journey to make money

10 Steps To Locating Your Ideal Vacation Rental

2008-06-25T04:10:00.000-07:00

Author: Rita Borges

I once had a guest book a vacation apartment in the heart of Paris in a 17th century building and complain about the stairwell, the structure of the building and the street noise at two in the afternoon. This guest was relentless, our agency received a daily email about common living issues. Needless to say, our competitive agency commission can never justify the hand holding required for this type of guest.

The honest truth is that renting a vacation apartment is not for everyone.

If you feel that water continuously flowing from a 400 year fountain will disturb your beauty sleep or you have a notion that an air conditioner malfunction will destroy your vacation chances are you need to review these ten steps carefully before you blindly book a vacation rental.

Step 1:

With the ever increasing pound and fluctuating euro, select a rental in a region that the dollar has value. Now is the time to forgo Europe and consider your own backyard the good ole US of A, Belize, Mexico or Costa Rica.

Step 2:

If you have your heart set on a popular destination consider the season and book far in advance ( this means 6 months -12 months depending on the location and time of year) because the supply will NOT exceed the demand, unfortunately you are not the only one itching to visit Paris in June or hang with the fashionable set in St. Barts.

Step 3:

Know, understand and appreciate the local culture of your desired destination so you can prioritize your deal breaker list. Locating the perfect rental is almost as challenging as finding the ideal mate so mentally determine what you will live with and without. For example, air conditioning is a no-brainer in Hawaii yet it is not a coveted amenity in Paris or Umbria.

Step 4:

Is the rental, all inclusive and if so what does that exactly include? Will you get access to a private pool or beach? Does all inclusive include airport transfers, maid service, personal concierge service, local tax? If you do not ask you will never know and you maybe pleasantly surprised.

Step 5:

There is nothing better than having household staff ensuring that your every need is met.If you select a destinations such as Brazil or the Caribbean versus Provence or Tuscany, the cost for your household staff in the former will be considerably lower since the local labor costs are lower. The best value is always when the rental includes a butler or chef. If you do not want to share your vacation with household duties such as wrestling with unfamiliar appliances and making beds consider arranging a rental with staff.

Step 6:

Look for rentals that allow you to check in any day of the week. Try to avoid rentals that insist that you check in/check out Sunday-Sunday or Saturday-Saturday rentals. With these kind of restrictions it impedes on you securing the best possible airfares.

Step 7:

It is always best to work with rental agencies that directly represent the owners of the property. It is cumbersome when you have to go through agencies who then have to go through property management companies who then deal with the owners. Traditionally boutique agencies specializing in one location tend to deal directly with the owners. It is a sure sign that property managers are involved when an agency has a tremendous portfolio in many destinations.

Step 8:

Do you demand the creature comforts of home? If you are sensitive and picky maybe you are better off in a hotel since renting a vacation property does mean accepting it for better or worse. Have realistic expectations and do not glamorize renting a vacation property. You are moving into a villa or apartment which includes neighbors, street noise and other distractions.

Step 9:

The American notion of luxury and comfort varies from the rest of the world. Europeans can live very comfortably without air conditioning, a limited supply of hot water and no high speed Internet access. The word luxury can refer to the size or the location of the abode not necessarily the Frette linens.

Step 10:

If you are not staying at least a week than most rentals will not even consider renting to you. Let me rephrase that, the agents of course will rent to you but you will have to pay for 7 nights. There are some agencies that allow a 3 night rental with a penalty, ask and do not assume the booking policies are universal, they vary from agency to agency.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/10-steps-to-locating-your-ideal-vacation-rental-460267.html

About the Author:

Rita Borges, Managing Director, Paris Luxe Apartments
http://www.parisluxeapt.com, http://www.parishoneymoonrentals.com

Selecting The Appropriate Cruise

2008-05-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

by L Keshav

Including a cruise is a marvelous way to have an all-inclusive vacation. If you are planning your cruise, there are a few things that you want to consider before you make your final selection.

1. Occasion

Is your vacation just a normal one? or is it for special cause? If this is a romantic getaway, your preference should be for a cruise that is more suited to adults rather than children.

2. Group

Are you going with all adults,or will there be some children as well? If children are joining in the revelry you should ensure that there are activities for children onboard ship so that they will have a good time too. You will also want to look into childcare facilities.

3. Interests

What things you are interested in? Do you like to shop, explore, or swim? Do you like to watch shows, or would you rather be left to your own devices? That will also help you to decide what type of cruise that you want to go on.

4. Destination

Where would you like to go? Do you have some place tropical in mind, or would you like to go to Alaska and go whale watching? Do you want to spend time scuba diving, snorkeling and windsurfing? Or do you want to take a dog sled ride?

5. Talk to friends and family

Contact all those among your acquaintances who have gone on cruises and find out what their experiences were with the cruise ship of their choice. It is an ideal way to get a good review of their level of service.

6. Browse the Internet

Another handy method to compare different cruise ships is to go on the Internet and read about the experiences that other people have had. Be careful not to make a judgment on the basis of one bad comment but read all of the comments to see if the negative experience was isolated.

7. Talk to travel agents

When you have a couple of cruise ships that you think you might want to choose from, go and talk to a travel agent. But this should be your last step, because travel agents more often give biased opinions.
It is always a good idea to do some research before you choose a cruise ship. That way, you nearly already know what you are getting into, and can have a happy vacation.

For more information continue at these blog posts - royal carribean cruise lines and bodrum gokova yacht cruises

Article Source: Article Directory | Submit Article | Article Compilation

The Grand Canyon National Park

2008-05-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

Author: natisha

Imagine standing at the tip of the earth, looking down into what could very well be its singed bowels, with nothing but pin drop silence all around you! Yes, the Grand Canyon National Park does have that sort of effect on you. It makes poets and philosophers of us all. And why not? The stark nakedness of red rock surfaces is a haunting testament to the destructive rage of the earth and the rich beauty all around points to the tenacity of life. In the colorful landscape painted by the chunky sequence of ancient rocks, time stands still. Visitors are transported back millions of years to an unknown and mysterious era.

The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most visited parks of America. Each year, it hosts more than 4.5 million visitors. Area wise, it is huge with more than a million acres of land. The cavernous mouth is so big that it would take travelers two full days to get to the bottom of the canyon and back, if they were traveling on foot. By raft, you can easily spend weeks exploring the Grand Canyon and still have areas left over for next year’s trip!

The Grand Canyon is not the deepest canyon in the world. But people love it because of the unmatched vistas it has to offer visitors to the rim. It is well known all over the world for its overwhelming size, intricate shapes and patterns and sheer beauty.

Visitors can reach the Grand Canyon national Park through the South or North Rim. The south is more accessible with public bus transportation and a limited airline service. You can get to the North Rim only through a shuttle service from the South. Besides, the North is shut off for a good part of the year due to the heavy snowfall that closes off the road that leads to it.

The best time to visit the Canyon is during early spring or late fall. At all other times of the year, the Park tends to get really crowded. More than 78% of visitors who come here view the Grand Canyon from the South, sitting in their cars. Smaller groups of people get to see it from the North, which is approximately a 1,000 feet higher than the south and lies diametrically opposite. Only an exclusive number of ardent adventurists have seen the inner canyon because it is open only to hikers, mule riders and river runners.

Conditions at the Grand Canyon are harsh and if you’re into adventurous backpacking, you had better be in top physical condition. Extreme heat, scarcity of water, lack of physical comforts and isolation are to be expected. Trails become excruciating in summer. Yet, the beauty of the Grand Canyon is such that even small children, people with disabilities and senior citizens have hiked it easily!

The Grand Canyon has spectacular views and amazing adventure activities to suit every traveler’s appetite. That’s why millions of people who have visited the Grand Canyon remark that there is simply no other place in the world that looks and feels quite like it!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-grand-canyon-national-park-408581.html

About the Author:

Adventure-Crew.com is your online resource for information & pictures of the famous Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA for FREE!!

Canadian Walleye Fishing Tips

2008-05-04T00:18:00.001-07:00

by fishinghelper

The first thing you want to know about Canadian walleye fishing tips is pertaining to spring fishing right after the spawn. If the lake still has ice covering, the walleye are going to stay in the shallower waters right after spawning. This usually lasts for up to three weeks after spawning. It is possible to catch walleye in about four feet of water. The best time to fish in Canada is in spring during the warmest time of the day. Otherwise, you can do some fishing at dusk. The walleye are active during the day when the water temperature is warmer.

If you are going to fish for walleye in Canada, you want to use the right bait, rod and reel as well line. You want a six-foot rod that is sensitive and can cast the bait that is lightweight further distances. You need a sensitive tip to feel the bite. Use a test line of four to six pounds with a sixteenth ounce jig. You need to get down about fifteen feet in the warmer water temperatures. Keeping these tips in mind during the spring months will help the angler get some fine tasting walleye.

Most of the time in the spring months, live bait such as minnows work well, but experienced anglers say that after the spawning jigging is going to work the best. You can try some artificial lures, but you want to have a jig along because you may find yourself changing strategies. The walleye are hungry and looking for food. Try fishing near new weed beds that are starting to emerge from the waters. The weed beds are were the lighter jig is going to work the best. If you are still fishing in later months of spring, you can try artificial lures on cloudy and windy days.

The walleye seem to spook easily and if you are using a boat, you want to stay about twenty-five feet away from their location and drift into the area. Motors will spook them and they will leave even if you have a good presentation. You will want to turn off the motor and drop your anchor to keep you in the general area while drifting towards the walleye. If the winds are strong, you might have to start drifting ahead of the walleye location to effectively reach your designated area without over shooting it.

The best Canadian walleye fishing tip is the one that leads to the prefect area for walleye fishing. There are about ten great locations in Nakina, Canada for walleye fishing. These fly in lakes that offer some of the finest fishing around Canada. Abamasagi, Esser, Farrel, Little Stone, Patience, Poverty, Queenston and Relief Lakes are known for having some nice sized walleyes for the catching. This is just one area of Canada that has the best walleye fishing available. It seems like anywhere in Canada is good for fishing. The waters are clean and the fish are healthy. You will fine big walleye as well as medium sized fish.

About the Author

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Get more information on Canadian Walleye Fishing Tips here:

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The Secret to Making a Successful Timeshare Purchase

2008-04-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

by moofasa

Everyone has heard the horror stories associated with purchasing a timeshare property. Huge payments, poor accommodations, stolen funds, and resorts that shall we say have lost their appeal!

Well once you have decided to go the timeshare rout for your vacations it is important to take into account a few factors when making your purchase decision. A timeshare can be owned forever but most are sold after 8-9 years. This makes the price you pay very important if you hope to avoid a major loss when the time comes to sell.

When purchasing a timeshare make sure the seller has an escrow arrangement with his or her solicitor (or accountant) to administer the sale of the property and handle the transfer of funds and title. Only when you are completely satisfied should you instruct the solicitor to release your money and certify the transfer. If you are offered a banked week, then check that the owner actually owns the week and that the management fees are up to date by contacting the management company and the exchange company.

Make sure the exchange company is informed of the change in ownership before transfer and always be sure you understand who in the purchase agreement (seller or buyer) will assume the costs of transferring the ownership of the unit. A "right of use" ownership transfer may cost from $140 to $1,700 and the transfer costs for a deeded ownership may amount to as much as $3,000.

Only buy from the developer of the resort as a last choice alternative and if you do have to go that route be prepared to pay substantially higher prices for your timeshare units.

The starting price for "sleep 6", peak season week in good quality resorts in most of europe should be in or around $4000 and should provide good exchange power and minimum losses on resale. In the United Kingdom a larger unit in peak school season at a top class resort should cost you between $6,000 and $10,000, and most of your money should come back when you resell. Once you find what you want, bargain hard! It's a buyers market so take advantage!

The idea is to learn the tips and tricks for saving on your family vacations and get a good understanding of fractional cottage ownership, destination clubs, wholesale travel groups, vacation clubs, all inclusive resorts and timeshare units. Like anything else we do education is key. You do not drive without taking driving lessons, and you do not swim without taking swimming lessons so take advantage of the resources that are out there and learn how to save money on your family vacations. Learn to avoid those costly vacation scams and do not let your family down.

About the Author

Lionel is an Industrial Engineer and certified Master Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. His interests include: Music, writing, and travel. Subscribe to his free newsletter by visiting his website at: http://www.lmvr123.com and learn all sorts of tips, tricks, and new ideas to save money on your family vacations. Lionel also operates the Music Media Entertainment Group

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Remarkable Fortune for Cinema Fans to Get Hold Of Popular Films

2008-04-09T17:13:00.000-07:00

Discovery2008 wrote an interesting article, here a quick excerpt The sleepy southern state of Louisiana is now ranked as the third most prolific film producing region in the USA, with only California and New York pumping out a greater volume of films; so it’s perhaps not surprising that it has earned the name ‘Hollywood South’, sometimes abbreviated to ‘HoSo’.
A complete article could be read HERE

You Must See Bali Before Die

2008-03-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

Sweetjourneyinmylife.blogspot.com wrote an interesting article today, hereby a quick excerpt Early January 2008 the weather were not friendly, rains all day, thunderstorms and cloudy, but the tourism must going on.

Bali is one of the 17,508 islands of Indonesian archipelago and one of the 33 Provinces in the Republic of Indonesia, with Denpasar as the capital city of Bali Province.For a complete article please read here

Visit Germany:The forgotten holiday superpower

2008-02-27T17:09:00.000-08:00

by Andrew Regan

When it comes to Brits going abroad - Germany isn't the first place to spring to mind as a top holiday destination. Those looking for hot sun and sandy beaches tend to head for more southerly European countries, such as Spain, Portugal or Italy and those who are after Alpine environments tend to prefer the famed ski resorts of France, Switzerland or Austria.

However, this large European nation does have a prospering tourism industry, and there are plenty of visitors from the UK who have fallen in love with Germany's medieval towns, vast forests and vibrant cities.

The Black Forest is one of the most well known regions of Germany; a wooded mountain range in Baden-Wuttemberg, its highest peak stands at 1493m high. The forest is largely made up of pines and firs, and is criss-crossed with numerous long distance walking trails which make it a haven for walkers and hikers. Along the way, visitors will find impressive lakes such as Titisee, which has its own sand beach (and plenty of opportunity for water sports), and animal lovers can observe a range of fauna such as the Hinterwälder Black forest cows, the giant earthworm - Lumbricus badensis (which is only found in the Black Forest region), as well as eagles and owls.

When it comes to accommodation, travellers are spoilt for choice; at the budget end of the scale, Germany's numerous campsites provide a cheap and cheerful place to pitch a tent; for a slightly more comfortable stay, renting a self catered holiday villa or cottage is ideal, and if you've feeling flush, a stay in one of Germany's castles will allow you to experience what it would be like to be a Count or Countess for a night or two.

Germany is also famed for its river scenery and has a wide variety of different riverscapes to experience, from the mountain streams of Bavaria, to the Rhine Valley which forms part of a UNESCO world heritage site. The Danube and its tributaries is another mighty river which has moved people and cultures for centuries, from Stone Age hunters, to Roman Emperors. River trips on Danube are a popular way of seeing Germany, where visitors can go at their own pace and stop at the many beautiful riverside settlements which host numerous festivals throughout the year.

And finally, for beer lovers, Munich's Oktoberfest is compulsory; this sixteen day celebration attracts some six million people every year during late September and early October. The festival is touted as the world's largest fair, and beer plays a central role in the celebrations with special varieties brewed just for the festival.

With a wide range of outdoor activities, pulsating cities and plenty of history on offer, maybe it's time you gave Germany a try?

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.

Article Source: http://www.articlecompilation.com

Rainy day in London

2008-01-21T02:49:00.000-08:00

Upper:Inside the London Tube

Upper:My daughter is standing outside the Hard Rock Cafe.

Upper:Rain just stopped but the road is still wet

September 2001, short after the tragic attacked on USA (often referred to as 911) we went to London, the United Kingdom.

We flew from Jakarta to Singapore with Garuda, we changed our flight to London with British Airways. The securities at both airports were tightened, especially at Changi Airport of Singapore they searched and opened all the hand luggage, so it caused a long line up and it took longer time than usual embarked the plane.

From Heathrow International Airport we checked in at the hotel then went around London, but rained a little bit disturbed our journey, never mind I will be busy with other business next day.

I and my wife drink hot chocolate while my son and daughter drink hot cocoa mix with tuna sandwiches, my family are chocolate lover.

Genting Highlands

2008-01-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

Upper:Roller Coaster

Upper:Ascending to Genting Highlands

Our relatives took us to Genting Highland s by his car, then we took a cable car climbed up, or you may drive a car. Genting is a recreation area with cooler weather very nice place , the main part about 1700 meters high. Genting Highland is famous with its Gambling and Casinos, informally some people called it Las Vegas of Malaysia.

There is an artificial lake with boating facilities, playground for children, where you ride roller coaster, merry go round and others.

Malacca

2008-01-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

Upper:At the beach

Upper:Background Hotel where we stay

Upper:My daughter at Famosa

Upper:Replica Portuguese's tail ship

Malacca (Melaka Bandaraya Bersejarah) is small old town with its rich history and mixed of Chinese and European culture located at the beach of Malaysian peninsula.

Stadthuys is the massive pink town hall, built between 1641-1660 with it Dutch colonial architecture. Today it is used for government office.

Other interesting place are Christ Church, St Paul Church, Church of St Peter, Porta de Santiago was the main gate of the Portuguese fortress of A'Famosa, Portuguese Square, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple.

Masjid Tengkera(Tengkera Mosque) about 160 years old, two kilometre along the road towards Port Dickson, with its typical Sumatran design.

At the Hotel I found they have traditional food which you will never get it in Jakarta, tempoyak(fermented durian), cencalok(permented rice shrimps), this kind of food only popular in Malay ethnic either in Indonesia or Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur

2008-01-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Upper:Pedestrian cafe

Upper: My daughter's in law in front of the State Palace

Upper: My son in front of Central Market

Upper:In front of Twin Tower Petronas

Upper:Me and my wife at the State Palace of His Majesty the King of Malaysia

Upper:Sultan Abdul Samad Building, build year 1897

The photos above were taken by digital camera by Revvi year 2005

I had business meeting in Kuala Lumpur, I took my wife and my daughter with me. Kuala Lumpur is National Capital City of Malaysia.

We stayed at Federal Hotel at 35 Jalan Bukit Bintang,the room rate is relatively cheaper compare the others at down town, and the advantage of this area are we could easily go to shopping centers or get something to eats, say Bukit Bintang Plaza.

The hearth of Kuala Lumpur is Merdeka Square, the Square is easily spotted because its 95 metre high flagpole, parade and ceremonials are held here on festive occasions. On the southside of Merdeka Square there is Kuala Lumpur Memorial.

Some other interesting places are Petronas Twin Building, the King Palace, Batu Caves about 13 km from the capital, National Zoo and Aquarium.

Kuala Lumpur is a nice place as well, good landscape with old colonial buildings still stand right in the center of the town, and China town with its street vendor and night markets.

My wife bought a book about Chocolate and dessert recipes, the contents i.e.,chocolate chip cookie recipe, chocolate truffle recipes, truffle recipe, hot cocoa mix recipe, fudges recipes, peanut butter fudge recipe, chocolate fudge recipe.

Canberra

2008-01-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

Canberra is a capital city of the Commonwealth of Australia. Canberra is a place of Parliament House and the High Court of Australia. Canberra is a very young city. A competition for its design was held in 1911, Walter Burley Griffin the American architect was chosen. The Parliament House was not opened till 1927.

The new design of Parliament House was started in 1979 by the American company Mitchell, Guirgola and Thorp. Canberra's location is around lake Burley Griffin.

The Australian War Memorial is the Nation's tribute to the 110,000 Australian men and women who died serving humanity in nine wars over the past 120 years. The High Court of Australia was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen on May 26th,1980.

Embassies and High Commissions situated mainly in the southern suburbs of red Hill and Yarralumla. Embassies and High Commissioners enrich the character of Canberra with their highly individual and nationalistic architecture.

The photos above were taken by old camera not digital camera.

Mount Buller

2008-01-10T06:54:00.000-08:00

Mount Buller is Australia's Premier Ski Resort close to Melbourne, ice will show up at winter time around June to early October. From Melbourne we travel east through Yarra Glen and Yea, because we don't have ski gears we had to hired it at Bonnie Doon. At Mount Buller you can enjoy ski lesson or sightseeing chairlift or just browse through the Alpine Village.

In this cold weather I used to drink hot chocolate with bread and truffles.

Shrine of Remembrance

2008-01-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

Shrine of Remembrance is located at St Kilda Road, 10 menit by tram from Flinders Station,this place to comemmorate the man and women of Australian heros, and the site of annual observance of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.

Royal Botanic Garden

2008-01-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

This flower is one of Botanical Garden's collection.

This picture was taken from Shrine of remembrance outlook to the entrance of Botanical Garden.

Royal Botanic Gardens lies in the hearth of Melbourne, it has a lot collection including the tropical botany in the herbarium. The Gardens cover an area of 35 hectares contains over 10,000 species of plant. I like to spend a lot of my time here cooling our brain and have fresh air enjoyed croissants with chocolate truffles and drink hot chocolate.

Fitzroy Garden

2008-01-10T06:46:00.000-08:00

Fitzroy Garden located in Melbourne, a good place to spend in the afternoon. We can see the Capt Cook's house.Melbourne has some parks and gardens.

As usual there is a coffee shop in side the garden, I had a cup of cocoa tea with scone and cocoa butter.

Great Ocean Road

2008-01-10T06:39:00.000-08:00

The Twelve Apostles

The Elephant Rock

Hotel Apollo Bay on the way to Great Ocean Road

The London Arch (formerly the London Bridge)

Panorama along the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road (nown as Surfcoast Highway) between Geelong and Torqua y . Road to the west lies Great Ocean Roads which follows a spectacular coastline past surf washed beaches, through the Otway Ranges and Port Campbell National Park, which we saw the huge stone monolith of The Twelve Apostles, the Elephant Rock, the Blowhole this place is very windy. We saw Loch Ard Gorge where the sailing vessel Loch Ard was tragically wrecked, and we saw the remnant of London Bridge.

Melbourne

2008-01-10T05:31:00.000-08:00

View of Bourke's Street Walk.

View of Bourke's Street Walk

A tram service is very good, sometimes we killed our time just going around in this tram because we have weekly ticket. In Melbourne we can buy one ticket daily,weekly or monthly could be used for all land transportation mode, trains,trams and buses.

View toward Flinders Train Station.

View inside the train from Berwick to Flinders very quiet.

At the background Tasmanian Ferry berthed.

Looking to the light buoy.

Photo was taken from the Prince Bridge.

Photo was taken from Shrine of Remembrance toward a city.

At Swanston street in front of Flinders Train Station.

Photos taken from tram on trip to Wattle Park.

My wife standing on a bridge crossing Yarra river in the hearth of Melbourne

Upper picture residential area at Port of Melbourne

Upper picture, looking toward South Gate Business Area of Melbourne

My hearth fallen in Melbourne, this city is my second home town, we visited Melbourne many times and stay long. Melbourne is a place to be, has a gentle landscape, the pleasant climate makes it and attractive place to visit all year round or to live,but some people hate the weather there, because the weather will change suddenly, but I like it clear atmosphere not much pollution.

Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria, and the second largest city in Australia, located on the Yarra River.

The people are friendly with multi ethnics, the public transportation system are good and efficient, we may choose trains, trams, busses, taxis and boats. In the city they have a free tram City Circle, the old tram but it is run well.

A lot of place to see around Melbourne, Botanical gardens, Fitzroy Garden,St Kilda Beach,Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne Zoo, Rialto Tower, National Meseum, Crown Casino, City Walk, Museum of Victoria.

Melbourne has a lot of Universities, i.e.Monash University,Melbourne University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Victoria University.

As Asian people we don’t have any problem about food, they have a plenty of Asian Restaurants and Asian Supermarket. We like to purchase daily needs at Queen Victoria Market, the price are competitive.

When I was in Melbourne I popped in a cafe, they provided hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cake, truffles, chocolate truffles, hot cocoa, cocoa tea, hot cocoa mix, chocolate fudge, fruits with chocolate, vanilla fudge and others.

I bought some products from the supermarket chocolate chip cookies, cocoa butter, peanut butter fudge chocolate fudge, vanilla fudge and cocoa powder as token.

At one night we went to Max Brenner Chocolate Bar in the city we ordered Truffle made of 70% cocoa (Truffle served with whipped cream, fresh strawberries and blueberries with choice of warm chocolate) , Melting Chocolate Heart Cake (warm chocolate cake with a melting heart of dark and white chocolate served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fresh strawberries and blueberries with raspberry sauce served on the side)

Recently, I dropped in at Hot Chocolate Cafe at Waterfront City, Dockland I had Hot Chocolate Shots ( the ingredients are shot of white chocolate, coconut syrup and coconut flakes ) with Flourless Chocolate Mint (the ingredients are chocolate cake with minty center, dark chocolate sauce and very vanilla ice cream)

Melbourne is a chocolate heavens we can find a lot of chocolate choices with different brands, and the chocolate products are cheaper than in my country, we bought some chocolate because I and my family are chocolate lover.

Sydney Australia

2008-01-10T05:21:00.000-08:00

Panorama of Opera House

Photo location under the Sydney Bridge

Photo of Indonesian Student

In 1996 I was sent by my company to attend a seminar in Sydney, I took my wife and my daughter with me, because we planned to go to Brisbane on other business and then to Melbourne, I wanted to meet my older son who was studying at Monash University in Melbourne.

Sydney is the capital of the state of New South Wales and the largest city in Australia

While in Sydney we stayed at the All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel at 14 Carrington Street near Victoria Queen Building, the famous old shopping center. Built late 19 th century to house the fruit and vegetable market, unused for decades, it was re-opened in November 1986.

Circular Quay is the major departure point to Sydney Harbour cruises is also a lively bustling place with plenty of interest to the visitor.

Other interest are Opera House,Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour,Chinese Villages.

Las Vegas, USA

2007-12-15T01:12:00.001-08:00

We arrived at Las Vegas safely we were surprised to see every inch of space filled with gambling machines. My friend has a joke he said only in toilet they didn’t saw the machines.

Las Vegas is the most populous city in the State of Nevada, United States of America, which is famous for resort, shopping, entertaining and gambling activities.

We stayed at the Imperial Palace Hotel in the hearth of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Boulevard South, like other hotels they have a big casino. A lot of gamblers around there perhaps some of them professionals, some amateur gamblers who just gambling for fun to filled their holidays.

On the right side of the Imperial Palace Hotel are Harrah’s, Casino Royal, The Venetian, Wynn Las Vegas, Riviera, Sahara. On the left side Flamingo, Bill’s Gambling Hall and Saloon, Bally’s, Paris, Planet Hollywood, MGM Grand, Tropicana.

Right accross Imperial Palace Hotel are The Mirage, Treasure Island, Fashion Show Mall, Echelon Place, Circus Circus , Hilton Grand Vacation Club, Stratosphere. On the left side CaesarsPalace , Bellagio, Project City Center, Monte Carlo, New York New York, Excalibur, Luxor, The Hotel Mandalay Bay, Four Seasons.

We stayed close to Caesar Palace with it’s dome was artificial sky, it’s difficult for you to figure out the time or you were time disoriented, you will not be able to see the sun or moonlight. Caesar Palace is very famous because some Heavy Weight World Boxing Championship were took place there.

Las Vegas never slept, at night time a lot of show around Las Vegas Boulevard, all convenient just on walking distance.

Our seminar on World Coal Supply took three days and we stayed in Las Vegas more than a week, full with joy and happiness, to explore all entertaining events, and to shop till you drop.

Los Angeles, USA

2007-12-15T01:11:00.001-08:00

In September 1996 I was sent by my company to attend a seminar in Las Vegas, USA. I left Sukarno Hatta International Airport of Jakarta to Changi Airport of Singapore by Garuda Indonesia where we have to changed flight. From Changi we flew to Taipei with Eva Air, we stopped there. From Taipei we flew to Los Angeles with Eva Air.

When we arrived at Los Angeles it was very crowded because a lot of flights arrived almost at the same time, a long queue at the Immigration counter also at Custom, fortunately I didn’t have anything to declared, but it still took us two hours to catch a connecting flight to Las Vegas. We took a bus to transport us to the other terminal and we run like a crazy mad dog because our flight was ready to close the door. We flew to Las Vegas with American West.

We were have pleasant flight and enjoyed it.

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

2007-11-26T05:19:00.000-08:00

From Brisbane I flew to Sydney with Qantas and arrived at Kingsford Smith International Airport Sydney, located in the suburb of Mascot.

You may see a lot of thing in Sydney, Circular Quay main ferry terminal, Royal Botanical Garden,Sydhey Harbor, Sydney Opera House , Sydney Harbour Bridge, Hyde Park and The Domain. You may ask permission to climb Sydney Harbour Bridge. Queen Victoria Building, Bondi Beach and Chinese Garden of Friendship are other popular place in Sydney.

Sydney is the Capital City of State New South Wales, the largest city in the state and in Australia, was established in 1788, the temperature in March between 17-24 degrees C.

Later on my family and I visited Sydney for several times.

Again I flew from Sydney to Changi Airport before I continued my flight to Jakarta.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

2007-11-26T01:57:00.000-08:00

From Vancouver B.C., I was sent to work at Montreal Engineering Company Head Office in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I flew from Vancouver B.C. to Montreal with Air Canada, I arrived at Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.

Montreal is located in the southwest of the Province of Quebec, the city rest on the island of Montreal. Montreal is a second largest city in Canada, and the largest city in the Province of Quebec. In 2007 Montreal was ranked as the 10^th cleanest city in the world. I stayed at Manoir Le Moyne at 2100 ouest de Maissoneuve.

You may found some old buildings in Montreal, fortunately I had chance visited them such as Notre-Dam de Montreal Basilica, Montreal City Hall, St Joseph Oratory, Montreal Port, also new Olympic Stadium building that was build in 1976. I also visited Mc Gill University.

In Montreal the nude dancing is as legal as in Vancouver you could watch it during lunch.

Vancouver B.C., Canada

2007-11-26T01:54:00.000-08:00

Around May 1986 I was sent by my company to work at Swan Wooster Engineering Co. Ltd. Head Office in Vancouver B.C.,

Canada

(in 1986 Sandwell and Swan Wooster (merged) I flew from Jakarta to Hongkong with Cathay Pacific, then to Vancouver with Air Canada, I arrived at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) that located on sea Island in the City of Richmond B.C.

Vancouver is the city located in southwestern British Columbia it has a good weather, clean air, less pollution. Vancouver is a beautiful city and a place to be, while Metro Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada.

Our office at Hornby Street at Downtown of Vancouver, you could reached the other facilities just by walking distance, so it was very convenience, and I have had a chance to go round visited some areas of Metro Vancouver and Beautiful British Columbia. I also visited University of British Columbia(UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU). I stayed at Sheraton-Landmark Vancouver’s tallest hotel at 1400 Robson Street.

I could say the landmark of Vancouver is Lions Gate Bridge, a suspension bridge connected the City of Vancouver B.C. to the North Shore municipalities of the District of North Vancouver and West Vancouver. It has three reversible lanes, the use of it was indicated by traffic signal, they reverse the direction to use two lanes on peaks hours.

Vancouver and British Columbia has so many outdoor recreation area, one of them is a Capilano Suspension bridge (pedestrian bridge) naturally thrilling since 1889 at North Vancouver B.C., takes you to the natural splendor of rainforest trail through magnificent evergreens, walked high on the trees and swayed. I also visited Salmon Hatchery at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery . I had chance to learn more about this magnificent resource.

Fortunately there was a world expo so I could saw the newest technology and other people from around the world, but we were scared because the Chernobyle atomic reactors were blew out that time.

In Vancouver you may watch nude dances at downtown during lunch hours, no cover charges, I entered and bought fish and chips and a bottle coca cola for lunch for only $5 Can at that time, you could call the dancer to dance in a small stage in front of you by giving her a tip but for any reason you might not touched her. According to my friend the native of Vancouver regulation said nude dances are allowed as far their dancing on the stage not on floor, a bit tricky.

Another experience when we attended the farewell party for the Captain of Sailing Club, we sailed around Horseshoe Bay at West Vancouver by circled the Captain’s boat. My duty was raised and lowered a flags at the rear boat to salute the Captain. We drinks hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies.