vacation directory

Great Wall of China

2008-04-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

There is little that can be said about the Great Wall of China that has not been stated over and over again throughout the wall's 2000 year history. Construction of the Great Wall started in 221 BC to defend the Middle Kingdom from Mongol soldiers. But many of the sections were already in place, built by a series of independent kingdoms stretched across the land, from Shanhaiguan on the east coast to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert – Emperor Qin Shihuang merely oversaw the joining of these walls.

The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 6,700 kilometers (4,163 miles ) from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections of the great wall are now in ruins or even entirely disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

Short Story of Great Wall:

The history of the Great Wall is said to start from the Spring and Autumn Periods when seven powerful states appeared at the same time. In order to defend themselves, they all built walls and stationed troops on the borders. At that time, the total length of the wall had already reached 3,107 miles, belonging to different states.

In 221 BC, the Emperor Qin absorbed the other six states and set up the first unified kingdom in Chinese history. In order to strengthen his newly born authority and defend the Huns in the north, he ordered connecting the walls once built by the other states as well as adding some sections of his own. Thus was formed the long Qin's wall which started from the east of today's Liaoning Province and ended at Lintao, Gansu Province.

In the Western Han Dynasty, the Huns became more powerful. The Han court started to build more walls on a larger scale in order to consolidate the frontier. In the west, the wall along the Hexi corridor, Yumenguan Pass, and Yangguan Pass was built. In the north, Yanmenguan Pass and Niangziguan Pass in Shanxi were set up. Many more sections of the wall extended to Yinshan Mountain and half of the ancient Silk Road was along the Han's wall.

The Northern Wei, Northern Qi and Northern Zhou Dynasties all built their own sections but on a smaller scale than the walls in the Han Dynasty. The powerful Tang Dynasty saw peace between the northern tribes and central China most of the time, so few Great Wall sections were built in this period.

The Ming Dynasty is the peak of wall building in Chinese history. The Ming suffered a lot by disturbances from minority tribes such as the Dadan, Tufan and Nuzhen. The Ming court from its first emperor to the last ceaselessly built walls in the north. The main line started from Jiuliancheng near the Yalu River in the east to the Jiayuguan Pass in the west and measured over 4,600 miles. Besides adding many more miles of its own, the Ming emperors ordered enlargement of the walls of previous dynasties into double-line or multi-line walls. For example, out of Yanmenguan Pass were added three big stone walls and 23 small stone walls. Eleven Garrisons were distributed along the main line of the wall. The countless walls, fortresses, and watch towers made the country strongly fortified. In the early Qing Dynasty, some sections of the walls were repaired and several sections were extended. This great engineering work stopped in the middle of the Qing Dynasty.

Owing to its long history, natural disasters and human activities, many sections of the Great Wall are severely damaged and disappearing. Being a world-famous engineering project and witness to the rise and fall of Chinese history, the Great Wall, needs us to take immediate action to protect it!

Saint Martin

2008-03-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

Saint Martin is a tropical island in the northeast Caribbean, approximately 300 km east of Puerto Rico. The 87 km island is divided roughly in half between France and the Netherlands Antilles; it is the smallest inhabited sea island divided between two nations.

The smallest island in the world ever to have been partitioned between two different nations, St. Martin/St. Maarten has been shared by the French and the Dutch in a spirit of neighborly cooperation and mutual friendship for almost 350 years.

The main towns are Philipsburg (Dutch side) and Marigot (French side). The island has approximately a total resident population of 85,000. The official population on the Dutch side is 50,000 while on the French side this is 35,000. Human density is 3 times that of the Netherlands. In addition there is an average of 1,000,000 tourist visitors per year.

The highest hilltop is the Pic Paradis (414 m) on center of a hill chain. There is no river on the island, but many dry guts. Hiking trails give access to the dry forest covering tops and slopes.

The average yearly air temperature is 27 °C (min 17 °C, max 35 °C) and sea surface temperature 26.4 °C. The total average yearly rainfall is 995 mm, with 22 days of thunder.

Neither of the two halves of St. Martin had separate FIPS PUB 10-4 territory codes or ISO 3166-1 codes prior to 2007; they were coded as GP (Guadeloupe) and NA/AN (Netherlands Antilles). The status of the French side changed to an overseas collectivity in February 2007, and it received the ISO 3166-1 code MF in October 2007. The status of the Dutch side is due to change to a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in December 2008, and it is expected that Dutch part will also get an ISO 3166-1 code of its own shortly thereafter.

The border is almost imperceptible. and people cross back and forth without ever realizing they are entering a new country. There are four boundries, Belle Vue / Cole Bay, French Quarter / Dutch Quarter, Low Lands / Copecoy and Oyster Pond, testifying to centuries of peaceful cohabitation and the treaty that made the arrangement possible.

All the same, each side has managed to retain much of the distinctiveness of its own national culture. The French tend to emphasize comfort and elegance. The beaches are secluded, the luxury resorts provide lavish accommodations, and the restaurants offer the finest dining experiences anywhere in the Caribbean. The latest French fashions can be found in many of the shops, and the smell of fresh croissants and pastries mixes everywhere with the spicy aromas of West Indian cooking. Small cafés and charming bistros add a decidedly Gaelic and cosmopolitan flair to the place. On the whole the atmosphere remains very relaxed.

On the other hand, St. Maarten with its busy cruise port and bustling commercial district, has long been an active center for trade and tourism. More developed and at the same time more informal, it is very Dutch in flavor and still has strong ties with fellow compatriots in the other Netherlands Antilles. Between the two different cultures in St. Martin and St. Maarten, vacationers will be able to find just about every kind of activity they might want for a perfect holiday in the sun.

Located midway through the chain of islands in the Caribbean, just as the Antilles begin to curve to the south, St. Martin is sunny and warm year-round, averaging 82 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and just 2 degrees cooler in winter. The island is buffeted by cooling trade winds that keep things temperate all year long. Average annual rainfall comes to about 45 inches, most of which occurs around late summer and early fall.

Vacation in Caribbean Tips

2008-03-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

When you say you're planning a Caribbean vacation, does that mean you're dreaming about warm sun and sand or that you're diligently gathering information and researching options? If you just book the first cheap package you see, you may be disappointed when your dream vacation isn't as dreamy as you'd anticipated.

Luckily, it's not too hard to plan the perfect island getaway. If you take a little time to follow our 10 travel-planning tips and do some pre-trip thinking and research, your Caribbean vacation can quickly go from mediocre to amazing.

1. Choose your travel dates wisely

One of the most important decisions you'll make when planning your Caribbean vacation is when to go. How far in advance you need to plan, how much you'll pay for airfare and accommodations, how crowded the island is, and what kind of weather you'll experience are all dependent on the dates you choose for your vacation.

The Caribbean high season runs from mid-December to mid-April. During this time, the weather is superb but prices are at their highest and the islands are full of vacationers. (Like almost everything, however, there are some exceptions to this rule.) During the off season, you'll find hotel discounts of 20 to 60 percent and you can plan a relatively last-minute vacation, but you may encounter less-than-perfect weather or find construction at your resort. The hurricane season runs between June and November and can affect any island except for Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. During this time, prices are at their absolute lowest, but you would be wise to invest in travel insurance just in case a storm comes your way.

The key is determining your priorities. If you must stick to a budget, you can still have a wonderful vacation in the off season as long as you don't get too upset by the occasional rain shower. If you can only travel during winter school vacation, you'll want to book as early as possible and understand you'll be charged premium prices. If you absolutely must plan a winter trip but don't want to plan in advance or pay high prices, the first few weeks of January often see a slump in tourism after the holiday crowds go home.
2. Not all Caribbean islands are the same

The Caribbean islands stretch over 1,700 miles in the Caribbean Sea. Some islands are composed of volcanic rocks, others of coral and sand. Some are independent countries, while others belong to the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, or France. It's not hard to imagine, then, that each island has a unique personality with different cultures, popular activities, and tourist offerings.

When you plan your Caribbean vacation, you'll be most satisfied if you match your island's personality to your own. For example, if you're looking for nightlife, you should consider Aruba, Puerto Rico, or the Bahamas. If you prefer active pursuits such as hiking up mountains, you won't be very happy in flat, sandy Aruba; you'll find what you're looking for on more rugged islands like Dominica and Grenada. So before you choose your island destination, you should decide which activities you most want to do on your vacation, be it snorkeling, shopping, beaching, or sightseeing. Then research which islands are best for your preferred vacation style and select your destination from among them. For help on this topic, read our can't-miss Caribbean picks.

Another factor to keep in mind is the difference in airfare and air accessibility. "Because of frequency of flights, plus low-cost fares, Puerto Rico is the easiest to reach of the Caribbean islands from the U.S. mainland," say Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince, authors of Frommer's Caribbean 2006. Other islands with low fares and frequent flights include St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Jamaica, and parts of the Bahamas. Some islands may require several air connections and only offer infrequent flights midweek. If you only have a few days for your trip or want to keep costs at a minimum, you might prefer an island that offers many nonstop flights to the U.S.
3. Know the entry and exit rules

Nothing can ruin your vacation like being told you can't board the plane because you don't have the correct documentation. And as much as we all dream about packing it in and relocating to a tropical island, you don't want to discover at the airport that you can't return to the U.S. with just a driver's license. Once you've chosen your vacation itinerary, you should read up on the entry and exit requirements of each country you plan to visit.

As of January 1, 2007, all travelers to the Caribbean will need to carry a valid passport. Until then, some islands will allow you to enter with a birth certificate and a photo I.D.; just make sure the U.S. government will let you back in the country with those forms of identification. In addition, a passport that expires within six months is not considered valid by certain countries.

Technically, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are part of the U.S., so a driver's license should be sufficient. However, David Downing, columnist and editor of Fodor's Travel Publications, reports being hassled on a trip to the USVI because he was not carrying a passport.

4. Pick your accommodations based on your travel style

All-inclusive resorts, independent hotels, villas—accommodations in the Caribbean aren't just a place to stay; they're a way of life. Therefore, you should choose your accommodations (like you choose your island) based on your travel style.

Porter and Prince suggest "good candidates for all-inclusive resorts are honeymooners, families, inexperienced travelers, the budget conscious, and the super stressed." All-inclusives include all meals, drinks, and most on-site activities in the cost of your accommodations. They are good for travelers who don't want to spend a lot of time planning their trip, want kid-friendly activities, prefer to lounge around by the pool or beach all day, and who eat and drink a lot but don't need much diversity in their restaurant choices.

All-inclusives are not recommended for travelers who want to really experience local culture and who want to spend a lot of time away from their resort exploring the island. These travelers may be better off staying at an independent hotel. The downside is they may spend more on food and won't experience as much hand holding, but they will have a more authentic experience.

For a truly different and cost-effective option, many travel experts rave about renting a villa. Porter and Prince recommend villas for "families, groups of friends, honeymooners or couples craving privacy, and independent travelers who want to connect with the island." Many properties cost less than $1,000 per week and some come with housekeepers and cooks. Instead of feeling isolated, Downing says you'll find "a built-in network of the people who rent you the house and the people who work there," and they can help you plan day trips and excursions. There are many websites that can help you plan a villa vacation, such as unusualvillarentals.com, islanddestinations.com, hideaways.com, and rentavilla.com.
5. Consider alternative vacations

Where there's an island, there's water, so if you're planning a Caribbean getaway, you shouldn't forget to think about a sea vacation. Cruising is a popular way to see the Caribbean islands, and you can find a cruise itinerary to fit any budget. Cruises are like all-inclusive resorts, but you can see several islands and only unpack once. However, with some of the larger ships that can hold thousands of passengers, you'll be descending on the island in a big pack and everywhere you go will be crowded. Downing recommends Windjammer Barefoot Cruises for a more intimate cruise experience. The smaller ships go where the larger boats can't, and he believes that Windjammer passengers are treated better by the locals than the hordes of guests on the big ships.

The more adventurous mariners might want to consider chartering a yacht with a captain and cook or bareboating (renting a boat that you sail yourself). Porter and Prince report that "chartering your own boat—even a yacht—may not be as budget-breaking as you think. A seven-night combined hotel-and-crewed yacht package starts at $1,472 per person in Tortola or at $1,450 on the island of Grenada." If you're interested in finding your Caribbean sea legs, they recommend The Moorings, an outfitter that operates the largest charter yacht fleet in the Caribbean.
6. Research activities in advance

In an area with lots of tourists, you're sure to find just as many tourist traps. Whether you're looking for an operator to take you snorkeling or a vendor to sell you local spices or crafts, you want to be sure you're dealing with someone reliable, honest, and legitimate. The best way to find reputable agents for all of your island activities is to do your research in advance.

And, there are many sources of reliable information available to you both on and off the island. Richard Kahn, spokesperson for the Caribbean Tourism Organization, recommends utilizing the service of the local tourist office. "Tourist offices are the best reliable sources because they are there to protect the destination. Most have outlets in the U.S. as well as local information services on the islands." Tourism office staff will be sure to research their recommended operators carefully because they don't want you to have a bad experience and then repeat your negative impression to other would-be travelers.

Guidebooks are another helpful resource because the authors only include legitimate operators in their books. Many guidebook publishers now post updates and corrections to guidebooks that aren't updated every year, as well as host message boards on their websites where travelers will give you candid opinions about their trips, favorite operators, and worst experiences. After you've gotten a sense of the island from a guidebook or tourism board brochure, you can get another perspective by posting specific questions and reading the responses of fellow travelers.

Doing your homework will also prevent you from overspending. When you book an excursion through a resort or cruise line, you're often paying inflated prices because the booking agent is taking a cut of the profit. If you can book directly with the tour or activity company, you can often find a better deal.
7. Immerse yourself in the local culture

Many travelers never see the outside of their resort except on the drive to and from the airport. But you're more likely to have a memorable and unique experience if you get even the smallest taste of local culture.

Where do you find local culture? Usually where the tourists are not. "Away from the resorts, the clubs and eateries attract more locals than visitors," say Porter and Prince. If you venture away from big tourist destinations, you're almost guaranteed a more authentic experience. And if you're not sure where those places are, just ask a local. On many islands, the local people are friendly and willing to show you the places they like.

Another way to avoid the crowds and fraternize with islanders is to hide from the cruise ships. Downing illustrates this point with a story about St. Thomas. "In St. Thomas, Megan's Bay is a gorgeous public beach," he says. "But the cruises bring guests in between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and the beach is overrun with tourists. Everyone on the island knows when the cruise ships leave, and that before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m., Megan's Bay will be empty." If you're looking for locals, you'll find them after the cruise ships have gone.
8. Think twice about renting a car

Renting a car in the Caribbean can be a great way to see parts of an island you wouldn't see otherwise. It can also be a recipe for disaster if you're not comfortable driving on the left side of the road or navigating areas with no street signs. Kahn reports that Aruba and St. Thomas are easy to drive in, Barbados is quite difficult, and Bermuda doesn't allow cars at all. If you're considering renting a car, just be sure to find out in advance what side of the road people drive on and whether the roads and driving style on the island are tourist-friendly.

You may also be tempted to rent a motorcycle or moped. Unless you're an experienced biker, both Downing and Kahn advise against renting motorcycles because of the dangers involved.
9. Do not believe you're Superman after two rum punches

A vacation can be the time to finally try an activity you've always wanted to attempt, such as SCUBA diving. But as Downing notes, "People get some sun and after a few beers, they think they're 18 again and can do everything." When you're deciding which activities to try, think seriously about your physical abilities and limitations. "A guy who hasn't waterskied in 25 years could very likely throw his back out when he tries it in the Caribbean," Downing says. "You have to be judicious. Try a jetski instead of waterskiing. Don't go hang gliding but try parasailing instead." Of course, if you're in great physical shape, it's fine to be a thrill-seeker. But all travelers could benefit by tailoring their activities to their abilities.
10. Be prepared

The Caribbean islands are modern countries with all the amenities, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared. A smart traveler packs a few practical items along with the bikinis and dancing shoes.

Mosquitoes are prevalent in the Caribbean, so bug spray is a must. Sunblock is also a necessity. Even in the dry season, a rain jacket can come in handy for passing storms. A small first-aid kit can be useful for unexpected cuts and bruises, and if you have a chronic condition, don't forget to throw in your back brace, painkillers, or any other items you may need. Also, if you don't want to pay island prices or get caught with hunger pains on a tour, it can be helpful to bring some snacks from home, just in case. While you can purchase all of these items on the island, you'll find better prices at home. Plus, it's just easier to have provisions with you rather than having to hunt them down in a foreign city when you discover you need them.

Yogyakarta

2008-03-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

Yogyakarta or simply Yogya, is one of the foremost cultural centers of Java. Located at the foot of the active Merapi volcano & It stretches till the Indian Ocean, Yogyakarta was in the 16th and 17th centuries the seat of the mighty Javanese empire of Mataram., from which present day Yogyakarta has inherited the best of traditions.

The city itself has a special charm which seldom fails to captivate the visitor. This province is one of the most densely populated areas of Indonesia. The city came into being in 1755, after the division of Mataram into the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). Gamelan, classical and contemporary Javanese dances, the wayang kulit leather puppet theater and other expressions of traditional art will keep the visitor spellbound. Local craftsmen excel in the arts of batiks, silver and leather work.

Around the city of Yogyakarta, is the most famous part of Java and is, in fact, its cultural centre. This is in part because of the presence there of a variety of religious influences-Buddhist, Hindu, and other indigenous beliefs, which resulted in the construction of the impressive temples of Borobudur, Prambanan and the Dieng temple complex.

The 300 year old city of Yogyakarta is the cultural heart of Java. Here also is Indonesia's oldest palace 'The Kraton,' still the domicile of Jogya's royalty. Even now the current Sultan of Yogyakarta retains remarkable political prestige.

Yogyakarta offers an abundance of Javanese art, painting, silverwork, batik handcraft, traditional Javanese dances, as well as contemporary art. The city is the cultural centre not only of Java, but of the whole of Indonesia.
From Yogyakarta one can travel easily to the Borobudur Temple and Prambanan temples, which are half-day trips from the city. Yogyakarta is situated between the foot of the still-active Merapi volcano and the mystical Indian Ocean, home of 'Loro Kidul,' Queen of the South Seas.

Yogyakarta is often called the main gateway to the center of Java where it is geographically located. There is daily air service to Yogya from Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali as well as regular train service and easy accessibility by road.

NGAYOGYAKARTA HADININGRAT PALACE

The palace court with its grand and elegant Javanese architecture lies in the center of the city. It was founded by Prince Mangkubumi in 1755. The Prince was then called Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. He chose the right location of the compound between the Winongo River and the Code River.

The palace stretches out from north to south.The front yard is called alun-alun Utara (the North Square), and the back yard is called Alun-alun Selatan (the South Square). The layout of the buildings shows that the Palace, the commemorative column and Mount Merapi lie in one line.

The palace meeting hall is called the Pagelaran, where formal meetings of palace officials are held, while the "Manguntur Tingkil" hall is the place where the Sultan is seated. The palace visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the kraton in former times by visiting the life-size diorama of wedding ceremonies on the palace meeting hall, performed by puppets which are intentionally arranged to create such an atmosphere. Sets of Javanese musical instruments, antiques and heirlooms have made the palace of Yogyakarta worth to visit.

WATER CASTLE

Built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I just west of the kraton, part of this pleasure garden and castle is at present no more than an intriguing collection of ruins, pools, arches and underground passages enclosed by massive walls, however, the central courtyard with the nymph-baths has been restored.

The Water Castle is located in the older part of the city within walking distance from the Bird Market. A number of batik workshops line the avenue leading to the pleasure garden's entrance.

KOTA GEDE

Kotagede, about five kilometers southeast of Yogyakarta, is a neat little town which was once the seat of the mighty Mataram empire. In this old palace town with its walled-in houses, the graves of the first rulers of Mataram are still to be found. Since the 1930s, however, Kotagede has become famous for being the center of the Yogya silverwork industry.

Kotagede is easily reached by "andong", the four wheeled horse-drawn cart, by taxi, bus, or car. There are a number of workshops where visitors are welcome to watch silver being transformed into beautiful works of art known as "Yogya Silver".

BATIK RESEARCH CENTER
Situated on the eastern outskirts of the city, it has an interesting permanent exhibition of batiks in classic and modern designs. The process of batik can also be seen here, both the hand drawn and hand stamped.

Borobudur

2008-03-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

Borobudur, a Buddhist stupa in the Mahayana tradition, is the largest Buddhist monument in the world. Located on the Indonesian island of Java, 40 km (25mi) northwest of Yogyakarta, Borobudur was built between 750 and 850 AD.

The magnificent temple is a three-dimensional mandala (diagram of the universe) and a visual representation of Buddhist teachings.
Rediscovery and Recent History

For centuries, Borobodur lay hidden under layers of volcanic ash. The reasons behind the desertion of this magnificent monument still remain a mystery.

Some scholars believe that famine caused by an eruption of Mount Merapi forced the inhabitants of Central Java to leave their lands behind in search of a new place to live. When people once again inhabited this area, the glory of Borobudur was buried by ash from Mount Merapi.

Borobudur was rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles who, during his visit in Semarang, received a report indicating the discovery of a hill full of many carved stones. The hill was believed by the local inhabitants to be the site of an ancient monument called budur. Raffles then commissioned a team led by Cornelius to investigate the hill.

It was in 1835 that the site was cleared. Some efforts were made to restore and preserve the colossal monument since then. Unfortunately, in 1896 the Dutch colonial government gave away eight containers of Borobudur stones, including reliefs, statues, stairs and gates, as presents for the King of Siam who was visiting Indonesia.

A restoration program undertaken between 1973 and 1984 returned much of the complex to its former glory, and the site has since become a destination of Buddhist pilgrimage. On January 21, 1985 the temple suffered minor damage due to a bomb attack. In 1991, Borobudur was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Exploring Borobudur

Viewed from above, Borobudur takes the form of a giant mandala, symbolically depicting the path of the bodhisattva from samsara to nirvana, through the story of Sudhana described in the Gandavyuha Sutra, a part of the Avatamsaka Sutra. In total, this massive monument contains over 2 million stone blocks.

Some scholars think that this massive monument is a gigantic textbook of Buddhism to help people to achieve enlightenment. To read this Buddhist textbook in stone requires a walk of more than two miles. The walls of the galleries are adorned with impressive reliefs illustrating the life of Buddha Shakyamuni and the principles of his teaching.

Representing the existence of the universe, Borobudur perfectly reflects the Buddhist cosmology, which divides the universe into three intermingled separate levels. The three levels are Kamadhatu (world of desire), Ruphadatu (world of forms), and Arupadhatu (world of formlessness).

The hidden base of Borobudur was originally the first level, which contains the gallery of Kamadhatu level. It is thought that during construction Borobudur experienced a landfall that threatened the entire building. To prevent the whole monument from collapsing, the Kamadhatu level was closed and made into a new base that holds Borobudur steady.

This level of Kamadhatu pictures the world of passion and the inevitable laws of karma. The first 117 panels show various actions leading to one and the same result, while the other remaining 43 panels demonstrate the many results that follow one single effect. At least 160 relief panels were carved around this level, based on the manuscript of Karmavibhangga. What is left of these can be seen in the Southeast corner of this level.

The reliefs of the Rupadhatu level show the stories based on the manuscripts of Lalitavistara, Jataka-Avadana and Gandavyuha. The Lalitavistara reliefs, consisting of 120 panels, tell us about the life of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. It starts with the glorious descent of Buddha from the Tushita heaven. Born as Prince Siddhartha, Buddha's childhood was isolated from the outside world's misery. Accidentally witnessing the misery of sickness, decrepitude and death, young Prince Siddharta decided to escape from the worldly life and commencing his search of freedom from suffering. Siddhartha’s long and painful search finally led him to the highest level of enlightenment and made him Buddha, the Enlightened One. This story ends with Buddha’s sermon in the Deer Park near Benares.

The Jataka is a collection of stories about Buddha's previous reincarnation, chains and virtues. According to the Jataka, Buddha was born 504 times before being born as Prince Siddharta, taking on the forms of god, kings, princes, learned men, thieves, slaves, and a gambler. Many times he was born in the forms of animals such as lion, deer, monkey, swan, big turtle, quail, horse, bird and many others. But the Boddhisatva (Buddha-to-be) was distinguished from all other kings, slaves, or animals among whom he lived. The Boddhisatva is always superior and wiser than those around him.

As to the relief of Avadana, the main figure is not the Buddha himself. All the saintly deeds pictured in this part are attributed to other legendary characters. The stories are compiled in Dvijavadana (Glorious Heavenly Acts) and the Avadana Sataka (The Hundred Avadana). The first 20 frames in the lower series of stories on the first gallery depict the Sudhanakumaravana.

The series of reliefs covering the wall of the second gallery is dedicated to Sudhana’s tireless wandering during his search for the highest wisdom. The story is continued on the walls and balustrades of the third and fourth galleries. Most of the 460 panels depict the scenes based on the Mahayana text Gandavyuha, while the concluding scenes are derived from the text of Badracari.

On the last three circular uppermost terraces, 72 stupas circle the huge main stupa that crowns the top of the temple. The circular form represents the eternity without beginning and without end, a superlative, tranquil, and pure state of the formless world. There are no reliefs on the three circular terraces.

All but the largest central stupas on the upper levels contain a (more or less) life-sized statue of the Buddha kneeling, although many of these statues are missing or damaged. There are also many alcoves along the lower levels which contain similar statues but many of these are missing or damaged as well.

There are several flights a day to Yogyakarta from both Jakarta and Bali. Flight time is about one hour for both. Traveling overland from Bali is possible by minibus but may take up to 24 hours on busy roads. From Jakarta, there are several trains a day, costing about $15 for air-conditioned first class, which can take between 7 and 10 hours.

Getting from Yogyakarta to Borobudur takes an hour by car. Vehicles with a driver can easily be rented at the airport or from hotels for about $35 a day. Exploring Yogyakarta is best by three-wheeled pedicab or horse-drawn cart for about $2 an hour.

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2008-03-06T20:11:00.000-08:00

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Fishing Gear: Swivel Rod Rack

2008-03-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

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What Fish Don't Want You to Know: An Insider's Guide to Freshwater Fishing (Paperback)

2008-03-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

What Fish Don't Want You to Know: An Insider's Guide to Freshwater Fishing (Paperback)

This comprehensive, entertaining, and foolproof guide covers everything novice and avid anglers need to know to catch freshwater fish--from bass and trout to salmon and walleye--and reveals the two basic ways to catch ALL fish.

With numerous photographs and illustrations, easy-to-follow instructions, and a liberal dose of good humor, the author shares his 40 years of angling expertise, including how to:

a. Read the waters and the weather
b. Select the right baits and lures for particular fish and situations
c. Know which gear is essential and which is merely desirable
d. Get maximum results on a minimum budget
e. Practice proper etiquette and ethics
f. Turn a tough day into a great one with dozens of tricks and tips

Laced with amusing anecdotes and commonsense, this book will unlock the secrets of fishing and teach anglers how to catch more fish.

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Anyone can toss a line into the water and get lucky once in a while, but if you want to catch more and bigger fish and have more fun doing it, you need to learn What Fish Don't Want You to Know. Whether you're new to fishing or an accomplished angler, this comprehensive and entertaining guide will improve your chances every time you cast a line into fresh water.

With easy-to-follow instructions and a liberal dose of humor, this 97.3 percent foolproof manual reveals the secrets for catching any fish from bass and trout to salmon and walleye. Author Frank Baron plumbs his forty years of angling experience to show you the best ways to fish small streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds; change tactics with the seasons; and reveals the two basic methods for catching ALL fish. You'll also learn how to:

a. Read water and how weather affects fish behavior
b. Select the right baits and lures for particular fish and situations
c. Recognize underwater habitats and adjust your techniques accordingly
d. Master proper lure and bait presentation
e. Know which gear is essential and which is desirable
f. Turn a tough day into a great one with dozens of tricks and tips

Packed with wisdom, common sense, and amusing and instructive fish stories, What Fish Don't Want You to Know is the one fishing guide you don't want to let get away.

Lake can leave anglers feeling bluegills

2007-07-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

By Bob Riepenhoff

Muskego - The shoreline shallows of Little Muskego Lake were alive with bluegills.

The bluegills appeared to be done with their spawning and now were grouped in big schools, just cruising the sand- and gravel-bottom shallows and, as we soon found out, they were in the mood to feed.

Little Muskego Lake is a 506-acres lake with a maximum depth of 65 feet located in eastern Waukesha County.

According to Sue Beyler, inland fisheries supervisor for the Department of Natural Resources' Southeast Region, the state stocks 25,300 walleye fingerlings every other year, plus 2,530 3- to 5-inch northern pike every year. In addition, the lake has natural populations of largemouth bass and panfish including bluegills, perch, crappies, pumpkinseed sunfish and rock bass.

The most recent fish survey, conducted in 2001, found bass up to 18 inches, bluegills up to about 7 inches, northern pike up to 27 inches and walleyes up to 10 inches, although earlier surveys found walleyes up to 17 inches, Beyler said.

There are no special regulations or boat rentals.

"It gets fished pretty well," Beyler said. "In summer, people catch bluegills and bass, and walleyes at night. Most of the angling I see is early, before the weeds are up and the motorboat traffic is heavy. It's like most southeastern Wisconsin lakes where anglers avoid the middle part of the day when boat traffic is heavy.

"Mornings and evenings it offers good bass fishing. They ice fish it in winter. Kingston Bay in the southwest and Schubring Bay in the southeast produce northern pike through the ice."

Weeds are an issue. In addition to native plants found in the bays, the lake has Eurasian water milfoil and curly leaf pond weed, both undesirable non-native invasive species.

"The city and the lake association have done cutting and chemical treatments to keep the invasive in check, but it's an ongoing problem," Beyler said.

In the 1970s, the lake was drawn down and chemically treated to eradicate an infestation of carp. But the carp have returned, coming from Linnie Lac to the north via the Muskego Creek.

Jim Laganowski and I launched our boat at Idle Isle Park on the north end of the lake on a recent sunny morning with a light breeze out of the southeast. There are smaller launches, with limited parking, off Kingston Drive on the south end of the lake and Island Drive on the northeast end. The launches cost $5, or you can buy a seasonal pass from the city of Muskego for $30 that is also good for Big Muskego and Denoon lakes.

Laganowski, of Franklin, guides on Big Muskego Lake, but this was his first trip to Little Muskego Lake. I'd fished Little Muskego once before for bass.

That's what we decided to try for first. We worked the edge of the weed flat in about 7 to 8 feet of water with plastics, spinner baits and buzz baits but we couldn't find any active bass. We tired deeper water with the same results.

As we worked our way around the southeast island, we noticed that the water was very cloudy. We soon spotted the culprits - spawning carp that were roiling up the water and maybe affecting the bass fishing.

When we motored to the south end, we found clear water that was loaded with bluegills.

We anchored, put down our bass gear and picked up ultralight spinning rods with 4-pound monofilament line and small bobbers to present wax worms hooked on small chicken-feather jigs, and started to catch bluegills. It was easy and fun. You made a cast, waited for the bobber to go down and hooked another fish.

When things slowed down, we'd move the boat to a new spot but, basically, we stayed in about 3 to 8 feet of water, where the weeds started, and had steady action. We caught dozens of bluegills, keeping just enough for a fish fry and releasing the rest.

"In southeastern Wisconsin, the prime time for bluegill spawning is usually the first week in June," Laganowski said. "After that, they'll hang around the first weeds until the water warms up and then they'll move to deeper water. If you can find them, the fish will be hungry."

We didn't find the bass, but we timed Little Muskego Lake's post-spawn bluegill bite just right.

Alaska

2007-06-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

Alaska (IPA: /əˈlɒs.kə/, Russian: Аляска) is a state of the United States of America that is located in the extreme northwest portion of North America, west of Canada. It is the largest U.S. state in terms of area (by a substantial margin), along with being one of the wealthiest and most racially diverse.[2]

The area that became Alaska was purchased from Russian interests on October 18, 1867 for $7 Million. The land went through several administrative changes before becoming an organized territory in 1912 and the 49th state of the U.S. on January 3, 1959. The name "Alaska" is derived from the Aleut alaxsxaq, meaning "the mainland", or more literally "the object towards which the action of the sea is directed".

Alaska does not border any U.S. state; it abuts the Yukon and British Columbia, Canada, to the east, the Gulf of Alaska and the Pacific Ocean to the south, the Bering Sea, Bering Strait, and Chukchi Sea to the west, and the Beaufort Sea and the Arctic Ocean to the north.

Alaska has the largest land area of any U.S. state at 570,380 square miles (1,477,277 km²) and is over twice as large as Texas, the next largest state.

Because the state is so large, its geographical characteristics vary widely by region. Southcentral Alaska, the state's southern coastal region, contains Anchorage (Alaska's largest city) and most of the state's population. Southeast Alaska is home to several mid-size towns (including the state capital Juneau), tidewater glaciers, and extensive forests. Southwest Alaska is largely coastal, sparsely populated, and unconnected to the road system; it is known for wet and stormy weather, tundra landscapes. The Alaska Interior is marked by large braided rivers and Arctic tundra lands and shorelines. The Aleutian Islands that extend west from the southern tip of the Alaska Peninsula contain many active volcanoes. The North Slope is known for its oil reservoirs and extreme climate. The Alaskan Bush is a general term encompassing any remote part of the state.

With its numerous islands, Alaska has nearly 34,000 miles (54,720 km) of tidal shoreline. Alaska is home to 3.5 million lakes of 20 acres (8 ha) or larger. Marshlands and wetland permafrost cover 188,320 square miles (487,747 km²) (mostly in northern, western and southwest flatlands). Frozen water, in the form of glacier ice, covers some 16,000 square miles (41,440 km²) of land and 1,200 square miles (3,110 km²) of tidal zone.

The Inside Passage is Alaska's biggest cruise destination, but popular cruises also visit Prince William Sound, the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea.

Passengers are treated to heroic, historic and romantic scenery, plus sightings of Alaska's most majestic wildlife: whales, bald eagles and bears.

Round-trip passengers on one-week Alaska cruises embark at Seattle, Wash., or in Vancouver, British Columbia. The routes usually run the length of the Inside Passage and back.

One-way passengers often board at Seattle or Vancouver and travel as far as Seward or Whittier, Alaska. Once they're back on land, they board a bus, train or car for their further travel and usually fly home from Anchorage or Fairbanks. The trip is also made in reverse for south-bound travelers.

Where the ships go
The Inside Passage is also known as the Panhandle and as simply "Southeast."

The main ports of call are Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and Skagway, along with Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Prince William Sound, tucked into the underbelly of Alaska, holds abundant wildlife and glaciers, including Columbia Glacier. Cruises heading to Whittier travel through part of the Sound.

Cruises in the Gulf of Alaska visit Seward and Kodiak.

Bering Sea cruises call at Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, Nome and the Pribilof Islands.

Alaska has lots of attractions and few people

The islands and towns of the southeastern panhandle are most easily reached by commuter plane. You can drive only to Skagway or to Haines via the Alaska Highway. Alaska Marine Highway ferries travel from Bellingham, Washington, or Prince Rupert, Canada, to Sitka, Juneau and Haines with numerous stops at many of the shoreline communities. They can be a very convenient means of transportation between the seaside towns along the panhandle.

There are four ways to get to Alaska from the continental United States: air, boat, train or car. Although Juneau is the state capitol, most flights go in and out of Fairbanks or Anchorage, since they are larger and provide easy access to more of the state. There are daily direct flights from most major cities in the "lower 48" states. Within the state, there are frequent commuter flights between cities plus charter helicopters and small planes providing transportation to the more remote locations.

Niagara Falls

2007-06-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Niagara Falls are a set of massive waterfalls located on the Niagara River in eastern North America, on the border between Ontario, Canada and New York state (United States). Niagara Falls (French: les Chutes du Niagara) comprises three separate waterfalls (one in Canada, the other two in the U.S.): the Canadian Horseshoe Falls (Canada), the American Falls, and the smaller, adjacent Bridal Veil Falls. The Falls are located 17 miles (27 km) from the American city of Buffalo, New York, and 75 miles (120 km) from the Canadian city of Toronto, Ontario.

The Falls formed after glaciers receded at the end of the most recent Ice Age, as water from the newly formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. While not exceptionally high, Niagara Falls is very wide. With more than 6 million cubic feet (168,000 m³) of water falling over the crestline every minute[1] in high flow, and almost 4 million cubic feet (110,000 m³) on average, it is the most powerful waterfall in North America.[2]

Niagara Falls is renowned both for its beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power for Ontario and New York. Preserving this natural wonder from commercial over-development, while allowing for the needs of the area's people, has been a challenging project for environmental preservationists since the 1800s. A popular tourist site for over a century, the Falls are shared between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York.

Peak numbers of visitors occur in the summertime, when Niagara Falls are both a daytime and evening attraction. From the Canadian side, floodlights illuminate both sides of the Falls for several hours after dark (until midnight). The number of visitors in 2007 is expected to total 20 million and by 2009, the annual rate is expected to top 28 million tourists a year.

The oldest and best known tourist attraction at Niagara Falls is the Maid of the Mist boat cruise, named for an ancient Ongiara Indian mythical character, who have carried passengers into the whirlpools beneath the Falls since 1846. Cruise boats operate from boat docks on both the United States and Canadian sides of the falls.

Maldives

2007-06-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

Sun, sand and sea, a thousand Robinson Crusoe islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination.

However there is more to the Maldives than just that. Male would certainly count as one of the smallest capitals in the world in terms of its physical size. A third of the country population, about 75,000 live in Male. Different from any other island in the country, Male is a city of high-rise buildings and paved roads.

Not only do you discover aspects of the planet denied to most people, but you make a lot of good friends as well! The Maldives is famed for its rare underwater beauty. The profusion of psychedelic colours and the abundance and variety of life underwater have fascinated divers and snorkellers since Maldives was discovered as a diving destination. The highest level of visibility that one could expect- sometimes exceeding 50 metres - and warm temperatures throughout the year makes diving in the Maldives a delight you would want to experience over and over again.

Diving Maui Scuba

2007-05-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

Maui's best scuba diving is Molokini crater located about 20 minutes by fast boat off the coast of Maui has to be one of the best scuba diving sites in Hawaii and the world. It offers great snorkeling and scuba diving on the inside of the crater with over 100 different species of fish at depths that most free divers can get to, and with the visibility all most always in the 40 to 50 meter range you can see everything from the top making this a truly special place. We did our Maui scuba diving adventure with Ed Robinsons a little expensive but worth the money for the level of attention and overall quality of the experience

For scuba divers the backside wall is awesome with the dive being done as a drift dive on most days. You can really get the feeling of clear water vertigo here when you are looking away from the wall for some of the big stuff that can come by like oceanic manta rays or turtles returning to the surface for some air. Before the first dive we sat on the boat looking over the side into the water and we could see the sharks circling on the bottom at almost 70 meters. As you are swimming on the wall you will see pyramid bluenose and reticulated butterfly’s which are not extremely rare but you really need to look for them in other places in Hawaii if you want to see them. White tip sharks hide out in hole in the wall. We were very fortunate that we witnessed for over10 minutes 2 oceanic manta rays getting cleaned by a school of tang these magnificent graceful creatures get to the be the size of Volkswagens and are fantastic to watch as they swoop and turn while feeding.

After the dives at Molokini crater we went into the area around little Makena beach which is little more famous for being a nude beach, than a premier Hawaii scuba diving site and were rewarded with a find of a dragon moray, arguably the 2 second most beautiful eel behind the blue ribbon eel, which is not found in Hawaii. We saw many other things as well and this dive alone would be worth a dive trip with or without the nudists.

Scuba diving

2007-05-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

When selecting a scuba mask it is essential that it fits your face well to ensure that it is both comfortable and leak free. Without a good seal against the face you may spend much of your time clearing the mask of water, while an uncomfortable mask detracts from your diving experience – both lead to enjoying your dives less but because they distract you from your environment they are also potentially unsafe.

Finding a mask that fits your face well is a simple matter and can be tested with the following three-step procedure:

1. Place the mask on your face but with the strap placed out of the way.
2. Inhale slightly through the nose so that the slight vacuum holds the mask on your face.
3. Test the fit by gently moving your head and it should remain in place if you gently try and pull it away from your face.

At the end of this test you will have determined whether a scuba mask fits your face well or not, so now it is time to examine other features.

Style

Most masks on the market today have low internal volume, which means that the mask is more comfortable to use since the diver won't experience much mask squeeze during the dive. This style of mask is now usual and features a pocket for the nose that protrudes forward of the lenses and as well as low volume the large lenses allow for a wider field of view, but models to look for include Cressi Big-Eyes, although it is not suitable for all face shapes.

Colour

This is purely a matter of personal preference and you may not have any preference at all. The traditional colour for masks, and all dive equipment in fact, was black due to the use of neoprene. These days silicone is used instead for masks, which is more flexible and less susceptible to sun damage. Silicone can be supplied transparent or in a multitude of shades due to the use of colouring agents, but many people still choose black. However, some people claim masks made with transparent silicone give better visibility due to the greater amount of light allowed to enter.

Skirt

High quality scuba masks feature a silicone skirt that thins towards the edge, allowing for a better and more comfortable fit against the skin of the face. Often you'll see a second skirt inside the upper edge of the skirt that allows a better seal. Its absence at the bottom is to allow water to drain more easily from inside the mask.

Strap

There are many occasions when you'll need to adjust your mask strap and so ensure that you find the mask easy to adjust. If you wear gloves when diving then make sure you can adjust it quickly and easily with gloves on. And while on the subject of mask straps, remember to always carry a spare – it is one of the more common equipment failures and the lack of a spare may mean you have to remain on the boat when everyone else is enjoying the submarine world.

Those are the most important factors to consider both when buying a new scuba mask or using rental equipment from a dive center. By ensuring a good fit you ensure your own comfort and safety while a combination of the other factors will mean you get many happy years of service from your scuba mask.

Cruise line vacation

2007-05-01T23:24:00.000-07:00

Casinos. Formal dining rooms. Day spas and fitness centers. All cruise lines offer the same things, right? That may have been true decades ago, but no longer! Today, there is a great deal of variety in the cruise lines with regard to onboard activities, amenities, destinations and more. Since "how do I choose a cruise line" is probably the most frequently asked question I get, allow me to give you a quick overview of the most popular cruise lines and what each offers. You'll want to bookmark this article so you can find it quickly in the future when you're ready to book your next cruise.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Known as the Fun Ships®, Carnival made a bold move years ago by breaking the stereotype of cruise vacations. Carnival opened the door to Ordinary Joe to experience vacations at sea just as the rich and famous did. Thanks to Carnival, everybody can take a cruise at an affordable rate. These are fun, basic cruises that offer comfortable accommodations and all the amenities you would expect. Casinos, Broadway-style shows, spa treatments and fitness centers are all onboard, as well as extensive kids activities. With destinations to the most popular locations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and the Bahamas, Carnival offers quickie three- and four-day cruises as well as lengthy 16-day tours.

Norwegian Cruise Line

With several new ships launched over the last few years, Norwegian has a relatively new fleet. Known for "Freestyle Cruising," NCL gives you the freedom to do what you want to do, when you want to do it. Traveling to the four corners of the world, NCL offers an extensive lineup of destinations in addition to the typical ones listed above. Book passage to Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, Madrid, Amsterdam, Athens, or Paris, as well as numerous cities in Egypt, Norway and Belgium. Exclusive Courtyard Villas with exceptional amenities make accommodating large groups or families a breeze. The large array of kid’s activities means the children will also have a great time!

Royal Caribbean Cruises

The slogan "Get Out There!" should tell you something about Royal Caribbean. These fast-paced ships are new, innovative and large! With many firsts at sea, Royal Caribbean has the newest fleet at sea loaded with unusual things to do including a rock wall, FlowRider® onboard surfing machine, ice skating rink, boxing ring and bowling alley. All this in addition to the expected casinos, spas, fitness centers and restaurants. Extremely kid-friendly, Royal delivers a diverse selection of baby, toddler, child, pre-teen and teen activities. Sailing to the four corners of the world, Royal can take you to six of the seven continents for some amazing adventures.

Princess Cruises

The original "Love Boat," Princess Cruises has been a recognized leader in the industry since the early 70's when the television series put them in front of the public eye. Today, Princess continues to offer casual yet refined cruises to typical destinations as well as Asia, Australia, South America and Europe. With art auctions and ScholarShip® programs there's plenty to do onboard, including taking lessons in painting and digital photography plus listening to guest lecturers and more. Multiple youth and teen activities mean every member of the family can have a great time while vacationing on these smaller, but well-appointed ships.

Celebrity Cruises

More sophisticated and a little slower paced than the others, Celebrity's hallmark is exceptional service. With an eye toward anticipating the passenger's need and delivering before you even ask, Celebrity delivers award-winning service with every cruise. While they do offer a good selection of activities for children through teens, Celebrity offers more to adults. Enrichment programs and art auctions are included along with the typical casinos, shows and dining options. Offering signature destinations rarely found elsewhere, Celebrity can show you wonders of the world including the Galapagos Islands, Panama Canal and more around the globe.

Holland America Line

Signature white-glove service and premium accommodations set Holland America apart. With high levels of staffing, Holland sails with about one crewmember for every two guests, ensuring you get everything you want. A Culinary Arts Center offers hands-on as well as demonstration cooking lessons in a theater setting equipped with plasma TVs. Extensive programs for children and youth make this luxurious line family-friendly as well. Sailing to six of the seven continents, Holland calls on ports in lesser know, but fascinating destinations. Iceland, Norway, Greenland and Denmark as well as the ever-popular Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico can be visited when sailing with Holland.

Windstar Cruise Line

Intimate. Peaceful. Personal. Not massive ocean liners: Windstar offers cruises onboard motor-sail yachts with sails furling! Small ships accommodating just over 300 passengers offer a truly unique way to see the most popular destinations in the world including the Caribbean, Europe and the Greek Isles. Take part in water sports right off the back of the ship! Relish in the gourmet meals and enjoy the pampering of well-appointed cabins. Geared specifically to adults, no children's activities are offered. Two of the three ships have casinos; all have a delightfully different way to enjoy a cruise.

Cunard

The best of the best. Cunard says, "Excellence is to be expected" and they mean it! With three of the most recognized ships in the world, the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Queen Victoria, Cunard offers five-star service and accommodations at every turn. Regal in every detail, these world-famous ships frequently play host to royalty, heads of state, the wealthy and celebrities. Reminiscent of grand ocean liners of past eras, Cunard is home to Canyon Ranch Spa, offers cultural enrichment programs and also an onboard planetarium. Partake in authentic English afternoon tea, stroll the deck, try your luck at the casino or drop the children off in The Zone while you relax on deck. Sailing to the four corners of the world, Cunard can take you anywhere you want to go.

Wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do, use the guide above to direct you to the right cruise line for you at the right price. You'll quickly be able to decide the best vacation for you and your family with just a glance.

Article source

Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at cruisevacationcenter offering the best deals on cruises from New York.

Fishing

2007-04-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

Fishing is probably one of the most popular forms of recreation in the world. You can find people of all ages and gender, from all walks of life, enjoying the sport from shore and from boats. The equipment used in fishing, or tackle as it is called by fishermen, is relatively uncomplicated. All you really need to start fishing is a rod, a reel, fishing line, hooks and lures. The cheap equipment and abundance of fishing spots all over the world make it easy for anyone to fish. For others, it can be another source of food; for many, it’s a chance to go out into the outdoors and spend time alone or with like-minded friends.

Fishing, or angling, can be enjoyed either in fresh water or salt water. When you fish in streams, lakes, rivers, and ponds, then you’re going freshwater fishing. You can catch trout, bass, and several other species this way. On the other hand, saltwater fishing takes place in oceans, estuaries, and tidal rivers. The fish you can catch here are typically bigger than the usual ones you can catch while freshwater fishing. These include tuna, snappers, marlin, sailfish, and tarpon.

You’ve probably heard about spin fishing, bait fishing, and fly fishing. These are the most common types of angling used both in salt water and fresh water fishing. But what exactly are the differences between these three?

Bait fishing means using live or dead bait to catch fish, plain and simple. When a fisherman goes bait fishing, the bait is placed on a hook and then cast into the water, where the bait sinks. Now, depending on the type of fish, the fisherman may then let the bait sink to the bottom of the water, jig the bait up and down to attract fishes by the movement, or reel the bait in to attract fish swimming near the surface of the water.

Spin fishing uses metal or plastic lures to entice and catch fish. These lures spin as the fisherman reels in the line. Fishermen using this technique always pay close attention to the speed by which they reel in the lure, as well as the depth, or how deep is the lure in the water. These actions, along with the spinning of the lure, are necessary to imitate the movements of common game fish prey. When a fish bites the moving lure, it usually hooks itself, and then all the fisherman needs to do is to reel it in and land it with either a net or a gaff. Lighter fishing rods are used for smaller fish, and bigger rods are reserved for larger ones.

Fly fishing is generally considered the most difficult method. A typical fly fishing rod weighs less than the rods used for spin and bait fishing, and longer, too. This type of fishing uses feathered lures particularly created to resemble the appearance of insects or small fish. In casting, the fisherman whisks the rod forward then back with only the forearm. The line is then cast into a specific spot in the water with a sharp and smooth flick of the wrist. Depending on the type of fly, it can then float or sink in the water. What makes fly fishing so difficult is the smooth, precise movement necessary to introduce the fly into the water as naturally as possible.

The spring and autumn seasons are generally considered the best for game fishing, since these are when the fish are most active. Fish can still be caught during summer and winter, although the fish are usually a bit more sluggish and less inclined to chase lures or bait. Water temperatures also play an important part in deciding the best time to fish, since different types of fish are active at different temperatures. If their natural prey is around, you can also expect game fish to be more active.

About The Author:
Azlan Irda is a co-founder of http://www.fishingjoe.com, where you can get all the best fishing equipment at the best prices. Visit us for all your fishing equipment needs.

Panama City Vacation

2007-04-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

The city has numerous tourist attractions including world-class hotels and restaurants. Of particular interest to tourists are various sites located in the Casco Viejo (also commonly referred to as "Casco Antiguo" or "San Felipe"), including

a. Las Bóvedas, literally The Vaults, a waterfront promenade jutting out into the Pacific;
b. The National Institute of Culture Building and across from it, the French Embassy;
c. The Cathedral on Plaza de la Catedral;
d. Teatro Nacional, a recently renovated performance center, with outstanding natural acoustics; It provides an intimate performance environment, seating about 800 guests.
e. Museo del Canal Interoceánico (Interoceanic Canal Museum);
f. Numerous restaurants located near the French embassy.
g. Palacio de las Garzas (Heron's Palace), the official name of the presidential palace. There actually are herons in the compound.

Further southwest one can climb Ancon Hill for an overview of the city (see photograph at the end of the article) and beyond that is the fairly well-known bridge that spans the Panama Canal, the Bridge of the Americas. Another new bridge over the Panama Canal, the Centennial Bridge, is also becoming an attraction.

Recently relocated to the entrance of Curundu Heights in the former Panama Canal Zone is the Museo Antropológico Reina Torres de Araúz (Reina Torres de Arauz Anthropological Museum) — better known by its Spanish acronym MARTA — with precious metal artifacts from pre-Columbian Panama.

The area immediately east of the Pacific entrance of the canal--known as the Amador Causeway is currently being developed as a major tourist center with many North American style malls, hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants. Currently the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute operates a station and a small museum open to the public on Culebra Island, just off the island of Naos (See inset). The noted American architect Frank Gehry known for the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum and the Disney Concert Center in Los Angeles, has designed a structure which will be built in this area. The structure, called The Bridge of Life Museum is scheduled to be completed in 2007.

Visitors who wish to experience more of the local atmosphere are advised to look for accommodations nearer the commercial and financial center of the city; that is, the neighborhoods of Bella Vista, Marbella or El Cangrejo. For tighter budgets Casco Viejo is a better option. In the neighborhood known as Bella Vista, Calle Uruguay is home to Panama's newest cosmopolitan restaurants among them La Rioja, Bistro 10, Peperoncini and La Posta. The city is also growing as a haven for seniors from the United States due to low-tax incentives and a tropical climate. The demand for space in Panama City has sparked a construction boom and skyscrapers are being to built as condos to supply the number of people entering the city. A new building, currently under construction in the city, the Ice Tower will be nearly the height of the World Trade Center; its highest floor will be as tall as the mast of the Empire State Building. Billionaire tycoon Donald Trump sees the city's future as a bright one. In 2006, he moved into the construction frenzy in Panama City with a tower that is to be more than 800 feet tall. The city is emerging as a regional player in finance and chances are that more buildings are on the way to supply all the business arrivals the city is getting.

Summer Vacation

2007-04-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

While summer vacation can be relaxing times for sleeping in, eating home-cooked meals, and seeing old friends; for many students it may fall significantly short of the romanticized image. Issues that students often face can be discussed under three different headings:

Family and Home:When returning home from college, a period of readjustment is natural and expected. After a year away, you may have changed from the person your family remembers. Sometimes parents feel threatened by such changes, perhaps feeling a loss of control, fearing of your new independence, or feeling devalued in their parental role. Even the best families occasionally struggle with such tensions, which need not become insurmountable rifts. If talked about with mutual caring and respect, such tensions and changes can provide the basis for a more mature and equal relationship. In this way, your own development as a person may contribute to your parents' growth as they face the inevitable challenge of their own shifting roles.

Work: Looking for a job — whether it be for the summer or a career job following graduation — is a major rite of passage. This rite, which marks the passage into adulthood, challenges us to demonstrate who we are and what we know to the larger world. We are also challenged to maintain our self-esteem and sense of perspective in the face of evaluation and possible rejection. Although summer employment is less an indication of one's social status and success than launching one's career, it is easy to become caught up in the process finding the perfect summer job One way to avoid the roller-coaster of expectation and disappointment is to keep in mind that every loss or closed door is also an opportunity. Obstacles teach us to become more resilient, flexible, and creative — qualities whose value will last far longer than the three summer months. Even unemployment can teach us such lessons as humility and valuing the moment, instilling in us a confidence in our ability to survive our worst fears. The next time one of your hopes or expectations is dashed against reality, you might ask yourself: what opportunities does this leave open? Perhaps, you will be surprised by what you discover.

Social Life and Recreation: It seems to defy common sense to suggest that many of us struggle more with having free time on our hands than with being intensely busy. And yet, the sudden lack of structure that accompanies extended vacations poses a real challenge for many people. Some students even experience depression, as personal issues that were submerged under the demands of school and work suddenly rise to the surface. Since most of us were raised in a system that tends to organize our time for us, many of us have not learned to structure our free time in ways that are personally gratifying. Leaving new friends behind and discovering that old friends have moved or changed, can also leave us facing a social vacuum. Again, while this loss may be frustrating and painful; it also presents opportunities, such as discovering new interests, stretching our social horizons, or letting ourselves explore the places and pursuits that live only in our fantasy life. And if you feel stuck, remember: who is holding you back, if not yourself?

A final note.If family problems or personal struggles become too much, there are likely some resources nearby to help you. Crisis lines, job boards, recreation programs, and counseling agencies exist in many communities. If you are looking for a professional therapist, you might start by calling the county mental health agency, crisis line, or local college counseling center for a referral.

Written by: Mark Evans, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist, University of Oregon Counseling Center

Hawaii-Maui

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Hawaii-Maui
The Valley Island
Travel to Maui and experience a world-class resort destination offering luxurious beachfront hotels and a wide variety of resort options to meet every budget. The spectacular beaches at Kapalua, Kaanapali, Lahaina, Kihei, Wailea and Makena, all on the west side of the island, are among the world's best. With its variety of dining options, fabulous shopping, championship golf and incredible beaches, Maui is the ultimate vacation experience.

* Maui's mythic aura begins high atop Mauna Haleakala with its towering, dormant volcano crater big enough to hold Manhattan. Bundle up and watch the sun rise over Haleakala's moonlike surface for an experience you'll always remember.
* Maui is a golfer's paradise. Three incredibly scenic, championship courses in Kapalua are home to professional tournaments. More spectacular courses are found in Makena and Wailea.
* Explore historic Lahaina, once Hawaii's royal capital and later a famous whaling town. Today you'll find incredible shopping, dining and nightlife.
* Discover the Road to Hana and swim at the Pools at O'heo for an unforgettable trip. The twisting, narrow ribbon road weaves in and out of sea cliffs, mountains, valleys and waterfalls, and through rain forests and jungles of ferns.

Costa Rica Vacation

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Beaches, over 735 miles of glistening sandy beach outline lush rainforest where orchids boom, toucans primp their feathers and troops of howler monkeys prance from branch to branch. A climate which guarantees perfect sunny days and temperatures of 81 average. Costa Rica is also known as "Little Switzerland" and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Exotic ferns, flowers, butterflies and over 800 species of birds, plus sparkling waterfalls, thermal springs and majestic volcanoes are on the menu for the best vacation yet. Beaches, yes, but you'll need to bring your sneakers!

The most popular tour route in Costa Rica encompasses volcanoes, beaches and cloud and rainforests.
The individual destinations described below were chosen in a purely objective manner based on visitor statistics compiled by the ICT, SINAC and MINAE. For others there are no statisics and we deterimined the most popular by personal observation, and talking to residents, expats and people in the travel industry to come to a consensus.

Also have a look at the most popular adventures in Costa Rica, and the best kept secrets for Costa Rica travelers.

The single most visited place in Costa Rica is the capital San José. More travelers are taking advantage of the "new" international airport in Liberia but San José is the hub for all domestic flights and public buses. Because the geography demands that nearly all roads lead to the capital the majority of foreign visitors spend at least a day or two there.

Costa Rica Cuisine

Visitors to Costa Rica sometimes comment that the food isn’t very exciting. On the tourist trail, it is easy to get the impression that Tico cuisine is rather unimaginative and nondescript, in part due to the ubiquity of gallo pinto. Rice and black beans cooked together with barely a hint of onion, red pepper, cilantro and broth create the de facto national dish.

Any vegetarian will tell you that combining rice and beans yields a complete protein, but most will also admit that it’s a little bland. Even so, it’s possible to become quite attached to the combination (especially pepped up by adding Salsa Lizano) and our kitchen has seen the recipe executed more than once.

However, there is much more to Tico cuisine than trying to find ways to disguise yet another plate of beans and rice. It’s almost impossible to avoid discovering a new favorite tropical fruit, excellent seafood corroborates the name "rich coast" and there are a number of Tico specialties and regional cuisines that are worth seeking out.

Orlando Vacation

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America's family fun capital, Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Sea World and other famous mega-theme parks, including Discovery Cove and Universal Studios. There's more going on in the city than just Mickey and Goofy and the gang though. Once you've had your fill of the theme parks, adults will also be able to choose from several outstanding golf courses in the area, a family-friendly science center, plenty of entertainment options and a fine art museum.
The city of Orlando is the county seat of Orange County, Florida. According to the 2000 census, the city population was 185,951. A 2005 U.S. Census population count gave the city population as 213,223, making it the sixth largest city in Florida. It is also at the head of the Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Orlando-Kissimmee MSA is Florida's third-largest metropolitan area, behind Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater.

The city is best known for the many tourist attractions in the area, in particularly the nearby Walt Disney World Resort, which is located in the Reedy Creek Improvement District (outside Orlando city limits). Other notable area attractions include SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort. Despite being far from the main tourist attractions, downtown Orlando has recently seen much redevelopment, with many more projects currently under construction or planned. Orlando sees an estimated 52 million tourists a year. Orlando is the 2nd largest city in the country for number of hotel rooms. Orlando is also known for its wide array of golf courses, with numerous courses available for any level of golfer.

The city's nickname is "The City Beautiful". Its symbol is the fountain of Lake Eola. The current mayor is Buddy Dyer.

vacation Tips

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1. Confirm your vacation reservation, including hotel, air, car, train, dining and activity reservations. A few phone calls before you leave can save you from vacation stress later on.

2. Remember to cancel your home newspaper delivery since newspaper companies usually require you to cancel several business days ahead of time.

3. Organize the credit cards that you are planning to bring with you and order travelers cheques from your bank. Make a list of emergency numbers to call if your credit cards or travelers cheques get stolen.

4. If you are visiting a foreign country, order a small amount of that country's currency from your bank to take with you.
5. Pack as light as possible or consider shipping large bags, golf and ski equipment to your destination. There are services that will pick up bags at your home or at the office and deliver them to your destination by the required date. For example, see www.sportsexpress.com for more information.

6. Before you leave, check the weather at your destination (www.weather.com) for last-minute wardrobe adjustments.

7. If you are flying, call the airline and confirm that your flight is departing on time.

8. Pack your camera and video equipment at least 24 hours before leaving your house. This way you can make sure that all the necessary batteries have been charged.

9. If you are flying, pack a small carry-on bag of essentials you can't be without in case your bags get delayed.

10. If you are driving, make sure that you have a road atlas handy. You can also look up driving directions online before you go (www.mapblast.com) and find out approximate driving times.