Experience The Quest: Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race
June 14, 2007
Experience The Quest: Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race
by: Ron Richards
Known as the “Toughest Sled Dog Race in the World,” the annual Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race annually covers over 1,000 miles between the Yukon and Alaska. Alternating starting and finish lines between Whitehorse, Yukon Territory and Fairbanks, Alaska, this sled dog race is not for the faint of heart! The terrain is some of the most difficult on the planet and the demanding trail constantly keeps sled dogs and their mushers on their toes as potential disasters wait around every turn. This race takes place each February, with the date exact date wavering depending on the weather conditions of the brutal Yukon winter.
The trail for the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race is as historic as the sport itself. Originally part of the original Gold Rush trail and the Mail Delivery trails dating back to the turn of the Twentieth Century, the trail is steeped in lore. Most of this trail cuts through untouched wilderness, thought to be some of the last on the entire continent. Lasting approximately two weeks, the mushers enter the race with his or her 14 dog sled team, striving to reach Fairbanks first. The field is diverse and features entries from all over the world, but all the entries have one thing in common—they came to win!
Brief history of Italian Fashion
June 13, 2007
Brief history of Italian Fashion
by: Juliana de Angelis
Italy and Fashion have a very unique and special relationship, and when you consider such names as Dolce&Gabbana, Versace and Armani, to name but a few, it’s not difficult to see why. But if we look back into the history of Italian Fashion, (e.g. see also the article on Nina Ricci) we start to understand what gave Italy such a status in the Fashion World.
Count Giorgini started the ‘Italian Fashion’ craze in 1951, when he organised a fashion show to be presented to an International audience in Florence. He then continued to present other fashion shows at his palace, presenting new collections modelled by nobilty against a backdrop of fine arts and scenery. Nobilty would also model new collections at museums or exhibitions next to famous pieces of fine art. This all contributed to elevating the status of Italian fashion, and implanting in everyone’s minds that Italian fashion gives you status, is very rich in quality,and almost ‘fairytale’ like.
In the 1970s and 1980s Milan made its mark as being the Fashion Capital of Italy, and the phrase Made in Italy became universally recognised as meaning ‘high quality’, and ‘high fashion’. Many trade fairs are regularly held in Milan, and it regarded by many as the ‘Fashion Capital’ of the World.
6 Tips for Paranoid Travelers
June 12, 2007
6 Tips for Paranoid Travelers
by: Brad Kadinski
As fun as international travel may be there are always obstacles and hidden dangers. Some of them may hit the unsuspecting tourist by total surprise and can get you in alot of trouble when you are out of your familiar environment. But most can be avoided with the proper preparation.
Passport & IDs
The proper document can save your life - or at least keep you out of trouble. Always carry your passport with you when traveling and make sure it is still valid at least 6 months by the time you intend to leave the country you visit. Always keep some type of backup id - in case your passport gets lost or stolen. This could be a personal ID cards (drivers licenses don’t count much in most countries) or an official xerox of your passport. Never put your passport in any bag or suitcase, always keep it somewhere on your body (a body bag is the best thing here - although it might feel ridiculous)
Money and Credit Cards
Italian London
June 11, 2007
Italian London
by: Juliana de Angelis
Italians have been coming to live in London for hundreds of years, including Canaletto, the famous Renaissance Artist whose works can be seen in the National Gallery and Buckingham Palace. In the first half of the 19th century, there was an influx of political refugees into London. By 1854 London’s first Italian community of about 2000 was formed in Clerkenwell. Many opened businesses in the catering industry, or worked as artisans, street vendors or street musicians.
There is still a large Italian community in Clerkenwell, and this area is also home to the Italian Church, St.Peters, which holds Italian events and youth clubs for the Italian community. It is also the area of London that has most of the original Italian businesses, shops and cafes.
When Italian immigrants formed the first Italian community in London over 150 years ago, they had no official church of their own, and used to attend prayer at the Royal Sardinian Chapel at Lincoln’s Inn Fields. The 1st Archbishop of westminster, Cardinal Wiseman, invited St.Vincent Pallotti to establish an Italian Church in London. Helping in the task, were Fr.Raffaele Melia, the Italian chaplin to the Sardinian Church, and Fr.Giuseppe Faa’ di Bruno, a priest from Turin.
How to Choose The Best Beach In Jamaica For Your Vacation
June 10, 2007
How to Choose The Best Beach In Jamaica For Your Vacation
by: Alton Hargrave
All your life you dreamed of taking a vacation and suddenly it is almost time! Now, the pressure to get the most out of it. We all have different ideas about vacations. And, this will be a special one. You have to realize your own special needs and wants and incorporate all this into a well structured fullfilling time.
Consider Jamaica. It has a variety of beaches to choose from. Just know what you want and where to find it. Jamaica is the answer. Jamaica has the beaches that feature the traditional joys of pristine white sand and blue, blue waters, but also the rough, craggy type of beaches. The latter are great if you don’t really like crowds. Some people go to Jamaica for the crowds because they like the active social scene.
A great example is Doctor’s Cave Beach , in Montego Bay. This one is known as a classic Caribbean vacation beach. It is about five miles long and covered with a fine white sandy beach that borders clear, cool waters. It is likely to be crowded. Very popular. Another example is Cornwell Beach. Known for lovely, white sand. It is part of Montego Bay.
Packing Tips
June 9, 2007
Packing Tips
by: Rachel Deutsch
Packing is an art form in itself. Experienced travelers have perfected this art over the years so they cen carry just a small bag and still have all that they need on vacation. Here are ten tips to help you pack for your next vacation.
1. Prepare a packing list in advance. One packing list for each traveler and a list of common things.
Each list should be separated to a list of things you are going to check in, and a list of things you will carry on the plane with you. Mark on each list the things you can only put in the bag in the last minute, such as a toothbrush you intend to use at home before the flight. Make another list of things you need to take out of your wallet or bag before the flight, such as knives, tear gas or any other object that is not allowed on the flight.
2. Make a list of the bags you will take, and make sure well in advance that you can find them and that they are in good condition. Maybe since you last used them you lent a bag to someone and forgot. A bag could have been damaged by moisture or insects in storage. It could also be damaged since your last trip, but you didn’t notice or forgot.
To The East Is Quebec
June 9, 2007
To The East Is Quebec
by: Ashton Billesberger
Quebec is a province that is located east of Ontario; it is Canada’s biggest province and has the second most people living there. There are about 7,568,640 people living there (as of 2005). The province is French speaking, that is there office language but a lot of people speak English there as well. The provinces capital city is Quebec City and the largest city is Montreal. This province has a deep history with Canada as a lot of settler settled in and around these areas.
If you enjoy traveling and learning about the places you are visiting then this is a place that you do not want to miss out, there is a lot of history here like the city of Montreal, some of the buildings go back 100 years, where I am from that is unheard of most building over 50 years old are replaced with something new. If you are the nature type there are the mountains that you can ski or snowboard, there are many rivers and lakes that have great fishing and boating.
Quick facts about the province
-Largest city is Montreal
Greek Italy - Una Fazza Una Razza
June 8, 2007
Greek Italy - Una Fazza Una Razza
by: Juliana de Angelis
Much of Southern Italy was colonised by Greeks 2500 years ago, and these areas form what we still know today as Magna Grecia (Greater Greece). As a result, Southern Italy became a centre of Greek culture, music, and language for hundreds of years. Greece has in the past also been occupied by Romans and Italians. To this day, we can see the Greek influence in Italy, and Italian influence in Greece, through architecture, music, food and language.
Naples, for example, was a city founded by the Greeks, and it’s name derives from the Greek Nea Polis (New City). Naples was also a Greek speaking town until the 9th century BC. It is an ancient Greek city, with a ’secret abandoned’ underground city, where there are many original city walls, and even a Greek-Roman theatre where the famous Emperor Nero used to perform opera! The underground city can be visited on guided tours organised by Napoli Sottoteranea -’Napoli Underground’. In Piazza Bellini in the centre, you can also see some Greek ruins of the original city.
Operation G.I. Jingle: Connecting Military Families For The Holidays
June 7, 2007
Operation G.I. Jingle: Connecting Military Families For The Holidays
by: Lori Anne Wardi
This Christmas, there’s a new kind of care package going out to the U.S. Military. Although they can’t eat, wear, or stow its’ contents in their mess kits, it’s a little reminder of home that our troops can take along with them wherever they go. It’s called Operation G.I. Jingle — and it’s a special way for military moms and dads to “visit” with their kids back home this holiday season.
A G.I. Jingle is a professionally produced video of “the real Santa Claus” speaking directly to the kids of G.I.s, along with a letter from Santa that parents can customize with their personal messages of love, hope and reassurance. It is one of a series of Jinglegram Greetings that give kids around the world the thrill of a visit with Santa Claus right from the comfort of home. Jinglegram Greetings are all absolutely FREE!
“Considering the amount of death and destruction shown on the nightly news, it’s an awfully heavy burden for a child to have to wonder about the whereabouts, well-being and safety of their mom or dad,” says Lisa Steinke, a co-founder of www.Jinglegram.com — and herself a mother of three young children.
Zermatt, the Eternal Alpine Snow, and a Peek at Switzerland
June 6, 2007
Zermatt, the Eternal Alpine Snow, and a Peek at Switzerland
by: Joy Cagil
Mont Blanc stands proud as the highest Alp. Yet one of the most photographically reproduced is Matterhorn with the village of Zermatt at its feet.
When I first saw Matterhorn from the ground up, I felt as if I was looking at a solidified ardent flame. A native who saw me look at it with awe said: “You can climb it,” as if it were nothing. I laughed…not at him but at me. I wouldn’t dare think of trying that.
In Zermatt, as well as other places, locals show off their skill by the number of times they have climbed the Matterhorn; although, many fall numerous times. A local had climbed it more than 300 times. His wife shrugged: “Useless to say how many times,” she said. “The mountain is going nowhere. It stays there and only the workless (also meaning worthless) do the climbing.”
There are no cars in Zermatt. Transportation is possible by using the cog train and horse-drawn sleighs. Sitting in a horse drawn sleigh with a lap robe, which is a folded small blanket, with an eternal snow around is one of the most romantic things.
