The Medieval Castles of Japan

When we think of Medieval castles we seldom think about Japan. But Japan went through a very long period of feudal warfare and as a result hundreds of fortress like castles were built. They look significantly different than their European counterparts but functionally they are much they same. They were meant to protect the people inside from all sorts of dangers. This article reviews some of the medieval castles in Japan and talks about their tricks and techniques for fortification.

There are some interesting aspects that you will notice among most of the castles in Japan. Most of them have a shrine at the very top of the hold. And all of them use stealth as another tool in their arsenal of protection. A good example of this is the trick of making the castle look like it has five floors while in reality it has six floors. This missing floor was a perfect place to hide materials and troops from the enemy.

As in any culture that has a long history you can visit many of the sites that pepper the whole of Japan and you can see castles in various stages ranging from pristine and still in the condition they were built, to rebuilt, to just remnants and walls.

There are three major castles in Japan that are considered to be the best examples of castle building throughout the centuries. They are Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle, and Kumamoto Castle. If you are visiting Japan and want to experience the best castles you should visit at least one of these three.

Himeji Castle

This is the number one castle in Japan and a must see even if you are not a castle enthusiast. It sits perched upon a hill and because of its dramatic look and white color it is often referred to as the White Heron Castle. It has a very long history and the first fort was built on the site in 1333. The structure, as it currently stands was completed in 1618.

There are a number of unique things about this castle including a complex series of gates and mazes which made it very difficult for attackers to gain entrance to the main fortress. There are also several ghost stories that have grown up around it; the most famous of which is the story of the serving girl named Okiku who was betrayed, tortured, and thrown into the castles well.

Himeji is open to the public and people are given the freedom to roam the grounds both inside and out as they wish. There are also a limited number of English speaking tour guides available. This is a wonderful experience of Japan and about an hour by train from Kyoto.

Matsumoto Castle

This castle is located a short distance from Tokyo so it is a good place to visit if you are not going to be spending a lot of time in the country or if you have budgeted your time very tightly. The keep of this castle was completed in 1504 so it has a very long history. It also is quite dramatic in appearance because it is a flatland castle that is perched right alongside the water, and even juts out into the water. Matsumoto is a great example of stealth in castle building because it is one of the castles that looks like it has five floors but really has a sixth floor that is a secret.

Kumamoto Castle

This is a castle that has a remarkable history. It was originally built in 1607 and in 1877 it was the site for the last remnants of the Samurai revolt and civil war in Japan. Much of the structure was destroyed by fire during the revolt. It spent almost a hundred years in ruins but has recently been rebuilt to its original beauty and opened to the public. The interior of the castle towers is now a museum and it is filled with many of the splendors of architecture and design of the period it was built in. Kumamoto was also used by the famous director Akira Kurosawa in his 1985 film “Ran”.

The whole of Japan is peppered with many castles and you don’t have to stay on the mainland to see them. If you take a trip to the island of Okinawa you can visit some fine examples that are a bit different than those on the mainland.

Shuri Castle

This is a fine example of the development of a structure over centuries. Shuri was the capital of the island of Okinawa and the castle was the seat of government. So it retains not only its massive fortifications but it also has a certain opulence and beauty that one would expect of the home of a ruler of a kingdom. It was almost completely destroyed during World War 2 but since has been totally reconstructed and sites in the middle of a complex site called Shuri Castle Park. If you are traveling to the island of Okinawa this is the one castle you should visit.

Don’t overlook the many Ruins

One of the most interesting things about the castles of Japan is the plethora of ruins that are still in reasonably good shape.

Nakagusuku Ruins

This is a world heritage site on the island of Okinawa that is well preserved. It is approximately 400 years old and while it is in ruins much of the stone structures are still intact and the layout of the castle is clearly seen, particularly in the concentric walls that defended the hold. It sits on the top of a hill and it has a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. This ruin is well worth a visit. And nearby is an authentic Japanese home that is now kept as a museum. It is called the Nakamura house. If you visit Nakagusuku it is well worth it to also visit the Nakamura house which is only five minutes away. It was the home of several generations and is a good example of how the Japanese lived centuries ago.

There are literally hundreds of castles in Japan built over the course of several centuries and in various states of repair. You can visit any part of the country and find a castle or a ruin not too far away. These structures are a remarkable testament to the history of the country. And while they look quite different than their European counterparts they still did the same job in the same ways.

About the Author:

For lots more Medieval Castle information, articles, pictures and videos visit the authors website at: The Medieval Castles

For a daily dose of all things Medieval visit his blog: All Things Medieval - Never Give A Sword to A Man Who Can’t Dance

Japan florist : send flower to japan, japanese florist

Travel Japan – Enjoy the Adventure

Japan is one of the Asian cities that must be seen. It is simply breathtaking to behold in its scenery and full of fun and exciting things to experience. Many come to the Islands of Japan and find they have so much to do, it is impossible to pack it all in to one vacation. From the large amount of attractions, the rich colorful history, and the beauty of the land itself, there is something to appeal to every traveler. You can still see the past traditions mingled with the new ways of today.

There are so many cities in Japan that one might find it hard to decide on an exact destination. Each city has its own special personality to consider. Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, and Fukuoka are some of the more polar cities most world travelers have heard of. Tokyo is the most up to date city in Japan and has sites to see such as the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Disneyland Tokyo.

Other sites around Japan include the Nijo Castle, The Golden Pavillion, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and The Museum Of Kyoto. Hiroshima is, in itself a historical place as it was the area to be destroyed because of the first atomic bomb. The list continues on and on of great places to see and great things to experience while here in Japan.

For those who want a more detailed list of thing you can do, the list below should give you a pretty good idea.

· Try meditating at one of the many Buddhist Temples in the area.

· See Sumo Warriors wrestle it out in this ancient sport.

· Be a part of a tea party which is tradition in Japan.

· For the adventure seeker, a climb up Mount Fuji might be the right activity.

· Smell the Cherry blossoms on the tree.

· Fish in one of the great waters here.

· Have some authentic sushi and wash it down with real sake.

· Take part in one of the many festival through the city.

There are too many great things to do on your vacation in Japan. The best thing to do is to plan in advance. But if you’re the adventuress type, you can simply buy your tickets and set off for your own personal experience to Japan. See what you can find to do in this magnificent area of the world.

About the Author

if you would like to learn more about Tokyo tours and traveling to Japan please visit Travel Japan

Japan florist : send flowers to japan, japan florists

Caribbean Vacations: Safety Tips For Tourists

Are you are gearing up for a trip to the Caribbean? Whether you are traveling to Jamaica, the Bahamas, or another popular destination in the area, you are and should be excited. Safety is probably one of the last things on your mind, but it is something you should still consider. The Caribbean is a very safe place to travel to. In fact, that is a reason why it is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. With that said, all tourists, regardless of where they travel to, should practice safety and caution.

So, how can you ensure you have a good and safe Caribbean vacation? Follow a few of the travel tips below.

Choose your overnight accommodations wisely. In this popular vacation area, you have many staying options. These include Caribbean hotels, vacation rentals, vacation resorts, and all inclusive resorts. Traditional hotels are nice and usually very cheap, but most times you simply just get a roof over your head. With all inclusive Caribbean resorts, you get more. These resorts are designed so that you never have to leave. They are loaded with fun activities, multiple bars and restaurants, fitness centers, swimming pools, spas, and so forth. Most of your staying options are safe, but all inclusive resorts are the safest and best way to go.

Research area attractions and activities beforehand. Although all inclusive resorts are designed so that you never have to leave, that is part of the fun. Do you want to get out and sightsee? If so, do a small amount of research ahead of time. Many travel websites allow tourists to rate and review popular attractions. Not only can you ensure you visit a water park or hiking trail that is safe, but also it enables you to spend your money wisely. Do not waste time visiting an attraction where other tourists rated it a waste of time or money. To find these online travel websites that allow rating and reviews, perform a standard internet search with a phrase like this “Negril Jamaica attractions.”

Opt for guided tours. The number one reason for tourists leaving all inclusive resorts is to sightsee. In fact, keep your Caribbean resort and inclusions in mind. Do not waste money to rent snorkeling gear when your hotel already included these rentals in with the cost of your stay. However, sightseeing is another story. If you want to spend the day sightseeing, opt for a guided tour. Remember, you can research these tours online to find the best quality tour for the lowest price and to make a reservation. Tour guides are not only familiar with the land and the history behind it, but they are the safest way to travel.

Do not look like a tourist. This will be hard, as you want to take pictures and videos of your vacation. When sightseeing, do so in moderation. It is best to wear regular clothes. Yes, that shirt that says “I traveled to Jamaica,” is cute, but save it to wear once you arrive back home. Although popular Caribbean vacation destinations are safe, tourists are at risk for theft. Try to blend in, travel with a group, and leave all valuables in your in room safe.

Speaking of valuables, leave them at home. It is not uncommon for some tourists to pack their life in a suitcase or two. Yes, you want to be able to check your email, so you may bring your laptop computer. You have a long flight, so you may bring an iPod or a portable DVD player. These items are okay, but keep their costs in mind. Would you be able to afford a replacement? If not, consider leaving them at home. Otherwise, keep these valuables in your carry on luggage and use your in room safe. Not all Caribbean hotels and resorts offer in room safes. If yours does not, speak with management to determine a safe alternative.

Finally, use your best judgment. As previously stated numerous times, Caribbean vacations are safe to take. Regardless of where you vacation, what type of hotel or resort you stay at, and whether you sightsee or not, you should have an enjoyable time. Just don’t put yourself in questionable situations, such as traveling alone at night and carrying all your money in cash.

About the Author: Super Clubs, at http://www.SuperClubs.com, can help you make your Caribbean travel plans.

Buy Flower : Flowers italy, Flowers japan, flowers to japan

Is Your Discount Caribbean Vacation Package Really a Discount?

If you want to travel to the Caribbean, whether it be Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, or another beautiful destination in the area, you want to save money. For that reason, you, like most other tourists, will automatically look for Caribbean discount vacation packages. These packages are easy to find, but caution is advised. Cheap travel packages are supposed to save you money, but they don’t always.

So, how do you ensure your discount vacation package actually provides you with a discount?

Do business with a reputable company or travel website. Many tourists turn to travel agents and online travel websites. Although it is easy to book a Caribbean vacation on your own, many like the outside help from an expert. That is okay, but make sure you are doing business with a trustworthy individual or website. A small amount of research online will let you know. Be cautious of travel agents in your community with a bad reputation or a poor track record. Be cautious of online travel websites that are known for adding on large hidden fees.

Go directly to the source. When it comes to discount travel packages, many first time tourists mistakenly believe they need to visit a third party travel website. That is not the case. In the Caribbean, you can get travel packages directly through the resorts. The Breezes, Starfish, and Hedonism Resort lines all enable you to do so. By going directly to the source, you eliminate the intermediary. For example, if you decide to stay at a Breezes resort, visit Breezes.com to make your travel plans. Make your arrangements as a travel package.

Opt for an all inclusive resort. In the Caribbean, you have many staying options. There are Caribbean hotels, vacation rentals, traditional resorts, and all inclusive resorts. All of these options come highly rated and recommended, but all inclusive resorts are your best chance to save money. They do cost more upfront, but you should get a better deal in the long run. This is because your stay includes more than just a room. You also get food, drinks, tips, qualifying airport transfers, some forms of onsite entertainment and more. Airfare can be included too, but this is optional.

Choose your all inclusive resort wisely. Since food, drinks, tips, and onsite entertainment are already included in the cost of your stay, you paid for them. To save the most money, choose the resort that is perfect for your needs. Do you want to scuba dive, snorkel, and windsurf? If so, opt for a resort where these are included as onsite entertainment. You pay to do these activities once or twice, but you are rarely prohibited from doing them more. This results in you saving money and getting a good deal.

Compare the individual components of your preferred Caribbean vacation package. The best way to ensure you are truly getting a discount is to dissect your vacation package. To get started, look at the inclusions of your discount travel package. You already know you get food, drinks, tips, and a room. Closely examine on the onsite activities. For example, a beachfront resort is likely to include snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing.

In keeping with comparing your discount vacation package, you now know each component of the package and its overall cost. Start dissecting the package and estimate the cost of each individual component. This is easy with airfare and resort room. Just request a standalone quote. Then, estimate the cost of food, drinks, tips, and entertainment. You can call a local beach rental shop to see how much rental gear costs for snorkeling. Contact the resort in question and inquire about the price of your favorite meal. Use this as a guide. Total up each individual cost. For you to truly get a discount, your cheap vacation package should save you money.

Remember, cheap discount Caribbean vacation packages should save you money. Unfortunately, they don’t always. Take half an hour to an hour to individually dissect and compare your preferred travel package. If you aren’t saving money, skip the purchase and look elsewhere. The best way to get a quality, yet cheap trip to the Caribbean is to make your travel plans in advance, opt for an all inclusive resort, and go directly to the source.

About the Author: Want to save money on your next Caribbean vacation? If so, Breezes, http://www.Breezes.com, is the way to go.

Buy Flower : flowers australia, Send Flowers Germany, flowers germany, Send flowers italy

The Benefits of All Inclusive Honeymoons

Are you planning your honeymoon? If so, you have thousands of well known and popular destinations to choose from. Not only that, but you also have many booking options. If you are still looking for that perfect destination, look no farther than the Caribbean. In terms of booking your honeymoon, look no farther than all inclusive travel packages. Why? Continue reading on for five reasons why all inclusive honeymoons are the way to go.

1 – The Destinations to Choose From

As previously stated, the Caribbean is a great honeymoon destination. Not only that, the area includes a lot of beautiful land and islands. You can choose from Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. Regardless of which Caribbean destination you choose, you will find yourself in paradise. The beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and tropical weather will leave you feeling as if you stepped into a fairytale. In this area, romance is all but guaranteed.

2 – The All Inclusive Resorts to Choose From

To have an all inclusive Caribbean honeymoon, you need to stay at an all inclusive resort. Luckily, you have many to choose from. For the largest selection of inclusive resorts, Jamaica is your best destination. There, you will find at least six all inclusive and super inclusive resorts.

Since you are planning the honeymoon of your dreams, make sure your honeymoon is truly a dream come true. To do so, examine your resort options. Opt for the Caribbean resort that is the perfect fit for your wants and needs. For example, do and your new spouse enjoy the water? If so, opt for a beachfront resort where waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving is not only available, but also included in the cost of your stay.

On your honeymoon, you want both romance and convenience. For bars and restaurants, look at the onsite selections. Some resorts may have one or two restaurants to choose from, but others may have five or more. Look for the perfect mixture of convenience and luxury.

3 – The Ease of Planning

As previously stated, all inclusive honeymoons involve all inclusive resorts. When making your travel plans, the cost of your stay should include your room, food, drinks, tips, some forms of entertainment, and qualifying airport transfers. If it is your preference, airfare can be included too.

You are in the middle of planning a wedding ceremony and reception. You do not have days or weeks to compare hundreds of Caribbean resorts, airlines, restaurants, and so forth. By opting for an all inclusive resort and travel package, you automatically save time. You can still compare resorts, but opting for super or all inclusive automatically eliminates the lesser quality accommodations.

4 – Enjoyment

Enjoyment is important for a honeymoon. On your honeymoon, you should have no worries. An all inclusive honeymoon gives you this. As previously stated, qualifying airport transfers, food, drinks, tips, and many onsite activities are included in with the cost of your stay. This enables you to sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. There is no having to worry about watching what you eat or drink in fear of going over your budget. You already paid for these items.

5 – Romance

Not only is enjoyment important for a honeymoon, but romance too. As previously stated, you will get both because all inclusive travel translates into carefree and worry free travel. However, you should also know that all inclusive resorts are designed for romance. In the Caribbean, you will find adult only resorts. These establishments prohibit individuals under the age of 14, 16, or 18. This alone should give you comfort and peace of mind. You can express your love and appreciation for each other without worrying about a five year old on a family vacation watching your every move.

Not only can you have the Caribbean all inclusive honeymoon of your dreams, but you can also have a destination wedding. In fact, some all inclusive resorts give guests free wedding ceremonies with a short minimum stay, often only five or seven days!

In short, if you want to have a Caribbean honeymoon, there is only one way to travel. That is all inclusive. With an all inclusive travel package, you preplan and prepay for a good percentage of your trip. This means no worries. You are paired with a luxury all inclusive resort that is designed so that you never have to leave. Whether it be relaxing on the beach, enjoying an afternoon of scuba diving, or staying in bed all day, you can do it in the Caribbean with an all inclusive honeymoon.

About the Author: Let Breezes, at http://www.Breezes.com, help you plan the Caribbean honeymoon of your dreams!

Buy Flower : Malaysia florist, flower delivery malaysia, Flowers malaysia, Australia flower delivery

Siena, Italy – Medieval Life and Horse Racing

Italy has many well-known travel destinations such as Rome. Less publicized destinations such as Siena are even better.

Sienna

Located roughly an hour outside of Florence, Siena is one of my favorite places in Italy. When you think gothic architecture and medieval town, you think of Siena. Built as a fortified city behind large, thick walls on a small mountain, Siena oozes history. Cars are barred from much of the city, so you can meander down ancient brick alleyways below towering wall-to-wall residences.

In Siena, you’ll find a relaxed way of life, two music schools and just a general feel of what Italy must have been like in the past. Head to the Piazza del Campo in the heart of the city and grab a seat in a café. As you gaze across the city, you can view the Duomo Cathedral that towers over the city. Unlike other cities, the cathedral does not contrast with the buildings around it. All of Siena retains the gothic medieval architectural style and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better gothic example in Europe.

The best way to experience Siena is to simply stay there. Like wine, Siena improves the longer you stay. Daily explorations lead to surprising little shops, incredibly friendly people and a general feeling of peace.

Il Palio

If you prefer a little action on your trip, Siena has an event that rivals any in Europe. The Il Palio bareback horse race around the Piazza del Campo is a sight to be seen. The fun starts well before the race when various neighborhoods challenge each other. The challenge comes in the form of bands walking through “enemy” neighborhoods in the middle of the night and making an unholy racket. Eventually, each neighborhood produces a horse and rider for the day of the race. Bareback, the riders race for neighborhood pride among an absolutely screaming crowd of people. The running of the bulls has nothing on this event.

If you visit Florence while in Italy, take the time to spend a couple days in Siena. In fact, blow past Florence and go immediately to Siena.

About The Author

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for student travel, family vacations and adventure travel. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles, travelogues and travel stories.

Worldwide Flower Delivery : italy florists, italy flowers delivery, florists in italy

Italy – Naples and Sorrento

Italy is really two countries in one with the wealthy, historic north dominating. To get a taste of the south, Naples and Sorrento are your destinations.

Naples

If ever there was a city with a reputation, it is Naples. Dirty, nasty, crime infested and fanatical are all words thrown around when describing. In this case, the descriptions are true and it is GREAT! The place is a madhouse and colorful beyond description. Crime is a problem, but you will be fine if you use common sense.

Naples is all about “real.” You will not get that odd touristy sensation you find in the cities to the north. Naples is about living now, now in the past. The people can be gruff, but are also a heck of lot more colorful than you will find elsewhere. If you get in trouble, just bring up the subject of football (soccer) and you’ll suddenly have friends for life.

The best way to experience Naples is just to explore it. The action is on the street, not in museums. If you’re hankering for picture opportunities, the glass dome over the Galleria Umberto I is a good spot. You can also climb above the city to take scenic pictures of the coast and madness of Naples.

If you are really pining for a tourist fix, Pompeii and the looming Mount Vesuvius are close by. Pompeii, of course, was buried in a Mount Vesuvius explosion, literally freezing everything in place. Ah, you already know the story.

Sorrento

If Naples overwhelms you, head around the bay to Sorrento. Sorrento is similar to Naples with one notable exception. It is all about the tourist and making them comfortable. Frankly, it is hard to see how Naples and Sorrento can co-exist, but they do. In Sorrento, you can stay at ancient resorts where service is the name of the game. The beaches aren’t so hot, but you can rent jet skis and such to invoke your inner tourist.

Southern Italy often gets a bad rap as a rough place riddled with crime. To some extent it is true, but seeing Italy without the gloss of the north is worth it.

About The Author

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for student travel, family vacations and adventure travel. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles, travelogues and travel stories.

Worldwide Flower Delivery : italy florist, italy flower delivery, send flowers to italy, send gifts to italy

Kyrenia Castle – The Fortress on the Harbour

Standing over the harbour of northern Cyprus’ most admired town is Kyrenia Castle. For 1,000 years it has remained like a stone sentry overlooking the growth of this ancient port. If you’re considering a holiday in Kyrenia a grounding in the history of the area will enhance your experience immeasurably and, with this is mind, here is a brief introduction to Kyrenia Castle, the fortress on the harbour.

Kyrenia Castle – The Fortress on the Harbour

Fringed by the turquoise seas of the Mediterranean lies the Cypriot harbour town of Kyrenia. Holiday here and you will notice a certain calmness of atmosphere, a peacefulness that lends the region an effortless charm. After taking in the jumbled architecture of the waterfront and the rounded bulk of Kyrenia Castle you will realise that this ease and elegance is no accident, but has developed over thousands of years of settlement.

The land that we today call Kyrenia has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, meaning that although written records of the town date back to 1,100 B.C., it is possible its unwritten history may extend 5,000 years further than that. As it lies upon a central Mediterranean shore, the area found itself centrally positioned as the Hellenistic and Classical eras unfolded around it. The evolution of Kyrenia into a base of naval trade was natural and swift. Consequently the town has always been a wealthy and populous place, meaning that the concept of a Kyrenia holiday is certainly not a modern phenomenon.

With wealth, of course, came the need to defend the town from piracy and invasion. To this end the Romans established a castle and sea wall at the mouth of the harbour, most likely in the first century A.D. On this very site the modern castle now stands, carrying with it the designs and alterations of its various masters.

These masters have hailed from diverse quarters, called to this Mediterranean island for a variety of reasons. After the division of the Roman Empire into the East and West, Kyrenia came under the control of Byzantium. From the 8th century A.D. various Byzantine emperors fortified the Roman castle, creating the basis of what stands today. Four centuries later the island came under the control of the English as Richard I conquered the region during his Crusade to the holy lands. Unwelcome as a ruler he sold the island first to the Templars and later to the Franks. Held by the Franks throughout the Middle Ages, the castle was greatly enlarged and fortified walls were extended to further defend the harbour. The fortress was repeatedly seiged during this period, principally by the Genoese, but was never conquered. Lost to the Venetians in 1489 the castle was upgraded to the structure that we see today, the elegant Frankish towers replaced by vast, rounded structures to deflect cannon fire. These, however, were never tested in battle as the entire town was ceded to the Ottomans in 1571 without battle.

Even since the Middle ages there have been great happenings in the history of Kyrenia. Holiday here and you will be told of British rule, independent rule and Turkish rule, all in the past 150 years. This is a town in which history breathes, from the stones of its structures and in the faces of its inhabitants. The castle remains as a symbol of this.

The irony is that, though the castle was built to repel visitors, it is now a beacon to travellers worldwide. It is responsible for more holidays to Kyrenia than any other site within the town. Yet, equally, if it was built to protect the local merchants from loss then it still serves this purpose, ensuring their success more than a thousand years after its first stones were laid.

About the Author:
Shereena Lingiah is the Marketing Manager for Anatolian Sky, a company offering comprehensive advice and accommodation options for your Kyrenia holiday (http://www.anatoliansky.co.uk/Home/North-Cyprus/Holidays-in-Kyrenia.aspx).

Send Flowers : Hongkong Florist, Phillipines Florist, Indonesia Florist, Singapore Florist

Holiday Apartments in Bulgaria: What is Available For Rent and For How Much

Although the global economy is reeling from the crisis that started in the U.S. and spread throughout the world, there is at least one positive outcome that came out of it. Unlike 5 6 years ago when most tourists had to book hotel rooms, often through touroperators, now they can also choose from hundreds of private holiday apartments for rent. Bulgaria is one of the countries that experienced a tremendous boom in such construction in its beach and ski resorts. What rental properties are available and how much do they cost? A recent analysis shows the following information. The observations were drawn from a database compiled from the top three websites advertizing holiday rentals in Bulgaria.

1. There are close to 1000 holiday apartments for rent throughout Bulgaria. The number of apartments available for rent has not increased in the last several months after the collapse of property markets. However, there will probably be an increase in holiday rentals as individual investors try to recoup some of their investments over time.

2. Most the apartments are concentrated in three main resorts – Bansko which is a ski destination and Sunny Beach and St. Vlas that are on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Bansko and Sunny Beach combined account for about 60 percent of all holiday apartments available for rent. The construction boom in these three resorts was aided by the availability of land and the interest of U.K. and Irish investors. In fact, the construction boom made out of Bansko and St. Vlas much more important holiday destinations than anyone could imagine just a few years ago. This is especially true of St. Vlas that was a sleepy village until recently and is now a bustling resort.

3. The most widely available type of apartments is a one bedroom apartment. These usually are designed to accommodate 4 people – two in a standard bedroom and two more on a sleeper sofa in the living room. About 70 percent of the available apartments are one bedroom apartments. Most of the remaining 30 percent are studios. Therefore, the offers are mostly for a single family or for a couple. Larger families or groups can find fewer accommodations of this type, if they want to stay in one apartment.

4. One bedroom apartments in Sunny Beach rent out for about 300 euro in the high season. This is July and August. The low season from May to June and then September offer discounts of about 15 20 percent.

5. Rental prices are similar in St. Vlas and a bit cheaper in Varna and Nessebar, by a margin of about 20 percent.

6. There is substantial variation between the rental prices of what appear to be similar apartments in the same resort. For example, one bedroom apartments range from about 200 euro per week in St.Vlas to about 400 euro per week. This suggests that tourists should do a thorough search and will probably find a good deal.

7. Rental prices are higher in the ski destinations compared to the rental prices in the beach destinations, by about 15 percent. However, much of the difference comes from the very high prices on Christmas and New Year. The most expensive ski destination is Borovets, which is understandable given its close proximity to the capital Sofia.

About the Author:
One can view the full analysis as well as a selection of holiday apartments for rent at http://www.rentbyownerbg.com. Stefan Valev writes regular columns and provides advice on Bulgarian tourism.

Send Flowers : Australia Florist, Germany Florist, Japan Florist, Malaysia Florist

Five Gadgets You Probably Don’t Need on an Everest Base Camp Trek

It’s your first Everest Base Camp Trek and you’ve packed your clothing, bedding, food, emergency supplies and sundries. But you’ve still got at least a litre of space left in your backpack. What do you really need? What indulgence do you deserve? What will baffle and irritate your trekking mates even as they burn with jealousy…?

Five Gadgets You Probably Don’t Need on an Everest Base Camp Trek

1. A Rotary Airer

What is it?:

A lightweight, four armed, miniature, portable version of the heavy steel clothes airer that graces your back garden.

Uselessness on an Everest Base Camp Trek?:

Pretty high. Though lightweight it’s still yet another item to strap to your backback. And, though it may be amusing to stalk around as it sits outside your tent, perhaps imagining that you’ve woken up in the land of Lilliput, there’s little you can do with it that you can’t achieve with a line of string or nylon cord.

2. Tent Speakers

What are they?:

A flexible, compact speaker set that can fill your tent with the sweet sounds of your MP3 collection wherever you may be.

Uselessness on an Everest Base Camp Trek?:

Not overt. Music may be the perfect solitary escape from the intimacy of trekking life, but imagine rousing Everest base camp to the stirring chords of Beethoven’s glorious Ninth… or heralding the onset of a storm with Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries. Who could object?

3. Pen Fishing Rod

What is it?:

A slick little tube about the size of a marker pen that thrillingly extends into a 4ft fishing rod at a moment’s notice.

Uselessness on an Everest Base Camp Trek?:

It’d be a miracle if you found fish living at altitudes above Everest base camp… but wow! It’s only the size of a pen! What if you did stumble upon a lake filled with trout at 5,600m? You’d look quite the plum if you were caught without your fishing rod! Thankfully, those fears are now a thing of the past.

4. Earmuff Headphones

What are they?:

Fluffy headphones that make you look like a Panda bear.

Uselessness on an Everest Base Camp Trek?:

Fair. If you’re any kind of hiker you’ll want to drink in the beauty of the Himalaya in silence, and if listening to your music by night your snug woollen nightcap will make their warmth preserving properties redundant. Still, if you want to bring a bit of 80’s kitsch back to Everest base camp, trekking with these wrapped around your grinning mug could be just the ticket.

5. Handpresso Kit

What is it?:

A quite astonishing bit of kit that looks like a mixture between a 24th century bicycle pump and a water filter. By pumping up the internal pressure to 16 bar, adding some water from your thermos and a dash of coffee, you and up to 3 friends can enjoy impeccable espresso whether you’re 20,000 leagues under the sea or approaching the outer limits of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Uselessness on an Everest Base Camp Trek?:

Legendary. Firstly this would involved eschewing the traditional refreshment of tea during your adventure in the Himalaya, secondly the kit comes with specially designed espresso mugs and a set of napkins, none of which will amuse your trekking partners who have had to carry the extra tins of tuna that you ‘simply didn’t have space for’. On the other hand, think of the publicity when you stand upon the roof of the world, not haggard and exhausted like your predecessors, but buzzing from the high of history’s most high altitude caffeine hit! We may have hit upon the new ‘Extreme Ironing’ here.

About the Author:
Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who for over 20 years have been the premier choice for the superlative Everest base camp trek (http://www.mountainkingdoms.com/everest-base-camp.ihtml).

Send Flowers : florist flower delivery, flowers by delivery, ftd flower delivery, send flowers gifts

Scuba Diving in Fethiye

A holiday in Turkey provides the visitor with a feast of activities to enjoy. The expansive Mediterranean coastline is the perfect environment for all kinds of watersports, scuba diving amongst them. We look at some of the sites that surround the handsome resort of Fethiye.

Scuba Diving in Fethiye

If you choose to take your holiday in Fethiye, you’ll find a town that exudes a peaceful and easy going charm. Unlike many other Mediterranean resorts, this is an established and historical community that can’t fail to make an impression upon you as you wander through its narrow streets and alleys, perhaps stumbling upon the central market or sampling the cuisine at one of the local restaurants. But whether by day or by night a natural highlight of a holiday in Fethiye is to be found beneath the waves. For the novice and seasoned diver alike, here is a guide to some of the sites you’ll want to visit as soon as you’ve squeezed into your wetsuit…

1. Red Island (max. depth: 25m)

Starting at a depth of 6m and following the natural slope of the seabed, you’ll reach a beautiful marine amphitheatre that curves round at a depth of 15 20m. To really appreciate the vibrant colours of the sea sponges and groupers that inhabit this area you should bring along an underwater light.

2. Sariyarlar bay (max. depth 30m)

In this bay is found a selection of stunning catacombs of tunnels and caverns, all naturally lit from above through the plethora of gaps and cracks in the rock. There are 8 tunnels in total and, to take full advantage of the sights we’d recommend bringing along an underwater light. You’re likely to discover some of the strangest finds of your holiday in Fethiye here as Brittle stars, anemones, sea cucumbers, damselfish and shrimp are to be seen in abundance.

3. Coral Cavern and Turkish Bath (max. depth 40m)

If you’re after great photos and curious creatures then this is the best dive in Fethiye. The regular inhabitants of this site include: Trumpet anemones, gem anemones, daisy strawberry, soft coral, anemones, lettuce coral, sea aubergine and many forms of lace corals. If you only have time for one dive on your holiday in Turkey, make it this one.

5. Shrimp’s Hole (max. depth 28m)

Lying at 26m depth, ‘Shrimp’s Hole’ is large enough to let 5 6 divers enter at one time. Though it’s important to be careful where you put your fins, so as not to disturb the silty bottom, this is a particularly exciting dive with a wealth of creatures to observe. A tall archway which makes a good exit point can also provide some fantastic ascent photos.

6. Mexican Hat (max. depth 30m)

Named ‘Mexican Hat’ as it resembles the shape of a sombrero, this underwater rift lies at 20m and is large enough to accommodate 6 8 drivers at any given time. Some of the sights to be seen include mullet, shrimp, soft coral displays and groupers. The ‘Mexican Hat’ is also home to Moray Eels, which can be seen swaying in the current from their rocky retreats. As with ‘Shrimp’s Hole’, there is a beautiful archway which makes for great photos in the right light.

About the Author:
Shereena Lingiah is the Marketing Manager for Anatolian Sky, a company offering comprehensive advice and accommodation options for your holiday in Fethiye (http://www.anatoliansky.co.uk/Home/Turkey/Holidays-in-Fethiye.aspx).

Send Flowers : delivery on flowers, flower shops delivery, flowers sunday delivery

Where Wealthy Italians Marry and Hang Out: Discover Italy’s Best Kept Secret

Two hours south of busy Naples lies Italy’s best kept secret the quiet town of Maratea, the pearl of Italy’s western coast.

Virtually unknown outside Italy, (few English speaking visitors have set foot here) the area has become popular for weddings, and with the Italian elite, many of whom own villas here.

Maratea sits on the Tyrrhenian sea, the only coastal port in the otherwise landlocked region of Basilicata. In ancient times the Etruscans, called Tyrrhennians by the Greeks, settled on the western coast in the area known today as Tuscany.

Thus, the Mediterranean that washes Italy’s western shores came to be known as the Sea of the Estruscans, the Tyrrhennian Sea.

Maratea was first settled by another ancient people, the Oscans, who established a village here around 450 B.C. The modern country name, Italy is derived from an Oscan word, Vitalieu, meaning land of the life giving calf.

Above the town on a craggy mountain cliff known as Mount St. Blaise hovers Maratea’s guardian angel, Il Redentore a 72 foot tall white marble statue of Christ, second only in size to Cristo Redentor the 98 foot statute standing guard over Rio de Janeiro.

Maratea’s Redeemer was commissioned by Count Stefano Rivetti as a gift to his adopted hometown, and carved by Florentine sculptor Bruno Innocenti.

Count Rivetti also built Maratea’s 5 star Santavenere Hotel on a picturesque promontory near the town, where, in the late 50s, it became a refuge for international stars like Frank Sinatra and Richard Burton.

This town of 5,000 boasts 44 churches, which amounts to one for every 114 inhabitants.

In Maratea’s historic old town, some 2000 feet above the sea, steep cobblestone streets wind past cafes, restaurants and gelato shops. You’ll find the town to be clean and safe and the locals genuinely friendly.

Also in the old town are numerous shops where locals sell their quality wares at attractive prices. Maratea’s shops are famous for wine, sandals, ceramics, embroidery and leather work.

Feel free to negotiate with the shop owners as, unlike American and British shops, prices are rarely fixed.

Plan to do your shopping in the morning or evening as this town shuts down in the time honored Italian tradition between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Afternoon is a great time to visit one of the hidden beaches which dot the coast between Sapri and Tortora. Swimming is permissible from May to November.

CONCLUSION:

To tourists lucky enough to stumble on this gem, Maratea is known to be friendly, unspoiled and inexpensive.

REFERENCES:

In the map at this site the region of Basilicata is outlined in red: http://www.maplandia.com/italy/basilicata/

Here’s a site about seaside weddings in Italy with a section on Maratea that includes some great photos: http://www.slow dreams.com/coast_of_maratea.htm

Check out the photo gallery of the town of Maratea: http://www.comune.maratea.pz.it/principale.htm

To access the photos, click on La Cittá in the navigation panel on the upper left hand side, then click on fotogallery . (How about that, after all the words we borrowed from Latin and Italian, some words are now being borrowed from us!)

There is a great article on Maratea at Dream of Italy, The Insider’s guide to Undiscovered Italy: http://www.dreamofitaly.com/public/114.cfm

Mr. Bush spent two years in Italy as a Mormon missionary in the 70s and continues to explore his love for that land by returning often, studying Italian to maintain fluency and by reading and writing about Lo Stivale (the boot).

About the Author:
Rex Bush is founder of Bush Law Firm near Salt Lake City, Utah where he handles personal injury cases in Utah and throughout the United States and Canada. For more information on personal injury issues visit his website: Utah Injury Attorney at http://www.utah-personal-injury-attorney.com

Send Flower : florist gifts, cheap florist, singapore send flowers, singapore florist delivery

Finding Cheap Flights to Tenerife

Looking for very affordable flights to an island in the Canary Islands of Spain? If your body desires for a warm winter or an even hotter summer, Tenerife is the destination that you shouldn’t miss going to.

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, situated slightly to the north of the Tropic of Cancer, occupying a central position between the other Canary Islands. The island still belongs to Spain but has gained its autonomy from the mother land. It has an estimated population of 880,000 residents. The island enjoys a warm, all year round climate and a snow capped volcano in the backdrop of a long stretch of white sand beach. Its historical places and landmarks also make this island well known.

The main means to reach Tenerife is by plane. There are two airports in Tenerife; in the south is the Reina Sofia, and the Los Rodeos at the northern part. The island experiences two peak seasons. One is from December to February and the other is from May to October. Since the first peak season is winter months, the typical visitors are the older ones who love sun to pass the winter. The second peak season gives way to families, young ones and college students to enjoy the clear sunny beach. So, counting the months, March, April and November are the off peak seasons. Although, these months are also sunny in Tenerife, airline companies offer different fare cuts and promos to Tenerife.

During off seasons, airlines offer some cheap flights to Tenerife online. If you depart from Los Angeles, for example, airlines offer discounted flights for as low as 765 USD one way. Unfortunately, no direct flights from most US territories are obtainable; almost all flights have 2 or more stopovers. Travel time usually ranges from 12 to 20 hours depending on how far the departure place would be from the island. Airlines follow no trend that if you get a shorter time flight, the rates will be higher or lower. It will just be a matter of finding the cheapest one regardless of the travel time. However, most flights are slightly higher on weekends. Friday flights are usually offered as the cheapest flights. The arrival airport for this is on Los Rodeos on the northern part of Tenerife.

This doesn’t mean that you don’t have the chance to land at the south part of Tenerife, at the Sofia Reina Airport. You can avail cheap flights for as low as 501 USD with 2 stopovers. Some flights may increase or decrease the cost depending on the promotions. But usually, the lowest flights are on Fridays, since this is the time weekend short vacations are rampant. The flight fares are not fixed for a particular week and, therefore, they vary depending on the day of the week, so if you free to fly on any day of the week for your vacation, it would help choosing the ones that are cheaper. Trip stopover usually goes to another US state, then London, and then to Tenerife. Travel time is estimated to be within 14 to 19 hours.

Finding cheap flights to Tenerife should not stop you from getting that vacation you deserve. You can find the perfect cheap flights for you using a bit of patience and a lot of will to find your ideal spot on Tenerife.

About the Author:
A writer with superb style and effective guide is who Jessica Nielson is. She writes at cheap holidays 24 - http://www.cheapholidays24.co.uk. She has an article that discusses booking tips at http://www.cheapholidays24.co.uk/10-tips-for-booking-cheap-holidays.aspx

Send Flower : singapore flower delivery, singapore florists, wedding florist, singapore flowers delivery

Are There Any Great Florida Yacht Charters and Bodrum Charter Cruises

If you fancy a different type of vacation this year then why not try a yachting holiday. You can go on a charter luxury cruise to countries like France, Spain and Turkey. In the last few years yachting and sailing holidays have grown in popularity and many people enjoy the luxury of being chartered around different countries on a luxury yacht.

When you decide on a yachting vacation, you can choose the type of vessel that you want to sail in. Whether you prefer a luxury motor yacht, or a smaller, more private, sailing yacht, you are sure to enjoy a new kind of vacation experience. Some people prefer to travel on a mega yacht as larger vessels have more room for the type of luxury that makes a vacation cruise so memorable.

If you live in or around Florida then why not look at a Florida Yacht charter vacation. For those who are not used to sailing starting small with an evening dinner cruise is an ideal way of finding out whether you think you would enjoy a boating holiday. People who live in Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Miami or West Palm Beach can even get picked up by the charter boat at any one of these locations.

If you’ve never tried a dinner party on the water then now is the time to start. There is something extra special about seeing the moon bouncing off the water at night. Dinner party sizes vary and the kind of yacht that you travel on will depend on the number of dinner guests in your party.

As interest grows in yachting holidays and in entertainment cruises, you need to book well ahead. Whether you want a dinner cruise, a wedding ceremony or water bound corporate event you need to give plenty of notice on what you expect from the boat and from the entertainment.

If you want to travel outside the confines of Florida and the surrounding area, then why not book yourself a place on a never to be forgotten, Caribbean cruise. Most yachting companies have a variety of charter experts on hand who can give you advice on the type of boat that might be best for you, and the kind of yacht charter cruises that are currently available.

You may have a hankering to see the wonderful Greek Islands but are unsure of going there by yourself. You can charter a private cruise through the Islands with the help of a charter expert who will be able to advise you whether you would do better with a sailing yacht or a luxury motor yacht. If you book your vacation with the right company then they will do all the hard work for you, from getting the right vessel, to visiting the places you always wanted to see.

Turkey is a great place to see and you can go on a cruise of the Aegean Sea and long the coastline of south west Turkey with its historical treasures and picture book villages. Dock at one of the full size Marinas and hike through the high mountains and pine forests that Turkey has to offer. In the evening you can return to your luxury yacht for dinner and entertainment, or enjoy an evening on deck under the stars as you travel to your next destination.

About the Author:
Jason Creation - We really want you to enjoy your holidays this year with us at http://www.boatmiami.com and http://www.luxuryachtvacation.com

Buy Flowers : flower guide, florist in mauritius

Summer Beach Paradise in Fort Walton Beach

Located in Okalossa County, Florida, Fort Walton Beach is a fishing and beach resort phenomenon. Named one of the Top 100 places to live, it is also teeming with visitors all spring break and summer long. Fort Walton Beach has 24 miles of powder soft beaches to walk upon while you enjoy things such as the sun set, fishing, swimming in the ocean or catching some waves. Families can enjoy one of the beachside parks and the elders can hit up one of the many golf courses for an 18 hole game. There’s so much to do, and what there is to do is only limited by your imagination, so follow me as I describe to you some of the places you can enjoy and leave your mind to wonder.

Your vacation destination is here, or perhaps it’s a place you’d like to live? Once you visit, you won’t want to leave! Let’s start off with the beaches, and as I mentioned before, there are 24 miles of beach stretching east to west. Rated the one of the Top 10 safest beaches in the Country, this beach allows jogging, swimming, sand castle building, tanning, fishing, wind and kite surfing as well as board surfing. It’s the perfect place to kick back and get some rays while the sun is setting on the west coast. Along the beaches, there are four renovated beach front parks and six mini parks, all including showers, benches, bathrooms and ADA accessibility.

It’s time to get some food, as you will need energy to continue to enjoy these extensive activities. The best place you can head for the most variety is the Wayside County Park, also know as, The Boardwalk. Facilities at the Boardwalk sit on the largest stretch of public beach in the area. It includes a 400 seat seafood restaurant, a two level beach club, a dueling piano night club, a children’s playground, beach volleyball, 3 beach accesses with showers, 6 public pavilions, picnic tables and public restrooms. Two places to eat that will catch your eye are The Black Pearl and The Crab Trap, both specializing in sea food, but also offering a variety of steaks, burgers, salads and sandwiches. In the mood for Japanese style sea food and steaks? Then head a bit more towards the mainland to Okinawa Japanese Steak and Seafood House for the best in shrimp, steak, chicken and scallops, all under the roof of this Four Star establishment! How about some French Italian Thai style meals? Then stay beach side for Mulhollow’s Bistro 215, where the name “fusion cuisine” comes into play with a wide assorted menu to please all three tastes; tastes such as seafood on sandwiches, seafood on salads, seafood sauteed and blackened, Thai and Italian style pastas, as well as throwing a grilled to perfection steak on almost anything that you can think of as well.

Well if you don’t want to wine and dine, how about catching your own dinner? Besides the beaches, there is a little, or should I say, rather long secret I should tell you about. If you’re on the beach, you shouldn’t miss it. It’s the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, and “Large fish are what we’re famous for”, say the local fishermen. The pier originally opened in 1972, at a grand total length of 962 that stretched out into the Gulf of Mexico; however, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1998, with a new length of 1262 feet. This new length allows for a chance at catching even larger fish that prefer the deeper water farther off shore. The size and number of fish caught here compete with and have even beaten fish caught off shore in boats around the same area. Here’s the deal about this place: you don’t have to bring a thing with you! So if you’re on vacation and didn’t bring the rod and reel or a bucket for bait, you can rent them all here for $7 8 depending on the size of the fishing rod. But if fishing isn’t your thing, then perhaps site seeing is. Head out to the end of the pier to see 8 miles of ocean, east, west and south for 180 degrees in all three directions. Come watch Dolphins jump; see fishermen catch tarpon weighing over 100 pounds, as well as tuna, king mackerel, cobia, and dolphin. Watch in awe pelicans and seagulls beg for food or steal a fisherman’s catch; spot the boats floating around or see surfers from the back as they catch monster waves off of the beach. If that fisherman’s catch begins to look good enough to eat raw because you’re starving, then don’t worry, there are plenty of snacks and drinks all located on the pier.

Our last stop will be for the nightlife. Stick around the beach for an awesome night at The Swamp, featuring live music from local and nationally recognized bands like Hoobastank, Trapt, Salavia, Fuel, Cracker and Papa Roach. An enormous dance floor makes it an endless night as the live DJ’s place dance, trance, techno, pop, hip hop and R& B. Drink it up and dance it down, for what a better way to end the night here at Fort Walton Beach, than to dance it all away.

About the Author:
More about Fort Walton Beach at http://www.placesaroundflorida.com/Fort_Walton_Beach_Florida/ Best Florida Beaches http://www.placesaroundflorida.com/Top_Florida_Beaches/

Buy Flowers : flowers finland, Barbados Florists, florist jakarta

The Three Most Visited Cities in America

America is undoubtedly one of the prime countries in the world. It has fifty five states that tourists can visit. But the top three most visited cities have rightly earned their ranks.

The whole of America is widely occupied with many tourists all throughout the year. Yet there are notable three cities garnering the highest rates of visitors. And these cities have all the good reasons to be in the top three positions. They are Las Vegas in Nevada, Los Angeles in California, and Orlando in Florida.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Have a taste of the city’s legendary neon nights, fantastic color of sunsets and sunrises in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the beautiful Alan Bible Botanical Garden, the historical Hoover Dam and the natural beauty of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Of course, the most famous is the Strip in Las Vegas.

You can reserve a room in one of the cheapest hotels here called Palace Station Hotel and Casino. This way, you can save some extra penny for your casino deals. The rooms are sprawled in their 21 storey tower. Each air conditioned room is equipped with cable or satellite TV, a hair dryer, desk, iron with board, pay movies, climate control, Internet and blackout drapes They also have a refrigerator (upon request) and an alarm clock.

The hotel also offers pools, tubs, a sundeck, fitness room, bars, and casinos. There are recreational areas available for rental near the hotel as well. Outdoor activities include golf, tennis, horse riding, biking, hiking, and helicopter sightseeing.

Los Angeles, California

Feel like a star and visit the movie capital of the world, Los Angeles, California. The city offers not only the famous “Hollywood” escapade but also a number of fun and recreational places. These include scenic drives, skate parks, dog parks and salons as well as urban adventures and extreme sports areas. They also have beaches, “picture perfect” views, great hiking trails and they offer outdoor sports activities like ocean kayaking, golfing, sailing, horseback riding and many more.

The city offers a number of arts and culture venues as well as a lot of museums showcasing Science, Maritime, History, Hollywood stars and even fossil excavations. Aside from this, Los Angeles is also known for its night life activities ranging from parties, comedy shows, music, and dinner cruises.

Stay overnight in one of the cheapest hotels in the city, the Clarion Hotel. Although a night stay in this hotel is quite low, starting from $66, the hotel has a 3 star rating. This means that you still get a good deal, comfort and cost combined.

This hotel is located in West Olympic Blvd. It features an outdoor pool, sundeck, business center, pool, handicap facilities and a banquet hall. Each guest room has an air conditioning unit, a refrigerator, coffee maker and hair dryer along with iron with boards, spacious work places and a personal electronic safe (additional fees apply) .

The hotel is located near downtown L.A. It is very near the city’s finest attractions. These include the Los Angeles Zoo, Hollywood, Disneyland and Dodger stadium as well as the Paul Getty Museum, China Town and Little Tokyo.

Orlando, Florida

Kids and grown ups alike will love this place. This city is known to house some of the world’s greatest attractions and theme parks including Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World, Universal Orlando Resort and Orange County Convention Center. They also have the Philips Orlando Performing Arts Center, the Orlando Museum of Arts, Orlando Fashion Square and the Florida Mall.

You can get the best deal in one of the city’s affordable hotels, the Extended Stay America. This is located at 5620 Major Blvd in Orlando. The hotel features 123 guest rooms, each equipped with refrigerators, stovetops, microwave ovens, and Internet access. It also provides business services, laundry facilities, parking and kitchenette facilities.

The hotel has an easy access to the famous Universal Studios, Wet ’n Wild, Kennedy Space Center and SeaWorld. It is also near Holy Land Experience, Walt Disney World Resort, Mall at Millenia and Prime Outlets Orlando.

About the Author:
For more information on Worldwide Hotel Lists and Flight Lists please visit our website. http://hotel-lists.net & http://hotel-lists.net/hotel-lists-flights.php?pname=hotellisthotelsflights

Buy Flowers : jerusalem tulip, blue roses, cheap carnations, flower shop

Family Resorts in Florida

Family vacation is well spent in resorts that have activities especially for special bonding moments with loved ones. There are many family resorts in Florida offering special packaged discounts also.

Families should devote time among themselves to have fun, relax and enjoy each others company. It does not have to be too expensive but should be meaningful and held memorable. Going out for a special vacation might just be what families need to bond with each other again.

Planning a family outing is always a difficult task because it involves quite a big group. There are many individual interests and needs to consider that must all be consolidated in one big package. This will guarantee that everyone will have a very good time.

Family resorts cater especially to such groups. And they offer discounted rates also. Here are some of them.

First is the Caribbean Resort. It is available the whole year round. Every family can enjoy different activities being offered such as water sports, programs for kids and teens as well, and lots of restaurants with delectable cuisines.

Families may also try the Coconut Bay Resort and Spa. It is known for their all inclusive package deals because they offer the best value in rates. They also have a water park with slides, a lazy river and a big area for playing.

This resort is located in St. Lucia which is known for attractive sceneries such as the Piton Twin Peaks, jungle, vast areas of coconut and banana plantations. Guests can truly enjoy different water activities like snorkeling and diving.

The Natura Park Eco Resort and Spa can be found a few minutes from the airport of the Dominican Republic, and near Bavaro and Laguna Beach. It features luscious and beautiful landscaping with their flowers, ponds and other naturally acquired decorations such as stones found locally, coconut, wood, and cane.

This resort has 13 2 storey buildings in Dominican style, with 510 rooms having a balcony or patio. They also have 20 suites, all with views overlooking the ocean.

Their amenities include a pool where both kids and adults can swim, king sized beds (for reservation), all inclusive a la carte dining (limited), and a Metamorphosis Spa with sauna and flower bath (good for people who wish to relieve stress).

Natura Park Eco Resort and Spa also has a buffet restaurant with open air atmosphere. Kids can also enjoy seeing different animals like peacocks, flamingos, ducks and many other interesting animals.

The Amelia Island Plantation is located in Amelia Island, Florida, 20 minutes away from Jacksonville. This island owns 1,350 acres of land and consists of fantastic beach resorts.

There are many exciting activities a family can do here. There are nature trails with boardwalks, a nature center offering nature tours, kids camps and play areas, bike rentals, various poolside games, beach with professional lifeguards, and boating eco tours.

Guests can choose to stay in hotels, villas and condos inspired with Spanish moss. Rooms have private balconies viewing the beach. They can enjoy playing golf and tennis. Two outward pools are provided; one is joined to the kids’ pool. There is also a fitness center with an indoor pool for people wanting to stretch their muscles and keeping their shape.

Kids camp features full day for children aging 3 to 10 years old. Just for Kids give evening theme parties, very helpful for parents deciding to go out. Teen Explorers are for 11 19 teens, providing activities such as mini golf, bowling, movie viewing and many more. Their weekly events change depending on the season and prices vary from free up to 50$.

About the Author:
For more information on Family Resorts and Family Resorts Hotels please visit our website. http://www.family-resorts.net & http://www.family-resorts.net/index.php?pname=familyresortshotels

Buy Flowers : rose ecuador, flowers finland, guinea flower, florist jakarta

Something For Everyone in Petersburg, A Historic City in Southside Virginia

Petersburg, Virginia is a city steeped in history. The city’s unique history predates America itself, pushing all the way back to 1643 with the founding of Bristol Parish preciously close to the Appomattox River. Fort Henry was erected nearby a few years later. The entire area grew into Peter’s Point, and then into Petersburg when established into a town in 1748.

Hundreds of years later, Petersburg has slowly made the transition from town to city. The proximity to Richmond has allowed for easy access which pairs nicely with a history which can only be described as rich. Who then visits Petersburg? With so much history to offer, the answer might just surprise you.

The Civil War Buff

Petersburg National Battlefield incorporates a variety of Civil War sites involved in the nine month siege of Petersburg. One of the Civil War’s best known battles happened here, the Battle of the Crater. Today you can see both the crater and the mine shaft Union soldiers dug to reach the Confederate line. The crater marks the spot where they lay the explosives and lit the fuse that caused a massive conflagration and a furious pitched battle. The fall of Petersburg on April 2, 1865 led directly to the end of the Civil War when General Robert E. Lee retreated from the city, yielding it to Union soldiers. He surrendered his army four days later at Appomattox Courthouse.

The Art Lover

Petersburg’s greatest art treasures are the fifteen Tiffany windows which adorn Old Blandford Church. Commissioned by the Ladies’ Memorial Association of Petersburg to honor the Confederate soldiers buried nearby, Louis Comfort Tiffany and members of his studio designed and installed the windows from1901 to 1912. The thirteen Confederate states and several border states each sponsored a memorial window. The Ladies’ Memorial Association commissioned an additional window while Mr. Tiffany himself donated the fifteenth window, the resplendent Cross of Jewels .

Also worth a visit are two museums, Centre Hill Museum, with its display of nineteenth century decorative arts and the Siege Museum, which is housed in the ca. 1839 Exchange Building and showcases artifacts documenting the ten month siege of Petersburg.

The Preservationist

For decades, admirers of historic houses and old commercial buildings have come to Petersburg seeking eighteenth and nineteenth century properties to buy and restore. Many of the buildings are ante bellum. Others date from the latter part of the nineteenth century and display the ornamental flourishes and detail typical of the Victorian period. The inventory of buildings in need of renovation is substantial and best of all the prices are among the most reasonable on the East Coast.

The Military Historian

At Fort Lee, a military installation sandwiched between Petersburg and Hopewell, more than 70,000 visitors a year tour the Quartermaster Museum which presents the history and heritage of the oldest logistic branch of the United States Army, the Quartermaster Corps. Exhibits describe the Corps’ present and former missions as well as its historical evolution.

A recent addition to Fort Lee’s tourist attractions is the United States Army Women’s Museum. It houses artifacts and archival material honoring the service of women in all branches and organizations of the U.S. Army.

The Revolutionary War Expert

Because there was so much military activity in and around Petersburg during the Civil War, many people don’t know that the Virginia militia saw action in Petersburg during the Revolutionary War. On April 25, 1781, the British, led by Major General William Phillips, launched an attack on a greatly out numbered Virginia unit commanded by Major General Frederick von Steuben. Although the militia lost the battle, its heroic stand gave Lafayette an extra day to prepare for a British assault on Richmond. Sadly, shortly after the engagement Major General Phillips contracted a sudden illness and died a few days later. He was buried secretly in Blandford Cemetery. The whereabouts of his grave is still unknown.

The Shopper

A stroll through Old Towne can be a shopper’s delight. In the last decade, numerous specialty shops and antique stores have opened in downtown Petersburg, stores with names like Purple Passion, Second Hand Rose, River’s Edge Gifts and Antiques, Grateful Soles, and Chic Cheap Unique. Tired? Relax as you browse through Minerva’s Books on Bartow Alley. Take a break for lunch at Longstreet’s Delicatessen or enjoy a specialty coffee at Java Mio which presents live entertainment on Friday nights. If you’re in Petersburg for the monthly Friday with the Arts, eat dinner at the British pub, Brickhouse Run, enjoy South American fare at Andrade’s or eat at pizza at Maria’s on Old Street.

There’s something for everyone in Petersburg. Come visit!

About the Author:
This article was provided by Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen, a personal injury law firm located in the heart of Petersburg, Virginia. http://www.allenandallen.com/

Buy Flowers : flower delivery dubai, barbados florists, barbados florist, flower shaped cake

The Tour de France in the 1980s - an American Victory at Last

The Tour de France in the 1980s finally saw America's first victory. But this was really "the Badger's" decade. Bernard Hinault, after several wins and many career successes, retired in 1986. He and his yellow jersey had been chased for a very long time.

1980 saw the peloton pummeled by relentless rain. Bernard Hinault started the tour like the winner he is but tendinitis in his knee forced him to quit. Joop Zoetemelk from Holland, in his 10th Tour takes over the lead and wins.

In 1981, Hinault wanted to prove he was back in the race. He won the Prologue, sat back and relaxed a bit, then took the lead again and convincingly won. Although Phil Anderson was not the first Australian to ride in the Tour, by wearing the coveted yellow jersey he became the most well-known Aussie in the Tour’s history.

1982 saw Hinault at the top of his game. He won the Giro and the Tour de France back to back. During the Tour, he won four stages and wore the yellow jersey for 10 days. And just to show off- he sprinted in the final stage down the Champs-Élysées.

Hinault may have grabbed media attention but others had their moments of glory too. Australia's Phil Anderson had the yellow jersey for a spell and was the best young rider at the end of the race. Ireland's Sean Kelly took home the green points jersey.

In 1983, Hinault sat out due to injury. This Tour would be an open event. Pascal Simon, a virtually unheard of rider, had the yellow jersey early in the race. Sadly, he fell and broke his shoulder, an injury that forced him out of the race. Another little-known rider, Laurent Fignon, took the yellow jersey, fended off other riders in the Alps, and finally won. He did it again in 1984, proving that his ‘83 victory was no fluke. Hinault finished in second place, 10 minutes behind. His comeback just didn’t happen.

In 1985, the first American to do so, Greg LeMond, finds his way to the podium in second place. Hinault, the badger, made his comeback with a slim two minutes margin. The red jersey is introduced and awarded to the leader of the intermediate sprint-prime category.

In 1986, Greg LeMond, shot in a hunting accident can’t defend his Tour title. Bernard Hinault has retired and Laurent Fignon is still out due to his injuries. The 1986 tour is now wide open and Stephen Roche becomes the first Irishman to win the Tour.

The first American victory in the Tour comes in 1987 when LeMond wins. This year, there are more than 200 riders entered the Tour for the first time.

In 1988, the defending champion, Stephen Roche, can’t start due to injury and Greg LeMond was still recovering from the hunting accident. Instead, 1987 runner-up, Pedro Delgado, took over.

Delgado's win nearly didn’t occur when news of a his positive drug test broke. However, the substance he used, Promencide, was only on the banned list by the International Olympic Committee, but not on the list of the International Cycling Union until August. Due to a technicality, Delgado keeps his yellow shirt even if it is a little tarnished.

In 1989, it seems that Fignon is set to win again. However, LeMond has his own comeback plans. He wins the first time trial. Fignon fights him all the way. In the end, he wears the yellow jersey and wins by a mere eight seconds.

In 1990, Lemond experiments with triathelete style handlebars. These handle bars are soon used by most other riders. LeMond wins again for the third time.

If you liked this article, you'll find more Tour de France history articles and this year's Tour schedule at:

http://www.keepandshare.com/htm/calendars/printable_tour_de_france_schedule.php

http://www.keepandshare.com/htm/calendars/tour_de_france_schedule/tour_de_france_schedules_stages.php

http://www.keepandshare.com/htm/calendars/tour_de_france_schedule/tour_de_france_schedules.php

About the Author:

Joy Block has a passion for sports and travel. Some favorite websites are:

http://www.keepandshare.com/htm/calendars/printable_tennis_schedule.php

France Florists : send flower to france, sending flowers to france

The Chartreux Cat

A pretty shorthair cat, Chartreux has lived in French towns and villages for centuries though there is some controversy regarding its origin. Some believe it was brought over to France by Carthusian monks while others trace its ancestry to Syria. Even as it was widespread in its native territories since seventeenth century, Chartreux numbers plummeted during the first half of twentieth century owing to the two World Wars. It was only through concerted efforts of breeders that the felid was revived and the breed sustained even though the wild populations were lost by the mid nineteen forties. The breed was brought to United States in early seventies and gained recognition a decade and half later. It is still not accepted in United Kingdom.

A large yet gentle cat, Chartreux has a compact build with a deep chest and strong shoulders. Coat is double layered, dense and water repellent. It exists solely in shades of blue and gray. Head is round with broad cheeks and a narrow muzzle, giving the cat a 'smiling' expression. Eyes are rounded and occur in shades of gold, orange or copper. Ears are medium in size.

Chartreuxs are quite rare in the rest of Europe and North America. Majority remain as prized possessions of French breeders and are thus difficult to obtain. Some lines have a genetic defect amongst them that leads to dislocation of knee cap in the young, leading to varying degrees of disability. This trait is being bred out though and apart from the occasional teeth and gum disorders, there are no serious medical concerns with this cat.

Quiet and calm by nature, Chartreuxs are easygoing cats. They are not very demanding or vocal. They don't meow, and express themselves with a chirping voice. Some are even mute. As with other natural felines, Chartreux cats are skillful hunters. They have a good temperament and don't engage in physical conflicts with other pets.

About the Author:
The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Chartreux cat.

France Florist : france flower delivery, send flowers to france

Are You A Graduate Are You Employable

As a fresh graduate out in the job market looking for suitable job opportunities for freshers, you will realize that there are many candidates for the same job and some get an advantage over the others. So, what is it about some candidates that let them have an advantage? It is the soft skills. It is these skills that set two candidates apart from each other and make one more employable than the other. Jobs for freshers have increased manifold in India over last many years, yet it does not guarantee a job for every fresh graduate. The problem lies in the skills gap. Even qualified and degree-holding graduates may not be employable because they do not have good presentation skills, good communication skills or a good knowledge of computers. These thing are not taught during formal education so it is important to upgrade your skills by signing up for a course that teaches you all this. A personality grooming course or a language course or a basic course in computers is all that you may need to land that first job in your career. The undergraduate education in India is not such that it churns out immediately employable graduates. Even companies who hire freshers complain about the same that there is a serious lack of skilled applicants in the country. Those who earn non-specialized degrees are hardly hirable in fresher positions immediately after graduation. The role and responsibility of freshers in companies has changed from what it used to be earlier. Even in call centre jobs, it is not just about good language. It requires good communication skills, good interpersonal skills, quick thinking, knack for problem solving, working effectively in teams and delivering presentations. These are the skills that you will not learn at college but would either need to develop on your own or learn from an institute who offer such finishing and bridge courses. Employers look for some basic qualities in freshers such as effective communication skills in English, professional selling skills, pleasing body language, effective time management, a good know-how of computers, and a general smartness. Thus, it should be your prime objective to fix these gaps if they exist in your personality and get that fresher job that you have been waiting for to launch your career. Once you have identified which sector you are suited for, you should work diligently to develop skills relevant to that sector. There are various short-term courses that one can opt for to develop the pertinent skills to make oneself more employable. Improving upon your communication skills is relevant to all sectors. No matter which industry you join, it is a skill that will help you advance your career a lot. Especially if your job involves dealing with clients, you will be required to have amazing communication skills. Even if you do not have to deal with customers or clients, having good communication skills will ensure that you gel well within a team, can effectively communicate your ideas and can get noticed more. Over all, professional grooming will immensely boost up your chances of getting those fresher jobs. They will make you more employable and help you build a successful career from the start itself. Apart from working on your oral and written communication skills, you should also work on how presentable you are. A well-dressed, well-groomed candidate will get immediate attention at an interview better than others who have not paid much attention to making themselves presentable. You can also enroll yourself for a foreign language course to get an edge over others. With MNCs setting foot in India, preference is given to candidates who have the knowledge of at least one foreign language. Learning French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese or any other in demand foreign language can give the required fillip to your job prospects. Learning a foreign language will also give you an advantage if you wish to work abroad. Other than this, you can do short term diploma courses to upgrade your skills. In fact, going for short-term diploma courses is always appreciable at all stages of your career as it gives you an edge over others and doesnt bring stagnancy into your career. Thus, these are the useful skills that graduates can develop to become employable for thousands of fresher jobs up for grabs out there.

About the Author:
Geetika Jain writes on behalf of FirstNaukri.com, a leading job portal for fresher jobs in India. FirstNaukri.com helps in searching Jobs for freshers, walk-ins interviews, interviews tips for freshers, career openings for freshers in top companies. With FirstNaukri you can easily post your resume and find your first dream job

Germany Florists : flower delivery to germany, sending flowers to germany, send flower to germany

Trade Europe Global German Business Directory

Recent developments in the sophisticated data exchange and communication technologies have made globe flat. Global Markets have become a very popular place for International Trade. Global sourcing requirements whether for manufacturing use or for retail business are increasing day by day. The countries offering low cost attractions whether it is raw or finished material or finished good are having unique advantages. Free markets concept was mooted with a thought for unsealing large opportunities for export and import of commodities and it has been advantageously recognized all over the world.

In International Trade there are numerous opportunities available which if properly and timely explored can change your destiny. In the very recent past the most common source for business information used to be something termed as Business Directory. Every country had its own Business Directory. It often involved you to shuffle through loads of data and turn pages of voluminous directory for searching a buyer or seller or a product. Searching thousands of pages proved to be a tedious and time consuming exercise. Well No more.

With the advent of Internet things have become pretty easy and fast. The intense task of going through gigantic Business Directory has become history. The Internet is in itself a gigantic Business Directory. It provides you with an exclusive recourse to all your queries related to International Trade. It facilitates free market participants for the entire global sourcing requirements efficiently and economically. The Internet is a door to Global Markets, where there are number of members who are in the B2B (Business to Business) market place. One such member ishttp://www.tradeeuropeglobal.com." target=new> www.tradeeuropeglobal.com. Beneficiaries of this website have found it to be a veritable tool in the Export Import requirements. This website truly works as a gigantic Business Directory. You can search buyers, sellers, suppliers and products. You can post your profiles, product catalogues as well as buying or selling offers. Trade Leads are available for a variety of products spanning out to number of countries. The search categories are classified product wise as well as Country wise. For example if you are looking to source a Rolls-Royce car, Germany is the obvious choice and this website would provide you with the best leads. Not only Rolls-Royce car but there are so many other sub categories of products available from Germany. It can be very well said that on this gigantic directory, German Business Directory is in itself a mini directory. Lots of efforts and research has been put in to design a well laid out classification into different categories and sub categories. Any lead will show you Brief Description, Expiry Date, Detailed Description, Company Profile, Ratings/Comments, contact details and video presentation.

This website is constantly thriving to supplement various features and security parameters to detect and eliminate abuse and un-professionalism to have maximum safeguards for your business interests.
www.tradeeuropeglobal.com can save your cost by 50%. It can help you in taking a faster decision. It saves precious time and energy. In the current Global Markets, tradeeuropeglobal.com platform has proved itself be a powerful tool in the International Trade. What all you need to do is to register on the website with a valid email address and once you have done it you will join a rapidly growing network to reach businesses anywhere in the world.

The German business market has got high potential to offer to the global market. If you want your trade with German partners to be more profitable and effective on a long time basis then you can take the leads presented at the websitehttp://www.tradeeuropeglobal.com" target=new> www.tradeeuropeglobal.com to your best advantage.

About the Author:
For more information on trade and business visit our website http://www.tradeeuropeglobal.com

Germany Florist : germany flower delivery, send flowers to germany, send gifts to germany