Fall Foliage Scenic Drive in Maine

Fall foliage scenic drives in Maine are varied and include coastal drives around Acadia National Park and the rocky coastline of upper Northern Maine to Baxter State park region, to some of the larger lakes in the state. Many of the scenic drives emphasize the rugged wilderness of thick forests and impressive mountain terrain of the Maine backcountry.

Maine is one of the most heavily forested states in the nation, containing over 17 million acres of natural beauty, hikes, and magnificent summer scenic drives. One of the drives is nicknamed "The Lakes and Leaves" and I've chosen it because it's especially stunning in fall foliage season.

The "Lakes and Leaves" route follows a 218-mile loop through central west Maine along the lower western shore of Moosehead Lake, and then runs parallel with the tree-lined banks of the Kennebec River. It's best experienced over a few days rather than a one-day excursion trip, and lodging reservations are recommended during the popular fall foliage season.

Let's get you started ...

In the first part of the tour you'll wind your way towards the town of Greenville on the southern tip of Moosehead Lake. Begin the tour in the town of Skowhegan by taking Route 150 to Route 151 in Athens. Follow Route 151 west to Newport where you'll pick up Route 7 to Dover-Foxcroft. Take Route 6 to Guilford, and then follow Route 6/15 north to Greenville.

At Greenville stop and relax for a bit. Greenville is a center for those seeking the pastimes of hunting, fishing, hiking and boating in the area. It's also home to a number of attractions in the area. One such attraction is the 110-foot SS Katahdin, a popular steamship that cruises on Moosehead Lake during the summer and through fall foliage. It leaves from the center of Greenville. The views from the ship are dramatic and worth the extra scheduling preparation.

A 20-mile excursion east of Greenville takes you to beautiful Gulf Hagas. This is a stunning 3-mile-long gorge, with waterfalls, water chutes, deep pools, and vertical walls 300 feet tall in places. The hike is especially scenic during fall foliage. For those spreading this scenic drive over multiple days this is a must-do side trip.

The Greenville area also boasts splendid hikes along the close-by Appalachian Trail, and is the preferred stop over town in the area if you're intending to do any of the excursions over multiple days. Like most lodging in New England during the fall season ... book early.

The scenic drive continues along Route 6/15 passing Big Squaw Mountain and Ski Area on the left, and winding along the Moosehead Lake shore to the village of Rockwood. Once at Rockwood you'll see across the water the imposing Mount Kineo with its sheer cliff face rising over 700 feet from the deepest point in Moosehead Lake.

Stay on Route 6/15 and head west to Jackman. This 30-mile portion of the scenic drive is all about Maine wilderness. You'll find plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the fall foliage views in the hills and on scenic lookouts across the lakes and ponds along the road.

Just south of Jackman Route 6/15 will connect with Route 201, and you'll follow Route 201 south towards The Forks along the National Scenic Byway. Jackman is a canoeing center, famous for the 42-mile Moose River Bow Trip. The canoe trip takes two or more days and is a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts. It's one of the few remaining wilderness canoe trips in the Northeast, and organized tours are run by local operators.

Continue on Route 201 south to The Forks where the Kennebec and Dead Rivers meet. The Forks is base for popular and awe-inspiring whitewater rafting trips on the two rivers. A few miles west of The Forks is Moxie Falls, at 90-feet one of the tallest waterfalls in New England.

The scenic drive continues south on Route 201 to Bingham. This stretch of the road follows the Kennebec River through Caratunk, offering magnificent views of the river and surrounding hills, and is one of the best fall foliage sections on this tour. Stop on occasions and marvel at the way the river has carved out such wonderful scenery for us to admire. If you've got a camera - use it!

Follow Route 201 back to Skowhegan to complete the tour.

Unlike other scenic drives in New England this one's main attraction is the natural rugged beauty of the Maine wilderness, rather than villages and towns or other historic monuments. This is a drive to build an outdoor vacation around, but it also makes an ideal fall foliage weekend jaunt.

Shopping For A Mountain Bike

When you were a kid, the anticipation of showing off on your shiny new bike was almost too much to bear. Then, on shopping day, you were on top of the world as you sped down the sidewalk in a blur of red enamel, chrome and handlebar tassels. Can buying a new bike be that exciting now that you're all grown up? It can be, if you know what to look for.

Shopping for a mountain bike can be time consuming, and a bit frustrating. But if you follow a few guidelines and make sensible choices, you'll make it the exciting experience it should be.

Set Your Price

There is a vast price range for mountain bikes. You can spend under $100 for a bargain bike at a department store, or lay down thousands for a professional model. Set your budget and try to stick with it. There are good bikes available at reasonable prices, and there are some overpriced stinkers. Know how much you can afford, and keep your spending under control. Remember that in addition to the bike, you're also paying for quality and service. With this in mind, you should consider buying from a local bike shop, rather than a mass merchant store that can't provide follow up service or repairs.

Sales and seasons

Like any product, prices will fluctuate based on the market demand. The price will naturally be higher during prime riding seasons in spring and summer. If you can wait until winter, you'll likely cash in with a lower tag price or even find a few good off-season sales. Waiting until the market quiets down can save you hundreds of dollars. To save more money, check to see if your bike shop offers discounts on additional parts and accessories purchased with your bike.

Find Your Style

Mountain bikes are built to accommodate different riding styles and terrains. Before you can shop for a mountain bike, you need to know what type of riding you will be doing. Mountain cruising, cross-country racing, smooth riding or lift access downhill are all riding styles available to you. Decide how and where you want to ride, then choose a mountain bike that fits your personal style, rather than that of the sales staff.

Hard Tail or Suspension

If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is definitely worth the price. Lightweight hard tail bikes without rear suspension may pedal more efficiently, but full suspension models provide better control and more comfort. Your riding style, price range and choice of terrain will help you decide between suspension and hard tail bikes.

Pick a Few Favorites

If you were to compare mountain component to component, you 'd spend the entire biking season going over notes instead of taking on the trails. There are far too many combinations available. The best way to narrow down your options is to determine the components that are most important to you, such as the forks, rear derailleur and wheels. When you've created your wish list, find a few models that meet your needs and fall within your price range. Now do your comparison-shopping based on five or six available bikes.

Find a Good Dealer

More often than not, dealing with a reliable bike shop is more important than saving a few bikes. Try to find a dealer that cares about helping you find the right bike for you, rather than just trying to sell you an expensive bike. Great bike dealers have friendly salespeople and a clean, organized repair shop. Sooner or later you will need a tune-up or repairs, so be sure to deal with someone you trust to provide dependable follow-up service.

Try it before you buy it

Test-ride as many different bikes as possible to find your comfort zone. Even if you're not crazy about the way one model looks, it might be a dream to ride. If a bike is in your price range, take it for a spin. The more bikes you test, the better you'll understand what works and what doesn't. Again, choose a reputable dealer that will allow you to try the bikes before you buy. Mega department and hardware stores will not give you this option.

Do your Research

There are many great resources to help you compare and choose a mountain bike. Read product reviews and cycling magazines, research online, and ask for advice at your local bike shop. Find out as much as you can about the reliability and performance of each model. Look at what other riders appreciate about their bikes. Know your options and understand the differences before you make your final purchase.

Take the time to think before you shop for a mountain bike. Making the right choice may take longer, but will pay off when you have a bike that suits your perfectly and will perform season after season. You'll be on top of the world as you speed down a mountainside in a blur of red enamel, chrome and toe clips.

The Best Ski Vacations

Looking for a great way to please the family? Consider a ski vacation. Everyone loves to ski, and there are many great locations to take the family to for a good time. Take a look at these locations.

Sugarloaf, in the great state of Maine, is a ski resort sure to please your family. Located on a mountain named, appropriately, Sugarloaf Mountain, it has a grand history. In 1951 the first trail was cut by a group known as a The Bigelow Boys. It is today a premier ski area of the Northeast United States, second in elevation onto to the highest mountain in Main, Mount Katahdin. At the summit of Sugarloaf is a life to take the skier above treeline.

New Hampshire offers fine skiing at Cannon Mountain, home of the New England Ski Museum, which contains the most extensive collection of historical ski equipment, literature, film, clothing, photographs, and artwork on the East Coast. The extensive archive is renowned by scholars and historians across the U.S., and the Museum is officially recognized by the United States Ski Association as a Regional Museum, one of only four in the country, and sure to please a ski enthusiast.

On the south short of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada, Blue Mountain prides itself on being the largest ski area in the province. The resort offers several six man chair lifts and a pedestrian village is under construction. Enjoy your visit to Blue Mountain for a fantastic and unique experience.

In upstate New York, Whiteface Mountain reigns king among ski resorts. The fifth highest mountain in New York State and one of the High Peaks of the Adirondack range Whiteface Mountain offers a 360 degree view of the mountains and on a clear day a visitor can see both Vermont and Canada. Near Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain has a ski area with the greatest vertical drop in the eastern part of the country. In 1980 Whiteface hosted the alpine skiing competition of the Winter Olympics.

Aspen Mountain in Colorado is world famous for fine skiing. Still called by the old name of Ajax by the locals, Aspen is a skier's delight, as are most Colorado resorts, including Vail. Another world famous western state resort is in Park City, Utah, home of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. All of the resorts listed provide great skiing.

Modern skiing evolved gradually from snow shoeing, and a Norwegian, Sondre Norheim, is thought of as the father of modern skiing. In the 1800's he invented the form of skiing he called Slalom, but which we know today as Telemark skiing. While skiing has practical transportation value in many colder climate countries, and many militaries train troops in skiing, most people think of the sport involving taking a ski lift to the top of a mountain for a fast and fun downhill ride. When engaged in this activity most people prefer to wear warm clothing and follow runs, trails or slopes-- patrolled ski routes that are checked for safety. Skiers also enjoy cross country skiing, but for safety sake most stay within the boundaries of the resort. In fact, most European countries have laws against cross country skiing outside of the resort's boundaries due to the danger of avalanche and the high cost of search and rescue operations.

Skiing enthusiasts report a euphoria that comes from skiing, a feeling they liken to flying and many more people are engaged in the sport today than ever before, with many fine ski schools teaching the basics. Even if you've never skied before, the basic skills can be acquired quickly and you'll be on the slopes enjoying yourself in a way you've never experienced before. Skiing is a great way to get in good physical shape, and at the end of the day, sitting around a fireplace in the lodge, bundled up with a warm blanket, and your spouse sitting next to you, holding a cup of hot cocoa in hand for sipping. This is the perfect ending to a wonderful day, which you'll experience at any of the six great ski vacation resorts listed. So give a ski vacation a try, and be very glad you did.

Mountain Biking Has The Slickrock Bike Trail In Moab

Every mountain biker worth his or her salt will want to try the Slick Rock Trail, located in Moab, Utah - one of the most challenging mountain biking trails in the world.

Every sport has its "ultimate" challenge. Golf has the Augusta National - host of the Masters tournament, Tennis has the grass courts of Wimbledon, car racing has the Daytona International Speedway, home of the Daytona 500.

Mountain Biking has the Slickrock Bike Trail in Moab, Utah.

The Slickrock Bike Trail is a 9.6 mile trail which most experts consider to be "the ultimate mountain biking experience." There's plenty of "easy and scenic" bike trails as well, but for the ultimate ride, Slickrock is it.

Moab is located in eastern Utah, about 230 miles east of Salt Lake City, or 350 miles west of Denver, Colorado. The origin of the name of Moab for this once small town (incorporated in 1902) are unclear, but now the name is iconic for great mountain biking.

Moab isn't a big city - only about 5,000 people live there, but they get plenty of tourist traffic - so much so that you'll find over thirty hotels and motels, ten bed and breakfasts, two resorts, 26 guest houses, and fifteen privately owned campgrounds. There are also over a dozen public campgrounds in the national parks nearby.

Tourists don't just come for the mountain biking, of course. There's off-road jeep trails, hiking, camping, and motorcycling ... there's even the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, on which you can walk and see traces of dinosaur bones of a variety of species.

The first thing any visitor to Moab should do is visit their Visitor's Center, which will have brochures for every activity under the sun, trail maps and more. If you're new to Moab you do not want to go anywhere without a selection of trailmaps, and you should never go anywhere without letting someone know where you're going and when you plan to be back. Better still, always hike or bike with a buddy who can help you out in case of trouble.

If you're a beginner, there are plenty of tour operators - mountain biking, white river rafting, skydiving - who can take you to the right places and ensure you have a good time.

As you ride along on your bike you may see others littering or misbehaving, and wonder why you are supposed to have the "least possible impact" on their environment ... but that's just the way things are. Be responsible for your own personal "footprint", even if you can't control what other people do.

Moab biking trails consist of what's called "Slick Rock." I'll get to that in a little bit. For now, here's the list of good practices.

1) Ride only on open roads and trails

2) Learn to recognize and preserve cryptobiotic soil crusts. Okay - that's going to be tough. Wait until you get to Moab and then have someone point them out to you.

3) Avoid skidding your tires

4) When it's wet, avoid clay- like surfaces. Stay on the rocky, slickrock or sandy areas

5) Don't ride along the sides of streams

6) Don't pollute the water resources

Mountain Bike Trails

1) Over 100,000 people a year ride on the Slick Rock Trail - so named because its a trail of "naked" sandstone - stone that can hold onto your bike's tires at "gravity defying angles." The trail is rated a "Class 4" - 4 being the hardest class.

The trail is twelve miles long, and if you weren't concentrating on the ground in front of you 'd see that it crosses an elevated platform of sandstone surrounded by cliffs – – cut by the Colorado River over millions of years. You'll be able to view canyons, see Arches National Park across the river, and the La Sal Mountains on the eastern skyline.

The trail is a 12-mile long loop (if you don't take any side trips) and will take at least four hours. Make sure you bring a lot of extra water with you. You can bike on the trail from mid-February through November, but of course is most popular through spring and fall.

The trail is in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, and there is a small fee enter. The fee pays for the maintenance of the entire area.

2) The Porcupine Rim Trail, also located in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, is also rated a Category 4. This is a one way trail and takes about half-a-day to ride.

However, if your family is full of both skilled mountain bikers and beginners, don't despair. There's plenty of other easy mountain biking trails in this beautiful area.- such as the Bar M Loop.

Les Houches - The Hidden Gem Of The Chamonix Valley.

In the heart of the French Alps, in the north east of the Rhone Alps region lies the village of Les Houches. Nestled at one end of the Chamonix valley in the Mont Blanc region of the Haute Savoie Les Houches had long been the considered a mere satellite village of its much more illustrious neighbour Chamonix - the world capital of skiing and mountaineering. Of course the locals knew better and many high mountain guides, ski instructors and pisteurs had long since migrated to this quite and peaceful corner of the Chamonix valley - drawn as much, perhaps, by it's magnificent setting at the foot of Mont Blanc, it's peace, tranquillity and traditional ambience as its more affordable property. However, it wasn't long before the resort became recognised as a little gem in the centre of the Mont Blanc Massif and tourism bloomed due in a large part to Les Houches' incredibly easy access to and from Geneva airport.

It wasn't always so. It was only with the construction of the new road between Le Fayet and Chamonix during 1860-70, and then with the arrival of the train in 1901, that Les Houches began to open up to summer tourism. It was then that Les Houches became a small holiday retreat and the first hotels and holiday homes began to appear. Les Houches first started as a winter destination with the construction of the Bellevue cable car in 1936-7. From the 1960s the growing tourism development led to the construction of new lift systems. But, it was with the digging of the Mont Blanc tunnel (1959-65) and the completion of the Route Blanche motorway in 1990 which opened up the village of Les Houches to the rest of Europe.

Situated at a height of 1000 metres Les Houches is a pleasant family resort with an exceptional panorama of the Chamonix Aiguilles which encircle the Chamonix valley. The village is made up of a number of small hamlets, with numerous old farms and chapels and enjoys fantastic 360 ° views, some great tree lined skiing along trails winding through the woods (perfect for bad weather days) and two of the best on mountain restaurants in the valley.

Les Houches also has the widest variety and greatest number of runs in the Chamonix valley, offering everything from gentle greens and blues for practising your newly acquired turns on, to the world famous Kandahar - a regular feature on the FIS Men's World Cup downhill circuit. Indeed, the Kandahar is considered by many racers to be second only in difficulty to the Streif on the Hahnenkamn in Kitzbuhel. The run is 3343 metres in length with an impressive 870m of declivity and the winning time is sub two minutes. With its series of technical passages and jumps, including La Cassure and Le Goulet, the Kandahar is also considered to be one of the most beautiful downhill slopes in the world.

Les Houches offers a myriad of activities throughout the year to suit all tastes and inclinations. During the winter season, in addition to the skiing and snowboarding, Les Houches offers dog sleighing, outdoor ice skating, snowshoeing, indoor climbing, paragliding and local markets offering fresh regional produce. During the glorious summer months you can climb, trek, mountain bike, paraglide, play tennis or simply relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air and stunning scenery. Combined with a variety of bars and restaurants, shops and museums to visit and explore there should be enough to keep you occupied throughout your stay.

Kopaonik in Serbia

Skiing in Kopaonik, Serbia is becoming a growing trend for skiers looking to move away from the commercial skiing facilities of Central and Northern Europe in search of more naturally occurring skiing trails. With a snow range of 1770-2017 metres and a village positioned 5,000 feet above sea level Kopeonik in Serbia is seen as the answer to many skiers' dreams. With a three hour journey from the nearest airport Kopaonik is surely worth the effort, having cross-country skiing, night skiing, skydiving, sleigh rides, ice-skating, indoor tennis and many other activities for the winter sports enthusiast to enjoy.

The mountain climbs 35,000 feet into the cold Serbian sky, whilst ski lifts only climb to 6,617 feet. The skiing facility is yet to host a major skiing event; despite being home to several international snowboarding competitions and cross-country skiing as well. The living quarters are apt for pricing that would delight the weariest of tourists. Skiers can experience national cuisine such as Burek (pastry, cheese, spinach) and Pljeskavica (grilled mince) for well under $10 a meal. The old favorites such as burger, chips and pizza are still on the menu, and the price of $1.50 a beer might delight some holiday makers looking to do slightly more than just ski! The living area can handle over 5,000 tourists at the same time, whilst the bars and clubs around the area make the holiday destination more suited to the younger holiday-maker. Another issue that is quite prominent is the mistake that many make in travelling to Kopaonik to celebrate Christmas - the celebrations are of slight comparison to western culture, despite its labelling as a winter heaven.

With different piste types Kopaonik caters for beginners, intermediates and experts with the following ratio.

? 15 beginner

? 8 intermediate

? 6 expert

Having 21 lifts and an uphill capacity of 15,000 (an hour) Kopaonik is more than capable of catering for its millions of visitors each year. With slopes facing N, N/E and N/W you can be sure to experience the densely populated villages that surround the region. Thriving from the tourism the mountain provides, Kopaonik has recently became home to a 4 star luxury hotel providing entertainment and accommodation to skiers and executives alike.

With the longest run covering 3.5 KM and expert tuition on hand, Kopaonik has recently benefited from its appointment of English speaking instructors across skiing and snowboarding disciplines. The advanced runs down the Kopaonik mountain-face are a primary incent

ive for many skiers to choose Kopaonik as their skiing holiday destination. The 6 runs that fit into this category must be epitomised by the Konaci - which a local holiday village was recently named after.

The Konaci has an angle of 79 degrees at a certain point, which it is said that - if you go too slow, and fail to position yourself correctly, it would be perfectly feasible to fall forwards merely travelling in a straight line. The Konaci sees skiers travelling at speeds of over 50 MPH and jumps that allow airtime of over 8 seconds. The Konaci is praised and feared by the top skiers from Europe and further a field. Despite this, the run featured in the 2005 snowboarding event that took place in the Kopaonik mountains.

With snow falling on the slopes between August/September all the way through to early March, skiers should plan their trip with that in mind. The slopes of Serbia and the warm generous nation make Kopaonik an ideal holiday destination for any traveler looking to have a good time on a set of skis. The package deals start from around $400 a week, whilst amazing savings can be made through booking online.

The destination expects 10, 000 visitors a week by 2009, and with its intention to develop further runs across every piste you can be sure that Kopaonik, Serbia will be a skiing location that will stay firmly on the map.

Traveling To Alicante Made Simple

It may be business or pleasure that has you travelling to Alicante, Spain, but whatever the reason is you are going, getting there is a breeze. Tourism is making its way to this once mostly industrial working city. As a result, more traveller friendly resources are becoming available. Located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and the southeast region of Spain, Alicante is a bustling port and a well-populated region. That doesn't take away from the beautiful mountains to the west or the fact that it has some of the loveliest beaches to its east.

Getting There

Alicante is best reached by air from countries around the world. The El Altet International Airport is located just 6 miles (10 km) from the heart of the city. There are daily flights from other major cities in Spain including Madrid, Ibiza and Barcelona. The Alicante airport is also serviced by major airline carriers from around Europe.

Travelling to Alicante is also possible by train or bus. Car hire services can be used within the city limits as well. Since Alicante is a region with its primary city bearing the same name, there are several other smaller towns that are accessible in Alicante by the railroad system known as the tram and trenet. These smaller railways go to Denia, Altea, and Benidorm. The two way services in and out of Alicante use motor buses to connect the city with the outlying towns and villages.

A ferry from Algeria can also bring you into the city limits of Alicante. It is booked by going throught Romeu to Oran or Algeria. This is not the best or most reliable method of getting there since there can be upsets in service due to the political atmosphere of Algeria at any given time.

Once inside the city limits, it is really a walking city because of its small size. However, taxis and intercity busses are available as well as the tram to an from Plaza del Mar to the airport outside of town.

Where to Stay

Those who travel to Alicante from far away will require overnight accommodations which can be found in abundance. Many high rise hotels in the city centre let you stay in the heart of the business district. There are views from these skyscrapers toward the mountains or sea.

If you prefer a more resort like atmosphere for your stay, just outside the city along the beaches are hotels with breathtaking seaside views and easy access to the sun and sand.

Beach property is as luxurious as found in any resort and offers family-friendly options with a Mediterranean flare. These hotels are close to both the city and beach in this close-knit region.

What to Expect

Once you have accomplished travelling to Alicante, you can expect a pleasant visit. This region sees a lot of sunshine year round and has some of the warmest water temperatures, reaching up to 80º F. If the surrounding cities get too warm, you can find some relief in Alicante by going to the beach and enjoying the sea breezes. The city can stay hot like all concrete clad cities, but you are just a short walking distance toward relief. The winter is mild and pleasant throughout the season, making it a great winter getaway for the region.

International travellers have started in recent years to frequent Alicante on day or weekend trips from other areas of Spain or Europe. Here they are pleased to experience Spain as it really is and not just the face it puts on for tourists. What was once a sort of dreary industrial town, has been given a makeover and become a welcoming attraction for Spaniards and international travellers both.

Campos Do Jordao, Brazil

If you want to visit a city with a tipically tempered climate but that is located in the tropics then you should visit Campos do Jordão in the brazilian state of São Paulo. It is located more or less in between 3 well known capitals of Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Belo Horizonte. Campos do Jordão is easy to reach over the highways that connect these cities. As a result, many people visit Campos do Jordão which makes tourism the main economical activity of the city. In the high season, more than a million people visit this fascinating city which is locally known as the Brazilian Switzerland. The city has numerous inns known as "pousadas" in the Portuguese language and what is considered a first world infrastructure.

The city is located about 1800 meters (approx. 6000 feet) above sea level which and with its moderate climate it can be visited all year long. The "pousadas" are open the whole year and for many Brazilians it is a great place to escape the brazilian hot climate (at lower altitudes) and imagine them selves in a city in Europe.

Campos do Jordão is located in a mountain range named the "Serra da Mantigueira" and the fauna consist mostly of pines, cascades, flowers, typical of European regions. In a "pousada" in Campos do Jordão you can have a great vacation, different from the typical Brazilian vacation, without even leaving Brazil.

The fresh climate of the summer makes Campos a great place to stay in the months of december to march, which are the summer months as it is located south of the equator. With temperatures ranging from 18 C to 28 C (64 F to 82 F) Campos is a great escape from the summer heat at lower altitudes.

When searching for a more romantic atmosphere, the autumn is a great season to visit Campos do Jordão. The local flora and fauna create lots of different tones of colors which are unlike the lower regions of Brazil. For Brazilians it is even a special treat to see the leaves of the trees all over the city on the ground: A great atmosphere for a romantic walk.

For most Brazilians, the winter time is actually the nicest season to visit Campos do Jordão. Especially because the temperatures in Campos during winter can reach to below freezing, which is a very rare event in any other region in Brazil. Consider that Campos do Jordão is as far south as Cuba is north you can imagine that freezing temperatures are an attraction in Brazil. Also many festivals are organized in this time of year and many celebrities visit the city, both to take a vacation and to perform.

The spring time brings beautiful surprises to the visitors. The European vegetation shows itself full during this season. Lots of colors, typical to more temperate regions. The city transforms it self unlike any other city in Brazil and again this is a great reason to stay in one the many "pousadas" in Campos do Jordão.

Theater Arts-- Beijing Opera

During the 18th-19th century Peking opera or more commonly known as Beijing Opera flourished in the Qing Dynasty. It had attained such levels that it was specifically being performed in the royal court and later was made accessible to public. Native to the Anhui and Hubei province this art later became the cultural jewel of Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai. Over the period of time its fame crossed the Great Wall of China and spread to countries like Taiwan, Japan and America.

The movements of the dancers are very graceful. Dialogues, music, song, dance and combat are used to the fullest extent to depict the storyline which majorly revolves around Chinese age old folklore and history. The Beijing opera performers wear bright colored outfits to be the center of attraction on sparingly decorated stage. The dialect used in dialogue delivery is archaic dialect. Since it has a great historical value the actors really worked hard in order to respect and carry on the tradition. The training was started at a very tender age which lasted for seven years on permission from the parents. The student was expected to pay back to the teacher by the future performances. Daily routine consisted of early rise followed by training in acting, acrobatics, and combat. The senior students perform in the evening theaters. Upon committing a mistake the whole bunch of students were punished with bamboo cane but training became milder during the 1900s. These schools were shut down during the Japanese invasion in 1931 but again reestablished in 1952. The renowned schools popular in this art are the Ma Lianliang school, the Qi Lintong school and the Cheng Yanqiu school. The repository of this opera includes about one thousand and four hundred works.

The Four Anhui Troupes was responsible for the birth of Beijing opera in the late 1700s. They were joined by the Hubei tropes in the early 1800s and came to its complete form in mid 1800s. This form of art is actually a mixture of various dance forms and music with a unique twist. There are four leading characters in Beijing opera. The Sheng is the male lead role with subtype Laosheng, old and wise version, Xiaosheng, the younger version and Wusheng, the warrior version. This character is gentle and sophisticated and the costumes worn by them are more subtle. The Laosheng character is further categorized as Guan Gong, God of War and Zhao Kuang-yin, the first emperor of the Song Dynasty. Xiaosheng sings in a loud and shrill voice.

In the later years, the male actors began painting their faces. These characters were known as Jing. They were usually supporting characters and were forceful so they had to have a heavy voice and exaggerated expression. Dan is the female lead and is divided into five types. Laodan was played by aged ladies, Wudan was played by middle aged women depicting married women, Daomadan were brave female warriors, Qingyi were righteous women and Huadan were young and innocent girls. The role Qingyi and Huadan together is known as Huashan.

The male clown role was known as Chou. It was a minor role to add some humor to serious scenes. The character of Chou hardly got a chance to sing when compared to the Kunqu opera which was its inspiration. On the whole this art form cut down on the voice and singing.Acrobatics came to its full form in Beijing opera. So actors who couldn't sing much but knew acrobatics well were easily taken into the performing troupe.

The drama was being accompanied with music. The two different styles of music being played are Xipi, created by the Anhui tropes and Erhuang, created by the Hubei tropes. Based on this music, the earliest name of Beijing opera was Pihuang which changed according to geographical location and time. The melodies can be classified as arias, fixed and percussion. It was known as Guoju in Taiwan.

The Anhui troupe gained name and fame after forming Beijing opera and were invited to various kingdoms to perform. Empress Dowager Cixi encouraged this art and became a great admirer of it. The performing troupes consisted of only males at first as the Qianlong Emperor had banned female actors. But in the 1870s, a former Beijing opera performer, Li Maoer started a female troupe, which persuaded others to take the lead and finally the ban was lifted in 1912.

Great San Diego Attractions

Picture yourself relaxing on a sandy beach while your kids run and jump in the waves. Maybe you'll decide to scoot over to Mexico for lunch, visit with the Panda bears, or spend the afternoon riding a scenic trolley. Can't decide which of these vacation activities sound most appealing? Experience it all with a San Diego vacation.

There are so many San Diego attractions to enjoy and explore, it seems like many vacation destinations rolled into one. Plan ahead and your family will have an unforgettable holiday. Here are eight "must experience" places to visit and activities to try on your trip to beautiful San Diego:

1. Hit the Beach

San Diego beaches are spectacular year-round. Whether you visit in summer or over the winter holidays, the local beaches personify the complete San Diego lifestyle. Visit gorgeous Mission Beach. Ride the Belmont Park roller coaster. From bodysurfing to soaking up the rays, San Diego beaches are definitely where the action is.

2. Shuffle off to Mexico

The city of Tijuana is just across the Mexican border from San Diego. Taking a side trip to Tijuana or Baja is easy and quite safe; just bring your passport and be mindful of the Mexican laws. There is an international paradise ready to be explored, so say "Si" to a day in Mexico.

3. Catch a Fish Taco

Not exactly a famous San Diego attraction, rather a must-try taste of the city, fish tacos are pieces of battered and deep-fried fish encased in a corn tortilla. Try one, and you'll want to come back to San Diego just for another taste of this local treat. Visitors to San Diego say that fish tacos are among the city's best foods.

4. Take a Trolley Ride

San Francisco isn't the only California city with a famous trolley. The San Diego trolley serves as the city's public transit system. You can buy an all-day pass and see more San Diego attractions than you ever could by car. The San Diego highways can be quite intimidating, making the trolley your best bet for stress-free sightseeing.

5. Visit the Pandas

The famous San Diego Zoo at Balboa Park is a popular tourist destination, but the pandas are the real attractions. Baby Su Lin and the other pandas are most active in the morning, so plan to see them first on your trip to San Diego zoo. Sea World and Legoland are also great choices for entertaining your "little animals" 6. Balboa Park

. The undisputed shining jewel of San Diego is Balboa Park. It's the nation's largest urban cultural park, housing fifteen museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautiful gardens and the San Diego Zoo. The atmosphere is breathtaking no matter when you stop by, but if you visit on Tuesdays you'll find that most museums offer free admission. After you work up an appetite exploring Balboa, stop at Prado or any of the fine restaurants within the park for a fantastic meal in a beautiful setting.

7. Nightlife

The historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is the place to be for eating, dancing and people watching. Shop, snack and take in the stunning architecture during the day. At night, there are more than 90 restaurants plus live theatre and countless nightclubs to choose from. Gaslamp is the place to let loose in San Diego.

8. Old Town

History buffs can find bits of Old San Diego incorporated with new developments throughout the city. Visit Old Town State Historic Park for a blast of San Diego's past. Make sure you visit the Old Town Mexican Cafe, as it serves the best Mexican food San Diego has to offer.

If your family is torn between exciting excursions, historic America, exotic adventure or a tropical paradise, visit San Diego. The variety of San Diego attractions offers the best of all worlds in one vacation destination.

Honduras: Snorkeling And Diving Adventures

Honduras is best known for its underwater riches, particularly its vantage point to the world's second largest barrier reef. It has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best (and cheapest) places to learn to dive or complete your dive-master training. Your dives will show you coral reefs, yawning underwater caves, wrecked ships, and the docile whale sharks. But after you have had your fill of snorkeling and diving, you'll find out that there is more to discover in this beautiful country.

Honduras is the second largest country in Central America, but it remains largely undiscovered by the mainstream tourist. Though it has gained some renown for its pristine coral reefs and warm tropical waters-- both in its Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean sides-- the country also boasts of impenetrable rainforests, and rivers meandering through largely unexplored jungle areas.

Its northern Caribbean coast sparkles in miles of white sand beaches, lush greenery and rich cultural diversity. Just 30 miles away from the north coast are the Bay Islands, famous for first-class diving off the barrier reef that extends northward as far as the Yucatan Peninsula. You can also visit the Hog Islands and, farther east, the Swan Islands.

Nature and Wildlife

Those who want a more terrestrial nature experience can visit the country's extensive park system, which covers almost a quarter of its total area. You have the opportunity to trek up to cloud-forests (mountaintops covered with clouds or rain for more than 70% of the year) and rainforests, home of elusive wildlife like the jaguar and giant anteater. Its coastal wetlands provide the habitat for monkeys, manatees, alligators, and dozens of waterfowl species. This gives many opportunities for kayaking or canoeing through mysterious mangroves, but the more adventurous should conquer the world-class white-water rafting rapids of Rio Cangrejal near La Ceiba.

The northeastern Honduras is occupied by the Moskitia (literally, mosquito), an area of 8,500 square miles. It holds one of the largest still-intact rainforests on the isthmus, sometimes referred to as the Central American Amazon. Moskitia is not accessible by road: you can only use a plane or small sea vessel. But those who go there are well-rewarded with experiences of tropical wildlife, open coasts, estuaries, river valleys, flood plains, fresh-water swamps, lagoons and mangroves.

Bird-watchers should visit the inland Lake Yojoa region and the area surrounding the coastal city of Tela to spot nearly 400 of the 700 species of birds, native and migratory, that fly through the Honduras. The ancient Maya ruins in Copan, an archaeological World Heritage site, remind you of Honduras' long and ancient history. You can puzzle over the hieroglyphic stairway in Copan and the scientific enigmas in the 2,500-year-old Talgua Caves. The ancient city is found in Los Naranjos Archaeological Park.

When to Go

Like most tropical countries, Honduras has a rainy season and a dry season. In the interior, especially the west and south, the rainy season is roughly from May to November, with rains coming in the afternoon and lasting an hour or so. On the north coast and the Bay Islands, the rainy season comes later in September to December, but anytime outside these months is perfect for your diving and snorkeling.

Travel is easier during the dry season, especially for scuba diving and trips to La Moskitia. February and March are good months, because the weather is fairly stable in most of the country; the roads and trails are drying out but the trees and underbrush are still full and green.

Planning Your Trip

Honduras is an inexpensive country for travel, though the diving will be expensive. Your next biggest expense will be for lodgings: there are luxury hotels, but the average hotel should cost you up to $25 a night and there are budget places that go for $12 in the more popular destinations. Food for most travelers costs up to $8 per meal inclusive of drinks, taxes and tip. Budget meals at street vendors and no-name eateries might cost $5 or less.

Hiking, trekking and biking are very good in Honduras, so do prepare for these; if you can, bring your own bike. Canopy tour-- where you slide from treetop to treetop-- is an exciting thing to do in La Ceiba, Rio Cangrejal and the Roatan.

The Tower Of London

The Tower of London has a fascinating history spanning nearly 1,000 years. It has served various purposes over the centuries-- fortress, prison, royal palace, jewel house, mint, arsenal and place of execution.

When work was begun by William the Conqueror in 1078, Londoners had never seen anything of the like before. He had stone specially imported from France to build the White Tower and its unique Norman style was quite outlandish to the locals.

William saw the need to build a fortress in this powerful and prosperous city not to defend it from foreign invasion, but to protect the conquering Normans from the city's own inhabitants. For centuries afterwards, the Tower served the same purpose, providing safety and security for various monarchs from their own subjects in turbulent times.

As time passed and needs changed, the Tower was adapted and extended until it became an extensive complex of fortifications. The 13th century saw the establishment of a Royal Mint on the premises, as well as a menagerie. This private collection of exotic beasts is thought to have begun when Henry III received three big cats (leopards or possibly lions) as a wedding present in 1235. The Lion Tower was built to house the collection, which had become a public attraction by the late 18th century. However, with the opening of London Zoo in the early 19th century, the animals were transferred and the menagerie closed down. The Lion Gate is all that remains of the area where it was housed.

The Tower of London is probably most well known today for its notorious history of gunpowder, treason, imprisonment and murder. From the early days it was used as a prison and place of execution, often for very high profile or illustrious captives. Henry VIII had two of his wives beheaded on Tower Green-- Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. The Reformation was a particularly gruesome time, when hoards of political and religious prisoners were incarcerated and executed. Probably the most famous is Lady Jane Grey, whom Edward VI declared his successor just before his death in 1553, fearing that his own daughter Mary would restore Catholicism. She was only a few days into her reign when Mary took the throne from her cousin and had her imprisoned and eventually executed on Tower Green in 1554. Mary also famously had her half-sister Elizabeth (later to become Queen Elizabeth I) imprisoned there for three months under suspicion of plots against her. Elizabeth herself had various notables incarcerated in the Tower upon her succession to the throne after Mary's death-- from aristocrats and dukes to clergymen and bishops.

Another event for which the Tower is infamously known is the mystery of the two boy princes in the 1480s. The two sons of Edward IV, Edward V and his younger brother Richard, were housed in the Tower by their Uncle (Richard, Duke of Gloucester) for 'protection' after the death of their father in 1483. Edward V was to be crowned King. However, the Duke took the throne himself and after remaining in the Tower for a short while afterwards, the boys vanished. Their fate is still a mystery today, although it is commonly believed that their uncle had them murdered.

In the 17th century, the Crown Jewels were first put on public display, and they can still be seen there today. It was also during this period that the Tower started to be used as an arsenal and armoury. During the 19th century, however, the Tower gradually lost many of its functions. As explained above, the menagerie was moved to London Zoo. The Royal Mint was moved to new buildings elsewhere in the city (although it's now based in Cardiff) and the War Office moved the weaponry elsewhere. This wasn't the beginning of the end for the Tower, though. In fact, it heralded a new and exciting period for the fortress. Medieval romanticism had started to become fashionable in Victorian times and architectural and historical interest in the Tower started to increase. The Victorians undertook an enormous programme of restoration and reconstruction, paving the way for it to become one of Britain's most popular tourist attractions. Indeed, by the mid 19th century visitors were coming in droves and a ticket office had to built at the main entrance to cope with the crowds.

The Tower was very much still in use as an official public building though. Even in the 20th century, it was used as a prison during World War Two. The last execution took place here in 1941-- a German army sergeant was shot in the grounds by firing squad for spying.

To this day, it still retains its function as a royal residence and home of the Crown Jewels. As a result, it's still guarded by its own ancient regiment of Yeomen Warders (more commonly known as Beefeaters) whose role is to guide and entertain tourists as much as it is to defend the Tower.

Although no royals have lived at the Tower for a long time, it still has one very important set of residents-- the famous ravens. These black, long-beaked birds have been here for centuries. An old legend states that Britain will never be invaded as longs as ravens remain there, so they can still be seen wandering around the grounds today and even have their own guards to look after them. No-one's taking any risks though-- their wings are clipped to ensure they'll never leave!

San Sebastian City

Tourist information - San Sebastian

This city, also known as Donostia, lies along a white sandy bay between the Urgull and Igeldo hills. Fishermen's houses, a smart suburb and modern districts make it one of the most attractive cities on the Cantabrian coast. The Museum of San Telmo, the Peine de los Vientos (Comb of the Winds) and the Kursaal are examples of how the city brings together modern and traditional features. Meanwhile, the province of Guipuzcoa, of which San Sebastián is the capital, blends sea and mountains, offering the traveller landscape, sports and cuisine, as well as interesting monuments. Basque cuisine has a recognised international prestige.

The town centre streets of San Sebastian unfold overlooking the La Concha Bay. Monte Igeldo marks one end of it - a wonderful vantage point for enjoying views over the city. At its feet is Torrepea Point, where the "Peine de los Vientos" ("Comb of the Winds"), a sculpture by the famous Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, is installed. Here Ondarreta beach begins, framed by a garden area and by the Pico del Loro. This was the place chosen by Queen Maria Cristina (18th C.) to build the Miramar Palace, her summer residence. A lovely promenade with elegant railings and street lamps runs along La Concha Beach, on whose sands is the Perla del Océano Bathing Area, a former royal bathing hut. Still looking at the sea, you arrive at the old Casino, nowadays the City Hall. In this area, between the sea and the River Urumea, is the old town and the way to Monte Urgull, the marina and the fishermen's district. The summit of Urgull is dominated by La Mota Castle and a representation of the Sacred Heart. One path takes you upwards while another skirts the hill and takes you along the breakwater.

In the oldest part of San Sebastián, the churches of San Vicente and Santa María del Coro await you, the former Gothic and the latter Renaissance-Baroque. An old Dominican convent is nowadays the San Telmo Museum, whose archaeological and ethnographic collections, together with its paintings, are worth a leisurely visit. These busy streets lead you to the porticoed Plaza de la Constitución. Among its many balconies - numbered and painted white, betraying its origin as a bullring - stands the old Neoclassical City Hall, converted into the Municipal Library.

La Alameda del Boulevard leads into the Romantic city, which emerged after the old walls were demolished. One the banks of the Urumea you can make out the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and the María Cristina Hotel, built in Neoplateresque style. Spread through this rationalist street pattern, you can also visit the Plaza de Guipúzcoa, with its gardens, the Provincial Government building, the Koldo Mitxeleria Cultural Centre and the Post and Telegraph Office. Also, San Sebastian Cathedral, el Buen Pastor, built in Neogothic style. Once again on the bank there are aristocratic houses from the beginning of the 20th century, leading to the María Cristina bridge, the most monumental of those crossing the river. Four lamps by the sculptor Mariano Benlliure light the way to the railway station, designed by Eiffel. On this side of the river are the modern districts of Eguía and Gros. On Gros Beach is the modern Kursaal structure, designed by the architect Rafael Moneo.

San Sebastián is a cosmopolitan city with a strong Basque character, which is clear in its cultural events. The "tamborrada" or "Semana Grande", with its fishing boat regatta, tells us something of the tradition; while its prestigious film and jazz festivals say a great deal about its international vocationAll these are occasions when it is well worth enjoying the city, although you will need to book accommodation in advance.

One of the best ways of touring its districts and approaching its culture is through the cuisine. Basque cookery has international prestige thanks to its raw materials and the skill of its cooks, who have both traditional and imaginative repertoires. It must be said that some of the most renowned restaurants in Spain are in San Sebastián. Recipes made with vegetables, fish and shellfish must always be accompanied by chacolí from Guetaria/Guetariako Txakolina, with its own Denomination of Origin.

The province of Guipúzcoa satisfies the tastes of any traveller, offering a long coastline of excellent beaches and fishing villages, while inland there are natural areas where you can find important historic towns. Going along the coast from France towards Vizcaya you will have the chance to visit the historic centre of Hondarribia/Fuenterrabia, declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, and to stay in its Parador de TurismoOther towns that combine interesting monuments with extensive beaches are Zarautz, Getaria, Deba and Mutriku.

Rivers and valleys lead you inland. Following the course of the Oria, the historic towns of Tolosa, Ordizia and Lazkao preserve important legacies of monuments. The Urola valley has the old town and spa of Cestona/Zestoa, the medieval streets of Azpeitia and the Sanctuary of San Ignacio de Loyola, a Baroque site that is the centre of Basque religious life. Bergara, one of the most smartest towns in Guipúzcoa, and the lovely houses of Elgeta unfold along the Deba valley.

In addition to this wealth of monuments, this Basque province has a natural heritage which is perfect for practising many low environmental impact sports. The Aitzkorri, Aralar, Aiako-Harria and Pagoeta natural parks also show us the quality of their ecosystems.

A Little Mexican Adventure Vacation

A lot of people plan their vacations months in advance. The reason why some people do it is because they would want everything to be perfect. They want the hotel checked out, they want the destination close to the hotel, they want their activities lined up and ready for them and of course they want to be treated special because after all they are paying tons and tons of money.

This is how an adventure vacation is perceived. Months of preparation followed by countless weeks of anticipation and anxiety, this is usually how a regular vacationer sees it and it's how they live out the drama of their vacation.

Now when we talk about vacation some people would think that to enjoy their vacation they would need t travel across the globe to seek out and uncharted island blissfully located in the middle of nowhere and strategically located right next to civilization. Some people would also think that they need to spend tons and tons of money just to get them there, an island bordered by the savagery of the out doors and the comforts of civilization. But sometimes when people look too far away they miss what's under their noses.

Many people prefer going to more luxurious and popular places without considering those that could offer exciting adventure and interesting places to visit. Nowadays, when you talk about people missing things that are right under their noses-- I'm talking about missing out on a good place to go to for a vacation. Some people spend too much of their time looking away to places like France, Italy, London etc. etc. when some of the good places to go to are just a border away in Mexico.

Though we must admit not all of Mexico is for the sight seers, there are many places in the heartland of Mexico that are not really for tourist and their vacation getaways. Some are cruel realities of life that really require the attention of the government. Mexico is a really nice place to be in because of the virgin forests and the beautiful beaches, but if there would be any improvement in the tourism scene in Mexico, it has to start now.

Anyway, one of the few places that really deserve hats off is a place called San Blas, Mexico. Long before Spanish settlers set foot in this little gateway to California, people have already started settling here. Some people speculate that the lost civilization of the Incas may have been from there once.

It may not be as popular as Cancun but it does hold it own brand of notoriety especially for birds. Yes that's right birds. Many of the bird watching enthusiast flock to this little barrio surrounded by forests, lagoons, mangroves and endless islets that serve as excellent breeding grounds for both exotic and local species of birds.

Another attraction here are the ruins of Fort San Basilio built atop of a steep hill the La Contaduria. Imagine yourself on an adventure vacation high above the expanse of the town and the harbor. A good place to see the whole town and the beach, a good thing about it is that it's not too far away unlike when you need to have your fix on.

Here, you can enjoy not just a peaceful environment but also a feeling of self-fulfillment and utmost relaxation.

Deruta, Italy-- A Pottery Lover's Pilgrimage

Attracting droves of tourists every year, Europe promises the ancient, the diverse, and the completely fascinating. Most travelers scurry past the major sites and cram in as much as possible in order to get through a list of 'must sees.' Unfortunately, much is overlooked due to lack of time and money while the infinite unique treasures sometimes hidden for the resourceful traveler remain undiscovered and unappreciated. Not that visits to the key attractions should be dissuaded!

On the contrary, I'm simply inviting the European travelers to dig a little deeper into their destination country and find the gems that will make them smile as they recall them even decades later. Remember and celebrate the taste of a fresh German pretzel, the sweet smell of the air in a Tuscan vineyard, or the baby soft petals in a colorful field of Dutch tulips. Savor an entire spectrum of sensory bliss as you skip from one country to the next, searching for that tiny unique detail that you will fondly relish for the rest of your life.

Window after window of priceless painted ceramics, a symphony of colors that dance seamlessly together, and terra cotta-colored buildings that have overlooked the area since the Middle Ages-- it's almost too much to take in for visitors of Deruta. The sun warmly shines down on the masters that lovingly knead and massage their clay while shoppers 'oohh' and 'ahhh' over the gorgeous works of art. A day in Deruta promises a treasure trove of finds as well as the potential of making new friends - all packaged up in a relaxed atmosphere worthy of any Italian town.

Easy to find and tourist-friendly, Deruta sits right off of Autostrada E45 and immediately greets its visitors with rows of ceramic shops and ample parking. Despite housing over 200 retail stores, each offers its own elegantly unique patterns so it's difficult to not want to see them all. Stop by Cama, right off the main road, for a tour of the facility and a step-by-step journey through the process of ceramics. Cama's proud of their family-owned company and guests of their factory will see an uncle spinning cool, wet clay into pots and pitchers while mom is sanding the seams from the dried earthenware. Follow the circuit to witness the expert artists paint each creamy white argil into a masterpiece of color. Cama's work has been given to the Pope so it's without a doubt, high-quality craftsmanship.

Deruta's Old Town also offers shoppers a delightful time but in a more charming atmosphere. Aged buildings adorned by painted tiles sit just past the city gates and scream to be noticed. Visitors pop in and out of little stores while the cheerful water fountain in the middle of the cobblestone road provides soft background music. Shop owners greet passersby with smiles and conversation, eager to share information on their wares. Visit Mariam, whose talent is truly astounding. She sets herself apart from other Deruta artists by using shades of green and painting the outside surface of her bowls. Stop by Rolli Reno, who paints exquisite tiles of all sizes and incorporates them into trays, key ring hooks, and frames. His style explodes with a colorful symmetry that can brighten any place it's displayed in.

Deruta's the 'Ceramic of Ceramics' ... any piece is sure to become a family heirloom

The Adventure of an African Hunting Safari

Many people love the notion of going on an African hunting safari and feeling the cool African air as they cruise through the jungle. The thought of it is enough to create vacation dreams for many North Americans, yet translating those dreams to reality can be a little bit complicated. Regardless, that does not stop people from dreaming away about riding on the back of an elephant and enjoying the company of some locals before watching a lion chomp down on its prey. The adventure and majesty of Africa certainly comes alive during a wonderful safari trip.

The term "safari" simply refers to an overland journey. This term has been used to typically refer to visitors in Africa, although it has no actual geographical connotation. There is also a certain thematic element attached to the term, drawing upon visions of khaki clothing and a certain type of hat. Regardless of the stereotypical connotations of the term "safari", the term still calls upon some adventurous notions that many people desire to discover for themselves.

The original term was a reference to the early big game hunters that frequented African. Men, typically of European descent, would head to Africa to bask in its glory and to partake in the lay of the land. During this trip, the men would gather in hunting parties and hunt down various rare animals. They would take trophies for themselves and display them on walls back home, as was the custom. It became a variable rite of passage for many men in the higher echelon of European culture, maintaining a status grip over those people for quite a few years before hunting became unfashionable.

These times often represent a brutal passage of time in the history of Africa. The notion was that Africa was a piece of property that belonged to Europe and, therefore, the animals on it also belonged to Europe. The historical significance of these safaris often carried deep-seeded notions of control and power to the extent of slavery over the continent, enabling Europeans to virtually rape and pillage the land at their leisure. To this day, that history plagues many Africans.

Now, the term "safari" refers to taking a photo safari. Instead of shooting animals with bullets and keeping the heads mounted on the hearth, people are taking pictures and putting together various photo displays of the magical animals they have seen while on safari in the beautiful continent. These photo safaris are becoming incredibly popular with people of all ages that wish to have the experience of a lifetime taking in the wilderness and grandeur of the incredible continent of Africa.

Safari parks are rather common in North America to draw upon the distinction of the African safari. This is a zoo-like tourist attraction that creates an environment where people can observe all sorts of exotic animals from a safe vantage point. The safari park is usually walked through or ridden through in a vehicle that would be driven by a guide. The guide describes the animals that are seen and offers a historical context for the park, giving tourists and guests a complete tour of the park and engaging them in knowledgeable conversation.

The game reserves in Africa tend to be a lot larger than a safari park, though. For this reason, most people still wish to head to Africa to see the magic of nature for themselves in as natural a setting as possible. Within the confines of a game reserve or a safari park, people are engaged with the pure wonder of seeing such incredible animals such as the lion or giraffe. As long as such areas are able to protect some of these animals, people will be able to participate in photo safaris for many years to come. The love of animals, exotic and domestic, may well be the greatest ally to the protection of various species threatened with extinction.

Albania City

 Albania is a mountainous country and the one of the smallest countries of Europe. The residents supposedly descended from ancient Illyrians.

Culture

The culture of Albania is majorly influenced by that of the mainland Greeks especially in the urban locality; nodding one's head means 'no' where as shaking the head means 'yes' To greet someone, handshaking is preferred, though Shoku (Comrade) was used before, which has been long forgotten now. People dress informally here. Swim suits are meant for the beaches, otherwise women are expected not to dress in a revealing outfit. When addressing someone prefix Zoti( Mr) or Zonja( Mrs) before the name and always remember to carry some gifts when visiting someone, although flowers aren't much acceptable. The guests are served with coffee, raki or sweets. Smokers don't have to worry much, but they should avoid it where they see a sign of Ndalohet Duhani or Ndalohet pirja e duhanit.

Travelling within the country

. Buses with relatively cheap fares operate in the main cities of the country or taxis are another choice which provided service for some main hotels.

Visit Dajti Mountain and experience Dajti Ekspres Cable car for an unforgettable 15 minute ride passing through Dajt Oark to reach Tirana. The route is about 4.2 km long and the ride costs EUR6.5. Alpha Yachting provides crewed yacht which is a luxury in itself. Tirana Bank is the best place for withdrawing money as it allows access to Visa cards.

Eating Out

Restaurants are not always sufficiently heated, so always wear warm clothes if out in the night during winters. Foreigners are charged more than the locals. Both the entry fees as well as any merchandise will be on a higher scale, so it's better not to reveal the fact that you are a foreigner when out on the streets.

Site Seeing

If you enjoy canoeing, this is the right place to be. There are places right outside Tirana which is an amazing site for not just canoeing, but also rock climbing, hiking, and camping.

Accommodation

If you want a 5-Star ambience, try The Sheraton Tirana Hotel and Towers, which is situated in the middle of a shopping and entertainment center. There are about 151 rooms and 56 suites. So, along with the comfort, one can shop at once convenience here. Another hotel which provides all modern facilities is Hotel Mondial. It is located 1000 m away from the city and is also a good example of traditional architecture.

Getting There

One of the best and the easiest means is to go by air. Albanian Airlines is the national airline which works in collaboration with Tyrolean Airways, and provides service to almost all the big European cities. The airport, Mother Teresa, is 16 miles or 26 km away from the capital. A tourist bus is available every 3 hrs to get to the city center and takes about 30 minutes to get there. Taxis are available round the clock. While waiting for any transport service, tourists can check out the duty free shops, bank, eateries and car hire at the airport. A departure tax of $10 USD is imposed on all foreign nationals. Check out www.flyalbanian.com for flight times and offers.

If trying to get there by sea, try the ferry services which are provided by Adriatic Line and Agoudimos. The main ports are Durres (has ferry connection to Italy, Bari, Brindisi, Trieste, and Ancona), Vlora (has ferry connection to Bari, and Brindisi), Saranda (has connection to Corfu), Shen Gjini (has ferry connection to Bari). Check out www.adriatica.it and www.aqoudimos-lines.com for more information.

Bus is another option. Buses start from Istanbul, Athens and Sofia. Internal passengers have lots of options with bus services provided. If traveling by road in a private car, there is road network to the Kosovo region, but they are too dangerous to use because of the political tensions within the region. Crossings at Hani I Hotit, Bllata, Oafa e Thaes, Tushemisht, Gorica, Kapshtica, and kakavija can be taken. If tired one can take halts at hotels or other designated areas. There is a network of 18,000 km, out of which only 7450 km are main roads, for local travelers. About 2138km stretch of these roads is in poor condition and has pot holes, and utmost safety precautions should be taken when driving on such roads. Speed limit should be strictly followed on highways as well as within towns. Driving at night should be better avoided because of the absence of street lights on the road except for urban areas. Traffic should drive on the right-hand. There is a shortage of gas stations in the countryside, so filling the gas tank completely when passing through urban area is recommended and since there is lack of national recovery system; travelers should be prepared for an emergency or breakdown before hand. One should carry necessary documents like International Driving Permit and national driving license.

Duty Free Items

Following are the items that can be carried without customs duty being levied on them:

1. 1liter of spirits or 2liter of wine

2. 250ml of eau de toilette

3. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

4. 50ml of perfume.

Prohibited Items

Things that are prohibited to carry are firearms, narcotics and ammunitions. Special export permission should be taken for precious metals, books, antiques, work of art, or material of national or historic value.

What You Need To Know About- Madrid Travel

The capital of germany, pulsating city of Madrid is one of the eminent European cities that is famous for it is over a few attractions. The city nestled in the middle of the Iberian Peninsula is thronged by people not for its nerve-wrecking night life but also for the succulent cuisine, mind boggling architecture at museums, monuments & gardens & jubilant festivals.

The Background

Madrid is an old city. Its origins can be traced back to as 1085 when King Alfonso VI of Castle reigned here. The throne passed into the hands of Felipe II in 1561 & things were never the same after that. There were wars followed by inflation, the draining of city's wealth & settling down of a horde of immigrants. The development came in 18th & 19th centuries when there was construction of numerous wonderful buildings with exotic & splendid art & architecture.

The City's Charm

once you land in the city of Madrid, there's many worthwhile places to visit. For the nature lovers, the Glorieta de Murillo botanical garden is a perfect location with around 30,000 varied species of plants. These exclusive species that are scattered in different regions of the world were compiled at one place by the botanist Gomez Ortega & Juan de Villanueva for King Charles III.

The three pinnacle towers of Casa de la Panaderia grounded in the Madrid's grand main plaza called The Plaza Mayor, never miss the tourist attention. The Plaza is flooded with people during festival celebrations & as a marketplace. The statue of Felipe III adds a feather to the fascination of the place.

The music & theater both can be enjoyed in one of the oldest towns called 'Moorish Quarter' of Madrid. Your next step in Madrid can be towards the Parque del Buen Retiro Park. The parks is a home for three buildings that are most often used for art exhibitions & an artificial lake that gives you the pleasure of boating. The classical concerts of music & dance performances can be relished at the Auditoria Nacional de Musica & The Teatro Madrid, Teatro Lirico Nacional de la Zarzuela, Teatro Albeniz respectively.

Madrid City is known for its incredible nightlife that lifts your spirits & leaves you rocking. a number of the illustrious nightclubs on the street of Calle Huertas are The Kapital (a 7 floor club) & The Malasana. Besides this there is tremendous activity in The Paza de Chueca club, Alonso Martinez etc. The discobars & clubs are meant not for couples or stag but for families as well.

The Madrid festivals lure people across the globe. There Fiestas de San Isidro is one of the biggest festivals of the year. It commences from 15th of May & bedazzles the visitors with excellent dance performances, concerts, & other performances. The delectable food during the festival remains acts as a magnet. The festivals like Feria de la Comunidad in May, Feria de Otono in September & Feria turnia etc. have at display the treasured game of bull fighting.

Apart from the fun & adventure, Madrid specializes in serving all varieties of cuisine. A person from any corner of the world can gratify his hunger conveniently in Madrid. There is italian, italian, Swedish, Chinese, Italian.diversity of food available.

To add to the glory of Madrid is the spectacular Verbena de la Paloma festival from 6th to 15th of August. The festival mirrors the Madrid tradition & culture when people are decked up in their traditional attire & parade their customs. The ravishing decoration & the live performances by bands thrills you with almost all sorts of music heard round the globe. Last but not the least are the exotic new-year celebrations at Madrid & the renowned masked ball of Circulo de Bellas Artes that leave a remarkable impression on each & every visitor.

Madrid can be the home for anyone be it the luxury or the budget travelers. From restaurants to accommodation all are designed in such a fashion that they cater well to the needs of the high as well as the low. However, it is judicious & preferable if you get all the reservations done in advance for this one amongst the largest European cities is swarming with visitors all the year round.