Travel Adventures

Animated Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 06:09:00 +0000

Story Title: The Lazy Princess Sara of Greenland Once upon a time, in the frosty kingdom of Greenland, there lived a princess named Sara. Unlike most princesses who were renowned for their grace, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to their duties, Princess Sara was known for her unparalleled laziness. She preferred the warmth of her plush, fur-lined bed to the icy winds outside her castle walls, and her days were spent in a perpetual state of leisure, lounging on soft pillows and sipping hot cocoa. The kingdom of Greenland was a place of beauty, adorned with glistening snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and vibrant auroras that danced across the night sky. The people were hard-working and industrious, toiling in the frigid temperatures to maintain their homes and provide for their families. Yet, despite the bustling life outside, Princess Sara found more joy in napping than in attending royal obligations or engaging with her subjects. Her father, King Magnus, was a kind-hearted ruler who adored his daughter. However, he worried about her future. “A princess must not only be beautiful but also wise and benevolent,” he often lamented to his advisors. “If she continues to sleep through her responsibilities, how will she ever lead our people?” One day, the king decided that enough was enough. He summoned his court and devised a plan to encourage Princess Sara to become more engaged with her responsibilities. They decided to host a grand festival to celebrate the coming of spring, a time of renewal and joy. The festival would showcase the talents of the kingdom’s artisans, musicians, and performers. It was an event that demanded the princess’s involvement, and the king hoped it would ignite a spark of enthusiasm in her. As news of the festival spread throughout the kingdom, the villagers began their preparations. They crafted colorful decorations, baked delicious treats, and practiced their performances. Yet, Princess Sara remained blissfully unaware, nestled in her bed, dreaming of fluffy clouds and endless fields of flowers. On the eve of the festival, King Magnus approached his daughter’s chambers. He gently knocked on the door, and when there was no response, he opened it to find Sara sprawled out on her bed, a half-eaten chocolate croissant resting on her chest. “Sara, my dear,” he said with a warm smile, “tomorrow is the festival! You must rise and partake in the festivities. It will be a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with the people of our kingdom.” Sara cracked one eye open and groaned. “But, Father, why must I leave the comfort of my bed? The festival sounds exhausting. Can’t we simply celebrate in here?” King Magnus chuckled softly, “You will miss out on the joy our people bring. They have worked hard to prepare for this day. You, as their princess, must lead by example.” With a reluctant sigh, Sara rolled out of bed, her limbs heavy and her heart even heavier. “Fine, but only if I can wear my warmest slippers,” she mumbled, retreating to her wardrobe. The following day, the sun rose over the kingdom, casting a golden hue on the snow. Princess Sara, clad in a beautiful gown paired with fluffy slippers, stepped out into the bustling courtyard. To her surprise, the air buzzed with excitement. Children laughed and played, artisans showcased their crafts, and musicians filled the air with enchanting melodies. As she wandered through the festival, Sara found herself captivated by the vibrant colors and joyous spirit surrounding her. She admired the intricate tapestries woven by the villagers, tasted the freshly baked pastries that seemed to melt in her mouth, and listened to the captivating stories shared by the elders. Slowly but surely, a flicker of curiosity ignited within her. She approached a group of children gathered around a storyteller, his voice weaving tales of bravery and adventure. As she listened, she felt a warmth spreading through her heart, an unfamiliar sensation that began to replace her usual apathy. “Princess Sara!” one of the children exclaimed, noticing her presence. “Will you tell us a story too?” Sara hesitated, her mind racing. “But I’ve never told a story before,” she replied, feeling a tinge of uncertainty. “Please!” the children chimed in unison, their eyes wide with anticipation. Taking a deep breath, Sara felt an unexpected surge of confidence. “Alright, gather ‘round!” she declared, her voice growing stronger. She began to weave a tale of a brave knight and a fierce dragon, drawing inspiration from the stories she had heard earlier. As she spoke, her imagination blossomed, and the children listened intently, captivated by her words. The more she spoke, the more Sara realized she enjoyed sharing her creativity with others. The festival, which she had initially dreaded, transformed into a platform for her to connect with her people. Laughter filled the air, and for the first time, she felt a sense of purpose. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the festival, Princess Sara looked around at the smiling faces of her subjects. King Magnus watched from a distance, his heart swelling with pride. His daughter had discovered a joy she never knew existed—a joy found in the company of others. From that day forward, Princess Sara transformed from the lazy princess into an active member of her kingdom. She embraced her role with vigor, participating in the affairs of the state and attending to the needs of her people. Each day became a new adventure, and her once-sedate life was filled with laughter, creativity, and purpose. And so, in the kingdom of Greenland, Princess Sara became a beloved figure known not only for her beauty but also for her kindness and dedication to her people. The lazy princess had awakened, and a new era of joy and unity blossomed in the kingdom, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge to awaken the spirit within. Watch Video on Youtube. Please like and subscribe. Thank you. ================================ Hey Chatgpt, I want to create a 3D animated kids Horror story. Can you give me some title ideas? I 've chose the title "Whispers from the Dollhouse". Can you help me write an original and engaging script for the story? I plan to create a YouTube video based on this story, so please divide it into scenes. Also provide an image prompt, for each Scene. To ensure consistency in the character's profile throughout the story, please use the follow structure: "character name, age, gender, hairstyle, face description, outfit (top, bottom, footwear), background description and action. Give character a name and add each character's profile details. ======================== 🎬 [Video Title: “How to Make Kids Animated Movies with AI | ChatGPT, Leonardo AI, Kling, Premiere Pro”] 🎙️ [INTRO - Bright & Fun Background Music + Animated Logo] Narrator (Voiceover): Hey storytellers! ✨ Ever dreamed of making your own kids animated movie — filled with adorable characters, fun adventures, and a heartwarming message? You don’t need a big team or fancy studio… Just ChatGPT, Leonardo AI, Kling AI, and Premiere Pro. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through the entire process — step by step — using free and powerful AI tools. Let’s go from idea to animation — together! 🎬🌈 📖 [Step 1: Write Your Kids Story with ChatGPT] Screen Recording: ChatGPT Interface open Narrator: Every great movie starts with a great story. And that’s where ChatGPT comes in. Here’s a sample prompt to get you started: 📝 Prompt Example: "Write a short 10-scene story for 4–7-year-old kids about a brave squirrel named Nibbles who teams up with a shy turtle to save their magical forest from a sudden drought. Make it adventurous, funny, and include a moral lesson." 💬 ChatGPT will give you: A full storyline Dialogue between characters A scene-by-scene breakdown 🧠 Narrator Tip: Ask ChatGPT to break down each scene like this: "Give me scene 1: location, characters, dialogue, and actions." This helps with visual planning later. 🦸‍♂️ [Step 2: Build Your Main Character in Leonardo AI] Screen Recording: Leonardo.Ai UI — Text-to-Image Feature Narrator: Let’s meet your star: Nibbles the squirrel. From the story we just made, ChatGPT describes Nibbles like this: 📝 Character Profile: Name: Nibbles Species: Squirrel Traits: Brave, curious, energetic Appearance: Fluffy red tail, big eyes, wears a tiny green cape Personality: Always ready to help, loves acorns and adventure! Now in Leonardo AI, we’re going to generate this character using a clear prompt. 🧠 Narrator Tip: Use style keywords that match a child-friendly aesthetic like: "Cartoon, colorful, Pixar-style, 2D animation, cute, friendly." 🎨 Prompt Example for Leonardo: "A cartoon-style brave red squirrel with a fluffy tail, big eyes, wearing a small green cape, standing in a magical forest. Pixar-style, kid-friendly, full body, bright colors." ✨ Once you generate a few good versions, choose the best one and save it — we’ll use this image to maintain consistency later. 🔁 [Maintaining Character Consistency in Leonardo AI] Narrator: Want your character to look the same across all scenes? Use Leonardo’s image-to-image feature or fine-tuning. 🧠 Narrator Tip: Upload your chosen image of Nibbles as a reference, and give prompts like: "Same red squirrel in green cape, now running with a turtle in a desert scene, cartoon style." This way, Nibbles looks consistent across every frame of your movie. 🎞️ [Step 3: Animate Your Scenes with Kling AI] Screen Recording: Kling AI workspace showing animation generation Narrator: Now that you have your characters and backgrounds — let’s animate! Upload your AI-generated scenes into Kling AI. You can animate your still images by describing the action. 🎬 Prompt Example: "Make the squirrel run happily across the forest, waving at a turtle." Kling AI will apply motion to your scene, making it look like a real animation. 🧠 Narrator Tip: Keep actions simple and clean for younger audiences. One scene = one clear motion. Export your animated scenes in HD and save them in order. 🎤 [Step 4: Edit, Add Voice, and Music in Premiere Pro] Screen Recording: Adobe Premiere Pro Timeline with clips Narrator: It’s showtime! Open Premiere Pro and import your animated clips. Arrange scenes, add transitions, and line up your audio. For voiceovers: You can record your own Or use AI voices (like ElevenLabs, TTSMaker, or Narakeet) 🎶 Add free kids’ music and sound effects from the YouTube Audio Library or Pixabay Sounds. 🧠 Narrator Tip: Add subtle sound effects like birds, rustling leaves, and character giggles to bring life to the story. ===================== Title: Ali Baba and forty Thieves. Title: Ali Baba and forty Thieves.

Things to do Long Island NY

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 03:37:00 +0000

Things to Do on Long Island Long Island is a year-round destination with easy access to New York City and diverse attractions. There's something for everyone to enjoy from the famed beaches of the Hamptons, Fire Island and Jones Beach to historic Gold Coast mansions, award-winning vineyards, eclectic dining, boutique shopping and charming downtowns. Family on Beach IG: @jamie_rose_photography Beaches Long Island beaches are world-renowned for their fine white sand, spectacular waves, miles of boardwalks, and trails. Read More family with kids surfing at the beach Water Activities Long Island is known for its internationally acclaimed white-sand beaches - with a few famed spots including Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Coopers Beach, Main Beach, Fire Island and many more. Read More Sunken Meadow State Park Golf Outdoors & Recreation With remarkably diverse natural landscapes, from breathtaking beachfronts to lush forests, from floral oases to wildlife preserves, Long Island is a playground for outdoor lovers. Read More Parrish Art Museum Arts & Culture For more than four centuries, immigrants from all over the globe have made their home on Long Island, bringing their traditions from around the world. Read More Art Gallery Museums & History Long Island’s history is as vast and deep as the Atlantic. From the titans of the Roaring 20’s to the spies that shaped the revolutionary war, history lovers can relish in topics from moon landings to maritime. Read More Greenport Kids & Family Set your imagination free on Long Island with an endless amount of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Read More Harbes Farm Farms & Orchards Long Island has a farm for every season. Experience local with pick your own farms, award-winning vineyards and organic seafood and produce. Read More South-Fork-Shopping Shopping Trendsetters, sophisticated fashionistas, collectors, and bargain hunters alike flock to Long Island for its unmatched shopping opportunities. Read More gurneys spa Health & Wellness Keep your body healthy on Long Island by visiting one of our many spas, gyms, wellness centers and other practices dedicated to your health. Read More Nightlife Nightlife When the sun goes down, that's when Long Island comes alive. Explore the many downtowns throughout the region that keep the party going all night long. Read More Beach read Affordable Things To Do The best things in life are free, as the saying goes, which certainly applies to these affordable things to do on Long Island with family and friends. Read More

Duct Cleaning Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 05:40:00 +0000

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Welcome to the fabulous Pakistan!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 05:26:00 +0000

Welcome to the fabulous Pakistan!

Pakistan is situated in the west of India and china while Iran and Afghanistan share their border with Pakistan on western side. Pakistan although a very peaceful and very friendly nation has been very badly hit by the notorious war on terrorism by the countries who always envied the landscape and blessing of the country. The local media the war on terror leaders have now destroyed peace and tranquility of some areas of Pakistan's in a game that no one understands. This game is not an old one similar games (Gilgit Game, Great game) were played on this soil many years ago by similar powers.

This land Pakistan (The pure Land) be it called Pakistan or be it (Sindu Sapta the real India ) has probably been the most sought after land in the history. From the King Darius of Persia, the Alexander of Macedonia and numerous others have marched here in quest of this land. There has been lot of culture changes in this soil.

The spectacular views of the mountains the green planes, colorful deserts and the mighty Indus river are just a few things that this country has been blessed with. We are also blessed with the oldest history of the world. When we look at the civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia and others our Indus civilizations looks way too far well developed and well planned. We are the first urban civilization where city planning existed. We are the people who had binary system of the weights and the most accurate one 5000 yes five thousand years ago.

Dubai Travel - Things to Do in Dubai

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 09:44:00 +0000

The Dubai Mall
A shopper’s paradise
REDEFINE THE MEANING OF SHOPPING

Right next to the Burj Khalifa is The Dubai Mall. To call the sprawling development merely a shopping mall is doing it a disservice. Even an entire day spent here isn't enough to see it all. With its 1,200-plus shops and 150 restaurants,there are plenty of things to do, and the venue is also home to an indoor theme park, an ice rink, a huge indoor waterfall, a choreographed outdoor fountain and the giant Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

WITNESS WATER DANCE IN THE CENTRE OF DOWNTOWN DUBAI

The Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the iconic Burj Khalifa and just outside the doors of the famous Dubai Mall, features the world's largest choreographed fountain system. This popular dancing water show jets water streams as high as 150 metres in the air. Each colourful, illuminated jet sways in time to various musical numbers from around the world, producing what has become the one of the most popular shows in Dubai. Two showings occur in the afternoon (1pm and 1:30pm), except on Fridays (1:30pm to 2pm) and evening displays begin at sundown and take place every 30 minutes until the final song plays at 11pm.

EXPLORE ONE OF DUBAI’S ARCHITECTURAL TRIUMPHS

A man-made island in the shape of a palm tree - there's a reason why locals say 'only in Dubai.' Palm Jumeirah is one of the largest artificial islands in the world and a triumph of human ingenuity. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the Palm's vast array of high-end hotels, including the Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont, One&Only, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and, perhaps most notably, the iconic Atlantis, The Palm. And with a monorail running down the 'trunk' that connects to the mainland's tram system, getting there couldn't be easier.

STEP INTO OLD DUBAI’S WINDING WATERWAYS AND SOUKS

Dubai may be famous for the glitz and glamour of its sky-high towers, but the real heart of the city is, and always will be, the Creek. The saltwater estuary is the original site where the Bani Yas tribe settled, and its waters were vital for what used to be Dubai's main forms of economy: pearl diving and fishing. Today, the area is awash with the history of the emirate, as it's home to the Dubai Museum as well as the labyrinthine alleyways of the gold, spice and textile souks. While at the Creek, a ride across the water on a traditional abra is a must, and at an unbelievable AED1 per ticket, it's easily the best value tourist attraction in the city.

MEANDER THROUGH DUBAI’S URBAN BEACH DISTRICT

For those who like to shop, dine, see a movie and go to the beach all in one place, consider a trip to The Beach opposite JBR. With guest DJs pumping out the tunes on weekends, a regular open-air cinema and a popular water park to entertain the little ones for an hour or two, JBR is always buzzing with activity.

7
Kite Beach
Dubai’s neighbourhood beach
HIT THE WAVES ON THIS VIBRANT STRETCH OF SAND

The aptly-named Kite Beach is the perfect spot to test out your watersports skills, but there's plenty to do out of the water at this popular spot, too! Grab a smoothie from one of the many open-air cafes and restaurants just steps from the beach, watch bikers and skaters fly by at the newly finished skate park or get into a game of volleyball. With plenty of beach activities, plus an awesome view of the Burj Al Arab, it's easy to spend the whole day here.

17 things to bring to Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 05:19:00 +0000

17 things to bring to Africa
1) LifeStraw – Avoiding tap water is probably the #1 thing visitors should do to stay healthy in Africa. Bottled water is available almost everywhere, but buying it everyday gets pricey and creates a ton of plastic waste. The LifeStrawis a cheap and eco-friendly alternative, and it’ll take up very little space in your bag.

2) Activated charcoal – If you’re careful about what you eat and drink as you travel around Africa, hopefully you can avoid getting sick. But there’s always some risk, so bring a bottle of activated charcoal to be prepared. If you do get sick, it’ll stop diarrhea by absorbing whatever toxins are in your system.

3) Power adapter: Universal and South Africa – If you’re coming from North America, you’ll need a power adapter anywhere in Africa. Several different types of plugs are found throughout the continent, though, so a universal adapter is the way to go. If you’re headed to Southern Africa, you’ll want to bring a South Africa-specific adapter as well, because that plug is typically not part of the universal ones.

4) Travel insurance – Even though visiting Africa can be just as safe as anywhere else, it’s a place where you need to expect the unexpected and buying travel insurance is a very good idea. It costs a tiny fraction of your total trip cost and will cover you in the unlikely event of an emergency. This should give you some welcome peace-of-mind that you’ll be covered no matter what happens. World Nomads is a popular company among frequent travelers, and it’s the one I like to use.
View their plans at WorldNomads.com ➜
5) Passport holder – You’ll obviously need your passport to travel around Africa (and to get there in the first place), and a holder is useful for protecting it and keeping other valuables organized, too. This one will hold cash, credit cards, and even a cell phone, and it’s much less likely than a regular wallet to get stolen.

6) Stainless steel water bottle – Staying hydrated in essential in hot climates, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outside, so keeping a water bottle with you is a good idea. You can use your bottle with the LifeStraw, or just refill it if you have access to a treated water source.

7) Flip-flops: Women’s and Men’s and/or Chacos: Women’s and Men’s or Crocs: Women’s and Men’s – The best shoes to wear in Africa depends on what you’re doing, but you’ll definitely want to bring a pair of sandals. Flip-flops are useful for staying someplace with shared showers or hanging out at the beach or pool, and sturdier sandals, like these Chacos or Crocs, are a goodchoice for light hiking or water activities.

8) First-Aid kit – While the risk of injury is no higher in Africa than elsewhere, it’s easy to get small cuts or scrapes, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outside. Packing a First-Aid kit like this one will ensure you have basic supplies you might need, like Band-Aids, gauze, and antiseptic wipes.

9) Hiking shoes: Women’s and Men’s(hot weather);Women’s and Men’s – For strenuous hikesor treks, you’ll be more comfortable in protective hiking shoes. In Africa’s warmest climates, waterproof shoes are too hot, so you should bring a pair of ventilated shoes instead. For colder climates and higher elevations, though, keeping your feet dry is critical, and you’ll want the warmth and protection that waterproof shoes offer.

10) Sarong – I pack a sarong almost every time I travel, because they can be used in place of so many other things: sheet, towel, picnic blanket, curtain, swimsuit cover-up, scarf, the list goes on. Plus, sarongs cost less than many of those items, and they’re small and lightweight, making them ideal for travel.

11) Rain jacket: Women’s and Men’s – Depending on the time of year and the countries you visit, you may see rain every day or not at all. That said,it’s always a good idea to bring a light rain jacket to be safe.

12) Solid shampoo – The stringent requirements regarding liquids on airplanes make solid shampoo appealing, because it means one less thing to worry about fitting in your little Ziploc bag. Even if you have checked luggage, packing fewer liquids means less chance of one of them leaking and making a mess in your bag.

13) Electrolytes – Electrolytes are also great to bring to Africa, just to be safe. Diarrhea can leave you seriously dehydrated, which is especially problematic in a hot climate. If you get sick, mix these tablets with water to replenish the electrolytes you’re losing. In especially hot areas, it’s hard to stay hydrated even if you’re not sick, so you might consider using them on a regular basis.

14) Protein bars – Because meat is expensive, there are parts of Africa where it’s not eaten on a regular basis, at least not in large quantities. And you’re probably not going to find a substitute like tofu (though eggs and beans are extremely common in many African countries), so you might want to supplement your diet with some high-protein snacks, like these Clif bars.

15) Sunscreen – The sun can be relentless in much of Africa, so using sunscreen is absolutely crucial. It’s one thing that’s very difficult to find there, even in large cities(and if you do find it, it’ll probably cost three times what it does at home). So make sure you bring sunscreen with you, regardless of which country you’re visiting.

16) Flash drive – A flash drive is an easy way for you and your travel companions to share photos from your trip, as well as music or movies you might want for the long flights. Many parts of Africa lack reliable WiFi, so you don’t want to get stuck needing to send files over e-mail or through Dropbox.

17) Wet wipes – I recommend packing wet wipes for Africa because they have a bunch of different uses. Not all bathrooms will have soap and water, so you can use them to clean your hands. If you’re camping, or your water goes out (as is common in many areas), or you just have a hot, dusty bus ride, they’re great for freshening up a little. And in Africa’s deserts, wet wipes also work well for cleaning sand off anything.

Travel to Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:54:00 +0000

How much spending money to budget for is a difficult question to answer as everyone has their own style and rate of travel spending. Some will go out and shop till they drop spending perhaps 100’s of dollars every day, other will party spending more in bars while again others will spend more money on museum entries and souvenirs, while others yet again will get though on the bare essentials.

Unlike many holiday and vacation operators Contiki includes many extras, sightseeing excursions, meals and highlights as part of the tour, however we do not fill every hour of every day and there is ample free time to enjoy the cities and countries you visit at your leisure.

As a rough guide we suggest budgeting approximately A$80 a day, this will obviously vary depending individual tastes and habits

In order to budget more accurately you should take into account the optional excursions that you may wish to participate in during your tour.

If possible, it’s always better to over estimate how much you may spend and budget for that as if you come across an experience or something you really want to do or have you will have room in your budget, and if you don’t spend the money all the better at the end of the tour.

Frankfurt Travel Hub

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 08:25:00 +0000

Frankfurt on the river Main - or “Mainhattan” as it is lovingly dubbed by the locals - is one of Germany’s biggest and most cosmopolitan cities. It’s located in the heart of the country in the state of Hesse. It’s easy to reach from almost anywhere.

To most people, this city is about tall buildings, cool people and banks. In a way, that’s true. But it’s not the whole truth. If you look a little more closely, you'll find the good spots. I’m going to make that easier for you. So don’t believe the people who tell you it's not worth a visit.

I’ve lived in Frankfurt for many years. I know there’s a lot more to the city than what you see at first glance.

There are picturesque, old districts that invite you for a casual stroll, with cozy apple wine gardens (the city’s equivalent to beer gardens) hidden away in side streets.

And there are parts of the city with the modern, glossy flair of Germany’s financial center. Here are the cool clubs, the parties, the in-locations. Frankfurt is also famous for its trade fairs, most notably the IAA (Automobiles) and the Book Fair – but there are many more that bring hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Zoo Miami Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 11:45:00 +0000

Zoo Miami Review

Don't miss a visit to this top-notch zoo, 14 mi southwest of Coral Gables, in the Miami suburbs. The only subtropical zoo in the continental United States, it has 320-plus acres that are home to more than 2,000 animals, including 40 endangered species, which roam on islands surrounded by moats. Amazon & Beyond encompasses 27 acres of simulated tropical rain forests showcasing 600 animals indigenous to the region, such as giant river otters, harpy eagles, anacondas, and jaguars. You can feed veggies to the giraffes at Samburu Station. The Wings of Asia aviary has about 300 exotic birds representing 70 species flying free within the junglelike enclosure. There's also a petting zoo with a meerkat exhibit and interactive opportunities, such as those at Wacky Barn and Dr. Wilde's World and the Ecology Theater, where kids can touch Florida animals like alligators and opossums. An educational and entertaining wildlife show is given three times daily.

    Contact Information
    Address: 12400 S.W. 152nd St., Richmond Heights, Miami, FL, 33177 | Map It
    Cost: $15.95, $11.95 children ages 3 to 12; 45-min tram tour $4.95
    Hours: Daily 9:30-5:30, last admission 4

Winter Travels

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:15:00 +0000

Winter Travels
When we left Maryland on December 31st to head out on a two-week plus trip, we asked you to pray that there would be no snow on the days that we traveled. God really answered your prayers!

We made it to Connecticut without any problems and had a good week there. AFTER we left they got over two feet of snow, making it one of their biggest storms ever. The day AFTER we arrived in Pennsylvania, it snowed. It wasn't a huge snow, but would not have been fun to drive in. On the way from Pennsylvania to Ohio we got into a short, but heavy snow shower. Within 15 minutes we were out of it.

We had a great week in Ohio. Again, there was snow while we were there, but we only had to travel short distances from my cousin's house where we were staying to Cedarville, about 12 miles.

The most snow we got into was when traveling from Ohio back to NW Pennsylvania where we were scheduled to speak. It was pretty, but it did slow us down a bit. This house is really pretty, but you wouldn't believe the number of really ugly houses we drove past. We were behind this plow for awhile. It wasn't really plowing, just laying down sand. Only about 5 miles from our destination we saw this spin-out. Thankfully we didn't have any problems until we arrived at our friends' house and couldn't quite make it up their drive. The combination of slowing down to turn into their drive and then the need to keep up speed to get up the hill just didn't happen. It didn't take much to back down the drive and do it over again.

Snowy weather and beautiful scenery always reminds me of Robert Frost's poem,

Dubai Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 09:27:00 +0000

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

The UAE is a family-oriented environment and small children are welcome and appreciated everywhere. The larger hotels have a good selection of kids' meals, especially in room service. Very small children do not normally eat out at night, but are often welcome. Phone ahead to check. In any case baby-sitting services are available in the main hotels.

There are lots of activities for children, both in and around the five-star hotels, special amusement parks and many green areas. Children under 12 usually qualify for discounts on admission fees to most museums, amusement parks, swimming pools and entertainment centres.

WOMEN TRAVELERS

The UAE is extremely safe for women travellers, nevertheless women travelling alone are a novelty and you may find yourself at the focus of unwanted attention. You will probably have a more relaxed visit if you stay in one of the four or five star hotels, especially if you can use the hotel's private beach facilities.

Women in the UAE have a much more liberal lifestyle than many of their Gulf counterparts (i.e. women are permitted to drive, work etc) however, women travelers should be aware that they are visiting a society which has strong traditional roots.

If you wish to avoid hassle or risk causing offence, do not wear tight or revealing clothes away from the beach clubs and resorts. You will also find that clothing suitable for the more cosmopolitan cities may not be comfortable or convenient for independent travel in rural areas. Loose trousers and a long sleeved cotton shirt will suit a wide range of situations.

When socializing in local company wait until a hand is offered to you for a handshake, some devout Muslims prefer not to shake hands with a woman.

Remember that one advantage of being a woman in the UAE is that women are normally served first at banks and post offices, police stations and other government offices frequently have separate queues for women.

Travel to Srilanka

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:54:00 +0000

Sri Lanka has more than 2,500 years of continuous written history by means of the Mahawansha, and was also mentioned in several ancient Indian texts. One of the most famous is the Ramayana, in which the island, which was referred to as Lanka, was the island fortress of the evil king Ravana, who captured the wife of Rama an incarnation of the Hindu God, Vishnu. Legend has it that Hanuman the monkey flew over to Lanka and destroyed the capital by setting it on fire, while Rama and his remaining troops later crossed over from the mainland by building a land bridge across the sea.

The Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century BC, probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced beginning in about the mid-3rd century BC, and a great civilization developed at such cities as Anuradhapura (kingdom from c.200 BC to c.1000 AD) and Polonnaruwa (c.1070 to 1200) also they have two more kingdoms Kandian Kingdom and Jaffna Kingdom . Then British came and connect all three kingdoms into one for the administrative purpose and left as one country in 1948.

Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was ceded to the British in 1796, and became a crown colony in 1802. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; the name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972.

With end of the 30 year prolonged bitter separatist war in the May 2009 it seems this island nation is on a new chapter of its history.
[edit] Climate

Since Sri Lanka is a tropical country, you can expect the rain anytime of the year in most parts. However, the two major rainy seasons are North-East monsoon (October to January) and South-West monsoon (May to July).

Being an island, the climate of Sri Lanka changes dramatically from one part of the country to another. For example at Nuwara Eliya, in the hills of Central Province, has a temperature around -5-20 C throughout the year, whereas Hambanthota, located in the dry zone, has a temperature consistently around 30-35 C.
[edit] Terrain

Mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior.

Highest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m
[edit] Talk

Sinhala, spoken by the majority Sinhalese, and Tamil, spoken by the minority Tamil and Muslim groups, are Sri Lanka's two official languages. English is commonly used in most cities, especially Colombo, Kandy and Galle, and by government and tourism officials. Don't expect everyone, everywhere to be able to speak it fluently. In the beach and tourist areas you will have no problem with English. Most people in rural villages however cannot speak any English, beyond a few simple words.

* Sinhala Language The greeting in Sinhala is "ayubowan", pronounced "aybohan" It means "May you live longer"; 'Thank you' is "Bohoma istuti, pronounced "bohame stutti" and "how are you" is "kohomada", pronounced "Ko homede""
* Tamil Language: The greeting in Tamil is "Vanakkam"; 'Thank you' is "Nanri"
* Sri Lankan Muslim: If you meet a Muslim it is polite to say "Assalamu Alaikum" (Arabic) which means "peace be upon you"; and Thank You "Jazakallahu Khaira "جزاك الله خيرا"" (arabic)

Sinhala writing is much more curved than Tamil. After a while, you'll learn how to distinguish between the two.

Auckland Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 16:01:00 +0000

Auckland Wilderness Walking Tours (half day) so you can see some of New Zealand’s best wilderness walks. We take you far off the beaten track, along a path uncharted even by the most comprehensive guidebooks and deep into the timeless rainforest.

You’ll walk through shaded, pristine valleys and steep yourself in the fresh scents and the pure sounds of the bush. You’ll scale dramatic rocky outcrops to drink in eye-misting, breathtaking views. You’ll hike along the soaring coastal cliff and watch the sea surge and crash on the windswept black-sand beach below.

Our Auckland Guided Wilderness Walking Tours (half day) highlights include:
• The Waitakere Ranges, known to local Maori as Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa, or the great forests of Tiriwa, in memory of one of their esteemed ancestors. Time stands still in this ancient rainforest which is home to rare native flora and fauna, towering native trees, secret waterfalls and pristine streams.
• The wild West Coast with its sheer, soaring cliffs and unique black sand beaches pounded by the mighty Tasman Sea.
• Snacks and hot/cold drinks in a secluded bush glade or in a sunny cliff top clearing.

Auckland Guided Wilderness Walking Tours (half day) cost NZ $145 per person.

Auckland Guided Wilderness Walking Tours (half day) include:
Transport to and from Auckland Central, a full, personal, half day Auckland Guided Wilderness Walking Tour, snacks, hot/cold drinks and all equipment, plus all taxes and park fees.

Auckland Guided Wilderness Walking Tours (half day) timeframe:
Pick up 10am and return 2pm;
or pick up 2pm and return 6pm.

Honeymoon in Hawaii

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:14:00 +0000

There are so many reasons why Hawaii turns up as No. 1 on the list of top destinations for honeymooners year after year. For one thing, once you get outside crowded, touristy Waikiki, it's absolutely beautiful. Serene.

Best Hawaiian Hotels for Honeymooners >

The air is filled with the fragrance of exotic tropical flowers, such as plumeria. Thick banyan trees gracefully drop their branches to the ground, and grow upwards from there. The water is a pristine turquoise blue. The beaches are immaculate, and uncrowded.

And you can try out just about any water sport you ever imagined. After all, surfing began here.

The food is great, too. You can get just nearly anything you like, but preferred local delicacies come from the sea. Fresh mahi-mahi and opakapaka plucked from the Pacific Ocean and garnished with Hawaiian macadamia nuts are heavenly. Maui onions are sweet as can be. And the island's kettle-cooked potato chips are so salty and crunchy, they redefine the meaning of sinfully good.

See More on Your Vacation

It feels like another world, but it's the USA. And it's easy to get around, once you arrive. Don't plan to stay long in Waikiki; it's too urban, too crowded. The kind of place you should see once...and then depart for calmer shores.

Hawaiian Air makes it relatively easy to island-hop and even offers inter-island air-hotel-rental car packages. If you're going to be spending any amount of time here, I suggest you do that.

Four days on one island and three on another could be the perfect amount (if you can't stay a lifetime... which you will consider doing).

Definitely plan to rent a car, and go exploring. There aren't that many roads on the outer islands, so it's unlikely you'll get lost. But it is likely that you'll come upon scenes of exquisite beauty, where you'll feel compelled to pull over and simply marvel at how amazing nature can be, when all her elements are in perfect balance.

You'll have to sleep sometime. And there are many, many places to choose from, in all price ranges. On the next pages, I've compiled a list of what I believe to be the...

Monet's Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Monet’s Garden

Monet’s Garden is open from April to October and is an easy hours drive from Paris. I went last year at the beginning of April which was a huge mistake as very few of the bulbs were in flower. It didn’t really matter because there were cherry trees in bloom as well as some annuals and daffodils but it would have been so much more beautiful later on when the tulips, irises, wisteria, and so many other plants are in flower. You can see the flowering calendar here.

Whenever you go though, it’s still amazing to see the garden which inspired the Impressionist painter. The highlight is the Japanese water garden where you can see the famous Japanese bridge and water lilies depicted in his paintings.

Monet’s Garden is a little tricky to get to using public transport so I suggest hiring a car to get there.

Day Trips from Paris
Chantilly

The town of Chantilly is most well known for being the birth place of Chantilly cream. The French both invented and perfected Chantilly cream and if you’re anything like me you’ll enjoy it at every opportunity when in France. Of course I’m not suggesting you go to Chantilly to spend the day indulging in cream, the reason to take a day trip there is to visit the Chateau de Chantilly.

The chateau is just plain adorable. It’s surrounded by a moat and extensive formal and informal gardens. You can easily spend hours wandering around the woods and that’s exactly what I did.

Chantilly is easy to get to by both car and train so there’s really no reason not to go.

Chateau de Chantilly
Chartres

Chartres is one of the most relaxing day trips you can do from Paris. There aren’t loads of thing to do so there is no need to rush around. Take your time to visit the famous cathedral and then wander around the old town. My favourite thing to do when visiting towns like Chartres is to pick a nice little cafe to sit in where I can people watch or read my Kindle and then move along to the next little cafe and rinse and repeat. There’s not much to do but enjoy a long lunch, do a little window shopping, and cafe hop. What more do you want from a pretty town one hours drive from Paris.

Paris Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:03:00 +0000

One of the most beautiful cities in the entire world that present vacationers and tourists great historic scenery and monuments is Paris - the Capital of France. There are quite a lot of interesting places to visit if you are in Paris - the City of Light as it is called by its citizens. You can never want of things to views. For those who love sightseeing Paris is the right place for that. Eiffel Tower, Arch de Triomphe, Notre dame cathedral and others are some of the interesting places to visit.

However, one of the problems facing vacationers which make it difficult for them to have affordable breaks in Paris is the high cost of things in Paris. Indeed, living in Paris is more expensive than cities and Provinces in France. However, having affordable breaks in Paris is a possibility for all those who know how to plan for their trip. You will be having cheap breaks in Paris if you can keep to the following tips.

Before you move into Paris, you need to plan for your break there and then budget for it on time. Do not just go to Paris without making adequate budget for your holiday in Paris. Budgeting is the first secret of having cheap breaks in Paris. The problem many people are having is that they do not know how to budget properly for their trips. Use a sheet of paper and write out things that you may need to buy in Paris in case you want to shop in the city. Surf the internet and find out places of interest to visit. Write down the places you will like to visit. Find out what it will cost you to visit those places including transportation fees. The information you have gotten will help you to in enjoying cheap breaks in Paris.

Your dream of having less expensive breaks in Paris will come true, if you stick to your budget. There is the tendency for people to buy what is not in their budget. Buying against your budget will militate against your effort to have cheap breaks in Paris.

Look for airlines that offer affordable flight to Paris. The cheaper your transportation fee, the brighter your chances of having cheap break in Paris are. Flight fee can increase your budget. Using airline with fantastic packages helps to reduce the cost of your break; thus it is a stepping stone in having cheap breaks in Paris.

Accommodation fee is another thing that can increase your budget. There are various hotels and vacation rentals in Paris. It will be better for you to choose a hotel that is close to the places that you will like to visit. This will reduce the transportation cost and thus making it possible for you to have cheap breaks in Paris.

Niagara Tours and Attractions

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:38:00 +0000

IAGARA FALLS TOURS
Maximize your stay in Niagara. See the best the city has to offer in one economical tour package. Convenient pick-up & drop off at Hotel entrance.

Spring / Summer Tour Stops

Skylon Tower

Whirlpool Rapids

Maid of the Mist

Whirlpool

Floral Clock

Table Rock

Horseshoe Falls

Journey Behind the Falls

Bird Aviary

Fall / Winter

Winter Festival Of Lights
Winter Festival Of Lights

This tour includes:

* Rossi Glass
* Table Rock at the Brink of the Falls
* Disney Light Display
* Skylon Tower
* Niagara Parkway Light Displays

This tour departs the hotel lobby nightly at 6 PM and takes you on a guided trip through Niagara's Festival of Lights.

BOOK TOUR:
Month: Day: Year: # Adults: # Kids:

Hilton Premier Niagara Falls Tour
Hilton Premier Niagara Falls Tour

This tour includes:
Admissions to the following attractions:

Spring Summer Tour

Maid of the Mist Boat Ride
Journey Behind the Falls
Skylon Tower w/free night illumination return pass
Floral Clock
Whitewater Rapids
Butterfly Conservatory

In addition, you'll receive free passes to the White Water Boardwal and the brand-new Niagara Fury (a combined $30 per person value) that you can use at your leisure during your stay at Niagara Falls.

Fall Winter Tour

Imax Theatre and Daredevil Museum
Journey Behind the Falls
Skylon Tower w/free night illumination return pass
TableRock Viewing Point
Whitewater Rapids
Butterfly Conservatory

Your tour guide will offer full-narration along with exceptional door-to-door service, giving you a day sure to provide memories to last a lifetime.
BOOK TOUR:
Month: Day: Year: # Adults: # Kids:

Wine and Dinner Tour
Wine and Dinner Tour

This tour includes:
This tour departs every Friday and Saturday evening at 4:00 PM from the Hilton lobby. The tour includes a visit to four Niagara wineries with an extensive tour at one winery and tastings at all four. You will also enjoy a full sample of Niagara's "world renowned" ICEWINE. You tour comes complete with a succulent dinner at the esteemed Epicurean Restaurant.

You will visit:

*Reif Estate Winery (Ice Wine Sample)
*Peller Estates Winery
*Jackson Triggs Winery (Tour)
*Dinner at Epicurian Restaurant
*Shopping at Niagara-on-the-Lake

(Wineries and restaurants may be substituted due to special occasions)

BOOK TOUR:
Month: Day: Year: # Adults: # Kids:

Niagara on the Lake Winery Tour
Niagara on the Lake Winery Tour

This tour includes:
*This tour departs every morning from the lobby of the Hilton at 10:00 AM. The tour includes a visit to three Niagara wineries with an extensive tour at one winery and tastings at all three. You will also enjoy a full sample of Niagara's "world renowned" ICEWINE. You will enjoy a gourmet lunch at the esteemed Queenston Heights Restaurant.

You'll also be given ample time to visit the many shops and museums in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The tour also offers some interesting and informative facts about charming Niagara-on-the-Lake and the rich history of the surrounding areas.

Travel Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 07:00:00 +0000

2-Nights Snorkel to Adventure

2-Nights Snorkel to Adventure beginning and ending in Cairns.

2 nights from $619 per person

Click Here for Full Itinerary

Featured Destinations

Cairns

Cairns is the sunny garden city where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Wet Tropics Rainforest, mountains and the gulf savannah not too far away. The city's water front boasts a world class marina and wharf used by visiting cruise liners, yachts and tour vessels. Cairns is situated in the Northern end of Tropical Queensland Australia. It's a modern city with a good location to explore some of Australia's vast array of flora and fauna. With a magnificent Casino, Cairns is alive with more activities than a visitor will ever have time for. The principal attraction is the over 60 national parks from the wet tropical rain forests and lush tablelands to the truly wild Cape York Peninsula and the Great Barrier Reef.

Valid Travel Dates

Number of Nights: 2
Vacation Inclusions:

* 2 nights accommodation on board including linen
* Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D) as per itinerary
* Transfers between your accommodation and the boat
* Snorkel equipment

Las Vegas Attractions

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:20:00 +0000

Arts FactoryDowntown 105 E Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas. (702) 676-1111

The Arts Factory Las Vegas is a collection of artists, architects, photographers, graphic designers, & galleries all gathered under one roof and is located near downtown Las Vegas in the Arts District. Facility rental is available. First Friday's event every month is from 6pm-9pm. Free of Charge.

Atomic Testing Museum, 755 E Flamingo Road, Las Vegas

(702) 794-5161. The museum provides multiple viewpoints on the Nevada Test Site and its impact on the nation. An 8,000 square foot exhibit hall with artifacts from the Smithsonian Institution, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, pieces of the Berlin wall and World Trade Centers. Designed to be a highly interactive experience. Touch screens, motion sensitive plasma TV presentations, audio interviews with former workers from the test site, more multi media components.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

3600 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas. Bellagio Casino Hotel.

Just beyond Bellagio's gracious lobby lies the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, a kaleidoscope for your senses. Open 24 hours. Bellagio Hotel and Casino Las Vegas

Las Vegas Attractions!

Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art. Open daily.

3600 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas. Bellagio Casino Hotel.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art presents exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and works on paper by the world's most influential artists. Rotating museum caliber exhibitions, which have featured renowned artists ranging from Picasso to Warhol, offer visitors a rare opportunity to view legendary works of art carefully selected from prestigious international collections.

Bellagio Hotel and Casino Las Vegas

Bonnie Springs Old Nevada, Red Rock Canyon Ave., Nevada

Open daily 10am - 6pm, plus admission. An old western town, restaurant, shops, Western shootouts, and horseback riding. Petting zoo, cowboys and cowgirls, a miniature train ride, and on weekends and holidays, a "posse" show where the kids can even help track down the 'bad guy". This little old mining town offers simulated gunfights in the streets, an 1880's melodrama in its Saloon, even a public hanging, with an obliging Stuntman swaying in the wind. (702) 875-4191.

Circus Circus Hotel and Casino - Circus Acts

2880 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas

World-renowned live circus acts free everyday! Performances are daily from 11am. Circus Circus Hotel and Casino Las Vegas

Las Vegas Attractions!

CSI: The Experience at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

3799 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas. Survey the crime scene, gather the evidence, solve the case! This dynamic interactive experience offers visitors a hands on challenge to solve a hypothetical crime: 3 murders, 15 lab stations, 15 suspects, 3 killers. Guided by videos featuring cast members from the hit TV show, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, alongside real life forensic scientists, you? Recommended for ages 12 through adult. MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Las Vegas

CSN Planetarium & Observatory, Northeast / North Las Vegas

3200 E Cheyenne Ave., North Las Vegas. (702) 651-4759.

CSN Planetarium & Observatory have educational and entertaining programs year round.

Las Vegas Attractions!

Driving Directions to Atlantic City

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:37:00 +0000

Driving Directions to Atlantic City

Located in the heart of the northeast and within easy driving distance of a third of the population of the United States, Atlantic City is convenient to get to whether you ride a bus, take a train, drive, or fly. The seaside resort is readily accessible by air through two nearby International Airports or by car and bus along three major highways.

Whether you need to find the Atlantic City Boardwalk, locate an Atlantic City Casino, or find a particular restaurant in Atlantic City, you can find what you’re looking for with our interactive Atlantic City Map!

By Land

From the North, major interstate highways connect with the Garden State Parkway South, to the Atlantic City Expressway.

From the South, I-95 to Delaware Memorial Bridge to Route 40 to Route 322. Or via Lewes, Delaware, take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry to the Garden State Parkway North to the Atlantic City Expressway.

From the West, via Philadelphia, Walt Whitman Bridge to North-South Freeway (Route 42) to Atlantic City Expressway.
By Air
The Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is located just minutes from the city and offers shuttle, taxi and rental car transportation. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a quick 60-minute drive via the Atlantic City Expressway.

View Airport Transportation/Limousine Listings

By Rail

NJ Transit Rail runs direct from Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. For more information, call 973-275-5555. The Atlantic City rail station adjoins the Convention Center. Free casino shuttle service is available from Atlantic City terminal to all casinos.
Atlantic City Express Service (ACES) provides comfortable and convenient weekend travel between NYC and Atlantic City. Departing from New York’s Penn Station with one stop in Newark, NJ, ACES continues direct to Atlantic City. Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours and ACES provides nine trains running Friday through Sunday each weekend.

By Bus
There is frequent motorcoach service from New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC via all major carriers.

www.academybus.com www.njtransit.com
www.greyhound.com/home www.shorelineexpress.com

Local Transit
Atlantic City's unique Jitney mini-buses stop at all hotels and attractions. The city's famous wicker rolling chairs provide service up and down the Boardwalk and, of course, taxis are readily available.

Medieval bridge

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:28:00 +0000

Getting to Ponte de Lima:
The closest airport is at Porto, where the A3 freeway towards Spain passes within 2km of Ponte de Lima (take the Ponte de Lima Sul exit). From the Porto Airport, you can take the airport-bus to Porto and then a bus to Ponte de Lima or Viana do Castelo.
Tourism Office.:
The tourist Office is on Praça da República, which you are likely to pass if you've parked along the road from the A3 exit. Upstairs you can visit a small museum with local handicrafts and historical information. You can get information here for staying in local manor houses as well.
Internet Access in Ponte de Lima:
You can get free internet access at the public library on Largo da Picota, just near by the Igreja Matriz (Matriz Church)
Markets:
The huge Monday market, held twice a month, has been held in Ponte de Lima since 1125.
Ponte de Lima Attractions:

Ponte de Lima is starting to be recognized as a tourist destination. This is neither good nor bad, but depends on what you're looking for--tourist facilities are being added, as well as resort features like golf courses.

There are two plane tree lined walking streets along the Lima river, the Alameda de S. Joao, and the avenida d. Luis Felipe. They offer interesting strolling areas.

The Medieval Bridge is documented to have been started in 1368. It's 277 meters in length and 4 meters in width, with 16 large arches and 14 smaller ones. There are more arches buried below. On the opposite side of the river is the Roman bridge, built for military use between Braga and Astorga.

Across the bridge, the Guardian Angel is a stone quadrangular monument on the banks of the river. It's an ancient chapel, but there's no clue as to when it was erected. It's been rebuilt many times when persistent floods damaged it.

The Capela de Santo Antonio da Torre Velha dominates the scene across the river. To the east of the bridge is a delightful garden which includes a picnic area and a small folk museum.

The fountain in Ponte de Lima's Main Square was completed in 1603 but wasn't located in its present location until 1929, when it was moved to the Largo de Camoes.

the Brown Rabbit Walkabout

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 06:57:00 +0000

he Brown Rabbit Walkabout

The East Coast Trail runs along the east coast of the Avalon Peninsula in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Hiking trails start at Fort Amherst in St. John's and end in Fermeuse.

With the help of hiking maps you can begin and end your hike wherever you feel most comfortable, doing only small parts or the entire trail from beginning to end.

We offer a wonderful 9 day walkabout package for hiking the East Coast Trail. Our package includes pick up and drop off at St. John's Airport, accommodations, daily transportation to and from trail heads, 3 meals a day ( full breakfast, packed lunch, and full supper). All our meals are home cooked and we will take care of any special dietary needs, just let us know before hand.

We cater to hikers travelling alone, or groups up to 20 persons. Having hiked much of the trail ourselves, we are quite acquainted with the different sections and can give you advice on many details of the trail. We also sell packages of East Coast Trail Maps.

Day 1:

You will be greeted and picked up by Bill at St. John's Airport, and transported to The Brown Rabbit Cabins, where you'll enjoy a wonderful home cooked supper. Your hiking vacation has now begun!

Day 2:

Hiking trail #1 starts at Fort Amherst, St. John's, and goes to Black Head, lasting between 4-7 hours. (See East Coast Trail Map #1 )

Day 3:

Day 3 starts at Cape Spear, the most easterly part of Newfoundland. From Cape Spear the hike takes you to Maddox Cove, and lasts between 4-6 hours. ( See East Coast Trail Maps #2 and #3 )

Day 4:

Tired of walking? No problem! Today you can put on your sea legs. You can take a whale watching boat tour or go sea kayaking. Either way you'll be thrilled with the sights and sounds of the sea.

Day 5:

Today you are ready for the most challenging and beautiful hike of the East Coast Trail. Your hike starts at Shoal Bay Road and ends at Bay Bulls. Breathtaking scenery. ( See East Coast Trail Maps #5 and #6 )

Travel to Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:21:00 +0000

If you never going to travel to Indonesia yet so you should try to visit Indonesia because there are so many beautiful places you can find. Not only beautiful of the place also the people are very nice. The cultural is unique too, so these are the reasons of Indonesia. When you start for planning to vacation travelling to another countries why you don't choose Indonesia become one of your target. I think that is the right choice and here the most beautiful places in Indonesia you can find :

1. Lombok

Lombok Island is located near Bali, actually in the east of Bali island. It's easy to go by air or by sea. Maybe this island is near Bali so the cultural of the people is not different. They have unique cultural tradition and the people are friendly.

Lombok is one of great island in Indonesia after Bali. Like Bali you can find many beautiful places in Lombok such as amazing beaches, outstanding waterfalls, golf park, little islands around and many others. So Lombok is the best choice for travelling.

2. Bali

Bali Island the most beautiful island in Indonesia even in the world. Many thousand tourist from everywhere visit bali every years. They come to Bali to see the beautiful and the unique cultural tradition of the citizen. Most of tourist say that bali is the most beautiful island they ever visiting and the people are very friendly.

The most famous place in Bali is Kuta Beach. This is the long white sandy beach and the sea is best place for surfing. Now you can also enjoy trip in Bali by cruises. Many cruises you can choose like The Lembongan Island Reef Cruise, the Beach Club Cruise, the Sunset Dinner Cruise, the spectacular trip aboard Aristocat, the Ocean Rafting 3 Island Cruise and Dolphin Cruise. You can also enjoy diving with Odissey Submarine.

So many other amazing places you can search in Bali. And the trip to bali is unforgotten experience for many people.

3. Bunaken

Bunaken National Marine Park is one of the first marine park in Indonesia. It is located in North Sulawesi and established in 1991. The park is contain of five island, there are Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen. As the name the beautiful of this place is under the sea. You can see many sea creatures such as corals, fish, echinoderms or sponges.

In Bunaken you can find that this place is harbor of some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. There are big number of families and species of sea creatures are in Bunaken. So for the tourists who like diving, this is the right place for you.

4. Borobudur

Borobudur is one of the biggest Buddist Temple in the world. It was build in the 9th century. It is located in Magelang, Central Java. It is easy to find this place because it is near from Yogyakarta. The temple is very high. If you like to journey to ancient monument, Borobudur is best choice for you.

Travel Calcutta

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:03:00 +0000

Simultaneously noble and squalid, cultured and desperate, Kolkata is a daily festival of human existence. And it’s all played out before your very eyes on teeming streets where not an inch of space is wasted. By its old spelling, Calcutta, India’s second-biggest city conjures up images of human suffering to most Westerners. But Bengalis have long been infuriated by one-sided depictions of their vibrant capital. Kolkata is locally regarded as the intellectual and cultural capital of the nation. Several of India’s great 19th- and 20th-century heroes were Kolkatans, including guru-philosopher Ramakrishna, Nobel Prize–winning poet Rabindranath Tagore and celebrated film director Satyajit Ray. Dozens of venues showcase Bengali dance, poetry, art, music, film and theatre. And while poverty certainly remains in-your-face, the dapper Bengali gentry continue to frequent grand old gentlemen’s clubs, back horses at the Calcutta Racetrack and play soothing rounds of golf at some of India’s finest courses.
Click here to find out more!
As the former capital of British India, Kolkata retains a feast of dramatic colonial architecture, with more than a few fine buildings in photogenic states of semi-collapse. The city still has many slums but is also developing dynamic new-town suburbs, a rash of air-conditioned shopping malls and some of the best restaurants in India. This is a fabulous place to sample the mild, fruity tang of Bengali cuisine and share the city’s passion for sweets.

Travel To Turkey

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Richards) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:18:00 +0000

When to travel in Turkey? Spring is best, autumn next, then summer, last winter.

In 2010, Istanbul is a European Capital of Culture, with many special events. More...

SPRING
Spring (April, May, through mid-June) is prime because the weather is moderate throughout the country, the days are long, and the tourist rush hasn't begun. April can be rainy, though.

AUTUMN
Autumn (mid-September through October) is second best with mostly mild weather, but the days are shorter, and rain may begin again in October.
Click here for hotels in Turkey

SUMMER
Summer (mid-June, July, August, through mid-September) is quite hot in five of Turkey's seven distinct climatic regions, though usually rainless, and cool inland in the evenings.

WINTER
Winter (November, December, January, February, March) is chill and rainy everywhere except the southeast, but with lower prices and fewer tourists.

Weather & Climatic Regions: Turkey has seven distinct weather and climate zones. More...

Tom's Turkish Almanac: The Turkish year, month by month, with climate, holidays and special events. More...

Official National Holidays: The short list.

Islamic Holidays: They're 11 days earlier every year, and they change travel patterns, so you need to know about them. More...