30th November 2008
See Alaska as never before: Alaska inside passage cruises
Between the Alaskan mainland and its islands, lies an intriguing waterway best known as the inside passage. Abundant in wildlife and breathtaking beauty, the inside passage affords visitors an experience that cannot be found anywhere in Alaska or in the world.
From the waterway of the passage, one can look upon some of the most magnificent natural scenery to be found such as coastal rainforests, deep blue fjords and tidewater glaciers. Also to be found in the passage are numerous species of wildlife including humpback whales, sea lions and seabirds. Because of the awe-inspiring beauty of the passage and since many destinations along the Alaska inside passage are only accessible by plane or boat, inside passage cruises have become one of the most popular tourist attractions of the state.
Few people have visited Alaska without experiencing once in a lifetime moments. Towering tidewater glaciers offer natural beauty that usually is only fully appreciated with an up close and personal view that only a cruise through the inland waterways can afford. From this vantage point you will stand in awe of these mighty glaciers that reach several hundred feet in height and enjoy plentiful wildlife viewing such as humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, mountain goats, brown bears and bald eagles. You will also be stricken speechless by the sheer beauty of the inside passage’s botanical gardens, spectacular waterfalls, and the Alaskan sunrise as seen from the cruise ship.
Alaska inside passage cruises are also popular for their exotic port destinations. Some of the most popular ports of call on the inside passage are Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Ketchikan and Victoria. Certain cruises even give passengers the opportunity to land on Annette Island and to be greeted by the Tsimshian elders of Metlakatla.
Best of all, Alaska inside passage cruises are affordable. You can choose from one-day inland glacier cruise packages which are as priced as low as $69 per person to a luxurious six night cruise on a deluxe designer yacht for as little as $4,000 per person. Of course there is a wide range of cruise options that fall between these two extremes.
As you can see, there is a little bit of something for everybody aboard one of Alaska’s inside passage cruise ships: a change of pace, exquisite scenery, and memories to last a lifetime.
28th November 2008
What you need to know about – south africa safari
The land of Cape of Good Hope, wonderful flora and fauna, multiple languages and mother of eminent leader like Nelson Mandela, South Africa awaits no introduction. There are more than a few reasons that make this country an apple of everyone’s eye.
The Matchless Wildlife Adventure
One of its distinguished features is the Kruger National Park that invites visitors from all round the world. The ferocious as well as the gentle wildlife is at parade in this park. The park that is the home for the Big Five Animals i.e. lions, elephants, leopards, black rhinos and Cape buffalo, is supposed to be the largest wildlife park in the world today. Young as well as adult come to South Africa with a dream to encounter exclusive 142 species of animals and 507 types of birds found here. This park is the most breathtaking adventure trip for all its visitors. The wonderful fantasy of Jungle Book comes to life for the children when they gaze at huge tigers, rhinoceros, giraffes etc. walking close to them. The park has specific timings when it is thrown open for safari. The place is always thronged with researchers and those making animal documentaries.
Wildlife can also be discovered at the Tsittsikamma National Park. Apart from numerous birds and animals species, the site is blessed with beautiful coastal cliffs, waterfalls and deep narrow valleys. When it comes to whale watching, the experience at the Walker Bay (at the coast of Cape Town) is unprecedented. It is an awesome experience when huge mammals like whales and sharks seem to be at hand. The Karoo desert is famous for its Mountain Zebra National Park that has inhabited some of the most unique zebra species. There is also the Karoo Nature Reserve that has nestled bizarre desert plants like kudus, buffaloes, hartebeests, springboks etc. The lovely and queer ecosystems that include coral reef, shore, lake, swamp and grasslands can be perceived at the renowned site called Greater Lucia Wetland Park. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park in the Zululand region is a destination worth visiting for all the wildlife devotees.
The Cities that Count
The city of Cape Town is one of the oldest cities of South Africa. The city receives vacationers’ attention due to many reasons. The significant causes include – the stunning Table Mountain, The District Six Museum which is quite informative about the place and the displaced people, The South African Museum, The Castle of Good Hope that has been functioning as a guard to this area since ages.
The city of Durban is popularly known for its 230 days of sunshine and its being the third largest of the South African cities. The city owns a refreshing beach known as The Golden Mile Beach, the Seaworld that holds attractive dolphin shows, the Waterworld with lots of slides etc. Also to be seen is the Time Warp surfing Museum that has a rare collection of the surfing mementoes.
The South African city of Johannesburg has its own charisma. This wealthiest metropolis was once widely known for mining of gold from various sites here. The other pulls of the city are the South African National Museum of Military History, the Dynamite Museum, the Madiba Freedom Museum (well known for the exhibiting the life of Nelson Mandela) and the Johannesburg Zoo. The Newtown region of the city is dedicated to industrial work. But it has the admired Museum of Africa, the Soweto Art Gallery that parades the magnum opus of black artists, the SAB World of Beer and much more.
The Western Cape Province is the area at the edges of Cape Town. This region is swarming with visitors due to the multiple attractions. The wine lovers never miss a chance to visit The Winelands area around Stellenbosch that has ample of wineries. The high mountain ranges like Franschoek, Slanghoeck etc add to the splendor of the place. If you encounter atypical sandstones and paintings on rocks and caves, this mystifying place is the West Coast and Swartland.
The Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of the country and the provincial capital of the Free State Province is stuuded with museums and so visitors throughout the year.
The Western Gauteng region of Gauteng Province receives special attention due to the wonderful caves in this area.
The Northern Province lures the tourists with its exquisite nature reserves. The highly acclaimed is the Ndzalama Wildlife Reserve.
The National Botanical Gardens on the Crocodile River in the Mpumalanga Province are quite informative about the geography of South Africa. The Little Dragon Mountains and impressive rock formations in this quarter are evergreen tourist spots.
25th November 2008
Fall Foliage Scenic Drives in New England – Introduction
Fall foliage in New England really begins in August. The shortening daylight hours trigger the deciduous trees to begin the process of shedding their leaves. It happens all around North America, and all around the world.
But in New England it’s special.
Why is fall foliage in New England so different and special?
It’s a factor of many things but mostly an abundance of different types of deciduous trees, warm autumn days, and cool – but not freezing – nights. When these and a few other conditions are all mixed in the right proportions, then you get the world famous stunning shades of reds, yellows, oranges, and browns on the hills and mountain sides of New England.
Between mid-September to late-October, visitors flock to New England to see the fall foliage. These six scenic drives offer some of the best autumn views available from anywhere on the planet.
This is an introduction to a series of six articles that provide details and routes on each of these scenic drives.
FALL FOLIAGE SCENIC DRIVE – MOHAWK TRAIL MASSACHUSETTS
The most popular fall foliage scenic drives in Massachusetts are along the famous Mohawk Trail. This trail rolls out through the northwestern part of the state on route 2, and winds through the hills and mountains of the Berkshires, touching picturesque towns like Williamstown, Deerfield, Shelbourne, Colrain, Charlemont, and Shelburne Falls.
Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts, offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and Mohawk Trail.
FALL FOLIAGE SCENIC DRIVE – KANCAMAGUS HIGHWAY NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire has many scenic drives in the White Mountain National Forest but at the top of the list has to be the 34-mile Kancamagus Scenic Highway that runs along route 112 from Conway to White Mountains Visitor Center in Lincoln. This drive is considered by many to be the top fall foliage New England scenic drive. It has beautiful forests ablaze with autumn colors and plenty of photo opportunities with walks along gorges and streams, and with views of the highest mountains in the Presidential Range.
FALL FOLIAGE SCENIC DRIVE – CENTRAL VERMONT AREA
In Vermont nature planted all the high peaks in the south – although the North Kingdom has great color as well. But arguably Vermont’s best loved fall foliage drive is in the Central Vermont area, around Killington, and the towns and highways of Woodstock, Rutland and Ludlow. This is deep in The Green Mountain National Forest area, and not surprisingly offers spectacular fall foliage color and scenery.
FALL FOLIAGE SCENIC DRIVE – LAKES AND LEAVES MAINE
Parts of Maine are the first to display peak fall foliage color in New England. With Maine’s many driving loops to choose from, it’s difficult to single out one. But the Lakes and Leaves drive that touches the shores of Moosehead Lake on Route 15 before heading south on route 201 is ever popular. You’ll see unparalleled fall foliage views of the tree-lined banks of the Kennebec River, and the surrounding mountains on this Maine Scenic Highway.
FALL FOLIAGE SCENIC DRIVE – RHODE ISLAND COAST
Fall vacationers in Rhode Island have open roads and coastal drives to satisfy their leaf peeping. The 61-mile Rhode Island Coast Scenic Drive follows the coastline east from Westerly before turning north along Narragansett Bay, and eventually over Newport Bridge on route 138. The drive finishes over the breathtaking Ocean Drive in historic Newport. A pleasant seaside twist to a fall foliage drive.
FALL FOLIAGE SCENIC DRIVE – CONNECTICUT ROUTE 169
Not to be outdone during fall foliage the state of Connecticut has in its own little corner of popular autumn leaf spotting sites, with some of the most stunning scenic drives being on Route 169 in the glacial plains which are part of Quinebaug River bottomlands.
24th November 2008
Budapest – Health Resort Spas
Budapest is an amazing city with so many attractions that it is hard to know where to start. The health resort spas seem as good a place as any.
Budapest Spas
Budapest sits on a tectonic plate fault line in Eastern Europe. While earthquakes seem inevitable, one advantage to the location is the proliferation of mineral water spas in the city. Here are a few highlights.
The Gellert Spa Hotel is located in the center of Budapest on the eastern shore of the Danube River. From the front, the hotel looks like a classic renaissance building you would find in Paris or Vienna. The entrance to the hotel opens onto an indoor pool that looks like something out of ancient Rome. The square pool is surrounded by baroque columns and covered by a glass roof two stories above the water. Palms, plants and relaxing Hungarians are everywhere. It is staggeringly impressive.
For roughly ten dollars, you can have the full Gellert experience. There is on mixed sex indoor pool and two sections reserved for just men and women. In these reserved sections, one can get massage services, but keep in mind these are vigorous Turkish style massages. Put another way, you will be getting slapped around a bit instead of nearly falling asleep.
At the rear of the Gellert, there is an outdoor area that rivals any Las Vegas hotel. Unlike Vegas hotels with themes, this pool area is truly historic. The area comes with marble steps, ceramic tile mosaics and lush landscape. One tends to feel a bit like you are taking a bath in the Vatican.
Other Spas
Frankly, there are spas all over the place in Budapest. Although I didn’t personally visit it, I was told very good things about the Kiraly Baths. Kiraly was apparently built during Turkish rule and the spa experience is entirely Turkish.
If you get the chance to visit Budapest, make sure you drop by one of the spas. Prices are relatively cheap and the experience is definitely worth it.
23rd November 2008
Lake Havasu Homes
Many tourists consider Lake Havasu to be so enjoyable that they purchase winter homes, while others decide to move there altogether. Home to the London Bridge, Lake Havasu City offers its residents a piece of Old World charm in an Old West locale. Lake Havasu homes are very reflective of their city’s reputation as the outdoor and recreation Mecca of the Southwest while retaining English flair.
For golf lovers, The Refuge at Lake Havasu offers beautiful homes in a new golf course community that if fully gated. Other gated community include Canterbury Estates, Lakeridge Estates, and Sunlake Village. The Preserve offers its residents a gated community full of condominiums, while Gleneagles Estates offers a 17 acre single family home development that is adjacent to the London Bridge Golf Course. Another popular home site, Lake Havasu Foothills Estates, is a 640-acre development that will sit in the Mohave Mountains. Plans are also underway to develop The Ridge at Sailing Hawks, a series of unique, contemporary townhomes.
For Lake Havasu lovers who prefer a less permanent purchase, vacation homes are available for rent year-round. Many smaller condos and apartments can be rented for as little as $75 a night, while larger homes that often times sleep upwards of ten visitors and include features such as private pools and hot tubs, can run up to several hundred dollars a night. For information on vacation home availability, tourists should contact the Lake Havasu City Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Whether you decide to purchase a Lake Havasu home for a week or lifetime, there are plenty of options available for all budgets and preferences.
Hello from Tarragona
September 20, 2004, 1:05 pm
My second blog entry. Sitting here in Calle Cos del Bou in Tarragona. We spent 2 very intense and interesting days in Barcelona. Barcelona is a great city with so many sights to see. The Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter) with the old cathedral, the newly renovated waterfront with the Statue of Columbus, La Sagrada Familia, the architecture by Antoni Gaudi (La Pedrera, Casa Battlo, Parc Guell, La Sagrada Famila), the Olympic Park.
The topography is great, on one side is the Mediterranean, on the west side is the hill Montjuic and on the north side is Mount Tibidabo, the highest mountain overlooking the city with an amusement park and a beautiful church on top.
We ended up buying a 2-day ticket for the Bus Turistico (20 Euros for 2 days, 16 Euros for 1 day) and rode the blue, red and green lines of the bus, covering all the major sights. We also took the Tram Azul and the Funicular to the top of Mount Tibidabo.
A great city. Tremendous nightlife, although we are not club goers, the activity and hustle and bustle until late in the night are great. La Rambla is just full of people and people of all ages are walking in the Barrio Gotico and as a tourist you feel completely safe. Lots of entertainment, we even saw a live concert in front of the old cathedral (La Seu) where people were dancing the Sardana, a traditional Catalan dance.
Now we have just arived in Tarragona and do a little walking around this old Roman town before we head further south on the coast. Next report to follow…
22nd November 2008
Oahu Hawaii Travel and Vacation Attractions soon to be offered with Go Hawaii Card and Hawaii Travel
Oahu Hawaii Travel and Vacation Attractions soon to be offered with Go Hawaii Card and Hawaii Travel Industry Vets will lead the Honolulu office.
Oahu, Hawaii – Oct. 25, 2005 – Smart Destinations announced the addition of Hawaii natives to lead the new Honolulu office and Go Hawaii Card product. The Go Hawaii Card will offer unlimited Oahu sightseeing and admission at over 25 top Oahu attractions for one low price, which is currently available for purchase online at www.GoOahuCard.com. Kathy Stafford has been named Destination Manager and Kathyrnn Raymond is joining the company as Operations Manager. The two travel industry veterans will direct Smart Destinations’ Hawaiian expansion, including development of the company’s Go Hawaii Card attractions pass smart-card, which will be available on November 1.
“One of the things that set Smart Destinations apart in the travel industry is the high caliber of our professionals,” said Cecilia Dahl, president and co-founder of Smart Destinations. “Kathy and Kathy not only bring a depth of travel industry experience but, as Hawaii natives, they offer their specific knowledge of local culture and traditions that will be so important to our success in this market.”
About Kathyrnn Raymond Raymond has broad experience in the travel and tourism industry, having worked for a number of leading organizations throughout her career. Prior to joining Smart Destinations, Raymond was Director of Operations for Kika, Inc., where she designed individualized entertainment programs for corporate, incentive, meeting and associate programs throughout the Hawaiian Islands. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii with a degree in travel industry management.
About Kathy Stafford Stafford brings to Smart Destinations more than 20 of sales experience covering all aspects of the travel industry. Stafford also brings strong experience in the airline industry, having served as the regional sales manager (Washington, Oregon and Western Canada) for Hawaiian Airlines; the regional sales director (Pacific region) for America West Airlines; and the manager, tour division, for Mid Pacific Airlines. She is a graduate of Hawaii Loa College.
The Go Hawaii Card is available for use starting November 1, 2005 and is on sale now by visiting: www.GoOahuCard.com.
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21st November 2008
Corrado Feroci – the Italian legacy in Bangkok
Corrado Feroci (1892 – 1962) was a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, the art capital of Italy. He came to Bangkok in 1923 when King Rama VI requested the Italian government for a sculptor to train Thai artists and craftsmen and raise the standards of Thai art to international levels.
The arrival of Corrado Feroci was to start a train of events that would have a profound impact on the development of Thai art. He started as a sculptor with the Fine Arts Department and taught sculpture to art graduates.
Later, he was asked by the Thai government to prepare a curriculum and the textbooks for the formal training of artists. With a formal teaching system in place, the Silpakorn School of Fine Arts was set up in 1937 with Corrado Feroci as the first director.
In 1943, as part of the government’s policy to emphasize the importance of art, the school was raised to the status of a university. The Silpakorn University of Fine Arts was established with Corrado Feroci as the first Dean.
In recognition of his services, Corrado Feroci was granted Thai citizenship in 1946 and changed his name to Silpa Bhirasri. During his career in Thailand, he was responsible for 18 famous monuments in Thailand of which 9 are in Bangkok.
His better-known monuments are:
King Rama I Monument (1932) at the Memorial Bridge to honor the founder of Bangkok and the Chakri dynasty that has reigned over Thailand till this day.
Democracy Monument (1939) in Ratchadamoen Avenue to commemorate the coup in 24 June 1932 that ended the absolute monarchy and brought in constitutional government.
Victory Monument (1941) in Phahonyothin Road to honor Thai servicemen and civilians who died in the Franco-Thai war from November 1940 – January 1941, over disputed Indo- Chinese territories that are now part of Cambodia.
King Rama VI monument (1942) in Lumphini Park, a monument that is fittingly in memory of the king who was responsible for inviting Feroci to Thailand.
King Taksin Monument (1954) in Thonburi in honor of the king who united the kingdom after the fall of Ayutthaya, drove the Burmese out and established the capital in Thonburi.
Corrado Feroci died in Thailand in 1962 leaving behind an institution dedicated to the preservation of Thai art. The Silpakorn University of Fine Arts has produced generations of Thai artists schooled in the best traditions. His famous monuments in Bangkok and Thailand bear further testimony to his legacy.
The Silpa Bharasri Memorial Museum in Silpakorn University was set up to honour Corrado Feroci and his contribution to Thai art.
20th November 2008
Travel Spain: Girona and the Dali Triangle
Girona and the “Dali Triangle” are destinations known to the lucky few who travel Spain. This area in Catalonia is one of the undiscovered gems of Spain. Girona is about 100 km from Barcelona, but no one who chooses to travel Spain should miss this lovely area. Easily accessible by train, bus or even automobile from Barcelona, this destination recalls some of spain’s most interesting history and one of its greatest artistic minds.
Girona is an beautiful, quaint town with an long history. The town was inhabited by Romans, Jews and Moors at different times in Spain’s history, and traces of each group can be seen in this lovely city. The local dialect is Catalan, not Spanish, but the language of the lovely sights will speak to all visitors.
The Old Quarter is the center of the town’s historic district, filled with medieval arches and dark, winding passageways that recall a different era. Filled with churches, lovely old houses and cobblestone drives, this picturesque section of town has homes dating from the middle ages and several lovely cathedrals.
The old Jewish neighborhood, called El Call is particularly interesting to explore. An old roman tower and the Jewish History Museum are of interest to many, as is the town’s art museum featuring over 1000 years of artworks.
A promenade similar to the one in Barcelona, “La Rambla” will bring to mind a simpler time. This lovely street with overhanging trees, shops, little cafes and great restaurants has changed a little since medieval times, but it’s charm hasn’t lessened.
Nearby, visitors can explore “Dali’s Triangle,” a region just north of Girona and continuing to several destinations important in the life of this controversial artist. In Figueres, visitors can tour the third most visited museum, the Dali designed Museum-Theater. Fancifully designed by the artist himself, this building features large white eggs on the roof, a bright red color and loaves of bread made of glazed ceramics on the outside walls. Inside, visitors can view several of Dali’s most famous works, including “Rainy Taxi.” Dali is buried on site.
In the fishing village of Port Lligat visitors can view Dali’s home. In this isolated hamlet, Dali built several homes together for himself and his wife, Gala. Some of the original décor is intact, including one of his famous “lip sofas.” Of course, the nearby Club Med was not built in Dali’s time, but it could make for an enjoyable stopover.
After visiting the home and Museum that Dali built, visitors touring the Dali triangle will want to stop by the castle in Pubol. Dali purchased the 11th century structure in the 1960’s for his wife, although she banned him from the residence for almost a decade in the 1970’s. The golden throne that he installed for Gala is still there, and several unusual statues including elephants and other animals are in the gardens. A stuffed hourse guards the door, and several stuffed swans are installed inside.
If you are planning a visit to Spain, travel to Girona and the Dali Triangle for some truly beautiful and inspirational sights. This little-known area of Spain offers its tourists some of the most unique and controversial experiences that the region has to offer.
A Fairfield Ohio lawfirm lost from a lawyer in Burlington North Carolina
The Supreme Court has previously recognized that the employer has the burden to establish the BFOQ affirmative defense. It then used those totals to decide who to lay off. It has the burden to prove that its decision was based on a reasonable factor other than age. In reaching its conclusion that the employer has the burden to prove the reasonable factors other than age defense the Supreme Court looked at another provision of the ADEA the bona fide occupational qualification defense. The company had its supervisors rate their subordinates based on their performance flexibility and critical skills. Thirty of the 41 salaried employees the company laid off were at least 26 years old. In that case Meacham versus Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory the Supreme Court interpreted a provision of the ADEA that permits an employer to take an adverse employment action against an employee. In other words the ADEA permits employers to discriminate based on age considering age is legitimately necessary under the circumstances. Knolls totaled those scores and gave the employees additional points based on their years of service. In Meacham Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory was planning to lay off a number of employees. Specifically the jury found that although the plaintiffs did not prove that Knolls intentionally discriminated against them they did prove that Knolls method of deciding who to lay off disproportionately harmed older workers. Twenty-eight of those 37 employees sued under the ADEA claiming Knolls illegally fired them because of their age. The BFOQ defense states that it is not unlawful for an employer to take adverse employment actions otherwise prohibited by the ADEA where age is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business. At the trial a jury found Knolls had violated the ADEA because its layoff procedure had a disparate impact based on age. The Supreme Court then agreed to hear the case and eventually reversed the Second Circuit and reinstated the jurys finding that Knolls policy unlawfully discriminated because of age. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit initially affirmed the jurys findings but after the United States Supreme Court asked it to reconsider the Second Circuit reversed itself and ruled in favor of Knolls. For example it would not be illegal to consider criteria for a particular role in a movie that has a disparate impact on age if the part calls for someone of a particular age. The Supreme Court ruled that if an employer seeks to rely on that defense. Even if the employment action is otherwise prohibited by the ADEA. As long as the adverse action is based on reasonable factors other than age. A lawyer from Barendrecht won from a advocate in Cerritos California