Route 66 has at least 5 seasons, the normal four seasons and then the Memory Season and I always have trouble deciding which season that I am remembering because they intermingle with reality.
Spring on Route 66 is a beautiful time with all of the spring trimmings, flowers, dandelion parachutes floating in the air, farm dogs chasing our car, birds building nests and farmers planting new crops along side the road. Farmer’s waving friendly waves from tractors out in the fields. Spotted cattle and horses in fields by the highway. The occasional grasshopper flying in the window or taking a ride on the hood. Moving wetly towards summer.
Summer on Route 66 with bugs on the windshield, the hot sun high in the sky, windows wide open and hot, did mention hot before? Water bag hanging on the front grille tantalizing young imaginations, paper pasted in the windows to block out the sun, sweat soaked hankies hanging out the window to dry. Complaints from the back seat about, “How much longer?” or The plaintive cry of a child needing to go to the bathroom. Burma Shave signs partially hidden but weeds and grass. Moving hotly towards fall. Windmills moving in cadence with the wind like palm trees.
Fall with a touch of frost, leaves blowing off of the trees and across the roadway. Farmers harvesting their crops and school buses and equipment-laden tractors slowing down traffic. Burma Shave Signs easier to see as the grass recedes.Signs of farms settling in for winter, filling up the silos and baling the hay, corn stacked in shocks in the fields. Moving swiftly towards winter.
Winter with snow along the road, kids playing in snow banks, snowmen standing silent vigil, a tribute to youthful activity. Soft snow falling and slowing down travel. The anticipation of seeing grandparents and opening gifts, turkey and dressing, Renewing friendships with all of the farm animals, chasing the chickens around And running from the geese and turkeys. Sad goodbyes and horrible thoughts of returning to school after the holiday vacation.
Is that four, five or a hundred seasons? I can’t tell where memory ends and reality begins. All that I know is that whatever memories I have, Route 66 runs like a river though them, timelessly and endlessly!
Time to get out the Route 66 Cruiser and plan your next trip down the Mother Road!!
About The Author: Writer, entrepreneur and business consultant, Karl Nichols is the owner of K & L Enterprises which makes Quickie Waterless Car Wash a premier Waterless Car Wash.
For more information, visit: QuickieHQ.com QuickieHQ.com Also visit Carnewz.org Carnewz.org Blog for more Route 66 and classic car articles
While living in Siberia for a year, I agreed to speak at a human rights conference. Only in Russia will you find a place like Tinda, a city we stopped in on our way.
Trans-Siberian Railway
When living in Siberia, the only way to get around is car, helicopter or the Trans-Siberian Railway. Since I had neither a car nor helicopter, the train it was. Unfortunately, the train to my conference left at 4 AM after a night spent trying to acquire a travel visa on the sly, which meant drinking a lot of vodka.
Dutifully, my travel partner, Oleg Vladimirovich, and I made the train where we were met by a local reporter, Nina, who was coming along. The Trans-Siberian Railway can offer some amazing views, but not at four in the morning. I went to sleep.
The thing about Russia is you simply can’t grasp how big it is. Although we were traveling in the same state [“oblast”], the trip took 30 hours. Since it was winter, the view out the train was mostly of snow covered trees. Yes, it sounds romantic until you have to sit there for a day. Fortunately, the Russians have good taste as the train radio blared John Lee Hooker most of the way. No, I don’t know why.
Tinda
Only in Russia will you find a city like Tinda. During the Stalin era, it was determined that the timber and natural resources in a particular spot of Siberia were very valuable. Unfortunately, nobody lived within 500 miles of the location. To solve the problem, the authorities decided to build a railroad and city from scratch.
Building in the middle of Siberia is just a slight challenge. Just to get to the location of Tinda, the Russians had to build a railway over permafrost, bogs, huge mountain ranges and roaring rivers. I won’t even mention the bugs in the summer.
The unfortunately named BUM railway was started in 1930 and finished in 1984. During this process, hundreds of five story concrete buildings were built to form the city of Tinda. A hundred thousand people were uprooted from their homes and moved to this city in the middle of nowhere. Walla, the communist authorities had a labor force to exploit the natural resources.
With the fall of communism, the authorities in Russia are no longer interested in the area. The city is failing and people are flocking to live in cities with jobs and better wages. The ones that remain in Tinda are in desperate straits. One has to wonder if the authorities in Moscow even know there is a place called Tinda.
It is a sad statement to the legacy of communism, where the interests of the state dominated. Tinda is just one of many population centers that are fading away now the communist state no longer exists.
Rick Chapo is with nomadjournals.com nomadjournals.com – makers of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for student travel, family vacations and adventure travel. Visit nomadjournaltrips.com nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles, travelogues and travel stories.
Eroded by the sea, burnt by the French, flattened by storms and nearly demolished in the swinging sixties, the intricate maze of alleyways, twittens and catcreeps of the Brighton Lanes today remain tall as the backbone of Brighton old and new.
Once the heart of the old fishing town of Brighthelmstone, Brighton’s historic quarter is one of the few surviving examples of a Tudor fishing town left in Britain. After the village was burned to the ground by French invaders in the 16th century it was rebuilt along the same streets. Today, a pebble’s throw from the beach and the lavish Royal Pavilion, four hundred year-old fishermen’s cottages, quaint old pubs, brick-paved twittens and flint stone exteriors nestle alongside a modern day mix of bustling antique, jewellery and designer shops. Explore the hidden squares and winding passages and you will find the spirit of royal, literary and cinematic connections of a bygone age lingering amongst antique teddy bears, modern art and freshly roasted coffee.
Duke Street is one entrance to the Brighton Lanes. The famous cricket family, the Wisdens, had a sports shop there and its now a heady mix of fashion shops and cosmopolitan cafes. Victorian horse-buses were once diverted up the street, because North Street was too steep, but congestion led to the street being demolished in a 1870s road-widening scheme. This explains the two curiously distinct sides to the street. Look one way and you will note older bow-fronted buildings of different heights. Glance to the other and you will see a uniform terrace of much larger white Victorian stucco buildings. Walk down Duke Street and turn into Middle Street and you will find the earliest street to be developed in the middle of the Old Town – once home to William Friese-Green, pioneer and patentee of cinematography. Wander down the adjacent Ship Street, once called White Waistcoat Street as a nod to the waistcoats worn by the prosperous professionals who worked there, and you will discover the Old Ship, a hotel described by William Thackaray in Vanity Fair.
The nearby Prince Albert Street bears off left at the Friends Centre, a picturesque and calming spot, home to an early nineteenth century Quaker Meeting House. Testimony to Brightons non conformist nature, a Swedenborgian mission and a synagogue also sit nearby. Walk back along Prince Albert Street to the impressive Town Hall, turn right into Little East Street and set between a series of nineteenth century tarred beach pebble cottages, there is a hidden unmarked alleyway. Easy to miss, this passageway represents a piece of cinematic history – once the location of a scene from the cult 60s Mods and Rockers film Quadrophenia. East Steet is also home to Al Fornos, believed to be the house of the famous Dipper Martha Gunn, who was a great favourite of the Prince of Wales. Meander back to Black Lion Street and stop off at The Black Lion, part of the Black Lion Brewery started by Flemish immigrant Derek Carver. Carver was found guilty of heresy and the first Protestant to be martyred under Mary1, an event still remembered every November in the nearby Lewes Bonfire celebrations. The royal connections continue in Black Lion Lane, a narrow twitten allegedly once the escape route of Charles 11, as he fled to France – courtesy of a piggy back ride from a local fisherman!
Extending from the sea front to North Street between Ship Street and the Old Steine, the Lanes are an extraordinary labyrinth of passage ways, wynds and twittens. Crammed with quaint and wonderous shops, restaurants and cafes, the Lanes are best wandered lazily and explored as you find them. You will often find buskers livening up the streets and when you are tired of staring longingly in windows, grab a coffee, sit back in the sun and soak up the history of the Lanes to the sounds of some late summer jazz.
Sarah Baker is the Web Editor for visitbrighton.com visitbrighton.com, the official visitor website for Brighton & Hove, with information on Brighton hotel accommodation, Brighton restaurants and places to visit.
As a gesture of appreciation for Marta Elena’s outstanding hospitality, I decided to get her some flowers since I know that she absolutely loves gardening. Around the Palacio de Cortés I started asking around where I would get flowers and everone pointed me in the direction of the local Mercado. People in the street were very helpful, whenever I had a question they’d stop patiently and try to help me direct me. The market was about 7 or 8 blocks away down a fairly steep hill and as usual a very colourful place. I got a wonderful big bouquet of flowers with orange and white lilies for a very reasonable price of 55 pesos. I was also looking for a card to give to Marta Elena and walked through the very basic stalls selling food, clothing, shoes, toys and many other basic items, but no luck, no cards were to be found anywhere.
It’s certainly a very colourful place with a very local flavour, and there was not a tourist to be seen. The sights, sounds and smells of Mexico come at you in full force and you get a real taste for where the locals do their shopping. This is also the main local bus terminal where all the municipal buses leave from. What a commotion! Buses leaving every few minutes and lining up in the usual chaotic way to exit the market. I was amazed that the buses weren’t hitting one another…Quite an experience. At 5:30 pm I had my second physiotherapy appointment – now I am really getting to know the Mexican health care system. Due to all the walking I have been suffering from an inflammation of the tendon and ligament surrounding my left ankle, and Roxana Villamichel, my local contact at the city’s tourist department, had recommended that I visit a local physiotherapist named Ivo whose office is literally 10 minutes away from Marta Elena’s bed and breakfast. The office is housed in a simple 3-story residential building, as usually protected by an exterior wall. Ivo is a young therapist in his 30s, always smiling and concerned about his patients. He administered an electrode as well as an ultrasound treatment to me (to reduce the pain) and gave me a referral to a local orthopedist named Dr. Chinchilla who will fix me up with some orthotic inserts for my shoes. My experience with Mexican medical specialists has been thoroughly positive. Ivo is always friendly, professional and very knowledgeable and my pain has come down significantly already. After my return from my physio appointment I got ready to move from one B&B to another and started packing my bags. My next hostess was going to be Roxana Villamichel who works for the City of Cuernava’s Tourism Department. She has been extremely instrumental and helpful in planning my trip to Cuernavaca. Roxana also owns a bed and breakfast called RX Villa in the northern part of Cuernavaca which she runs together with her son Luis. My current hostess Marta Elena and Roxana know each other so they decided all three of us would have dinner together. Marta Elena and I have gotten quite close in the very few short days that we have known each other and I helped Marta Elena set the table in the beautiful oasis that is the backyard of her bed and breakfast. Marta Elena is a consummate gardener and her garden is full of all sorts of tropical and subtropical plant species that appeal to all the senses. Marta Elena even put some edible flowers on one of my breakfasts as garnishment….
After everything was set up we sat down and chatted for a while. Marta Elena’s two dogs, Peggy and Kissy, two lively and loving pugs, joined us, while Marta Elena’s Persian cat Billy watched us from afar. He had made himself comfortable in a net used to dry clothes. Roxana came shortly after and the three of us started our delicious dinner. We toasted with some California bubbly and Marta Elena had prepared a nice set of cold dishes, including fried eggplant slices with a special dipping sauce, a set of antipasti including cold turkey breast and prosciutto, and a paté made with Roquefort cheese which was extremely tasty. Marta Elena’s home made mango icecream was the crowning touch to a very savoury meal. Both women run bed and breakfasts, Marta Elena runs hers full-time all by herself, while Roxana works full-time for the city and has some help looking after the garden, the kitchen and the house.
It was a wonderful relaxing meal, and just after 10 pm we finished our dinner and I moved in with Roxana in a wonderful area in the northern, mountaineous part of the city. I was a bit sad to leave Marta Elena, who had become such a good friend in such a short time, but we decided to go on a mutual adventure together tomorrow to a place called “Las Estacas”, a riverside resort that she had never been to, that both of us would enjoy. After getting comfortable at RX Villa I downloaded all the pictures I had shot and finally got to bed at about 1:30 am after another full day….
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions ( travelandtransitions.com travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.
Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest ( travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win a fabulous 2-week sailing adventure for two through the Greek Islands.
“Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons”.
The story with photos is published at Travel Stories and Photos ( travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/cuernavaca_3.htm travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/cuernavaca_3.htm)
Vacations are the perfect getaway. Holidays allow people to de-stress and face their daily routine with increased vigor. When considering a visit to the state of Florida, Orlando stands out as the perfect destination. Holiday trends reveal that travel agents and tours offer multiple senior vacation packages designed to meet the special needs of the elderly.
Orlando senior vacations are organized to safeguard and uphold the interest of senior citizens, as they tend to be different in requirements and preference. These vacations are usually planed for a group of seniors and revolve around group activities and participation. When considering an Orlando senior vacation, it is possible for vacationers to find reasonably priced lodgings and other benefits as a result of the large group discounts that are widely available.
It is advisable to book accommodations in advance and inquire about lodging conditions in order to avoid any hassles upon reaching Orlando. People should determine a budget and choose a package that is affordable. It helps to have adequate funds for other activities and shopping without being financially strained. People may choose from star rated hotels, suites, apartments, cottages and motels. A number of villas and cottages are designed for group accommodations. They offer multiple bathrooms, spacious sitting areas and fully equipped kitchens. Rather than opting for trekking and strenuous physical activities, this special group of tourists can opt for relaxed recreational activities. Holiday planners understand these needs and design tailor- made Orlando senior vacations that are attentive to such requirements. This includes planned rides to Discovery Cove, Orlando’s water parks, Sea World, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World and other popular theme destinations. Teeing, boat rides, sight seeing and shopping activities are also included in these packages. These vacations allow senior citizens to share their experiences amongst contemporaries and build everlasting bonds.
e-OrlandoVacations.com Orlando Vacations provides detailed information on Orlando Vacations, Orlando Discount Vacations, Orlando Family Vacations, All Inclusive Orlando Vacations and more. Orlando Vacations is affiliated with e-OrlandoVacationHomes.com Orlando Vacation Home Books.
More and more expatriates are attracted to Bulgaria each year.
These expatriates are drawn by the climate, the safe sandy beaches, the incredibly low cost of living and low prices generally, the historical heritage that Bulgaria offers and the welcome they get from the friendly Bulgarians.
While Bulgaria does not yet have the same destination appeal of Spain or Portugal say, all that is about to change as Bulgaria gets closer to entry into the EU in 2007.
Those choosing a new life in Bulgaria now are getting in ahead of the pack as this country is about to become very fashionable.
If you are thinking that Bulgaria might be the place for you what can you expect from life in Bulgaria? And which areas are attracting the main influx of expatriates?
The biggest growth rates in terms of expat population increase are expected in the more desirable areas in and around the major resort centres of Varna and Burgas. With further population development expected in other selected ‘premium quality’ locations on the Black Sea coast.
British expats already living in Bulgaria are attracted to the fact that you are far less likely to become a victim of crime in Bulgaria than on any UK street nowadays. Street crime in Bulgaria is rare, and general crimes against ‘the person’ are statistically lower compared to western European countries.
On the whole Bulgaria is a peaceful, law abiding and trouble free country and Bulgarians are friendly, warm and welcoming people.
Expatriates attracted to Bulgaria are rewarded with great beaches a sunny climate and attractions as diverse as wine tasting, aqua parks, ancient monuments, nature parks, music and flower festivals.
And the cost of living is incredibly low.
The economic forecast for Bulgaria.
Since 1989 Bulgaria has been going through a successful transformation from a state controlled economy to an open market economy – so successful has the transformation proved to be that Bulgaria has been invited to join the European Union with membership time-tabled for 2007.
In general financial analysts agree that Bulgaria is currently undervalued, and therefore base costs are lower than the market realisation set against forecasts of growth and increased investment flows.
In terms of what this means to those living in Bulgaria – the costs of living are exceptional low. But this is not going to last forever.
Bulgaria is currently benefiting from the European Union’s heavy investment into the country. Millions of Euro dollars being spent on upgrading the country’s roads and airports and schemes such as the “Beautiful Bulgaria Project” are being set up to refurbish the historical and architectural gems of Bulgaria.
All this work is meant to encourage new private investment to help bring Bulgaria more in line with its European neighbours in time for the 2007 EU entry.
This means that Bulgaria is increasing as a tourist and expat destination of choice year on year and those living in Bulgaria will only benefit as the country moves strongly towards EU entry.
Rhiannon Williamson is an experienced publisher who has produced articles for leading travel and tourism guides and financial magazines. Her specialist knowledge about both travel and finance gives her site shelteroffshore.com/ Shelter Offshore, the unique ability to literally cover every single aspect of moving & living abroad – including the often less discussed offshore tax advantages that can be available when leaving our homeland.
Traveling to Murcia is a great choice for a vacation in Spain. This city is an old Islamic city that was founded in the year 831 AD. The area has very hot summers, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius. The winters are very mild and relatively short. While summer is the most popular time to visit, the weather is favorable year round.
Where to Stay when Traveling to Murcia
There are several hotels in the Murcia area. These consist of both large resorts and smaller, less expensive hotels. The internet is a good place to research hotels. Read reviews written by former guests to get an idea of the quality of the hotel. This gives you the perspective of people who have stayed there on vacation.
If you plan to stay longer or want more privacy, consider renting a property in the area. There are many apartments available for rent. An apartment allows you to cook some of your own meals, rather than eating in restaurants for every meal. This is especially nice for families traveling with children. You can find these through a travel agent or on the internet.
Whether you prefer a hotel or a rental property, start looking well in advance of your trip. You will want to make your reservation early, especially if you are traveling in the summer months. This is the busiest time for travel in this area and places tend to get booked months in advance.
Things to do When Traveling to Murcia
There is a lot to do in Murcia. In the summer months, the beaches are a big attraction. The Mar Menor Lagoon is a small body of water that is separated from the sea by a sandy strip of land. The name Mar Menor means the small sea. This is a beautiful place to enjoy the water.
Like many Spanish cities, Murcia is home to beautiful old churches. The Cathedral in the town was built between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries. Because it was under construction for so long, many styles of architecture can be seen in the building. There are five centuries of architecture here, including Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance.
The Sanctuary of Fuensanta dates to the eighteenth century. This sanctuary was constructed in honor of the patron saint of Murcia. The saint’s statue is carried in procession at Easter time and for the summer festival.
The Museum of Science and Water is an interactive museum. The activities and exhibits are designed around the theme of water. You can see shows, exhibitions and demonstrations of experiments related to water. There is also a planetarium for children. Everyone in the family will find something to enjoy at this museum.
Another great museum to visit is the Museo de Tradiciones y Artes Populares. This is a folk museum in the city. The museum includes a variety of agricultural and domestic items on display. Some of the artifacts here are over three hundred years old.
Murcia is home to a variety of festivals during the year. In the spring, the Easter week processions are very popular. This is when the statue of the patron saint is carried through the town in procession. Other processions commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. The spring festivals are very popular in this area as well.
In the summer, there are music festivals in Murcia. The Sea and Music Festival is held in July. Fresh seafood is sold during the festival. You can enjoy a variety of live music at this time.
Like many coastal towns, seafood is prominently featured in the local cuisine. In addition, fresh fruits and legumes are routinely sold in markets and restaurants. The inland areas are well irrigated and produce a variety of crops. Some of the foods grown here include citrus fruits, peppers, olives, fruit and legumes.
Being specifically interested in Spain, Jerry Blackburn published countless summaries in this particular field. You can see his writings on alicante-spain.com/murcia.html Murcia and Spain at alicante-spain.com www.alicante-spain.com .
My schedule in Ottawa this past weekend was extremely compressed, but there was one place I wasn’t going to miss: the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography. As a person with no formal background, yet a keen interest in the visual arts and photography, I have been wanting to visit this museum for a long time. And my Internet research revealed that the Museum is featuring a very special exhibition right now: two photographic series by Sunil Gupta, an Indian-born Canadian citizen, exploring issues of identity, culture and the immigrant experience.
Let me start first with the Museum itself, a rather unique venue in Ottawa with a long history. The Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography began its life all the way back in World War II as the Still Photography Museum of the National Film Board. Its activities include collecting, publishing and organizing traveling exhibitions and educational programs to foster the efforts and development of Canadian photographers.
It’s a unique place in a unique venue: the Museum is housed in a former railroad tunnel of the Grand Trunk Railroad. It is accessible through an above-ground entrance immediately west of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel in downtown Ottawa, and an elevator takes you 2 storeys down from street level. As a former railroad tunnel, the Museum’s unique dimensions won’t come as a surprise: it measures 166 meters (545 feet) in length by only 17 meters (56 feet) in width. The facility is more like a 32-storey high-rise building laid on its side.
Even constructing the Museum entailed significant engineering challenges: due to the narrowness of the site, squeezed in between the Chateau Laurier on one side and the Rideau Canal on the other, construction trucks had to back into the site, edging their way half a mile along a road carved in the limestone and shale cliff face.
But I wasn’t only there to explore the unique architectural features of the gallery. The main reason for my visit was an exhibition by Sunil Gupta, whose 2 collections shed light on the immigrant experience.
Sunil Gupta was born in New Delhi in 1953 and came to Montreal with his parents at age 15. Over the years he has also lived in New York City and London and just recently moved back to India. Originally he studied accounting, but later moved into visual arts and photography.
Until April 23, 2006, the Museum features two highly personal collections by this artist. Social Security (1988) features Sunil Gupta’s family photographs and his mother’s words to shed light on the story of one immigrant family in Montreal. His family came from a middle-class background in India, and after their move to Canada they had significant adjustment problems. Sunil’s father was forced to work as a security guard and the family experienced a loss of financial security and social status. This was complicated by the fact that his parents were already in their fifties by the time of the move which made integration into Canadian culture even more difficult.
This photo collection illustrates the fact that his parents had traditional desires for both Sunil and his sister, and neither of the two children fulfilled the role expectations put upon them by their Indian parents. Sunil’s sister ended up marrying an American, something the parents did not support. Sunil himself is actually gay and had several long-term relationships with men, much to the chagrin of his parents. Neither offspring fulfilled the role of marrying an Indian spouse and creating a traditional Indian family. As such, the move to Canada was a big disappointment, particularly for Sunil’s father.
Incidentally Sunil’s father died of a heart attack on a Montreal street in 1986. He wasn’t found until several days later. One particularly gripping photograph shows Sunil’s father’s belongings, money, identification, credit cards, that were removed from his body after his death. It took the authorities three days to notify the family, presumably because his father was assigned to the “immigrant” section of the morgue. Nobody had bothered to check his identification and call his family, even though his father had all the necessary papers on him. And his social security card had been neatly cut in half.
Sunil Gupta’s second photo collection Homelands (2001 to 2003) includes large-scale diptychs that juxtapose images from his experience in the West with images from his home country in India. His exhibition explores highly personal topics, such as Gupta’s homosexuality and the fact that he is HIV positive. Gupta was diagnosed with HIV in 1995.
For me the most powerful image of the collection includes Gupta in front of a mirror, stark naked, facing the camera, with a sliver of his mirror image showing right next to an image of India. My museum guide indicated that Sunil has actually commented that he lives right in that narrow line between East and West.
It seems that his cultural identity is tenuous at best and Sunil decided recently to move back to India to explore his own cultural background. It is significant to mention that India does not accept homosexuality, does not offer treatment required for AIDS patients and doesn’t even officially acknowledge the existence of the disease. In addition India harbours a host of dangerous viruses that pose a constant threat to Sunil’s health. Even beyond that Sunil indicated that he lives in constant fear that his medical condition will be discovered and that he will be deported from India.
Both of Sunil Gupta’s series of photographs are highly personal, where he exposes himself (literally), his family members and the dynamics of an immigrant family in North America. His images use colour, atmospheric influences and juxtaposition to express symbolism and speak of an ongoing struggle to find his own personal, sexual and cultural identity at the confluence of Eastern and Western cultures.
For me personally, Sunil Gupta’s autobiographical photographs were almost shocking in their candor and openness. They talk about the cultural pressures and expectations that face second generation immigrants growing up in a liberal Western environment. Juxtaposed to this external environment is their traditional Eastern family milieu with its strict rules and role expectations, almost imposing a schizophrenic existence on their offspring.
It was rather surprising to me that Sunil Gupta decided recently to move back to a country where, as a gay HIV-positive individual, he is not accepted and it speaks to his overwhelming urge to reconnect with his roots.
The Canadian Museum of Photography is currently also hosting another installation: Imprints: Photographs by Michel Campeau, Marlene Creates, Lorraine Gilbert, Sarah Anne Johnson, and Sylvie Readmen features 19 recent acquisitions that explore nature and its forces as they intersect with the human world.
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions ( travelandtransitions.com travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.
Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest ( travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.
“Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons”.
The story with photos is published at Travel Stories and Photos ( travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/ottawa_museum_photography.htm travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/ottawa_museum_photography.htm)
Hawaii is a dream spot for any family vacation. Beautiful sandy beaches with playful waves that crash against the shore, vibrant, green forests, hidden waterfalls, and fiery lava flows all await tourists daily.
Most activities that tourists can participate in are not only invigorating and fun but they also connect vacationers with nature. Snorkeling, whale watching, surfing, and swimming with the dolphins, are just some of the recreations your family can enjoy.
But how can you find the right Hawaii family vacation package for you?
First you need to determine what your budget is. Secondly, you will want to plan the activities and tours you and your family are most interested in. Afterward, look for a traveling agency that can help you find the vacation package that suits your needs.
Many travel agencies are especially designed for vacationing families and they sometimes offer a 50% on your second hotel accommodation. Also, daily breakfast buffets and special children’s menus are perks you can benefit from if you book a trip to Hawaii through a travel agent.
There are several relaxing activities for adults, ranging from on-site food, beverages, spa, and massages, to sports like golf and tennis. And all with the backdrop of a tropical island!
Here are some of the must-see tourist spots in Hawaii:
1. The USS Arizona Memorial is a favorite for tourists; however, it is also busy and if families opt to check it out, they are advised to do so in the morning hours so as to secure a space on the ferry ride.
2. Dole Pineapple Plantation is another popular attraction. You and your family can take a narrated train ride through the pineapple fields. The plantation is considered one of the world’s largest mazes. This is a very edifying experience, as it shows how crops are traditionally grown on the island.
3. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is Hawaii’s most famous place to snorkel. It is essentially a sunken volcanic crater and a former playground of Hawaiian royalties! The rainbow of reefs and colorful schools of fish and other sea life will amuse your family for hours and hours.
4. For a stroll along the beach, during the day or night, Waikiki is a famous two-mile stretch of land.
5. The Diamond Head Crater is a distinctive natural landmark and is a steep, but short, trail that leads hikers to the crater summit, which has a spectacular 360-degree view of Honolulu and the coast. The US army built the amazing trail in 1906.
6. The Polynesian Cultural Center celebrates the people and culture of the Polynesian islands, which include Hawaii, Tonga, Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Marquesas Islands. It merges entertainment and education, as visitors are treated to the music, dance, food, clothing, shelter, arts and crafts, and beliefs of the Polynesian people.
7. Shop and dine at the Ala Moana Center. It has over 240 stores, some indoors and other outdoors.
Good luck and enjoy your Hawaiian getaway!
Jeff Linaker has an interest in Travel & Holidays and Hawaii Vacation, for more FREE information and articles please visit gazettenews.org/2007/05/02/how-to-get-a-family-package-on-hawaii-vacation/ Hawaii Vacation Resources
As old aircraft carriers are retired it does not make sense to allow them to go to waste, as such an expensive and valuable ship can be used for something extremely positive. For instance it can be cemented in place and be used as an evacuation point in case of hurricanes or a shelter for those who do not have homes. It can be used as a floating research center or for evacuating huge numbers of people from foreign lands who have been devastated by Mother Nature in some way.
Old Aircraft carriers are indeed massive expenditures to past military budgets, as well as incredible ships and engineering super structure marvels. Sending a US Aircraft Carrier to the scrap yard is heartless and seems to be rather silly considering its value and potential for another use.
Can you think of good uses for a whole aircraft carrier? Can you imagine having an extra one around during Hurricane Katrina, which could make landfall behind the storm to save lives. A perfect platform to rescue people, launch helicopters, give aid and a temporary place to stay? What if we had two or three to help out? Can you imagine the difference in response time and ability to help our citizens in their time of need?
“Lance Winslow” – Online WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/ Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; WorldThinkTank.net www.WorldThinkTank.net/
