosing.

Getting bumped is such a popular money saving strategy that
there is a definite art and science behind it. Remember that you
may not be the only person on your flight hoping to get bumped.
It is important to follow the guidelines listed below to
increase your chances.

Book your flight with the intention of getting bumped.
For instance, you may want to choose one of the first flights of
the day, knowing that you will be able to get on a later flight
after you are bumped and still reach your destination.

Always ask if the flight is overbooked. It may be a
good idea to call your travel agent the night before the
scheduled flight to inquire. Always ask the gate agent if the
flight is overbooked as soon as you arrive and let him or her
know you will volunteer to be bumped.

Always back a flight schedule for your departure and
destination airport. Be sure to get a schedule that includes all
airlines, not just the one on which you are booked.

Always arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior
to scheduled departure. Try to be the first one in the check in
line. Being the first in line will ensure that you are the first
on the list of volunteers to be bumped.

Before you agree to be bumped, be sure that the airline
will offer a free ticket or other significant compensation.
Individual airline policies vary, so be sure you know what is
being offered. Some airlines offer vouchers in $100 increments,
according to the time you must wait for another flight. For
instance, a one hour wait entitles you to a $100 voucher, two
hours means you get $200, etc.

Before accepting your free ticket or travel voucher,
let the gate agent know that you need to be sure of your
arrangements for your current flight. Always make sure you are
holding a confirmed reservation and boarding pass for a later
flight before signing the agreement and accepting the free
ticket.

Tell the gate agent that you want a guaranteed,
confirmed reservation on the next flight to your destination.

If there are no guaranteed seats available on the next
flight, inform the agent that you want a guaranteed seat on
another airline.

Use the flight schedule you packed to choose an
alternative flight and airline.

If the wait for the next flight exceeds two hours, ask
the gate agent for meal vouchers. Most airlines make these
vouchers available, but they do not always offer them without
being asked.

If you get bumped from your next flight, you could
score another free ticket. It pays to be flexible any time you
are flying on a budget.

Remember there are no hard and fast rules everyone must
follow. There are some regulations, but each airline sets its
own policy with regard to bumping policy and compensation.

The bumping rules are generally different for
international flights, so be sure to ask the airline about their
policies before volunteering.

Cool Places ... In Hot Malaysia

The pet monkey named Joyng bit through her leash and romped
through the fronds of the palm trees, celebrating her freedom.
She paused occasionally to heave a coconut down at the
sweat-soaked baseball cap of her frantic owner, who was chasing
wildly after her and, in the Terengganu dialect which Joyng
knew, beseeching her to come down. Such is life in tropic
Malaya's resorts--better known to Europeans (especially Germans)
than Americans. Guests enjoy the sun, sandy beaches, swimming
pools, eco-tourism, river cruising, ocean diving, jungle
trekking, remainder-to-remnant massages and spacious villas in
the architectural styles of the Malayan Archipelago.

They will also find crab-feeding monkeys, noisy hornbills and
monitor lizards sunning them selves on the green lawns as their
neighbors. Our press grouping's have was limited to impertinent
local culinary art, sleeping in comfortable villas, snorkeling
in warm seas and partaking in 3 health club treatments, which
together created a perfect high gear-enjoyment refuge memory. We
had first base flown into Kuala Lumpur, 's modern capital city,
which everyone calls KL. The cosmopolitan city and business
center gained new public awareness when the Petronas Twin Towers
topped out in 1996 and occupancy began in early 1997. Tower One
is occupied by Petronas, the state-owned petroleum corporation.
Tower Two houses Petronas' associate companies and
multinationals. The towers are joined by the 192-foot-long sky
bridge on levels 41 and 42.

Our final examination dinner was at the Fisherman's Cove
Restaurant, which offered an Asian-fusion of Western grill,
Taiwanese dishes, Italian specialties and impudent seafood. The
open kitchen, views and state-of-the-art design made it the
ultimate dining know at Pangkor Laut. Our drive back to KLIA for
our flight home was notable because it was on Ching Ming, the
day that people from the Formosan communities traditionally
sojourn cemeteries to honor and show respect to their ancestors.
The many final exam resting places that we passed, all senior
high school on hillsides, were thick with devotees and there
were no places left to park on the highway.

is a great place to inflict, but be prepared for heat,
overwhelming humidity and thunder-showers every afternoon,
depending on the time of year. Monsoon temper starts around the
beginning of October and continues to January-February. A haunt
arrest, with its breezes, is fresher than a check in KL, and
dress is more casual. Airlines flies five times a week 'tween
Los Angeles (LAX) and KL via Taipei and III times a week betwixt
New York (JFK) and KL via Stockholm. Airlines' crown jewel, the
Golden Lounge, is the world's largest business--and first
gear-class airport passenger lounge, with good food plus corners
in which to relax and check your e-mail. Pangkor Laut Recourse
was included on the Circus tent Ten Overseas Hotel Spas-Asia and
100 Big top Spas Worldwide 2004 lists by Conde Nast Traveller.

Opened on March 1, 1979, the repair has been extensively
refurbished under new management. It features 126 luxury villas
and 22 resort hotel villas plus a watering place building and
two swimming pools. It is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of
the World mathematical group. Tanjong Jara Refuge won the Aga
Khan Award for Architecture for its updated interpretation of a
17th-century sultan's palace.

It was given the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences'
5-Star Diamond Award and the top award in the Malaysian National
Landscaping Competition.

5 Ways How To Avoid Long Lines At Disneyland

If there\'s one thing that many visitors at Disneyland find annoying or frustrating, is the long lines for the rides. You can literally spend several hours of the day standing in line to ride popular attractions. These lines can be avoided in one of five ways.



One way to avoid getting stuck in long lineup is to purchase FastPass tickets for the rides that offer them. Do this early to ensure that you get to ride those rides earlier in the day.



Second, ride many of the popular rides later in the evening, while the majority of people are enjoying the entertainment. Disneyland has nightly entertainment, and this is a good time to find shorter lines. Of course, it will mean that you probably miss the entertainment, so if you can use one of the other options for shorter lines at Disneyland, you should probably do so. Besides if you are deciding to stay in Disneyland for a few days, you can always plan to explore the nightly entertainment on the last of day of your trip, it\'s great way to end your holiday.



Third, avoid going to Disneyland during busy times such as between Christmas and New year, spring break, the summer months, or on Saturdays.



Fourth, get to the park early. The lines are shorter in the morning when the park first opens. Instead of jumping in line for the first ride you see, head for the rides that you really want to ride the most - the most popular rides, which includes \Indiana Jones,\ \Pirates of the Caribbean,\ \Matterhorn,\ \Thunder Mountain,\ \Haunted Mansion,\ and \Splash Mountain\.



Last but not least there are websites that are so dedicated to providing informations on Disneyland such as mouseplanet.com or laughingplace.com. These sites can help you provide a better plan of attack sort of speak, by providing the best times to visit, which rides you should visit first, how to get cheap tickets and so on.



Planning your vacation to the happiest place on earth is becoming more critical every year to avoid long lineup as it will have tremendous impact on your overall experience and your wallet.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Paul Penafiel - www.paulpenafiel.com - Get valuable tips on how to bring more visitors to your websites using the power of articles.

Learning to sail the USA way

The syllabus can be readily divided into two parts. The Keelboat Sailing Certification Program is made up of seven stages while Small Boat Sailing Program contains a further two stages.

The Basic Small Boat Sailing Standard requires no previous experience or qualifications. It is the first course in the Small Boat Sailing Program. Students must demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of the names and functions of various parts of a boat together with common sailing terms, the sail and its ancillary components, the International Rules for Collision Prevention both at sea and on inland waters and hey should demonstrate a basic knowledge of safety procedures. On the practical side they must show they can tread water for 5 minutes and swim 100 metres, rig, launch and retrieve the boat, set and trim the sails, sail both upwind and downwind, tack and gybe, correctly apply the rules of the road, recover a man overboard, recover from a capsize, accept and pass a towline, tie four specified Knots within a given time. Upon completion he or she will be able to sail a centerboard or multihull sailboat in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters.

The first course in the Keelboat Sailing Certification Program is known as Basic Keelboat. No experience or qualifications are necessary. To complete the course students will be required to demonstrate that they can put a name to and describe the workings of various parts of a boat including the hull, keel, deck bow and stern. The components of both the running and standing rigging. The different sails including the names of part of a sail - foot, leech, luff, head, tack and clew. The various spars, mast and boom. They will be familiar with sailing terminology used to describe various manoeuvres such as gybing and coming about. Students will understand the points of sail be it close hauled, reaching or running. They will understand the basics of collision avoidance including rules of the road. They will demonstrate they are familiar with regulations covering registration and identification, proper waste disposal, who to notify in the event of an accident and what safety equipment is requires by law to be carried on a vessel and how it is used. They will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of buoyage Participants will know how to anchor a boat and describe the choice of anchors and their attributes and failings. On the practical side they must demonstrate sail handling skills, they will display competence at the helm including mooring, sailing both upwind and downwind together with a successful tack and gybe. They will complete a successful man overboard recovery. They will show they know how to tie 6 different knots and understand their various uses. Upon completion of the course students should be able to sail a boat of some 20 feet in length in moderate winds in familiar waters.

The second stage is called Basic Coastal Cruising and students must hold the Basic Keelboat Sailing Certificate prior to undertaking this course. The course looks at safety on board including equipment and procedures. An understanding of fire prevention and fighting is required. Students will be required to demonstrate a knowledge of first aid and the treatment of hypothermia. Basic meteorology is considered and students must demonstrate an understanding of shipping forecasts. An understanding of the relationship between the skipper and crew and the respective duties of each is required. Students must be able to undertake basic chartwork including depths; types of bottom, hazards, bouys, beacons and lights. The practical side of this course looks at boat handling under power and sail, man overboard recovery, the various points of sail, reefing and heaving to, docking and mooring and some knot work. When completed the sailor should be able to cruise safely in regional waters on a sailboat of up to 30 feet in length, in moderate winds and sea conditions.

Trailerable Multihull Standard, this course is the second in the Small Boat Sailing Program. It may be taught as part of or following the Basic Coastal Cruising course. Completion of the Basic Keelboat is a prerequisite prior to taking this course. On the theory side students must be able to identify and name the various parts of a multihull that are not found on a monohull including the different wing decks, hulls, cross arms, three point rig, bridle line, safety nets, seagull and dolphin strikers. They will be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of multihulls including, performance, comfort safety and the danger of capsize. On the practical side the sailor will demonstrate: how to cast of and leave the quay with at least two different wind directions relative to the bow and then return and berth alongside, pick up a mooring buoy, manoeuvre in a restricted space, reverse, recover a man overboard, the different points of sail, tacking and gybing, sail a compass course within 10 degrees. They will anchor in the following ways, bow anchor and bridle and single bow with a stern line to the shore. When completed sailors are able to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary multihull sailboat of up to 30 feet in length, in moderate wind and sea conditions.

Bareboat Chartering is the next stage. Participants are expected to hold the Basic Coastal Cruising Certificate before doing this course. The theory side covers the preparation of both crew and boat for a one week cruise including the preparation of a passage plan. Meteorology is considered including a look at fog and onshore and offshore winds. Seamanship is looked at and students should know what action is required if the engine fails, they should know how to anchor the boat bow or stern to. On the practical side the student will be able to undertake daily and weekly maintenance tasks, manoeuvre the boat under power in a restricted space, pick up a mooring buoy, use the VHF radio. The following navigational skills are required, plotting a course and establishing the compass heading and calculating an estimated time of arrival. Establishing a fix using visual bearing. Use a chart to pilot the boat into an unfamiliar harbour. Students must obtain and interpret a shipping forecast. When completed the individual can act as skipper of a boat up to 50 feet in length sailing by day in coastal waters.

The next stage is known as Coastal Navigation. This is a theory only course and no prior experience or knowledge is required. Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge of various State and Federal regulations pertaining to sailing. They must understand how the use navigational instruments including both steering and hand bearing compasses, binoculars, depth sounder, log, parallel rule and dividers. Participants must display an understanding of tide tables and their use when dealing with secondary ports. They should be able to convert bearings and compass courses between, compass, magnetic and true, plot a dead reckoning position, understand the effect of current and leeway when estimating a position and plot a position by two or more bearings, a running fix and a bearing and distance. Finally they will need to demonstrate a knowledge of buoyage and lights.

The Cruising Catamaran course deals exclusively with multihull sailing and concentrates on the differences a sailor finds as opposed to monohull sailing. Participants should have completed the Bareboat Chartering stage. On the theory side students must be able to identify and name the various parts of a multihull that are not found on a monohull including the different wing decks, hulls, cross arms, three point rig, bridle line, safety nets, seagull and dolphin strikers. They will be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of multihulls including, performance, comfort safety and the danger of capsize. On the practical side the sailor will demonstrate: how to cast of and leave the quay with at least two different wind directions relative to the bow and then return and berth alongside, pick up a mooring buoy, manoeuvre in a restricted space, reverse, recover a man overboard, the different points of sail, tacking and gybing, sail a compass course within 10 degrees. They will anchor in the following ways, two anchors of the bow or stern, bow anchor and bridle, single bow with a stern line to the shore and bow to fixed mooring. Upon completion the person can skipper a multihull sailboat of up to 50 foot in length by day in coastal waters.

Advanced Coastal Cruising follows and participants should have completed both the Bareboat Chartering and Coastal Navigation stages. Students will be required to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the theory of sailing, an understanding of meteorology including the various cloud formations and the weather that can be expected with each. They will understand the needs of heavy weather sailing, the necessary sail changes and the use of the correct safety equipment and procedures. They will be able to describe: how set a second anchor to reduce swinging, how to recover a fouled anchor, how to use a trip line and an anchor buoy and when and how to set an anchor watch. They will describe how to tow or be towed. They will have a knowledge of distress signals. Students will correctly describe the actions required in the following emergency situations: a dismasting, running aground on a lee shore and engine failure. Students will be able to carry out maintenance and repairs on the engine. On the water students must: sail on all points of the wind and tack and gybe in a wind of at least 15 knots, sail a compass course to within 10 degrees, carry out a man overboard recovery in darkness. They will demonstrate their ability to set, sail with including a gybe, douse and pack a spinnaker. And finally they will stand a navigation watch of 20 miles both at day and night. When completed a person can skipper a sailing vessel of up to 50 feet in length both during day and night in coastal waters regardless of weather and sea conditions.

The next stage is called Celestial Navigation. The course is theory based and requires no experience or prior qualifications. The student must be able to demonstrate the Celestial Navigation required to navigate a sailboat on an offshore passage. The successful student will have demonstrated their ability to: Convert longitude into time and standard time and zone time to GMT. They will be able to calculate: the zone time given longitude, the chronometer error given a previous error and the daily rate, the time of meridian passage of the sun and calculate the boat\'s latitude from the observed meridian altitude of the sun, the times of sunrise, sunset and twilight, plot celestial lines of position on a Mercator projection or on a universal plotting sheet and the true bearing of a low altitude celestial body in order to determine the error and deviation of the compass. The student will be able to apply the corrections for index error, dip of the horizon, and total correction to convert sextant altitudes of the sun, stars, planets, and moon to true altitudes, determine the latitude at twilight by means of the Pole Star and the approximate azimuths and altitudes of the navigational stars and planets at twilight. In addition they will be capable of solving the navigational triangle using a navigation table and advance the LOP obtained from a sun sight to another LOP obtained from the sun at a later time and find the boat\'s position using a running fix (sun-run-sun).

This celestial theory can be put into practice during the Offshore Passage Making course. Entrants should be certified to the Advanced Coastal Cruising level. The student will plan a passage across either the Pacific or North Atlantic using Great Circle Plotting Charts and Climatic Charts. They must show an understanding of the essential factors to be considered when selecting a vessel for an offshore ocean passage of at least 1000 miles including hull construction and shape, keel, rig, and rudder type, fuel and water capacity. They must provide a list of tools and spares required for such a voyage. They must victual the boat for four people on passage for seven days. They must list the items to be carried in the first aid kit and describe basic treatments for injuries and illnesses that may occur together with identifying a source of mare advanced medical information while on passage. They will prepare a watch keeping system and define the duties of crew members both on and off watch. They will design a maintenance plan to cover: Bilges, electronic equipment, fuel system, hatches, galley equipment, rigging, safety equipment sea cocks, steering and the water system. They will describe the procedures to be undertaken in the following emergency situations: abandon ship, dismasting, fire onboard, lightning strike, man overboard. A comprehensive knowledge of the International Regulation for Preventing Collision at Sea must be demonstrated. When the course is completed is the sailor cans skipper a sailing vessel on offshore passages in any weather.

Ken Jones runs a Sailing Site. More information about ASA Sailing Courses can be found here To find an ASA Sailing Course in your area visit the Marine Directory.

Protecting Your Personal Assets at a Stag Party

Although most stag weekends don\'t have much interaction between genders, it does happen, and it needs to be watched for, especially as company policies are still in effect. Some basic protections need to be observed.

If stag weekends were just boring affairs, then no one would go on them. Butthey are usually far from civilization, with some alcohol (even if the planners don\'t bring any and place restrictions on it, it still mysteriously shows up), and something great did happen that day if everything went well. Throw two genders into the situation, and you know something is going to happen; it\'s just a matter of time. If it doesn\'t happen to you, it will happen to someone. And it doesn\'t take weeks to happen, but just minutes.

The basic protection that needs to be observed is that of mental protection. Harassment still applies, and can be still be prosecuted against the guilty party. That should be in the forefront of your mind, and you shouldn\'t forget it. At the same time, if you do approach someone make sure that you don\'t approach someone under your direct command, and that even then it can\'t be perceived as a threat against their employment or career path. Legally, abstinence really is the best option.

Also, be very aware of the person\'s marital status. Some jurisdictions do punish adultery, especially if it is a direct cause of divorce. This question gives some validity to the office gossip\'s position; check with him or her first before seriously approaching someone. You don\'t want to be on the receiving end of a jealous boyfriend, and jealous girlfriends can be as deadly. Look upon any kind of affection as you would a contract; try to avoid hidden clauses. They can be not only be inconvenient, but potentially harmful as well.

If something does happen, be prepared: Always carry a well-wrapped condom in your wallet. If it\'s ribbed or lubricated, fine, but it just needs to do its job. Latex is best; substitutions should be seriously debated.

Almost as potentially interesting as a midnight rendezvous can be, the morning after should be avoided. Two people leaving the same tent may be subject to scandal, even if they leave at different times. The best way to avoid this is to meet quickly, and leave quicker. Try to exercise some discretion in this, as a scandal is the only thing that travels faster than light. If possible, set up a wingman to help you get out of the situation with little observation of your personal movements; the wingman should not only be someone you trust, but also someone who is aware of the seriousness of the situation, and can actually help keep lookout.

By observing these basic precautions, the stag weekends can be fun, and hopefully be filled more with memories than sad reminders. Remember that you are watched, even when everyone is relaxed, and that your judgment is always being questioned, and a great stag weekend won\'t wreck your career.

Martin Lucchi is a Web Developer for Eclipse Leisure, a British company that organizes hen weekends, stag nights, Corporate Events and corporate Christmas parties for the UK and Europe.

Capne's Chicago Empire wes a better earner than Ford's

Chicago, also know as the windy city is remembered for its
stockyards and highly successful meatpacking industry which
economic circumstances has now moved out of the city and placed
much further west. Related, but in deeply ironic sense, to the
meatpacking industry was the gangland wars that brought Chicago
great notoriety in the days of prohibition. A government that
made the sale of alcohol unlawful opened up an industry
determined to set out to sell it to those who wanted it, and
there was no shortage of takers!

It was the era of Alphonsus scar face Capone who was himself
not a native of Chicago at all. He was born in Brooklyn in New
York in 1899. However, his association with
the city has meant that Chicago and Capone will be linked
throughout the years.

Capone quit school at the age of 12 and then held down a series
of dubious jobs before coming to work for gangland boss, Frankie
Yale. Yale owned a pub of sorts, and it was here that Al worked
as a barman and bouncer. It was also in Yale's bar that earned
his nickname, scar face. He intimated tat the morals of one of
his lady customer's were not as good as they might have been,
which caused the lady great offence. She called her brother to
eke revenge, and hence the scars. In 1919 Capone moved to
Chicago because of growing police pressure in NYC.

There was plenty of room for his talents in the blooming
Business Empire of John Torrio. As prohibition ensured that
there had to be outlets galore for the illegal booze and where
better to serve it than in dubious saloons, gambling houses and
brothels. When Torrio stooped a bullet, it was scar face
himself who inherited the business empire. He was if nothing
else a very able business man and soon the gang had earnings in
excess of $100,000,000 per year which exceeded that of the Ford
Motor Company.

However, Capone made an enemy of his one time proponent and
business partner Chicago Mayor, William Hale Thomson. Thomson
hired a new police chief whose job it was to drive the gangland
leader out of the Illinois City. Capone moved to Palm Beach in
Florida, and it was from there he masterminded the notorious
St.Valentine's Day Massacre.

Many wanted to kill Capone but no one succeeded. Instead he was
indicted on income tax evasion charges and sent to prison for 10
years in 1931.He ended up in Alcatraz where he started to
exhibit the symptoms of syphilitic dementia that was later to
kill him.

Interested in this subject? Try this link for more of the same

Towns of south eastern Spain

Almunecar



Almunecar is known as the capital of the Costa Tropical and forms part of the province of Granada. The Costa Tropical is a less well known part of the coastline and is found between the Costa del Sol on the west and the Costa de Almeria to the east.



There are some beautiful beaches along the coastline and a good selection of hotels, villas and apartments. The average temperature here is 20C with around 320 days of sunshine per year.



Almunecar has a Moorish castle, the Castle of San Miguel and there are also several churches and museums which can be visited. Near to the castle is the Loro Sexi Bird Park which has over 1500 birds and nearby the botanical garden, the Parque del Majuelo is home to Europe\'s largest collection of subtropical plants.



Motril



Motril is the largest town on the Costa Tropical and the second largest town in the province of Granada with over 55,000 inhabitants.



Motril has a busy commercial port as well as a fishing port and a marina. The two main beaches are the Playa Granada and the Playa Poniente. On the coast road to the west of the Playa Poniente is Casa Astrida which is one of the King\'s residences. A little further along is the popular golf course, Los Moriscos.



The production of sugar cane was the main industry in the town for centuries and there is still a 16th century sugar mill, Casa de Las Palmas.



Salobrena



The old whitewashed town of Salobrena which is built upon a large rock, has steep, narrow streets which are centred around the 10th Century Moorish castle and the town is surrounded by lush sugar cane fields and the last sugar factory in Europe can be found in the village of La Caleta to the west of the town.



Salobrena has been inhabited for over 6000 years and the old town is lovely with great views of the landscape beyond, if you can make the climb to the top of the old town.



Salobrena has lots of bars, restaurants and tapas on offer and is ideally situated just 45 minutes from Granada and little over an hour to the Sierra Nevada mountain range so it is also an ideal location to combine winter sun and skiing.



Mojacar



Mojacar is in the province of Almeria and just 50 minutes drive from Almeria airport. It is an old whitewashed mountain village and only a couple of kilometres from the coast. There is a tourist resort just to the south called Mojacar Playa.



It has over 3000 hours of sunshine per year and has almost no winter season at all. Mojacar has retained most of its original character and is home to a Moorish fortress called El Torreon.



The beaches are the main attraction to visit the area as well as the many other picturesque villages to be visited.



Puerto de Mazarron



Puerto de Mazarron is an attractive holiday resort which has been popular with holidaymakers for many years. Fishing and agriculture are still the most important industries in the area but the economy is boosted each year by the influx of tourists in the summer. The coastal area of Mazarron has some of the loveliest unspoilt beaches in Spain and provides a peaceful environment for those choosing to vacation here. It is also a popular destination for Spanish families in the peak season but is ideal for a quieter holiday out of season.



There is an attractive promenade which gives access to the beaches and there are many bars, restaurants and cafes to try.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Warren Ward runs the vacation owner rental website of www.ChooseSpain.com which advertises hundreds of holiday villas and apartments throughout Spain.

Safe Hiking Practices

Summertime is the time when folks want to take to the wilderness. If you are planning a hiking trip into the mountainous areas there are special considerations. One of these is making sure that you are physically fit enough to undertake this sort of trip.

Occasionally travelers who are not accustomed to higher altitudes can experience Altitude Sickness. Another term for this is Mountain Sickness or hypoxia. When you travel in the mountains, you need to be aware that your body needs to work harder to maintain the normal ratios of oxygen in the bloodstream because the air pressure is 30% lower at the higher altitude due to the fact that the atmosphere is less dense. If you are not accustomed to these elevations or have not accustomed your body by gradually acclimating yourself, the results can be serious. Thus it is a good idea to attempt your hiking or climbing trip after you have already spent a day or two in the mountains at a base camp or in the cities, in a relatively restful atmosphere.

Symptoms of altitude sickness begin with fatigue, loss of appetite, sleeplessness and progress to weakness, headache, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. After a few days at higher elevations, the headaches may progress to memory lapses, ringing in the ears, and difficulty in balance and walking. If early symptoms are recognized and treated, the progression of the sickness may not continue any further. Treatment includes rest, fluid ingestion, and pain meds for the headaches. Sleeping pills may make the problem worse and should be avoided. The important of \hydration\ or water intake can not be emphasized enough. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to ease most of the symptoms quickly. Getting plenty of rest also is important in any situation when the body is stressed .

The milder form of oxygen deprivation is known as hypoxia, the more severe and life threatening condition is known as pulmonary oedema and /or cerebral oedema. Both of these latter conditions are unusual, yet may become a cause for concern for elderly people with weaker hearts or heart conditions, where the flow of oxygen to the bloodstream is already impaired. This condition can also exist with mountain climbers who have not acclimated their bodies gradually to higher elevations and treatment must be taken immediately. Symptoms include coughing bloody mucous, weakness, shortness of breath, cyanosis, and rapid heat and breathing rates, impaired judgment and even coma. The victim must be evacuated immediately to lower elevations below 5000 feet.

Most of the time these conditions are quite unusual in an ordinary travel situation but if you are planning on doing rock climbing or mountain climbing it is important that you are in good physical health to begin with.

Another important consideration when traveling in wilderness mountain areas is good planning. When you are going into wilderness areas, do not leave an area without alerting someone of where you are going and when you expect to return. Do not wander off willy nilly without taking with you enough supplies to last you at least 48 hours. Even if you are not planning on camping overnight on your hike, emergencies can occur and it is wise to be prepared. Carrying a well equipped backpack is a must. A pack should include basic first aid essentials, energy bars or similar in the way of food, extra clothing and a tarp or emergency thermal blanket, and waterproof matches. Water is most essential and is also the heaviest thing to carry. Two litre bottles are the minimum, and you should obtain water purifying tablets and pack these along with you so that you can purify water from a stream or river if you need to.

Also do not forget the importance of these three words: NEVER TRAVEL ALONE. The buddy system is a must when traveling in the wilderness.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Safety

Plan Your Trip And Reduce Fuel Expenses

With the high cost of fuel and gasoline at present, it would not be very surprising to find out if people started opting to take road trips less this summer. In fact, this kind of assumption has been backed up by a recent survey which was conducted by the National Retail Federation.

According to such a study, around 37 per cent of consumers have already decided to cut back and lessen their travel plans. All these are due to the high cost of fuel that they would be spending on once they take road trips. As per other people still wanting to take that road trip, their answer to the situation would be to actually move past some of their targeted areas and locations and just go straight right to the important ones.

However, the high cost of fuel is not reason for those who are really interested in that road trip to halt all their plans of doing so. In fact, there are ways to fight back against this battle of high gas prices so that you can still enjoy that much-awaited trip.

Know How Much You Are Willing To Spend

This is very simple. You just try to do a budget on how much you are going to spend and just how much are you really willing to spend. You can go back to the latest road trip you were on as your guide as per how much you are going to spend more or less.

Do Not Forget To Plan

With the amount you are going to pay for the whole trip already on hand, this would be the right time to find alternatives on how you are going to lessen all your expenses so you can purchase more gas. Maybe you took high class hotels back then. Well, you can opt to cool inexpensive cabins or motorists hotels. The more you save on other expenses, the more you get to have longer road trips.

And before you go on that road trip, be sure that you do a complete check up of your vehicle. This would ensure that your chances of meeting a car breakdown are quite slim. Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts offers durable and inexpensive Ford F-Series Pickup Parts and other Ford accessories. If your vehicle needs replacement, you can visit this store and get the parts shipped to you right away.

Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JasonMoore

Traveling? Don't Leave Home Without These

Are you planning a trip this year? There\'s nothing like going on a trip, but when you forget to bring everything you need, your fun trip can turn stressful fast. Whether it\'s business or pleasure, there\'s certain travel \must haves\ that you need to bring along. So whether your are traveling for a great vacation or a boring business trip, here\'s 10 things you can\'t do without.

Itinerary

You need to have fairly accurate plan of where you will be on certain days, not only for yourself but also in case anyone from back home needs to get in touch with you. A business trip will make this pretty easy as your days will probably be structured in advance. If you are traveling on vacation, it makes sense to plan your tourist stops ahead of time so you can be sure to fit everything in.

Clothing

Bringing the right clothes for the climate is key when traveling. Check the weather ahead of time so you know what to expect. You\'ll need to bring something for every occasion you expect - casual clothes for seeing the sites, something more dressy for dinner etc... Try to make your clothes do double duty as much as possible. Bring clothes that are easy to wash and don\'t wrinkle easily and you\'ll spend less time doing laundry and more time enjoying yourself.

Shoes

If you\'ll be sightseeing a good pair of comfortable walking shoes is a must but don\'t bring a brand new pair you have never worn or you might end up nursing blisters along with your martinis. If you\'ll be dressing, you\'ll also need a pair of appropriate shoes and maybe some sandals for lounging around. Think about the activities you will be doing and plan your shoes accordingly. It won\'t do to bring your favorite evening dress and then have only hiking boots to wear with it.

Essentials

Don\'t forget your personal items such as drivers license or identification and passport. Do you need to bring your ATM card? Travelers checks? Don\'t forget your toothbrush and clean underwear. Make sure you have some cash on hand just in case.

Medication

If you are taking medication be sure to fill your prescription and bring enough to last for the whole trip and then some. Also, you might want to include some insect repellent, cold medicine, aspirin and maybe even Pepto Bismal.

Tote Bag

Bring an extra bag, like a tote bag that you can use for lugging stuff to the beach or when shopping or to the laundry. If you bring it down empty, you\'ll have an extra bag to fill with souvenirs on the return trip.

Locks and keys.

Make sure your luggage has a lock and keep the keys hidden or on your person while on vacation. Did you bring your house and car keys? You might need them after you get home.

Maps

It\'s always a good idea to bring a map of your destination so you know where you are going, especially if you will be doing any driving. If you are really organized you can map out your day trips ahead of time and you won\'t have to waste \vacation time\ planning your trips.

Labels

Does your suitcase look like a dozen others? Then it might be smart to put a big label with your name on it. Put labels on the inside as well as the outside in case the outer one gets ripped off somehow during processing. Don\'t put your address on the label, just your name and the airline you are flying on.

Insurance

You might want to buy the additional flight insurance offered just in case. If you will be driving a rental car, you should probably get the insurance they offer as well. If you do rent a car, make sure you go over every inch of it with the rental agent and be sure they write down any damage so that you are not charged for it later.

When traveling, a bit of planning up front can save you headaches later on so next time you travel, make a little checklist to be sure you include all the things you need and don\'t forget to have a safe and happy trip!

Lee Dobbins writes for Travel Cents where you can get more travel tips and learn about great places to visit.

6 Reasons why a cruise is such a fine budget vacation

A cruise ship provides a great, one price, vacation, and one of
the main attractions to booking a cruise ship is that just about
everything is included in the price.

When many people think about a budget vacation, they picture an
intrepid traveler in a roach infested hotel room eating stale
sandwiches and riding around on the city bus. However, one of
the best ways to save money on a vacation is also one of the
most luxurious and most thrilling - the cruise vacation.

Cheap Accommodation In addition to a cheap place to stay, a
cruise also offers unlimited food, including many amazing
buffets that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In
addition, the food on cruise vacation ships are often
better-quality to those in all but the best land locked
restaurants, and once again, the food is included in the price.

Traveling Off-season Of course, it is possible to save money by
traveling in the off-season, and this can often be a great plan.
For instance, even though it is the middle of the winter and
most people are not thinking about vacations where you are, it
may be warm and tempting in many tropical cruise ship
destinations.

It is important, however to check out the local weather, and to
avoid the rainy season in the destinations you are considering.
Steering clear of hurricanes, tropical downpours and other
weather problems can help you get the most out of your cruise
ship.

Cabins If you have never taken a cruise ship before, it is a
good idea to get advice from those who have experienced
cruising. These people can give valuable insight on the best
balance of cost and comfort for your first cruise ship
experience.

The location of the cabin is another important consideration
when booking a cruise ship. The interior cabins on the lower
parts of the ship are generally the least costly, while the
higher, larger cabins with ocean views are the most expensive.

Discounts and Cheap Cruise ship Deals It is not always
necessary to shop early, of course. Cruise ship lines have been
known to offer some fantastic discounts at the last minute in
order to move unsold cabins or avoid leaving with a less than
full passenger load.

There are many last minute travel newsletters that provide
details on these types of cruise ship deals, and these last
minute travel deals are a big hit with retirees and others with
the time to see the world.

Food and Gym After eating all that food, you will probably feel
the need to work out, and the cost of the cruise vacation also
typically includes unlimited use of the gym, the weight room and
the sports locations. While many hotels tack on a surcharge for
the use of the hotel gym, with a cruise vacation it is generally
included.

Shipboard Entertainment The cost of a cruise vacation also
includes all shipboard entertainment and classes. The
entertainment options of a cruise vacation are often one of the
best parts of the experience, and many cruises offer such things
as movie nights, theatres, spas, nightclubs, discos, and even
casinos.

There are also some great classes offered by cruise lines, in
everything from origami to bridge to ballroom dancing. And
again, these classes and entertainment options are included in
the price you pay for the cruise.

Among the only things that are not included in the typical
cruise vacation are alcoholic beverages and shore excursions.
Many of the higher priced cruises even include these extras. If
the shore excursions and drinks are not included, be sure to get
a price list for shore excursions and drinks.

It is often possible to save money on shore excursions while on
a cruise vacation by booking the tours locally at portside
instead of going with the cruise line. Just be sure, however
that the book it yourself excursion will get you back to the
ship on time.

For all these reasons, cruise vacation can be among the best,
and most economical, of all vacation opportunities. The ability
to enjoy a week or two week cruise vacation at one low price is
one more reason to love cruising.

Your Vacation First Aid Kit

Your vacation supplies must include a first-aid kit.



Have it available while traveling and take it with you whenever you go walking, hiking, or any activity that takes you away from civilization.



You can use just about any type of container for your first-aid kit. It's best if the container is lightweight, like plastic, and has a good lid. A handle can be useful also. A small toolbox, lunchbox, fishing tackle box or even kitchen Tupperware would work.



Here is a list of things to consider including in your vacation first-aid kit. This is not a comprehensive list and you may have other items to add.



You should have some sterile gauze with adhesive tape and scissors to cut them. Make sure the scissors are sharp. Also multiple sizes of band-aids. Tip: Sanitary napkins are sterile and make good compresses to stop bleeding.



To clean cuts and wounds include antibiotic cream, hydrogen peroxide and antiseptic wipes.



Consider including aspirin and acetaminophen, instant cold packs, calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream.



Also, antacid, insect repellent, motion sickness medication, anti-diarrhea medication, sunscreen, cold and flu tablets



If anyone is taking prescription medicine be sure to bring enough for the whole trip.



The first-aid kit is a good place to store a list of emergency numbers along with your medical insurance information.



It's always a good idea to have a first-aid manual on hand and review it before you leave. This way you will be much more prepared should a situation arise where you need it. This is a great opportunity for children to learn a little about first-aid so review the manual with them too.



Other miscellaneous items that could be helpful are thermometer, latex gloves, tweezers and flashlight with spare batteries.



Keep your vacation first-aid kit easily accessible at all times but away from small children.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

The author, of this article, Peter Shannon, is the owner of the website www.1001-vacation-ideas.com. Here you will find a large collection of vacation and getaway ideas for travelers searchable by theme and location.

A Guide to North Carolina Mountain Vacations

The mountains in western North Carolina are among the most beautiful in the entire United States. Three mountain ranges -- the Great Smoky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Blue Ridge Mountains -- converge in North Carolina, giving the area a charm unsurpassed in the rest of the country. These three mountain ranges provide the perfect backdrop for a fun and adventurous North Carolina mountain vacation.



There are a wide variety of attractions in the mountains of North Carolina. Visitors can go camping in the vast wilderness surrounding the mountains, stay in an historic cabin not unlike the dwellings of the area's early settlers, or stay in a modern, state of the art resort. The Appalachian Trail, Nantahala National Forest, and the Western North Carolina Nature Center are just a few of the exciting places to visit in this region.



The Appalachian Trail is a footpath that stretches over 2000 miles from northern Georgia all the way to central Maine. This beautiful trail winds through some of the most stunning parts of the mountains in North Carolina. Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the trail, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, visitors can see up to 100 miles away.



Nantahala National Forest encompasses many of the peaks and valleys of the western North Carolina mountains. It includes the Tusquitee River. Another attraction of the Nantahala area is the river rafting. There are difficult class II and III rapids along with calmer waters more agreeable to families.



The Western North Carolina Nature Center offers a number of features for visitors. The Center has a petting zoo, gardens, a predator habitat, a nocturnal hall, and other interesting and educational attractions to lure visitors. The Center also serves as a sanctuary for injured or orphaned animals that could not survive in the wild.



A North Carolina mountain vacation is a great idea for a family, or as a romantic getaway. The beautiful scenery and fascinating attractions will please anyone.
Mountain Vacations Info provides detailed information on vacations in the Rocky, Blue Ridge, and Great Smoky Mountains, as well as mountain biking vacations and mountain rental cabins in Colorado, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and other destinations. Mountain Vacations Info is the sister site of Dude Ranch Web.

A Cat Island Bahamas Vacation

One of the outer islands of the Bahamas, Cat Island is a quiet vacation destination for those who are really looking to relax. Among its varied pleasures and activities, a little exploration will turn up a historical oddity or two that add to the individual character of the place. Beautiful beaches in natural settings welcome the nature lover and peace seeker alike.

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

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

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

Cat Island is the sixth largest island in the Bahamas, and boasts extraordinary beaches. There are literally miles and miles of virtually undisturbed beaches, where swimming and relaxing can be done in near complete privacy.

Fine meals can be had at several locations on Cat Island. Hawk's Nest Resort and Marina serves a variety of dishes, but among the best are the fresh, grilled fish and the roasted rack of lamb. Fernandez Bay Village is the place to go for creative and 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 are seeking a natural beach experience, and enjoy a peaceful and very laid-back atmosphere. The island can be explored at a leisurely pace, which is a much better way to enjoy the local flora and fauna, as well as to enjoy the local culture. Because it is so much smaller in population than many of the other islands, it's easier to get a real feel for the people and their way of life. Cat Island is an interesting place that will make a lasting impression on its guests.
About the Author

This article provided courtesy of http://www.bahamas-holiday-guide.com