Global travelling articles

So what is stress?
Stress is an individual’s perception and assessment of the environment. It depends on how one perceives the situation. The positive perception is called eustress while negative perception will lead to distress. The amount of stress at which each individual functions most effectively is unique to each individual and it is known as optimum stress level (OSL).
Any response, mental or physical, which adversely affects performance, is called negative stress response.

That which creates stress is called stressor. There are different types of lifestyle stressors:
Performance Stressors: These are situations where one is stressed to perform, viz. Driving a car, public speaking, performance appraisal, big events in one’s life viz. Exams, marriage etc.
Threat Stressors: These are situations perceived as dangerous, viz.: Riots, War, High risk sport, accidents etc.
Boredom Stressors: These are situations which are perceived and assessed as lacking in physical or mental stimulation, Viz. Household chores, Routine factory work etc.
Frustration Stressors: These are situations which are perceived and assessed as being undesirable but beyond one’s power to control, Viz. Govt. Taxation.
Bereavement Stressors: Loss of relationship, Death of loved one, losing a Job, possession or Reputation, dignity etc.
Physical Stressors: Actual physical damage viz. breaking limbs, suffering from disease or infection, working in conditions where extreme temperature and pollution exists which can not be avoided.

Effect of Positive Stress:
As we have seen, positive stress adds anticipation and excitement to life, and we all thrive under a certain amount of stress. Deadlines, competitions, confrontations, and even our frustrations and sorrows add depth and enrichment to our lives. Our goal is not to eliminate stress but to learn how to manage it and how to use it to help us. Insufficient stress acts as a depressant and may leave us feeling bored or dejected; on the other hand, excessive stress may leave us feeling “tied up in knots.” What we need to do is find the optimal level of stress which will individually motivate but not overwhelm each of us. If you are experiencing stress symptoms, you have gone beyond your optimal stress level; you need to reduce the stress in your life and improve your ability to manage it.

So, how do we manage stress?
As there are many sources of stress, there are many possibilities for its management. However, all require work towards change. As stress is an individual’s perception and assessment of the environment, one needs to look into the possibility of changing one’s perception and the reaction to it. In fact, the ideal change will be to convert our reaction to response. So what is the difference between reaction and response? Reaction is habitual, uncontrolled, and impulsive while response is well thought, contemplated act with awareness. A responsible person responds and never reacts. Responsibility is one’s ability to respond.

How do we proceed?

1. Awareness of Stressors: Become aware of your stressors. Watch your physical and emotional reactions to stressors. Do you become nervous or physically upset? Notice the situations and events that create high levels of stress. Understand how your body responds to the stress.

2. Breath awareness: Bring your attention to your breath. Breath awareness will make you more aware to notice various aspects of stress, situation and its effects on your body-brain system. Breath awareness will bring the understanding of the dominant nostril. At any given time, we have one dominant nostril and one blocked nostril. The dominance and the blockage can be of varied degrees.

3. Change the dominant nostril: This is one of the oldest secret of “Shiv Swarodaya” or Swar Yoga. As you become aware of stress and the dominant nostril, simplest thing to do now is to block the dominant nostril by pressing thumb on that nostril and breathe through the other nostril for twenty one times. Normally this is sufficient to change the nostril and stop the setting in of the stress. This simple method works in a miraculous manner to manage stress!

4. Practice “Nirmal Kriya”: Nirmal Kriya is one of the most powerful methods to eliminate stress instantly. It takes only half a minute to practice it. Here is how you go about it…
Start with a couple of deep breaths. Now start with four short breaths and end with a long breath. During the long breath exhalation, create friction in the throat region. (This is known as Ujjayi Pranayam). This makes the train of five connected breaths. Repeat such train five times and you have completed 25 connected breaths Nirmal Kriya. You can do it standing, sitting or sleeping positions. You can repeat it every hour or anytime you feel you are drifting into the stressful situation.

5. Change your Attitudes: Become more positive towards stress management. Look at every situation in a positive manner, including the stressful situations. In fact we learn our best lessons of life from the worst situations!

6. Set your Goals right: Practice SMART Goal setting. Let each of your goal be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound. Pursue realistic goals which are meaningful to you, rather than goals others have for you that you do not share.

7. Manage your Time: Practice Time management techniques and manage your life accordingly. Prepare the list of things to do every day morning. Set your priorities right. Follow your own system to the extent possible and also be flexible to change your system to suit your new environment.

8. Improve your EQ: Emotional quotient is based on Emotional Intelligence. Reduce the intensity of your emotional reactions to stress. The stress reaction is triggered by your perception of emotional danger. Are you viewing your stressors in exaggerated terms? Are you over-reacting and viewing things as absolutely critical and urgent? Work at adopting more moderate views; try to see the stress as something you can cope with rather than something that overpowers you. Put the situation in perspective.

9. Take care of your body: Exercise for cardiovascular fitness three to four times a week Moderate, prolonged rhythmic exercise is best, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or jogging. Practice Yoga regularly. Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals. Maintain your ideal weight. Avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine, and other stimulants. Get enough sleep. Be as consistent with your sleep schedule as possible.

10. Take it easy: Mix leisure with work. Take breaks and get away whenever you can.
Develop some mutually supportive friendships and relationships. Frustrations, failures, and sorrows are part of our life, for learning lessons. Always be kind and gentle with yourself — be a friend to yourself.
For more information please visit www.premnirmal.com/stress_management.htm]]>

These low-cost student international travel insurance carriers sometimes provide one hundred percent of the cost of covered events such as illness, injury, evacuation and repatriation. Many student international travel insurance carriers offer choices of coverage, so that you can pick and choose the coverage limits you wish and can afford.

One carrier, for example, provides three plans, all of which can be quoted and purchased online. The minimum level, the least costly student international travel insurance policy, provides a $100,000 ceiling for medical coverage, but only $50,000 for a single incident. The deductible for each incident is $150. Were you, your loved one, or anyone’s remains require repatriation, the payment with this student international travel insurance would be up to $25,000. Emergency evacuation coverage at this level is $50,000. $10,000 is the ceiling for AD&D (accidental death and dismemberment.) Depending on your age premium for this coverage can be as low as $59.

The best coverage, with a price tag of $69, increases your ceilings on many of the coverage events. With this top-notch student international travel insurance you would realize a lifetime ceiling of $250,000, and each event, whether illness or injury, would have its own ceiling of $150,000. Your deductible is lowered to $90 per event, although the limits for repatriation ($50,000), emergency evacuation ($50,000) and accidental death and dismemberment coverage ($10,000) remain the same no matter which student international travel insurance level of coverage you choose.

When you purchase your student international travel insurance online you’ll be required to supply your destination, travel dates or length of stay, your age and the age of anyone in your travel group and whether you are a student. As a student you’ll need to supply your college name and location as well as your program of study.]]>

Part of the addict’s problem is that it’s not taboo to look at the naked human form anymore. And your basic ma-and-pa sex (I can see you reaching for the brain scrubber that’ll wipe that mental image away) loses luster. However, remember - for those of you who can relate - when you were growing up into adult hood and just the images you saw in a dirty magazine was enough to get you going? The reason was because at that age, it was kind of taboo for you to see such things and the thought that you were doing something you shouldn’t have been doing was thrilling.

Fast forward to the present day. The internet is such a vast place that contains a veritable erotic buffet. Sexually, there’s nothing you can’t find in cyberspace, there’s practically nothing you can’t see that’s worth seeing. For all intents and purposes, there’s nothing you should not be seeing, there’s nothing forbidden. Where’s the fun in that?

Now if you are
1. of an extremely conservative religious view; and
2. if you believe that pornography in any way, shape, or form is just wrong; and
3. if you believe that the only way to deal with porn is to quit cold turkey;
then the solutions I’m about to suggest do not apply to you. I am addressing those addicts who hold the more mainstream notion that there is nothing wrong with witnessing a healthy adult human body - of either gender if you are so inclined - and viewing sexual activities between consenting adults.

Before I suggest two courses of action to the porn junkie, allow me to put you in a certain mindset by making an observation. Like I said before, an integral part of mankind’s nature is to want that which is taboo and forbidden. So, under certain circumstances, it’s okay not to be sexually aroused by an otherwise beautiful woman (speaking to the straight male) that you would normally be attracted to. A lot of men seem to think that if they can‘t get it up for a gorgeous woman then something is wrong with them, and they need to move on to something that‘ll get them aroused.. But times of non-arousal are just part of the human experience and being born of flesh. Desires of the flesh eventually get sated.

For instance, if you’ve just eaten a four-course meal and you’re not hungry anymore, are you going to start perusing food menus in hopes of feeling hungry again? Most likely not. And finding that that menu is not making you hungry, you’re not going to look at menus with more mouth-watering pictures. What you do is push back from the restaurant table and go about your business until the time comes when you’re naturally hungry again, whenever that time might be. So if you’re dealing with a internet porn fixation, push back from the desk and step away from the computer every once in a while.

What I’m talking about, and this is the first tact you can take, is avoidance therapy. I advise that you have an abstinence period of time where you resolve not to look at porn, nor even any woman in a sexual way. Make an internal promise to yourself, make a promise to your close friend. Whatever you have to do to endow yourself with a sense of obligation to see your promise through. It’s almost akin to, to compare it to certain religious practices, sexual fasting. It’s a cleansing of your carnal being. You know like when you haven’t gotten any from your significant other in quite a while, the next time you have sex with her, just the sight of her taking of her clothes is almost enough to make you want to pop. The same theory applies here. By the end of your self-imposed porn fast, you’ll be turned on by just the sight of a woman’s shoulder.

That whole promise thing not working for you? Install a porn filter on your own computer. Usually a porn filter is used to keep objectionable content away from kids, but it works just the same for adults. What you do is have a close friend (who knows about your addiction) sign up and register the software on your computer, without telling you the sign-up password. That way porn content on your own computer is blocked from you and you don’t have the means to unlock it. After a number of days, your friend gives you the code to access the porn content again so you can enjoy it for a short while. He then changes the password and you can start the cycle again, as necessary.

Another thing you can do to avoid looking at porn is, the moment you feel yourself about to look at porn, get up and perform some sort of cardiopulmonary activity on the spot. Some jumping jacks, belly slaps, push ups, sit ups, etc. (Note, if you’re accessing porn at work or at a public library, this might not be a good idea.) The reason for this is a lot of times, you look at porn to get some physical excitement or to get the blood surging through your body. Well, if you’re already exercising, mission accomplished; exercising is just a natural high. And it’s not like you won’t feel better about yourself either. I’ve tried it and it works.

The second approach you can take is adjustment therapy. You’re not totally avoiding porn, you’re just changing your outlook on the “tamer” stuff so you‘ll appreciate it more.

Try looking at women through different colored glasses. Set aside a given amount of time (15 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour) where you’re just going to look at plain ole naked women or regular sex with no expectation of getting aroused by it. Try to slow down and notice aspects of a woman you wouldn’t have noticed before, don‘t browse so quickly through the pictures. For example, if you’re a boob man - so to speak - take some time to notice the woman’s (in the picture) lips, the subtle curve of her belly, the daintiness of her feet, the smoothness of her skin, etc. What else do you like about this woman other than the obvious? Try to take almost a clinical approach to the whole thing as if you’re just on a fact finding mission, again with no expectation of getting turned on. You might find yourself getting a reaction before you even realize it.

No matter how much time you’ve set aside (and I propose you set an alarm to it, that way you can just enjoy and concentrate on the experience, without having to worry if and when time is up), it’s important that you get up and walk away at the end of it. Give your brain time to let all the new things you noticed on a woman time to sink in. It does take a bit of self-discipline to walk away exactly when time is up, but it’s necessary.

Accept the sight of a beautiful woman (either partially or totally nude) as its own reward. There’s no need to get off on it, just appreciate it for what it is.

Also go do something else more erotic. Go read an erotic letter or sex story , much like women are more likely to do. It’ll give your mind a workout (or at the very least a good warm-up stretch). After all, the brain is the biggest sex organ anyway. A site I’d recommend for erotic stories is Literotica.com; they have a ton of stories there. I’m surprised that more men don’t read erotic literature.

What a lot of men fail to realize is that part of the attraction of porn is the notion that these women seem willing to do anything you want. Whether it’s with a “(do) me” look, a knowing smile, a light-hearted laugh, etc. When a woman’s personality is taken out of the equation (and it‘s for this reason that I prefer to watch full-motion adult videos as opposed to just looking at still photos), there’s no fundamentally necessary human bonding, and the woman may be reduced to pictures of so much T&A and other body parts. As much as it may seem that men are ready to go at the flash of a breast , men sometimes need that human, intimate, personable element for arousal and subsequent sex. What the erotic story does is not only describe the action taking place, it fleshes out the female personality and also explains the thought processes behind women’s actions. And if the story is written by a woman, all the better; because as a guy you get to go behind the scenes and see what kind of sexual fantasies, feelings, and passion lurk within the recesses of the female mind. That’s quite a turn-on in its own way. These are things that are hard to accurately depict in a visual context.

I think we should address the fact that we are a nation of addicts prior to stating that porn is inherently evil and useless. Very few things are inherently evil and useless. Consider the bacteria toxin that is injected into your face for botox treatments: this toxin, secreted by the bacteria that causes botulism, would be lethal if injected in a concentrated enough form. You talk about making lemonade out of lemons…

A debate that was carried out at the Oxford Union Debating Society (no less) in London a few years ago came to the conclusion that on some level, pornography was beneficial to society (http://www.sfc.org.uk/old/docs/oxprop.htm). Porn affords the typical male the ability to get his visual fix. Porn also provides instruction, when done a certain way, on how to become a better lover. The article provides many more examples.

But beware: part of the problem with intense pornography fixation is that it seems, initially and on the surface of things, to be a victimless crime. There is no bodily harm or hard-to-reverse somatic changes occurring in the partaker (unlike in the case of drug, alcohol, cigarette, or other substance addiction); and also there’s no other party that is directly taken advantage of or abused. However, the down side is very real and can be just as bad as that of any other vice. Even though I am very much pro-pornography, I suggest you read the above-mentioned article (concerning the Australian gentleman) on the pitfalls of the medium when it is over-indulged. Like I’ve said before in so many words, remember the classic line, “Everything in moderation.”

To those who need it, good luck getting out of your addiction prison. I’ll be waiting for you on the outside.]]>

The White Mountain National Forest is about a 4-hour drive north of Boston, Massachusetts. Deep in New Hampshire, the mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain system that covers the Eastern United States. Within the forest park is the White Mountains Trail, and it’s a drive that’s arguably the most scenic 100 miles in New England. And so you’re in for a real treat. Let’s get started…

White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center…

Most people begin the drive from the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock on route 112 and head out on route 3N to the Franconia Notch area.

If you’re traveling with kids then you’ll want to pencil dates back in this area at the Clark’s Trading Post, and The Whale’s Tale attractions — both in Lincoln on route 3N. At Clark’s you can see Bears, ride a steam train, climb towers, and generally keep the young ones happy. The Whale’s Tale is a water park with a wave pool, picnic areas, changing areas, and live entertainment.

Back on the road head north towards Franconia Notch. This is a good stretch of road to have your camera at the ready. I can’t list all the stops you can make, but I’ll mention just two of my favorites in this area of the White Mountains.

The Flume Gorge was formed over 200 million years ago when the White Mountains were molten rock. It just so happens in this area when it cooled quickly, softer material was forced into the fractures that formed. These fractures wore down with natural erosion much quicker that the surrounding granite rock — leaving the gorge. And so now you get to enjoy a geological wonder at the base of beautiful Mount Liberty.

The Gorge has a visitor center where your tour starts and ends. And don’t forget to check out the covered bridge which crosses the Pemigewasset River — it’s one of the oldest on the White Mountains Trail.

The famous attraction you can’t see anymore…

You’re probably thinking why would I mention something you can’t see anymore? Well, the truth is… you can see some of it… but you’ll have to imagine the rest.

The Old Man of the Mountain was a jagged rock profile formed over 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age.

On May 3, 2003, admirers of the White Mountains region around the world were devastated, when this world famous monument to nature crumbled and crashed to the bottom of Cannon Mountain. How could this be everybody asked? Aren’t rocks and mountains… forever? Well, this incident proves they aren’t. Despite years of gargantuan efforts by many people to preserve it, centuries of the harsh winter climate found in the White Mountains, finally took its toll. It’s worth a stop as you journey on the White Mountains Trail to look and wonder at what once was. To me it’s a reminder that nature doesn’t play favorites.

Continue to head north on Route 3 until it joins Route 302 and follow 302 towards Bretton Woods. Here the mountains get taller and taller until eventually you see the grand daddy of them all — Mount Washington at 6,288 feet.

The Roof of the White Mountain National Forest…

Depending on time available, you’ve got four options for experiencing this gift in the White Mountain National Forest. Just stare — hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. Take the Cog Railway train ride to the top. Drive the auto road to the summit — the quickest way. And of course you can hike if you’re well prepared. But just promise me you won’t hike to the top unless you are in great condition and with somebody. This mountain claims lives every year as conditions in this area can deteriorate dramatically within minutes.

Is it worth getting to the summit?

All I’ll say here is… the view is stunning. Visit the museum at the top and learn about the day in 1934 when the highest wind speed ever recorded on earth was taken — 231 MPH. You’ll learn why its unique geographic position provides the mountain with the worst weather on earth.

Now get back onto Route 302 and head south to the town of North Conway.

The North Conway Scenic Area…

Schedule enough time to take the scenic train, which you board in North Conway. The station is an authentic Victorian style — it’s hard to miss and smack in the town center.

The train rides are ambles and chugs along the scenic valleys and notches in the surrounding area. And as you wind through the rolling Mount Washington valley and squeeze through the notches under the gentle clatter of steel against steel, consider this was once the main form of transportation to the area, from Boston. Most of the trains they run are diesel locomotives now, but on special weekends and during fall they use their popular steam locomotive.

The valley train is a 55-minute roundtrip, and the Notch train is 5 hours. Both have a first-class car if you want to have a different experience. The notch train has a dome car as well, where you get magnificent views of the steep ravines and sheer bluffs. I’m not sure my kids have the patience for a 5-hour train ride so we’ve always taken the shorter excursion. But as I love trains — especially steam trains — one day…

The trains usually run from mid-June until mid-October. These scenic trains are very popular throughout the season and they accept advanced reservations for the Notch train and dinning cars on both trains.

This area of the White Mountains is full of shopping outlets, and also has plenty for the kids to do. Story Land and Heritage-New Hampshire, are right next to each other on route 16 in Glen. You and the kids will enjoy themed rides, live shows, play areas, and meeting storyboard characters.

The Kancamagus Highway…

Let’s finish up our White Mountains Trail tour by joining back up with route 112 at Conway and driving back to the White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center.

This part of the trail is known as the Kancamagus highway. There are just numerous photo shoot opportunities along this highway. In fact, your challenge is having enough daylight left in this trip so you can take pictures.

But you can always come back tomorrow, right? No prizes for doing and seeing everything in one day. You are booking your White Mountains vacation for at least a week… aren’t you?]]>

Visitors encounter seas, beaches, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and an abundance of flora and fauna. Twelve major life zones provide habitat for over 10,000 kinds of flowering plants, 850 bird species, 3,000 butterfly species, and 209 species of mammals. Volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests, lowland jungles, the Pacific coastline, and tranquil Caribbean beaches stretch across seven provinces. Thirty percent of the land is protected by national and private reserves, which harbor more than five percent of the world’s plant and animal species.

Costa Rica is Central America’s jewel. It’s an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors and an ecotourism heaven, making it one of the best places to experience the tropics with minimal impact.

Costa Rica boasts 20 national parks, 8 biological reserves, and a wealth of other protected areas to enchant those who marvel at the wonders of nature. It draws ecotourists from around the globe. Activities include horse-back riding, hiking mountainous paths in the cloud forests, guided bird-watching tours, volcanoes, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, canopy tours, golf and much more.

Ticos, as the people of Costa Rica are known, are famous for being hospitable, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They seem to be well aware that their country is a special place, and they go out of their way to accommodate their visitors, explaining things that might seem foreign to a foreigner, and helping make their stay as enjoyable as possible.

Northwest Costa Rica, the Guanacaste province is for the active soul, drawing visitors with its beaches, rivers, waterfalls and natural attractions. Forming the eastern border is a group of volcanoes that form the Cordillera de Guanacaste and Cordillera de Tilarבn.

From the mountains flow various rivers that roll down and form an alluvial plain drained by the Rio Tempisque, which empties into the Gulf de Nicoya. The name Guanacaste is derived from quahnacaztlan, a native word for the guanacaste tree, which is Costa Rica’s national tree.

With a new airport at Liberia, tourism to Guanacaste has boomed.

Costa Rica is a tropical country with two seasons – dry and wet. The Guanacaste Province is the driest region of the country with less than 55 inches of rain in the coastal areas.

Costa Rica occupies a territory of around 20,000 square miles in the southern part of Central America, and includes several small islands mostly on the Pacific side. It is much like the state of Florida with two long coastlines. The country is only about 200 miles long and 70 miles wide at the narrowest part.

Costa Rica is often compared to Switzerland and Hawaii because of its mountains and forests. Unlike many areas of Mexico, Central and South America, Costa Rica remains beautiful year-round. This is partly because it borders the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and has a string of towering volcanoes on the Central Plateau. Combine all this and you have a unique tropical paradise with 11 climatic zones.

The high season in Costa Rica, December through April, is the dry season. The green season, which lasts from May to November, usually sees sunny mornings, with rain showers in late afternoon and evening. Overall, the climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 72°F (22°C). It can be much hotter along the coastal areas of the country, and much cooler in the mountains.

In the past, agricultural exports, like bananas and coffee, have been the staple of the Costa Rican economy. However, tourism has always played an ever-increasing role, and now it has become the dominant economic force. Ecotourism travel is the most preferred for expansion because it will provide a sustainable resource for tourism for generations of Costa Ricans to come. Costa Ricans love to show off their country, and sincerely welcome all travelers and vacationers.

San Jose, population over one million, is the capital and cultural heart of Costa Rica. Other major cities (by population) are: Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Liberia, Limףn and Puntarenas.
To enter the country you now must have a valid passport. Some countries now require your passport to be valid for at least 6 more months in order to leave your country to come here. Check with you embassy or airline. Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time, six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time and one hour behind EST in the States. It does not currently use daylight saving time.
No shots are required. The water in the major cities of Costa Rica is safe and most hotels and restaurants offer purified tap water. You might prefer to drink bottled water or seltzer to be sure. Costa Rica has excellent, low-cost medical care and well-qualified practitioners. Many North Americans come to Costa Rica for cosmetic surgery or dental work.

Costa Rica is a safe destination for 99% of its tourists, but it’s always a good idea to exercise caution whenever one travels. In general, the country has a low crime rate. In most cases, crimes are simple thievery - non-violent crimes of opportunity, so just exercise caution, as anywhere in the world.

Costa Rica has a reputation as one of the most stable and prosperous Latin American countries.

Costa Rica has something for everybody! Whatever your interests; eco-tourism trips bird watching, adventure tours, fishing, diving, rafting, canopy tours, golf, all inclusive hotels, vacation homes or just relaxing on an unspoiled tropical beach, you will find all of that and more in this tropical and secure paradise.]]>

Located in the heart of the pacific - Samoa is a group of four main islands. The islands are situated about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. It’s a tropical climate with an average temperature of about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This area is warm all year round but often rains between November and April.

One of the main attractions in Samoa is the crystal blue warm water. It’s so beautiful and teeming with all kinds of exotic fish life. If you are a nature lover then this is the ideal holiday destination for you. There are many kinds of exotic wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Samoa has a history rich with folklore and myth. The people speak one of the oldest forms of Polynesian and many speak English.

There are four main islands - but due to their closeness it’s pretty easy to get around. Ta’u, Ofu, Olesseg, and Tutuila. The islands also have good roads and you should consider renting a bike and cycling around the islands. It a great way to get around and the islands aren’t too big.

Divers, snorkelers, nature lovers, hikers, and surfers will find Samoa a paradise for their needs. There are some world class spots here. You might even catch Kelly Slater catching a quiet wave in this modest little surfing Mecca.

There are well over 800 species of exotic fish and 200 species of coral. The ocean is teeming with beauty and if you are an avid snorkeler you will want to visit Ofu. The beach sand is unique and super-fine coral sand.

The islands also have a national Park which is on Tau. You will need a guide to go into some of the more remote areas. Its relatively simple to find a guide, just ask at the National Park offices and be sure to bring good shoes because you are in for a walk! There are beautiful volcanic areas you can explore with your guide so be sure to ask.

Saua is considered to be the birthplace of Polynesian people and is well worth a visit. You can drive to Saua with a rented car.
Ok so you are convinced - a Samoan holiday is where you are headed - what kinds of things do you need to know about the people before you go?

They are a modest people and have a different attitude towards dress. It is respectful; to cover most of your body while you are there; dress modestly rather than risking offending the locals.

If you are lucky enough to be invited into a traditional home you need to sit down on the floor before you eat or talk. Cover your legs - it’s considered rude to leave your legs exposed.

Polynesians are typically very welcoming people. They know how to treat tourists. A large part of their economy relies on tourism and you are treated hospitably wherever you go. As with any destination it’s good to know a bit about what might be considered rude in different cultures.

Don’t take pictures without asking it’s considered a sign of respect to ask before taking pictures. Sunday in Samoa is considered to be a day of rest and this is strictly observed. Some activities, such as swimming, might not be allowed. Try to be sensitive to their beliefs and ask if in doubt. Villagers pray and if you are lucky you might even be invited to join in. If you enter a village during this prayer time, its called sa it is important to stop what you are doing and be quiet until it is finished.

If you are looking for a picturesque holiday with plenty to see and do; then this Samoan paradise is for you. It makes for a great holiday!]]>

Samsonite luggage is stylish and fashionable. It is full of color and life. Some of their products include: carry ons, wheeled luggage, garment bags, and suitcases. They also carry other items as well such as golf travel bags, dufflebags and totes, backpacks, and business carryalls. Many people find their collections, or sets to be ideal gifts to give the new college graduate or newly weds. With so many choices, it is very possible to find the right pieces to add to your collection.

To find the Samsonite luggage you need, check out local department stores and your local mall. There you should find many choices in styles, colors, and functions. Compare and contrast the available items to find that which meets your needs just right. Samsonite luggage is well known and well trusted. The name is synonymous with style and fashion. The Samsonite luggage line can be found in most department stores and even specialty stores. Don’t want to leave home? The convenience and ease of using and browsing the Internet will allow you to find the right Samsonite luggage as well.]]>

The Alamo
San Antonio… it’s the home of the Alamo … and so much more. One of the most interesting things to know is that The Alamo is in the middle of downtown San Antonio. The 18th-century mission church where Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and 188 others waged their last stand against the Mexican army for Texas independence has become a state symbol. The most famous historical site in Texas, the mission has been restored to its original condition and offers tours, relics of the past, and a gift shop with memorabilia for history enthusiasts. Before you tour the Alamo, take in the IMAX movie, “The Price of Freedom” it is a 45-minute docudrama about the 13-day siege and fall of the Alamo. Watch the battle unfold, where 189 defenders who fought and died for the cause of Texas liberty. The immense screen and magnetic stereo sound system places the viewer in the middle of the action. It will tell the tale to your children, and stir your soul. After you’ve seen the Alamo and visited the souvenir shop (pick up some bluebonnet seeds) check out the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and the Plaza Wax Museum. Then take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

River Walk
San Antonio’s River Walk is just down the way from the Alamo. You descend, via stairs, to find yourself in another world –3 beautiful miles of shops, restaurants, clubs and artists. Along the horseshoe shaped riverbend, the river is shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants. Take a boat ride and get the historical tour of the City as you look up at the buildings you pass. Come at Christmas time and it’s all lit with Christmas-tree lights. So relaxing and beautiful and very romantic.

Theme Parks
Are you looking for exciting rides? How about water slides? Maybe a few animal shows? Well, look no further! SeaWorld San Antonio has everything you are looking for and more! This 250-acre park has something fun and entertaining for every member of the family. Featuring more than 25 amazing shows, thrilling rides, animal attractions, great shopping, and delicious food, this is the world’s largest marine life adventure park and family entertainment showplace. Six flags Fiesta Texas located just 15 minutes from downtown and the famous River Walk. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a theme and water park that reflects the heritage and culture of its Southwest roots. The park occupies approximately 200 acres and features numerous adult and children’s rides. Shows, thrilling rides and skill games are built around themes celebrating Texas and the Southwest.

Whatever you’re looking for in a family vacation, San Antonio has it all and more! Thrilling rides, education encounters with marine life, shopping, dining and relaxation. Home to excellent San Antonio Hotels and accommodations, you’ll find that the atmosphere of San Antonio makes for the perfect vacation - endless shopping, interesting historic sites and a comfortable home away from home.

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Francisco County. Famous for its beautiful setting, San Francisco is
primarily located on the northern tip of a peninsula at the entrance
to San Francisco Bay. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the
west, the strait known as Golden Gate on the north, San Francisco
Bay on the east, and San Bruno Mountain on the south. Alcatraz,
Angel, Farallon, Treasure, and Yerba Buena islands are part of the
city.

POPULATION

The population of San Francisco increased from 678,974 in 1980 to
723,959 in 1990; the population was 735,315 in 1996. According
to the 1990 census, whites constitute 53.6 percent of San
Francisco’s population; Asians and Pacific Islanders, 29.1 percent;
blacks, 10.9 percent; and Native Americans, 0.5 percent.
Hispanics, who may be of any race, represent 13.3 percent of the
population. San Francisco is part of a major metropolitan region
that also includes Oakland and San Jose. The region’s population
increased from 5,368,000 in 1980 to 6,253,000 in 1990, reaching
an estimated 6,940,000 in 2004.

ECONOMY

San Francisco is a leading financial and international trade center
for the western United States. The downtown financial district
contains the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange; the headquarters of the
12th Federal Reserve District; and numerous banks and corporate
office buildings, including the home office of the Bank of America,
one of the largest banks in the world. Tourism is also important to
the city’s economy. The San Francisco region is also home to many
companies developing computer software and hardware. Several
national apparel manufacturers also have headquarters in the city.

EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

The main institutions of higher education in San Francisco are San
Francisco State University (1899), the University of San Francisco
(1855), Golden Gate University (1853), the University of California-
San Francisco (1864), the New College of California (1971), the
University of California Hastings College of Law (1878), the San
Francisco Art Institute (1871), the Academy of Art College (1929),
the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (1917), and a large
community college. San Francisco has many performing-arts
organizations. Among the best known are the San Francisco
Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Ballet, the San Francisco
Opera, and the American Conservatory Theater.]]>

Alghero is an old fishing town that has embraced the tourist industry with two very large arms. Sprawling out along the coast line Alghero offers the tourist both the opportunity of a beach holiday or a small city break. If you are looking to just relax and be somewhere that you can walk out the door and be on the beach you must stay in the Lido area. The Lido is Alghero’s own beach that runs all the way form Alghero to Fertilia, a small hamlet of Alghero. There are a number of hotels located in the area with sea views and private sun beds on the beach for residents. In the summer months the Lido comes to life with a number of bars, restaurants and pizzerias either on the beach or in the area and when the sun goes down you can find live music and parties on the beach.
For those who don’t want to be on the beach and want to experience a little more of the cultural side of Alghero there is the old town. Dating back to the 12th century the old town centre is truly something that must be seen to be fully appreciated. Have lunch along the battlements looking out to sea or take a stroll through the shops in the warren of cobble stone streets. There are a number of churches and historical places of interest to visit and many guided excursions to help make sure you do not miss anything.
The area of Alghero does of course spread beyond the boundaries of the city itself. There is Porto Conte with its natural wildlife reserve that spreads along the coast line in complete natural beauty. Reachable either by land or by boat excursion there is Capo Caccia and Neptune’s Grotto which is a must for any visitor to Alghero.
Away form the coast there is also much to see and do. Why not visit an Agriturismo, a working farm that has lodging and restaurant facilities serving up only produce from the farm.
As mentioned earlier Alghero is a Catalan town and although much of the cuisine available is Italian there are a few Catalan influences to be found. Why not try Paella Algherese or Catalan lobster (served cold with fresh tomato and onion). There are of course many Sardinian specialities to be tried such as roast suckling pig or Seadas, a pastry filled with Goats cheese and then dribbled with honey.
The climate in Alghero allows for a perfect vacation all year round. The summer months get up to about 35 degrees and throughout the day in the winter the temperature never drops much below 15 degrees.
A great place for children and adults alike, Alghero is definitely worth a visit.

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