Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Dressing Down For Apres Ski

When you are working and living your day-to-day life, one of the last weather conditions you want to experience is snow. However, many people pay good money to take skiing and snowboarding trips every year and be surrounded by such conditions. Of course, in the right environment snow can be a lot of fun!

A great factor to look forward to with such a winter holiday is the après ski. It creates a really good atmosphere and is a great way to mix with others who you would normally zoom past down the slope, or perhaps they fly past you when you are sitting in the snow having fallen over countless times! You can end up making great friends with like-minded people.

Après ski for many people is one of the most important parts of their holiday. They want to feel comfortable and have a relaxing, fun time after a cold and tiring time on the slopes. If you like to socialize and have a good time, but wish you did not have to get all dressed up to go out, après ski gatherings are the perfect place for you to be. You need to balance comfort, warmth and style if you want to have it, but this is probably one of the only places that wearing a sweater on a night out is acceptable!

Trends and fashion can differ depending on what country or part of a country you go to. In the USA, people who go skiing in the west in Aspen and Vail tend to dress up more than people who ski in New England and eastern areas. They tend to be more practical and casual.

You are able to find some great après ski outfits on the market for those who just cannot picture themselves having to dress 'ordinarily'. You can obtain jumpers and boots that are practical but also feature elements of fashion so you can feel warm and on trend. This is the same case for both men and women and after having spent a whole day on a slope you will be a lot less bothered about what you look like.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Some Place Worth Visiting

Over looked by the magnificent Scrabo Tower, Newtownards is the largest town in the Ards Borough. With a population of exceeding 27,000 people, it is viewed in the large town class. It features a big diversity of shops and retail stores, coupled with quite a lot of bars and eating establishments for local town people and visitors likewise. It lies in between the nearby towns of Bangor and Comber.

It is a sprawling town, unfolding from the Craigantlet hills, almost to the outskirts of nearby Bangor and it is only a short distrance to the east coast. It has an active town centre featuring a very busy main street surrounded by lots of attractive shops.

New developments have seen the planning for huge multi million shopping centres, along the Comber road, establishing Newtownards as a favourite town for visitors and a popular base to live. Many Ards residents travel back and forth to Belfast for work.

Newtownards boasts a decent number of local attractions, including the distinguished Scrabo Tower. In fact the town of Newtownards is overlooked by the 100-foot (30 m) high Scrabo Tower. The tower is 41 metres high, and was raised as a memorial to Charles Stewart, who was the third Marquess of Londonderry, in acknowledgement of his interest in the condition of his tenants during the great potato famine. Scrabo Tower is normally open to visitors and features a historical exhibition. The basalt topped sandstone hill at Scrabo is among the dominating features of the north Down area. The tower presently resides in Scrabo Country Park which features lovely woodland walks and a chance to take in the local scenery.

On the Bangor road, you will find The Somme Heritage Centre. The centre is a popular visitor magnet - it depicts the truth of the Great War and its consequences on the Northern Ireland people at that time. The centre marks the participation of the 36th (Ulster) and 16th (Irish) divisions in the Battle of the Somme and offers displays and facts on the entire Irish contribution to the First World War.

Also, you shouldn't miss taking a drive along the shores of Scrabo Lough which leads you down to the quaint town of Portaferry. That is highly recommended.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

How Making Geography an Adventure With School Trips to Thailand?

As the study of the Earth and its human and natural phenomena, geography is certainly a subject that can be enhanced by school trips: the chance to experience different terrains, climates, and societies first-hand can bring the subject to life for students. With its tropical climate and varied landscapes, and its urban centres, farming regions, and hill tribes, Thailand is an ideal destination on every level. Read on for an introduction to what your students could experience on a geography-focused visit to this inspiring country.

Thailand's geography: an introduction

Those preparing for school trips may want to furnish their students with some facts about their destination before leaving. Thailand covers an area of 514,000 square kilometres, and its central, northern and northeastern regions form part of a large floodplain, with the Chao Phraya River at its heart. This made it an attractive area to early settlers, who were able to develop abundant rice cultivation. In later periods it was an important trade crossroads on both land and sea routes, which contributed to a rich flourishing of civilisation. Much of the country is bordered by land, with Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia as neighbouring countries, but the Gulf of Thailand and the extension of the country along part of the Malay Peninsular mean that the south has extensive coastlines. The shape of the country is often likened to that of an elephant's head (the elephant is the national animal), with the peninsular region forming the trunk.

Land and produce

Thailand has a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons per year, and much of the land is fertile. The northern region is mountainous, while the northeast is generally more dry, and 26% of the land is forest - it was once much more so. Due to the varied landscapes a variety of produce can be grown - the country's main product is rice, but it is often grown in rotation with corn and potatoes; other crops include tomatoes, pineapples, sunflowers and tobacco. Salt is dried in the south, and the country has significant fish, chicken and pork industries. Natural resources include tin, natural gas, rubber, timber and lead. Visiting any of the regions where these are produced will help demonstrate to students on school trips the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate elements of geography - climate, land, industry and society.

Exploring the city

Bangkok is likely to be the starting point for most school trips, and is a fascinating city for geography students in many regards. Home to 12,000,000 people, it is a densely populated modern metropolis that has expanded rapidly since its founding as the capital in 1782. This makes it an interesting place to study the effects of growth on an urban centre.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

School Trips to China

Mandarin is becoming ever more popular as a Modern Foreign Language option, particularly for learners with an interest in business careers or global politics, history and culture. For such students, there are plenty of great opportunities to become strong Mandarin speakers in the classroom, while school trips are the perfect way to consolidate and enhance that learning.

Visiting China allows students to immerse themselves in their chosen MFL and to see how that language is used in everyday social contexts - as well as letting them experience Chinese culture first-hand. Here are just a few of the potential highlights of MFL school trips to Beijing, the capital city of this fascinating country.

Legendary attractions

China's historic highlights fascinating to explore. School trips enable students to see these wonders for themselves while perhaps discussing their significance in Mandarin - which also provides good cross-curriculum links for history students. While in Beijing, your group can visit the Forbidden City, China's imperial seat of power dating from the days of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Exploring the grounds, buildings and chambers of this astonishing palace complex is a good opportunity to practice architecture and building-related vocabulary. China's star attraction, of course, is the Great Wall. An easy trip out of Beijing, the Wall is a testament to China's ancient prowess and an unforgettable site to visit - and a fascinating subject to design language lessons around.

Tomorrow's world

One factor in Mandarin's increasing global popularity is its relevance in world economics and industry. MFL school trips are ideally placed to make the most of opportunities to consolidate industry and business-related language, whilst witnessing modern Chinese business and production in action. A visit to one of Beijing's factories or company buildings can provide just that.

Art and culture

Beijing is also a great cultural city, and your group can visit the National Museum of Art, attend an opera or acrobatics show at one of the city's theatres, or explore preserved homes of important writers like Lu Xun. All of these offer excellent opportunities for vocabulary expansion and discovery of Chinese culture to those on school trips.

Great shopping and food

China boasts a wealth of cuisines, from Mongolian to Cantonese, and the capital is a great place to sample them all. Dining out can double as a language lesson as students practise their restaurant vocabulary - and if they ask for a Chinese menu they can practise their reading skills too. Students will also appreciate the chance to shop on vibrant Wangfujing Street, where they can visit Western-style malls alongside more traditional Chinese shops, and talk to shopkeepers in Chinese. With so many friendly faces and fun ways to spend time, learners are sure to come away with a deepened enthusiasm for, and appreciation of, Chinese language and culture.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

How Air Travel in Brazil?

Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world with territory spanning across 3 million square miles (8 million square kilometers). Needless to say, getting around Brazil takes time, and air travel is the most efficient way to minimize travel time so that you can spend more of your Brazil holiday relaxing with a caipirinha on Brazilian beaches or cruising on the Amazon River or trekking through the Amazon jungle.

Airports

The principal airport hubs are São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. International flights arrive and depart from Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo, as well as Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and Salvador. For domestic and regional service, flights arrive and depart from Congonhas- São Paulo Airport (CGH) and serve Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and Brasilia. Other important airport hubs in Brazil are: Salvador (SSA), Recife (REC), Fortaleza (FOR), Brasilia (BSB), Porto Alegre (POA), and Curitiba (CWB).

Travelers moving by air through Brazil will find that the Rio de Janeiro is the hub for domestic flights. In Rio, Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) is the internal airport, and Santos Dumont is the domestic and regional airport. The shuttle flight between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro is just under 1 hour. Between Rio and other popular Brazil destinations, flight times are as follows: Foz do Iguaçu - 3 hours, Manaus - 5 hours, Porte Alegre - 2 hours, Salvador - 2 hours.

Carriers and Passes
Brazil has 3 main carriers: TAM, Varig, and Vasp. Low cost carriers include: Gold, Fly, and Ocean Air. These carriers usually sell an airpass, which is a good investment for travelers who will be traveling to multiple destinations within Brazil or South America. Passes are sold outside Brazil and are available to non-residents who have a return ticket. Usually passes are valid for a limited number of days and are the price varies by mileage.

Booking
It is generally a good idea to book flights well in advance, as last-minute bookings for international and domestic flights can get very expensive. Flights costs can also get quite expensive if booking directly through airline companies. Online travel agencies, such as Expedia or Travelocity, usually offer the most competitive prices for flights to Brazil.

Transfers
If you have booked your Brazil tours through a travel agency, you will usually be picked up from the airport for the transfer to your hotel or lodge; the transfer agent will have your name on a sign. If not, you can catch a taxi or bus outside the airport baggage area. Metered taxis are the safest option, and these are identifiable by their marked roof lights. Look for fares on the meter or on a fare chart on the rear side window.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Places to Explore Close to Fowey in Cornwall

The popular Cornish town of Fowey (pronounced Foy rhyming with 'Toy') has much to offer those looking to take a short break or family holiday along the southern coastline of Cornwall. Whilst Fowey has many galleries, independent boutique shops, hotels, cafes and restaurants to browse and enjoy, the river Fowey also offers a great opportunity to explore the other local villages and wider surrounding areas. You'll find that there's plenty to see in Cornwall and many local attractions to visit just outside of Fowey.

The Village of Golant
Close by you will discover places like Golant located just a couple of miles up-river from Fowey. It's a pretty waterside village that's nestled along the banks of the river and enjoys spectacular views across the water. A haven for bird life, you'll see Cormorants, Kingfishers, Egrets, Herons, Ducks, Swans and many other birds on the water. During the warmer seasons there's much boating activity too. Golant is often used as a stop off point during river boat trips in the summer months. The village is a lovely place to stay. Here you will find a secluded riverside hotel and 2 AA rosette restaurant with commanding river views from every room, balcony and dining table. There's also a traditional pub which has live music entertainment. The village is perfectly tranquil and a special place to visit. Golant has a personality all of its own and makes a magical place to stay, with Fowey just a mere stone's throw away.

The Village of Polruan
Polruan is an old fishing village and can be found just across the harbour from Fowey. Surrounded by water on 3 sides, it has strong connections with boat building in the past, and retains an unspoilt charm all of its own. Expect a maze of narrow streets, winding steps, a couple of pubs and a shop. There's a passenger ferry service connecting to Fowey and it's a haven for yachts and holiday makers. For the more energetic explorers, you can pick up the access point to the South West Coast Path at the top of the village and walk to the charming village of Polperro. It's a challenging and rewarding walk and all worth the effort.

The Village of Bodinnick
The village of Bodinnick is at the landing point where the car ferry from Fowey arrives and can be found to the east of the river. It's also where Daphne du Maurier's house, Ferryside is located. Here you will find a 400 year old village inn and the starting point for the popular Hall Walk, a well-loved route. The village is very beautiful with steep narrow lanes leading to picture-perfect scenery extending to tiny villages, farmland, churches and tiny hamlets.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Seven Things You Might Not Know About Chicago

Most people are somewhat familiar with the great museums, restaurants and cultural opportunities that the city has to offer. Following are 7 things you might not know about Chicago.

1. THE WILLIS TOWER, formerly the Sears Tower, is the tallest building in the United States and the Western hemisphere. It rises 110 stories and stands 1,450 feet tall. The antenna atop the building extends the total height to 1729 feet. The building contains 3.8 million square feet of combined office and retail space. A 104 car, high-speed elevator system is operated with the help of 80 miles of elevator cable. From the Skydeck observation platform, you can see Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

2. THE MERCHANDISE MART is the world's largest commercial building. Built by the Marshall Field family, the building was completed in 1920. It takes up 2 full city blocks, has 25 floors and up until 2008, had its own zip code. Construction of the 4.2 million gross square feet of interior space required 4 million cubic yards of cement, 60,000 tons of steel and 29 million bricks. More than 10 million people visit the building each year.

3. THE CHICAGO RIVER IS DYED GREEN every St. Patrick's Day. In celebration of the holiday, spectators line the river to watch 40 pounds of food coloring turn the river a bright Irish green. There is said to be a little luck of the leprechaun as the orange-colored dye goes into the river and magically starts to turn green. After a few passes of a speed boat, the propeller stirs the dye and produces the bright green effect.

4. THE BOB NEWHART SHOW was a popular situation comedy show of the 1970s. Dr. Bob Hartley and his wife Emily lived in apartment 523. Their building was based on the facade of the Thorndale Beach North Condominiums located at 5901 N. Sheridan Road in the upscale Chicago neighborhood of Edgewater.

5. THE HISTORICAL ROUTE 66 which was the first paved highway across America started at Grant Park across from the Art Institute of Chicago. It ran southwest from Chicago to Los Angeles until it became obsolete when the Interstate Highway System was started under the Eisenhower Administration. Today, portions of Route 66 remain functional and are part of the National Scenic Highway System.

6. THE CHICAGO CUBS have not won a World Series since they beat the Detroit Tigers in 1908. They actually made it to the World Series in 1910, 1918, 1929, 1932, 1935, 1938 and 1945, but came out on the losing end every time. They have not been back to the World Series since - a stretch of 66 years.

7. THE TWINKIE was invented by James Alexander Dewar of the Continental Baking Company in 1930. The original version of the "Golden Sponge cake with Creamy Filling" had a banana filling. During WWII, bananas were in short supply and the iconic pastry switched to a vanilla creme. The name came from a billboard that Dewar saw advertising "Twinkle Toe Shoes." There is no truth to the urban legend that the Twinkie was just as edible if it was consumed in 20 years after it was baked as it was the day after it was baked is probably attributable to the fact that it contains no unstable dairy products. The product may still be edible after a few weeks, but the spongy cake and soft cream will likely be hard and somewhat stale.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Best Time to Visit Shimla for Luxurious Vacation

Nestled in the Himalayas, Shimla is one of India's most popular hill stations. It experiences freezing winters and pleasant summers, therefore the best time to visit Shimla could be the summer as well as winter months. Find out what attracts tourists to Shimla during summers and winters. Also find out some quality Shimla hotels to make your stay comfortable.

Shimla is a hill station and the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. The town is situated at a height of more than 2000 meters above sea level and experiences diverse climatic conditions. The summers are moderate and weather is very pleasant while the winters are freezing cold with sub zero temperatures. The tourist season or the peak season in Shimla is generally considered to be the summer months from March- May and the winter months of October and November. During the summer you can enjoy the cool and pleasant climate of Shimla while taking a walk about town. The Mall is the prime shopping street and is filled with restaurants, coffee shops and Govt. offices. You should also visit the Christ Church one of the oldest church in India. The annual Summer Festival also occurs during this time which is a major attraction in Shimla. During winters, movement will be restricted and life will slow down in Shimla due to heavy snowfall. But that doesn't stop tourists from enjoying the famous 'Christmas and New Year parties in Shimla'. Winters could also be the best time to visit Shimla if you enjoy adventure sports like skiing and ice skating. But it is firmly advised not to travel to Shimla during the monsoon months as rainfall can be very heavy. Shimla also has a dubious history of landslides and flash floods during monsoons. The roads can be very slippery and dangerous during this time.

You can easily find many quality hotels in Shimla equipped with all major facilities. Some of the top rated Shimla hotels are as follows.

Top rated Hotels in Shimla:

Hotel Sukh Sagar is one of the popular Shimla hotels located close to the main shopping area. The hotel is recommended by nearly 92% of previous guests which in itself is testimony to the hotels superior service and facilities. Previous guests have also appreciated the hotel's location near The Mall. The hotel provides well furnished rooms with all major facilities along with restaurant, car parking and travel desk. The rates start from Rs.1174

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Five Things To Do in St Thomas, USVI

Having a hard time deciding where to take your family this summer? Well then, make your vacation a trip to St Thomas in the USVI, where fun and excitement never run out.

Beach bumming - Sun, sea and sand. That's what the island paradise is about and the beaches in St Thomas don't disappoint. Let the soft and powdery white sand massage your feet as you walk barefooted, or let it do your whole body when you lie on top of it while having your tan done. The warm crystal clear water is perfect for cooling down after sometime of sun loving. Highly recommended are; Magens, Little Magens, Lindberg, Turtlecove and Sugar bay.

Snorkeling and super snorkeling - If you love what you see on the ground, wait till you go underwater. The island's teeming marine life is sure to hold you in utter amazement. Watch the local fishes of different sizes, as well as rays, octopuses, turtles and moray eels as if you are inside a giant aquarium. Gardens of corals of variety is also something to behold. Depending on your budget and gusto, you can have this St. Thomas intimate experience through snorkeling, SNUBA or SCUBA diving.

Outdoor adventure - The Nature Trail at Magen's Bay is a delight to any hiking afficionado. The trail is a 1 and ½ mile walk that goes through the different ecosystems found in the Virgin Islands. On the top of the trail is an overlooking view of the magnificent Magen's bay, which is also a good spot to observe the local bird species. The foot of the trail is an idyllic beach with all the package of an island paradise which is the reason why many visitors opt for a hike down.

Food trip - Restaurants and beach bars in the island offers a variety of menu and not just seafood. Steaks and burgers and whatever your appetite may fancy, you can find in St Thomas. But with the local cuisine so good, you are sure to forget about taking anything widely available in the mainland. If you are lucky an eat-all-you-can crab might just be around the corner.

Shopping - There are literally hundreds of duty free shops in the capital, Charlotte Amalie. Why not? St. Thomas is one of the largest shopping hubs in the Caribbean. Some of the best buys here include both local and imported jewelry, china, crystal, perfumes, alcohol, art and clothing.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Good Your Honeymoon In Vanuatu Is The Ultimate Tropical Holiday Destination

A honeymoon in Vanuatu is the perfect way to begin the rest of your life as a happy couple. What better start to married life than a few weeks relaxing together at the ultimate tropical holiday destination? Vanuatu is one of the South Pacific region's great secrets. It's a delightful collection of tropical holiday islands and is the perfect place to get away from it all, try a huge range of water sports or become immersed in a completely different culture. The capital of Port Vila is Vanuatu's main town. Once you arrive, you will want to get started as soon as possible on your honeymoon in Vanuatu. No doubt you'll want to explore your room and resort, stroll along the beach, sway in a hammock and reflect on your future together as you enjoy a perfect sunset. After you've had a few romantic and stress free days together, you can start to explore the magic of this unspoilt piece of paradise.

If you want a honeymoon full of unique memories, Vanuatu is a great place to be. One day you can travel to Tanna Island and stand at the edge of the Yasur volcano crater. Another day you can visit Pentecost Island and watch the death defying land divers demonstrate why they're world famous. And if you want something a bit different again, you can dive off the beach at Luganville and see what you can find amongst the wreckage of the SS President Coolidge, the world's largest shipwreck dive. Your honeymoon in Vanuatu is also the ideal time to try out a few new water sports, go biking or work up a sweat with some bush walking.

Honeymooners love shopping, dancing and dining out and you'll find plenty of choice for those indulgences in Vanuatu. You can buy a wide range of handicrafts, bags, sarongs and jewellery in the shoppers' paradise of Port Vila. As well as the shops in Port Vila, you can also explore the Vanuatu Marketplace next to the post office. It's a great place to buy freshly grown local produce as well as necklaces and island dresses. And when you're ready to try a Melanesian feast or one of the international cuisines available on the island, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the very reasonable prices on offer at the dozens of restaurants in Port Vila. Some of the eateries you can try include Mangoes, Vila Chaumieres and Chill.

Nightlife is always a lot of fun during a honeymoon in Vanuatu. Once again, choices abound, with casinos, music venues and bars including kava bars for those who want to try Vanuatu's national drink. You definitely won't regret spending the first weeks of your married life together in this tropical paradise.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Experience Five of the Best Activities in Vanuatu

Your vacation time is the perfect excuse to get away from it all, escape the monotony of work and everyday life and experience something new. Relax, unwind and enjoy yourself the right way next time you take a break.

When people say vacation, images of golden beaches, blue waters and clear skies are the first to appear in the mind's eye; there's a reason island holidays are some of the most sought after in the world. There is nothing like lying back on the beach, exploring the warm ocean and immersing yourself in island culture. Vanuatu offers the perfect opportunity for holidaymakers to explore and experience the new.

Scuba Diving

Strapping on some gear and heading out on a boat with a guide is a must during your visit. Diving is one of the most popular activities in Vanuatu; the surrounding oceans offer a whole new world for visitors to explore. Many resorts offer holiday package deals that couple luxurious accommodation with a complete professional diving experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there's an adventure waiting for you in waters of Vanuatu.

Ekasup Cultural Village

Immersing yourself into a new and exciting culture is the best part of travelling somewhere you've never been. The Ekasup Village is just ten minutes from Port Vila and gives you a unique look into traditional island life and Vanuatu culture. Tours are offered twice a day and travel from hotel to the village is included.

Fishing

For the keen angler, location is everything. With its reputation for great game fishing, tackle fishing and the picture perfect waters to cast into, there couldn't be a better location to catch your next 'big one' than Vanuatu. Book with one of the marine tour companies like Nautilus in Port Vila and learn where the fish are biting from a local expert.

Scenic Flights

Jump on a sea-plane and take to the skies for the best view of the islands. There are a number of different scenic flights you can book; get dropped off at one of the high quality island restaurants after seeing the Archipelago from the air or pack a lunch and get dropped off at a cosy little private island.

Relax on the Beach

With so much to pack into a holiday, plenty of people forget to do what they came to the island to do in the first place! Find your own part of the beach, kick back and relax. Vanuatu has plenty to offer its visitors, but don't rush yourself. Take it slow and enjoy the islands in your own time - we can't wait to see you here.