10 Must-Dos When In Amsterdam
November 21, 2007
10 Must-Dos When In Amsterdam
by: Steven Cronin
An enticing fusion of ancient and avant-garde, Amsterdam is a beautiful city of creative legacy. Take a walk along the cobbled streets and serene canals and you can seem a million miles from the vibrant nightlife on every corner.
1. Dam Square
Dam Square is the hub of the city and located on the site of the original Amstel dam. The focal point of the Square is the Royal Palace. Originally the town hall, it became regal following Louis Napoleon’s crowning in 1808.
2. Anne Frank’s House
In close proximity to the Square, Anne Frank’s house provides a constant reminder of Nazi occupation during the Second World War. Her infamous diary is kept here; be prepared to queue as it gets very busy during the tourist season.
3. Rijksmuseum
The fabulous Rijksmuseum is home to some of the most important historic art in the world. Perhaps the most famous pieces here are that by Rembrandt; the works of Frans Hals and Vermeer also feature prominently. Beautiful examples of porcelain dolls and dolls’ houses can also be seen.
4. Van Gogh Museum
Education for Expat Children in Bulgaria
November 21, 2007
Education for Expat Children in Bulgaria
by: Susan Pedalino
Although, the majority of Brits buying in Bulgaria are looking for holiday homes/buy to let and investment opportunities, there are people relocating permanently. It is not just retired Brits who are planning to move to Bulgaria but also families with young children.
Despite the natural adaptability of children, the younger the better, any major change in their life will have some impact. One of the most influential factors which worry most parents is changing schools. In this case, it is not just a simple change in schools but a change to an educational system that is not yet European.
If you intend to live in Bulgaria permanently, you will want to look at the state education system. On the other hand, those who plan to spend a short period of time or are not yet convinced about their move may wish to consider private, international schooling.
State education in Bulgaria is free. Compulsory education is from the ages of 7 to 16 but many begin earlier attending kindergarten or preschool from the age of 5. Primary school begins for children aged 7 and continues for 4 years before pupils graduate to middle school where they remain for a further 3 years. Secondary school or high school is for between 3 and 5 years. Almost one third of students go onto further education.
Holiday Guide-Enjoy Your Holidays & Be Healthy!
November 20, 2007
Holiday Guide-Enjoy Your Holidays & Be Healthy!
by: Gagandeep Dhaliwal
Holiday season is the best among all seasons. Holiday season is the best for family gatherings, spending time with friends, and snowball battles. All of us want to enjoy holiday season. Several people feel migraine problems and severe headaches due to wrong strategy of spending holidays. You should follow some guidelines to enjoy wonderful holidays.
Following are some ideas that will definitely help you to make great holiday season:
During holidays try to eat little of everything whatever you want because holidays means fun not eating! Eat little instead of joining a gym after holidays.
Avoid potatoes & stuffed food. You should eat more vegetables during holidays to be fit and fine.
Don’t spend your holidays in watching TV. You should spend your time with your nears & dears.
Make a list of important activities that you want to do during holidays. This will reduce your tension and headache.
You should also make a budget for your holidays and be familiar with your limitations. Don’t try to create more social events.
Impressions of Siberia
November 19, 2007
Impressions of Siberia
by: Rick Chapo
Mention the word “Siberia,” and images of gulags, frozen tundra and wastelands may come to mind. While there is some truth to these, my impressions of Siberia included more.
Siberia comprises more than 75 percent of modern Russia. Unless you visit, there is simply no way to describe the total landmass of this much-maligned area of the world. To give you some perspective, consider the fact that Siberia is bigger than Canada, has more natural resources than any area of the world, spans nine time zones and contains the largest plain in the world.
One of the best ways to give you an impression of the size of Siberia is to discuss the infamous gulag system. When one thinks of a gulag or prison, visions of guards with guns, electrified fences and so on come to mind. In Siberia, most of the gulags did not have fences or any kind of barrier to keep people in. With freezing temperatures in the winter, huge rivers of mud and water in the summer, Siberia formed a natural gulag for many of the prisoners. If a prisoner escaped from a gulag, there was simply nowhere to go. The closest population center might be 1,000 miles away.
Travel Asia
November 18, 2007
Travel Asia
by: Reed Floren
Traveling Asia is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. When you travel to Asia, there are so many things to see and do; make sure that you plan your trip in advance. However, remember to leave some free time in you itinerary, because when you travel Asia, you want to make sure that you have the flexibility for an occasional adventure.
As the largest continent on earth, Asia offers travelers a huge variety of places to visit, things to do and, cultures to see. For first time visitors who travel Asia, we recommend the following:
Island Nations-
Indonesia:
One of the most diverse destinations for travelers to Asia, the Indonesian archipelago can provide enough exciting destinations for a complete trip. Whether you are seeking relaxation, natural beauty, cultural diversity or all of the above, Indonesia will show you an exciting and wonderful Asian travel destination.
Philippines:
Comprised of over 7000 islands, the Philippines has become on of Asia’s forgotten travel destinations. Due to a recent history that includes martial law and economic corruption, the Philippines has lost much of its previous tourist activity to its more stable neighbors. Those who do visit will enjoy beautiful spots like the Boracay beaches and Lake Sebu.
10 Must-Dos When In Brussels
November 17, 2007
10 Must-Dos When In Brussels
by: Steven Cronin
At the hub of European politics - Brussels is the cosmopolitan capital of bureaucracy. But when freed from the shackles of red tape, this compact capital of Belgium is a fascinating fusion of profound historical curiosity and contemporary living.
1. The Grand-Place
Brussels’ central square is the focal point of activity for locals and tourists alike. The heaving markets are bursting with souvenir-seeking bargain hunters. Look out for the town hall (Hotel de Ville), a magnificent example of 15th century architecture.
2. Manneken Pis
This sacred 17th century bronze statue of the small boy urinating is a Brussels landmark. Several legends exist as to the origins of this statue. One says it depicts a young boy urinating on a burning charge destined to blow up the city walls when under siege from a foreign army, thus saving the city from invasion. Whatever the truth, he is undeniable cute and has over 500 outfits, one for every occasion.
3. St Nicholas Church
Constructed in the 11th century, this fine example of medieval architecture is the oldest church in Brussels. If you are lucky, you may even catch one of the occasional services given in English.
Total Eclipse Of The Sun Expected In March
November 16, 2007
Total Eclipse Of The Sun Expected In March
by: Michael Hanna
A total solar eclipse, one of the earth’s most unique phenomena is when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, its shadow hitting the Earth and blocking out the Sun. If you’re lucky enough to be in the path taken by the centre of that shadow, the Moon will align itself exactly with the sun, blocking it entirely and you’ll see a total eclipse.
Outside of the path of totality, although a staggering 95% of the Sun is still obscured, the effect of the eclipse is not nearly so vivid - just a quiet, still, evening dusk-like effect. These were the conditions most of us experienced during our ‘once in a lifetime’ eclipse over the UK mainland on 11 August 1999, with the next not now forecast until 2090.
Huge cosmic coincidence is at work during a total eclipse; the Moon is 400 times smaller than the Sun and the Sun is 400 times further from the Earth so, quite extraordinarily, from our viewpoint here on Earth the size of these two celestial objects appears to be exactly the same.
6 Key Factors Successful Vacation Rental Owners Always Use
November 16, 2007
6 Key Factors Successful Vacation Rental Owners Always Use
by: Kent Krueger
If you are going to spend money advertising your vacation rental property on vacation rental websites, you want to make sure it is a success. Here are 6 things you can practice which will help ensure you receive the most “bang for the buck”.
1. SET RENTAL RATES APPROPRIATELY - If you want your vacation property to rent, you must be realistic, optomistic, but not greedy! Set realistic rental rates for your property and ensure that the rates are correct on the site(s) your listing and regularly reviewed as the market changes. Search for comparable properties (”comps”) in the same location as yours. Only charge a premium if your property has some distinct features. And, be willing to discount your property on occassion as needed. In this business, if you lose money for a week long rental, you can’t make that up!
2. CHECK E-MAIL REGULARLY - When using an internet vacation rental property website such as http://Rentals2Remember.com or http://eVaca.com, remember your users. They are typically Internet “savvy” and probably check their e-mails frequently…especially if they have requested some info. Also, be sure your phone number is listed on sites that allow you to as sometimes people choose to just call you directly, so be sure to check phone messages.
Are There Any Health Benefits In Using Dead Sea Products?
November 15, 2007
Are There Any Health Benefits In Using Dead Sea Products?
by: Paul Keene
Firstly, it is important to understand a little about the location of the source. The Dead Sea has a unique climate which has been shown to offer excellent natural treatment for many health problems.
The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth, over 400 metres below sea level located between Israel and Jordan, the region has a dense air rich in bromine and other elements which filters and limits the ultraviolet B radiation from the sun, reducing the danger of sunburn and allowing longer exposure to the sun’s rays. The thick atmospheric pressure is also associated with an increase in oxygen - 5 per cent richer than air at sea level and 10 per cent higher than the air in Jerusalem, only a two hour drive away.
The water in the Dead Sea contains 345 grams of mineral salts per liter and is approximately ten times higher in saline than ocean water and enriched by hydrogen sulfide gas. For this reason no plant or animal can survive in the water and bathers are able to float in the sea. The major salts are magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium.
Travel Insurance
November 14, 2007
Travel Insurance
by: Sara Chambers
There are many vendors who would try and convince you that going abroad without traveler’s insurance is downright foolish. However, most people going on vacation have already invested enough in their travel costs that they generally overlook extra costs they consider frivolous, at best. And there are arguments on both sides of the fence. If you have never encountered a flight or cruise cancellation, loss of personal property, or a serious medical malady outside of the United State’s borders, you perhaps have never seriously considered a travel insurance plan. But for those travelers who have had experience with the above, many experts agree that a well researched insurance plan may have helped.
Do You Need Travel Insurance?
Before you decide in favor of or against purchasing travel insurance there are some factors to consider. First, are you planning that amazing, once-in-a-lifetime vacation you’ve had on your To-Do list for the last decade? This type of trip might require some forethought when it comes to considering protecting yourself and your long awaited investment. Perhaps a little extra investment in flight cancellations, medical insurance, and luggage loss might pay off should something befall you on your travels.
