My Travel Blog

Its so easy! All you need are a couple handy items and traveling is a breeze. Here are my top 6 tips for packing your suitcase:

1 - A small electric hot water heater (Mine looks like a extention cord with a large paperclip at one end) and a few packets of hot chocolate, or if you prefer tea or coffee. Instant soup packets are a winner too.

2 - A net bag for dirty clothes and a few zip-lock bags for wet items. I also pack anything that could leak in a zip bag.. I stuff my socks into my shoes, pop them in a zip bag so other clothing does not get any dirt that happens to be on the soles.

3 - I roll all garments so they can fit in the corners of the suitcase. I don' t like creases where garments have been folded.

4 - After I pack my bag, I weigh it on the bathroom scale. If it is over 20 pounds, I begin to figure what I can do without. 20 pounds is all I care to carry, unless I am going to fly and check the bag at the airport.

5 - On the label on the outside of your suitcase, put only your name and note your address is on the inside of the case.. Put your address and name on the inside on top of your clothes. Be sure to include where you are going and where you are staying and a list of contents. So if your case gets mis-routed or lost they can find you . Then your suitcase can catch up with you. Do not put any valuables in the suitcase if you are checking it.

6 - It doesn't matter how one travels, it just seems the smart thing to do to carry valuables and necessities with you at all times…..as in a travel vest..

Strata titled holiday apartments on the east coast of Australia first came about well over a quarter of a century ago as a means of building holiday accommodation in large building complexes without the whole resort being owned by a single identity.

A ten storey building could then be built with each seperate apartment sold off to the public and one of the apartments to a resident manager who maintained the whole resort. They kept the gardens maintained, cleaned the pool and generally looked after the building. The other role they played was to rent out the apartments of owners to vacationers as an onsite real estate agent.

All this looks great and while the building is relatively new doesn't cause any great problems.Once the apartments become aged and in need sprucing up a bit it is up to each owner to then renovate there own apartment. Many owners don't understand or simply refuse to update to a standard you would like to stay in on holiday. Older buildings can then have a variety of standards of accommodation and not all apartments look like the glossy brochures you see.

Apartment managers actively encourage owners to update, as the quality of apartments on offer, if left to decline will adversely affect there business.

It is important that you either check with managers what your standard of accommodation will be or you book through a company that will insist that there buildings are maintainted at certain standard to come under there banner.

1. Carnivore Restaurant

The carnivore restaurant is simply the best restaurant in Nairobi. Located 10 minutes form the city centre and next to the Nairobi national park, the restaurant offers a spectacular roast meat feast with the finest selection of venison, meats and poultry. As much as you can eat.

2. The Tamarind Nairobi

This is the only real sea food restaurant in Nairobi. The sea food is flown daily from the coast and meals here are always a fete to remember. It has a business class ambience and ideal for business meetings. It is located in National Bank Building within the central Business district and surrounded by government offices.

3. Tamambo Bar and Grill

This restaurant is located in Westlands area; 10 minutes form the CBD and is a popular joint for raving. It has a very aerated and sunny ambience and offers both Mediterranean and African cuisine.

4. Haandi Restaurant

The Haandi restaurants include 2 main facilities. One of the restaurants is located in Capital centre shopping mall along Mombasa road and the other in the mall at westlands. This Nairobi restaurant offers exceedingly good North Indian cuisine. The Haandi capital centre offers easy access to central business district, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and industrial area. The restaurant also offers perfect executive business conference, meeting and banquet venues.

There are other many more restaurants in Nairobi area and Mombasa that offer African, Mediterranean, Chinese, Italian cuisines. All you will need to do is enquire from your operator for them to be able to fix dinner schedules in your itinerary. Wine and dine. Enjoy.

If you just want to take a steak knife and hack out your every day pumpkin face, then this article is not for you. We're going to take a look at gourmet pumpkin carving for true Halloween connoisseurs. OK, maybe gourmet is a bit of overkill, but why settle for just another carved pumpkin when you can have a prize-winning jack-o-lantern instead?

Success starts with selecting your design

Before even thinking about buying or picking your Halloween pumpkin from the local pumpkin patch, you need to plan the design. You can take the easy way out and buy ready-made pumpkin stencils, or you can design your own.

There are some great on-line sources for free Halloween stencils that you can download and use, or you can hand sketch it. Here are two great places to grab some nice designs. If you're looking for a really unusual stencil, here's one that will drive you bats!

I'll cover how to transfer the pumpkin stencil to your favorite pumpkin after we take a look at actually selecting the pumpkin.

How to pick the perfect pumpkin

The pumpkin's shape and size will determine what type of patterns and designs you can use. If you are using pumpkin carving stencils then it is essential to purchase a pumpkin that matches the stencil's size requirements.

If you don't plan on using a stencil then make sure that your pumpkin is tall and wide enough for the free-hand design that you have in mind.

Look for a pumpkin that's not too ripe. It should be the right color orange and not have any soft spots or bruises. Look for a sturdy stem and never, ever lift the pumpkin by the stem. Sturdy or not, it's a short trip from "nice pumpkin" to splat.

Hold the pumpkin and smell it around the stem and top. If it smells very strong and "pumpkiny" then there is a chance that it's too ripe, pass it up and look for another. Thump the pumpkin and listen for a solid "thunk". A hollow sound is bad news.

Carry your pumpkin carefully and transport it home safely. A bruised pumpkin rots quickly and might not make it through the Halloween season.

How to prepare the pumpkin for its coming facelift

1. Cut a circle around the top of the pumpkin without damaging the stem.

2. Remove the top and put aside.

3. Remove and discard the pulp and seeds unless you want to make Vampire Fingernails snacks for your Halloween party.

4. With a putty knife or similar scraper, gently scrape down the inside of the pumpkin to remove any moist flesh clinging to the sides. Be careful not to damage the wall of the pumpkin.

Now it's time to transfer the stencil

1. Wipe the outside of the pumpkin so that it is free of dust and other foreign material. If you need to wipe it down with a wet rag, allow it to become thoroughly dry before proceeding to the next step.

2. Tape the stencil to the side of the pumpkin that you have chosen to be the face. Tape the top left corner first, then the top right, bottom left and then bottom right. Smooth the stencil out as you are taping it. If you have to crease the stencil to make it lie flat then be sure to pick areas that are not part of the design.

3. Using an ice pick or a pin-point punch awl, gently poke holes through the stencil and into the pumpkin. Follow the lines of the stencil carefully. It's a lot like paying connect-the-dots games. Space the dots out however you see fit but remember that very complex designs are easier to work with if the holes are close together.

4. Check carefully to make sure that you have transferred the entire pattern and then remove the stencil. Keep the stencil handy to refer to in case you get confused while cutting.

Time to put your patient under the knife

Although many a pumpkin has fallen under the standard kitchen knife, it's both the wrong tool and a very dangerous tool for pumpkin carving. For best results get yourself an X-Acto knife with a #5 knife blade and a #15 keyhole saw. See your home store for both items.

Using the saw for long cuts and the X-Acto for the close-in and intricate cuts, just follow the pattern carefully and, before you know it, you'll have the pride of the pumpkin patch right there on your table!

Article from www.halloween-blog.com

When vacationing in Cancun, you will probably want to spend the majority of your time strolling along the sparkling white sand or wading into the warm waters off the Caribbean coast. The beaches here are as breathtaking as any you will find in Mexico, so enjoying a few lazy afternoons soaking up some sun or swimming in the stunning blue water is a common and greatly relaxing way to spend your vacation. With the beauty of the open water around every corner, why not get the most out of your Cancun adventure by staying in an oceanfront vacation rental.

In the popular hotel zone on the northern side of Cancun, you can find numerous rental condos in some of the most luxurious buildings this area has to offer. Enjoy spectacular views of the Caribbean and the lagoon from your high-rise building without ever stepping foot outside. The floor to ceiling windows provide an amazing sight from almost every room in the house, allowing ample opportunity to truly take in the pristine and majestic nature of your surroundings. Sip your morning brew on the balcony and wake up to the sound of the waves rolling ashore while you forget all the stresses you have left behind in another world.

Choosing a luxury condo rental means more than unworldly views since you are also privy to the first-rate amenities that come with it. Take advantage of the exquisite extras, including plasma TVs and DVD players in every bedroom, a Jacuzzi on the balcony, and a full service kitchen where you whip up a quick snack before heading down to the water, and enjoy life in the lap of luxury. If swimming in the open water makes you a little uneasy, all you need to do is make your way down the elevator and you have access to a masterfully crafted pool that sits along the shores of the ocean.

When you stay on the water, the gorgeous beaches of Cancun are so close that you have absolutely no reason not to return home with a healthy glow. Throw down a towel and pull your favorite book out of your beach bag as the gentle strum of the water slowly calms any apprehension you may have brought with you. If you need a break from the sun, you can walk back to your conveniently located villa and enjoy a refreshing Corona or tall glass of water before heading back out for a swim. With these sparkling beaches constituting your back yard, you simply could not ask for anything more from your soothing and relaxing vacation.

While access to the sun and sand is the perfect way to entertain yourself during the day, there is no way you are going to sit inside your lodging at night when the lively nightlife awaits. With many of the waterfront condos and villas, you are not only within walking distance of Señor Frogs, Hard Rock Cafe, Carlos 'n Charlie's, and Rainforest Café, but also some of the best nightclubs, restaurants, and shopping centers that Cancun has to offer. Forget about riding the bus or driving in an unfamiliar city when everything you need to occupy your day from late afternoon to late night is just a short walk away.

Cancun vacation rentals make it easy to enjoy the enormous beauty this little city on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula offers to its visitors. Whether you are looking for specific amenities such as wireless internet and a washer or dryer or you simply want a view that takes your breath away with every glance out the window, there is a condo or villa with everything you need to realize the vacation of your dreams. Begin your search for the perfect vacation rental today and experience a vacation that far exceeds any of your expectations.

If you've dreamed of sailing the seven seas, but don't necessarily have the bank account to buy a luxury vessel, don't despair. There are ways to make that dream happen without breaking your bank.

Boat timeshares offer a unique vacationing experience for almost any budget. By getting involved in a timeshare, you have the right to use that luxury vessel to make your dreams come true, but you alone are not solely responsible for all the expenses. Timeshares provide an excellent way for someone not willing or able to take on the expense of purchasing a great vacationing boat themselves to still experience the adventure of life on the water.

A variety of companies offer would-be Captain Ahab's the ability to take to the sea without shelling out a lot of cash. Boat timeshare companies and programs are readily available and accessible across the Internet. Boating timeshare companies are active all over the world with even some finding their homes on America's Great Lakes.

Basically, a boat timeshare offers a sailor a chance to buy into a piece of a boat for a season. Similar to a yacht club, but without all the expenses of owning your own yacht, these programs lets sailors sail minus the headaches. Some programs allow members to purchase blocks of time over the course of a sailing season to use a boat. Many programs work by giving several "skippers" the same boat during the sailing season. These skippers book multiple sail times, show up, sail, have a blast and return the boat for the next skipper to take over.

While boat timeshares provide everything needed to sail, members still are responsible for making sure the boat is in good condition when it's returned. Swabbing the deck isn't out of the question. However, many timeshare programs will even go as far as to include maintenance, fuel and so on in the initial price. This leaves the member responsible for simply safely piloting the vessel, keeping it clean and enjoying their high seas adventure with their family and friends for a fraction of the price of owning a yacht themselves. The insurance, boat licensing and other worries are generally handled by the timeshare company itself.

For those who lack the skills to man their own vessels, many boat timeshares will provide a crew including a captain, instructor, and/or cook at a small additional cost. One company in particular, Trade Winds Cruise Club, offers all-inclusive cabin rentals and is RCI's (Resorts Condominiums International) only Caribbean yachting affiliate. As an RCI Member, you have the option of exchanging your timeshare week for a cabin space onboard crewed catamaran charters.

So, what is pricing like for these nautical adventures? Not bad considering a luxury boat can cost thousands and thousands of dollars. And even better when you consider buying your own boat doesn't include fuel, maintenance, licensing and insurance costs and so on! A timeshare that covers an entire boating season can cost upwards of $7,000, a reasonable expense considering the headaches removed by taking part in such a venture.

To learn more about boat timeshares and the unique vacation opportunities they provide, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as http://www.atimesharesz.com/boattimeshare to do a thorough search. A variety of companies with different programs and options are operating in a bevy of locations around the world.

© Copyright 2004 by Dana Sanders. All rights reserved.

If you?ve spent any time at all browsing through forums on teaching English in Japan, you?ve probably run across more than a few horror stories. Topics range from working hours and conditions way in excess of what?s in the contract, to horrible living conditions and exorbitant rent. Some of this is avoidable if you take a careful look at your contract and ask the right questions before you take a teaching position. One of the most important part of the contract are the contact hours. We?ll look at this first.

<B>Contact Hours ? What They Are</B>

Contact hours are actual hours spent teaching or being ?in contact? with the student. The industry standard for full-time sponsored ESL instructors is 22-27 per week. They are not the same qualitatively as office hours. You can?t get up and get a glass of water, chat with a friend at the water cooler or check your e-mail during contact hours?though you can during regular office hours at most regular jobs.

The point is — if you directly compare office hours and teaching contact hours, you?re comparing apples to oranges. 45 contact hours will grind you into the dirt in no time (in addition to being illegal) whereas 45 office hours won?t. Be careful when you look at ads. And don?t be afraid to ask questions.

Another point to consider when you sign a teaching contract is contact hours and stated hours. <B> Often schools will state 22-25 teaching hours in their contract but they don?t mention office hours.</B> These are hours between classes where you perform services for your students. For example, chatting with students and evaluating and grading their work. If you?re grading reports in between classes instead of preparing them, it makes for a long day. <B> So when you negotiate, make sure you get the ?total time? that is involved in the job. </B>

<b>Teaching Contracts and Salaries</B>

Ah yes?salaries. Expect to be paid 250,000 yen per month for a standard contract. This is the ?minimum wage? for full-time sponsored ESL instructors. This is considered an entry-level salary for conversation teachers with little or no experience.
<B>Other Perks </B>

Look carefully at vacation days. Ask for a total of weeks off per year. Expect at least 2. Also <B>make sure to ask if the time-off that is quoted to you is in addition to national holidays.</B> Also be sure to ask which national holidays the school observers. Some schools that are generous with paid holidays will give you every one off, others won?t.

Let?s not forget health insurance. Most employers provide health insurance for free or at least subsidize it. If you?re getting stuck with the whole bill, make sure the deal is sweater in other areas like salary or vacation days.

<B>Teaching Contracts and Accommodations</B>

Living in a nasty apartment will make your stay in Japan? well?nasty. Schools that provide you with a working visa, generally take care of accommodations as well. It?s important to make sure you have a private apartment if you don?t want to share. Don?t assume you?ll have your own private place!

<B>Your Rights as a Teacher</B>

Many teachers are easily intimidated by contracts or believe them to be the final word. The reality is that any contract is subservient to established labor laws. Labor laws are the final word ? not your contract.

It?s important to know your rights as a worker under Japanese labor laws. If you feel you?re being treated unfairly, you can contact General Union for representation (by joining the union) or contact the Labor Standards Office for help in your disputes.

By: <a href=http://www.articledashboard.com/profile/John-Paxton/6906>John Paxton</a>

For any connoisseur of luxury, the five star hotel is an essential component of their holiday. No matter where you go in the world, it is possible to stay in hotels that redefine opulence and create the ultimate environment to relax and be pampered. In this article, I will take a look at what are often described as the ultimate collection of hotels in the world by travellers.

As you will see, it is not necessarily the most expensive, or the most opulent hotel in a particular destination that is considered the best, it is more than this; the hotel must be a reason for travelling to a place as well!

<b>10: Kanuhura, Maldives</b>

If you've ever wanted to stay on your own desert island to get away from it all, the chances are that you've thought about visiting the Maldives. Made up of coral atolls spread out across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a unique country, and the Kanuhura, is a stunning hotel that offers visitors the chance to enjoy their own luxurious villa that stands on stilts in the ocean itself to create the illusion that you are on your own!

<b>9: The Bellagio, Las Vegas, USA</b>

The Bellagio is the jewel in the crown of Las Vegas as the USA's premier holiday destination. The rooms are fantastic, the spa is out of this world, and the casino is the place to be seen, but it is the catalogue of stars that perform in the hotel's vast auditoria that elevate the Bellagio above its rivals on the Las Vegas Strip.

8: Pitti Palace, Florence, Italy</b>

There are few destinations in the world like Florence; this stunning city is the home of fine art, and the birthplace of the renaissance. The Pitti Palace is one of the most impressive hotels in Europe, and offers visitors the chance to enjoy the opulence of a renaissance palace that was once home to the Medici family, and boasts a number of masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo on its walls!

<b>7: Lion Sands Resort, Kruger National Park, South Africa</b>

For anyone wanting to get close to nature at its most impressive, the Kruger National Park in South Africa is a great place to visit, and is home to all of the so-called big-five animals. Lion Sands is one of a number of private lodges in the park, and is undoubtedly the best. Visitors get to enjoy two safaris a day, and the resort is so exclusive that less than 20 people can stay there at any one time!

<b>6: Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong</b>

While it might not be the most luxurious hotel in Hong Kong any more, the Mandarin Oriental is still the most stunning place to stay in the city. Offering incredible views of the famous harbour, along with great cuisine and stunning rooms, but it is the attention to detail and attentive personalised service offered by the staff that marks the Mandarin Oriental out as truly special.

<b>5: Chiva Som, Hua Hin, Thailand</b>

Chiva Som is probably the top spa destination in the world right now, a resort entirely dedicated to the concept of wellness. Upon arrival, all guests are assessed, and your menus, exercise programmes and beauty treatments are planned for the duration of your stay making for a truly exceptional experience.

<b>4: Park Hyatt, Sydney, Australia</b>

On the surface, the Park Hyatt, Sydney is nothing special. It is undeniably luxurious, offers high quality service, and boasts a number of exquisite restaurants, but so do any number of other hotels around the world. What marks out this particular 5-star above all others in the city is its location over looking the beautiful harbour, and offering the best views of the Opera House and iconic harbour bridge that you will ever see.

<b>3: The Waldorf Astoria, New York, USA</b>

The Waldorf Astoria is the grand old lady of New York Hospitality. The Waldorf Astoria is the flagship property of the exclusive Hilton Group. It may no longer be the largest, most luxurious, or most exclusive hotel in the city, but it remains the most famous, most enchanting, and down right best with its perfect mix of luxury service, and glamour

<b>2: The Ritz, London, UK </b>

The original 5 Star hotel, the Ritz is a byword for tradition and luxury in one of the most exciting cities in the world. It offers truly majestic levels of service and accommodation, and has a well-earned reputation as one of the finest places to eat out in the UK, with several world-class restaurants for guests to choose from.

<b>1: Al Maha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates</b>

The iconic Burj al Arab on Jumeirah Beach may be the last word in overblown opulence in Dubai, but the Al Maha desert resort is without a doubt the best hotel you can stay in. It offers levels of exclusivity that are unrivalled, exceptional accommodation, and above all, unmatched privacy and personalised service that will ensure that no matter how high your standards, this hotel will always exceed them.

Sailing is an activity like no other. It can change so much from one day to the next, since it really depends on the weather. Big waves with no wind, big wind with no waves, no wind and no waves, or big wind and big waves will all provide a very different experience for thesailor . If you've only ever sailed one time, then chances are very good, that the next time you go out it will be a totally different experience. The trick, is to do enough sailing that you have a good feel for sailing in all types of conditions.

Speed Demon or Just Enjoying The View

The other factor that greatly affects your sailing experience is your reason for doing it in the first place. Sailers can be easily grouped into two categories. There are the cruisers. These are the folks who like to spend days on end in anchorages, exploring coves and inlets, and just basically going where ever the wind blows them. My kind of sailors. Then we have the racers. These guys love going fast. Not just going fast, but going faster than anyone else. To the typical power boater this may sound kind of funny, since they assume that all sailboats go slow. But, I guess it's all relative. Sailing along at 12 knots, pointing tight into the wind is far different from a cruiser coasting along at 5 knots on a gentle beam reach.

Choose Your Poison

Of course the type of boat you decide to do your sailing in, can greatly affect your experience. The type of sail boat, could also be broken down into two categories. There are the planing boats. These are boats like catamarans with two hulls, the really move on top of the water. If they really get sailing fast, one of the hulls will lift out of the water, further reducing the resistance of the water, and moving the boat even faster. The sail boats not falling into the category of planing boats are called displacement boats. They sail through the water instead of on top of the water. What they tend to give up in speed to the planing boats, they gain in other amenities, like large living space down below.

Whether your a racer, a cruiser, or if you would prefer a planing or displacement boat, sailing is a truly wonderful experience. Of course, if you enjoy one type of boat and one type of racing, don't limit yourself. Try them all. Having a multitude of choices is one of the thing that makes boating fun for everyone.

When traveling to Nassau, various boating experiences are available to embark on. Whether you enjoy a boat or a yacht doesn't change the exciting experience you will have on the beautiful blue water of the Bahamas Islands. Bahamas yacht charters are a popular Caribbean adventure that will give you just what you need to go home and brag to all of your friends.

Fishing boats and fishing charters exist for the sportiest of the group. The Nassau area houses one of the greatest sport fishing spots in the world. From marlin and tuna to yellow fin and wahoo, a large variety of fish are available to be caught. So cast a reel in! A variety of exotic fishing experiences can be had in this beautiful area. Experienced tour guides are available to guide you into finding the perfect adventure whether it's deep sea fishing or a Bahamas yacht charter for your interests. Boats leave early morning to late night. Find the perfect one for you!

For other travelers, sailing is their first choice. Sailboats are available for rental and one can cruise the crystal clear waters of Nassau. This Caribbean water adventure keeps visitors smiling throughout the entire trip. Various other boat cruises are available during the day and even through the night. Bahamas yacht charters as well as many other boating experiences provide great fun for the visitors of the Bahamas islands. Book a trip to the Bahamas and schedule a boat tour to see all this beautiful area has to offer!