Fendi - Style at Its Best

Fendi, now almost synonymous with class and style, was founded in 1918. This Italian fashion company can now be found worldwide, in such diverse places as Baku, Harlem, Lesotho, and Dar Es Salaam. The company began with a furs and leather shop in Rome, opened by one Adele Casagrande. In 1925, she got married to Edoardo Fendi, and they came to an agreement to change the business name to Fendi. Their business succeeded and grew to be able to open another shop in Via Piave by 1932. The couple came to form a partnership with Karl Lagerfeld, a German designer, who came up with the now-famous double F logo. The company s first contributions to the market were their attractive, light and much easier to wear fur garments, far cries from the conventional heavy fur coats of before. They continued to develop and explore new and novel ways of dealing with leathers and furs. Eventually, they also created a ready-to-wear line of fabric clothing, meant to be worn under their furs. By 1969, the company was able to come out with a ready-to-wear fur line, bringing the luxury of furs to a lower-priced market without compromising the trademark quality. At present, the company has several brands of products that they still make available on the market. They produce a line of timepieces, all boasting Swiss watch technology. There is also an eyewear brand, with prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. Their ready to wear clothing sold off the rack at department stores are represented by the line Prêt-à -Porter. The company s internationally renowned fur line is as strong as ever, and is one of the company s strongest and most distinctive brands. The label also has a fragrance line, which began with Fendi for Women, the company s first perfume that was launched in 1985. Since then, this fragrance line grew to include Theorema Uomo as well as Fendi Uomo, which are made for men, and Fantasia and Celebration, their counterparts made for women. Their newest brand is called Fendi Casa, and is the company s branching into home furnishings and interior design. This new brand is still devoted to quality and style, making for distinctive, beautiful pieces. With the labels allure and track record, It is sure to do as well as all the previous divisions. Find Fendi perfumes and colognes on sale at Perfume Center. Read more about Fendi perfumes

Masai Mara Safari Kenya - Masai Mara Safari Vacation tour Kenya

Southern Kenya Safaris-Masai Mara and beyond South of Nairobi, along the southern border of Kenya, lies some of the most amazing and majestic land in the world. It includes Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s most famous mountain, the southern end of the rift valley, and three major wildlife reserves: Tsavo National Park: Amboseli National Park, and the Masai Mara game reserve, which is part of the world-renowned Serengeti ecosystem. Masai Mara National Reserve The Masai mara Kenya reserve is 1510 km squared of incredible open vistas and verdant riverine forests following the looping bends of the Mara and Talek Rivers. It is bounded on the south by the Tanzanian border and is the Kenyan extension of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Ranging in height from 1500 to 2170meters, the Mara also has some spectacular outcrops and ridge tops. The never-ending views across grasslands are wonderful, and from Masai Mara Kenya ridges and escarpments you see range after range of distant mountains. Looking down on the grasslands marked by thickets and clumps of tree, the land seems spotted or dappled, which is Masai Mara in maa, the Masai language. Masai mara wildlife The quantity and variety of wildlife in the Masai Mara is unequalled in Kenya. This is partly due to increased human usage of the Masai mara grasslands around the reserve. Beginning in 1949, these human pressures gradually encouraged the animals to find their way into the Masai Mara. Another reason for this movement of animals was the natural increase in elephants in the scrub thickets to the south of the Masai mara By about 1950, when elephant herds became large enough, they opened up the woodlands along the Tanzanian border into the Masai mara. Grazing animals were lured there by the new elephant-created grasslands. Predators followed. The result: millions of animals protected and drawing tourists, especially during the great wildebeest Migration in the Masai mara Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. Masai Mara Tour Attractions Between the Masai Mara and Amboseli lies the southern end of the rift valley with a moonscape beauty of lave rock, arid undulating plains, and the frothy pink of lake magadi and its Tanzanian cousin Lake Natron. Both are rich soda lakes and home to interesting birdlife, including flamingo. Lake Magadi is second in world production of sodium sesqui carbonate, or trona. From the lake, it is possible to cross the Rift. Masai mara safari Kenya However, it takes a fourâ€"wheel drive to mount the extremely rough dirt tracks of the Nguruman Escarpment, which forms the rift’s western wall. Since maps are sketchy and the bush tracks are often very faint, it is wise to include an experienced guide in your safari group. Through the changing bush and forests, it is possible to reach fantastic viewpoints with the Loita Hills, then the Masai Mara, beyond. All this is Masai people land which literally stretches from Tanzania through the southern regions of Nairobi stretching North Eastwards to the Masai Mara. The large savannah expanse in these areas and the bountiful animals makes the region one of the most visited in the east African region. All the big five can be found here and in plenty. It’s always a guarantee to see a lion, elephant, cheetah, buffalos and possibly the shy rhino. Kenya mara Masai reserve vacation Masai Mara in Kenya is about 4-5 hours south west of Nairobi depending on the road condition. Masai Mara accommodation is mostly in tented camps although there are some beautiful lodges in the Masai Mara national reserve. Robert is a tour operator in East Africa Kenya with Landmark safaris ltd. Where Kenya Masai Mara adventures are tailored for you. Get free info on your Kenya Masai mara safari lanndmarksafaris.com

Hiking Trails Mt. Washington Valley NH - Trekking trails USA

Mt. Washington Valley Trails and Mt Washington - NH The highest mountain in the northeast state of New Hampshire, at 6288 feet, Mt. Washington (or Agiocochook as it was then called) was first climbed in 1642 by Darby Field and two native guides but it wasn t until 1853 that the first summit house was built. A year later, Tip Top House was built, which survies to this day. For the less hardy, the Carriage Road and a 3 mile cog railway were built; feats of engineering which would be deemed difficult even in these modern times! The cog railroad runs to the summit from the west and the road road from the east. South of the peak is the AMC s Lakes of the Clouds hut. At the base of the east side is the AMC s Pinkham Notch Visitors Center. The summit is covered with several buildings, including the Sherman Adams Visitor s Center, TV and radio antennas, the Yankee Building and the Mt Washington Observatory.The highest surface wind ever recorded on earth was at the observatory on the summit of Mt. Washington; 231 MPH on April 12, 1934. It is known for having the worst weather in the world, especially bad in the winter. There are many monuments to hikers who ve died on the mountain, including one to Lizzie Bourne, who died while trying to walk up to the top, dressed in typical Victorian clothing. During the summer months, there is a cafeteria, museum, payphone, gift shop, and even a post office in operation. In winter, there is no access to any of the buildings. The Observatory is staffed year-round by weather observers. There have been several hotels on the summit. The original Tip-Top House was a simple stone building with a wooden extension. Later, a fancy wooden hotel was built, directly connected to the Railroad. It burned down and a new simpler hotel was built in the early 1900 s. In recent years the wooden extension of the Tip-Top House was removed. You can tour the inside of Tip Top House during the summer months. On the east side of the mountain are three major ravines; The Great Gulf, said to be the greatest of the glacial errosion cirques in the Presidential Range, with awe inspiring cliffs! Tuckerman - which is famous for its late spring skiing. Huntington - a rock and ice climber s playground. On the west side, the Ammoonosuc Ravine dominates. Just south of Lakes of the Clouds, is Mt Monroe, and just north is Mt Clay, with a bit further on, Mt Jefferson. Hiking trails Mt. Washington Valley There are many options for hiking to the summit of Mt Washington. The most popular routes start at Pinkham Notch, on the east side of the mountain. Climbing from the east means that you are sheltered from the usual strong winds out of north and west for the majority of the hike. The main route is up the Tuckerman Ravine trail (4.1 miles) which goes straight from Pinkham to the summit. On the south side of the ravine is the Boott Spur trail (5.4 miles) and the north side has the Lion Head trail (4.5 miles). Both are slightly longer than Tuckerman Ravine but also easier on the knees. The Huntington Ravine trail (5.1 miles) branches off the Tuckerman Ravine trail and climbs the bare slabs of Huntington Ravine. This is probably the most difficult trail in the White Mountains, and should not be attempt in bad weather or used for descent. From there, people usually take the Alpine Garden trail to Tuckerman Junction and continue to the top from there. From the west side of the mountain, starting near the Marshfield Station of the Cog Railroad, there are two routes: The Ammonoosuc Ravine trail (3.9 miles) starts at a parking area just below the Cog parking lot and climbs up the Lakes of the Clouds hut. Hikers continue up on the Crawford Path to the summit. The Jewel trail (4.6 miles) leaves from the far side of the Cog Railroad parking lot (park at the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead) and climbs up to the ridge where it joins the Gulfside trail. Trailheads. Pinkham Notch Visitors Center - Take Rt 16 north from North Conway, located about 10 miles north of Jackson. Parking in the main lot does not require a WMNF parking pass, parking in the overflow lots does. There are bathrooms, coin operated showers, food, some gear, and pay phones. Lodging is available with reservations. Ammonoosuc Ravine - From Rt 302 in Bretton Woods, take the Base Road 6 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right, just before the Cog Railroad. A WMNF Parking Pass is required. Before even starting off on your hike, I recommend you take at a look at the Mt. Washington Observatory Daily Weather report for an up-to-date report from the top. For some simple tips on how to prepare for your trip, please visit our safety tips page below. Althought there are references to UK routes, the basic info still applies! Have fun, test your stamina but be safe! One of Mike s passions in Life is long-distance hiking, a spin-off from which is a growing interest in organic food supplements, sports nutrition, human physiology and psychology. We are what we eat! trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/Trekking-Trails-USA.html Safety Tips trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/article-6-Map-food-torch-compass-whistle-mobi.html Food for Potential Energy trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/article-3-food-for-potential-energy.html

Hello from the Ottawa River - And Reflections on City Life

So Friday I decided to head out on a kayaking weekend with my friend Leslie. This was the first time in about 8 years that I went camping again, and I had a ball sleeping under the stars. A fabulous weekend in nature makes you think about life a little bit, so here are a few snapshots of what s been going through my head in the last few days. In particular, I have been thinking about our lifestyles in the city and some of the stark contrasts with the experiences of this weekend. City snapshot number 1: Thursday night I linked up with a friend of mine who works for a big international bank in finance. He was telling me how his employer was sending around a survey to find out what tasks people were spending time on at work, all for the purpose of efficiency and downsizing the workforce. In his employee newsletter he read that his company was proud that the annual turnover rate among employees is now below 30% (!), and this was a big story in the newsletter. We were wondering why a turnover of almost 1/3 of the entire staff in a year would be considered a good thing, considering the recruitment, training and outplacement costs as well as the disruptions caused by a constantly fluctuating workforce. But on a few days of the year his company gives away free icecream cones to their employees.... City snapshot number 2: Leslie and I left to go on our kayaking excursion at 3 pm Friday. We left in mid-town, just north of the 401, Toronto s major cross-town highway. It took us about an hour and a half, to get to Toronto s eastern suburbs, from about Pickering onwards we were stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic until I had enough and headed northwards to a local road where at least we were moving in between being stopped at red lights. City snapshot number 3: At the outdoor adventure camp I actually talked to another weekend traveller who told me that he worked for many years for a major international paper manufacturer until he got unceremoniously laid off a few years ago. He had been living and working in Toronto s east end. After his lay-off he finally found a job in Toronto s west end and he ended up commuting probably about 2 hours in rush hour traffic on a daily basis between his house in the east end to his new workplace in Toronto s west end. He figures there is no point in moving since he doesnt know when he s going to get laid off again and where his next job might be. City snapshot number 4: This same person told me that one of the travellers in his group was trying to use her cell phone in the middle of the wilderness on Calumet Island in the Ottawa River. She even tried to get up on a picnic table and lifted the cell phone up in the air to try to get better reception. He found it rather ridiculous that someone would need to make a cell phone call during an 2-day weekend outing into nature. I guess we need to be wired all the time these days. City snapshot number 5: Life is speeding up all around us. To meet a friend for coffee you now need at least 3 weeks notice and set up an appointment. People work on the weekend, according to official statistics, many Canadians don t even manage to take advantage of their full 2 weeks of vacation since they can t get away from work. I was talking to a client recently who works for a major international retailer. I asked her why she doesn t work from home since she receives all her documents electronically from head office anyways. She said the head office people just don t trust people working from home, so she continues to spend 2.5 hours a day in traffic (on a good day, way more during a snowstorm...) Country snapshot number 1: After getting out of rush hour traffic my friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the drive into Eastern Ontario, particularly once we headed north of Belleville into the rolling hills, past tiny country towns and provincial parks. Saturday morning we were woken up by the mooing sounds of cows who were announcing day break. The sounds of crickets and cicadas filled the air in the campground. Country snapshot number 2: The facilities at the Equinox river rafting camp are extremely basic. We realize that we can get by on 2 toilets in tiny plywood cubicles and 4 co-ed shower stalls that are located in a wooden shed. We sleep in a tent on a mat, I forgot my pillow and I borrow Leslie s mini-pillow. There is no Internet, no cell phones, no appointments, no fancy clothes, no make-up. Country snapshop number 3: Evening in the campground. About 60 city folks are letting out their inner child, they are partying, shouting, playing music, having fun. That s what it looks like when city people let loose. The next night is a lot quieter, after a full day of paddling the rafters and kayakers are tired and Saturday night was a much tamer affair. Country snapshot number 4: I am doing my interview with Krista, the spunky young intern at Equinox river camp. I ask her if it would be possible to borrow one of the bicycles that were leaning against the shed. Sure , she says, just help yourself, my bike is the silver-coloured one. Just grab it whenever you feel like it . You don t see this easy-going generosity in the city. Country snapshot number 5: During the interview, Krista tells me that a number of her rafting/kayaking guide colleagues are living in tents, in a tree house or in a cobbled-together shack during the summer. During the winter they go off to teach English as a Second Language, study theatre, teach skiing or plant trees and do horticulture in the spring. Krista mentions a key phrase several times: It s amazing how little you need to live. And this morcel of wisdom is coming from a 25-year old woman! The guides are young adults that co-exist without a lot of structure, very few rules, and they are just having fun doing sports they love and interacting with the clients. And somehow they manage to feed the clients and safely get them down the river. Everybody, the guides and the clients, feels like a kid again..... Makes you think, doesn t it? Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions( travelandtransitions.com ). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys. Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest( travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm ) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River. Life is a Journey ­ Explore New Horizons . The interview with photos is published at Travel and Transitions - Interviews

Top 5 Reasons Many Call Themselves Coleman Campers

Anyone new to the adventures camping delivers will soon find there can be a lot of gear to purchase. From sleeping bags and tents to coolers, cooking gear and lanterns, these items are needed to make sure there s at least a few creature comforts on a trip into the great outdoors. When it comes to companies whose name and this hobby are practically synonymous, Coleman stands out. There are a number of reasons why many veterans of this activity consider themselves Coleman campers. The Top 5 reasons many cite for being Coleman campers include: * Price. While not all gear created by Coleman could be classified as cheap, the prices tend to be more than affordable. Coleman campers appreciate the bang for the buck this brand name tends to deliver. Whether it is a tent, a cook top or another necessary piece of equipment, Coleman tends to offer prices that are more than affordable. These products are also generally quite competitive with other brands on the market, too. * Quality. This might be the number one reason so many consider themselves Coleman campers. Crafted by a company that has dedicated itself to making outdoors life fun for others, pieces of camping gear that carry the Coleman name are known for their high-quality design. * Variety. It honestly is very difficult to outfit a campsite without at least once piece of Coleman equipment. Since this company makes just about everything under the sun necessary for a safe and fun trip into the woods, its products are a popular choice for many. Providing everything on the must have list, Coleman is known for its incredible variety of camping gear. Whether it s cooking gear, sleeping gear or items designed for hiking and survival, Coleman has a product to match the need. * Durability. There s no point buying camping gear for a rough and tumble trip if that gear isn t also rough and tumble. Coleman campers know this and that s one of the reasons they go in for this gear. The products Coleman makes are designed to stand the test of time and a serious beating, too. In fact, some Coleman campers report having gear that s survived decades of hard use in a variety of conditions. * Availability. While the full line of Coleman equipment cannot be found everywhere, many basic items can be. Just about any department or Big Box store that carries camping equipment will have Coleman gear in the inventory. Camping stores and online outlets are generally the best places to go to see it all. When the two combine, it is a very easy undertaking for anyone to find the kind of Coleman gear they seek. It doesn t matter whether it s a trip to the frozen tundra or a hike in the woods, Coleman gear can generally make the trek more enjoyable. Offering just about anything an outdoors trip requires, this company is known for its quality, durability, availability and pricing. It is for these reasons and many others so many consider themselves Coleman campers. For more information on campers, try visiting typesofcampers.com - a website that specializes in providing camper related tips, advice and resources to include information on Coleman campers.

Travelling Back in Time

We arrived at Hampi in true royal style, our three-wheeled chariot (the comendable autorikshaw) jolted to a stop, knocking our already smarting heads, together for the nth time. As we painfully got off that shiny black auto, trying to soothe our many aches, the friendly driver bedazzled us with his brilliant, all-teeth-shining smile. Manju the man behind the ultimate machine that took us to every nook and hidden corner of the rustic, mysterious town of Hampi became our guide and trusted friend that moment on. 8kms from the city of Bellary, where the nearest railway station is situated, Hampi remains one of the most exotic tourist destinations in the country. From wild hippie parties across the Thungabadra River to scenic sunsets amidst ruins, Hampi invokes in you a sense of overwhelming ecstasy as well as peace and serenity. Away from the noise and chaos of city life, we loosened our collars, grabbed our cameras and set off on an adventure, back in time. Manju took us to all the famous structures including the temple with the stone chariot and musical pillars. We watched and listened in awe, the images and sounds of days gone by. He told us of musicians who made exquisite music solely with hollow stone pillars, each of which sounded a different note. The royal courtesans danced to this music, entertaining the king and his guests during the annual feast, when all the townsfolk would gather around the main temple. It is said that the music could be heard even from a kilometer away. We saw it all materialize before our eyes, they came alive! The dancers, the street vendors selling gold, diamonds and precious gems, the musicians of the pillars, we even thought we caught a glimpse of the king himself! Mystical shades of the setting sun, reflected in lazy waters of a mighty river, majestic structures of ruined palaces and temples of another time, tend to have an intoxicating effect on the mind. And that’s perhaps the reason why we still believe, we relived 3 centuries in 3 days! Astounding architecture, the finesse of design, the accuracy of each structure, literally took our breath away. Built with no modern tools or scientific equipment, their flawless perfection baffled us then and still remains a mystery today. Everything, from bright sunflower fields to local home cooked meals at little shacks and colourful gypsies by the roadside to deserted ruins held us spellbound and told us a different tale. In silence we heard a story, of empires that rose and fell, of battles fought on this soil, of celebration and of joy. We soaked it all up as best as we could. From spiraling around in small wooden boats to trekking under a hot sun in the ruins, from sitting atop a hill, the moon smiling in our faces, to stealing a quick swim under the stars…Hampi was a lifetime, we lived in a moment!

Boston Vacations: Four Ways To Experience Beantown

Boston is a great destination city for a vacation. There’s plenty on tap to see and do, and it’s an easy city to get around on foot. And you’ll find Boston vacations a refreshing mixture of old and new. You can experience the start of the revolutionary war, take a bus on a river, and see a coral reef â€" and all before dinner. The best way of getting around during Boston vacations is walking. That’s right the ole soft shoe shuffle. You’ll save time and see more by expending some shoe leather. But for first time visitors I highly recommend an orientation tour first. A SPLISH-SPLASH DUCK TOUR One of the best, and most unique tours is the Duck Tour ride. The tour is done in a renovated World War II amphibious vehicle. You get to not only experience Boston from the streets of the city, but also from the Charles River. That’s right, during the tour, the bus you’re on will become a boat, and you’ll see the beautiful Boston skyline from the river that separates Boston from Cambridge. You can pick-up and buy tickets for the tour at two places: The Museum of Science, and The Prudential Center in Boston’s Back Bay. During the summer the tours are usually sold out by lunchtime. The tour lasts about 80 minutes, and there’s no stops. It’s a great tour and you’d have to be “quackers” not to do it! Sorry couldn’t resist it. THE FREEDOM TRAIL The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile easy-to-follow red brick line that links 16 historical sites together around the streets of Boston. It’s a one-way route starting from Boston Common and ending up at the Bunker Hill monument in Charlestown. If you do the whole thing, plan on at least 2â€"3 hours, or better still take the whole day. You’ll pass by many landmarks on your trip, such as: The Boston Common, Boston Massacre Site, Paul Revere’s House, and USS Constitution. The route takes you through Boston’s famed North End, where you’ll be sure to return during your Boston vacations to sample the superb Italian restaurants. THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM As San Diego has its world famous zoo, then Boston has the New England Aquarium. New England and its coastline have a history of fishing and whaling. But today instead of slaughtering whales, New Englanders spend most of their time saving them. And the aquarium is a vital link in the area’s ocean preservation movement. The centerpiece of the aquarium is the giant tank. The floors of the aquarium run around the tank and up four levels. At the top you get to peer down into a coral reef and listen as the staff explain about the tank and the fish that live in it. You’ll get the answer to questions such as: “Why don’t the big shark fish eat the little tasty fish?” or “How old are those huge sea turtles swimming around down there?” Your ticket will include a visit to the Discovery next to the main building, where you can see and learn about sea lions during an amazing show. A few years ago the Aquarium opened an IMAX theater that shows a mixture of sea-related and general science films. A word of warning â€" this is a favorite Boston vacations attraction for families. But you’ll always get in, even when the ticket line seems to stretch for miles. BEACON HILL Sandwiched in a small area between Boston Common, and the Charles River, are alleys and narrow red brick cobbled streets, where time has stood still for the last century. This is Beacon Hill, and one of the most popular walks for people on their Boston vacations. Quiet and bewitching, it s a delight to walk. You’ll find walled gardens and an authentic 19th century neighborhood feel. Even the original gas lights remain on streets lined with ancient elms. A favorite haunt for taking pictures is Louisburg Square. A picturesque block of residences perfectly preserved. After you ramble up Mount Vernon street, wind your way back across to the Massachusetts State House that sits atop Beacon Hill and get your camera out again. AND THERE S MORE… Three other places to visit on your Boston vacations are Cambridge, just across the Charles River, and home to the universities of Harvard and MIT â€" THE J.F.K Library and Museum at Columbia Point in South Boston â€" and the Boston Harbor Islands, tours to the islands leave from Long Wharf and Rowes Wharf, both located near the aquarium. Boston has tons of things to do and see, and I’ve really just started to scratch the surface for you. The rest is yours to discover and as close as your favorite search engine and booking on the Internet. Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of the New England vacations guide . You can read more about Boston vacations and get a free travel report at his New England vacation site.

Water Pollution-A Clinical Study

The concentration of the dissolved oxygen decides the quality of water in rivers, streams and lakes. When the concentration is more, the water quality is considered higher and better. When pollutants like industrial or domestic sewage seep into the river or lake, micro-organisms begin to decompose the organic materials. Micro-organisms use up the dissolved oxygen in their metabolism. Very fast the oxygen is used up. The aquatic species such as fish begin to die and float around. When the oxygen level is reduced to zero; and the water is stated to be septic. Without oxygen the water produces bad odor. This foul smell is caused by the decomposed organic compounds. The putrid or septic conditions point it out to us that the dissolved oxygen is totally depleted. Though the quantity of the sewage may be small by weight, the damage it can cause is huge. The impurities like organic materials are substantial. Food and vegetable waste form organic materials. The rotten plant nutrients, caused by chemical products such as soaps, detergents etc. Industrial sewage or domestic sewage generates disease-causing microbes. These microbes are the enemies of the man kind. And animals and plants suffer too. How do we handle this issue? How do we dispose of the waste water? It is the responsibility of every citizen! Why do we dump our garbage into the streams, lakes and rivers? How much of industrial waste, and domestic garbage is dumped into the Seas? There is no resting place for cans, bottles, polythene bags and wrappers, useless plastic products and footwear and many many unwanted household items. Vegetable oil and animal fat were the major ingredients used in the manufacturing process of soaps and other washing products. But today the petro-chemical industry produces synthetic detergents and washing products. And these petro-chemical products contain phosphates which soften the water among other damages. Does it ring a danger bell? These chemicals in the washing products and detergents destroy the health of all living beings in water, such as fish etc. Environment Protection - Save the Trees

Skechers Shoes - For Teens, Trendsetters and Urbanites

When celebrities like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Ashlee Simspon and Kalvin Klein endorse a brand, there remains little doubt about its quality and comfort. Skechers shoes have the good luck of being graced by all these Hollywood hot favourites. Introduced just in 1992, this great footwear company has grown from a line of utility-styled work boots, into a full line of footwear, including sandals, sneakers, casual and dress shoes. Headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, Skechers Shoes Company was founded by ex-hairdresser and LA Gear shoe company founder Robert Greenberg. An ousted employee of the LA Gear board, Greenberg started Skechers in 1992 with his son by his side. Initially it was simply a distributor for Doc Marten. In 1995 they launched their own footwear lines. It was almost a jump starting as they got promoters among great celebrities who were already enjoying huge popularity. Doc Marten-style sandals and sports shoes designed for using with skateboards is considered among the most famous products of Skechers shoes. Immediately after moving into mainstream casual footwear, the brand became a hot favourite among teens, trendsetters and urbanites. Shoes of this highly sought after company are now as diverse as their customers. They have the look and design that can appeal to the lovers of fashionable footwear round the globe. For female users Skechers shoes have dressy sandals, trendy sneakers, funky thongs, and cool boots etc. Faux suede boots for ladies feature faux fur accent and decorative side lacing. These hip and trendy boots come in two mind-blowing colours: brown and black. Thong sandals can be fabulous, but only if it is from Skechers! The thongs from this big brand have tightly woven leather upper that encases large gemstone ornaments. They come in three different colours with unique vibes. ‘Labyrinth’ sneakers from Skechers shoes are ballet-inspired and feature stripping galore for an ultra-hip and urban style. It has smooth uppers and slip-on design and available in pink as well as in natural white. Your search for trendy sneakers will end when you cast a glance at ‘Beatnik’ from Skechers. Available in three great colours: green, camel and black these gorgeous shoes come with leather or synthetic uppers and padded footbeds. Bikers Sightsee is yet another fabulous shoe for female users from Skechers shoes. Trendy, sporty and very, very girlie: these athletic shoes feature mary jane styling. They come with mesh or leather uppers and combine style and comfort. Skechers equally excels in making shoes for boys. Shoes made for males are cool in look and comfy in use. They are available in rich colours and great style. Dalia Justine is a renowned fashion writer who has made her mark in the industry through her write-ups on the latest fashion trends and style. She is currently associated with treds.co.uk; an exclusive online shopping portal for various kinds of shoes for different occasions such as crocs, Bronx Shoes, Skechers Shoes , DC Shoes and many more.

Backpacking Tips - Backpacking With a Bad Back

Many people run into a problem when backpacking. After time their body begins to rebel against the weight of their backpack and they end up with a bad back. Having a bad back does not have to mean you have to give up backpacking, though. There are some key things you really should do if you are thinking about continuing with backpacking despite a bad back. These things will help make sure you do not further injure your back and may even help you to overcome your injury. If you have a bad back, then you must learn to pack light. You should do your research and learn every trick you can on how to pack light. Packing light does not mean leaving things behind. It is possible to pack everything you need, if you learn the right way to pack light. Surprisingly there is a lot of information out there about how to pack a backpack to make it lightweight. You also need to get into the habit of doing back exercises. Back exercises help to strengthen the back. Stretching is a big part of strengthening the back. For good exercises and advice you should speak to your doctor. He or she should be able to advise you on exercises that will work best for your condition. You can also learn ways alter your backpacking technique. There are things you can do that help relieve strain on your back and make you more comfortable. The use of poles is a great tip for a backpacker with a bad back. Poles are a great tool for a person with an injured back. Poles shift your weight from your back to your upper body. By using them you will feel great relief in your back. There are also certain ways of stepping that can take the pressure off your back. You may want to find a local backpacking organization or club that can help you learn these techniques. Just because you are starting to feel some back pain doesn t mean you have to give up backpacking. Backpacking is great exercise and it is something you enjoy, so why let age or injury stop you from doing it? You can learn ways to still be able to backpack without experiencing pain or hurting your back further. If you try all of the above methods you should find it really makes it easier and less painful. However, not all back injuries will be helped with this advice, so the main thing to keep in mind is that you should stop and see your doctor if your pain worsen. Learn more about backpacking together from someone who, like you, loves backpacking . Visit Joseph s website for more information on backpacking and Backpacking Tents and backpacking recipes

Enjoy Snow in Huangshan Winter

Snow is not mysterious for some in the snowy countries. But snow of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) differs from those of many places. Because it makes a perfect union with the pines, wonder stones, clouds, pools and hot springs. It is called the fifth wonder of Huangshan. Winter is a special season because it is a super paradise of the photographers from home and abroad. After snow, the hot springs and pools in Huangshan are encircled by snow. The mountains and trees reflect their beauties in water. Steam rises from the hot springs, tranquil and mysterious, it will bring you tour to the imagination and confer up lots of wonderful fantasies. All the odd pines dress in white in winter Huangshan. They look very beautiful and have all kinds of strange shapes. With the rimes or icicles, some look like white tigers, some look like silver white dragons...and you will see the ten odd pines that have been listed on the World Natural Heritage. In the snow, another gracefulness of these longevous pines is more captivating than that of the other weather. The snowy day is the world of carvings. Owing to the whole mountain is covered with pure white snow here becomes an exhibition hall of the grotesque carvings. Two Immortals playing Chess in white, the Pig Backing Wife in white, and the Stone Bell in white...all grotesque rocks in white. They are ice carvings now but not rocks. Immerse in this translucent world you will come to see that the prodigious skill of nature is utterly convincing! The peaks bathe in snow in Mt.Huangshan. the Lotus Peak becomes a snow lotus, the Tiandu Peak looks as beautiful as a goddess in white, the Nine Dragons Peak turns into a serpentine jade dragon flying over the sea of clouds, the stone forest in the West Scenic Zone becomes an argent forest, the precipitous peaks lock together in the Jade Screen Scenic Zone turn into silver ...they compose a sublime picture. More wonderfully, if you stand atop the tallest peaks in a snowy day in Mt.Huangshan you will see a full panoramic view from there. Visible at this time are snow peaked mountains near and far, tremendous white cliffs, distant crystal stone forest, the tops of sea of clouds, and a dark blue sky. But all these belong to those who are brave and crazy about the beautiful attractions of Mt.Huangshan. chinaodysseytours.com

Christian Lacroix - Man of Style

A man who has made his mark in the world of fashion, Christian Lacroix was born in the year 1951 in Arles, France. The favorite son in a family of engineers, Lacroix studied Art History and wanted to be a museum curator. Blessed with a fashionable father and grandmother, his taste for fashion was tuned from his childhood though it manifested into his design skills at a much later stage. It was his wife who slowly lured him into sketching designs for dresses. In the year 1980, he joined a firm that designed clothes and his rise to stardom started from this point. This was a time when people had formed an opinion that the haute couture was a declining field with little hope for a good future. Lacroix survived and soon made a mark in the year 1986, when he was awarded the ‘De d’or prize by the Paris officials. The next year he won the Oscar for Best Foreign Designer, an award he received from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The same year saw him launching his own salon in 1987. He also got involved in other accessories like footwear, hats, handbags, eyewear, jewelry, belts etc. It didn’t take much time for him to get noticed. He ventured into even military uniforms and flight attendant uniforms. He became the favorite for the rich and the famous. He designed a red satin for Princess Diana on her visit to Paris once. Christian Lacroix has a very unique style. He uses bright color combinations very often. It is said that the sun he used to see in his native province influenced him to use his trademark bright colours so often. For now, Christian Lacroix has ventured deep into amalgamation of Information Technology into the world of fashion. He also won the coveted Legion of Honor from the French Government for his contributions in this field. He has been credited with a number of different projects. He has been contacted to design aircrew uniforms for Air France, interior decoration of French National Railway high speed cars etc: With the rate at which he is progressing now, there is little doubt that there is nothing stopping this man of style. Find Christian Lacroix perfume and colognes on sale at Perfume Center. Read more about Christian Lacroix perfumes

Purchase Women s Wide Shoes Fast

Purchase Women s Wide Shoes Fast andamp; Easily From Only The Best Manufacturers Women’s wide width shoes are much easier to find these days when you do your shopping online. You can find women’s sizes ranging from 3 to 18 EEEEEEE with out having to sacrifice style, comfort, or quality. Now you can purchase those uncommon sizes and enjoy the latest trendy styles and glamour as well. We would like to recommend the following prestigious manufacturers of quality extra wide women’s shoes. Some Suggestions… Sofft Shoes The Lowell Shoe Company makes Sofft Shoes. They have been crafting women’s wide width comfort shoes for almost 70 years. Sofft Shoes are the perfect combination of luxury, tradition, and natural beauty. These shoes are handmade with only the best leathers available. Each pair made is handled with the utmost attention and care. From athletic inspired walkers, to business casuals, to rugged outdoor walkers, Sofftspots lead the way in comfort and style. Ros Hommerson Ros Hommerson shoes are well known for comfort, style, quality, and exceptional selection of sizes and widths. They have been designing shoes in the United States since 1979. Special attention to craftsmanship and detail is evident in every pair of shoes they make. These shoes are built to match the natural curves of your foot. The rich leathers and unsurpassed beauty of Ros Hommerson shoes will keep you coming back for more. Fitzwell Fitzwell shoes are well known for having the perfect combination of both comfort and style. They have a large selection of women’s wide width shoes. Their gel insole collection has been tested in laboratories to withstand up to 1,000 pounds of pressure! These shoes do a wonderful job of absorbing shock from every step that you take. It’s time to throw out those shoes that just aren’t as comfortable as you’d like and discover the comfort of Fitzwell Footwear. Stuart Weitzman Stuart Weitzman shoes are the envy of the fashion world. Weitzman creations are well known for their beauty, mystique, and master craftsmanship. They are frequently on display at the famous Oscar Award Ceremony and several well-known fashion shows. Mr. Weitzman creates more than three hundred styles of shoes including women’s wide widths every year. These shoes are simply superb! Donald Yacono is the Owner and Webmaster at 1st-in-shoes.com An online shoe store featuring approximately 300 brands of discount footwear for the whole family, shoe reviews, 24/7-shoe fashion news feed, and helpful foot care articles. ATTENTION WEBMASTERS and EZINE PUBLISHERS â€" Permission is granted to publish this unaltered article on your site or in your EZINE but only if the bio paragraph is included. You must provide a link from your web site pointing back to our site at 1st-in-shoes.com Thank you.

Atherton Tablelands: Day Trip From Cairns

Cairns has a geographical location that other tourist cities would die for. It is in the tropics, but without the intense heat, humidity and dust of many other tropical locations, or the sapping dryness of the Outback. While it has seas, reefs, hills and forests, it is ideally located for day trips to dozens of nearby places. Atherton Tablelands, located just 48 kilometers from Cairns, is situated at an average height of 3280 feet (1 km) and is one of UNESCO’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Areas. Recently, the tourist associations started using the term Cairns Highland for Atherton Tablelands to draw a comparison to just how close they are to Cairns â€" bear in mind they are one and the same thing. Much inland, and at a sufficient height, Atherton Tablelands enjoys a cool climate that some call “naturally air-conditioned”. With 1400 mm of annual rainfall, it is just right for the abundant tropical flora. The spring-fed crater lakes within Atherton Tablelands remain filled even during droughts, making them favorite swimming holes for tourists and locals alike, far and wide. Atherton Tablelands is ideal for trekking, mountain biking, sightseeing and other activities. The area is divided into many regions; among them Kuranda, Mareeba, Tolqa, Atherton, Yungaburra, Lake Tinaroo, Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine, Malanda, Herberton and others. There are an impressively large number of activities waiting for you at the Tablelands. You can go on a wine tour at the Golden Pride Mango Winery, or (if you’re lucky, quiet, and arrive at the right time of day â€" early morning is always a good time) - view platypus â€" the semi-aquatic duckbill look-alike egg-laying mammal â€" at the Peterson Creek at Yungaburra. You might try fishing at Lake Tinaroo for Barramundi, black bream or red-claw yabbies. Tinaroo is also the location for water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing and sailing. You can go bushwalking, and there are many famous bushwalking tracks, among them being Tinaroo Dam hike, Lake Barrine walk, Lake Eacham walk or the Kauri Creek walk. The Tablelands is a prized home to more than 300 species of birds, and so it is a great venue for all birdwatchers. You can see the giant cassowaries, whistling-ducks, Magpie geese, Sarus cranes, broglas and other birds. The Danbulla Forest Drive, around Lake Tinaroo takes you through breathtaking forest views, picnic spots, camping sites and swimming holes. Talking of swimming, the whole of the Tablelands is full of creeks, holes and lakes, and you can literally take a dip anywhere with enough water to cover you. It is also the Tablelands that plays host to one of the most magnificent creations of natural history â€" the Curtain Fig Tree, a huge curtain of strangler vine on a leaning fig tree. The gentle Malanda Falls on the road leading to Malanda, is a nice spot for swimming and family picnics. Then you can witness the Waterfall circuit, including the Milla milla, Zillie and Elinjaa falls. Of course, the lakes â€" Tinaroo, Eacham and Barrine â€" are picturesque sites by themselves, and are ideal for both relaxed family outings and adventure activities. Atherton Highlands have been populated by local Aborigines for thousands of yeas; but European settlement was inspired by tin and gold deposits, and heavy lumbering. The tin and the gold have disappeared, and the tropical forests have come back to claim much of the once bare space. Much of the area is still under cultivation while sugarcane, corn, maize, tobacco, strawberries, chicken and cattle products still remain plentiful products. Many of these are available at local and weekend markets of which there are many: the Atherton market, Herberton market, Innot Hot Springs market, Kairi Market, Kuranda market, Malanda Lions market, Mareeba market and others. Disclaimer We take no responsibility for inaccuracy or omissions in the information provided, which is not intended as specific advice. Before relying on the material, you should obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to your individual circumstances to evaluate accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance of the information to your specific needs. Produced by the team at travelAU.com.au - a group of travel and technology industry professionals promoting unique Australian tourism and travel products produced this article on behalf of executiveretreats.com.au

Dive Sites in Malaysia

The most popular dive sites around Malaysia include diving along gentle sloping reefs in Tioman Island, Perhentian Island and Redang Island; while the impressive vertical wall dives rising directly from the darkest abyss of Sipadan Island, the Layang-Layang Atoll and Mabul Island, not forgetting the drift dives and wreck dives, are among the amazement that will be encountered underwater here. Beyond doubt, Tioman and Redang Islands are truly beautiful. The underwater panorama encircling the islands boast of grand formations of abundant and diverse coral reefs, stunning underwater caves and passages, and of course enigmatic and exquisite wrecks. Of all the dive spots, there is one that stands on its own - Sipadan Island, East of Borneo. With its breathtaking vertical dives, and vast array of deep ocean species, Sipadan was recognized as an underwater haven by Jacques Cousteau, the veteran in exploration of the wonders of the deep . Another such beauty in Sabah is Layang-layang Island (Island of the Swallows). Situated in the heart of the Indo-Pacific area, this island has the richest wildlife and greatest marine biodiversity in the world. More information on these famous dive destinations is detailed below:- a) Sipadan Island b) Layang-Layang Islang c) Tioman Island d) Redang Island e) Perhentian Island f) Payar Island You can find out more at divingpleasures.com divingpleasures.com

Doggin Jersey: The 10 Best Places To Hike With Your Dog In The Garden State

Doggin Jersey: The 10 Best Places To Hike With Your Dog In The Garden State Have you ever considered how far you walk with your dog? If you walk just 15 minutes a day you will have walked far enough in your dog s lifetime to cross the United States. With all that walking ahead of you, aren t you ready for a new place to take a hike with your dog in New Jersey? Here are the Garden State s best trails to hike with your best friend... 1. Stokes State Forest What are you looking for on an outing with your dog - a variety of short, peaceful hikes? A strenuous , multi-hour trek that will have your dog sleeping the whole ride home? Memorable views? Lakes? Rushing streams? Stokes has it all. 2. Wills Mills County Park You say you want to experience the great Pine Barrens but don’t want to lose yourself with your dog on miles of unmapped, unmarked sand roads? This park will get you into the pinelands on paw-friendly trails through diverse habitats and, yes, throw in a bit of elevation change along the way. 3. Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area If this park just offered the interesting sights on the Pyramid Mountain trails it would be enough to get highly ranked but there’s a whole other trail system across the road! 4. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area The hike up Mount Tammany leads to the most famous view in New Jersey but coming down your dog will love the waterfalls in Dunnfield Creek even more. If you come when the mountain laurel is in full bloom you will truly find yourself on one of the best canine hikes in New Jersey. 5. Norvin Green State Forest There are plenty of places in northern New Jersey to disappear into the mountains with your dog but Norvin Green stands out with its variety of summits and a couple of waterfalls and played-out mines for flavor. 6. Clayton Park For no-frills canine hiking where you just jump out of the car and into a natural, uncrowded woodland with your dog it is hard to top this Monmouth County park. 7. Worthington State Forest Long canine hikes are on the menu here, studded with star destinations: Sunfish Pond, the Appalachian Trail, Rattlesnake Swamp, Van Campens Glen, Coppermines.... 8. Wharton State Forest What dog won’t love these flat, paw-friendly, packed-sand hiking surfaces in the Pine Barrens? And there are 500 miles of them! Pure, tea-colored streams percolate up through the sandy soil for excellent doggie swimming pools. 9. Island Beach State Park You can bring your dog here to swim in the ocean in the middle of the summer. Nuff said! 10. Parvin State Park The premier place to bring your dog for a hike in South Jersey. No hills and no views but your dog won’t be complaining and won’t be able to wipe the wag off her tail on these paw-friendly wooded trails. Parvin Lake is a great spot for your dog to jump in as well. Doug Gelbert is the author of over 20 books, including The Canine Hiker’s Bible. To subscribe to his FREE Newsletter on hiking with your dog and receive a copy of Rules for Dogs in 100 of the Most Popular National Park Service Lands, visit hikewithyourdog.com In the warmer months he leads canine hikes for hikewithyourdog.com tours, guiding packs of dogs and humans on hiking adventures. Tours, ranging from one-day trips to multi-day explorations, visit parks, historical sites and beaches.

Jules Jurgensen - A Time Piece Of History

The house of Jurgensen was established by Jorgen, a farm boy who had run away and showed great interest and talent for the intricate devices in clocks while apprenticed to a clock maker in Copenhagen. Jorgen continued his training in Locle with the famous horologist, J. F. Houriet with whom he set up a business relationship. Jorgen s son, Urban studied horology with his father and then spent time in Locle, Paris and London to perfect his skills. His company was paid by the royal Danish government to start the Danish marine chronometer industry. That involved even more trips to Switzerland, more precisely to Locle and Geneva. He married Sophie-Henriette Houriet, the daughter of J. F. Houriet, with whom he had two sons: Jules and Louis-Urban. Jules Jurgensen was born in Locle, Switzerland in 1808 while his father was studying jewelry. The family was settled in Copenhagen where Urban made timepieces and thermometers. Jules and Louis-Urban grew up in Copenhagen working at the bench as apprentices under their father s supervision. They were the third generation of this family to study horology. In 1835 Jules set himself making watches in Locle. In 1836 married Anastasie Lavalette, a young woman from a family in Geneva, also involved in watch making business. They had five children including two sons, Jules-Urban-Frederick and Jacques-Alfred who followed him in the craft and became renown in their own turn. In 1838, Jules took over his father s company and changed the name to Urban Jurgensen and Sons. He started the production of fine watches under different names: Copenhagen , Urban Jurgensen and Sonner and Jules Jurgensen, Copenhagen . The firm continued under family control until 1916 when David Golay bought the company from Jules s widow. Then, in 1925, the firm was sold out to E. Heuer in Bienne. During the depression, in 1936, demand for great watches shrunk to a mere trickle and the firm was sold to the New York house of Aisenstein-Woronock. Jules Jurgensen produced many fine, different, and fascinating watches. His most notable patent (1867) was the method of setting the hands of the watch by moving the bow forward or backward. He put guard rings on the bow so the clutch would not engage unless the front or back of the case was open. These became such a style feature that American case makers imitated them and sold Jurgensen style  cases with rings on the bows. Over the years, Jules Jurgensen watches have earned more than 32 international awards for design and quality workmanship. Any Danish watch collector should own at least one of these timepieces, because many of the watches carry the royal Danish crown. The author is a regular writer for Articleated.com and webmaster at Good Time Watches , a site that carry watches and ALLdigitALL Computers and Electronics , a computer and consumer electronics oriented web site.

Mt Kenya Sirimon Route - Guide To Trekking Mt Kenya Sirimon Trek

Sirimon Route A popular alternative to Naro Moru, this route has more spectacular scenery, greater flexibility and a gentler rate of ascent; although it is still easy to climb too fast, so allow five days for the trek. It’s well worth considering combining it with the Chogoria Route for a six â€"to seven â€"day traverse that will really bring out the best of Mt Kenya. Nanyuki is the best launching point for this route. Best Sleeping Places on Mt Kenya Sirimon Route Old Moses Hut (dm US$ 10) at 3300m and Shipton’s Camp (dm US$12) at 4200m serve trekkers on this route. They’re both booked through the Mountain Rock Lodge (, near Naro Moru. Depending on how you ascend or descend, you may also sleep at Austrian Hut (dm Ksh 1000), which is almost an hour below the summit .it is booked and paid for at any park gate. Guides and Porters In Nanyuki, guides operating out of Mt Kenya Mountaineering Information Office (Mt Kenya Paradise Hotel) are generally quite reliable, but ask to see their KWS registration and go over your planned route in detail. the people at Montana Trek and information center (Jambo House Hotel, Lumumba Rd ,Nanyuki)seem to know their staff but are a bit more pushy. Guides/porters are also available from Mountain Rock Lodge for US$ 15/12 per day. As with Naro Moru route, they prefer it if you take all-inclusive packages. Sirimon Route Mt Kenya Trek It is 15 km from Nanyuki to the Sirimon gate and transport is included in with pre-booked packages .otherwise take a matatu towards Timau or Meru, or arrange a lift from town. From the gate, it’s about 9Km through the forest to Old Moses Hut (3300m) where you can spend the first night. On the second day, you could head straight through the moorland for Shipton’s Camp, but it is worth taking an extra day to go via Liki North Hut (3993 m)a tiny place on the floor of a classic glacial valley. The actual hut is a complete wreck and is only meant for porters, but it is a good campsite with a toilet and stream nearby. You can also walk further up the hill to help acclimatize. On the third day ,head straight up the western side of the Liki North Valley and over the ridge into Mackinder’s Valley ,joining the direct route about 1 ½ hours in. After crossing the Liki River, follow the path for another 30 minutes until you reach the bunkhouse at Shipton’s Camp (4200m), which is set in a fantastic location right below Batian and Nelion. The camp is also within sight of two glaciers, which can also be heard cracking. From Shipton’s you can push straight for Point Lenana (4895), a tough-three-to four hour slog via Harris Tarn and the tricky north face approach ,or take the Summit Circuit in either direction around the peak to reach Austrian Hut (4790m),about one hour below the summit. The left-hand (east) route past Simba Col is shorter but steeper while the right-hand (west) option, takes you on the Harris Tarn trail nearer the main peaks. From Austrian Hut take the standard southwest traverse up to Point Lenana. If you are spending the night here, it is worth having a wander around to catch the views up to Batian and down the Lewis Glacier into Teleki Valley, as well as the spectacular ice cave by the Curling Pond. Chogoria Route This route is justly famous for crossing some of the most spectacular and varied scenery on Mt Kenya, and is often combined with the Sirimon route (usually as the descent).the only disadvantage is the long distance between Chogoria village and the park gate. Allow at least five days for a trek here. Side trips to Lake Michaelson and Lake Ellis would take a couple of extra days. Sleeping in Sirimon mt Kenya climbing and trekking route The only option besides camping is on this route is Meru Mt Kenya Lodge(s/tw US$22/44), a group of comfortable cabins administered by Meru County Council (Kenyatta Hwy, Meru) Guides and Porters The best place to organize guides and porters is the Mount Kenya Chogoria Guides and porters Association (Tel 064-22096) at the Transit Motel near Chogoria Village. Guide sand porters aren’t available beyond the Chogoria Forest Station. If you want porters you want to walk the whole stretch between Chogoria and the park gate, you may be charged two extra days’ wages â€"make sure you negotiate everything before you leave. The Sirimon Trek The main reason this route is more popular as a descent is the 29Km bottom stage .while it is not overly steep, climbing upwards for that distance is much harder than descending it. Either way, it’s a beautiful walk through the farmland, rainforest and bamboo zones. You can camp near the Forest Station 6 Km out of town. But you’ll still have 23 Km to walk the next day. Transport is available from the village but it will cost you, and even a Land Rover may struggle in the wet. Camping is possible at the gate, or you can stay nearby in Meru Mt Kenya Lodge (3000m)- with transport to town available and a small shop selling beer ,which is also popular with people coming down. On the second day ,head up through the forest to the trailhead (camping is possible here).from here it’s another 7 Km over rolling foothills to the hall Tarns area and Minto’s Hut (4300m).like Liki North this nasty hut is only intended for porters, but the area makes a descent campsite. It has a stream for water and a long-drop loo which, incidentally, finally has a door (though it won’t close!) don’t use tarns here to wash anything, as they have already been polluted by careless trekkers. From here you follow the trail up alongside the stunning Gorges Valley (another possible descent route for the adventurous) and scramble up some steep ridges to meet the Summit Circuit, which can take you either direction. It is possible to go straight for the north face or southwest ridge of Point Lenana, but stopping at Austrian Hut or detouring to Shipton’s camp is probably a better idea and gives you more time to enjoy the scenery. Summit Circuit While everyone who summits Pt Lenana gets a small taste of the spectacular Summit Circuit, few trekkers ever grab the beautiful beast by the horns and hike it’s entire length .the trail encircles the main peaks of Mt Kenya between the 4300m and 4800m contour lines and offers challenging terrain, fabulous views and a splendid opportunity to familiarize yourself with this complex mountain. It is also a fantastic way to further acclimatize before bagging Pt Lenana. On of the many highlights along the route is a peek at Mt Kenya’s southwest face, with the long, thin Diamond Colouir leading up to the gates of the Mists between the summits of Batian and Nelion. Depending on your level of fitness, this route can take between four and nine hours. Some fit souls have bagged Pt Lenana (from Austrian Hut or Shipton’s Camp) and then completed the Summit Circuit the same day. The trail can be deceptive at times, especially when the fog rolls in, and some trekkers have become seriously lost between Tooth Col and Austrian Hut. It is imperative to take a guide if attempting this route. Robert is a tour consultant with landmark safaris in Kenya. Click here to plan high altitude bliss landmarksafaris.com/planner/?refferer=ezinearticles

Benefits of Bird Watching - A Hobby For Everyone

Bird watching is becoming ever more popular across the globe. In both Europe and the USA there are many hundreds of groups that have been created for bird watchers. Whilst some of these groups are smaller meetings of like-minded people, others are extremely large and well organized. Bird watching is not only a simple and effective stress-reliever it is also intellectually stimulating. There are so many different kinds of bird that the bird watcher has the opportunity to have a new experience each and every time he/she takes time out to go bird watching. Some of the most beautiful creatures on the planet are to be found close to your home. The graceful nature of birds makes bird watching one of the most rewarding hobbies you can choose. Furthermore, bird watching can be combined with taking exercise and experiencing the beauty of the countryside. If you are looking for a hobby that the whole family can participate in then bird watching must surely be on your list. Birds pose no threat to children and getting your kids involved can turn your next holiday into an experience that builds ever-stronger bonds within your family unit. If you feel passionate about our world and the environment, then bird watching can be an effective way to combine a fascinating hobby with action to preserve our planet. By spending some time learning about the patterns of behavior and migration of different types of birds, bird watchers are able to make a significant contribution to the body of knowledge that helps wild life organizations protect and preserve the natural environment. Discover More On The Benefits Of Bird Watching

Best Parks to Go Camping in North America

With so many National and State parks around the country, it is hard to find the perfect park in which to go camping. Traditional campgrounds, even when in park settings, can be easily forgotten, and even the most beautiful parks may be wonderful to visit but not very great to camp in. When you are planning on camping in a park setting, it is best to choose a park that is memorable and will offer you some of the best sceneries in the country. If you do find one of these fabulous campsites then you should plan ahead to make sure that there is room for you to stay. Many of the most popular campsites get booked up to capacity well ahead of time, so be sure to make a reservation. The best camping parks usually come equipped with a restroom, built-in grills or a fire pit, and beautiful views, so they are typically packed especially during the summer season. Some of the best parks in the North America are as follows: • Marble Canyon - Arizona • Allagash Wilderness - Maine • Flat Tops - Colorado • High Point - New Jersey • Wood-Tikchik - Alaska • Apua Point - Hawaii These are just a few of the many beautiful parks in North America. There are even more if you are willing to travel a little further into Europe. There are many campsites located throughout France and the English countryside. They can be booked through camping packages, and some even offer a night of camping, along with a night at a world class Bed and Breakfast. Just as in North America, Europe offers your traditional budget-friendly parks, moderate or mid-priced camping parks, and luxury parks. Whether you are planning to camp in North America, the world famous campsites of the French Riviera, the Swiss Alps, or Italy, along with so many others, you can enjoy yourself while enjoying some of the most eye-popping scenery in the world. To find some of these amazing campsites you should check with a local travel agent or do some searching of your own throughout the Internet which can direct you to some beautiful park campsites. When traveling long distances to go camping, you still need to be prepared with everything from a sturdy backpack to quality footwear. This is especially important, even if you are camping in North America, because you just don t know when you are going to be able to get to the nearest store. Be prepared for your camping trip and you will have a wonderful time. For practical RV and camping readiness information, please visit rv-camping-preparation.com , a popular site providing great insights concerning issues that help you with camping and buying that RV you ve dreamed of.

Black Bears

The Black bear, or Ursus americanus to scientists, is the most common species of bear in North America. If you go camping somewhere in the United States, Mexico or Canada and you see a bear, chances are you’re looking at a black bear. And with the recent tragedy of the Clyde family and an assault by a black bear in Tennessee, it makes sense to approach them with respect and caution. Compared to other American bears, black bears are smaller and more agile, usually weighing from 150-300 pounds, though they can sometimes weigh much more. While they are often black, black bears also come in dark brown and even grayish shades. They are almost always smaller and less furry than their brown bear cousins, and lack the distinctive shoulder hump of the grizzly. Like most bears, the black bear is an omnivore and will eat virtually anything it can get its paws on, though black bears tend to eat more vegetation than their cousins. Roots, seeds, grasses, berries, leaves, twigs, sometimes even bark and the inner parts of trees will make up most of the bear’s diet throughout the year. Black bears will also eat a variety of insects, smaller mammals, and are good at catching fish. Black bears are not particularly aggressive or violent towards people. In many areas, bears are actually quite tame and unafraid of us, and will even be found begging for scraps along the sides of roads. Though their vision is only average, they have an amazing sense of smell, and have a knack for getting into places they shouldn’t be, like cars, gardens or dumpsters. If you are going to be camping in an area where there are black bears, just make sure you don’t leave any food in a place you wouldn’t want a bear to get to. For example, never store opened food items inside your tent. Any food items that are exposed to the sense of smell should be kept tightly sealed, hung from a tree, or at the very least a good distance away from your campsite. My only experience with black bears occurred while I was backpacking with friends in Yosemite. The campsite we reached on the first night was crawling with black bears. Though we were a little nervous at first, it was soon clear they weren’t going to bother us, so we set up camp as planned. As soon as we began cooking dinner, however, we found ourselves with a good-sized bear audience. For the most part they kept their distance, but when we weren’t looking they’d creep closer and closer to get a better look and smell for what we were making. As soon as we looked over at them, they’d turn away and pretend like they weren’t really interested, feigning interest in some twig instead. When we woke the next morning, we discovered the bears had licked all our dishes completely clean. Although the experience I had was actually quite humorous, black bears are certainly capable of causing great bodily injury to you if they feel threatened. Its never a good idea to approach a bear, and if you see bear cubs you should stay far away because there is a very good chance they have a protective mother nearby. Learn more about natural habitats and patterns of domestic and wild animals at Animal Articles

Premier Recreation Destination: The Columbia River Gorge of the Pacific Northwest

The small town of Hood River resides at the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, a National Scenic Area and a premier destination for anyone who is serious about recreation. Hood River was once an agricultural center surrounded by pear orchards, but fifteen years ago the town became a mecca for windsurfers. Although it was windsurfing that put the Columbia River Gorge on the recreation map, today the gamut of the recreation industry is firmly established in the scenic Gorge, and Hood River is its base of operations. If you can name it, then there is someone doing it someplace in the Gorge - from kayaking and kite surfing to mountain biking and snowboarding. It s all available within half an hour of downtown Hood River. Passing along the main street of this little town where colorfully painted Victorian homes on the steep hillsides overlook several dozen shops and restaurants, there is a sidewalk bustle of hard-bodies seeing and being seen. They step in and out of boutique sport shops where one can order a custom wet-suit or select obscure handmade flies for fly-fishing. Nearly every parking space is occupied by an all-wheel-drive vehicle sporting a Yakima or Thule roof rack that secures some kind of recreational gear. On one survey of the six block stretch that comprises the main drag, there were one or more of the following on display atop the sporty vehicles: kayaks, snowboards, mountain bikes, windsurfing boards, skis, road bikes, and although there wasn t a canoe this time, there often is. Those roof-top items are just the beginning. A look inside some of the rigs reveals the greater depth of recreational opportunity. Small kite-sailing boards, wet-suits, fishing rods, hiking packs and boots are visible in many of the vehicles. Go down to the marina and there is even more: sail boats, motor boats for water skiing, jet skis, and an outfitter for white-water rafting on tributaries of the Columbia River. If there is an outdoor sport that you love - water, snow, mountain, whatever! - or a sport that you d like to try, then the Gorge is the place for you. It s happening here, guaranteed. And after a grueling day on the slopes, on the river, or on the trail, you can relax at one of the many charming bed-and-breakfasts or historic hotels (Hood River was part of the Oregon Trail, after all). Soothe tired muscles at Carson Hot Springs across the river in Carson, Washington, and then return to the Oregon side of the river to meet people from around the world who share your interest in whatever sport you played that day, or would like to play the next. You ll enjoy funky cafés or fine dining. Choices abound. And cap off the night with freshly brewed gourmet coffees or craft beer, since Hood River is the home of the famous Full Sail Brewing Company. Mmm, mmm good. What are you waiting for? Any time of year, fly in to Portland, Oregon and head east on Interstate 84, along the border between Oregon and Washington state. Within an hour you will find yourself at the heart of the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Be ready to play hard; you ve arrived at the ultimate recreation destination. Judith Schwader loves to travel and tell stories about her traveling adventures. She reviews popular destinations and lodgings, as well as the more off-beat places to explore. Visit A Travel To located at atravelto.com/ for travel tips and resources.

Bay Of Naples - Not All Hot Air (Part 2)!

Bay Of Naples - Not All Hot Air (Part 2)! Although the area s past history is unmissable (see part 1), there is plenty to admire today about this famous area of Italy. Capri is a must. If you go during July and August the island is overrun with tourists. There are many ferries running from the various ports on the main land. Capri s port is very busy but you can escape the bedlam by heading for Anacapri by bus or taxi. Anacapri has splendid shops and restaurants but do take the chair lift to the summit. You can admire the panoramic view from the cafe on the summit. Of course, Capri town is a must see! The chic shops and a glimpse of a celeb is on offer. Be warned the town is extremely busy - only after the ferries have left can you really enjoy the town. Although a boat trip around the island is pleasant, the Blue Grotto is overrated. If Capri is said to be the playground of the rich and famous, Amalfi and particularly Positano are becoming more well-known. You can reach the resorts by bus, coach or boat. The coastline is dramatic but by road it is difficult to stop and admire the views. Positano is quainter than Amalfi with its narrow streets winding down to the pebble beach. The water is a sparkling blue and so inviting. A pair of sandles can be made on the spot for you and there are many artists in the streets to enjoy. The Italian food on offer must be sampled - there are many restaurants overlooking the bay. How better to finish the day with a magnificent view, fabulous meal and a glass of wine! If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main resorts, there are frequent buses (including open-top versions) to explore the villages and town in the hills on the peninsula. Enjoy true Italian hospitality in these towns and villages - sample a local dish or just enjoy the views, and abundant flora and fauna. There are many guide-books for those who want to enjoy a longer walk in the hills. Top Tips Use Public transport - trains and buses are cheap and frequent Avoid driving - Italian drivers are totally mad. Take the bus! Take plenty of water with you. Italian Property - Apartments are reasonably priced but for a quieter life try the smaller villages in the hills (the views are spectacular). Howard Farmer PropertyMagnate.com International Property 100s of Properties and New Developments selected from around the world - from Canada and USA to France, Italy, Spain in Europe to S Africa and Dubai. Large selection of Italian Property .

Enchanting Switzerland

Just arrived home from Switzerland and I am already missing it. Switzerland with all its scenic beauty,cow bells and marvelous and ever-ready to help people. One of my husbands friend had already been to Switzerland and he provided us with a tour plan for four days. We had four days and there was so much to do and see. We tried to squeeze in everything that we could. Instead of staying at a hotel in Inerlaken (it was suggested by our friend and all the Indian crowd invariably land there). Interlaken is in the center of Switzerland, so it can be made base for the tour, but my husband had already talked to his friend in Lausanne and we stayed there for our trip.Lausanne is the Olympic Capital since 1994. It is home to the Olympic Museum, the most visited site in Switzerland. Bjart Ballet of Lausanne is world-famous. From what I have seen of Switzerland, I can say that every inch of this country is beautiful, not only the landscapes but people too. It is also worth mentioning that the Swiss people don t talk in English but that won t be a problem if you want some help. They always try to help strangers. I got a rude shock and back to reality message on board the N2 bus from London Victoria station. A drunkard started using abusive language with a lady with a child, saying she wasn t a good mother. The baby started crying.The lady asked the driver to throw the man off the bus but got no reaction, ultimately she herself had to get down earlier.Then the guy turned his attention at Ananya, who was blissfully sleeping through all the clamor, but thankfully nothing untoward happened. THINGS TO DO: For adventure sport enthusiasts, Switzerland is a gold mine.You can go trekking on beautiful alps,river rafting, ice skiing, skating, cycling on mountains. Switzerland has a cycling tradition which is not generally seen in London. Swiss trains even have special space provided for cycles.I saw double decker trains for the first time here.There are 3300 km (2046 miles) of well-marked interlinked trails, most of which offer easy cycling. Bicycles can be hired at most railway stations and at many other locations. Those hired at stations can then be returned to any station at the end of the tour. Lakes such as Lake Geneva, Lugano, and Neuchtel offer sailing, water-skiing and canoing. Rowing can be done on Lake Zürich. hiking is a national passion in Switzerland, and hikers are very well catered for. Approximately 50,000km of trails lead through all kinds of terrain in this spectacularly beautiful country. We went to Rhein falls on the first day.It is a photographer s delight.We had luggage with us and there was no place to put it. So we had to drag it with us all the way up and down the stairs. While coming back to the platform we found out that the place where people were depositing their belongings for a ride in boat was very near to platform.Advice: If you have luggage with you then go down to the left from platform,its hardly 50 meters.The person who takes care for the luggage charges 1 frank per suitcase. SHOPPING: Chocolates: Swiss chocolates are world famous.They give good competition to Belgian ones. My husbands colleagues at office had demanded that he get them swiss chocolates. We thought of buying them at duty free shops at Geneva airport but all the shops had already closed except one, (our flight was at 9.50 pm) The shop that was opened had very expensive brands but we had to buy them anyways. Advice: Buy chocolates from supermarkets like Coop or Migros. Frey is a good brand and not heavy on the pocket as well. Teuscher (try the champagne truffles) and Sprngli are for fat wallets. Swiss Army Knife:This knife has a blade as well as various tools, such as screwdrivers and can openers. The term Swiss Army knife was coined by US soldiers after World War II, as they couldn t pronounce its original name, Offiziersmesser .. Cow Bells: Of varying sizes, these cowbells are a great hit among Indian tourists.Hindi movie Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaenge has this scene where Kajol and Shah rukh khan argue over who got first to the shop to buy the cow bell. I also bought one but smaller and more cute. Watches: Rollex, Omega,TagHeuer, Swatch, Mont Blanc, yes all these brands are swiss. Cuckoo Clocks: Its not a Swiss product, but cliches are stronger than fact.the cuckoo clock has nothing at all to do with Switzerland. It was invented in the Black Forest of southern Germany in 1738, the area which is still the center of their production. Cheese: It is said that anyone can make the holes but only swiss can make the cheese.Hard cheese, soft cheese, cottage cheese, cheese made in mountain chalets, cheese made in valley factories, cheese shaved into rosettes, cheese boxed in red pine, cheese melted in wine to make fondue, hot cheese dribbled over potatoes to make raclette...and what not. Some Interesting Facts About Switzerland: Many celebrities have made Switzerland their home.Boris Baker lives in Schwyz, in central Switzerland. The great Irish writer James Joyce moved to Switzerland from Paris because of the War. French actress Isabella Adjani settled in Geneva. Charlie Chaplin lived for over 20 years in Switzerland. Roger Moor, the man who incarnated James Bond has lived in Crans-Montana since the end of his acting career. Former Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher has been living in Switzerland since 1996. Bollywood Connection: On an average, 25 Bollywood movies are shot in the picturesque backdrops in switzerland every year. Switzerland was first used as a location by Indian filmmakers in the 1960s, when Raj Kapoor and Shakti Samanta ( both reknowned Indian film directors) went there to shoot Sangam and An Evening in Paris respectively. In 2002, leading Bollywood director and producer Yash Chopra was conferred the Swiss Filmfare Award by the Switzerland government for his role in promoting the country as a preferred location. Switzerland is also home to the huge Nestle food company. Punctuality:Not surprisingly for a country that is known for making clocks, the Swiss have a near-obsession with being on time, trains are never late. Tour Information Tickets: No need to feel hassled if you missed your train and now stranded on platform.Ticket counters at every station will give full detail (printed on small leaflets)of the timing, number of train, platform no,trains to be changed and at which station to go to your destination. You can easily plan your journey with the help of these small leaflets. Geneva is no tourist paradise: Tourists expect a lot here in the international capital of Switzerland, but Geneva doesn t match to those expectations. Our last day was reserved for Geneva. We reached there around 4 p.m. Geneva is the costliest city in Switzerland. We got on a ride on city train, similar to the one at Lucerne but were fooled. The train only circled round and round in the botanical garden, never allowing us any glimpse of the city. There are private bus tours which will take you to the offices of a horde of international organizations.but Other than the Saturday flea market in Plain de Plainpalais, where you can hunt for that rare music record, there is nothing to do in this small city. The United Nations building, that neighbors other international organizations like ILO, WTO, and UNHCR, is a desolate structure.But like Lucerne, Zürich and Lausanne, you can take a streamer here too and spend four hours enjoying the scenery. Swiss rail pass gives access to all ferries and streamers. CHAO There is a lot to write and share, but for now I wind up here. Let s meet some other day and discuss Switzerland over a bite of chocolate.

Vegan and Vegetarian One-Stop Shopping Made Easy

Are you a new vegetarian or vegan? OR maybe just frustrated with having to read product labels at the supermarket and not happy with the limits such things can place on your lifestyle. Well finding vegan and vegetarian foods and lifestyle products is so easy these days it s a breeze! One Stop Vegan and Vegetarian Shopping is EASY. There are more options than ever before as one stop vegan stores are now in abundance all thanks to the world wide web. So vegetarian shopping is now made very simple and easy for anyone wishing to avoid animal by-products vegan shopping is now readily available to everyone. The sites below are by no means the only shops which cater for vegan and vegetarian needs, however the ones we ve listed are some of the better known stores and they do carry vegan and vegetarian products ranging from food and sweets, to vitamins and supplements, clothing, shoes, cosmetics, baby products, pet supplies, books, magazines and DVDs and skin and hair care plus much more. To the best of my knowledge they are usually all owned and run by vegans and you will not find any animal testing or products at all within their product ranges. So here are just a few Vegan and Vegetarian Stores To Pick From . . . ** VeganEssentials is both an online store and a retail shop located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They have been in business since early 1998 and are one of the USA s oldest cruelty-free retailers, filling the needs of vegans worldwide for nearly a decade. Living free from animal products is easy with Vegan Essentials as they guarantee the authenticity of all their vegan products and strive to make a vegan shopping experience with them a pleasant one. They have over 1200 vegan items in stock and ship worldwide with fast turn around times. VeganEssentials.com ** Pangea Vegan Store based in USA, Pangea Vegan Store has a great selection of anything vegan including their very own range of vegan sweets and marshmallows. They have both a store front (in Rockville, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. is open for walk-in customers every Saturday and Sunday (holidays excepted) see their website for full details on opening times) and their famous online store which is a one-stop source for all things cruelty free and vegan. VeganStore.com ** The Vegetarian Site has many things a vegan can benefit with online shopping, recipes, environmental news and views plus juicers, hemp products, gifts and everything in between. The great thing about The Vegetarian Site is that they donate 10% of sales to nonprofits, its 100% vegan and satisfaction is guaranteed. TheVegetarianSite.com ** The Cruelty Free Shop - Australia has loads vegan goodies including cosmetics, body and baby care, food, books, candles and gifts if you live in Australia and are looking for options this is one of only a few 100% vegan stores around. They vegan products are certified by Choose Cruelty Free/The Vegan Society so you can be sure you are avoiding all animal by-products. CrueltyFreeShop.com.au ** Got Soul is one of the newest vegan shops based in Australia they have a nice selection of cruelty-free products for compassionate persons. Their mission is to be the Mecca of all things environmentally-friendly, cruelty free and vegan. They have food, household, beauty, gifts and wine plus other goodies on the way. This site is one too keep an eye on if you are vegan. GotSoul.com.au ** Vegan Store - UK, with a huge collection of over 800 vegan cruelty free goodies, you can always snap up a bargain, check out the leather alternatives and snack on some classic food and sweets. They have groceries, books and badges as well as vegan white chocolate and many more vegan living items that can help you better your vegetarian lifestyle easily. VeganStore.co.uk ** DownBound an all vegan, organic and sweatshop-free environment. You will find a massive collection of hemp goodies at Downbound. Loads of everything vegan presented in a great ethical environment. As easy as vegan shopping can be. With heaps of vegan cat and dog food options for all those companion friends out there plus food, music, supplements, fabrics, footwear and home and garden options. If you re looking for ethical vegan products this is a great place to check out. DownBound.com No matter what type of vegan or vegetarian foods or lifestyle products you are looking for if you try one of the above online stores you re sure to find something suitable for yourself. Don t forget there are many more vegan, cruelty-free 100% vegetarian one stop shops worldwide to choose from. The above list is only very small compared to the stores actually available. These are just random vegan stores we ve listed that could get you started if you are not sure exactly where to look or what you are after. Rebecca has worked in the vegetarian and vegan industry for years. She is the founder of VeganSecrets.com a portal with many interesting vegan and vegetarian books, articles, veg living tips and information on everything vegan, vegetarian and cruelty-free.

Pre-paid SIM Card for Ireland

Ireland is the third largest island in Europe, with an area of 32,544 square miles, and is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea. It is divided into two sovereign states, the Republic of Ireland, that constitutes one-sixth of the southern, eastern, western and north-western part and the Northern Ireland which forms a part of the United Kingdom. The name Ireland is derived from the name Ériu, which in modern Irish is Éire, with addition of the world land . As per the census of 2006, the population of the island was about 6 million, with just over 4.2 million in the Republic of Ireland and 1.7 million in Northern Ireland. The climate in Ireland is temperate compared to the countries lying in the same latitude. The country is full of lakes and rivers and the soil is good and fertile at some places. It grows corn, hemp, and flax in plenty and beef and butter are exported, and articles like hides, wool, tallow, wood, salt, honey, and wax are traded. Ireland produces fine linen cloth, which is made to specialised perfection and traded. The history of Ireland is full of legends and myths. The people in Ireland still remember the famous sea-warrior, Fionn Mac Cumhaill, who, as a boy, is said to have gained his wisdom by tasting the salmon of knowledge . His feats in triumphing over the giants and magicians are still remembered by the Irish people. There are more of such myths which still remain in the minds of the people. Many of the patron-saints of various localities are the centers of myths. The history of Ireland portrays these saints as having sacred power to banish the monsters, cure illnesses, and provide food for the people in time of need. There is much famous fairy lore, the stories of which show the presence of traditions prior to Christianity. Ireland is full of castles, stone towers, walls and other fortifications and some of these are well restored, while the others lie in a heap of rubbles as a testament of the past glory. The castles were built in Ireland as a fortification against invaders and were such dwellings which were made for providing security. While it is true that most of these castles were owned by the clan heads, Kings or the honoured English gentry, most of the castles in Ireland were not the grand dwellings of the royalty. When the Vikings came to Ireland, they further enhanced this fortification by putting up stone walls around entire villages or towns, with watch towers at intervals. Castles in Ireland are not as big as one would think. They are small and dark, with few small windows, just to look out for anyone approaching. The rooms are generally small so that a small fire can keep the occupants warm and keep the bitter cold and the damp away. Few have big halls and many have their own chapel. Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, lies along the sweep of Dublin Bay. It is situated between the rocky Howth in the north and the headland of Dalkey to the south. The river Liffey, while flowing into the harbour, divides the city between the northern and southern part, both part inked by several bridges, the main one being the O Connell Bridge. The major part of Dublin, bordered by fine parklands, lies in the southern part of the River Liffey, with the other part of the city situated on the northern bank. The Grand Canal links the Dublin Bay with Shannon River. The canal was constructed mainly for the purpose of improving the city s water supply. The canal was completed in 1804 and there-after many small canals were constructed, which branched out to the small towns lying near the Dublin and Shannon harbour. The canal lost its importance as the railroad was developed and about 1960 s the commercial traffic through the canal ended. The largest city after Dublin and Belfast is the city of Cork, which has an international airport. It lies inland at the south coast, linked with the sea by a narrow channel called Passage West leading to the Cork Harbour. The two arms of the river Lee, which are the north and south channels, enclose the central area of Cork, forming an island. The River Lee flows into Cork Harbour which is called Lough Mahon. The river is spanned by several bridges. Cork has many cultural institutions, which include the Cork library, scientific society founded in 1820. The city is the cultural center of southern Ireland. The city is thriving on shipping agricultural produce. The industries in Cork include brewing, foodstuffs, textiles, footwear and chemicals. In the seventh century A.D., St Finbarr found a monastery on a small alluvial island in the River Lee. The Cathedral of St. Finbarr still stands at that spot. In-spite of several Danish raids, the settlement, which grew up all around the monastery, survived and prospered. This settlement was fortified later by the Danes. Henry II, the English King, conquered Ireland which was retaken by the Irish and taken many times by the English. When you visit Ireland, you would need to be in touch with your associates and friends, locally and abroad and with your family back home as well. You will also require to be available to those who want to get in touch with you. You will, no doubt, have your cell phone with you when you visit that country. If you had gone abroad for a visit, at the time when mobile telephony was not available, you would have used the telephone in your hotel room to make the calls that you wanted. You had made local and international calls. The bills were exorbitant and way out of your budget set for making such expenses. When cell phones became available you had taken your cell phone abroad on roaming. You had made calls locally and abroad and paid for incoming calls too. Cell phones on roaming are charged extra for the outgoing and incoming calls and the charges are quite expensive. When you are on cellular roaming, you get the facility to make and receive voice calls, send and receive data, or access other services, when you move out from your own home area, as you do when visiting abroad. This facility is available through the local network of the country that you are in. In providing you with this facility, your home service provider has entered into a business contract with the operator of the country that you are visiting. This agreement allows you to make use of your cell phone in Ireland, for making calls locally and abroad Your home service provider pays the operator of the network that you are using in Ireland for every call that you make and receive. In turn, you are charged for the roaming facility provided and such charges are pretty high. A pre-paid SIM card for Ireland saves you up to 80% of your call charges. When you buy a pre-paid SIM card for Ireland, you get a local number and you pay for your calls as the locals do. All your incoming calls are free, no matter where they generate from and you do not pay for roaming. You do not have to sign any contract with a service provider and you do not get to receive any bill at the end of the month. When you buy a pre-paid SIM card for Ireland, you also get a small talk time credit with your SIM card, so that you may start using your cell phone right away as soon as you reach your destination abroad. You can buy recharge vouchers or coupons from practically any shop in the cities of Ireland, to top up your talk time credit. These coupons are available in various denominations and you can choose the value of the credit that you want. Since you pre-pay for your calls, you are in complete control of the expenses that you incur for the purpose and there is none of that worry of receiving an exorbitant bill amount at the end of the month. For more information on pre-paid SIM card for Ireland, visit planetomni.com/FAQ_sim.shtml A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is a printed circuit board smart card that renders your cell phone intelligent. It is a little smaller in size than that of a postage stamp and goes in a slot at the back of your cell phone. You will find the slot as you take off the back cover of your cell phone. The SIM card consists of a microprocessor circuitry and memory. It holds your unique information, identifying you, your service plan, the SIM card and your cell phone identity, the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and other security details. When your cell phone is switched on, the information is transmitted to the nearest tower in the city that you are in. This is checked for validity in the operator’s database and on clearence, your cell phone gets logged into the network. At this time you are ready to use your cell phone. The process is so fast that you do not realise the delay. The SIM card also holds your address book, where you store the names and telephone numbers of the people you frequently call. It also logs your incoming and outgoing calls and the calls which you fail to answer. It logs them according to the date and time of the calls received and made. You will need a GSM cell phone with you when you visit Ireland. The networks in Ireland operate on 900MHz and 1800MHz GSM frequency bands. Therefore, even if you have a GSM cell phone, it is unlikely that it will work in Ireland, unless you have a multi-frequency cell phone with you, having the compatible frequency bands. North America, Canada and some of the countries in the Americas, work on 850MHz and 1900MHz GSM frequency bands, which are not compatible with the ones used in Ireland. If you do not have a multi-frequency bandwidth cell phone with you, it is economical for you to rent one such. If you are a frequent traveller, going out of the United States often, you might consider buying a compatible GSM cell phone, which may be used in the countries of your visit. For more information on buying or renting cell phones, please visit planetomni.com/FAQ_gsm.shtml Cell phones are available in multi-frequency bands, making it convenient for the people going abroad, visiting number of countries. The Quad-band phone covers all GSM frequencies and can work in any of the GSM region in the world. The Tri-band works on three of the GSM frequency bands and these are, 800MHz, 900MHz and 1800MHz, and would work in most of the GSM countries. There is the Dual-band covering two of the GSM frequency bands, 800MHz and 1900MHz. Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) technology is an open structure second generation (2G), first digital mobile telephony technology, replacing the old analog first generation (1G) system. GSM is used in over 214 countries and has 80% subscription amongst the total mobile users in the world. There are four frequency bands offered by GSM and these are, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, and 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz, which are distributed to the different regions, with some of the regions using common frequency bands. Within these four frequency bands, North America, Canada and some of the countries in Americas use 850MHz and 1900MHz, which are exclusive to this part of the world. GSM offers the advantage of letting you remain in touch with the world from about anywhere in in this planet. Whether you carry your own phone, buy one or rent, you must ensure that the cell phone that you are taking with you is SIM unlocked. If it is SIM locked, you will not be able to use your phone with your pre-paid SIM card for Ireland or any other SIM card. A cell phone is SIM locked for specific purposes. One example is that, when you sign a contract with a service provider, a clause in that contract would stipulate that you will be required to use the services of the service provider for a definite period of time, which may be one year. Further, you will receive a cell phone free of cost to you and it becomes yours once the contract period is over. The cell phone that you receive is SIM locked and would work only with the SIM card that you have received along with the cell phone from your service provider. This is done to ensure that you use only the SIM given by the service provider for the whole contract period. At the end of the contract period, your service provider will help you to SIM unlock your phone, when you are at liberty to use any SIM card of your choice. A pre-paid SIM card for Ireland is affordable and saves you substantially on your call expenses. With this SIM card, you are not charged for any of the incoming calls that you receive and you do not pay for roaming. The charges that you pay for your calls are the same as the locals do. In pre-paying for the air time usages, you are being able to keep a check on the expenses that you are incurring for your calls. Cell phone use overseas. In 99% of the world the local cellular service standard is called GSM. We use this in the states as well. When combined with a SIM CARD (which usually goes under the battery of the phone) the phone is able to communicate and the SIM CARD also holds the telephone number and memory for pre-paid credit. Rates can be extremely low using this system. For example in 99% of all SIM CARDS incoming calls are free and calls to the states can cost a trifle. Such as, from the UK to the USA 7 cents/minute, from Israel 22 cents, from Australia 27 cents. Yes, USA Dollar cents! There are today even prepaid service providers in the USA offering rates of 10 cents per minute to call anywhere in the US to any type of phone. No contracts, no credit card checks, no bills. Pre-paid always means no minimums no contracts, no obligations. You only pay for the calls made. You ll need an unlocked GSM tri-band or quadband UNLOCKED phone. You can buy factory unlocked phones and sim cards for more than 170 or the 193 countries on earth from planetomni.com Tel. # 800-514-2984. Cell phone use overseas. In 99% of the world the local cellular service standard is called GSM. We use this in the states as well. When combined with a SIM CARD (which usually goes under the battery of the phone) the phone is able to communicate and the SIM CARD also holds the telephone number and memory for pre-paid credit. Rates can be extremely low using this system. For example in 99% of all SIM CARDS incoming calls are free and calls to the states can cost a trifle. Such as, from the UK to the USA 7 cents/minute, from Israel 22 cents, from Australia 27 cents. Yes, USA Dollar cents! There are today even prepaid service providers in the USA offering rates of 10 cents per minute to call anywhere in the US to any type of phone. No contracts, no credit card checks, no bills. Pre-paid always means no minimums no contracts, no obligations. You only pay for the calls made. You ll need an unlocked GSM tri-band or quadband UNLOCKED phone. You can buy factory unlocked phones and sim cards for more than 170 of the 193 countries on earth from planetomni.com Tel. # 800-514-2984