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29th December 2008

Presenting: Valma Brenton – Owner of “Sailing for Women” – International Entrepreneur

In my search for interesting people I recently decided that I needed to focus on finding more women that have done interesting and unusual things. So off I went and searched on the Internet and sure enough, I stumbled across a website called www.sailingforwomen.com, and I figured that the owner would probably be a woman herself and might have an interesting story to tell.

Bingo. Valma Brenton sure has a very interesting resume which includes international travel, managing businesses in Chile and Tazmania, working as a private investigator, divemaster, aquaculture specialist, writer and photographer, to mention just a few of her credentials.

The common thread through all these diverse experiences is that Valma is a woman who loves to take on challenges, she has had a love of the Ocean ever since she can remember, and she dedicates her time to empowering women, teaching them sailing and self-awareness skills to help them become vibrant, successful and self-confident so they can create their own miracles. Without further ado, here is Valma Brenton:

1. Please tell us a bit about your personal background and your work experience.

I was born in Chester, England and immigrated to Canada with my parents when I was just 3 months old. We traveled from England to Quebec by boat. My mom told me she is not surprised that I like to travel so much she said that we traveled to and around Canada by boat, train, car and many other methods from the east coast and to the west before I was a year old. We eventually settled in Gibson’s Landing which is on the Sunshine Coast near Vancouver in British Columbia. I was raised there.
When I was 16 I got itchy feet and started to travel oversees. My father was living in Britain so I headed over there and then on to Europe. I eventually completed school in between my travel adventures. Fashions and trends were about 4 years ahead of where I was living. I found it so exciting to see all of the different trends, foods, cultures and people and thus really acquired a taste for travel. I am like a sponge full of curiosity and really enjoy learning new things.

My father is a Private Investigator and whenever I would travel to Scotland to visit him I would work in the field with him. We always had good fun and some amazing adventures together. I still visit him every few years and head out on a PI adventure. We always end our day with a pint of beer afterwards and share the stories of the day. The experience I gained working with my father in his business helped me understand more about business, people and behavior. I was able to transfer this to many other areas in my life. My life is like a river flowing with magical adventure, freedom, curiosity, creativity and recognition.

My years of curiosity and adventure have lead me on a path of exciting career opportunities with a broad range of industry experience up to executive management levels, including research, project management, sales and marketing, operations, public relations, finance, business startup and development. I am enterprising and a resourceful individual.

My strengths are in identifying and analyzing opportunities, formulating strategies and implementing an action plan. Well-developed analytical, planning, project management, thinking outside the box and motivational skills have enabled me to achieve repeated success in a variety of business situations.

I have a varied business background with experience as a Private Investigator / Security Consultant and Business Administrator both in Canada and the United Kingdom. For twelve years my career has expanded into the aquaculture industry in Canada – British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and internationally into Tasmania, Curacao, Scotland and Chile at a Business Startup / Development, and Management, Operational, Sales and Marketing and Research level. Eleven years prior, I worked in the West Coast Commercial Fishery and Charter Boat industry on the British Columbia coast as a Captain, Divemaster, and Marine Engineer and in Sales and Marketing. I hold a Fishing Master IV International Captain’s license, CSC 2 Small Craft Masters training, International Occupational Scuba Diving License, Canadian Yachting Association Sailing Instructors Certifications and a Boaters License.

Over the years I gained a passion for writing and photography and became a successful author and photojournalist specializing in fisheries and aquaculture-related subjects. I have published numerous research publications of which appear in scientific journals and government scientific updates. Other feature articles and photography has been published in magazines, newspapers, books and art galleries.

2. You have a great deal of entrepreneurial experience and started several ventures, more recently a company called Future SEA that you are still involved with. Please tell us about your entrepreneurial endeavours and your philosophy.

The company Future SEA Technologies Inc was just an idea. Myself and two partner’s one of them being my husband founded the company. What a whirl wind of excitement, growth, learning, traveling and opportunity. At one time we had almost 40 employees and operations in Chile, across Canada, Tasmania and Japan. I got a lot of juice from being on the frontier and the leading edge of new environmentally friendly technology for the aquaculture industry. Working with other people to solve their problems and add value to their lives as well as their businesses. Not to mention being on the water and working with all varieties of ocean and fresh water fish. I was trained as an animal behaviorist by Dr. Kees Groot which crossed over to people through the PI work and training with my father in Britain.

I think for me my philosophy about business is to get clear about what I want, have a dream and dream BIG. I always believe that I can do it if I believe that I can. I envision what I want to produce and then start to manifest and create it. I ask the Universe for what I want and then make space for magic to occur. I believe that it is up to the Universe to provide me with the opportunities and connections along with the money. We raised over 10 million investment capital into our business. That was an experience just on its own.

I think that this 13th century poet and mystic says it all “Let the beauty we love be what we do” Rumi

3. You have also lived and managed businesses in other cultures in places like Chile and Tazmania and are fully bilingual in Spanish. Please tell us about these cross-cultural experiences.

I really loved traveling and working in these other areas. Especially working and traveling in Chile. This was so exciting for me because it was like being on the frontier. Every one in Chile is an entrepreneur. Ideas are always flowing and their creative ways to make money. I like being able to come up with an idea, take some action, get some feedback and make a course correction until it comes out right. In Chile we just frickin did it. Here in Canada there was always so much paperwork and the work was always in convincing someone of the idea first. I guess that is what I loved about Chile…we just tried it on a small scale…tested it, modified and then made it happen. I also know from my experience that no matter what language or religion or belief system that the people had, we were basically all the same. We are the same make-up physically, have the same needs for survival…we all had different perspectives based on our cultural and other upbringing. I love seeing things through different eyes.

I think that I have been successful in working in these other locations because I am adaptable, flexible, curious and open to learn new things and in new ways. I am always curious about the people, culture, land and always try to speak in their native tongue. Even if that meant making a fool of myself. I gained respect for at least trying and eventually succeeded. I am always on the look out for new opportunities and look for the good in people. Treating them with respect and being open to see things their way. Having gratitude and being grateful for every moment and situation was also a big PLUS.

4. You purchased HERIZEN Sailing for Women a couple of years ago. Please tell us about the history of that business, and why you decided to purchase it.

HERIZEN was started by Trish Birdsell-Smith back in the late 1980’s. She had a passion for supporting women to be better sailors and raise their awareness about the differences between men and women’s way of learning. After I came back from Chile a few years ago, I was working on another large project here in Canada. One day I had a vision that I was suppose to teach. I was not sure what that exactly meant and asked the Universe to explain. I got a response that it was to do with women and sailing.

One day I saw Trish…we chatted and she mentioned that she was going offshore for a few years. I asked her what she would do with the business and she mentioned selling or folding. My vision came to me suddenly and I said “What about me?” She was excited and figured I would be the best fit…at the same time wondered how I would do it with such a busy schedule of travel. Well, one thing led to another and within a few months – December 15, 2003 I was the new owner of the company. I have not regretted it and am so pleased that I can add value to so many women’s lives. Bringing experience, passion, vision, creativity, transformational processes to help women to really gain the confidence in sailing and assisting them to transfer this to many other parts of their lives is important to me.

The full interview with photos is published at Travel and Transitions – Interviews

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions(http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest(http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

“Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons”.

28th December 2008

Kerala Tours

Kerala is decorated by its eye-soothing green jungles, rolling hills, mind-blowing beaches, tea gardens and of course its magical backwaters. The amazing backwaters of Kerala have become an integral part of its people .It has given the visitors the opportunity to see the rural and real life in the heart of Kerala. The backwaters of kerala stretch over 1900 kms, providing, drinking water and irrigating paddy fields. The most interesting area in the backwaters of kerala is the Kuttanad region, called the rice bowl of Kerala. The area is probably the only place in the continent where farming is done below sea level, using a system of dykes and bunds.

The ancient history of Kerala is shrouded in the mists of tradition. The most popular legend would have it that the land crust that forms the state was raised from the depths of the ocean by Parasurama, the Brahmin avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu and hence the sobriquet – “God’s own Country”. Thus during your tour to Kerala you get an opportunity to be a part of this culturally rich country.

Today, Kerala is one of the best-known tour destinations in the world tourism map. From mind-blowing landscapes to infinite intriguing customs, high-intensity cultural life to the educated public, holidays and tour in Kerala is a unique experience in itself.

To know more about kerala backwaters visit this site http://www.kerala-backwaters-tours.com

Sunil, Content Writer from India.

27th December 2008

Maine Coast Bed and Breakfasts

Coastal Maine is a beautiful area and a great place to go for a truly memorable holiday. There are many things to see and do. One can enjoy kite flying on the beaches, boating, kayaking and fishing in this great state.

Enjoying a spectacular sunset cruise in Maine may turn you into a poet! Or take a whale watching tour and see different types of whales, seals and other sea life. Lobster trips give you a chance to haul in the catch.

There are miles of beautiful grounds to hike where you may come across various types of wildlife.

Museums, historic sites, lighthouses and art galleries offer interesting sightseeing. Antique shops are found all over the place, and you won’t want to miss the annual antique festival.

Other happenings include literary events and a lobster and blueberry festival. You can also take informative strolls through parks and learn about the local species of trees and shrubs.

Maine has some of the most romantic and beautiful bed and breakfast inns listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One inn, run by the same family, has been in operation for over 300 years. Certain inns have private beaches and excellent ocean view. Air-conditioned rooms with private decks, refrigerators, televisions and private baths are available. Some offer super-sized, two person Jacuzzi tubs as well. Some lodgings have heated pools, libraries with wood-burning fireplace and offer complimentary newspapers and stationary supplies. Other offerings may include a free supply of bottled water and sodas, and private phones.

Rates vary according to the view and season. The quoted tariff may or may not be inclusive of tax. Some lodgings are open during certain months only. Special packages and incentives like a free lobster dinner for a two nights stay are also offered. Verify check in and check out times, house rules, children and pets accommodation, reservation requirements and cancellation charges, credit cards accepted, and other relevant details.

Maine Bed and Breakfast provides detailed information about Maine bed and breakfasts, Freeport Maine bed and breakfasts, Kennebunkport Maine bed and breakfasts and more. Maine Bed and Breakfast is affiliated with Alaska Fly Fishing Trips.

Free Halloween Ecard and Halloween Ecards

Free halloween ecards are now available for you to send to your friends and family. What would you like to have on your free halloween ecard? Pumpkins and scarecrows? Ghosts and witches? A horn of cornucopia? The free halloween ecards available on the Internet can be entertaining, humorous, serious, scary, or just plain fun! You can find free halloween ecards for adults and for children. Margie liked to collect ghosts at halloween. She has knick knack ghosts, ghosts made of candles that melt away when lit, ghosts on her porch. Her friend, Angela, found just the right free halloween ecard for Margie. It had a plethora of ghosts on the cover and inside.

Carol wanted to send her five grandchildren free halloween ecards. Each grandchild has his or her own e-mail address, so Carol knows that a free halloween ecard would go directly to the child for whom she ordered the free halloween ecard. She selected just the right free halloween ecard for each child and qiuckly sent the free halloween ecards on their way. Each grandchild wrote her back a little message after they received their free halloween ecard. Carol was thrilled. Even though she lived a thousand miles away from her grandchildren, she could still envision them reading their free halloween ecards.

Who do you want to remember with a free halloween ecard? Because they are free, you can send as many as you like. All you need to know are the e-mail addresses of the people to whom you want to send your free halloween ecards. You can even write your own messages on the free halloween ecards you send. Perhaps you’d like to send a free halloween ecard to a favorite teacher, your best sister, a friend you haven’t seen in years. Use your imagination and your address book to send free halloween ecards.

The Bible tells us to value our friends. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 gives us the reason: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” Who knows but that your free halloween ecards may just pick up the spirits of your friend. You will remind that person who received your free halloween ecard that he or she has someone who remembers and cares.

For more information about free halloween ecard and halloween ecards, visit:
http://www.christianet.com/christianecards
http://www.christianet.com

26th December 2008

Vacation Rental or Holiday Home Advertising at a Bargain Price

You have a vacation rental or holiday home and want to rent it? OK, but how and where and how much it will costs? There are so many questions that every vacation property owner has. It is certain that vacation rentals advertising is not allays expensive.

There are literally hundreds of holiday home directories and vacation rental sites that you can use to advertise your vacation rental property. Some of them are well established, others are brand new. Some of them are beautiful with nice design, others are simple vacation property listing. With so many sites to choose from, you shouldn’t stick with one or two of the expensive sites! I can assure you, that the most “new” vacation rentals websites have better service, than many “established” sites. They are young, flexible and motivated and they offer advertising at a bargain price.

There are lots of factors to consider before paying sums of money to advertise your vacation property website.

The most important are:

- Ensure that the vacation rentals site is cost effective. Check if there is a free trial or a special offer ( e.g. http://arrangeyourvacation.com offers “premium” advertising of holiday homes for 1$ per month, standard listings are free of charge).

- Do you want to advertise on one web site – with annual advertisements typically around $130-$160 per year or you want to spread your offers on many “bargain” web sites?

- Chose vacation rental sites that specifically target travellers to a specific region or country in which you have your property. ( e.g. http://mexico-holiday-home.com, http://italy-vacation-homes.com or http://greece-holiday-home.com).

- Consider user-friendly vacation rentals sites with nice features, such as the ability to search by keyword or search for properties that are available for specific dates and than you can save the founded “favorite” properties.

- Ensure that the vacation rentals site offers the ability to modify your listing and photos and allow you to update your availability calendar.

- It is helpful, if the site offers tracking of statistics, as number of times your site was viewed as well as the enquiries that you have received.

Summary: You should list on as much as possible vacation rental sites to maximize your bookings, but chose carefully and don’t pay more than necessary! The Price is not allays mark of quality!

Samburu: Where The Sun Is Always Faithful

Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya is one of Kenya’s most interesting national reserves. Samburu is about 330 kms north of Mt. Kenya and lies in a warm low land occupied by the Samburu tribe. This reserve is relatively small but has so much to offer.

This reserve lies north of the equator and here, you will find some of the animals that are only found in the northern hemisphere. These are the Reticulated Giraffe, the endangered Grevy Zebra, the Somali Ostrich and the long-necked Gerenuk. In addition to this one finds the long-horned Beisa Oryx in Samburu.

In spite of the reserve been small, you will be astonished at how many animals you will see in a single game drive. Life in Samburu obviously evolves around the Uaso Nyiro River which is a seasonal river. During the dry seasons, all the animals gather around the winding river in search of water. Samburu also has large herds of elephant and a big groups of impala. One also finds lions, leopards, cheetahs, waterbucks, guinea fowls, mongooses, gazelles, elands and a wide species of bird life.

Due to its low altitude, Samburu is hot most of the year. Even in July when most of the country is experiencing low temperatures, the sun will still shine in Samburu. Most of the lodges and tented camps are located along the Uaso Nyiro River. These are the Larsen’s Tented Camp, Samburu Game Lodge, Samburu Serena Lodge, Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp and Samburu Sopa Lodge. There are also several camp sites.

Samburu is one of the must-see national reserves on your visit to Kenya. One can get to Samburu by daily schedule flights or by road. It is possible to depart Nairobi in the morning and make it for lunch at Samburu Nat. Reserve. The first 280 kms from Nairobi is tarmac road. The dust road begins at Isiolo Town.

Samburu has a beautiful landscape with rolling hills sparsely spread across the reserve.

While at Samburu, it would be prudent for you to visit one of the local Samburu villages. This gives you an interesting insight of the cultural lives of the Samburu folks. Their cultural beliefs are similar to those of the Masais who are in the same tribal grouping. They still live in mud houses and still depend on their cattle and goats as the main source of livelihood. They dress in beautiful red outfits and always carry a club and probably a spear during their daily chores.

In the summer, Samburu is pretty dry, hot and dusty. Short pants and light clothing is advised. Due to the hot sun, always carry with you a hat and a pair sun glasses. Most of the lodges and camps in Samburu have swimming pools, so it will be a good idea to carry with you your swimming suit and a packet of sun-cream.

Planning Fun Packed Ski Vacations

Those who have been on ski vacations will know exactly what I mean when I say that ski holidays are one of the most enjoyable and fun-packed vacations available. Many may not consider a skiing holiday as it can sometimes appear dangerous and tiring, and also expensive. Take a read through this article and then decide whether a ski vacation is something that may interest you.

When I first starting skiing (well, snowboarding in fact), I hadn’t actually considered it until it was mentioned by a group of friends. One of the main reasons was the idea that it would be far too expensive. However, the range of destinations available throughout the world means that you do not need to travel half way around the globe to experience a good ski vacation, and it also doesn’t need to cost a fortune. The first destination I visited was Andorra, and I was delighted with the accommodation, the ski slopes, and the pleasant night life. The expense of the holiday (or investment should I say!), was no more than a typical holiday in the summer time, whereas in my opinion the value for money was much greater as every day was packed full of things to do.

Even if you feel you’d rather not ski every day, many resorts have nearby shops, or you could experience the restaurants that many resorts have up the mountains and take in the scenery whilst there.

The element of danger is of course there with ski vacations, but for those that are inexperienced at skiing can take the opportunity to have lessons whilst there and benefit from professional instruction.

Spending time on the slopes is very tiring, especially for beginners who are trying to get to grips with the basic manoeuvres. However, there are usually several stopping points on the way down the slopes, so that you can rest and purchase refreshments.

If you are considering planning a ski vacation, research into a destination that will best cater for your needs. Most resorts will have several types of slopes grouped by their degree of difficulty although always check this first. Numerous resorts are able to cater for families, offering a variety of packages designed to save you money. Arguably, the most important factor when choosing your resort is whether they have a ski school if someone in your family needs tuition. The majority of resorts do have ski schools, but some don’t. Don’t make the mistake of choosing a destination where one or more of your family members won’t enjoy themselves because they do not know how to ski.

Your family may want to partake in many activities other than skiing, so look into what else the resort offers. Such activities may be dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding. Resorts do offer these interests, but some do not so make sure you ask about the winter activities as well as any planned events that there may be during the time that you wish to go.

For more information on ski vacations, we encourage you to visit the Ski Vacation Packages website. Justin Brown has put together some great, informative articles for those wanting to find out more. Justin Brown also runs a useful Budget Travel Guide site and Article Blotter, your free articles resource.