California Is Sunshine And Fun

Sunshine and fun is what California in USA is all about. This Pacific Ocean bathed state was one of the last to be incorporated into the union, but soon became one of the first on the list for travel and holiday entertainment. It shone bright with so many stars when Hollywood opened its gates. And talking about gates, was known for its innovative methods in construction when it built the Golden Gate Bridge. And it was Walt Disney's choice when he decided to build the happiest place on earth, creating Disneyland. It is easy to travel up and down the whhhole Califonia coastline with a fantastic car rental from any of the airport locations, visiting museums, natural parks and other theme parks, making your California dream come true.



Los Angeles Radiates with Excitement



Los Angeles, LA or as some call it ' The City of Angels' is saturated with all kinds of entertainment. What firstly calls the visitors attention is anything that has to do with Hollywood and its stars. The first stop is usually Hollywood Boulevard to the Walk of fame where you can see whose hand and footprints have a likeness to yours while visiting the Kodak Theatre, famous for the Oscar celebrations. And if your are lucky, you might share a fitting room with someone famous as you go shopping on Rodeo Drive in the Beverly Hills neighbourhood, at Santa Monica Square or on Hollywood Drive. From Muholland Drive you can click away at the famous 'Hollywood' sign which is a symbol known to everyone all over the world. All this excitement and its has not even cost you a penny!



Not too far outside of LA, in Anaheim, you can find the 'Happiest Place on Earth' which everyone knows is Disneyland. I went there thinking that I would be trailing around after my children while they lived the dream of their lives, but I can assure you that I was more thrilled and enthused than my kids. I relived childhood adventures that I thought had long passed with my buddies Mickey and Minnie and shared new ones with my family. The price of $86 for adults and $76 for kids over 9 years of age with transport from our hotel was well worth it. I have been told that Disney world is better, but only seeing is believing. Many friends of mine have even opted for buying apartments in the Los Angeles area so that when they spend their holidays there, they do not have to worry about lodgings. One dream spot is in the Palisades, a small town residential area not far from Sunset Boulevard and only a stone's throw from the impressive three mile run cliffs that stop the Pacific from entering.



Crossing California to San Francisco



But if you really want to get a good grip on California, then let's go down to the Pacific Ocean and over to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. One thing is to stand at a distance and admire its greatness but the best is to be part of it. There are bike ride tours over the bridge which first take you along the Bay Trail past various interesting points and then over the 1.7 mile long bridge. But San Francisco woud not be complete without a visit to the Island of Alcatraz and its piercing prison and museum filled with tingling history. Everything about California makes you tingle!

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Carla McNamara writes many news and information for www.california-topics.com, a spezialised source on tips and tricks. Carla is mostly focusing on San Francisco www.california-topics.com/category/san-francisco and Los Angeles topics.

Uncle Sam Wants to Know Where You Are Going!

It is no secret that US International Travelers are at risk in the world today. However this cannot be a major factor in your decision to travel. Travel for many people including myself, is a chosen addiction. For some of us, we feel that a small part of us would be lost if we were not able to travel. It\'s not easy to explain, it\'s like a calling to go to the airport, or to embark on a mega cruise ship, or catch greyhound if our monies are low. Most of us pay our rent or mortgage before we leave town, however, if comes down to our 401K plan and our quarterly travel plans, you guessed it, the 401K will either be robbed or put on hold.

At a later time I will explain our general thoughts on how we plan to live once we retire)

However, for now, I shall attempt to explain the US State Department\'s Travel Registration. \'Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency. Americans residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate\'

The Federal Government is very nice about the reason that they want you to register. And we realize that most people, including myself are not completely happy with the idea of telling Uncle Sam where we are going, when and for how long. BUT, in light of world events, especially the events that ARE NOT in the news we strongly suggest that you register you foreign travel.

The Federal Government puts it like this \ Millions of Americans travel abroad every year and encounter no difficulties. However, U.S. embassies and consulates assist nearly 200,000 Americans each year who are victims of crime, accident, or illness, or whose family and friends need to contact them in an emergency. When an emergency happens, or if natural disaster, terrorism, or civil unrest strikes during your foreign travel, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be your source of assistance and information. By registering your trip, you help the embassy or consulate locate you when you might need them the most. Registration is voluntary and costs nothing, but it should be a big part of your travel planning and security\

The keywords in the above paragraph are \'terrorism or civil unrest strikes during your foreign travel\' Things are happening. You can read the Current Travel Warnings & the State Department\'s Public Announcements and get a summary of what is really happening in the world today. \The State Department issues Public Announcements about terrorist threats and other conditions that pose significant risks to Americans. Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid a certain country\ In most cases Americans are given free will, however after reading some of the Warnings in detail, you more then likely will agree with the State Department.

For the sake of research so that you have a better understanding, listen to the world news or the local news. Then click on Public Announcement or Current Travel Warnings on the http://www.travel360degrees.com Home Page and compare the Travel Announcements or Warnings with news that WAS NOT mentioned in the e-media. Our government has a responsibility to tell us as much as they can about a foreign country before we depart the US. And they do an excellent job with the Travel Warnings.

Travel is a multi-bullion dollar industry, no country wants to end up on the \US Current Travel Warning\'s Page\ so I image that a great effort is made to maintain a positive relationship with countries that end up on \the sheet\ So read between the lines. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cispatw/tw/tw1764.html

Educate yourself before you purchase your ticket and check back often before your departure. Things change, as you can see by the list of Countries listed in the Travel Warnings. To protect yourself, purchase Travel Insurance that has a civil unrest and or a terrorism clause in it. And of course get a quote from the travel360degrees.com site for your Business Class and International Flights.

Cassandra Ingraham is the webmaster for travel360degrees.com. Sign up today for free e-Travel Alerts, Travel Security Tips and International Airfare Consolidator quotes.

You Can Get A Hotel Discount

HOW TO GET A HOTEL DISCOUNT You need to ASK if you want a
discount. Here are ways to do it:

*Search the internet, look for great deals. There are various
types of hotels that offer great discounts on the web for online
customers. Be sure to check these out.

*Plan your trip during the off season months. These are the
times when big discounts are given.

*Call the hotel of your choice. Ask them about offers and
discounts that they can give. List all promotions.

*Certain hotels can give discounts to credit card holders of
certain card establishments. Ask for the manager and ask him
about it. The manager is the best person to ask, since if you
can make negotiations, he has the authority to make negotiations
with you.

*Ask if they give discounts to students or senior citizens.

*Simply ask through the phone how can you qualify for a
discount. If at certain day of the week or at certain times of
the year they give discounts, ask them about it and ask how much
or how less can they give, then ask if you could get still a
higher discount. Usually at off peak seasons, hotels will be
willing to give in, just to fill the empty rooms.

*Ask for certain packages. Hotels usually offer rooms with free
breakfast.

*Do name drop. If you know of someone who frequently stays them,
mention his name. It can help. Tell them your friend referred
you to them and ask for a discount. Don't ever give up if they
say no. A statement like is that the best you can do? can
encourage a big discount.

*Often, people in the military get good hotel rates. Usually,
discounts are offered to government employees. *At off peak
seasons, you could definitely ask for special rates. Then if
they don't budge after you have offered a discount, ask some
extras, like breakfast.

*When negotiating, it is very important to write down all agreed
discussions. Write too, the names of the persons that you have
been talking to, the time as well as the day and date. Ask for a
number that you can call before checking in to the hotel for
confirmation.

*Upon arrival to the hotel, look around and ask for negotiations
once more. For instance if you feel that the hotel is not fully
booked, ask for a room with a better view than the one you are
in, if you don't agree with what you see.

Enjoy your stay!

Ohio's 5 distinct travel regions

Are you looking for a fall trip in Ohio? Many people are looking
for an escape that takes them away from the work week and offers
an opportunity to relax and re-load.

Traveling in Ohio can be rewarding. Every week there are
hundreds of events and activities that can enhance your quality
of life.



Ohio is typically divided into 5 regions.



The southwest portion of Ohio offers access to the Ohio river
and all of the watersports activities that come with being near
the water. The United States Airforce Museum is located in
Dayton. The major cities that are in southwest Ohio include
Cincinnati, Dayton,
and Springfie
ld.



Southeastern Ohio also borders the Ohio river, but is much more
rural and is considered part of Appalachia. Some of the cities
in this part of the state are Athens, Marietta, and Portsmouth.



The central part of Ohio is home to Columbus,
OH. There are many cultural events that take place in the
capitol of Ohio. Columbus is also home to The Ohio State
University.

Northeast Ohio is home to Toledo and offers access to Lake
Erie. Port Clinton is also here and is known as the \Port
Clinton--Walleye Capitol of the World\. The city of Fostoria
is known for its glass and pottery work.



Northwest Ohio and Cleveland are a tourist mecca. The Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland and once again, Lake Erie is a
popular destination. A large Amish community also exists in this
part of the state, and there are several fine amusement parks
including Six Flags and Cedar Point.

Travel Reservation Tips for a HassleFree Golfing Vacation

You have been planning your golfing vacation for weeks, or even
months now. You have decided on the perfect golf vacation
destination and now it is time to start making those
reservations. But before you start, there may be a few things
you should take into consideration to make sure that everything
goes as smoothly as possible when making your reservations.

Start with the basics. Anyone who wants to enjoy a hassle-free
golfing trip has to start with the basic concern of any traveler
- how to handle travel reservations. Here are a number of tips
that may help:

-Decide on a travel plan - specific destination, how many days,
what activities, etc. The attention given to this first step
will ensure smooth sailing in making the travel arrangements.

-If the destination is a foreign country, make sure all
information that would be needed in making reservations are on
hand.

Airline Reservations

-If booking online, use a reservation site where ticket prices
for all airlines are shown so a comparison can be readily seen.
If booking for more than one person, check the ticket prices for
both single and multiple passengers. Some airlines quote
different prices.

-If notification of your reservation is done by e-mail, make
sure that the ticket price quoted is the same. Sometimes, some
airlines claim the airfare booked earlier is no long
available.

Hotel Reservations

-Ask if the rate is a flat rate or per person, how many beds are
in the room and what size they are. Be sure to finalize a rate
before getting off the phone.



-Ask about tax rates that would be added.



-Will breakfast be included with the price of the room? What
time is it served and what is included.



-Are there guarantee and cancellation policies? Most hotels
require a credit card to guarantee a room. Will they ask for a
check deposit?



- If this is a standard reservation, make sure to get a
confirmation number.

These simple tips can make the reservation process easier and
help you avoid some unexpected surprises. For even more tips and
to find the best deal, compare prices and read what other
travelers have to say about vacation destinations, vacation
packages, resorts and hotels, I recommend you visit TripAdvisor now.

Volunteering For a Week in Tanzania

Volunteering usually is thought to belong to the missionary worker or the student gap year. These two groups seem to have cornered the market, an exclusive club for the super pious or the young person taking a year off from studies. It is also thought that to volunteer you must also have six months or a year of free time to make the difference in Africa, Asia or South America.

If you do not fall into either of these categories but feel the need to volunteer for a short time then just do it! There is nothing to stop you. More and more people are recognizing the value of a career break from a week to as long as you want to volunteer. These breaks are not only possible but encouraged. You can make a difference and have a life changing experience is only a short time.

There are Volunteering specialists that arrange two week \'career breaks\' with voluntary positions in the third world. They are in it for the business so be prepared to pay for the privilege. With these companies everything will be arranged for you - all you will need to do is pay and pack.

For a more adventurous alternative try your local church, or a local charity most will be involved with an overseas project or at least know of one. Ask to become involved and that you would like to volunteer for working overseas for a short time. It takes a little time and effort but the rewards from your involvement with a third world community project will be worth every ounce of effort.

Some airlines will give reduced rates to volunteer workers especially if you have organised your trip through a church or charity.

These breaks are an opportunity to take some time away from work, they are a complete change from your normal environment. It is a great way to combine travel with the opportunity to do something worthwhile and challenging in a developing country. When you work and are interacting with another culture where you can use your skills, experience and enthusiasm you will make a real difference. Most agencies either charities or professional volunteer placement agencies are very flexible on the length and timing of a career break and will find a placement that will be beneficial to you and the local population.

This could be two weeks working in an orphanage as part of your travel, or it could be six months teaching English to children in a local school. You will have the opportunity to use existing skills in a very different context, and to develop and learn new skills yourself. It is as much about self discovery as it is about helping those in need. With volunteering you can choose to be in a City, town or rural setting, however you will usually be well and truly off the tourist track. It is possibly the only way to really have a cultural exchange.

No matter where or what you do working in the third world will be a worthwhile and truly unforgettable experience.

For more information on the above issues contact http://www.betheladventure.co.uk and also for information on East Africa http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk - use responsible tourism to make a difference.

From Wetlands to Canals and Dams: Travel to Amsterdam

There are not many cities that have experienced such social and political extremes in recent history as Amsterdam. In the 20th century alone, Amsterdam faced the atrocities of war for the first time in 400 years, became the radical center of 1960s social movements and witnessed a complete about-face in its core economy. Amsterdam\'s progressive, multicultural, conscientious and contentious attitude wipes out images of a more docile past and ranks this capital city among the top 5 for European travel destinations.

Precariously positioned on the banks of both the IJ Bay and the Amstel River headwaters, Amsterdam made an early mark on the world with its dominant seafaring fleet and colonial aspirations in the 17th and 18th centuries. Amsterdam\'s economy turned inward once England emerged as the seafaring superpower. Consequently, most of the enchantingly crooked mansions and townhouses alone the canals are now inhabited by eclectic stores, businesses and engaging galleries and the majority of Amsterdammers live outside of the canal belt.



Museums, Music and a Barrage of Culture

To gain a better understanding of how such a metropolitan city emerged from bogs, swamps and floodplains, visit the Amsterdams Historisch Museum. Extensive documentation covering centuries of growth spans the walls of the exhibits and a detailed segment is dedicated to modern day issues, conflicts and controversies surrounding Amsterdam\'s path to becoming a free and tolerant society. Then, explore Amsterdam\'s historic relationship with water aboard the Nederlands Scheepvaart Museum, a dry-docked ship from the East India Company. For a more refined jaunt into the past, a trip to the colossal Rijksmuseum will indulge the senses with fine art from Dutch masters throughout history.



As evening approaches, leave your museum voice behind and dive dancing and drinking into Amsterdam\'s edgy and rowdy nightlife. The pubs and coffee shops that line the canals are a vibrant mix of locals and visitors, and the perfect place to begin your evening. Enjoy an extensive array of domestic ale or have a taste of the unique Dutch gin. Musically, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Visit Mulligans Pub for authentic Irish entertainment, kick back to some jazz in Dylan\'s stylish lobby bar or go electro at the famed mega-club, Ministry.



For a moment of contemplation or a summer picnic, Amsterdam offers some of the best urban park spaces among European cities. Bikes are available for rental to take in the scenery at a faster pace, just beware of the tram tracks that crisscross most roadways and footpaths.



Of European cities, Amsterdam is most likely to surprise, excite and intrigue its visitors in a most unexpected fashion. Travel to Amsterdam to enjoy the perfect balance of open spaces, a lively urban pulse and a gracefully multiethnic ambiance.



For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Amsterdam, visit www.cfares.com.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Cheap Travel To Russia And Some Important Things You Should Know... Make A Good Decision!

Russia might not be a good choice for most travelers who want to visit Europe. With its questionable peace and order situation particularly in the regions of Chechnya, the Communist rule impression still resides to most, and frigid climate throughout the country especially during the winter, Russia should be uninviting for most. But that was before. Now, although there are still shadows of the past Soviet, Russia is a place worth to be visited.



Travelers would not be disappointed with several historical sites that tell how rich Russia\'s culture is. There are several museums, monuments, and untouched nature.



Cheap travel to Russia

Visiting Russia can be very expensive considering the distance of country. But with several online travel companies, the price tag is significantly lower that it was before.



To get affordable and cheap travel to Russia, all you have to do is to check the websites specializing on cheap tours. There are available travel tours and packages for group and family who decide to make a stop to Russia.



About Russia

While Moscow and St. Petersburg are the primary cities of the country, Russia has several side countries to discover. Be careful though when traveling. Make sure you know very well the places you are planning to visit.



You might have a little trouble communicating with locals especially if you are away on these two cities. But if you can understand the Russian language, you wont be having any problem.



Russia is a big country. In fact, it is the largest country in the world with a size twice as much as the United States. It spans from Europe to Asia and is divided into 11 time zones.



Climate has been the major issue of those who plan to travel Russia- that is if you will go to the Siberian region. Most people visit Russia when winter ends. It is usually for May- September. Unlike the usual impression, summer is perfect during these times.



Safety tips

When you decide to travel to Russia, learn as many things as possible. Know the language, the people, the culture, how to get around, and especially- know where the U.S. Embassy is located.



When you pack, pack light. Avoid carrying too much cash and expensive jewelry. Never show your wallets in public. Use money belt that can be worn around your neck. It is safer than wallet. Be vigilant when in crowded places like public markets, public transport, and tourist sites among others. Be aware of pickpockets at all times.



If you are going from point to point, do not hail on unmarked taxis and cars. Likewise, never share taxi to other people you do not know. If you are planning to travel by bus or train, take extra precaution.



If you are planning to drink on public places, make sure you have someone who remains sober. Any sign of intoxication might attract professional robbers and thieves.



Make sure other people back at home know your itineraries and contact numbers and numbers of your travel document such as your passport before leaving. If something wrong happens, they would know where to find you. Make enough photocopies of your plane tickets, passport, visa, and all your travel documents. Leave a copy at your home or to someone you know.



Check for travel warning and avoid the regions of Ingushetia, North Caucasus of Chechnya, eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krii, and Dagestan. These places could be dangerous for tourist.



Avoid drinking tap water. Instead drink bottled water. If there is no available bottled water, boil the water first before drinking.



All these could help you make it through your Russian trip safely.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

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Wildlife of Chile and Argentina Desert Dwelling Flamingos to Magellanic Penguins

Chile, Argentina and their costal waters are home to many interesting and unusual animal and plant species. These two countries encompass an exciting and colourful land that contains almost every landscape and climate imaginable - from lush rainforests to harsh and arid deserts to the pristine ice fields and lakes of Patagonia. This wide range of climates and the diverse geography of the region make it a haven for those travellers that have a special interest in the native flora and fauna. Those who have a more casual interest in the animal and plant kingdoms will still find plenty to marvel at.

Some of the wildlife highlights and the must-sees of the region are as follows:

the Right Whale - whale spotting trips can be arranged from May to November in the south Atlantic. A truly impressive sight when one of these giant whales surfaces alongside your boat.

the Alerce - these enormous trees can live up to 4000 years making them one of the worlds longest living trees, or any life form for that matter.

the Camelid family - llamas, alpacas, guanacos and the endangered vicuas - all of which played an important role in the culture and economy of the region for millennia. All of these species can be spotted in the Altiplano, the versatile guanaco can also be found all the way down in Patagonia.

the Huemul - a small Andean deer that is a national emblem of Chile. Destruction of its natural habitat has put this shy creature on the endangered species list

the and - a large flightless bird that inhabits the Altiplano and Patagonia.

the Chilean Flamingo - this colourful bird seems somehow incongruous with its natural habitat in the lakes and salares of the Altiplano.

the Araucaria - commonly known in English and the \monkey-puzzle tree\, this captivating and bizarre looking tree lives to 1000 years. It is most prevalent in the Chilean Lake District region that shares its name.

the Condor - a fully grown male has a wing span of 10 to 12 feet, which makes it one of the largest flying birds in the world. The majestic condor can be sighted at various latitudes throughout the Andes.

the Penguin - both the Humboldt and Magellanic varieties can be found in large colonies around the coast of Patagonia and further north.

To find out more about Chilean and Argentinean wildlife and travelling to the area contact us at Optimundo.

Andrew Chaundler worked and travelled in South America for many years before setting up Optimundo, a travel company that specialises in Chilean and Argentinean holidays that are designed with expert knowledge of the region. See our website to find out about our tailor-made travel services wildlife holidays.

Visit Historic Oregon Lighthouses

Lighthouses in Oregon

The rugged coast of Oregon offers visitors a chance to view and
tour some of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world. In
all, Oregon boasts eleven lighthouses along its shorelines. Many
of these lighthouses have been restored and are a great way to
learn about the history of the state. In the next section each
of the eleven lighthouses will be explored in detail, starting
from the north of Oregon and down the coast.

Tillamook Rock - located at Cannon Beach

Located about one mile from the coastline, Tillamook Rock
Lighthouse can be seen from the shores of Ecola State Park. The
construction of this particular lighthouse was completed on
January 21, 1881, after two years of extremely grueling and
challenging work. The lighthouse was continuously manned by five
men, four on duty and one on \liberty\ on the mainland. Harsh
conditions and violent storms accompanied by large waves
sometimes left the men stranded on the rock for extended periods
of time without a way to restock their provisions and supplies.
Because of the extreme weather constantly bombarding the
lighthouse on Tillamook Rock, its costs for upkeep and
operations were the most expensive in the nation. On September
10, 1957, owing to the increasingly large price to maintain, the
light was shut off and the lighthouse left empty.

Today, the lighthouse is privately owned and has been turned
into a site dedicated to housing over a half-million urns of
human ashes. It could aptly be called a \cemetery at sea\. To
view the lighthouse, visit Ecola State Park. The lighthouse is
best seen with binoculars as it is quite a distance from the
shore.

Cape Meares Lighthouse

With a history much less exciting than other lighthouses, Cape
Meares sits 200 feet above the Pacific Coast in Oceanside,
Oregon. Its light was first illuminated on January 1, 1890 and
could be seen from twenty-one miles away. Cared for by numerous
families throughout the years, the last keepers left the
lighthouse in 1963 when it was outfitted with a flashing light.
There was no longer a need for a human being to physically turn
the light off in the morning and on at night. Several years
later the lighthouse was taken over by the Oregon State Parks
and can now be visited by stopping in to Cape Meares State
Scenic Viewpoint at Cape Meares State Park.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

This amazing lighthouse, illuminated for the first time on
August 20, 1873, rises up 93 feet into the air. Boasting the
only marble floor of any lighthouse in Oregon, Yaquina Head
Lighthouse receives hundreds of thousands of guests per year
making it one of the most visited lighthouses in the United
States. Ships can see the tower from nineteen miles away as it
stands 162 feet above sea level.

The view from the top of this lighthouse is incredible and is
worth the large number of spiraling stairs that must be climbed
to reach the top. The lighthouse is now a part of the Yaquina
Head Outstanding Natural Area.

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

The lighthouse at Newport, Yaquina Bay, was actually only used
for a total of three years after being completed on November 3,
1871. This lighthouse was built before Yaquina Head Lighthouse,
also found in Newport. As it was left empty for so many years,
it was not in good shape when the Oregon State Park Group came
in to restore and reopen it in 1974. It is now open to the
public at no cost and contains many artifacts and memorabilia
from Oregon\'s maritime history.

Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse

Jim Gibbs, a former keeper of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, was the
builder of Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse. He had the lighthouse
constructed to resemble the 1898 Fiddle Reef Lighthouse in
Vancouver Island. The lighthouse, completed in 1976, was an
addition onto Mr. Gibb\'s private home. It can be seen, towering
110 feet above the Pacific Ocean, from mile post 166 on Oregon\'s
Highway 101, just south of Yachats. Since it is privately owned,
there is no public access to the tower.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

The name of this 1894 lighthouse comes from the Spanish explorer
Don Bruno de Heceta. It rises 205 feet above the Pacific Ocean
and offers spectacular views to visitors from the top. It is
located about 12 miles north of Florence right off Highway 101.

Umpqua River Lighthouse

Located in South Reedsport, the Umpqua River Lighthouse light
was first illuminated on October 10, 1857. The lighthouse was
originally designed and built for the large amount of trade that
was expected for this area of Oregon. As luck would have it, the
weather destroyed the lighthouse over a period of six years. In
1894, a second lighthouse was built, this time its location was
placed well away from the harsh forces of nature and can still
be visited today. To view it, take a trip to Umpqua Lighthouse
State Park, about three miles off of Highway 101, six miles
south of Reedsport.

Cape Arago

The lighthouse at Cape Arago cannot be viewed by the public; it
is behind the guarded gates of the United States Coast Guard. To
view the lighthouse, a high powered camera or binoculars will do
the trick. This lighthouse was first lit on November 1, 1866. It
was followed by a second and third lighthouse in 1909 and 1934,
respectively. Today, only the third tower remains.

Coquille River Lighthouse

Although construction on this beautifully located lighthouse
first began in 1891, it wasn\'t complete and fully lit until
February 29, 1896, due to a number of delays in building. In
1939, the automated beacon abolished the need for a keeper at
the lighthouse and the house was left empty. The lighthouse was
renovated in 1976 by the US Army Corps and the Oregon State
Parks after being vacant for 40 years with no care. To see the
outside of this lighthouse, the inside is not available for
public viewing, visit Bullards Beach State Park, north of Bandon.

Capo Blanco Lighthouse

Sitting high above on a 200 foot cliff, the Capo Blanco
Lighthouse towers over the rocky cliffs below. December 20, 1870
marks the day the lighthouse was first lit. Since then it has
helped warn ships and their crews of the treacherous coastline
on which it sits. The lighthouse is located four miles north of
Port Orford and is open to the public.

Port of Brookings Lighthouse

Only the second lighthouse in Oregon to be privately owned, the
Port of Brookings Lighthouse was first lit on July 4th, 1997
with the approval of the federal government. Bill Cady had the
lighthouse built in 1990 as an addition to his private home. In
1997, the entire structure was relocated to where it is today.
Although a private structure, the lighthouse can be viewed from
Brookings Harbor.

Staying In A New England Cabin or Cottages As A Romantic Getaway?

Today Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel.com and bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as a guest, Bethany Ericson author of New England Cabins & Cottages. Bethany is an expert on the New England States.

Welcome to Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com Bethany and thanks for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.

NORM:

Please tell our readers something about yourself and your expertise pertaining to the New England States.

Bethany:

My pleasure, Norm. Thanks for the invitation. I grew up in New England, with family about the region, so I had travelled quite a bit of the area from early on. I lived near Thoreau's Walden Pond cabin, summered in a cabin in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and have always been fond of exploring the rivers, ocean, mountains and woods in every season. However, while writing New England Cabins & Cottages I was constantly surprised and amazed by the beauty of the area I thought I knew so well, and I fell in love with it all over again.

NORM:

Where are the New England states?

Bethany:

New England is made up of the six most northeastern states in the United States: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. It is bordered by Canada, New York, and the Atlantic Ocean.

NORM:

Why would you consider a stay in a cabin or cottage in the New England states a good choice for a romantic getaway or honeymoon destination?

Bethany:

Well, the added privacy is obvious, but it's also easier to feel part of the natural area you are in when you are in a cabin or cottage than when you're in some anonymous hotel room. When your natural area could include crashing waves, blinking lighthouses, mountain top vistas, or the astounding fall foliage, this connection to your surroundings really adds to the exuberance of your visit. Imagine you are in a characterless hotel somewhere and the forecast is for pouring rain you may feel trapped or depressed. Imagine you are in a cabin, and you feel like you have a great excuse to stay under the blankets with your significant other!

When I married this summer, I rented an old summer camp. My guests played in the lake, ate, danced in the main lodge, and stayed over in the cabins. Everyone had a deliriously childlike and cozy experience. Cabins and cottages allow for that nice combination of carefree enthusiasm, us-against-the-elements adventuring spirit, and romance somehow. (And it doesn't hurt that many of them have fireplaces, wood stoves, or hot tubs.)

NORM:

When is the best time to visit the New England states from the point of view of weather, costs, crowds, and the availability of flights from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia, etc?

Bethany:

New England is extremely accessible its biggest airport is in Boston, Massachusetts, but there are also major airports in most of the states. Since the dollar is not at its best, it has made the US a less expensive trip for many visitors.

My favorite season here is fall and not just for the bright colors of the trees. There is that magical snap in the crisp air that adds excitement to bundling up and lessens your inhibitions about feasting in a season of roasts and apple pies. While the masses flock to Vermont, the Massachusetts Berkshire Hills, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire to leaf peep as we say, try heading to Maine. Fall is one of the least crowded and most beautiful times to visit Acadia National Park, for instance. (And let's face it; you never were planning on swimming while on the Maine coast if you went during the summer anyway, brrr.) By the way, the seafood is great here year round, and some lobstermen in Maine do not even put their boats in the water until its cold out.

NORM:

If you had to choose 5 unequalled venues in the New England states for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why?

Bethany:

Tough question, Norm! There are so many. I'll name some off the top of my head.

* The first one that comes to mind is the cottage at Three Mountain Inn in Vermont. They built that one with romance in mind. I think it is the only place I visited where I found myself blushing as the owner showed me its features: the ambient heating of the floor, the shower for two, the hot tub next to the bed, the stereo speakers built into the exposed beams, the stained glass window you can only see from a prone position and the whole thing, the music, the lighting, and the gas fireplace is operatable from bed with a remote control.

* Sebasco Harbor Resort in Maine is a wonderful spot for a wedding, with all of its activities and the giant field stone fireplaces and sea views in big natural wood cottages that could hold extended family.

* Sterling Ridge Inn and Cabins in Vermont would also be a fun wedding spot; the log cabins are beautiful, and in such a wonderful pastoral setting on the edge of the woods and a view of the Green Mountains.

* The Summer House Inns & Cottages off of Massachusetts would be a fancy, but ever-memorable island event or escape (think rose-covered seaside cottages), the Turning Point Inn in the Berkshires adds delicious food to the mix, and oh -

* The Inn at Sunrise Point on the coast of Maine has a cottage that literally sits right over the sea and is filled with the sounds of the waves. And there are so many more!

NORM:

What should people know about celebrating a wedding in the New England states from the point of view of requirements, etc?

Bethany:

Each state has its own requirements, and it's best to get in touch with a city/town clerk in the state you're considering getting married in. Typically you need to be 18 or have a court order. And usually you need to apply for your license at least a month ahead of your big day (and you'll need to have decided on your married name at that time). Some states require blood tests; some have waiting periods, and more. In some states anyone can apply for a license allowing them to officiate a marriage on a particular date. I had my brother officiate my wedding in Massachusetts, for instance. Massachusetts is currently the only state that legally allows same sex marriage.

NORM:

How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for their honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding in the New England states?

Bethany:

New England is such a beautiful region, and places tend to fill up early, especially those on the coast in the summer and those in the mountains in the winter. If you want to be beachside (lake or ocean), in the short summer season, reserve your accommodations as close to the beginning of the calendar year as you can. Some families reserve the same cabin for the same week every year, and make their next year's reservation as they are checking out, so you have some serious competition. If you are looking for a romantic getaway during the rest of the year, or more inland, give it a few months if you can. If you are looking to book a wedding site, you may need one to two years of notice- especially if you're reserving a weekend somewhere for a large party.

NORM:

What resources are available on the Internet pertaining to romantic getaways, weddings and honeymoon vacations in the New England states?

Bethany:

As the oldest colonized part of the country, New England is well developed, and that includes tourism facilities and their websites. There are endless websites about New England getaways. If you were planning a wedding, I'd recommend visiting some of the sites with regional message boards to get local resources for whatever you need for your event (like the Boston area online community on www.theknot.com.) Just remember, while doing web searches for cottages in New England that once upon a time the upper class of the Gilded Age built cottages in Rhode Island and Massachusetts that we would typically refer to as mansions today. Also, cabins referred to as camps in New England tend to be built more with fishing and hunting in mind than romance.

NORM:

Is there anything else you wish to tell our readers that we have not covered?

Bethany:

I would absolutely love to hear what you think of my book, and where else you feel I should have included. My email address is in the About the Author section. Now stop procrastinating; go make those Valentines Day reservations!

Thanks Bethany

For over thirty- five years, Norm practiced as a Title Attorney and Civil Law Notary in Montreal, Canada. After his retirement from the legal profession, Norm pursued two of his passions - book reviewing and travel writing, implementing many of his research skills he had been practicing for 35 years.

Norm and his wife Lily are a unique husband and wife team, writer and water colorist, who write and paint about romantic destinations and wedding destinations.

Basically, they meld art and words in order to create an unusual travel story, which generates interest, particularly because of the fact that each painting appears to have been 'custom-made' for the story-original story and original art. Combining the watercolors with travel writing provides a softer, more romantic look at the places they visit.

As they specialize in web-based content, their articles and water- colors are featured on their own site, http://www.sketchandtravel.Com, as well as several other sites.

You can find more about them on http://www.sketchandtravel.com.

Press ReleaseTAN Unveils Renovations to Cape Cod Res

Hi! Here's an interesting story idea or sidebar piece for articles on:

* Small resorts
* Cape Cod retreats
* How hotels are renovating/upgrading to attract new and repeat business
* Destinations for summer travel or fall leaf-turning driving trips
* Best-kept secret getaways in northeast

Subject: Renovations to Cape Cod Resort Unveiled for New England's High
Season

North Truro, MA July 17, 2004 -- Travel Advantage Network, a wholesale-priced vacation club announces today renovations of its wholly owned Cape Cod property are completed. Sandbars, at Cape Cod Bay, a 16-unit waterfront resort has undergone extensive renovations for the 2004 travel season. Sandbars is the ultimate Cape Cod retreat. It has a private beach at the tip of the Cape, plus it's near so many attractions, but remote enough to provide that relaxed, old New England experience. We're truly excited about the quality of the renovations and look forward to hearing feedback from our Travelers who visit Sandbars, comments TAN property management department head David Dawson.



We've stripped every unit down to the drywall and replaced nearly every element, explains Dawson. The detailed project totaled more than $10,000 in renovations per unit. To create authentic New England dcor, TAN collaborated with Elizabeth Williams Design Services, who helped select and oversee installation of top quality appointments for each room, such as wood blinds, ceramic tile flooring, and Corian counter tops. New furniture includes custom platform beds and new headboards, dressers, chairs, mirrors, wardrobes and tables by American of Martinsville. The beautifully furnished rooms are now accessorized with custom-made bed covers and shams, as well as nautical themed draperies, all in shades of red, gold and navy blue.



Throughout the project, TAN supported Cape businesses by using local plumbers, electricians, painters and construction contractors for the renovations.



The property was not the only facet of Sandbars' makeover. The resort's Web site, Sandbars.com, was overhauled, too, to be more informative and user friendly, with a completely new look and feel that complements the renovations. This new site is a great source for information about the resort, area attractions, directions and weather.



ABOUT TRAVEL ADVANTAGE NETWORK

Travel Advantage Network (TAN) is a wholesale priced vacation program helping more than 44,000 families and individuals create lifelong vacation memories. The company is an active member and sponsor of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (CARE), Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), The Executive Committee, peer management counseling group (TEC), the prestigious Young President's Organization (YPO), Commercial Real Estate Women's Baltimore Chapter (CREW), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).



TAN is also the proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau's Torch Award, which is presented to companies that exemplify high business standards and professional integrity. TAN is also known for its active community outreach program and employees who are committed to bettering the community by supporting charitable events and organizations.








About the author:



.

Breakfast in Hong Kong

Breakfast in Hong Kong

All people in the world know the importance of eating breakfast and every country has their traditional breakfast for its people. English people have their fried eggs, beans, bacon and mushrooms. Pakistan people have their chapattis. Chinese people have their noodles or congee.

If someone happens to come to visit Hong Kong, one can have any types of breakfast one desires.

Because of Hong Kong's inborn nature, one can find typical congee shops everywhere in Hong Kong. Congee comes with different ingredients. You can have congee with minced pork, with pig's stomach and intestines, with thousand year old egg and salted pork meat, with octopus and minced beef and pig's skin (people call it boat's congee because it was used to be available only on boats), and many others. It is one's choice to have a bowl of congee with a pair of deep fried breads stuck together, or deep fried bread wrapped with rice noodles. If you don't like to have anything deep fried for breakfast, you can have congee with fried noodles only. This style of breakfast may seem common among us but may be difficult to be accepted by someone who comes from the west.

My husband is one of those who finds it difficult to understand why people can have something so hot for breakfast in a place with the temperature over 30 degree centigrade.

Of course if you don't fancy anything so traditionallly Chinese, one can also find bread and butter in Hong Kong for breakfast.

To me, the best option is to have breakfast in one of those fast food style Chinese tea restaurants. These places don't only offer tea. In fact, people can enjoy all types of meals from early in the morning till late in the night. Usually in these places, people can have many combinations of breakfasts as you want. My most favourite would be the combination of bread and butter, ham in omelette, a bowl of soup noodles topped with Chinese salted vegetables and pork cubes, and finally completed with a cup of either tea or coffee. This set of breakfast would cost about HK$20. Then one can go to work feeling full with food of both the western and Chinese styles.

As you might have known, efficiency and convenience are what Hong Kong people value. Very often we don't have the time to enjoy a full meal like that. In this case, we would forage inside the refrigerator and see what we can find there in the morning. Fried rice left over from the night before dinner may be one good choice for breakfast. Or anything you think which may be too heavy to start the morning with can be acceptable to us Hong Kong people. I still remember that one morning last month after the Mid-autumn festival when every family was flooded with boxes of mooncakes, a colleague of mine told me that she had eaten a whole big mooncake for breakfast just because she had too many of them at home. I am sure for those who know how fattening and sugary a mooncake is can imagine what tolerance one must have if he can swallow a mooncake in one go.

About the Author

This article was produced by Asia Dragon. Visit us at www.asiadragon.co.uk where you will find authentic oriental fashion & accessories, stylish home furnishings & furniture, beautiful ornaments, Chinese calligraphy plus much, much more!

The Hidden Tourist Attractions Of Rome

Countless words have illustrated the Colosseum, and its fearless gladiators; the Pantheon, and its gateway to the gods; and the Roman Forum, once heart of the mighty Roman Empire. But what of the hidden tourist attractions of Rome and those that receive fewer column inches?



For a taste of the macabre try the Capuchin Crypt, the original haunted house. Ghoulishly decorated with the bones of long dead monks, the Crypt is sure to leave a lasting impression.



Those monks privileged enough to retain their bones in skeletal form have been propped up against the wall and dressed in hooded robes. Be sure to greet your hosts as you savour the creepy ambience and explore for lost souls. It\'s a place you will either love or hate, though it\'s probably unsuitable for young children.



The Gothic Sacro Cuore del Suffragio church claims to have evidence of paranormal activity. Enclosed in a glass case to protect from contamination, several handprints are believed to be those of lost souls awaiting their journey to heaven.



Egyptian influence is evident in the Pyramid of Caius Cestius. In ancient Rome many built their tombs in Egyptian fashion, but today, this is the only survivor. Constructed as part of a wall defending the city, it remains a compelling monument for the Tribune of the People for whom it was intended.



According to inscriptions upon the stones, the tomb was built over a period of 330 days and stands 118 feet (36 metres) tall. Completed in 12 BC, though the tomb may have the Egyptian signature, it differs in regard to its finish. The Romans loved marble, and in keeping with their tastes the pyramid was completed with marble slabs over the brick.



The Romans - indeed Italians in general - are justifiably proud of their culinary expertise, serving the world with their recipes. The National Museum of Pasta proudly reveals the origins of pasta in the heart of Italy, dating way back to the conception of the foodstuff some time in the 12th century.



The museum goes to great length detailing correct cooking procedures and the million and one variations on the theme that make the dish so versatile.



Learn how to cook the perfect pasta and discover how rigorous chewing can aid your digestive system.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit www.sargas.co.uk

Travelling To Spain The Spanish Regional Travel Guide

Up to 60 million visitors travel to Spain every year to delight
in the country\'s 315 sunny days and its rich and diverse history
and culture. As a result the Spanish government spend millions
of Euros per year on the travel and transport infrastructure to
service the country\'s growing population and its ever growing
numbers of visitors.

Therefore Spain has to be one of the easiest and most affordable
of the world\'s popular destinations in terms of its
accessibility - particularly from the UK and Northern America.
For example there are cheap flights available from all British
airports to main and regional airports across Spain daily and
direct flights from the main Spanish hubs to the US daily. As an
alternative for British and European travellers there are
fantastic countrywide train, coach and ferry links and great
access for those who prefer to travel by car.

This article breaks down the main Spanish travel options by
region.

Northern Spain - The easiest way to access this region is
by plane from one of the main UK airports flying directly to
Bilbao or from the US to Malaga with transfer to Bilbao. It\'s
possible to connect with Iberia flights for connections across
the North and throughout Spain. Alsa and Eurolines have
sophisticated coach networks and it\'s possible to travel all the
way across Europe to Bilbao or San Sebastian and then pick up
local coaches or rail connections. You can also sail from the UK
port of Plymouth to Santander with Brittany Ferries, or you
could take the P & O route from Portsmouth to Bilbao.

Castile and La Rioja - The cheapest way to access these
regions is possibly to fly to one of the main Spanish hubs -
Barcelona, Bilbao or Madrid for example, and then either drive
or get connecting flights. You can connect with Iberia for
flights to Logrona in La Rioja or Valladolid in Castile.
Castile, Rioja and Navarre are serviced by an excellent road
network which makes getting around simple and again, Alsa
coaches will connect you with major and minor destinations
across the regions and the entire country.

Aragon, Navarre and the Pyrenees - As these regions are
easily accessible by car or coach from Madrid it may be best to
get a cheap flight to Madrid and then drive the E90 to the heart
of the region. You could consider getting a connecting flight to
Zaragoza in the middle of the region which is a good jumping off
point for explorations in this stunning part of Spain.
Alternatively access to this region can be made by rail or
coach. Eurolines coaches will connect you with Pamplona or
Zaragoza; Eurostar rail will take you from the UK to Paris and
from Paris you can catch an overnight high speed rail link to
Madridfrom Madrid the options are varied, from local rail and
coach connections, car hire, and local flight connections with
Iberia.

Costa Brava and Costa Dorada - As we move east to the
beautiful Northern Catalonian coastal regions of the Costa Brava
and Costa Dorada, so accessibility increases. Barcelona airport
is the main airport for these regions and it welcomes cheap UK
and US flights. You can then connect to Girona in the Costa
Brava region or Reus in the Costa Dorada region. Barcelona
itself has an underground train network for access throughout
the city, and if you want to travel further afield the Spanish
rail service RENFE has many mainline and local services
servicing both regions. The main coastal road in Costa Brava is
the A7, with the A2 taking you west away from Barcelona and the
C32 taking you south from Barcelona into the Costa Dorada.
Barcelona has a port with ferry services to Genoa, Rome,
Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza.

Central Spain and Madrid - Central Spain\'s main airport
is Madrid and it welcomes direct flights from all the major UK
and US airports and some of the smaller ones as well. As Madrid
is such a major city you can imagine it acts as an important
travel hub for the whole of Spain. Coach and rail networks and
main auto routes all radiate from the city. Madrid has two main
stations with trains departing for regional and international
destinations, and the city has an underground metro system as
well.

Costa del Azahar - The main travel hub of this region is
Valencia with the city\'s airport enjoying direct UK flights. To
access the rest of the region you can take advantage of the
RENFE services from Valencia or enjoy the city via the FGV trams
and underground trains. If you want to travel from the coast to
Madrid take the N430 and A3; to explore the coast take the A7.
Again, Eurolines coaches operate connections to towns and cities
in this region including Valencia, Sagunt and Vinaros. And last
but not least, Valencia is a port city and has ferries running
across the Mediterranean with destinations including Malta,
Ibiza, Italy etc.

Costa Blanca - Most visitors for this region enter via
Alicante airport. With the Costa Brava well serviced by roads
and Alicante airport offering great car hire opportunities many
people prefer to access the rest of the region by road, though
RENFE, Eurolines and Alsa offer excellent rail and coach
alternatives.

Costa Calida - Murcia is the main airport for this
region, though Alicante airport is also accessible affording
visitors and residents an extra opportunity and advantage. From
Murcia there are a number of major train services including
direct links to Madrid. In terms of roads, again the Costa
Calida is a region with an excellent network of major roads and
routes: the N340 runs from Alicante through Murcia to the Costa
del Sol, the A7 hugs the coast and local, national and
international coach lines service the area. In the port town of
Cartagena a passenger terminal was built in 2003 which now
serves as a destination for some of the major cruise liners on
their way to and from destinations around France, Greece and the
Black Sea Coast.

Costa de Almeria - You\'re spoilt for choice when it comes
to airports serving this region, you can fly to Alicante or
Murcia and travel by road or rail into the region or you can fly
direct to Almeria airport. The cheapest flights are often to
Alicante. RENFE have mainline train services from Almeria to the
city of Granada, Eurolines, Alsa and Enatcar all offer coach
services across Costa de Almeria. The major routes in the region
are the N340 which runs from Costa Calida through the town of
Almeria and on south to the Costa del Sol, the A92 which
connects with Granada and the A348 which connects Almeria with
the Alpujarras. In terms of sea access, Transmediterranea have
ferries from the port of Almeria to Northern Africa.

Costa del Sol and Andalucia - If you can\'t get a flight
to this region of Spain you must be doing something wrong - or
maybe just hoping to travel during peak season! The main airport
is Malaga and nearly every single airline you can think of flies
from almost every single UK and US airport you can think of! If
you can\'t get a flight and you\'re in the UK you might consider
driving to the Costa del Sol! In which case your best bet would
be to sail from Plymouth to Santander or from Portsmouth to
Bilbao and then travel the 900 or so kilometres south. If you
start off in Bilbao you\'ll need the A68 and A1 to Burgos, or
from Santander take the N623 to Burgos - then from Burgos travel
via the N1 to Madrid. From Madrid head to Granada, from Granada
head for Malagaphew! Alternatively get a Euroline coach all the
way from the UK to Estepona or Malaga or travel from Paris on
the fast night train to Madrid and connect with the AVE fast
train to Cordoba which in turn connects up with regional Costa
del Sol services.

Costa de la Luz and Gibraltar - You can either fly to
Gibraltar or Jerez in the region or make use of the many cheap
flights to Spain that land in Malaga. There are ferry services
between Tarifa and Algeciras in Spain and Tangiers in Morocco,
bus and rail services across Europe and through Spain to the
Costa de la Luz and strong road links with the E15 serving
Gibraltar from the mainland.

Whatever your final destination you should be able to find cheap
flights to some of Spain\'s main airports and then use local and
regional travel services to access your destination of choice;
as I hope I\'ve shown, the whole of Spain is incredibly easily
accessible.

English Only Deli in Philly

Oh, this is rich:

\Philadelphia\'s Geno\'s Steaks Adopts English-Only Ordering Policy Thursday, June 08, 2006 -

PHILADELPHIA Bistec con queso? Not at Geno\'s Steaks. An English-only ordering policy has thrust one of Philadelphia\'s best-known cheesesteak joints into the national immigration debate.\

Does this mean when a visitor, let\'s say a tourist, comes into this man\'s deli, the tourist will be denied service based on his failure to become fluent enough in English to spend a week\'s vacation in Philadelphia?

Let me clue you in on something. When American tourists come to Mexico for any length of time, they expect every single Mexican they meet to speak absolutely fluent English.

More cases of The Ugly American Syndrome surface over this issue than any other stimulus, I am convinced.

So, this old coot in Philadelphia is explicitly barring all nonEnglish-speaking immigrants and implicitly barring all tourists who just want a bite to eat based on his judgment on what someone should or should not do.

The hypocrisy is his fellow American conservatives, who no doubt support this sort of racism, have no qualms when they come to Mexico about not bothering to learn a word of Spanish, either as a tourist, and get this, or as an expatriate.

He might as well put out a sign on the door that says \I hate all non-English speakers.\ because this is what he is implying.

\Don\'t speak a word of English and in Philly for a week\'s conference with your job? Well, don\'t count on eating at Geno\'s. Tough luck there, fella!\

The very thing this \gentleman\ is demanding of simple non-English speaking tourists, much less expats, he probably would not demand of himself if he came to a non-English speaking country such as Mexico!

Out of about one million Americans living in Mexico, few can string two words together in Spanish. Furthermore, many boast of their linguistic inability, telling me that anyone who works for them, in Mexico, has to speak English. They not only do not speak Spanish but also do not care to. If they go into a restaurant in their little American Gringo Bubble/Enclave/Colony, then the staff had better speak English or else.

There is a little town not too far from where my wife and I live called San Miguel de Allende. At times, the town\'s residents invade our city for a change of pace. We caught this woman standing at the entrance of a classy Mexican restaurant screaming,

\I know you people speak English and are pretending you don\'t!\

Do you see what I mean? Do you see why I write about this so often in my columns? This hypocrisy galls me to no end, especially given the current American debate about Mexican immigration. Americans will not demand of themselves in other countries what they demand of immigrants who come to America. Now, it appears, they are demanding it of nonEnglish-speaking tourists too.

When you read between the lines, what is this saying about Americans?

So, let\'s boycott \Geno\'s\ in Philly, shall we?

OUR NEW BOOK

Guanajuato, Mxico--New Book offers survival tips in the Land of Frogs

Guanajuato, Mxico - According to the 2000 Statistical Yearbook of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, published by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service, an estimated 300,000 Americans would expatriate to other countries each year between 2000 and 2005. Some estimates predict the number will continue to increase each year after 2005. Americans are leaving the country in droves, most of whom settle in Mexico. The authors of The Plain Truth about Living in Mexico have written a new book targeting a specific area of Mexico where Americans are moving as expatriates, study abroad students, or retirees. This new book is titled, GUANAJUATO, MXICO: Your Expat, Study Abroad, and Vacation Survival Manual in the Land of Frogs.

http://mexicanliving.access.to/

E-BOOKS http://my.lulu.com/mexicanliving

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DouglasBower

Traveling Abroad: Heeding U.S. Travel Warnings

Traveling abroad presents certain risks for Americans, especially in light of the recent bombings in London, England. For the most part, terrorists are the problem, although drug, gang, and criminal activities can also be a factor. In addition, local health conditions can be a separate problem. Thankfully, the U.S. State Department regularly issues and updates Consular Information Sheets for every country in the world. These sheets give valuable information to travelers, information you must know before you take your next trip.



As mentioned, the Consular Information Sheets provide important information for travelers. You can also check the State Department's Current Travel Warning list to see which nations the U.S. government encourages Americans to avoid altogether. Currently, the following countries are listed:



Uzbekistan



Kenya



Iran



Iraq



Congo-Kinshasa



Nepal



Israel, the West Bank and Gaza



Afghanistan



Haiti



Nigeria



Saudi Arabia



Indonesia



Yemen



Colombia



Lebanon



Central African Republic



Pakistan



Kyrgyzstan



Philippines



Zimbabwe



Liberia



Cte d'Ivoire



Algeria



Libya



Bosnia-Herzegovina



Sudan



Burundi



Somalia



Several of the countries listed should be of no surprise to you as they are either embroiled in a war or are hotbeds of terrorist activity. These countries include: Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Algeria, and Libya.



Colombia is listed because of the ongoing violence related to the strong influence of the drug cartels there. Haiti is marked because of protracted civil unrest, while Uzbekistan has been identified as a possible terrorist breeding ground. In all cases the U.S. government warns Americans to avoid these countries as citizens may find themselves caught in the middle of an armed conflict.



Please note that just because a country is not on the Current Travel Warning list, you should still obtain the country specific Consular Information Sheets from the State Department to be aware of certain risks.



To find out current travel information, please visit the State Department's site for international travel at http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel1744.html

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Matt writes on a variety of issues as The Article Writer. Please visit his site to review samples of his work: www.thearticlewriter.com

Doggin' The Outer Banks Where To Hike With Your Dog On Cape Hatteras

Aviation enthusiasts from around the world make the pilgrimage to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on Cape Hatteras to celebrate the birth of powered manned flight. If you go, make sure to take the dog.

Your dog is welcome at the Wright Brothers National Memorial and she can walk along the rubber mats that mark the paths of the first four flights by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 1903. there is more canine hiking back behind the flight path on Big Kill Devil Hill where the two Dayton, ohio bicycle mechanics tested their experimental fliers on the high dunes with the promise of soft, sandy landings.

While famous for flight, the skies over Kitty Hawk are quiet now. Not so just south of the Wright Brothers Memorial at Jockey Ridge State Park. Flamboyant kites, model planes and hang gliders frequently fill the skies here. On the ground, Jockey\'s Ridge is one giant sandbox for a playful dog.

The deep sands, steep dunes and brisk breezes can make for invigorating canine hiking at Jockey\'s Ridge. Your dog can play anywhere on these dunes - some of the highest on the Atlantic Ocean - or for those who like their walking on the structured side there are two interpretive nature trails marked by posts across the dunes.

While you are in Kitty Hawk remembering famous firsts, travel a bit further south to Roanoke Island and the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Here an expeditionary force in the 1580s established the first English settlement in America. The group was well represented by scientists, merchants and other gentlemen of prominent social standing but conspicuously missing, however, were farmers and craftsmen whose skills might have made the colony work.

When a supply ship returned to the settlement on Roanoke Island there was no trace of the \Lost colony.\ Your dog can explore the mystery with you, including the recreated earthworks of Fort Raleigh and the birth site of Virginia Dare, the first English-speaking baby born in the New World.

The Thomas Hariot Nature Trail, named for a scientist on that first voyage, is a rollicking ramble through a maritime forest that emphasizes the natural riches on the island that the doomed English settlers hoped to exploit for riches rather than adapt for survival. The sandy trail pops out onto peaceful Roanoke Sound for some superb dog-paddling.

All this to do with your dog on the Outer Banks and you haven\'t even traveled the two blocks east to one of the great ocean beaches of the world yet - Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Dogs are allowed year-round on the non-swimming beaches. With only four such beaches in more than 70 miles there is plenty of ocean sand for your dog to roam.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, designated America\'s first such beach in 1953, is actually comprised of three islands connected by a free bridge and a free ferrry. Unlike many other national seashores, Cape Hatteras permits dogs on its nature trails. There is a short 3/4-mile nature trail on each of the three islands.

These interpretive trails emphasize the harshness of the saltwater environment and the struggle of the plants and animals that colonize the dunes. These rolling, wooded walks on soft sand are a shady treat for dogs after a day of sun and surf. Dogs are not allowed on the trails in the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on the northern end of Hatteras Island.

For centuries storms, shifting sands and war have visited the turbulent waters off the coast of the Outer Banks. More than 600 ships have wrecked in the seas offshore that have earned Cape Hatteras recognition as \the Graveyard of the Atlantic.\

Each of the three islands sports its own historic lighthouse to help steer ships safely. The queen of the trio is the 208-foot Hatteras Light,the tallest brick lighthouse in America. The Ocracoke Lighthouse, a squat 75-foot tower tucked into a residential neighborhood, has been in service since 1823 and is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina.

The least known of the Hatteras lighthouses is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the northernmost. Located away from shore behind a freshwater marsh and partially ringed by pine trees, the Bodie Light\'s beam reaches 19 miles out to sea from its 156-foot crown. You can hike with your dog on the grounds of all three historic lights.

Cape Hatteras looks much different today than in the days when pirates like Blackbeard, who favored Ocracoke Island as a hideout, cruised these shores. Hundreds of dunes have been built along the beach to protect the Cape. And with so much for your dog to do here, you will want to return again and again to monitor the future changes.

copyright 2006

I am the author of over 20 books, including 8 on hiking with your dog, including the widely praised The Canine Hiker\'s Bible. As publisher of Cruden Bay Books, we produce the innovative A Bark In The Park series of canine hiking books found at http://www.hikewithyourdog.com During the warm months I lead canine hikes as tour leader for hikewithyourdog.com tours, leading packs of dogs and humans on day and overnight trips. My lead dog is Katie, a German Shepherd-Border Collie mix, who has hiked in all of the Lower 48 states and is on a quest to swim in all the great waters of North America - http://web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Katies%20Blog/Katies%20Quest.html I am currently building a hikewithyourdog.com tours trailer to use on our expeditions and its progress can be viewed at http://web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Teardrop%20Trailer/Building%20A%20Tour%20Trailer.html

Can Reality Holidays be a new trend?

Bravo Club Even though it sometimes may not seem that way, there
are still not enough reality TV shows to host ALL the consumers
in this world who crave instant fame and shame. To the rescue
comes Reality Village, part of the Bravo Club in Stintino
(Sardinia), a new type of holiday village in Italy inspired by
Big Brother and numerous other reality TV shows. Bravo itself is
owned by Alpitour, the largest tour operator in Italy. The
\'adventure\' begins upon arrival at the village, where 180 guests
go through a real casting session to form six teams of each 30
people, facing a week of challenges, all captured by ubiquitous
cameras. Think putting together a naturist calendar, cooking a
dish or taking part in pool games. Every night, footage is shown
and judges announce an individual winner who gets to pick
another contestant to take to a holiday suite and spend the
night with. The day\'s loser will be sent out on a raft together
with a person of his/her choice. Cost: EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,500
(USD 1,255-1,880/GBP 680-1,020) per person depending on the
period; not surprisingly, participants were mostly young singles
and married couples. The first Reality Village \'experiment\'
lasted 12 weeks (June-August 2005); some footage may be shown on
national TV this month. Website: www.bravoclub.it Source:
Sprinwise.com

THE REAL RACE - A Unique Adventure Tourism Experience in
Australia

Inspired by The Amazing Race, THE REAL RACE is not a reality TV
show but a real race, with real people and real challenges. The
concept is quite simple: Twelve teams will travel around
Australia, performing tasks and accumulating points at every
\'rest point\', based on their performance. The victorious team
wins back the entire cost of their trip. In this race there are
no losers and no eliminations. Every contestant wins, just by
taking part in THE REAL RACE, a different and fun
once-in-a-lifetime adventure experience. The first REAL RACE
will take place in Australia. Australia was chosen because it is
a country with some of the world\'s greatest snowy mountains,
beautiful beaches, barrier reefs, deserts, rainforests, world
heritage parks and so much more. \This is an extremely exciting
experience for anyone who has the passion to win, possesses the
\'travel bug\', enjoys being challenged, has good spirit, and is a
never-give-up person. Successful applicants will also be fair
players, who are willing to take risks, enjoy the moment and are
passionate about new adventures\ says Amber Newton, co-founder
and real race organiser. Tthe first REAL RACE will start during
the upcoming Australian autumn/fall (March - May) 2006.
Interested in joining? Visit their website for more information.
Website: www.therealrace.com

Travel Israel!

Israel is the most sacred country in the world. It is sacred to the world\'s three largest religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism), but still greatly suffers from a poor image in the world.

Whenever I meet people who have never visited Israel, they always seem to think that Israel is a desert country with Camels as the main means of transportation, and Terror attacks occurring on a daily basis. Of course that in a world where the internet captures such a major place for many people - traveling to such a place is not an option...

In this article I would like to shed a different light at things, and make readers understand the things are not as you think they are, that the major news channels naturally show only sensations, and that there are great treasures to be found in this country for those who choose to travel Israel.

Let\'s start from facts about geography and climate: although the desert captures large parts of Israel, Israel also has colder parts such as the Galilee and The Golan Heights with lakes and rivers, and even one skiing resort: The Hermon Mountain.

Because Israel is such a small and colorful country, when you travel Israel you may even plan a one day trip in which you will visit the Judea desert as well as the Jordan river and the Galilee lake \Kinneret\. So, during one single week on your Israel travel you can and probably will see the most vivid and diversified views of nature.

Another point I would like to mention is the political situation. It is true, Israel does have a situation in that sense, but so do many other countries in the world who do not suffer from such an image like Israel. A few years ago I traveled to Ireland, and I would have to note that the political situation there at the time was not much different, but still the bad image was not there for Ireland.

To put things in scale, the chance of getting killed by a bombing attack in Israel is still way lower than the chance of being run over by a car in Manhattan, or of being attacked and robbed in the Paris quarter of \Pigalle\. In the last couple of years there has been a significant decrease in the number of terrorist attacks in Isreal, and as a person living here, I would have to say that there is a safe feeling on the streets, and it is real.

As for Israel being a modern country or not - In the last 8 years or so, Israel has become a hi-tech nation, with many new skyscrapers and a great deal of incoming business tourism. Every other coffee-shop here operates a wireless internet hotspot, and in the three major cities (Tel-aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa) extensive areas have free wireless internet coverage.

By this time I do hope you are convinced that traveling to Israel is an option for you. If you still feel like you need endorsements, visit Israel-travel-tips.com and see for yourself what this country has to offer!

Michal Moreno is the content editor for Israel Travel Tips- a travel guide all written by a native Israeli from the insider\'s point of view.

Travel Journals

Travel Journals By Doreene Clement

www.the5yearjournal.com info@the5yearjournal.com

Are you off to a vacation adventure this summer? Have you ever
kept a travel journal, diary, or diaries?

A travel journal is where you write about your personal, family
and/or business travels. It can be a separate journal where you
record your experiences, details, and even your feelings about
your travels, creating a written record of each trip. You can
also record your travels, if you already journal, in your
existing journal. Just indicate that this is a record of your
travels -- That can be accomplished by using a separate color of
pen.

You can record

Your feelings and experiences.

All the locations you visited. You can include a map or draw a
map.

The miles and time to travel from location to location.

Who you were with.

Who you met.

What you wore.

Would you go back? Why? What do you want to see?

Where you stayed? You can keep the address, phone numbers,
names, etc.

What you ate? Again record the address, etc., so you can find it
again.

What you saw?

Daily travel experiences, and expenses.

Favorites-hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, locations, etc.

The funniest thing that happened.

The most difficult thing that happened.

In your travel journal you can add photos, receipts,
memorabilia, maps, drawings, menus, any items that you want to
add, and that fit the space you have.

Travel Journals for the Children

A great tool to involve the whole family is to create a travel
journal for the children. They can use a notebook and record the
same items that you did, writing what their experiences were.
They can also write a story telling what they experienced each
day. You can create a game for them where they count the cows
they see, other children they met, or towns, etc., keeping that
information in their journal.

Use the idea of a travel journal to keep a written record of all
your travels, all those adventures.

Copyright Doreene Clement All Rights Reserved

Grouse Mountain the Peak of Vancouver A FourSeason Destination

Virtually all my favourite travel spots in the world combine mountains and water and Vancouver just has it all. Located on the edge of the Pacific, surrounded by the Coastal Mountain Range, Vancouver is a scenic dream. Just about 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver you can enjoy wonderful vistas over the city all the way south to the Olympic Mountains in Washington State - Grouse Mountain is the \Peak of Vancouver\ and provides the best viewpoints of the area as well as a host of year-round activities.

Having been born in the Alps, I love the mountains and my recent trip to Vancouver offered me a chance to satisfy my cravings for altitude. I had a chance to spend an entire afternoon on Grouse Mountain and described my experiences, including the Lumberjack Show and the Birds in Motion demonstration in this article. To provide more comprehensive information about Grouse Mountain and all its facilities, here is an interview with Chris Dagenais, PR & Communications Manager for Grouse Mountain:

1) Please tell us more about Grouse Mountain. Where is it located in relation to Downtown Vancouver? How do I get there? What makes it such a unique location?

Grouse Mountain is located on Vancouver\'s scenic North Shore, just 15 minutes from downtown. We are easily accessed via the famous Lion\'s Gate Bridge from Georgia Street in Vancouver and then by following signs to North Vancouver via Capilano Road. We are also accessible via public transportation from the Sea Bus Terminal. Busses 232 and 236 both come to Grouse Mountain.

We are a unique location for a host of reasons, not the least of which is that we are on the fringe of wilderness and civilization. Where else in the world can you escape into a pristine alpine wilderness just 15 minutes from a major metropolitan centre? We have captured the imaginations of locals and visitors for over 110 years with our natural beauty and exhilarating activities. These latter are a big factor in our success as well. Just consider the range of engaging pursuits: skiing, snowboarding, sleighrides, ice skating, snowshoeing, hiking, wildlife encounters, falconry demonstrations, scenic chair rides, theatre shows, ranger talks, dining, shopping, and, of course, the stunning views. Not many destinations can boast that sort of variety.

In addition, we have become an integral member of the community over the decades. Everyone seems to have a Grouse Mountain story, whether this place gave them their first job or they carved their first turns on our runs. People turn to us for recreation and to see what is developing in our industry. We have been the site of some of Vancouver\'s most memorable, historical events, and have therefore developed a real connection with our city.

2) Grouse Mountain history as an attraction dates back to the 1920. Please tell us more about how this tourist destination has evolved over the last 80 years.

The first hikers to Grouse Mountain (c. 1894) embarked on a three day journey to the summit. Obviously, the desire to connect with the mountain was already strong in those days. As we have developed over the decades, we have made the ascent easier, whether with the use of North America\'s first double chair lift, the continent\'s largest aerial tram system or the challenging trails to the top.

Lumberjack sculptures on the mountain

This ease-of-access facilitated the biggest shift in our mountain\'s focus, which began in 1989, when the company went private. The unified vision of one local family has allowed us to expand our repertoire to include non-winter months, now our busiest! We are a draw for locals and tourists alike, earning the distinction of Vancouver\'s most visited 4-season attraction. We have now successfully evolved from a popular local ski hill to the hottest spot in town!

The host of celebrities that have visited our facilities have only helped to solidify our place as a must-see attraction (Sir Winston Churchill, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Clint Eastwood, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alanis Morrissette, etc)

3) Grouse Mountain is a major ski centre just a few minutes from Downtown Vancouver. Please tell us about the winter sport possibilities. How long is the season? What is the vertical drop? How many runs are there?

Skiing and snowboarding at Grouse Mountain are so popular, in part, due to how easy it is to get to world-class terrain. After work or school, thousands take advantage of our scenic floodlit runs. We actually have the largest passholder base in North America! (these are primarily our locals)

We feature 25 runs, 40% beginner, 40% intermediate, 20% advanced. Our vertical drop is approx. 1500 feet. The season typically runs from early December to mid April.

Mountain panorama

4) Of course Grouse Mountain is also a major summer time attraction for active travellers. What type of sports activities are available at Grouse in the summer?

Our summer season is easily our busiest, with a nice mix of local and international visitors. While the view and the Skyride are often the initial draw, the diversity of activities is what truly leave people with lasting memories. Sip a frosty beverage on a mountaintop patio, or get close enough to a grizzly bear to hear it breath, there\'s bound to be something for everyone.

5) What educational and wildlife preservation facilities are available on Grouse Mountain?

The Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife is a research, education and conservation facility that is currently giving a second chance at life to 2 orphaned grizzly bear cubs and 3 adult gray wolves. We are looking to develop a viable protocol for the rehabilitation and re-release of orphaned grizzlies, as currently no such protocol exists (it is the practice in our province to destroy orphaned bears).

In the four years of its operation, the Refuge has hosted millions of visitors who have learned about the challenges faced by the bears (through ranger talks and on-site signage). In addition, over 30,000 local school children have participated in our Adventures in Education programs, which are specifically designed to enhance the existing public school curriculum.

The full interview with photos is published at Travel and Transitions - Interviews

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions(http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest(http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

\Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons\.

The Realities of Mexican Living

I had an interesting encounter the other day with one of my readers. Actually, every encounter with my readers is interesting. They are never boring. This lady read some of my articles about living in Guanajuato, Mexico. She and her husband live in Mexico already but are thinking of moving to Guanajuato.

We corresponded with a couple of e-mails and I think I offended this woman. Whenever I get e-mails from people asking about living in Guanajuato, I immediately make the assumption that they are virtually Spanish-illiterate. I am almost always correct.

You see, what exists in the mostly American expatriate communities in Mexico, like San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, and the popular resort areas where American expats have traditionally flocked, is they do not learn Spanish nor do they assimilate into the culture. They do in Mexico what they would be screaming about if they were still in the States concerning the immigrant population in Americanot learning English and thus not assimilating into the culture.

I do not want to see in Guanajuato what has happened in other areas of Mexico. In San Miguel de Allende, for example, you could live and never have to speak one word of Spanish. Many of the American expats are quite upfront about this issue and ask why they should learn Spanish. They require anyone who works for them to speak English. This attitude has changed San Miguel de Allende into something other than what it used to be. It is an American colony or enclave in a Mexican wrapper.

My conversation with this reader took on a scary tone. She took offense at the direction most of my writing about Mexico has taken in recent months. In my first book, The Plain Truth about Living in Mexico, I dealt with issues concerning The Ugly American in Mexico. If you want to read some \reviews,\ go to Amazon.com and type in Doug Bower. Read the reactions to that book. Americans who review the book negatively say things like, \He is a bitter man.\ or \He has issues.\

Americans do not want to confront the reality that they act badly in foreign countries. Mexico is no exception. Though not all without exception come here and act like they were raised by wolves, a great deal of them certainly do. To prove that point, all you would have to do is come to San Miguel de Allende and sit in the Jardin for a while. You would not be disappointed.

In our new book, which will be released in two weeks, I deal with the reality of Americans who do want to learn the language and assimilate into the culture. I also write about what it is we have to deal with on a daily basis living in Mexico. The first book: the reality of Americans acting badly in Mexico. The second book: the reality of how hard it is to live in Mexico.

Mexico is not a perfect society. From the way some Americans react to what I have written about the realities of Mexican culture, one that is vastly different from the American culture and one that is very difficult, you would think that Mexicans personify holy righteousness.

They do not.

Some American expats are so infatuated with Mexico that they simply cannot see there is indeed a dark side to the culture. And, if you point it out, even with proofs and reasoning, they label you a bigot.

For example, I pointed out in an article, \not one shred of logic or an ethic of honesty applies in this country.\ I should have clarified that with a, \as we Americans understand honesty and logic.\ As Americans, we would regard it as dishonest for a landlord to wire outside security lights into your duplex electric meter, not tell you about it, and expect you to pay for the higher light bill. This happened to us here in Guanajuato.

When we figured this out, we moved immediately. Before writing about this, I asked my Mexican friends about this situation. They told me this is standard practice and it did not shock them. I was told that since I am an American, it is assumed that to do something like this is ok.

Another example: We were told by a Mexican woman we trusted that it is standard practice for contractors to have elaborate schemes to cheat Americans. When you hire someone to paint your house, he will tell you the \American price\ for the paint and labor, paint your house, and then pocket the difference.

And, there is the American Price for things and there is the Mexican Price for things. Most expats we know will send a trusted Mexican friend to buy things because when the vendors or service people see the American coming, the price goes up, up, and up!

Just the other day, we got lectured that \We\ needed to walk on one side of the sidewalk so the Mexicans could walk on the inside part of the sidewalk. \We\ should walk on the side closest to the street.

On three occasions, either a bus or a truck has hit me because Mexicans have shoved me off the sidewalk. The same thing happened to an American expat who is almost 70 years old. A taxi nailed her. Mexicans also shove each other off the sidewalks. On the buses, it is even more horrible.

I cannot count the times I have been on a bus when a pregnant woman, with small kids in tow, gets on and no one will get up so she can sit down. You could be a crippled pregnant woman with kids in tow, and blind as well, and your fellow Mexicans will not surrender their seats for you. This is such a problem that the local television stations in Central Mexico have started doing public service announcements dealing with this \reality of Mexican life.\ This is a reality that some American expats, like this woman who wrote me, cannot (or refuse to) see.

They would not be doing these television announcements if this were not an issue. Mexicans in central Mexico will not surrender their bus seats to handicapped persons or pregnant ladies. There have been some horrid accidents as the result.

It is to this sort of rhetoric that the woman who wrote me took offense.

What then does an American Expatriate who is a writer do? Ignore it? Pretend it does not exist? Look the other way?

I think not.

I\'ve been trying to think, \just how did this woman who wrote me manage to miss this reality if she already lives in Mexico?\

Here is what I came up with:

Americans, the vast majority, come here and do not learn Spanish. They depend on cable or satellite television, all in English, and would not watch the local television station\'s public service announcements. How could they understand the announcements if they did see them?

They live in isolated Americans-only gated communities. They live in an isolated situation and never (or at least rarely) mix with the nationalsas in San Miguel de Allendeso they do not see the realities of Mexican living.

They\'ve invented their own reality.

OUR NEW BOOK

Guanajuato, Mxico--New Book offers survival tips in the Land of Frogs

Guanajuato, Mxico - According to the 2000 Statistical Yearbook of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, published by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service, an estimated 300,000 Americans would expatriate to other countries each year between 2000 and 2005. Some estimates predict the number will continue to increase each year after 2005. Americans are leaving the country in droves, most of whom settle in Mexico. The authors of The Plain Truth about Living in Mexico have written a new book targeting a specific area of Mexico where Americans are moving as expatriates, study abroad students, or retirees. This new book is titled, GUANAJUATO, MXICO: Your Expat, Study Abroad, and Vacation Survival Manual in the Land of Frogs.

Contact Information:
Doug and Cindi Bower
http://mexicanliving.access.to/