THE Step to Working Smarter (Japanese Style)

Remember that Coke contest from the 80s? If you collected bottle tops that had the letters to spell T-H-E R-E-A-L T-H-I-N-G, then youd win a zillion dollars.

Im not sure where the drink industry turned the corner but contests and advertisements are no longer all you will find on the underneath side of bottle caps.

The latest beverage I popped open was some high brow herbal elixir that promised energy, health and a stress free life. Interesting claims for a container of strained leaves.

To further my surprise, what I found under the cap was the following Japanese proverb:

Vision without action is daydreaming; action without vision is a nightmare.

Needless to say, this quote made my beveraging experience much more philosophical than I bargained for.

After the laughter from finding a Japanese proverb under by bottle cap subsided, I actually pondered the phrase deeply. It glued itself to my brain for the rest of the day.

So what is it about Vision and Action working together that gives us the changes we so desire? Or, better yet, what is it about Vision without Action and Action without Vision that keeps us from attaining what we want in our lives and careers?

1. Vision without Action Weve all have the best of intentions when it comes to those To Do lists both at work and at home. How about that project, idea, or those personal goals that youve been storing in the Some-Day-Soon vault in the back of your mind?

These are the visions that we have for our lives that are becoming nothing more than daydreams as the months and years continue to pass.

2. Action without Vision

Business revolutionary Michael Gerber says that most of us work in the Technician mode. That is, always doing rather than spending time as the Entrepreneur of our lives creating the visions that will guide our every action.

This gets a little heady but simply put, we create our own mess by not first having a context, or Vision, under which every action takes place. As the proverb tells us, we create our own nightmare.

The Solution

From the enormous project to the smallest tasks: **Know Your Vision!**

Many of my clients work in extremely high pressure jobs. They naturally tend to put out the hottest fires first in an effort to continually whittle down the ever growing pile of work on their desks.

Within minutes of talking with them, their planned actions shift from scattered and chaotic to purposeful and planned out simply because I have them clearly define their Vision.

If their vision is higher productivity and lower stress by working smarter. Every action from our conversation forward will be geared toward fulfilling this vision.

Here are a few questions that help my clients plan actions to fit within the context of their vision:

1. What are you putting up with that is draining focus and energy for your work?
2. What is the plan for the next few hours/day/week?
3. What is realistic for you to accomplish within this amount of time?
4. What will potentially keep this from happening that you can avoid?

These are just a few questions that create a smarter style of work than, which then leads to higher productivity and less stress.

Regardless of whether you are in a high pressure job or are just juggling common challenges of life and career, this philosophy certainly applies.

The proverb of Rob:

Vision and Action together are powerful beyond measure; so to, is Vision and Action without each other!

© 2004 by Dr. Robert A. Eubanks

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About The Author

Dr. Robert A. Eubanks is the founder of Bridge to Solutions Coaching. He coaches people around the country via telephone to improve organization, time management, goal setting and to create the best darn life possible! For a free 30 minute coaching session, e-mail bridgetosolutions@yahoo.com or visit www.bridgetosolutions.com.

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Japanese Hair Straightening: All You Ever Wanted to Know

By now, I'm sure you've heard of the hair straightening process invented in Japan that has swept America and made countless women forever grateful to it's hair-transforming powers. It goes by several different names - Japanese Straightening, Thermal Reconditioning, Straight Perm, and Japanese Straight Perm. So, what exactly can you expect after a thermal reconditioning service? Well, it's actually nothing short of miraculous, if you choose the right product and stylist.

I had my treatment done at a Japanese salon in Ohio that specializes in this service. After about six hours of sitting in the salon, being alternately shampooed, heated under intense heat lamps, blown out, flat ironed, and then going through the entire process again, I emerged from the salon with a completely retexturized, smooth and sleek head of hair. All together, the straightening process cost about $750, including a VERY generous tip and a large bottle of shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for my new tresses. The hourly rate for the service was $80, which is actually below most others that charge about $100 an hour. I was under strict instuctions to guard my hair from water or any type of moisture for the next 72 hours.

I was completely thrilled with my new hair. The light reflected off of it like crazy, and it blew naturally in the breeze, not at all dried out or artificial, like you might expect after a chemical treatment. It actually was in the best condition ever, which seemed counterintuitive since it had esentially just been through six hours of chemical and heat treatment. Nevertheless, it was absolutely and undeniably true.

I was told I would need to come back for a touch up on the new growth anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on how straight I wanted it to stay and the rate of hair growth. It is now six months later, and even though it has more body, it is still shiny and smooth. I actually like it a little more with some body at the roots. It gives it a little extra lift, and the remaining hair is still straight and manageable.

There are some things you want to look out for when searching for a salon that offers thermal reconditioning. First, find out which straightening product they use. The best Japanese Straightening System is Liscio, and the second is Yuko. Both are made in Japan. Any others are to be cautiously researched. Liscio has produced the best results on clients, and if you've read about it anywhere, there is nothing negative to be reported. This is the system the salon I went to used, and my results were healthy and beautiful. Second, make sure the technician performing the service has plenty of experience in the process. Any good salon will provide you with before and after pictures of their work. Third, be sure to be open and honest with the stylist about any prior haircoloring or processing, so they can adjust the treatment accordingly for the best results. Don't fall in to the trap of buying expensive shampoos and conditioners like I did (I spent about $85 on shampoo and conditioner). You can actually use several quality, gentle shampoos and intensive conditioners and get the same, if not better, results ( http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/best-haircare-products-reviews.html ).

After Japanese Straightening, you do want to be sure to keep hair protected from the sun and moisturized, so frequent deep conditioning and an SPF spray or other UV protective hair product is highly recommended. You must wait at least one to two months before coloring your hair after the treatment, depending on your stylist's recommendations. If you can, go to a stylist who was actually trained by a top technician at the corporate headquarters for the system they use. This assures they have been trained correctly and specifically on how to get the best results possible. What this means for you is a lower risk of getting a "botched" straightening job or damaged hair. Do your research. Get online and find the salons in your area that offer the service along with their credentials. After all, you don't want to waste your hard-earned money on something that is less than a superior result. The cost of the treatment can be very high, especially if your hair is particularly long or hard to "de-curl". Typically, the longer and curlier the hair, the longer the process takes, and the more you will spend.

Bottom line, if your hair is unruly, frizzy, or overly curly and you would like to have low maintenance, hassle free hair that is shiny and straight, the "Japanese Straight Perm" is just the thing for you. I know I will be going back for a second round!

About The Author

Danna Schneider is the webmaster of the beauty review and advice website CosmeticsGalore.com ( http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com ). She is a cosmetics and beauty product researcher and enthusiast.

admin@cosmeticsgalore.com

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Do You Want to Try Some of the Luxury Hotels Thailand Has to Offer?

If exploring exotic locations around the world, visiting an elephant nature park and exploring ancient temples are your cup of tea, Thailand is the destination for you. Before you take in the sights and bask in the warmth of Thai hospitality, though, you may want to get settled first in one of the country’s most recommended luxury hotels. Thailand boasts of many nice and lovely hotels that offer incredible value for money.

To make your selection a breeze, you can browse the Internet for an overview of some of the best luxury hotels Thailand has to offer. There are hotels that are a stone’s throw from the mega shopping centers, or just a few steps away from a beach. If you are hankering for a quiet locale, Thailand offers awesome options in oceanside villas or luxury hotels. Thailand will long stay in your heart with the exquisite service, topnotch amenities, and spectacular provided by great accommodations.

Take for instance the Six Senses Hideaway Samui, which is quite a sight for harried souls in search for a haven. A magnificent getaway overlooking the Gulf, 66 split level villas strewn across 20 acres of lush island property will just leave you breathless. It is acclaimed for its spa services, great food that can be enjoyed in a scenic and eco friendly spot, and other exciting attractions or activities like champagne cruises in a private speedboat. Located on Samui Island’s northern tip. You can check out Thailand hotel deals including bonus nights or honeymoon offers on the web in such an idyllic destination.

Or maybe you’d want to see for yourself how the Phuket’s Royal Phuket Yacht Club Hotel was named “World’s Best Leisure Hotel” by an internationally renowned tourism publication Originally known as the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the premier luxury hotel to rise in Phuket, it is the perfect spot for relaxation before embarking on a sightseeing trip. While in this hotel, among those that may be found on web listings of special Thailand hotel deals, you can savor a sumptuous lobster meal with the freshest ingredients or enjoy the afternoon teas while imagining that some of the most famous writers, royalty, and celebrities once stayed there. While at the Royal Phuket Yacht Club, you may take the opportunity to indulge in the hotel’s well known spa, where you can enjoy soothing Thai body remedies fused with western spa treatments.

There are many other luxury hotels Thailand is raring to offer you. At the mesmerizing Anantara Resort Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai overlooking the Mekong River, the many wonders of a nature retreat are at your fingertips. Plush amenities characterize the Anantara Suites and nearby, an elephant camp for great trekking adventure beckons.

You can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Thailand by selecting from the largest selection Thailand hotel deals and discount prices you can find on the Internet. There are smart Thailand hotel deals that even those who are planning a brief business stay in the land of smiles. Check out exclusive Thailand hotel deals that enable you to stay for two nights and get the third night free. Among the five star luxury hotels Thailand has in store for you, you will surely be delighted with Shangri La Hotel, Chiang Mai, quite near some of the city’s popular night bazaars and a few minutes’ drive away from the international airport.

About the Author: The luxury hotels thailand :: Booking Hotels and Package Tours in Thailand. http://www.theluxuryhotelsthailand.com/ - luxury hotels thailand, thailand hotel deals Stephan Suttikarn

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Why is South Beach So Cool?

The better question here is what is not cool about South Beach? If you are looking for a hot vacation spot that has a taste of something for everyone, South Beach in Florida is exactly the place for you. Crystal clear ocean water that never goes below 70 degrees, perfect beaches, incredible food and a great nightlife sounds like the perfect spot, doesn’t it? You would have to be a fool to go anywhere else.

South Beach gets a bad rep for being expensive, when if you know what you are doing, it is far from the truth. Sure, if you want to spend $1,000 a night on your room you can, but there is no need to do that.

There are plenty of hotels and rentals that are very reasonably priced. Now these are not buried back way off the strip either, these are beach front properties that will have you right in the middle of the action. Take a place like The Royal Palms. This is a great hotel that is located right next to the Loews that always has a reasonable rate. It is a beautiful property with 2 pools that is located right on the beach and you can stay there for under $170 a night.

Once you get your accommodations straightened away, it is time to start enjoying the beach. Unlike most areas, your beach chairs and towels are part of the room rate of your hotel. They all have specific areas on the beach that are reserved for them so you are guaranteed a chair regardless of the time of the day that you wander down to take a splash in the ocean. If you are smart though, you will get down there nice and early and take advantage by getting a spot close to the water.

The temperature difference in being down there versus back further can be amazing sometimes, besides who wants to look at the back of other people all day when you can look out into that beautiful ocean.

Speaking of the ocean, WOW! You will night find a better place to cool off. The water is usually between 70 and 80 degrees and it is always clear blue. The breakers that they have built into the ocean assure everyone of being able to just relax and enjoy the water without fear of getting beaten up by the waves. If you are looking to surf, there are also plenty of spots where the ocean runs wild.

The restaurants are probably one of the best features of South Beach, Florida. You simply will not find the quality of food and the variety anywhere else that you will find here. They are stacked up one after another on the main strip, so they don’t have a choice other than to serve great food with great service. You will need to hit them up before dinner though because when you get off of that beach and are dying for something to drink, there is no better place to go for a perfect Mango Margarita than Tequila Chicas.

It is located right off the beach on 15th Street and they run a happy hour every day from 4 7pm. Half price drinks and half price appetizers to get your night rolling in the right direction. They have an absolutely incredible selection of tequila’s and even have a pole dancing contest during the week where the winner gets money towards their bar tab. How much better can it get?

When you are ready to slide out for dinner, you are assured of a great meal just about anywhere you go. Competition is so fierce for customers that you will often find some great 2 1 specials and plenty of great drink deals going on up and down the main strip. One thing that you need to make sure you do though is visit The Cavalier Crab House on Ocean Drive. Great outside seating and some of the best tasting crabs on the strip.

When night time rolls around and you are ready to do some serious partying, you have to start the night off at Mango’s. This place is guaranteed to get you in the right mood as nobody walks out of their unhappy after the bartenders and servers jump up on the bars and do their thing. It is a great show and a great time that gets everyone involved and in the mood to have a good time.

You can then let your night wind down at The Clevelander. This place has just undergone a remodel and is now better than ever. Far and away one of the best outside bars on the strip, you get great drinks, incredible entertainment and just an all around great experience. There is nothing like being around a bunch of people that want to have a good time and that is exactly what The Clevelander is.

If you need more reasons why South Beach is so cool, there are plenty of them. Incredible dance clubs, great ethnic dining on Espanola Way and plenty of romantic spots when you are looking to tone it down a little are just a few more reasons to head south. You want cool? South Beach is the definition of cool!

About the Author: Mark Andersen writes for MiamiSmarts, a website that offers a wealth of original information on Miami, FL. At http://www.miamismarts.com learn about South Beach, things to do at night in Miami and more.

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Revel in the Luxury of a Tuscany Villa Holiday

The Tuscany region of Italy is one of the most romantic and historically rich in the entire world. When you are planning a trip to this stunning region, staying in a hotel just doesn’t give you the experience that you might be looking for on your holiday. Staying in one of the local rental villas will allow you to experience the region in a unique and special way. Choosing to stay in one of the stunning Tuscany villas on offer will give you the experience of a lifetime on your once in a lifetime holiday to Italy.

There are a huge number of rental villas that will be able to accommodate travellers to the region. Spending time in an apartment or home in the area will give you a better sense of daily life in this gorgeous part of the world. Staying in your own villa will allow you to be a part of the daily life of the area that you are staying in on your holiday.

The planning of a trip to Tuscany requires a great deal of work. When it comes to deciding on your accommodations, there are a number of options available to you. Staying in a hotel in the area is certainly an option, however many travellers prefer a more intimate and personal setting. With a holiday to Tuscany, you will have the choice of a historic castle, gorgeous apartments, farmhouses and villas for your stay.

Many of the accommodations are quite reasonably priced and if you are on a budget for your trip, you should be able to find a beautiful place for a relatively small amount of money. There are online travel sites that will be able to help you find the perfect accommodations for your trip to Tuscany.

Look for a site that will provide you with rental listings for the entire region. You might have a particular area of Tuscany where you would prefer to stay and a site that has many options will be able to find you something completely unique, no matter where you wish to stay. Some of the sites will also be able to find accommodation for large groups; great if you are planning a holiday with many members of your family.

Planning your holiday is a big part of the excitement and fun. Make sure that you are working with a site online that can provide you with information about the area so that you can develop your itinerary for the holiday. This is the part of the fun of planning a holiday to Tuscany. The region is a stunning blend of natural beauty and history so there is so much that you can do on your holiday that one or two weeks is just not enough time.

A rental villa in Tuscany will give you a chance to explore and enjoy the region on your own terms and at your own pace. Discover the beauty with a bike ride through the region or eat in some of the local restaurants for a taste of real Italian food. It is an exciting way to spend your holiday.

About the Author: Mark Scriven is a marketing professional and has written many articles on business, travel and the internet. Cottages to Castles offer a wide range of self catering holiday villas in Tuscany at http://www.cottagestocastles.com.

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So You Want to Work in Italy: Some Practical Advice

Michael P. Gerace

Though difficult, study abroad is a promising area for finding a job in Italy. There are over 100 American schools in Italy, all of which hire people to teach courses and administer their programs. Working in study abroad can be exiting, but it can also offer more stability and (possibly) better pay than other types of jobs open to foreigners in Italy.

How does one find such a job? Unfortunately, there is no standard road to follow. There are a few strategies that can lead to success, but persistence and patience are key.

1. First, know the outlets for job postings. While many openings are never advertised because they are filled quickly, the best place to look is Wanted in Rome (www.wantedinrome.com), which is an English-language magazine appealing to the ex-pat community in Italy. You can freely view job postings on their web site. Another good prospect is the NAFSA web site (the Association of International Educators) (www.nafsa.org), which posts many jobs in study abroad generally. The Chronicle of Higher Education’s (chronicle.com) job section occasionally posts something for Italy as well.

2. Mine the AACUPI web site (the Association of American College and University Programs in Italy) at www.aacupi.org. AACUPI represents American study abroad programs in Italy and is recognized by the Italian Government. It has about 90 members, most in Florence and Rome, though many American schools in Italy do not belong to AACUPI. The AACUPI web site lists all of its member schools and most of the names and email addresses of the directors of these schools. Write a cover letter explaining your interest in working at a school, attach a resume and email it to a director. You might be ignored, but you may also get some interesting responses.

3. You might get your foot in the door by starting as an intern, which could lead to a paying job. These positions may not pay, but could offer housing. The best way to find an internship is to email program directors and ask. Even if a school does not have an internship program, you could offer yourself as one. Study abroad programs in Italy are just coming around to the idea. It is free labor and it is legally easier to have an intern than to hire someone who may not yet have the legal right to work in Italy.

4. The single best strategy to land a job in study abroad in Italy is to take the risk and go there and seek a job after you have arrived. Once you are there you can visit schools in person. Why is this the best strategy? For one, it proves to a prospective employer that you are willing to leave the comforts of home and show up at a job site in a foreign country. Finding reliable people is often difficult for a school, especially for those located outside of Florence and Rome. Also by meeting people in study abroad, you will discover things that you cannot learn from afar—such as job openings that are not advertised or how to navigate the local bureaucracy. If you make yourself familiar and available to a school, you might get hired temporarily, which could lead to a full-time job.

Some Legal Considerations

Like all countries, Italy has legal requirements for foreigners who want to work and live there. Yet many articles on finding a job in Italy make no mention of this. To merely reside in Italy for any period of time longer than 7 days, foreigners are required to obtain official permission to stay (called a permesso di soggiorno). If you are traveling around the country as a tourist, you do not need a permesso. This is only for someone who will reside at a specific address for a period of time. The permesso is obtained from the local questura (police department) in the city that you will live in. If you are staying in Rome, for example, you will need to register with the questura there. A permesso can be granted to you as a tourist (the easiest), as a student (requires a study visa), or as a person allowed to work (requires a work visa).

Many Americans tend to stay in Italy without getting the permesso and Italian enforcement of this is sporadic-to-non-existent. Ignoring the law, however, might put you at a disadvantage. The rental agency or landlord who owns the apartment that you want may require that you get one. You will also need it if you go to the hospital or deal with the government or police for any reason. If it is your first time in Italy, then get a permesso as a tourist. You will only need your passport for this and, if you are an American, you will be granted an automatic 90 day stay in Italy. People from other EU countries also need permessi if they want to reside in Italy.

The biggest legal issue is the right to work in Italy as a foreigner, which requires a work visa. The hassle involved in getting one is a story in its own right, but the major hurdle is getting sponsored by the school that will hire you. It is an open secret in study abroad that many Americans work there “under-the-table” without a visa. The usual story is that you get hired first and then, sometime later, apply for a visa. The trick is finding a school that will hire you this way. It would be rare to find a school that would sponsor you for a visa without you first having a track record of employment there. There is already an army of people in Italy with the desire and ability to work in study abroad.

Useful Assets to Have

If you already have Italian language ability, this will help you. Programs in Italy always need people who can speak both Italian and English. If you are working in student services and have to escort a 20 year-old American student to a local hospital, you might have to assist the student in speaking to the doctors. If you do not have good Italian skills, then acquire them.

If you have an advanced degree, then you could teach courses. Courses offered at these schools span the disciplines and are mostly in English. While art history, Italian literature and Italian cinema are always in demand, there are also many people with these degrees who are seeking these jobs. If you have a degree in business, psychology, economics or writing, for example, you may find it easier to obtain a position. Visit the web sites of the schools listed in AACUPI and look at their course offerings to get an idea of their needs. It is less likely that a study abroad school would hire you to teach Italian, however, because there are countless Italians who fill these jobs. They have the home school advantage on language.

If you do land a teaching job in Italy, pay is by the course and can vary from $2500 to $5000, depending on where and what you teach. Once you learn the ropes, however, you can find additional opportunities. You could end up teaching 3 or more courses per term at one or more schools. This might be a lot of work, but it will allow you to survive.

If teaching is not an option, then there are administrative positions that do not require any special education. The upside to these jobs is that they are usually full time and offer a salary, though the pay can vary greatly. Most non-teaching jobs involve office work, housing and student services. There are the coveted directors positions, but these are much harder to get and usually require a Ph.D. and experience. Some of these jobs require significant language ability and a lot of local knowledge, but you can learn. You might get a job leading students on trips around Italy, for example. You would have to know how to charter buses, contact hotels and create itineraries for the students.

Any experience in American higher education is a plus. Programs need people who can function effectively in Italy, but also need people who understand American-style academic or student service standards. Italians who work for American study abroad programs, for example, frequently have to undergo a learning process because their understanding of higher education is dramatically different than that of an American.

Do you have dual citizenship or can you qualify for it? If so, you have a huge advantage over those who don’t or can‘t. If you can get Italian citizenship or citizenship with any other EU country, then you have no need of a visa (nor for a permesso if you have Italian citizenship). If you have Italian ancestors, you might want to visit www.myitaliancitizenship.com, which covers all of the cases where a person could qualify. If your ancestry is that of another EU country, visit their consulate and embassy web sites in the US for information on qualification.

About The Author

Michael P. Gerace is an educator who spent 4 years living and teaching in Italy and is currently working on a book that chronicles the strange world of expatriates in Italy, entitled Full Moon Over Perugia. His web site is www.michaelgerace.com.

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Discover The Beauty Of Tuscany Italy

Every time I write about Tuscany Italy, my heart and my whole body for that matter experiences an intense feeling of calmness. I know exactly that this feeling comes from the relaxed atmosphere that this part of Italy near Florence gives off. I have found a perfect balance of enjoying the fascinating city of Florence and its cultural activities at the same time I refurbish energy by either doing a farm holiday or staying in a luxury villa in the countryside of Tuscany.

Wallow in Luxury in Tuscany Italy

The words ‘luxury’ and ‘farm’ might scare you away, firstly because everyone associates luxury with expensive and farm with very little comfort. Let me tell you of some fantastic places where I have been and you will see how this is much more gratifying than staying at a hotel in the city centre.

The Fattoria il Lago farmhouse is found about 40 kilometres north-east of Florence, just outside the small town of Dicomano, hidden away in the olive tree covered Tuscan hillsides. The extensive property houses three areas which are referred to as villages, each having apartment accommodations and an entirely different landscape to admire. The main lodging building is called La Villa and has a pleasurable view of the Dicomano Valley. Just a short walk away you find Lago village with its corresponding pool accompanied by a beautiful garden. The third area is the most quaint sleeping quarters called Macerato, embedded among all the hues of green possible. This kind of vacation rental is as comfortable and reposeful as the luxury villas, only that you are sharing a common ground with other tourists. When you get your Tuscany car rental, you should ask for a good map and maybe even ask them if they can give more explicit directions towards Dicomano being as the farmhouse is found off other country roads. Usually any holiday home in Tuscany offers the option of giving full directions when booking and also being picked up at nearby train or bus stations. You just have to let them know beforehand.

The 11th c. medieval monastery of San Lorenzo a Linari in Sovicille, south of Siena is one of those vacation rental places in Tuscany where you can have it all and still have your own breathing space, having your freedom from stress. This magnificent lodging is individual apartments tempting you with Tuscany tours such as viewing the hillside and mountains seated in a four-wheel drive vehicle, horse-back riding or an aerial view from a hot-air balloon. And if you do not want to miss out on the lovely beaches, there are excursions to the Mediterranean seashore, too.

Staying in Tuscany in the Chiantii area in the luxury villa estate called Villa de Dievole near the old town of Vagliali. As all villas used to belong to the Italian noble class, the exclusiveness and privacy is incomparable. The decoration in many has been respected in the restoration process, therefore you are living among many centuries of history. This 16th century villa has rooms and suites with a private guesthouse, too.

Without overtaxing one’s strength, your Tuscany Italy holiday tours can be choked full of emotions and peacefulness.

About The Author

Ciara McNamara writes very often for http://www.tuscany-italy-guide.com which is an internet site containing tuscany information. Ciara is working on topics such as holiday tours and tips on italian food.

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Some Fun Facts About Spain

Spain is a country located in South Western Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.

The capital (and largest city) is Madrid.

The official name of Spain is the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de Espana).

The Population of Spain is estimated to be just over 46 million.

At 504,782 km², Spain is the world’s 51st largest country (comparatively slightly more than twice the size of the American state of Oregon).

Spain is made up of 17 autonomous regions.

The official language of Spain is Spanish (Catalan, Valencian, Gallego, Euskera are independent languages spoken in Catalonia, Valencia, Galicia and The Basque Country).

Spain has the lowest population density in Western Europe (excluding Scandinavia).

In the tourist areas of the Mediterranean coast and the islands, English and German are widely spoken by tourists, expat residents, and local workers.

Spain has over 8,000km of beaches.

Spain has one of the most diverse landscapes and climates in Europe. The region of Almeria in the South East resembles a desert in places, while the North West in winter can expect rain around 20 days out of every month.

The Spanish National Day is 12 October.

Spain’s territory includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic.

The Spanish national anthem is called La Marcha Real (The Royal March).

Some Cities in Spain to visit are Alicante, Barcelona, Granada, Malaga, Murcia, Seville and Valencia.

Spain has a parliamentary monarchy government.

The pomegranate is the symbol of the Spanish city of Granada.

Spain is the 28th most populated country in the world and the sixth most populated country in Europe (after Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and the Ukraine).

Spain’s Currency is the Euro.

If you are traveling to Spain and are a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein: all you need is your Identification Card, or a valid passport to gain entry.

The two main newspapers in Spain are El País (The Country) and El Mundo (The World).

Don Quixote (full title: El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha ) is an novel written by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. It is the most influential work of literature to emerge from the Spanish Golden Age and perhaps the entire Spanish canon of literature.

King Henry VIII’s first wife was Spanish. She was called Catherine of Aragon.

Soccer (fútbol) is the most popular spectator sport in Spain.

The average life expectancy in Spain is 79.

Some well known Spanish artists include Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Joan Miró.

During the 16th century, Spain was one of the most powerful empires in the world.

Bullfighting is considered an art as well as a sport and popular attraction. It is also the biggest and most controversial sport in Spain and is an integral part of Spanish history, art and culture with bull rings in all major cities and beyond.

Accepting a second serving is one of the best ways to show appreciation to the cook in Spain.

The patron saint of Spain is Saint James (Santiago)

Madrid is in the physical centre of the country.

There are no tooth fairies in Spain. Instead, there is a tooth mouse named Ratoncito Pérez.

Flamenco is a Spanish term that refers both to a musical genre, known for its intricate rapid passages, and a dance genre characterized by its audible footwork.

Spain is 5 times bigger than the UK with only two thirds of its population.

94 of the people in Spain are Roman Catholic.

Spain is the third biggest country in Europe (after France and the Ukraine).

About the Author:
Albert Beetons wrote this article about Spain on behalf ofhttp://www.casaphoenix.co.uk/ Spanish Villa Rental and http://www.creageiridh.co.ukScottish Holiday Houses

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Things to do in April in New York City

April showers bring May flowers... and lots of exciting things to do in New York City. With spring in the air and dozens of events taking place, April is a great month to visit the greatest city in the world. Here are some highlights!

Tribeca Film Festival

For film buffs, spring in New York means it’s time for the popular Tribeca Film Festival in lower Manhattan. Various cinemas in the Tribeca district showcase hundreds of international films, often with the director and cast ready and waiting to answer questions after the screening. Almost every one of the more than 200 films is a North American, international, or world premiere.

The Easter Parade

Every Easter Sunday, Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th streets is closed to traffic for this colourful and exciting spectacle. The tradition dates back to the mid 1800s when the upper crust of society would attend church services and then parade their new Easter outfits down Fifth for all to see! Starting at 10am, admire the passing parade of participants decked out in creative bonnets and elaborate costumes. There is plenty of entertainment, stunning floral displays and even a real Easter bunny or two. Celebrate Easter services at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 50th Street and Fifth, St. Thomas Church on 53rd and Fifth or at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Cherry Blossom Season at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Spring is a lovely time of year to experience New York, and there is no better celebration of spring’s beauty than the cherry blossom viewing season in April at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG). Visitors can walk under the boughs of the cherry trees and experience the Japanese tradition of Hanami, watching the delicate blossoms as they vibrantly come to life. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden boasts the largest collection of cherry trees outside of Japan, and it is stunning to see the lush blooms of these more than 200 trees come alive in their rich colours. The BBG is located at 1000 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn.

Earth Day Celebration in Central Park

Over 25 million people visit the park each year, making it the most visited of any park in the United States. With its lush greenery and beautiful landscaping, Central Park is a must see in the spring. The Earth Day celebration in the heart of the park is a free event open to the public and includes live musical performances, art and crafts, and lots of environmental projects like tree planting. Families can pack a picnic, spread out a blanket and enjoy the festivities.

Opening Day at Yankee Stadium

Baseball fans count down the days to spring training, and especially to the opening day of the season in April. The gates of the New York Yankee’s new stadium open in April 2009. Located on the north side of 161st Street between River and Jerome Avenues, it is right across the street from its original home. The 1.3 billion dollar state of the art facility boasts advanced audio visual technology and several tasty dining options to enhance the fan’s experience.

About the Author:
http://NewYorkJourney.com will give you a comprehensive look at several of the sites mentioned above along with information on a variety of other attractions and hotels in the Big Apple. Get the information you need to know before you travel, , to make sure you get to see the best of the best in NYC.

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Menorca Holidays Shake, Rafa and Roll

Not since the days of Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe has the world of tennis been as exciting as it is today, as Rafa Nadal from Spain’s Balearic Islands and Switzerland’s Roger Federer make the game watchable to a mass audience again.

The numbers 1 and 2 in the world produced what was widely described by sports journalists around the world as Wimbledon’s finest men’s final in a generation last July where Nadal triumphed, and then in early February this year the two produced a pulsating final lasting over four hours in another Grand Slam event the Australian Open. Again Rafa Nadal was victorious.

Upon returning home to the Balearic Islands after his Wimbledon triumph last summer the Balearics are made up of Rafa’s home island of Majorca, along with Menorca and Ibiza Rafa was given a hero’s welcome, and the island came to a standstill for the day as celebrations carried on from dawn to the early hours of the next morning.

Before Rafa’s rise to the top of the tennis world, The Balearic Islands have been best known in the wider world as prime holiday destinations Menorca for example is known as a quiet family holidays island, and with flights to Menorca under two hours from London has become a favourite for the British holidaymaker since the early 70’s.

But with a recession hitting Menorca’s main holiday markets of Britain and Germany, the tourist authorities for the islands have come up with a stroke a world class tennis player would be proud of they have signed Rafa Nadal up to promote Menorca as a holidays destination to the British and German publics, and be the recognisable face for their holiday marketing activities.

’Rafa is an instantly recognisable symbol of something positive’, comments leading Menorca travel site yourmenorca.net, ’And associating Menorca with someone as dynamic and successful as Rafa Nadal could help the island attract more tourists at a time it really needs it.’

Menorca

Of all the islands in the Balearics, Menorca is known as one for family holidays. Quiet, sedate, peaceful are words often used to describe Menorca and Menorca holidays.

But as well as promoting Menorca as a reminder to past visitors to holiday on the island again, it’s quite possible that Rafa Nadal’s image among the population as a whole in both Germany and the UK could be enough for new generations to consider taking holidays in Menorca for the first time something the island would welcome as once people take a trip to Menorca they often return and count the island as one of their top holiday destinations to consider for future years.

British visitors, an important constituent of Menorca tourism, have been hit by the strength of the Euro against Sterling, and Menorca holidays are more expensive than holiday destinations which don’t have the euro Turkey in particular has seen a big jump in British tourists, and outside of Europe Egypt and Morocco have benefitted too at the expense of traditional favourite Spain in 2008 Spain experienced a drop of a million holidaymakers compared to the year before.

And while the island will still be seen as peaceful compared to some holiday destinations, it will be determined to keep that as part of the appeal that has attracted holidaymakers in the past. But new companies are also springing up among the Menorca holidays businesses that will appeal to those first time Menorca visitors who might want a little activity and might expect it too considering Rafa Nadal’s image. One new company is offering escorted mountain bike tours, while another is offering jeep safaris perfect for the younger generation of tourists Menorca would like to see return in future years.

The new companies providing the tourist facilities will be welcomed by the Menorca hotels too. Menorca hoteliers have invested heavily in recent years, refurbishing existing hotels while a few new ones have been added too. But if occupancy rates drop this year there is a possibility that some Menorca hotels will open just for June, July and August, while others may be mothballed until the number of visitors increases again.

The holiday island will be hoping a bit of Rafa’s magic will persuade holidaymakers to head their way this year.

About the Author:
For a range of properties for sale in Menorca visit http://www.yourmenorca.net/property

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Luxury Yacht Charter Explore The Mediterranean

Blue water yachting offers a great range of Mediterranean yacht charter and this includes luxury yacht charter, and Super yacht charter.

The Mediterranean yacht charter season generally runs from April to the end of October. July and August are the hottest and tends to have lighter winds; it is also the most expensive time to charter a yacht. April May and September October have a lot of plus points, the temperatures are more comfortable, those sailing are likely to getter better winds, it is not as expensive and while ashore you will avoid crowds of July and August.

Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean Sea. After Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus, Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean It is located southwest of Italy, southeast of France and to north of the island of Sardinia. Corsica is an exceptional place for a yacht charter holiday. Known for its rugged mountains and towering cliffs, Corsica contains many fishing villages and unspoiled places that make for ideal yacht anchorages.

With six hundred miles of coastline to discover, there is a lot to explore on Corsica. A popular alternative is to combine Corsica and Sardinia in their charter. The southern part of Corsica is separated form Sardinia by a short strait, only few miles long.

The climate of Corsica is typically Mediterranean and provides sunny warm and dry summers. In the height of summer, the coast of Corsica sees average temperature of 25C but it can rise to 35C. As a general rule the north is hotter than the south. The sun shines for an average of 280 days per year, concentrated from April to October, making the Mediterranean summer, the perfect time for a Luxury yacht charter in Corsica.

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean being only slightly smaller the Sicily, the largest. It lies in the western Mediterranean off the western coast of the Italian peninsula and just to the south of the French island of Corsica, separated by the narrow Strait of Bonifacio. Mountains dominate much Sardinia’s interior; the highest point is Monti del Gennargentu at 1,834 meters. The coast boasts some of the most wonderful beaches in the Mediterranean.

The Super yacht charter season in Sardinia generally runs from April to the end of October. High season is July and August, when the temperatures (around 35C) and prices are at their highest. May and June, September and October are well worth considering.

Croatia’s beautiful coastline with more than one thousand stunning islands only a short distance from the mainland offers safe easy navigation in clear blue waters. The mainland coast consists of Istria, the Croatian Riviera and Dalmatia and in addition there are an incredible 1,187 islands of which only 67 are inhabited.

Croatia is situated on the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy, in the Northern Mediterranean Sea. With a history going back over a thousand years, it first appeared on the political map of Europe in 1992, following the break up of Yugoslavia after a bloody civil war.

The climate is typical of the Mediterranean and provides for pleasant holidays throughout the year. The best season for sailing in Croatia is early summer with good winds in May and June mainly from the S/SE. Mornings tend to be calm with the wind increasing later in the afternoon to around 15 20 knots. The months of July and August see calmer conditions which is perfect for luxury yacht Charter. Summer temperatures average between 26Cto 30C and the sea temperature in summer is about 25C.

Bluewater yachting are experts in all aspects of Charter sales and purchase of luxury yachts.

Tom Barnes

About the Author:
Tom Barnes has worked in the Mega Yacht Industry for the past 15 years. He has been a superyacht captain and managed many of luxury charter yachts. Currently he is a charter broker for Blue Water Yachting in the South of France. For more information go to http://www.bluewateryachting.com

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Five Superb Destinations For a Luxury Honeymoon

Planning a luxury honeymoon is a challenging proposition. There are so many destinations to choose from, each offering a very different experience, and of course you want a romantic honeymoon that you’ll remember forever! But whether you are looking for a desert island retreat or a cultural city break, an ultra luxury experience or an unspoilt wildlife holiday, there are some countries that are just made for a luxury honeymoon – here are five of the best…

The Maldives

Perfect For: A Desert Island Escape

A common dream for a luxury honeymoon is to find some deserted desert island getaway, where you and your other half can while away your days on empty white sand beaches. Of course, desert islands tend to be low on luxury essentials, such as restaurants, spas…and hotels! The next best thing is to go on a tailor made honeymoon to the Maldives. Consisting of over a thousand islets and atolls, this island nation combines tiny, unspoilt islands with some truly stunning resorts and hotels – the perfect balance of luxury facilities and deserted beaches.

Cuba

Perfect For: Romantic Cities and Stunning Beaches

There are plenty of honeymoon holiday destinations that offer romantic cities, and many others that have outstanding beaches, but there are few that combine the two elements as well as Cuba. Unforgettable Havana is a splendid mixture of colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and a stuck in the 1950’s aesthetic, while coastal resorts such as Guardalavaca and Varadero are amongst the best beach holiday destinations in the Caribbean. The best option is to take a tailor made honeymoon that combines a stay in Havana or Trinidad with a relaxing break on the coast.

South Africa

Perfect For: Untamed Wildlife

If you are a wildlife lover, there’s no better honeymoon holiday destination than South Africa, with Kruger National Park the star attraction. It is one of the finest wildlife reserves in the world, but it can also be a luxurious experience – visitors have the option of staying in five star lodges within the game reserve, offering luxury comfort in stunning African wilderness. A tailor made honeymoon to South Africa could combine a city break in Cape Town with a luxury safari in Kruger National Park.

Italy

Perfect For: High Culture

Italy is one of the classic luxury honeymoon destinations, and with very good reason – its combination of cultural cities, beautiful scenery and luxury experiences is unmatched. The architectural wonder that is Venice is perhaps the most romantic city in the world, though vibrant Rome is another strong contender. Both cities offer cultural delights of fine art and ancient architecture, if you are looking for a honeymoon holiday that combines high culture and romance, it is hard to better Italy.

Dubai

Perfect For: Ultra Luxury

If your idea of romance is the finest restaurants and the most opulent hotels, than Dubai will be the perfect destination for your luxury honeymoon. Famed as a millionaires’ playground, this remarkable emirate offers countless luxury experiences, from a stay at the Burj al Arab (the world’s first seven star hotel), to haggling for precious metals and jewellery at the Gold Souk, relaxing on the famous Jumeriah beach to dune bashing and Berber barbeques in the desert. Whatever you want to do on a luxury honeymoon to Dubai, the chances are that someone can arrange it for you, no matter how specific your request may be!

About the Author:
Claire Bryant is a luxury holiday expert for key2holidays. Key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book the perfect luxury honeymoon (http://www.key2holidays.co.uk/key2/experience/honeymoons.asp). They also offer tailor made holidays to Australia, Cuba, the Caribbean, Italy, the Far East, the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, South Africa, Dubai and the Arabian Gulf.

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How to Book a Cheap Flight

Traveling is always a fun experience when you get your plane tickets at a discount. However, it is not always that easy to find a cheap ticket. The global economic meltdown has helped make tickets cheap as airlines seek to fill lots of empty planes. Additionally, going online can help you find hidden deals if you want to search hard enough. You can still get cheap airfare even in this day and age. Here they some tips that can get you a cheap ticket:

If you are planning a holiday, book two months ahead of time. The optimal time to buy is around 8 weeks before you travel since the airlines realize you still have many options to pick from. As an early bird you can get cheap airfare on your ticket. This is because if you book close to the date of travel the airlines know you need the ticket so can charge a lot. If you book really fare in advance, companies might raise or lower fares and they keep fares high in case operating costs go up.

Make your ticket round trip. Round trip tickets are usually cheaper if you book round trip. Airlines give a “discount” on round trip tickets because they know the seats will be filled. Often times it’s not that much but it is enough to make buying this ticket reasonable. Many times you can get lucky and find a round trip ticket a lot cheaper than a one way ticket. In that case, book the round trip but only use one way portion you need.

Avoid traveling on weekends. Most travelers want to travel on the weekend so more flying happens during the weekends and airlines increase their prices to reflect the demand. Therefore, between Tuesday and Thursday is the best time to book a flight.

Travel in a group. Some airlines typically give discounts for groups of tourists. The savings can sometimes be substantial and this is a good way to further lower your cost. Try and take midnight flights. This will help in reduction of cost on ticket as airport tax to land at nights is cheaper than day time.

Moreover, fly into secondary airports. For example; if you are going to New York City it might be better to go to Newark where in you can save $200 instead of going directly to the city. Major airports charge high landing fees which the airline companies then pass on to consumers by way of higher prices. Flying into secondary airports is a great way to avoid this and save money.

Don’t forget to shop around. Not all websites are created equal and you can find a lot of variety online for the same flight. Make sure you look at all the travel websites, including the airlines, before you make a purchase. Don’t just go with your favorite. If you want to get a cheap flight, you have to shop around.

Cheap flights might not be as abundant as they used to be but, if look around, there are still plenty of cheap tickets out there. The financial crisis has also helped as many airlines are offering great deals to entice customers to fly. Use this opportunity as well as the tips above to find good deals and fly cheap.

About the Author:
Matthew Kepnes has written for a number of travel magazines and runs a website on http://www.how-to-travel-the-world.com

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The History of Gwent County,Wales

Gwent came into existence as a preserved county since 2003. Its history dates back to Bronze, Iron Age and Roman era. It used to be the area of Dark Age Welsh kingdom and was sprawled between the rivers Wye, Usk and Seven estuaries. It basically came into existence when Romans abandoned Britain and the Roman Silures started ruling it. It followed their culture and their Iron Age territories.

It derived its name from Civets capital Venta Silurum, which meant Market of the Silures and the land that lay around Venta became its descendants kingdom of Guenta, later it turned to be Gwent. A slight change in pronunciation did happen due to Brythonic languages as v changed to go. The town itself was called Caerwent, meaning Venta fort.

According to Old Welsh historical study, when the kingdom was formed originally, it was ruled by Caradoc Vreichfras. As King was wounded mortally after a Saxon attack, many people believed that his grandson, Athrwys AP Meurig, might be better for King Arthur.

All controls of the kingdom lay at Caerwent or Caerleon, the latter had served as a great and main Roman military base. This area was Christianized by some Welsh saints like Cadoc, Dubricius and Tatheus.

Gwent have survived many ups and downs in many forms. It was related with its neighbors Glywysing until the Normans invaded the west in 1067 AD. The Normans separated this area into many Lordships of Monmouth, Abergavenny, Striguil or Chepstow and Usk where they constructed and fortified massive and lasting stone castles out of a many of the initial bailey and motte castles.

The age of these castles is very old and so is their density, it is highest in Britain. At least twenty five of these castles in Welsh Marches still remain intact that too in Monmouthshire alone today.

The castles proved defensive for new settlements and also made possible for older settlements to develop and become prospective under this Norman rule. All this happened despite their dictatorship policies, taxation, many small or big fights and rebellions that effected this portion of southeastern Wales over for many centuries.

Most of the time the Lordships were overseen by the strong Marcher Lords, as these remained the basic units in the administrative functions for the next round about 450 years or so till Henry VIII applied the Laws in Wales Act 1535.

The Act, when ceased, the Marcher Lordships perished and helped in creating new County called Monmouthshire and thus combined the four Lordships in eastern side of River Usk with Newport, or Gwynllwg and Caerleon, which lay to the west of it.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, writers and authors started mentioning the name Gwent in a romantic and intellectual way to illustrate Monmouthshire. In the local native government re organizations of 1974/5 when several new administrative regions in UK were named after the middle ages kingdoms, like Gwent, Dyfed, and Gwynedd within Wales, Cumbria and Strathclyde.

A preserved county Gwent was an initially a local government county that is situated in south east Wales. It was created on 1 April 1974, because of the Local Government Act 1972 and its name was dedicated to an ancient Kingdom of Gwent.

Most of the previous administrative counties had belonged to Monmouthshire and the county borough of Newport. Both these authorities which were believed to be officially a part of England, however, since ages these were dealt as if these existed within Wales, along with Brynmawr and Llanelly from Brecknockshire, which is in Wales. According to Local Government (Wales) Act 1994, Gwent was eliminated on 1 April 1996.

The name still retains its position as one of the kept intact counties of Wales and is used in certain ceremonial functions and it still is surviving in several titles.eg Royal Gwent Hospital, Gwent Police, Coleg Gwent College and in sports too with the Newport Gwent Dragons rugby team.

When it was alive, the administrative area used to be divided into many districts like Torfaen, Newport, Monmouth, Islwyn, Gwent, and Blaenau.The descendant governing authorities are City of Newport, Blaenau, Gwent county borough, Torfaen county borough, Caerphilly county borough some part of it was deducted from Mid Glamorgan, Monmouthshire that is spread over the eastern half of the initial county with identical name.

This County of Gwent stretched itself and went to cover the whole of Caerphilly county borough in 2003.

About the Author:
Ram Singh and LONDON AIRPORT SHUTTLE will provide london airport transfer for you in the UK. http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk

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May California Weather

California Weather in May sees the beginning of the hot time of year in the desert areas. No part of California is particularly prone to rain or humid conditions in May. Overall, May California weather is very pleasant, the desert is not hot yet, and there are no areas with major rainfall.

Here are the May Weather conditions in some of the major areas of California:

Bakersfield

The highest recorded temperature in May for Bakersfield for the past 68 years was 107 degrees Fahrenheit, while the regular high temperature is 83.8. The lowest documented temperature for Bakersfield for the past 68 years in May was 37, while the average low temperature is 56.8.

Bakersfield typically receives an average of 0.24 inches of precipitation during the month.

Bishop

In the last 58 years the highest measured May temperature in Bishop was 102 degrees Fahrenheit, while the daily mean high temperature is 81.2. The lowest documented temperature in May for Bishop for the past 58 years was 25, and the normal low daily temperature is 43.7.

Bishop normally receives an average of 0.26 inches of rain during May and averages 0.1 inches of snow.

Eureka

In the last 95 years the highest measured temperature in Eureka California for May was 84 degrees Fahrenheit, while the normal high daily temperature is 59.6. The lowest measured temperature in Eureka for the last 95 years in May was 35, and the average low daily temperature is 47.6.

Eureka receives an average of 1.62 inches of precipitation during May.

Fresno

The highest recorded temperature in May for Fresno California for the past 56 years was 107 degrees Fahrenheit, while the regular high temperature is 82.7. The lowest documented temperature for Fresno for the past 56 years in May was 36, and the normal low daily temperature is 54.9.

Fresno typically receives an average of 0.39 inches of precipitation during the month.

Long Beach

The hottest day in Long Beach California in May for the past 53 years was 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and the mean high is 74& . The lowest measured temperature in Long Beach for the last 53 years in May was 40, and the mean daily low in the month is 57.8.

Long Beach normally receives an average of 0.23 inches of rain during May.

Los Angeles

The highest recorded temperature for Los Angeles California for the past 70 years in May was 97 degrees Fahrenheit, and the typical daily high is 69.3. The lowest measured temperature in Los Angeles for the last 70 years in May was 43, while the regular low temperature for a given day during the month is 56.9.

Los Angeles usually receives an average of 0.24 inches of rain during May.

Mount Shasta

The record high May temperature in Mount Shasta California for the last 42 years was 94 degrees Fahrenheit, while the daily mean high temperature is 67.3. In the last 42 years the highest reported temperature in Mount Shasta for May was 21, while the mean low daily temperature during the month is 39.

Mount Shasta typically receives an average of 1.87 inches of rain during the month and normally receives an average of 0.8 inches of snow.

Redding

In the last 19 years the highest measured temperature in Redding California for May was 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average high is 80.7. The lowest reported temperature in May for Redding for the past 19 years was 34, and the regular daily low is 51.6.

Redding usually receives an average of 1.66 inches of precipitation during the month.

Sacramento

In the last 55 years the highest measured temperature in Sacramento California for May was 105 degrees Fahrenheit, while the normal high daily temperature is 80. The lowest reported temperature in May for Sacramento for the past 55 years was 36, and the regular daily low is 50.9.

Sacramento normally receives an average of 0.53 inches of rain during May.

San Diego

In the last 65 years the highest measured temperature in San Diego California for May was 96 degrees Fahrenheit, and the typical daily high is 69.3. In the last 65 years the highest reported temperature in San Diego for May was 48, and the typical low is 59.8.

San Diego receives an average of 0.2 inches of precipitation during May.

San Francisco

In the last 78 years the highest measured temperature in San Francisco California for May was 97 degrees Fahrenheit, and the mean high is 66.8& . In the last 78 years the highest reported temperature in San Francisco for May was 36, and the standard low recorded daily temperature is 50.5.

San Francisco usually receives an average of 0.38 inches of precipitation during May.

Santa Barbara

In the last 69 years the highest measured May temperature in Santa Barbara was 92 degrees Fahrenheit, while the typical high daily temperature is 71.2. The lowest reported temperature in May for Santa Barbara for the past 69 years was 38, while the normal low measured temperature is 50.5.

Santa Barbara usually receives an average of 0.23 inches of rain during May.

Santa Maria

The record high May temperature in Santa Maria California for the last 63 years was 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while the typical high daily temperature is 68.6. The lowest reported temperature in May for Santa Maria for the past 63 years was 31, and the standard low recorded daily temperature is 46.9.

Santa Maria typically receives an average of 0.32 inches of precipitation during the month.

Stockton

In the last 46 years the highest measured May temperature in Stockton was 107 degrees Fahrenheit, while the standard high temperature is 81.3. The lowest measured temperature in Stockton for the last 46 years in May was 38, while the regular low temperature for a given day during the month is 52.1.

Stockton usually receives an average of 0.5 inches of rain during the month.

About the Author:
Storm Daly is a weather junkie who follows California Weather for http://www.WeatherByDay.com

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The Finest Augusta Downtown Hotels

Augusta is the consolidated city of the state of Georgia. It is noted as the Georgia’s second largest city, and the largest in East Central Georgia. Downtown hotel accommodations are good options for you to see the heart of Augusta.

Augusta, Georgia, Augusta downtown hotels, Georgia hotels, downtown hotels, The Partridge Inn, Ramada Augusta Conference Center, Quality Inn Medical Center Area

Body: Augusta is regarded as the Augusta Richmond County in Georgia. It is also noted as a consolidated city of the state. Its population has reached 528,519 as of 2007, making it East Central Georgia’s largest city and Georgia’s second largest.

Richmond County and the City of Augusta merged their operations in late 1996. In the International scene, Augusta is noted for its hosting of the Master’s Golf Tournament every spring season and as the beloved hometown of the famous James Brown. With this golf tournament, several golf enthusiasts flock to Augusta and participate in the competition. Due to this, there are numerous hotels that offer excellent accommodations and a closeness to popular attractions.

Downtown Augusta is always crowded with tourists. Many visitors go here to experience the best of Georgia. It is good to choose from the hotels here to be near the tourist attractions.

The Partridge Inn

This full service hotel is only a short distance from 5 major hospitals such as the Augusta Medical Complex. It is also near the city’s Executive Airport, Daniel Field. Its address is 2110 Walton Way Augusta, GA 30904.

The Partridge Inn was established last 1892 and was classified as “The Grand Hotel of the Classic South.” It has undergone a multimillion dollar renovation. It has a total of 145 guest rooms having suites and studios. It also has a secluded outdoor pool, award winning restaurant, a fitness room and outdoor verandas.

It is perfect for both leisure and business travelers because of its 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting spaces that can accommodate 250 guests. It has function rooms and a business center. The Verandah Grill Restaurant provides sumptuous meals while the Bamboo Room offers live jazz and martinis.

Ramada Augusta Conference Center

This hotel is located at 640 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901. It lies along downtown area, right in the heart of Augusta, Georgia. It is near beautiful attractions like the Riverwalk Augusta, Augusta Museum of History, Civic Center, Bell Auditorium as well as the Medical College of Georgia.

Ramada offers excellent facilities and amenities for its guests such as free high speed Internet and newspaper (USA Today) as well as a heated indoor pool, onsite restaurants like Eagles Nest Rooftop Lounge and Bj’s Restaurant. They also provide free parking, banquet/meeting facilities, valet parking, safe deposit boxes, laundry services and interior corridors.

Each room boasts of irons with boards, coffee makers, 25 inch Cable TVs, hairdryers, alarm clocks, Moen Revolution showerheads, Serta Plush mattresses and radios. Thus, pets are not allowed in this hotel.

Quality Inn Medical Center Area

This hotel is located at 1455 Walton Way Augusta, GA 30901. It is near medical institutions like the Augusta VA Medical Center, Medical College of Georgia, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Paine College. Historic attractions nearby include the National Science Center’s Fort Discovery, Augusta Riverwalk, Bell Auditorium and Ford Gordon as well as the Augusta State University, Augusta National Golf Club, Bush Field and the Augusta Regional Airport.

Quality Inn offers 100 spacious guest rooms, a business center and meeting rooms. Each room is provided with complimentary Continental breakfast, newspaper, coffee, local calls, Internet access and parking areas. Copying services, refrigerators, iron with boards, hairdryers, data ports, fax services and microwave ovens as well as valet, laundry and cleaning services are guaranteed. Check in time at the hotel is at 3PM while check out time is at 11AM.

About the Author:
For more information on August Hotels and Pet Friendly Augusta Hotels please visit our website. http://www.augusta-hotels.net & http://www.augusta-hotels.net/petfriendlyaugustahotels.php

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Hotels in Florida Most Visited

Florida is the home of Walt Disney, making the city famous and attracting a great number of tourists. This is why several luxurious hotels abound. Enjoy your holiday vacation in Florida.

Florida in the United States is located in the borders of Alabama and Georgia. It has Gulf of Mexico on the west side, and Atlantic Ocean to the eastern part. The city got its name from Juan Ponce de Leon. Florida means flowery in Spanish. The city is a refuge of many different animals like marine, reptiles, mammals, birds, and many more. It has been their home especially during winter.

Florida has blossomed on its many tourist spots, resorts, and beaches. Agriculture also plays a major role to the success of their economy. It houses many educational institutions, with 11 public and 28 private schools. There are also several major airports that bring a large number of people, especially tourists and guests. The city also hosts many sports activities such as baseball, football, basketball, and ice hockey.

Hotels in Florida give excellent accommodation services. Some examples are below.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

This is located at the center of Walt Disney Resort, the home magnificent theme parks and attractive areas. Guests can take pleasure with their magical setting, excellent service, world class facilities, and refurbished guestrooms featuring Heavenly Bed.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has Mandara Spa, famous restaurants and lounges, pools, white sandy beach, health clubs, golf course, and many other spectacular amenities. They also provide complimentary transport services to Walt Disney World Theme Parks and other places of attractions.

The hotel has 2,265 elegant rooms and suites, where guests can find themselves relax and comfortable with luxury. One can still choose to read or something before sleeping with the hotel’s special lighting system that is easy to reach. Room amenities include Heavenly Bed, a cozy blanket, three crisp sheets, duvet comforter, and four fluffy pillows.

Other amenities are graves designed carpets and draperies, bureau drawer made of maple, a flat LCD TV (32 inch), a big working desk, pull out sleeper (for some king rooms), customized lounge (for double rooms), and high speed Internet. They have standard guest rooms, suites, and presidential suites.

The hotel has a whole complex of dining options. It has 17 restaurants that can cater to all types of cuisine. They feature unique and excellent menus complemented with their extensive wine list. Delicious meals are prepared by celebrity chefs.

Casual dining restaurants serve sumptuous Mediterranean dishes and other local menus at reasonable prices. These restaurants are designed in friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There are also quick service outlets that serve fast, delicious, and nutritious foods for people on the go.

In the morning, guests can relax comfortably in one of the lounges they prefer with coffee and baked pastries. For a quiet evening, they can have cocktails with a laidback ambiance.

Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center

This is a luxury resort with nothing but excitement inside. It houses a few restaurants, has active recreation centers, and glass covered lush gardens. Guests are left mesmerized with the tropical setting, designed with the old Spanish influence matched with the most modern facilities and amenities and luxurious accommodations. It is conveniently situated near the Walt Disney gate and other theme parks in Orlando. It is also 20 minutes away from Orlando International Airport.

Gaylord Palms Resort is ideal for people traveling on business because it can host a big group of people for meetings and other social gatherings. Dining places whether for fine or casual fare, shopping centers that are unique, spa and fitness center are some of the attractions that the hotel guests can visit and experience.

The hotel features 1,406 sophisticated guest rooms that include 115 suites. Room amenities include: a high speed wireless Internet, telephone, huge bathroom, in room safe, soft and comfortable mattress with bedding, working desk and chair, fully stocked refrigerator, complimentary wireless Internet, alarm clock with CD player, cable TV with remote, coffeemaker and mugs and complimentary coffee, and iron and ironing board.

The concierge and room services are all available 24 hours a day. The business center can be used for various meetings or other social gatherings. There is valet service in the parking lot. And they also offer complimentary calls.

Gaylord Palms Resort has consider it done push button that can be used by the guests whenever they need something. They also have electronic locking system for security purposes. Upon checking in and out, they provide touch screen kiosks (for self service).

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Refreshing Greenville and Its Hotels

You will be amazed by Greenville’s historical attractions, establishments and natural beauty. You can experience dining in their finest restaurants or stay in their most affordable yet comfortable hotels.

South Carolina is known for its breathtaking sceneries that include a number of waterfalls, lakes, and rivers, providing water sport and mountain activities. Greenville, one of its cities, has been known to offer both natural explorations and a taste of its fine arts and culture. Amongst the many attractions that you should not miss in this city, are the historical places like Shoeless Joe Jackson Memorial Park, Kings Mountain National Military Park and Cowpens National Battlefield should be at the top of your list.

Artistic work displays can be found in their Children’s Museum and their Christopher Park Gallery. Sports fanatics can enjoy the city’s biggest baseball field. Performing arts and theaters are also available, promoting national performances and conventions. For your relaxation, visit the Greenville Zoo, Chimney Rock State Park, Liberty Bridge at Falls Park, and the famous Blue Ridge Mountains.

There are a couple of affordable hotels in Greenville. They are listed here as options.

Mainstay Suites Pelham Road

Located along Dry Pocket Rd, this hotel offers the lowest prices when it comes to accommodation starting at $75.99. You can choose any of their 100 guest rooms. Each room is equipped with coffee makers, microwave ovens, movies, hair dryers, refrigerators and iron with iron boards as well as sofa beds, cable TVs, smoke detectors and safe deposit boxes.

The hotel features an exercise gym, laundromat, outdoor pool, picnic area, kitchenette and a business center. The hotel is accessible to the Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville Zoo as well as the Greenville Mall, Frankie’s Fun Park, Carolina Factory Outlet Mall and the BI LO Center. It is also near Haywood Mall, Paris Mountain State park, Peace Center for Performing Arts along with Roper Mountain Science Center and the Carolina First Center. Having a rating of 3 stars, the hotel offers very good deals.

La Quintana Inn and Suites

This 3 star hotel offers affordable accommodations starting at $64.00. It is located at 65 West Orchard Park Drive Greenville, South Carolina. The hotel has a total of 125 air conditioned rooms, all equipped with a bath tub, coffee maker, connecting rooms, hair dryer and iron with iron boards along with an Internet connection.

There is also a microwave, cable TV, sprinklers, and phones. It also features a business center that provides copy services, dataports, free newspapers and translation services. It also has 6 restaurants, handicap accessible rooms and facilities along with safe deposit boxes, a heated pool, golf course, exercise gym, and a health club.

Furthermore, the hotel provides maid services, airport shuttles, wake up calls, laundry and valet services. La Quintana is near both the business and recreational districts. It is near The BI LO center, Peace Center for Performing Arts, Bob Jones University and Rockwell Automation. Michelin Sales Training Center, Haywood Mall, Greenville Zoo, Greenville Art Museum and Greenville Drive Stadium are also close by.

The Westin Poinsett

This affordable 4 star hotel is located at 120 South Main St. Greenville, South Carolina. This hotel has elegant decorations that date back to the 1920s style. However, the hotel provides the most modern conveniences, especially when it comes to their fine dining services, extensive business services with high speed Internet connection and the latest lightings and sound systems.

Westin Poinsett also features heavenly dog beds, air conditioned rooms, non smoking units, bathrobes, made services, cable channels and vide game consoles among others.

The hotel It houses 200 guest rooms provided with hair dryers, coffee makers, phones with dataports and marble floored bathrooms. This hotel has an easy access to a number of local attractions that include the Peace Center, Cleveland Park, Greenville Regional History Museum and Reedy River Falls Park.

It will also be worth visiting the Greenville Zoo, Furman University Golf Course, Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville County Library and the Carolina Springs Golf Course. Local corporate offices are also near the hotel. This includes Dunlop, Liberty Corporation, Michelin North America, BMW Manufacturing, Hitachi and Mitsubishi Polyester Film.

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For more information on Greenville Hotels and Greenville Vacation Rental please visit our website. http://greenvillehotels.org & http://greenvillehotels.org/greenville-vacation-rentals.php?pname=greenvillehotelsvacationrental

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Great Walking, and a Whole Lot More

The Auvergne region in the heart of France covers an area of 26,015 square kilometres and is located approximately 4 hours south of Paris and 3 hours from the south coast.

The Auvergne is an ancient landscape, originally used to describe the territory of a Gaulish tribe, the Averni. In fact 'Vercingatorix', the leader of the Averni led the Gauls to a great victory over the Romans at 'Gergovia' in 52 BC. The 'Plain de Gergovia' is located to the south of the Auvergne's modern capital, Clermont Ferrand and is a popular tourist attraction with a memorial to Vercingatorix, a visitor centre and fine views over the city. The modern Auvergne is comprised of 4 separate departments - the Allier in the north, the Puy de Dome in the centre, the Haute-Loire to the east and the Cantal in the south.

It is a region of plains, deep cut river gorges, crater lakes, plateaux, exceptional flora and fauna and extinct volcanic mountains, and the stunning beauty and variety of its landscapes is one of its greatest attractions.

This makes the Auvergne not only one of the best places in Europe for walking but also an excellent area for ski-ing, cycling (on and off road), orienteering, fishing, ballooning, rock climbing, hang gliding, canoeing, quad biking - the list is seemingly endless!

The area is home to hundreds of marked paths and trails ranging in difficulty from simple low level walks to more demanding trails for the experienced walker. Local groups work hard to ensure that the paths are well maintained and clearly signposted.

Many Grand Randonée (GR) routes can be found in the Auvergne. These are long distance paths often arising in other departments of France. One of the most famous and ancient of these is GR65 part of which passes through the Massif Central and onto Le Puy-en-Velay, one of the starting points for one of the four the pilgrim routes leading to the Shrine of St. James at Santiago de Compostella in North West Spain. Designated GR routes are waymarked in red and white stripes. Shorter walks are often designated as Petite Randonée (PR) and are invariably circular and are waymarked with single stripes in either blue, yellow, black or green.

The unique volcanic landscape of the Auvergne is a paradise for hill and mountain walkers. Often overlooked by the serious walker in favour of the Alps or Pyrenees the Auvergne offers some stunning scenery with many unspoilt trails, some lovely towns and villages and some great value accommodation.

Many of the best walks are found within the areas two regional nature parks. Created in 1977 the 'Parc Naturel Regional des Volcans d'Auvergne' covering over 395,000 ha along a north south axis of about 120km/75miles and it's smaller neighbour the 'Parc Naturel Régional des Livradois-Forez' covering 300,000 ha along the line of the Dore valley - make this the largest environmentally protected area in France.

The nutritional volcanic soils support a rich diversity of flora and many plants, rare in other parts of Europe, can be found growing very successfully. Spring meadows of 'narcissi' and 'alpine daffodils' can be seen on many walks. Other common plants include 'gentians', 'sundews' and 'Martagon lilies'. The Auvergne has over 4,500 common and rare species of plants and flower including some forty protected plants.

The climate of the Auvergne ranges from hot, dry summers to harsh, cold winters often with snow on the higher plateaus and peaks. Temperatures average 12 degrees Celsius annually. The winter is best avoided as a time for walking, unless you are prepared to don a pair of snow shoes and trek across the snow covered plains. The rest of the year is ideal for hiking, with the spring and autumn perhaps offering the best conditions for the serious enthusiasts. The deciduous forests display their stunning autumn colours in October and reward the visitor at this time of year.

Almost anywhere in the Auvergne is a good place to walk but some of the principal walking centres of the region are Murat, Saint-Flour, Vic-sur-Cere and Thiézac in the Cantal and La Bourboule, le Mont Dore, St. Nectaire and Besse-en-Chandesse in the de Puy de Dome department.

So if you are an enthusiastic walker and want to discover a relatively unspoilt region of FranceFree Web Content, head for the Auvergne.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Smith is an ex schoolteacher who emigrated to the Auvergne 4 years ago and would love you to come and discover this lovely part of France for yourself. Mary runs a holiday lettings agency, Auvergne France Homes, offering a great choice of comfortable, reasonably priced accommodation. Come and discover the Auvergne for yourself =>http://www.afhomes.biz

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What to see in Loches

This town is very attractive due to the several different antique buildings it has and the richness of its historical past. By walking around the central area of the town as well as by its surrounding country lands, those tourists who enjoy historical constructions would be able to have a nice time while meeting several of them.

One of the most attractive ancient buildings visitors could meet within the region of Loches is its Fortress. This fortress shows a very unique and impressing appearance, due to its magnificence and incredible size which reaches heights of as much as 40 meters. Different kings, such as Louis XI and Louis XII used this feudal fortress as a prison for their enemies. This way, this building can be seen as one which had strong incidence within the history of France.

Another very important construction located within the area of Loches is the Royal Home. Most of the Royal Home was built during the XV century, although another part of it was not built until one century later. This construction shows a unique combination of architectural elements from the Renaissance mixed with elements from the medieval époque, and within its interior some Gothic ornaments can be observed as well.

Saint Bear Church is another interesting Loches' building. This church is located near the Fortress and both these buildings share one same rock foundations. The Saint Bear Church was originally built during the V century as an oratory. Later, the building was extended and became a monastery. This church’s architecture is very beautiful and shows an incredible mixture of different styles, mixing elements from many different époques between the V century and the XV century.

Besides the above mentioned important buildings, Loches and its surroundings have many other different historical constructions and beautiful buildings from several antique époques. Among these constructions there are many interesting monuments, such as, for example, the Cordeliers' Door. The Cordelier's Door is recognized as the city's Main Door and is one of the main spots visitors should make sure of meeting while being in Loches.

About the Author:

Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit http://www.eurotomic.com/france.php if you're planning a trip to France.

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