Travel Ideas

by: Iren Chernoff

Do you agree that the best lessons are lessons given to you by other people who have already made some mistakes so that you wouldn?t repeat them? We are going to have a detailed observation of a certain man?s trip. When coming to Russia he managed to make a lot of mistakes and he can hardly calm down with the idea of getting wiser and more experienced. But you can avoid all this bad stuff! Just imagine you are playing the computer game called ?Taking pleasure from you trip to Russia?. Come on!
Let?s start.
As you know any trip starts long before you take a plane. At first you have to plan everything very carefully and think of all the details, then get a visa and pack your things.
Our hero (let?s call him Jake) started making mistakes from the very beginning. He has planned a two-week tour and booked an apartment through our agency and a transfer from the airport to this apartment. To make the invitation form he joined one of the firms he has found himself. Our Executive manager Slava used to ask him if he is sure in the firm several times. We have some grounds for worries because we often face the situations when we have to save our clients at the airport Customs Service because of problems with their visas.
=+=+=+= You must know this:
To make a trip to Russia you need:

the invitation to get a visa
the very visa
in Russia you must have registration.

Attention! Registration is not the procedure you are passing through at the Customs Service. They just mark the date of your arrival to the country. Registration is a special seal on your visa form that informs about the place of your staying in Russia. You have a right to stay in the country for 3 days only without this seal.
=+=+=+=
Our Executive manager had some doubts concerning the reliability of the firm that had made an invitation and promised to help with registration is case of problems.
=+=+=+= You must know this:
You can get your registration in the following ways:

if you organize your rip to Russia with the help of some firm it is obliged to obtain your registration. Those who make your invitation from must also obtain your registration.
if you stay at a hotel you should ask the hotel administration if it has the OVIR permission to make registration. IF it doesn?t have one, it has no right to register you. In Kazan we have three hotels having this right. They are ?Safar?, ?Regina? and ?Volga?.
if you stay at your woman?s place she must obtain your registration in OVIR according to the place of her official registration.

=+=+=+=
So, you?ve got your visa. Now you have to think about the place you are going to stay at.
You have a choice: hotel, rented apartment or the place of your woman, if she cares to invite you.
Let’s begin with the last one. To tell the truth, we do not advise our clients to invite men to live at their place. And it is not the matter of our bad hospitality!:) There are some reasons to it:

If there won’t be any sympathy between you, it is most likely that the woman won’t tell you about it, because of her hospitality. You will be the hostage of this situation! Never forget about it!
The foreigner is a “dorogoi” guest. If you do not know, here in Russia, the word “Dorogoi” has two meanings. “Dear” and “Expensive”. So, a foreigner is a dear guest in both meanings!:) And it is really true, as he is very desired. Some women are preparing for the meeting thoroughly: they can repair their apartments and they can even make a plastic operation to the breast too! (Real case). Besides, Russians are very hospitable. They put the best food to the table when they have a guest. It is burdensomely if the guest come for a long time. Everything costs very expensive here in Russia. The average month salary in the province is 100 $. And the lady’s family will never say you that they run into debt, in order to meet very important guest. They can not accept your money because of their pride feeling. Of course, there are some well -doing families too here in Russia. They live in opulence, but there is not so many of them.
Most women live together with their parents, as they do not have their own apartment. Do you agree to see the parents twenty-four-hours a day?

But when it is not the first time you are visiting your Lady, so you know the family and the traditions quite well and everything is fine, I think you are going feel wonderful near your future wife!:)
Hotel.
A lot of advantages. There are just three demerits.

There are just hotels *** here in our city.
But the prices are rather expensive - nearly 50$ per day (night).
The rules in our hotels are very strict. It is rather hard to have guests in the rooms and it is forbidden to leave them late than 11.00 p.m. It will limit the communication with the beloved one slightly, won’t it?

Rented flat.
You can do whatever you want. But there are just two inconveniences. First one, you should think about the flat beforehand. You can ask your lady to help you or we can help you too. And, the second, - nobody will clean after you and nobody will cook your breakfast! If you can do it yourself - great! You can enjoy the time together with your beloved woman even twenty-four-hour a day!
=+=+=+=A useful piece of advice
Your girl can help you with renting an apartment (to find it). You have to ask her beforehand and send her the necessary sum of money. It is impossible to rent an apartment in credit!
If you don?t wish to make your girl do it we could help you with finding an appropriate apartment.
Anyway, before your flight you should think about he stuff you won?t be able to do without. Find out if there are such things in your future apartment as:

consumer tools like an iron, a dryer and a toaster
a needed number of beds and proper bed-linen (take into account the frequency of its changing)
a number of rooms, hot water (the latter can be a real problem in Russia!)
try to imagine the whole day you are going to spend in this apartment and some more things you can need. Write it down and send them to your girl beforehand.

=+=+=+=
By the way, packing things remember that Russian weather is very changing. You should take something for colder or visa versa hot weather or rains.
Before your flight you must know exactly the person who is going to meet you and the time of your meeting.
The airport of Kazan is situated 50 km away from the city, so your meeting is an entire traveling! You can use our services, in order to make it easier for your woman.
We will make the reservation for you in the hotel or we can rent a flat (by request), we will meet you in the airport and we will take your woman there too. We will help you with the translation, as a rule, it is necessary at first time even for those women who can speak English a little bit. After that we will give you a ride to your place.
=+=+=+=
Attention! If you agreed to be met in Kazan, but your flight was put off or you failed to buy a ticket, please, do not forget to inform those who are going to meet you. Otherwise they will have to spend a lot of money, time, and nerves, as they will be upset and worried. There is an international telephone in every airport. When you leave your country, make sure you have all the telephone numbers, which can help you here.
=+=+=+=
What should you do if you failed to meet in Kazan, as it had been arranged?

If you have an opportunity to call, please do it. Probably you will hear that someone has already been sent to meet you, so you just have to wait for a while.
If the time of your flight has been changed, probably that’s why it muddled those who were meeting you. You can ask the information office if there is some message for you there or you can look for it on the information shield. If you agreed to be met in the airport by the agency, we usually leave some messages on the information shield in case of loosing you.
If you failed to spot us on the phone and a lot of time have passed since you arrived to the airport try to get to the hotel yourself. It is easier to solve the problems in the morning!

Let?s return to our hero Jake.
So, he has booked the apartment for this time. His girl lived in another town so he asked us to take her here, meet him in the airport and take them both to the apartment.
Here problems started:

Instead of a huge bed covering half a room there appeared to be a small camp-sofa for two persons (it?s natural for a small lonely hat is not bigger than an average hotel room).
There was bad veiw from the window.
Another problem: no mosquito net. (I guess even hotels do not have it. However, we left a special tool for killing mosquitoes just to be safe).

Find it funny? It is, but not for Jake. His visit to Russia wasn?t a success for him.
He made several mistakes:

he didn?t have any notion about the place he is going to visit and what he can need there
he took into account all the advantages of a hotel and an apartment and happily combined them but ignored disadvantages.

Jake got so upset that he even didn?t turn to the firm that had made his invitation and stayed without registration for three days. After that he left for his girl?s town. And again he faced problems there?
Next week Jake and you are going to read the following:

Travelling within the country without problems.
A present for your girl.
Your activities in Russia.
Correct evaluation of your girl?s pros and cons. Special attention.

http://www.chanceforlove.com

About The Author

I married woman I worked in dating business for 8 years and write articles for russian dating site call ChanceForLove - http://www.chanceforlove.com.

blue@chanceforlove.com

Stirring Up Cape Town’s City Bowl

by: Gregory Hudson

For the discerning traveller to the Cape who would like to explore Cape Town’s City Bowl, here are a few suggestions. Remember, Cape Town bears two distinct faces, a mask worn by day and a mask worn by night. Whichever one you choose, this article will provide you with a few hints on how, when and where to explore the city bowl, whether by day or by night.
The City Bowl by Day:
Pan African Market
Now that the subject of masks has been broached, the discerning traveller to the Cape may want to experience the full range of African facades. If this is the case, you need go no further than the Pan African Market. Located in a national monument on historic Long Street, one could easily walk to this destination and most rented taxis know exactly where Long Street is situated. Drop by the market on any day of the week and they should be open, although there are certain occasions when they may be closed due to certain religious observances.
Well worth a visit, it literally looks as though the contents of this shop sprang straight out of the pages of ?King Solomons Mines?. Although the motifs behind the masks and other goodies have often been lost in time, just looking at them should provide you with enough of an explanation!
Green Market Square
A large cobbled area known as Greenmarket Square can be found in the centre of the city bowl. It is a busy place, a place to barter and haggle, providing a pleasant, corner caf? atmosphere good for just sitting peacefully and watching the goings on.
There is perhaps no other place where paths cross as they do at this hub of city life. A traveller to the Cape is able to gain an insight into the African culture with only an hour’s observation, as Greenmarket Square provides a varied cultural sampling of the cities folk.
The Cape Town Gardens
This historic parkland in the heart of Cape Town is simply about birds, tea, roses, Koi Fish and history, hopefully mixed with a bit of sunshine.
The best place to start your leisurely walkabout would be just outside the Slave Lodge on the Corner of Adderley and Wale Streets. To avoid disappointing the areas inhabitants, bring peanuts. Oh, and lookout for the Albino Squirrel.
The Bokaap
The architecturally and socially unique Bokaap, otherwise known as the Malay Quarter, rests on the slopes of Signal Hill. This quiet niche on the fringe of the City Bowl is a newly proclaimed national monument. With its quaint, cobbled streets and renovated slave quarters it, till this day, houses the original descendants for whom the quarters were built. If you have never heard of a ?Roti? ask for one at a Bokaap caf?, they are delicious.
The City Bowl by Night:
The sunset in Cape town is quite remarkable. With the waning of the daylight hours, the soft hues cast themselves across the clouds welcoming the coming of the night. Cape Town transforms, donning another mask as the city?s landscape begins to twinkle.
The Cable Car Road
A drive along the Cable Car Road is a little daring for some, particularly at this hour, but it is well worth it! It is possible to see from this vantage point why Cape Town’s CBD is known as the City Bowl. As your gaze moves from left to right, Lion?s Head contrasts sharply with the backdrop of a golden sunset, as you pan further to the right; the torso of this giant beast becomes apparent. From the Cable Car Road, you can literally see the complete outline of a resting lion guarding his concrete jungle; a good time to take a snap!
The nightlife in Cape Town comes in many shapes and sizes, here are a few possibilities:
Mama Africa
There is warmth and feeling to Mama Africa. This authentic African restaurant, dressed in traditional African d?cor and serving the continents cultural cuisine, is always a lively place. You can often catch Marimba music and live African bands and the bar is not your average elbow parking lot either; it has been customised in rather a reptilian fashion. But you need to see that for yourself!
The Crypt
Situated at the beginning of the afore-mentioned garden walk, at the same intersection of Adderley and Wale Streets, lies the Crypt. Under St George’s Cathedral, the Crypt, which was built in 1898, is now the haunt of Jazz enthusiasts and the playground of dining room damsels from the Cape Town city bowl.
After being closed for years, the Crypt’s curved arches, leaded window panes and plaques commemorating the dearly departed have been revealed for your eyes to behold. Actually used for choir practice and as a clergy vestry, the Crypt provides big breakfasts, cosy couches and a surprisingly warm atmosphere. Do make a calling!
If you decide to pay Cape Town a visit, remember Cape Town bears two distinct faces; a mask worn by day and a mask worn by night. Whichever one you choose, it is all up to you.

About The Author

Gregory Hudson
Icon Villas & Vistas (http://www.icape.co.za/Content/capetown.asp) provide a discerning range of self catering vacation rentals in Cape Town. Whether you are in the Cape Town city bowl for business or pleasure, Icon Villas & Vistas will ensure you have a wide range of Cape Town luxury accommodation to choose from.

by: Felix Gillett

Touring Toronto
After visiting Toronto you?ll get a feel for what it?s like to live in one of the largest metropolitan areas in Canada. As Toronto is the capital of Ontario it offers many different cultural experiences all year round including Designs in Ice during December, Toronto Winter City Festival in January and February, Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square on Canada Day, and the Celebrate Toronto Street Festival running in the summer. You?ll never have a shortage of cultural experiences during your visit to Toronto.
Regardless of the time of day there’s always some activity or place to go in Toronto. The CN Tower, the tallest building in the world at 553.33m, is a wonderful attraction. The tower boasts an Outdoor Observation Deck and the glass floor situated 342m off the ground. If you prefer higher elevations, check out the Horizons Caf? and the Indoor Observation Deck another 6m up. Or, go up near the top to the restaurant called 360, which is located 351m off the ground and rotates a full 360 degrees every 72 minutes. Not only is the view remarkable, but the food is mouthwatering. For those that prefer to go even higher, try the Sky Pod the highest observation tower in the world at 447m above the ground. The CN Tower is an adventure all by itself.
A great place to take the kids during your visit to Toronto is The Toronto Zoo. The Zoo has over 5,000 animals from over 460 species. There are over 10 km of trails available for you to walk on. There are about seven different restaurants located in the Zoo, not including the many snack bars and carts scattered in the Zoo. There are six different sections of the Toronto Zoo. These sections are: Africa, The Americas, Australasia, Canadian Domain, Eurasia, and Indo-Malaya. Animals are displayed both inside and outside with many different viewing levels. Some must see attractions are: Baby Komodo Dragons and the Sumatran Tiger Cubs. A visit to the Toronto Zoo is a visit your children will not soon forget.
If you are wondering how to get around, Toronto has an excellent subway and bus system. The subway runs weekdays and Saturdays between the hours of 6:00AM and 1:30 PM. You can ride it on Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM. The buses will take you all over the metropolitan area, as well as to areas outside it.
Two weeks sounds like a nice long vacation, but it isn’t actually enough time to appreciate all of Toronto. It’s the perfect place for those who love sophisticated city life. People of all ages will find many things that will appeal to them and give them excellent memories to take home.

About The Author

Felix Gillett is the webmaster for Felix on Toronto, the web’s premier resource for information about Toronto.
For more articles on Toronto visit:

http://www.felixtoronto.com/articles

http://www.felixtoronto.com

by: Greg Mattson

Vancouver is a great place for vacations, romantic getaways, or as a base for exploring southwestern B.C. Let me tell you some more about our hometown!
One of the most unique aspects about Vancouver is its location. The wilderness is only a ? hour drive away from downtown!
Getting close to nature is very easy here. The hiking, sailing, skiing and golfing opportunities are just awesome and available most of the year. You can travel to Whistler quite easily (1.5 hr drive from the city), and the ferry to Victoria on Vancouver Island is a short 30 km trip to the south.
When is the best time to plan your Vancouver vacation? Anytime between April to the end of September will give you a decent chance for some nice weather. We get the most rain and low clouds between November and February.
Here’s a brief look at some of the top Vancouver attractions:
Stanley Park: One of the jewels of Vancouver. An incredible 405 hectare park right beside the city center! Trails through the forest, excellent views of the city and north shore mountains, historic totem poles, and the Vancouver Aquarium are just a few reasons why this should be one of the first stops on your Vancouver vacation.
Robson Street: The main shopping artery in the city. Shops, restaurants, and hotels line each side of the street, which gets pretty busy from June to October. If you like Starbucks and love to people watch, there are 2 of them across from each other on the corner of Robson and Thurlow streets!
Canada Place: Originally built for Expo 86, Canada Place, which includes the convention center and Pan Pacific Hotel, is a signature building on the Vancouver waterfront, vaguely familiar to the Opera House in Sydney. A walk around the perimeter shows off the North Shore Mountains, harbor and any cruise ships that are docked during the summer season. If you?re in the mood for a film of some type, the IMAX Theater at the north end has interesting films on a giant five story high screen with surround sound!
Granville Island: Just a great place to spend an afternoon or early evening wandering through the shops, checking out the Public Market, sipping an espresso and watching the buskers, or stopping by the Granville Island Brewery and sampling the latest pale ale! You can also catch the ?sea taxi?, a small little craft that shuttles you around False Creek to different places like Science World and across the water to the downtown side.
Capilano Suspension Bridge: It?s a long way down! (Over 200 ft). A rope-and-plank swinging bridge over the rushing waters of the Capilano River ? scary, but totally safe! Numbers of visitors wise, this is the biggest draw in the city, and the admission price has gotten a little steeper too. Try mornings or early evening for the fewest crowds.
Copyright © 2004 Excellent Romantic Vacations

About The Author

Greg Mattson is the editor of Excellent Romantic Vacations ? A guide to great romantic vacations & getaways in Canada, the USA and around the world.
Find out more about Vancouver and Vancouver hotels in our Pacific Northwest Vacation section.
excellent-romantic-vacations.com
info@excellent-romantic-vacations.com

by: Ed Williams

My boss was talking to me the other day, and in the course of our conversation he mentioned that he had just talked to an old friend who lived in Cackle Corner, Georgia. Naturally, I figured I was getting my leg pulled all the way to Texas and back, so I told him so. He responded by saying that he was telling me the truth, and that I should go and do some research so that I?d see he was right. Well, I took his advice and did a web search for Georgia cities and towns, and happened to find a site where they had all of them listed. Sure enough, I found a listing for a little community here in Georgia called Cackle Corner. I dutifully reported back to my boss that I?d done the research and found that he was right. He nodded, accepted my remarks graciously, and then added that I?d better be thankful that I hadn?t been raised up in Destitute Acres, Georgia.
Destitute Acres, Georgia. A quick look back at the web site showed me that this, too, is a real Georgia community. From that, I figured that it might be interesting to go through the entire list and see what other unusual community names might be out there. It took me maybe about an hour to do it, and y?all won?t believe the names of some of our less publicized Georgia communities. So now, as a public service, I?m going to list some of them for you, and even add in a few thought provoking opinions by each…
Gass - Probably the place where chili dogs originated in Georgia, or maybe baked beans.
Fife - The little known birthplace of the most famous deputy sheriff in America.
Sprite - A resort community for rich Coca Cola company executives.
Trickum Hills - I?m not gonna offer any opinions as to how this name came to be, but my best advice for anyone reading this would be to not buy any used cars there.
Tail?s Creek - This is actually one of two adjoining communities, Tail?s Creek is the southern most one, and the northern most one is named Head?s Creek.
Flea Hill - Not the place where you want to board the family pet when you?re headed out on a vacation.
Po Biddy Crossroads - The last place in Georgia where a widower wants to look for a new bride.
Crane Eater - Needless to say, I wouldn?t patronize any of the restaurants there.
Jay Bird Springs - Few people know this, but this was probably the first nudist colony in the state of Georgia, its name being shortened from the original, ?Naked As A Jay Bird? Springs.
Vega - A community for ex-Chevrolet executives.
Frogtown - What happens when you locate a community too close to a large pond.
Shoulderbone - An attempt at the first planned community in Georgia. Had this been successful, future communities named Kneecap, Appendix, and Elbow were planned.
Nameless - The community where scientists first came up with the concept of generic branded products.
There are also some other names that y?all might get a kick out of, but, in order to keep my editors happy, I won?t offer any opinions or commentaries regarding them. They?re as follows: Dick?s Hill, Hix, Tee Pee, Abide Awhile, Cabbage Town, Hothouse, Peter Point Oaks, Skullhead, Dewy Rose, and Water Pipe.
If y?all would like to take a look for yourselves at the names of these and other towns in our state, you may do so by pointing your browser at the following web address (URL):
http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ga/gatowns1.htm
…and you can see for yourselves all the varied and colorful community names that we enjoy. In fact, I could write ten more columns about this, but I?m pressed for time right now. Retirement isn?t all that many years down the road for me, and I?m gonna do some research on what the property values are like over in Willacoochee, Georgia. For some reason, this seems like the kind of place I could really enjoy my remaining days in….

About The Author

Ed?s latest book, ?Rough As A Cob,? can be ordered by calling River City Publishing toll-free at: 877-408-7078. He?s also a popular after dinner speaker, and his column runs in a number of Southeastern publications. You can contact him via email at: ed3@ed-williams.com, or through his web site address at: www.ed-williams.com.

by: Genevieve Frederick

Motor homes usually have a driver, a passenger, maybe a few kids and at least one dog. It?s a prerequisite that to own a motor home you need at least one dog. Don?t be surprised when you see RV dealers matching a breed to a particular model in the future.
Taking a RV trip with your pooch should and will be pleasant if you:

Keep your dog safe; put his leash on before you open the door. Dogs are excited as soon as their home on the road stops and they want out! But not every place you stop will be safe; on coming traffic, glass on the side of the road, and other dogs near by could cause your dog to run on to the road.
Carry a health certificate issued by our veterinarian that clearly identifies the dog and certifies that the dog have been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36-month period. This is a must if you plan to travel from the United States to Canada. Different Canadian provinces may have different requirements. Be sure to contact the government of the provinces you plan to visit. It is rare to need the health certificate when traveling in the 48 states but if there is an incident both the certificate and the rabies vaccination certificate could help a bunch.
Respect all the rules of campsites and parks. That can mean a special Poop Park or a Dog Run Area and leash rules. You don?t want to be asked to move on if your dog misbehaves or is running amuck. Dogs in a new strange place will follow their nose so keep that leash on so he will not get lost. And be prepared to pay extra for your pooch. Some camps and parks have a ?dog fee.?
Always carry poop bags (zip lock sandwich plastic bags for smaller breeds and larger plastic bags for bigger breeds). The trick, using the zip lock bags, is to turn the bag inside out, pick up the poop, turning the bag right side again and zip the contents (and smell) closed. Always try to locate the nearest dumpster or trash can instead of bringing it back into your motor home.
D-rings are great! Hook it on his leash and then hook the D-ring to your belt loop. You?ll have both hands free. When in camp, tie a long rope to a boulder, picnic table, tree or the bumper of the motor home and tie the other end to the hand rail just outside the RV door. Next time your pooch needs to go out, get his leash, clamp on the D-ring and hook it on the rope and out he goes like a little paratrooper. D-rings make it easy to tie up the dog when you go into a store or shop. Just loop the leash around any post or tree and use the D-ring to secure the dog; this prevents those knots that seem to get tighter by the minute as your dog pulls on the leash.
When you go on a tour or shopping and have to leave your pooch in the RV make sure you leave the vents open, have fresh water out, and a few puddle pads on the floor just in case there is an accident. Open windows can become an escape route; right through the screen and a long way down to the ground, so only leave the windows open an inch.
The inside of a motor home is usually small and dogs do not get out as much as if they were at home. Brush your dog outside to remove dander, and loose fur, it?s much easier to let the wind take it away than to clog up your vacuum.
If you?re on the road for long periods check the local yellow pages for a dog groomer in the town you are visiting. Or ask at the campground or RV Park for a recommendation of a nearby groomer. A better solution than doggy day care, while you tour a museum or go to a ball game your dog will be pampered and clean when you pick him up.
Give your dog a special place, like a dog carrier or a dog pad or bed this provides him with a secure and comfortable place when he is feeling scared or tired.
If your dog gets nervous or anxious while traveling try Dramine? and St. John?s Worth. Ask your vet for the amounts to be given based on your pooch?s body weight.

Dogs enrich our lives in everyway and they deserve a road trip too. Besides, they?re a lot easier than kids and dogs don?t keep saying over and over ?Are we there yet?? or ?where?s McDonald?s?? The only draw back, dogs can?t use the bathroom so they compel us to ?stop and smell the roses? every so often.

About The Author

Frederick is the Publisher at Paw Publishing, Inc. The newest title ?Happy Tails ? Hilarious Helpful Hints for Dog Owners,? is a rib-tickling look at why we both love and are puzzled by our four-footed friends by Dr. Gary L. Ailes. Subscribe at http://www.pawpublishing.com and receive by email his free handy checklist ?Dog Poisons and Other Items to Avoid.? Contact Dr. Ailes at dogdoctor@pawpublishing.com.
publisher@pawpublishing.com

Orlando Vacation Fun Begins (or Ends) with Gatorland

by: Joe Farinaccio

What?s Gatorland? Well, I?m glad you asked.
Gatorland is a great ?in between? place to visit while you?re in Orlando for vacation.
Let me explain.
When visitors first arrive in Orlando they often have half a day or so of time on their hands before they start touring the major theme parks. Or, maybe they find themselves in the opposite situation. They?re at the tail-end of their trip and they want something to do after they?ve already hit the big attractions.
Gatorland is a perfect place to fill this void. There?s enough to see and do here to take up a good half day (more if you want). But what you?ll see is enough to have the kids talking all the way home.
This family owned Alligator-themed park has been open for business since 1949. Activities within its 110 acres include the chance to:

See big alligators
Take a Floridian wildlife train ride
Visit a bird aviary and sanctuary
Check out a ?breeding marsh?
Enjoy a petting zoo with your little ones
Do a nature walk
Visit a Gator gift shop
And best of all - - 4 great shows

According to the Gatorland website, this place started out as the dream of a man named Owen Godwin, Sr.
He built an alligator pit in the backyard of his home in the 1930?s and put a female alligator in it with her babies. He and the Mrs. would host visitors and sell homemade gator souvenirs while letting them see the gators.
Godwin apparently really enjoyed doing this. He planned for a bigger attraction that would show off more of Florida?s wildlife. In 1947, after the war, he bought 16 acres of property near Kissimmee. Since this was the dawn of 20th century American highway tourism, more and more families were visiting Florida.
With the help of a few investors his idea caught on. Now, thousands visit this park each year. As a matter of fact, Gatorland claims to be ?central Florida?s first major attraction?. It now features all kinds of reptiles and Florida wildlife.
The 4 main shows at Gatorland include:
The ?Gator Jumparoo Show? - featuring the alligators? ability to jump out of the water in search of food.
The ?Gator wrestlin? Show? - with a 6-8 foot gator being subdued, put to sleep, then re-awakened.
?Jungle Crocs? - detailing 4 types of crocodiles and their environment.
The ?Upclose Animal Encounters Show? ? filled with differing animals from around the world - - including some dangerous snakes.
Gatorland is open everyday, rain or shine, from 9am to 5pm. It’s on Hwy 441 near Kissimmee. Tickets range from $19.95 for adults (ages 13 and over) and kids (ages 3-12) are currently $9.95.
I featured Gatorland at http://www.orlando-vacation-guide.com/Gatorland.html If you visit my site make sure you see if you can get discount tickets through the vendor on my website.
And say ?hi? to the gators for us when you go.

About The Author

Joe Farinaccio is a freelance copywriter who also loves writing about vacationing in Orlando, Florida. His website www.Orlando-Vacation-Guide.com offers visitors lots of information on saving time, money, and finding interesting things to do while in Orlando to make the most of their vacation.
Joe@orlando-vacation-guide.com

What Is an Holistic Retreat? - Guidelines on finding the right one for you

by: Derby Stewart-Amsden

You see the description, Holistic Retreat, more and more these days. You know that the term holistic when applied to complementary therapies means - that the whole person, mind, body and spirit, is targeted. But what exactly does this mean when it is describing a retreat?
As ever, there will be a million right answers to this question - or at least as many right answers as there are holistic retreats available. Because each retreat is going to be slightly different from the others, enhanced by the experience and personalities of the people who run it.
Holistic Retreats, like any other kind of retreat, can be large or small, basic or exclusive, group oriented or targetted at individuals. The size and nature, and the background of any retreat will influence the experience.
What all holistic retreats will have in common is the knowledge that human beings cannot be seen as one dimensional. Any activities that people engage in will, inevitably, impact on them at many levels. This is how we are, and accepting this can help immensely when providing suitable therapies, courses and workshop topics. This approach should also ensure that the environment of the place is one where people are encouraged and inspired to recognise and realise their own potential.
This brings us to the need for holistic retreats. At any such retreat the focus is going to be on helping you to regain a balance between all aspects of yourself.
- To do this you will be offered a selection of exercises and therapies that will help you release tension from your body.
- You will be offered relaxation techniques, and self discovery workshops to help you re-balance the mental and emotional aspects of yourself.
- Of course both these alternatives will work to enable the other - a relaxed body more easily maintains inner balance between logic and heart, and a balanced mental emotional connection helps you release stress and the tension it creates physically. So a single course or topic can be holistic.
This takes us to the spiritual side - and I am not talking about religion! I mean that part of us that we all think of when we think of our potential, our dreams. That self that is influenced by and reflects our body mind and emotions, but is something else, something more. An Holistic Retreat will offer you the opportunity to explore this side of yourself.
- There are many ways to do this. Experiencially through art, writing, meditation, yoga, reiki, and many other techniques of healing, balance or self actualization.
- There are dozens of subjects that help you focus on a particular aspect of your whole self, that will help you develop your recognition of, your interaction with, and the strength of your connection to your spirit or higher self. These will include any creative topics, any subjects that are about self worth, self acceptance, self love or personal growth.
In fact it is quite impossible to separate out what aspects of yourself that workshops, courses, therapies and counselling methods address - and that is the nature of working holistically. Each thing experienced effects us on all levels, and that at some point we come to realise this.
So an Holistic Retreat is simply a place that offers a safe, comfortable and supportive place for you to take special time for reconnecting with yourself.
Finding the perfect retreat for you
The very essence of the holistic retreat, and whether it will work for you at this time, is how the prospect makes you feel.
In our busy lives we so often listen only to our heads, I must do this, I have to hurry so I can attend to that. On a practical level this is important, however if you listen only to your head, then eventually your inner balance will be negatively effected.
So, remember, if you are thinking of going on an holistic retreat yourself, to find a place where you really like the sound of the people, and what they say about themselves. Their personalities and attitudes may deeply effect your experience.
Another important influence on the retreat experience will be the nature of the place itself. Here are a few questions you may find helpful to answer when looking for the perfect retreat:-
Do you long for privacy and anonymity or would you like to have the chance to meet new people who share your interests?
Do you want the opportunity of working calmly at your own pace, or are you stimulated and informed by the challenge and discussion in group development?
If you enjoy being in a group, what is the optimum size for you in terms of comfort?
Would you choose to combine group work and privacy - perhaps study in a group, but have a private room?
How much personal space do you need right now?
Do you want to combine your retreat activities with other holiday pursuits like touring or dining out?
After you have read the web pages or leaflets from a holiday retreat, pause and ask yourself how you feel about the place. Does this retreat answer your needs and desires at this time - only you can decide!
And finanlly, on a personal level, there are as many reasons for going on a retreat as there are people - over 6 billion last I looked. Here are a few that seem to be shared by many of my visitors:-
- Couples may choose a retreat when they are having challenges to their relationship, or just want to celebrate their time together.
- Individuals might want rejuvenation, help in adjusting to major changes in their lives, or a chance for deep reflection.
- Or anyone may simply wish to step out of time for a moment - to allow the world to spin without them for just a little while - to achieve a magical moment of inner stillness, calm and joy.

About The Author

Derby Stewart-Amsden runs her own business, Ashwhin, where she offers complementary therapies, holistic retreats, training and resources for individuals, groups and for the workplace. http://www.ashwhin.com. Derby also works with her partner, Peter Amsden, to bring this holistic and people centred approach into small business support. ASAT Productions - http://www.ASAT.biz

by: Gill Katz

“It took just 6 days for God to create

His wonderful world - so big - so great

On the 7th day - He had a rest -

He’d worked so hard - He’d done his best

He settled back and looked to see,

“I need a city.. One that’s just for Me”

And as He watched in His new setting sun

His eyes looked down on Jerusalem..”
Nikki Katz (9)
Jerusalem!
The news will depict the old city as a place of war. Conflict. Bloodshed.
A place where cultures clash, and old and new don’t tolerate one another.
A place of political turmoil. Of suicide bombers. Of death..
But there is another Jerusalem.
A city old and rich in culture, steeped in the golden light of God’s eye as He watches with a fierce love, and I know that His city will for all times be a very special place.
From Hillel Street and it’s quaint coffee bars to the Holy sites where Jew, Christian and Moslem seek and find their roots, to the Mount of Olives where one can stand and look out over the peach coloured Jerusalem stone buildings, the city is incomparable.
A trip to the Old City, and a delightful barter with Arab stall sellers, and the joy of walking back to ones residence carrying a basket of fragrant smelling fruit and succulent vegetables from the suk.. ahh.
What can compare?
I bump shoulders with Haredi Jews, bearded Greek Orthodox Priests and bare bellied tattooed American teenage girls. There are old and young, firm and infirm - all on their own private mission.
The presence of soldiers is but a comfort to me.
I contemplate their absense.
I know in time they will be, but for now I see them as warriors of Biblical times, fierce in their desire to protect Go’s chosen city.
It’s all good..
God chose well.
Jerusalem - City of Gold..

About The Author

Gill Katz

Journalist

Johannesburg, S Africa

gillkatz@telkomsa.net

by: Marcus Hochstadt

In the city with its international airport 650,000 humans live. It is a very modern large city and became the ‘ turntable of Europe ‘. In Frankfurt important industrial enterprises and wholesale dealer are resident like also many banks. Not only the German Federal Bank, but also the European Central Bank (ECB) resides here.
Famous ?Kaiserdom? (emperor cathedral), which documents loved ‘Roemerberg? (Roman mountain) and the historical ‘Paulskirche’, in which the first freely selected German parliament met, besides the political meaning of this fascinating city.
Yes, Frankfurt is a metropolis and full surprises as well as contrasts. Skyscrapers are directly apart from half timbered houses; culture and commerce form here a unit. In addition, Frankfurt is a fair city, a literature city and above all a culture city: here the cradle of the German jazz scene with many small music taverns, in which you cannot only ease, is appropriate but also into the night much fun to have canned. The moreover one you find many museums.
Frankfurt, because of its skyline also ‘ Mainhattan ‘ mentioned, is a large city in the country, between the mountain courses by ?Taunus? and ?Spessart? and surrounded by a wreath/ring of world-well-known health resorts, popular holidays areas and trip goals.
In the following I will give you 12 insider tips. Before I do it however you do the following: print out this side, so that you have it immediately available, if you come to Frankfurt. It is nearly impossible, everything that I wrote here to keep in the head and it would be unfortunate, if you are in Frankfurt and get to face only the ‘normal’ points of interest.
Besides that after your arrival you should go immediately to the tourist information. It is in downtown, near the ‘Roemer’. The road calls itself ‘Auf dem Roemerberg’ (on the Rome mountain) and the telephone number is: +49-69-21238800. Ask them for a city map. Without a city map you will lose yourself in this big city, and with the city map you will find everything I mention here.
Bars and restaurants
1. One of the best cocktail bars in Frankfurt is the ?Strandperle? (beach bead). Particularly the Caipirinha is unique! In the summer the bar surface expands to a terrace caf? high over to the river ‘Main’.
2. The smallest jazz restaurant of Germany is the ‘Mampf’. Since more than 30 years there are free concerts to German meals. Apart from jazz also Blues, Swing, Latin and Flamenco are played. Simply enjoy the good mood and fun inheres.
3. One of the few popular apple wine restaurants with yard garden is the ‘Lorsbacher Tal’. It is in the quarter ‘Alt-Sachsenhausen? (old axle living) and has a very cosy ambience and solid German meals.
4. The restaurant ‘Pilar’ is at the same time a bar. Fine noodles, salads and original Mediterranean creations will be served. On the side panels of the restaurant hang sumptuous baroque paintings, which offer an interesting contrast to the simple Design of bar, leather seat and wood table.
5. In the elevated ?Villa Merton’ (Mansion Merton) you find meals of the all-finest. If it permits your travel budget, go here. The employees speak English and recommend to you gladly the specialities of the house.
Sightseeing and culture
6. In the Goethe house and Goethe museum Goethe was born in the year 1749. He lived here until 1775. The house was outstanding reconstructed and contains paintings, handwriting and diagrams of the large German poet.
7. On the ‘Roemerberg? (Roman mountain) regularly highlights and meetings take place. It is a long stretched, five-angular place and is gladly visited by humans. At this place is the ‘Frankfurter Roemer? (Frankfurt Romans), the famous city hall of the city. It was reconstructed after the war. In the festival room of the Roemer pictures of German emperors are to be admired.
8. In the ‘Pauluskirche’ (Paulus church), which was established between 1787 and 1833, the first German national assembly met in 1848. It is a place of historical building method and historiography.
9. The ‘Senckenberg Museum? is the largest scientific museum in Germany. You find here a descriptive collection of approximately 500,000 exhibits, which arrange for you an overview of the development of our animated nature over millions of years. It is simply impressing.
10. The ‘Palmengarten? (palm garden) shows a domestic, tropical and subtropical Flora. The emphases of the 20 hectares large park are over 300 orchids, ?Bromelien? and about 1,600 different cactus species. Concerts also often take place here.
11. In the ‘Frankfurt Zoo’ approximately 6,000 animals (650 kinds) live together in extensive outdoor installations and houses. If animals interest you, you must go here. Plan however at least five hours for your attendance.
12. When it becomes evening, you absolutely MUST go to the ‘Berger Strasse? (Berger road)! On 2 km (1.3 miles) you find taverns, Bars, Caf?s and restaurants for each taste! Here you surely will NOT become boring. If I am in Frankfurt, this road is a must for me, again and again.
Enjoy your trip!

About The Author

Marcus Hochstadt has travelled extensively to countries and continents like the USA, Brazil, Thailand, Africa and, of course, Europe. In Germany itself he knows in almost each city the points of REAL interest and gives you insider shortcuts on his daily growing website http://www.smart-travel-germany.com. Watch out for his free valuable “Help-By-Step” System and its 6 uncovered secrets.