TOURS AND TRAVEL

NEW YORK............ IM COMING!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

New York Party Shuttle Tours offers the Only Comprehensive Guided Sightseeing Tours in New York City. It’s the most fun tour in NYC, and it’s fun for all ages! We provide our customers more personal attention and better customer service, which sets us apart from the competition. Our daily New York tours provide
Top Things to Do in New York City:
1. Take a New York Party Shuttle Tour (of course!)
2. Ride a Circle Line Boat.
3. Visit the Top of the Rock to see the best aerial views of NYC.
4. Take a stroll through Central Park.
5. Spend a night partying in Greenwich Village.
6. Visit the Museum of Natural History.
7. See a Broadway Show.
8. Take a night tour of New York City.
9. Eat a slice of pizza from a “hole-in-the-wall” pizza joint.
10. Have lunch in Bryant Park.an overview of Manhattan and all it has to offer.

Something different

#Join A tour on a Sunday morning in the Black capital of the world and attend a worship service in a local church to experience the soul stirring power of Gospel music. Stroll through charming tree-lined .

#Looking for a unique and fun way to experience the individual character of Manhattan's popular downtown neighborhoods? Then a Private New York City Tour by Chauffeured Classic Convertible is for you! .

#Thirty fun-filled minutes of high speed cruising on a Beast that races through New York harbor at 45 miles per hour! Meet Mad Dog and Wild Thing, your comic captains and experience the trip of a lifetime .

Lots to write bout newyork but..............hav to end here...........

Tour Middle Earth in New Zealand

2008-03-31T05:18:00.000-07:00

The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien stole the hearts and imagination of many avid readers. When the series was cleverly crafted into a full series of major motion pictures, fans were astounded by the beautiful scenery. Now the full impact of Tolkien’s world can be experienced by taking a tour of the amazing world created in the already extraordinary country of New Zealand.Although the sets are gone, the heart of the filming still remains. The mystic and air created by the background scenery can still be found in the natural wonder of New Zealand. Step through your favorite moments in the books and in the movies as you wander through the countryside.Wanaka Sightseeing puts together some tours that will immerse you in the trilogy experience. From the lodging (designed to look and feel like a hobbit home) to the meals (with early breakfast AND second breakfast) these tours are sure to make you feel like you are in the Shire and Middle Earth. Not only do you get to walk the very steps taken by Frodo and his companions, but you also get some time to appreciate the cache of weapons and even some of the costumes from the trilogy. If you haven't gotten enough, then take an extended tour which will have you flying over scenery inaccessible by car. Or go for the ultimate experience that will give you a chance to tour the many sites seen on film that are located on private property.There are more tours available through tourism.net.nz that can take you to the sites where Edoras was built. You can experience the valley of Helms Deep. And experience the Misty Mountains up close. Create the experience that you can imagine.It is the natural scenery of New Zealand that is one of the main reasons Peter Jackson chose to film in his home country. The sets have been cleared away, but you can still tour the sites where they were built and walk the trails that the companions walked. Walking through the shire might not truly be possible, but I’m sure even Tolkien himself would admit that the beauty of New Zealand comes as close as anything on Earth. Today you can tour the scenery that was used to bring the amazing trilogy to life. (Coincidentally, it is also the home of the film “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”).

Ten Things To Watch Out For In Venezuela

2008-03-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

Thriving rainforest, magnificent waters and splendid landscapes make Venezuela a prime tourist spot in this side of the American continent. With so many things to do and so many places to visit, Venezuela can offer travelers more than just places to visit and activities to engage in. Pack your bags and buy your ticket for a true South American escape; here’s where you spend your stay in this country. 1.) The Amazon Visit Venezuela and enter its jungle for a truly different experience. Walk with Venezuelan guides into the jungle and discover the diversity that characterizes the Amazon. If walking is not your thing, ride with the locals in one of the three rivers that run deep into the Amazon for a virtually different Amazonian tour. 2.) Angel Falls Water plummeting some 979 meters down the slope is a sight not to be missed in any Venezuelan trip. Visit Venezuela from January to May and experience the magic of the falls at its best. While at it, take a trip down to Canaima and dip into its crimson red lagoon. 3.) The Caribbean Coast A favorite honeymoon site and holiday destination, the Caribbean Coast offers more than just fun and games for newlyweds, family, and friends. Visit the Caribbean coast for some outdoor activities like swimming, boating, diving, and snorkeling. The idyllic place with turquoise blue water and coconut palms makes any activity, even sitting or lying lazily on the beach, a truly memorable experience. 4.) Orinoco River Ride the flow of one of the longest rivers on Earth and discover Venezuela as it unfurls itself in every row. Feed your eyes with some of the most beautiful plants and animals that make this side of the Amazon truly a nature’s living Mecca. Join Paso a Nado Internacional de los Rios Orinoco-Caroní organized on this river and compete with some 1000 swimmers. 5.) The Andes Move one step closer to heaven by engaging in a trek in this alpine escape. The longest mountain range in the world hosts equally long list of tourist destination, facilities and travel opportunities that could really bring your adventure to the next level. Pack your bags and be ready for some high altitude adventure with Andes Mountain Range. 6.) Catatumbo Lightning A Venezuelan tourist site can disprove the claims that lightning do not strike the same place twice and thunder comes after lightning. Tourists of this place on the southwest part of Lake Macaibo can watch an all-night’s worth of lightning without covering their ears. The reason for this phenomenon is unknown, perhaps the thunder’s throat got all sore from all those lightning. 7.) Colonia Tovar Discover these colonial houses in the heart of cloud-covered Venezuelan forests. Tourists, especially Caracas locals, visit Colonia Tovar especially on weekends to have a taste of German sausages and other delights. Visitors are also treated with lush surrounding and warm people. 8.) Guacharo Cave Guacharo Cave is any spelunker’s dream come true. Measuring some 10.2 kilometers, Guacharo cave is the longest cave system in Venezuela. Watch in awe while thousands of native oilbirds living in Guacharo cave total darkness leave by the cave mouth during dusk in search for food. 9.) Roraima Splendid rock formations, quartz deposits, waterfalls, and exotic carnivorous plants make Roraima an alluring place to go especially for nature lovers and climbing aficionados. Test your strength on its cliffs and climb up the plateau for a truly wonderful experience. All-inclusive tours are available for people who wanted to take on the Roraima challenge in San Francisco de Yuruaní or Paraitepuí. 10.) Anacondas Venezuelan lands offer its visitor a chance to get real close to wild flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Learn more about the snake that has captured the imagination of scriptwriters and film directors. Just make sure these big snakes won’t get too close and personal with you.

MALAYSIA..........TRULY ASIA!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in southeast Asia. It's buoyant and wealthy, and has moved towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs.
Malaysia's love of Western-style industrialisation is abundantly clear in its big cities. Aside from the gleaming glass towers of the 21st Century, though, Malaysia boasts some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in Asia.

You're going to have sunshine and sweat pretty much whenever you visit. It's best to avoid the November to January rainy season on peninsular Malaysia's east coast if you want to enjoy the beaches.

Just north of Kuala Lumpur a towering limestone outcrop is home to the impressive Batu Caves. The caves were 'officially' discovered around 120 years ago by American naturalist William Hornaday. A short time later a small Hindu shrine was built in the vast open space, later known as Temple Cave.

The 92ha (227ac) of manicured gardens lie west of Merdeka Sq and were once home to the ranking British official. There's plenty to keep you amused, including a butterfly park, planetarium, insect museum, walk-in aviary, orchid garden and hibiscus garden. You can also hire boats on Tasik Perdana (Premier Lake).

Las Vegas a Beginners Travel Guide

2008-03-24T03:38:00.000-07:00

This article was created to help anyone who is thinking about going to Las Vegas for the first time. It will help make the proper decisions from finding hotels to how what the city has to offer the entire family. Las Vegas is one of the most exciting tourist destinations in the world, and this information is designed to help singles, romantic couples, business travelers and families get the most from their Las Vegas vacation.Planning a Vacation to Las Vegas, your first task will be to set a budget. Hotels can be expensive, especially if they are located on the Las Vegas strip. Additionally, the best accommodations book up fast, so make your reservations early. Some are fully booked for up to one year in advance, so start planning in advance, this an also help save you on other things such as flights.Saving on Hotel costs is not hard to do in Sin City . In any other city if I gave you the choice between a $39 dollar motel room and a $59 dollar hotel room, you would be right to say that the $39 room is a better deal, but not in Las Vegas . The big hotels on the strip are always giving away promotions, where the small motels without casinos cannot. If your planning on staying in Vegas you have to take advantage of all the freebies. Hotels usually include discount coupons or other promotions that will apply to dinners, breakfasts, lunches, or shows. Also another thing to thing to consider is the cost of staying off the strip. Most discount motels are located off the strip and which can add up when paying for cabs fares or rental cars.Las Vegas Laws are different then most of the other US states. The drinking and gambling ages are 21. But if you are old enough to drink and gamble, you will find that Las Vegas makes it very convenient, because casino bars, liquor stores, restaurants, pubs and other stores selling beer, wine and spirits may do so 24/hours a day. Your late nights can easily become mornings before you know it.Gambling and Casinos were not all created equal. Although the whole city and places around was built from casinos but some places are better then others. The best Las Vegas casinos can be found on Fremont street in “Old Vegas.” The Horseshoe, The El Cortez, etc. are recommended places to go and try luck and gain better odds. Casino Entrepreneurs such as Steve Wynn have brought about a completely fantastic arena for the gamblers by the name of Golden Nugget. It has an excellent accommodation and luxurious settings for the gambling lovers.Getting Married is not unusual in this small gambling town. If you are planning a Las Vegas trip as part of your wedding and/or honeymoon, you will be pleasantly greeted by an many of chapels and special rates for newlyweds. A great place to find information is available by calling the Chamber of Commerce or Las Vegas Visitor’s Center.Weather in Las Vegas you will find that just about every indoor establishment is comfortably air conditioned, outside can be extremely hot. It averages 80 degrees Fahrenheit and can reach 105 degrees. It is sunny all year long, with an average year consisting of under 50 cloudy or rainy days. Las Vegas is located in the middle of desert, so the rainfall is very minimal.

QUEBEC......MUST VISIT

2008-03-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

Quebec is the largest Canadian province in area, and the second largest in population. Quebec is a mainly French-speaking society, and the defence of its language and culture colours all politics in the province.

Love blossoms in Montreal(located in quebec), where the city's natural beauty is a turn-on for residents and visitors alike. Mont-Royal and the St-Lawrence River are top natural landmarks in Montréal, but lovers are especially seduced by a fragrant dream on the eastern edge of the city. The Botanical Garden is the second-largest botanical garden in the world and the perfect place to promote a budding love, revive a wilted love, or nurture a love already in glorious full bloom. The Garden's former director was elected mayor of Montréal in 1994 (and again in 1998), campaigning on a promise to turn the entire city into a garden if he won. Has Pierre Bourque succeeded? You two can judge for yourselves when you stop and smell the roses in Montréal. This chapter is a true insiders' guide revealing great nightlife, romantic hotels, intimate dining venues, secluded retreats, and much more....

Travel To Egypt

2008-03-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

I saw a lonely planet Egypt show the other day, and ever since I have wanted to travel to Egypt. I guess I have been fascinated with Egypt for a long time, but my fascination has died down recently. I first got interested in Egypt in middle school. We did a unit on Egyptology, and I did a report on the pharaohs. Back then, Traveling to Egypt sounded great to me. Of course, my grasp on what Egypt was like was a little bit loose. I Was old enough to understand that Egypt was not the land of the pharaohs anymore, and yet that was how I pictured it. I knew that any travel to Egypt would be a great disappointment because that world didn't exist anymore. Modern Egypt would be much different.Nonetheless, a lot of people who travel to Egypt go there for precisely the same reasons I was fascinated with it – to see that ancient world. According to the lonely planet travel to Egypt show, archeology was one of the main reasons cited by as tourists for their travels. Almost everyone who traveled to Egypt was interested in seeing the tombs of the pharaohs, the pyramids, and most of all the Sphinx. Although there are other reasons to travel to Egypt, most people aren't aware of them.Fortunately, the best time to travel to Egypt is coming up soon. Because it is so hot, you want to travel there during the winter if possible. Otherwise, you are in for a rude awakening. The sun is constantly beating down, and although the heat is dry, it is plentiful. If you travel to Egypt in that heat, you have no one else to blame but yourself for your misery.I have a friend who Is an experienced Egyptian traveler. He told me that if you travel to Egypt, you had better do it with a friend. You see, if you don't know your way around, it is easy to get ripped off. Everyone from taxi drivers to restaurant owners to tour guides wants a piece of the tourist pie. If you don't know what you're getting into, you can get taken advantage of at every turn. If, on the other hand, you know how to travel in Egypt, things will go a lot better for you. You will find the right tour guides who can take you to the most exciting spots, and you will save some money besides.

VALENCIA :TRUE BEAUTY

2008-03-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

If you want to know what this lovely city is all about then you've come to the right place!
It's a great place to find affordable luxury! Delicious cuisine, excellent local wines and upmarket shopping.
This buzzing city has an exciting nightlife and there's also a magical Old Quarter.
There are so many exciting things to do that you'll definitely enjoy every second of your stay in this great city.
Here's a taster of what's on offer!
Getting here is easy as there are many flights every day at amazingly low prices. Accommodation and hotels are excellent and there are some lovely golf courses close to the city.
The Old Quarter is located in a very small area of the city where old and new are in close proximity to each other.
Lovely shops, bars and restaurants and just five minutes away is the fairytale historic quarter which includes the trendy area of Barrio del Carmen where some of the best nightlife is.
There are some excellent places to eat and spectacular international festivals such as LaTomatina and Las Fallas which is a pyrotechnic orgy of fun and thrills held every March in this lovely city. Visit the stunning aquarium (largest in Europe) located in the jaw-dropping City of Arts and Sciences.
Don't forget to visit the beautiful Turia Gardens which are an essential part of this magical city.
A very important bonus is that this beautiful city is situated next to the Mediterranean sea. There are miles and miles of white sandy beaches and a promenade lined with restaurants and bars where you can sample the local cuisine.
Take a walk to the port where the America's Cup was recently held. This is where the 2008 European Grand Prix will be held in August on the newly built street circuit around the harbor and which will be just like the one in Monaco!
If you want romance then you've come to the right place! Drive down the coast and inhale the intoxicating orange blossoms from the vast orange groves of Valencia. Swim in the sparkling crystal blue sea, sunbathe on white sandy beaches and enjoy the nightlife of this amazing city.

The History of the Great Wall of China

2008-03-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Great Wall of China is a legendary masterwork of human achievement. The history of the Great Wall of China is a long one, tracing back to the early days of the Spring and Autumn Period in China, as far back as the 8th Century BC. It was in this time that the Chinese first started using wall building technology to protect countries and fields from invading barbarians. However, the first vestiges of the Great Wall of China that still exist today were not begun until 221 BC, under the rule of Qin Shi Huang. The Warring States Period, a long stretch of nearly two centuries in which numerous warlords attempted to retain or seize further control of land in China, resulted in numerous fortifications being built throughout the country side. When Emperor Qin finally united China in 221 BC and established the first Chinese Dynasty, the Qin Dynasty, he began to worry about invading forces breaking apart his newly formed Empire. So, to protect against the Xiongnu of the North, Qin ordered the fortifications built in the previous two centuries to be connected with massive expanses of wall. It is still unknown today exactly how long and complete the walls of the Qin Dynasty were as so much of them eroded or were destroyed over time.However, other expanses were maintained by the Han, Sui and Jin Dynasties in later years to protect their empire from the North. The history of the Great Wall of China did not end there though. During the Ming Dynasty, after subsequent close battles with the Mongols, Emperor Ming decided that the war was costing his empire too much and started building a new expanse of the Great Wall to ward off the Mongols in the north. This expanse of the Great Wall of China was much stronger than the Qin fortifications as the Ming used bricks and stone rather than rammed earth. Over the years, certain sections of the Great Wall were fortified and eventually helped in the 1600s to stave off invasions by the Manchu. This success was overcome though when the Ming were betrayed by a Ming general who had been bribed. In the ensuing Qing Dynasty, Mongolia was annexed into China and work on the Great Wall of China was largely ended. Today, however, the Great Wall of China has become a symbol of an entire nation and the only man-made structure visible from orbit. The lasting effect and symbol that is the Great Wall of China attracts millions every year from all corners of the globe and has remained a symbol of ingenuity for the human race. All of that, and it was first built more than 2000 years ago

TRAVEL DEALS TO INDIA

2008-02-03T05:19:00.000-08:00

So u want to visit India? Well, good choice: you'll need to access cheap flight India opportunities. Wild tigers, Buddhist Monasteries, the Lotus Temple and the Taj Mahal ' India is a country rich in beauty, culture, color, and sound. The problem, of course, is getting there ' and finding travel tips to India can be done with just a little thought and preparation. As always when looking for cheap flight India offers, there are a few things to keep in mind. The biggest key to getting discounted airfare is flexibility: off-season, weekday, or after-hours flights will always be cheaper than a Friday afternoon 4:00 flight to Paris. Enter multiple dates when searching for tickets; Monday and Wednesday may be the same to you, but have a hundred-dollar difference to the airline carrier. Flying right around holidays can be difficult, but flying on a holiday ' such as Thanksgiving ' can be a major steal, since the day itself is a slow one for airlines. Being flexible with your route ' for example, stopovers in Bangkok or Taipei ' may also save you money; instead of looking at it as an extra long flight, see it as an opportunity to experience even more places! Another tactic for saving money and finding a cheap flight India offer is flying in to a major city in India even if it's not where you're ultimately trying to go. Big airports in Bengal or Calcutta will cost a lot less than a private charter plane to Mynokaleesh, and public transport ' such as train, taxi, or jeep ' is relatively cheap. With this method, of course, you have the added benefit of seeing even more of the country ' something no smart traveler would say no to. India is a fascinating and vibrant country, with a huge span of culture and diversity. Start in the south, perhaps in Calcutta, and make sure you take a guided tour into the heart of the lush jungles. One of the last places where wild tigers, wolves, and elephants still exist, these vine-entangled forests set the scene for Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book, an author well worth reading if you are going to his beloved country. From the south you will want to work up ' and the north is as different from the south as the east is from the west, so much different. Where on one end you find tropical flowers and exotic spices, on the other you are immersed in towering mountains, Himalayan peaks and steaming cups of fresh-picked Darjeeling Tea. The tea, of course, is a facet in itself of Indian culture; everywhere you go vendors selling hot pots of creamy chai will meet you. India is chosen as a destination by thousands every year, coming for reasons as varied and complex as the country itself. Student backpackers flock to the country for the rich, delicious and inexpensive food, as well as cheap lodging and amazing sights. Older tourists may come for the history, beauty, and architecture, admiring the stunning expanse of the Taj Mahal and Indian Palaces, while others may come for spiritual reasons, giving honour to the ancient traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism that have made India a Mecca for many spiritual seekers. Hikers and Bikers also come, eager to tackle those royal peaks, scaling the Himalayas and looking across to neighbouring Mount Everest. India is a country of sharp and striking colours; destitute poverty alongside riches and wealth, dirt and grime against silk and beauty, delicious spices mingling their scents with the smell of elephant manure. Not for the weak stomach, India will explode on your palate, your vision, your ears, and your soul. As always when traveling, there are a few things to be careful of: always keep copies of your passport and important documents somewhere other than your wallet, and keep money or valuables strapped close to your body, not on a loose-strung purse or hanging from a backpack. With a few precautions, however, India is both a warm and friendly place, and one of the safest places on the continent to visit. The food is an experience in itself ' thick breaded naan, spicy mushroom masala, lentil dal, and rich potato somalas will leave you with cravings you may never get rid of. India is unique in its cuisine, specialising of course in heavily spiced dishes fairly exploding with flavor. The exotic quality of the food mingles well with the sights and sounds ' a scitar player sings loudly as he walks down the street, the monkeys screech from the temple, pots and pans jangle noisily on the back of a water buffalo. No matter what your reasons for coming, your experience in India is bound to be more than you expected. Finding a cheap flight to India is more than a quick trip ' it is a discount ticket to a once in a lifetime adventure.

TOP FIVE REASONS WHY CRUISE VACATIONS ARE SO POPULAR.

2008-01-31T21:18:00.000-08:00

There is perhaps no better way to unwind than taking a great vacation. However, many people find that planning for a vacation can be an additional source of stress. A vacation is supposed to be relaxing, but the preparation for the trip seldom is. Questions such as: where to go, what to do, and how to get there will undoubtedly arise when choosing the specifics for your trip. There are many options to consider when planning a vacation. Some families and individuals consult a travel agent or other travel service to cut down on some of the pre-trip stress. A cruise vacation offers many benefits to the traveler with a variety of options in one location. This is part of the reason why cruises have become an increasingly popular solution for individuals and families who want the most out of their vacation experience.In recent years, the number of cruise lines, and cruise options, has expanded which is indicative of an overall trend in the travel world. Themed-cruises such as family cruises, singles’ cruises and golf cruises are available for travelers seeking a unique brand of fun and relaxation. There are many reasons why cruises are so popular. The following are the top five reasons why people choose cruises.1. Value.Cruises offer great value for the vacationer on a budget. Because everything can be purchased in one package, the majority of both your needs and your family’s needs, such as transportation and various accommodations, are included in the price. Many packages even offer airfare. If you consider airfare, hotel stays, a rental car, and meals into the cost of a vacation, even a short trip can get expensive. Taking a cruise addresses this problem by consolidating these costs into one package.2. All-in-One VacationThere are not many other vacation options which offer the all-in-one experience like a cruise vacation. While on a cruise you can visit multiple destinations while not changing rooms and having to constantly pack and unpack your luggage. A cruise vacation affords you the chance to enjoy your choice of several entertainment and fine dining options, all which are located steps away from your room. Most cruises offer nightly entertainment, which may include comedians, live bands, and other live acts. They also offer dancing, casinos, and additional entertainment options for children. The deck offers sunbathing, swimming, shuffleboard and other outside activities. All of this can be enjoyed while traveling between destinations. When the ship docks, the various locations may be explored and local culture sampled. There is no need to scour the phone book and maps to find restaurants, they are right there on the ship. 3. FoodSpeaking of food, most cruise ships hire top quality chefs and cooks for their kitchens. Many of these chefs studied at very prestigious culinary institutes and come highly recommended. For instance, Georges Blanc, a world-renowned master chef from France, has become the signature chef for Carnival Cruise Lines. Most ships offer several cuisine options and several different restaurants. Menu options for every palette make the cruise experience great for families. Kid friendly cuisine, alongside fine dining choices; make family dining an enjoyable event. 4. A Good Family Vacation OptionCruises offer options for families to stay together while enjoying separate vacations. Many cruises focus on creating a vacation experience for the entire family, offering childcare facilities where children can enjoy activities designed just for them. At the same time, parents can enjoy some grown-up time. Many cruises also offer family friendly entertainment for families who want to spend more time together. While on a cruise families can spend a week, or more, together without getting in the way of each other’s plans. Everyone can go their own way and then come together as a family for meals and other events. 5. PamperingSince relaxation and rejuvenation are often the ultimate goals of any vacation, the pampering options onboard a cruise ship make it an easy choice for the weary traveler. Massage, sunbathing, free childcare, spa treatments, and hot tubs are just a sample of the pampering options that can be expected on a cruise ship. Both parents and children alike get pampered on a cruise. Parents can spend a relaxing afternoon of massage, hot tubs, and sunbathing, while the children can spend a day of running, jumping, swimming and playing while being taken care of by qualified persons, just down the deck from where their parents are. Later, the family can come together for some fine food and relaxation. Finally, everyone can retire to their cabins for a luxurious sleep, getting ready for another day of pampering and fun.Many people choose cruises for their vacations because of their value, food, pampering, and family friendly, all-in-one atmosphere. Romance, variety, reunions, new experiences, and simplicity also rank high on the list of reasons for choosing a cruise vacation. No matter the reason for choosing one, a cruise is a great value, offering relaxation and fun in a family-friendly atmosphere with good food and entertainment all in one unique location.

TAKING A MEMORABLE VACATION TO DISNEY WORLD.

2008-01-28T09:54:00.001-08:00

It’s not called one of the happiest places on earth for nothing! We’re talking of course about Disney World, one of the largest and most popular theme parks on the planet. They have attractions, rides, hotels galore, and so many things to see and do that you would have to take 10 trips to Disney World to see it all. Before you go though, you do need to keep some tips in mind. Sure, it can be a great adventure for your whole family, but if you do not come prepared you might end up ruining your entire vacation.The best time of the year to travel to Disney World is during their off season. This is usually around January to early February and also the summer. There will be less people, shorter lines to wait in, and fewer hassles in general, as well as the ability to see and experience more since there will be fewer people filling the parks. Additionally, the weather will be very pleasant since the daytime temperatures in January and early February run around 65 to 70 degrees. Although the summer goes hot, that simply results in fewer crowds for you.When taking a vacation to Disney World, consider staying in one of the hotels outside of, but close to, the parks. Those are normally less expensive than hotels inside, but still have shuttles to take you to and from the park - so nearby convenience isn't lost. These hotels are less crowded as well. If, on the other hand, you stay at a hotel inside the park, you will have the convenience of taking a monorail right to your room, helping to avoid parking lots and the hassle of getting in and out of the park. It is more expensive, though, so you will do well to evaluate the pros and cons prior to making a hotel decision.Another tip for a great vacation at Disney World is to plan your "in park visitation strategy" before arrival. It is also advisable to you buy your tickets before even traveling to Orlando. The benefit will be fewer lines, and you will be able to be one of the first visitors in the park.There are plenty of activities in Disney World, especially for the kids. Disney characters walk around the parks, while you enjoy and a seemingly endless array of rides, games, and entertainment to keep your children busy for the entire day. They real question is who will wear down first - the kids or their parents.If you have a teenager, you may want to plan a day at Wet 'n Wild, a water park they are sure to love. Finally for the adults, there is more than enough to do during the evenings. Pay a few extra dollars and hire a Disney-hired babysitter while you go out for a great dinner at one of the many famous restaurants. Or you could be bold and head to Pleasure Island to dance and laugh the night away.No matter when you go to Disney World or what you do there, you are sure to have one of the best times of your life!

ADVENTURE TREKKING TOUR OF INDIA

2008-01-24T22:59:00.000-08:00

India offers great opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, skiing, hang-gliding, mountain biking, and high altitude motorbike and jeep safaris for adventure enthusiasts. The Indian Himalaya is a trekker’s paradise. It’s all here, from easy nature walks through pine forests and alpine meadows to tough gradients at high altitudes where sparkling glacial lakes will take your breath away. Pick your choice and enjoy what only the Himalaya can offer. There is something for everyone. Families can go camping, or stay in hotels that cater for all tastes and budgets. Hard core adventure seekers can go on expeditions to challenging peaks in the awesome Himalayan ranges. The Indian Himalaya hides exotic places and people. Legendary Ladakh, with its spectacular lunarscape dotted with ancient Buddhist monasteries and breathtaking Nubra and Zanskar valleys. Spiti, a high altitude cold desert valley bordering Tibet and showcasing Buddhist culture. Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Garhwal, each with its own unique Himalayan ambience and experience. All you need to enjoy it is reasonable physical fitness, a budget and the inclination. For culture vultures, there’s a tantalizing array of historic places and cultures to explore and experience. India is a land of pilgrimage. There are endless holy places, shrines, stupas, gurudwaras, temple towns and holy rivers. You can visit historic monuments. The Taj Mahal, the Temples of Khajuraho, Varansi, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Palaces of Rajasthan and much more. For nature lovers, India offers jungle safaris, desert safaris in Rajasthan, elephant and tiger reserves, snake parks, house-boats on the backwaters of Kerala, tea gardens and coffee plantations. The Himalaya provides an environment that promotes exploration and physical activity that ensures the healthy development of children and adults, fostering discipline, mental co-ordination, teamwork and physical fitness.

HONEYMOON REGISTRY TIPS AND IDEAS.

2008-01-24T22:56:00.000-08:00

Top Honeymoon Registry Tips and Ideas Honeymoon registries are in vogue now and for good reason. Brides and grooms are older than ever. They'll often have most of the items from a traditional registry and are forced to only upgrade. Couples too have always craved a special connection with their guests and, with the proliferation of honeymoon registries, have found that easier than ever. If you want that extra touch of personalization, then maybe the honeymoon registry is right for you. As you get underway, here are a few ideas to keep in mind. Your registry should reflect your personalities. We can't stress enough how much more your guests will appreciate a registry that sounds like you. We've thrown in some tips on respectfully spreading the word about your registry in #10. For our cruise and all-inclusive honeymooners, we dedicate #8 to you. 1. If you're the outdoorsy types, then don't forget to plan events like horseback riding, snorkeling, boating, parasailing and swimming with the dolphins. Put them on your registry because guests love these. Be specific about them too: "We'll boat to Molokini Crater for an afternoon of snorkeling!" is better than just "Snorkeling". 2. Like to eat? Don't we all, but your honeymoon is a time to really do it up, so let that show. Mention restaurants by name or the type of cuisine in the title: "Dinner by candlelight at Gramercy Tavern" is better than just "Dinner." You probably won't want to plan all your meals in advance, so you'll have to be a little more general with some. Try "We'll Dine on the Beach" and mention the sand between your toes in the description. Or name whose choice it'll be for a dinner on a whim. 3. Nightlife is another big honeymoon expense and your guests who enjoy a bit of nightlife themselves will just love these. Do a little research and find out where you'll go out and what people drink there: Is there a house specialty? Some of these are easier than others. If you're in Cancun, then "Margaritas at Laguna Grill" is a winner rather than "Drinks". You can also specify times, like "A Bottle of Wine at Sunset" will do the trick for a great add-on gift. 4. Airfare may be your biggest expense. It is usually close family members that make a dent in this one, mainly because it's hard to personalize. Rather than "Contribution to Airfare", it's a good idea to break up the trip into time or miles in the air. So "400 Miles in the Air" might cost $125. If you want to get even more personal and you know your guests will like it, try something like "One Inglenook and one in-flight magazine in the sky" as a description (you may not have room in the title.) You probably don't want to have a quantity of 8 or 10 for that, lest your guests picture you arriving at your honeymoon destination loaded. You can also put a Getting to… as an item near the beginning of your registry and a Getting Home… at the end. That way you can break this big expense in half. 5. Your hotel is another big budget category. Usually you'll want to break this down into one-night stays. "A night in our Ocean-Front Villa", followed by a personal description like "We're staying at Nirvana on the Beach in Negril with the ocean nearly at our door! The sun sets directly across the water!" If you're staying in luxury accommodations, then it's ok to break it up into two categories, like the "One night in New York" and an "Upgrade to the Suite" type items, each for half the cost of a night's stay, especially if you're having a relatively small wedding. Expecting to sell out of 14 $400 hotel room items with just 80 guests might mean you haven't put enough meals and activities on your registry. 6. There are plenty of miscellaneous items to remember too. Rather than "Suntan Lotion and other beach stuff", go with "Save our Skin!" and mention sunglasses in the description if you want a cheap pair for out on the sand. If you have to kennel a pooch, then go with a variation of "The B&B for Dino" and upload a photo of Dino for that item. Don't forget gas for the rental, maps and tour guides. Try these under a Necessities type title, and mention, "We don't want to get lost!" What about taking a limousine to the airport and back? It may be a luxury you wouldn't do for yourselves, but you may have a cousin who thinks it's time you were pampered. Don't forget the spa trips. These are usually one of the first items off the registry, so plan on a massage or two. You'll find other suggestions for this category when you're creating your registry. 7. Pricing is important. Make sure there is a full range of prices for your items. Make sure you have enough small items on your registry that can accommodate all budgets, but also so that your guests can put together a group of items as well. You'll have guests who will give you a night stay and a bottle of wine at sunset, to be helpful and personal at the same time. But don't shy away from the big-ticket items too. Think of what you're spending per head for the wedding. Some guests may try to match this as a guideline. You may have some close friends who really want to shower you as well, and will find a way. 8. For a cruise and all-inclusive resorts where nearly everything is paid for, don't just put two items – airfare and hotel (or cruise.) Most importantly, remember that those meals and drinks aren't free; you're paying for them with the cost of the hotel. Price your hotel item like you would if you weren't staying at an all-inclusive. This is especially easy if you're lucky enough that the resort gives you the option of going all-inclusive or not. If they don't, then look at the cost of neighboring resorts and their restaurants. It's a little more work but you want to get it as close as you can. Then check the prices for a snorkeling trip from a non-all-inclusive and include that as an item. Then you can put in the extras like you would normally as in the "miscellaneous" listed above. If you've included enough dinners and drinks, then you'll find that the total is larger than what you're spending for your all-inclusive, that it's inflating your registry. That's because you're getting a discount for your all-inclusive dollar. You can then reduce your hotel item by that amount so that it matches what you're actually paying, or you can reduce each item's cost to reflect your discount (if you're saving 10%, then reduce each item that's included by 10% in your registry.) Even at nearly all "pay as you go" resorts, you can charge everything to your room. At the end, it's "all-included" in your bill. You're just buying a little freedom to have lunch at the great spot at the other end of the beach and not feel guilty about the free lunch you just missed. No reason to feel like you can't break out those included items for your all-inclusive registry. Same goes for a cruise. Your guests will usually want to connect with a particular memory, so break out particular days or ports-of-call. If you're familiar with the cruise ship, you might try breaking out a particular restaurant or lounge where you'll spend some time. "We'll live it up in the Palladium Lounge!" is more personal than "Cruise Donation" any day. 9. Upload your own photos. We've included plenty for you to find what you need for most items, but a few of your own will really help. The web is an endless source of photos, but don't forget ones you've taken yourself. You can upload your own photos after you've saved your registry. 10. Getting the word out gracefully is a challenge. If you have a wedding website, you can link straight to your registry from there. After you create a registry, we'll send you the link to your registry to include in emails if you want to let close friends and family know. They can help spread the word. We'll also send you the code for a "Smart Button" that you can put into your own website that will take your guests to your registry when they click on it! If you don't have a website, another great way to tactfully get the word out is to mention it on Facebook or MySpace. Think about setting up a wedding Facebook and MySpace too! You can then upload honeymoon photos so your guests who shared in your wedding and honeymoon can follow along. To sum up: Personalize, personalize, personalize!!! Let your humor through too. Being a little tongue-in-cheek is great, if it's you. That goes for being a little risque too, so long as you have your guests in mind. If they expect it from you, great! They'll want to see it. Good luck and happy registering!

THE AFRICAN LION-MUST SEE ON SAFARI TO SOUTH AFRICA

2008-01-19T21:00:00.001-08:00

The African Lion (Panthera leo krugeri) is quite possibly the most popular among the four “Big Cats”. However, unlike the tiger, the jaguar, and the leopard, the lion does not have any colour pattern on its fur. The body markings on these cats are apparently ideal for the habitats they generally reside in. In other words, the tiger needs his stripes to hide in the forest, while the lion’s tan-coloured fur is just right for blending in with the grass of the African plains. Lions are the only cats that live together in groups called prides. Prides may consist of as many as 30 lions; adult males, females and cubs. You can easily tell them apart - it is a well known fact that the males are the ones with the manes. These manes serve other purposes than just visual appeal. While the male lion rarely joins the females in a hunt, his primary responsibility is to protect the pride. The manes make them look bigger, serving as intimidation against anything that dares to pose a threat. Also, as a male lion reaches sexual maturity, his mane grows and becomes darker. This would make the male more attractive to the female lions. As previously mentioned, the female lion does most of the hunting. Their targets include zebras, wildebeest, and Cape buffalo, among other ungulates. The intelligence of these beasts is overwhelming. They rely on stealth, creeping closer and closer to a herd. When the lionesses are within around 100 ft, they charge with surprising speeds (up to 80 km/h or 50mph over short distances). They would then knock their prey down with bites to the neck and throat. But if sneaking close and suddenly pouncing on the prey is not effective, these wily beasts make use of more advanced tactics to gain the upper hand. Female lions usually work in groups of four. Let’s say they have a herd of impala in their sights. Two of them would openly approach the herd to scare them. The sight of these lions, won’t take much for them to panic and run away. However, it’s all part of their strategy: These two lions have scared the herd to run in a direction leading to where the other two females are hiding and waiting. They can easily pick out a laggard and take it down. Regardless of how these lionesses catch dinner for the pride, there is always a certain order as to who goes first in eating. The dominant males are always first. The lionesses follow, and the cubs eventually get the leftovers. The males would eat first so they can watch for scavengers (Spotted Hyenas are definitely notorious for freeloading) while the tired females and young cubs have their share. When the lions are not hunting or eating, they usually spend the other 20-21 hours in the day doing nothing. However, things get a little bit dangerous in the pride during mating season. The males turn quite aggressive. Younger and less dominant male lions will usually leave during these times, to fight for supremacy over other prides. What usually happens is a confrontation between these younger males and the elder male of a pride. If the elder male wins, the younger male leaves to try his luck elsewhere. If it is the other way around, the elder male leaves, and the younger male eliminates all of his offspring. This way only the younger male’s offspring would rule the pride, if ever he defends it long enough for this to happen. Over history many have been amazed with the actions of the beautiful and deadly African lion. But there are also some which find these creatures a threat. All African lions regardless of age do not necessarily have predators above them in the food chain. When a pride is in the vicinity of a human settlement, and if there are no other options, lions may resort to attacking the humans’ domestic livestock, or even the humans themselves. African lions have not only been targets for hunting, but many have been captured for other reasons since ancient history. Assyrian kings took, kept and bred lions as pets as early as 850 BC. Monarchs and other people in power have also used lions as pets. Many Roman authorities have also utilized African lions in the Coliseum, pitting them against gladiators or using them as executioners. As early as the 1300’s, African lions were features of exhibit for the elite in menageries, now known as zoos. As time passed by, menageries ceased to be exclusive displays for the rich and became more a public attraction, and in turn the demand for more enclosures for public animals were needed. African lions were one of those species which were not spared from the curiosity of the world. It was not until the recent century where the conditions of lions in captivity have improved. Certain details were gradually implemented to ensure that the environment of the areas where they were detained were close to if not identical to the habitat where they originally lived in. Though it is true that the African lion may live longer in captivity, it does not necessarily have the freedom to move around as much as it did before. The African countries are joining with the rest of the world in the effort of conservation of this mighty creature.

TRAVEL TO MACHU PICCU

2008-01-03T05:43:00.000-08:00

1)One of the most visited sites in the world today by travelers is Machu Picchu. It is located in Cuzco, Peru in the high Andes Mountains. It is approximately 724 miles away from Lima, the Peruvian capital. A typical trip by land on a bus takes about 20 hours.
2)One could also take a flight and arrive there in a heartbeat of one hour. The starting point usually begins in Lima. The ruins sit surrounded by the Andes Mountains at about 11,024 feet above sea level.
3) The name Machu Picchu literally means “old peak”, translated from the Quechua language. It was discovered by Hiram Bingham on July 24, 1911 while he was in charge of a Yale University expedition. It was in this landscape that the Incas built Machu Picchu at the end of the fourteenth century.
4)The climate is mild, warm and damp. It has a year round average temperature of 55F during the day. There are typically two seasons, a rainy season which lasts from November to March and dry season, which lasts from April to October. Most travelers prefer to travel to the site during the dry season.
5)Personal Travel Experience I had the pleasure of visiting Machu Picchu 22 years ago around this time when I was a small child. I was accompanied by my mother. The scenery was beautiful and breathtaking. We took a train from the city of Cuzco and it took us just a few hours to get to Machu Picchu. Then we had to take a small bus up the trail all the way to the top.
6)Nowadays, there are two ways to connect from Cuzco. One is a Tourist Train, which only operates in the high season. The trip takes four hours and returns in the evening. Then there is also the Autovagon, a tourist service that takes three hours to get to the site with an evening return trip as well. Both leave in the early morning hours
7) We highly recommend you to put Machu Picchu, Peru as one of your top travel destinations to visit in the near future. The experience will be unforgettable.
UPDATE: On July 7th in Lisbon, Portugal, Machu Picchu was voted in as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

COLORADO ISLAND IN SAN DIEGO

2008-01-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

Everyone in California knows that the best beaches in San Diego are on Coronado Island. Being linked to downtown San Diego by the Island Bay Bridge, Coronado is home to the SEALs training center and the Naval Air Station Coronado. A military powerhouse, the island of Coronado always has something going on.One of the best features to Coronado is the world famous Hotel Del Coronado. This Victorian style seaside hotel was established in 1888, and was easily one of the biggest and best hotels of that era. The hotel was hosted in the past by the infamous Marilyn Monroe and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.The Hotel Del Coronado has some of the best service in California, along with breathtaking views of the San Diego area. The restaurant here is one of the best around, and even if you aren't staying here, you can enjoy a great meal. Each and every year, thousands of people visit Coronado just to stay at this world class hotel - yes, it's that good.The Ferry Landing is also a great addition to what Coronado Island has to offer. The Ferry Landing Marketplace offers you 30+ shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You can walk around and check out what the marketplace has to offer, or enjoy a visit to the Tidelands Park.There are great places to walk and bicycle here, with awesome views of skyline San Diego. At sunset, this is one of the best places to be. On Tuesdays, you can find a farmers market here as well.The Coronado Beach is located here as well, along the Travel Channel. North of the beach there's the Best Weekend Getaway Beach. Even in the summer, the Coronado Beach isn't crowded, giving your family plenty of room to enjoy the splendors of one of California's best beaches.From the Glorietta Bay Inn in Coronado, you can take a walking tour. Tours leave several times a week, showing you everything the area has to offer. This is a great way to learn more about the area. Or, if you like, you can let someone else do the driving and try a pedicab tour.For the romantic, the Gondola Cruise helps to take the pressure out of life. A romantic spin through the canals of Coronado Cays can be quite the break from the ordinary. You can reach Coronado Island from San Diego by taking the Coronado Bay Bridge exit off I-5. By water from San Diego, you can take the Coronado Ferry that runs hourly from 9 AM - 10 PM. Walking from the Ferry Landing to Hotel Del Coronado is a little over a mile.

BRAZIL TRAVEL GUIDE

2008-01-03T05:38:00.000-08:00

Brazil’s beaches are considered the most beautiful and funny of the world. To the discovery of the Brazilian costumes, Copa Cabana in Río de Janeiro, famous for its carnival, cuisine and the worm welcome of the local population. WHY BRAZIL? * For its wonderful beaches which are maybe the most beautiful in the world. Not only for its nature but also for the amusing life that encourages them. In Copacabana beach, Río de Janeiro, any sport type may be seen at any hour of the day or the afternoon. * To attend the most impressive human show in the world that is the Brazil carnival. In the smallest town in the country all the activities are interrupted during a week for the carnival and and nothing must seem to be more imporant than this celebrate. * To cross the Amazon River from Belem to Manaus on board of a lineal boat and this way to see how the Amazon runs on the sides * To dive inside the Brazilian music. The guitar and the percussion are present and played everywhere in all the beaches and squares of the country. * To see Brasilia, the futurist city made in airplane form a city that represents the braviest architectural companies of this century. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA With a surface of 8.511.965 Km., Brazil is the fifth state of the world for its extension. Besides Chile and Ecuador, it is adjacent to another state of Suramérica. It has four geographical types of area. The long sandy coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the amazon basin that welcomes the biggest jungle in the planet; the central plateau so call Planalto Brasileiro; and the depression of the Paraguayan basin to the southeast. Brasilia is the fascinating capital, a tourist city in form of airplane within the amazon jungle. Time Zone: -5.0 (summer); -3.0 (winter) Duration of the days: maxim 13.5 (December); minimum 10 (June) WHEN TO GO Better Period: January, February, March, September, October Good period: April, May, June, August. Worst period. Julio WEATHER The whole Brazil has a tropical climate, therefore hot, humid and rainy during the whole year. Inside the Amazon jungle the percent of humidity never descend from 100% and Belem almost in the line of the Ecuador, its in the entire world the city where rainy s more. Useful Information Slight clothes of cotton, but also hot T-shirt if he/she goes in winter station overalls in the south. A jacket slight raincoat can be he very useful although against violent winds and cloudbursts it serves very little. Clothes of long magas against lso amazon inseptos. CULTURE / MUSEUM In lso museums of Sao Pablo, cultural capital of Brazil, sexisten European insospechables art collections that give of envying to muchso museums of the old continent. Also in River of Janeiro there is cultural ocaciones for not losing. Museum of Art Address: Brought to an agreement Paulista 1578, San Paolo of the Brasile Schedule: 11-17.30; giovedì 11-20; monday closed. Closed during Carnival Entrance is paid Interesting collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiques. Squares, sculptures, ye Italian, French impressions, Englishwomen, Spanish, Flemishes, Dutchwomen. After the works cousins they are exposed Bernini's canvases, Botticelli, Raffaello, Cézanne, Chagall, Gauguin, Picasso and Modigliani. Museum of the Folklore and Aeronautical Museum Address: Park do Ibirapuera, Sao Paulo Orari: 14-17; chiuso lunedì Inside the splendid park of Ibirapuera, where architects of world fame have worked, he/she can find lodging, this small, but interesting museum I divide in two parts: one dedicated to the Brazilian indigenous culture and the other one to the aeronautics being pioneer of this phenomenon the Brazilian, Santos Dumont. Modern museum of Art Address: Brought to an agreement Dom Enrique 85, Rio de Janeiro Entrance is paid Schedule: 12-17.30 Entrance is paid The museum gathers works of the XX century, with works of Albers, Brancusi, Buthe, Him Corbusier, Mathies, Picasso, Polloch and Warhol. Interesting it is the picture section and design, overalls that dedicated to the art Brazilian contemporary. Brazilian African-American museum Address: Praça Terreiro of Jesus, Salvador de Bahia Schedule: 9-17; closed monday Entrance is paid Beautiful museum dedicated entirely to the African origins of Brazilian nation. It proposes a trip after the hierarchy of those "orichas", the born divinities after the encounter of the Christian religion and the animist. The Brazilian Cousine Brazil earth of encounters and cultural crossings also since it concerns the kitchen. The products traditionally used by the first Indian cuisine to those used by the European settlers and later with the traditions African gastronomitas. The result is not more than an original and nutritious kitchen that makes great use of vegetables, of meats, overalls to the south, and of fish, overalls to north, where the plates are often particularly spicy for the abundant use of the spicy pepper. In each city it can be those "churrascarias", restaurant that serves all type of flavorful meat, Brazilian national pride, cooked to the coal and served by waiters that maintain long roasted threaded as swords. In the north the meat dries off in the sun and he/she receives the name of "meat of sun". The plate national Brazilian in all ways is the "feijoada". it is unique plate to base black beans, dry and fresh meat served with "beacon" kind of a taken out flour of the manioc. It is highly a po! pular plate proteico and private room comes for Saturdays. In the bay region it should be proven the absolutely "siri casquinha", a lightly spicy cream, served as antipasto, has like base delicious pulp of a small called crab "siri". But the most traditional and good plate in the kitchen bahiana is the "peixe moqueca". kind of a soup of white fish, dry shrimps, vegetables, coconut milk and dendé oil, a typical palm of the area. It is served as accompaniment to a fish plate to the parilla. The Brazilian dinner begins and it often finishes with a glass "caipirinha", cocktail to base gave cachaca (distilled of cane of sugar), lemon and sugar. FUN / SHOPPING The worked precious stones are one of the glories of the country. On the other hand is dificult to return from Brazil without having bought at least a new suit for the beach, a pareo, and any disk of bossa nova. Jeweler's Brazil produces at about the 65% of the stones sold in the world. This commercial event is due to the convenient prices and the complete variety of stones coming from the Brazilian mining, there also are beautiful silver objects as jewels ingrained with the religious traditions of the country. It is better to acquire these stones in reliable jeweler's that give you receipts of guarantee and authenticity.The acquisition of these stones can be related to visits to carving laboratories, which offer them gratuitously by menas of the great international house as that one of Stern. Music In the land of the zamba and that of bossa nova you cannot give up to take home some original memory. Tom Jobim and Vinicius of Moraes’ classic disks, to begin with, but also a little bit ancients songs of Caetano Veloso, the Brazilian music's great poet, Chico Buarque’s or the youngs Marisa Montes and Vinicius Cantuaria. It is also Interesting the traditional musical instruments, mainly percussion. Apparel The Brazilian boisterous bikini can be get in business and bancarelas of any center spa. As well as a coloring pareos that can be used as beach canvas or as improvised dress. It must be remember that the Brazilian sizes are as a rule smaller than the Italians. Therefore it will be great to try them getting them. Foods An acquisition to be made may be at the last moment in the airport,can be that of any Brazilian product. Perhaps the coffee, also because it will found stronger and bitter that Italian because of the diverse form of being toasted and later the phlegm, a distilled from the sugar cane which afterwards can be used as base to the caipirinha.

PARIS,A CITY OF LOVE

2008-01-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

The first time I visited Paris, I had just turned 18. I remember vigorously walking the streets and feeling a connection with the city and its inhabitants that I could not explain. Every part of old Paris held something very dear, and every brasserie that looked like it had been there forever somehow seemed very familiar. Frenchmen sitting in cafes and drinking their espressos had an air of peacefulness and assertiveness around them. No one appeared to be in a rush. As I sat among the madams and messieurs, enjoying each bite of my baguette while observing the crowd that slowly moved in front of me, I couldn’t help but ask myself: what was so special about Paris? Was it the culture, so readily apparent in every square, every narrow street and every corner? Was it the architecture, which I grew up with and could so easily relate to? Or was it that life in Europe was so different from life in the U.S.? As I searched for the answers within me, I sat for hours pondering the direction of my life. I recall wishing that I could get my hands on a crystal ball and peer into what my life would be like in 10 or 20 years. As with every teenage girl, I wanted to know who would I be when I grow up? Who would I marry? What was in the stars for my family and me? Would I be happy with the life that awaited me? Fast-forward 25 years and the pace in Paris seems a bit faster. The fashion is a bit more audacious, and people are a lot friendlier than I remember from more than two decades ago. Aside from that, not much has changed. Tourists still line up to get into the Eiffel Tower. Frenchmen still sit in the brasseries, enjoying their croissants and smoking their cigarettes. People still come from all over the world to see the Mona Lisa. Only now instead of marveling at her smile, they debate whether it is a self-portrait of Leonardo DaVinci. At two in the morning, the nightlife is still in full swing. Frenchmen continue to take pleasure dining late into the night, while they sit for hours observing and enjoying the ambience that is so prevalent in every Parisian establishment. Yet, there is an undercurrent of rumbling and discontent in this fair city. Though not many will discuss the change that’s about to take place, everyone agrees that it will definitely rock their world. The French government has ruled that, starting next summer, restaurants must be entirely smoke-free. Of course, Parisians are distraught and dismayed. How will they now enjoy their espresso without puffing on their precious cigarettes? And what will they do with their hands while sitting and watching the world go by? In time, Parisians will eventually embrace the painful fact that smoking is a bad habit and should not be imposed on others sitting next to them. There’s always the opera, theaters, symphonies, museums, shopping and much more to occupy their free time. And I’m sure they will find another hobby to occupy their manicured hands while sipping their espresso. Who knows? Perhaps they’ll take on writing a daily journal to capture their new smoke-free life? As for me, this visit to Paris has special meaning because my husband brought me here to celebrate our anniversary. After so many years together, he is very much aware that Paris still occupies a special place in my heart. And what better way to celebrate our continuing love for each other than a romantic getaway to the City of Love? These days, I don’t need a crystal ball to know who I am and where I’m going. I’m happy with my life, one that I worked very hard to design. I no longer stress about not being able to fit into the dress size that most French women deem necessary. Nor do I fret about my future. As I sit at the brasserie, surrounded by my fellow Parisians, sipping my espresso and looking into the eyes of the man I adore, I feel empowered knowing that the best is yet to come.