Jersey, one of the Channel Islands in the English Channel (in contrast to Jersey, USA), is a small yet beautiful island, perfect for a short holiday.
The island itself is as far south as France (St. Malo is less than 4 miles away and visible on a clear day) and so whilst still part of the British empire it benefits from far better weather.
This weather means not only an ideal place for camping, beaches and outdoor persuits but also you will see a profusion of plants and animals not normally seen on mainland Britain. Most notable is the only British population of the Green Lizard, often nicknamed the Jersey Green Lizard for just this very reason. Reaching around a foot long, and the males possessing a bright blue throat they are certainly a wonderful (if rare) sight to behold. Red squirrels can still be seen here for the eagle-eyed and dolphins may often be seen during the summer months.
Talking of beaches, whilst the island only measures a few miles long there are beaches for all ocassions. Long, sandy beaches perfect for surfing, more protected "sun bather" beaches and wild rocky outcrops covered in breeding sea birds. There are even some caves that only appear at low tide.
You can arrive by ferry or plane as Jersey is well served by both a safe port at St. Helier or an airport on the west side of the island.
Escaping from the attractive but busy main town of St. Helier, venture to the northern half of the island for the "true" Jersey experience. Rolling fields filled with Jersey cows producing thick, delicious cream. Farmers fields green with the tops of Jersey Royals - the finest new potatos around. Greenhouses filled with flame-red tomatoes. Foxglove-strewn laybys and meadows and the deep blue sea. There are also castles and fishing-boat filled coves to enjoy.
Jersey has a low national speed limit, plenty of narrow tracks and a "no caravan" rule making it a great place to walk or cycle, and an efficient local bus service covers the entire island. Exploring this small island is therefore safe, practical and incredibly good fun.
Other things to see here are the underground tunnels used by the Nazis during the war (the Channel Islands are as far north as the invasion got) and the world-famous Durrell Wildlife Preservation Trust (or just "Jersey Zoo"!). It was here that a small boy fell into the gorilla pit many years ago much to the shock of his parents. Alive, but scared, rather than being attacked, the boy was watched over and looked after by the gorillas until keepers were able to extract him safely.
Personally, I like to camp though there are plenty of hotels around (less self catering accomodation though) of an international standard. Being a tax haven, Jersey boasts rich businessmen, private jets and Ferraris making it a more British Monaco. English is spoken, they drive on the left and they use the pound. There is, however, a lovely "French" feel in the style of the houses, many French place names and in the excellent quality of food available here - especially the seafood.
The Channel Islands also consist of Guernsey, Alderney and Sark, all of which can be reached by one of the inter-island boat services in operation over the summer months and day trips to France from here are easy to arrange.
Thứ Ba, 31 tháng 3, 2009
Secrets of Planning a Successul Cruise Ship Wedding, Party, or Meeting
By now, just about everybody in America knows that cruise lines offer great vacation deals and traveling by cruise ship can be about as hassle-free as modern travel gets. What many event planners do not know is that cruise lines are increasingly eager to work with groups to create unforgettable parties, meetings, and special events. Whether you are working on a family reunion, trying to figure out a way to out-do yourself for a birthday celebration, or just tasked with figuring out how to set up a multi-day business meeting, talk to the cruise lines. They can often assemble packages that are not just easy on the pocketbook, they can be low-stress events for host and organizers as well.
Special interest groups, which cruise lines often call affinity groups, are those groups that want to cruise for a special occasion. Family reunions, business meetings, even weddings are typical affinity cruise groups.
Being an affinity group can be easy, and many cruise lines are going out of their way to cater to the group cruise. Group is often defined quite loosely. Even a few people who want to travel together can qualify as a group. For instance, cruises where several female friends travel together are a recognized (and new) affinity group in the industry.
Depending on the cruise and the size of the group, cruise lines may be willing to offer a package deal on staterooms. A cruise line specialist or travel agent can make recommendations, including booking a suite for four people instead of the usual state rooms (this is not always cheaper, but it can be).
Cruise groups can also make arrangements with the cruise ship for special events. On-board weddings, classes, seminars, receptions, and private dinners for a group of old buddies can all be set up. The best way to make these arrangements is to book as early as you can and discuss options with the cruise line. It is a great idea to be flexible, since cruise lines are much more experienced in this area than you are likely to be. Thus, they may know some great ideas you had not thought of and may offer good advice as to what would work well in your situation.
Princess Cruise Lines even has a specialist who works for them to help with on-board weddings. And it is true, the captain of a ship has legal authority to marry people. Vow renewal ceremonies for married couples are also very popular events for a cruise.
If you are an avid cruiser, you have probably already cruised with some special interest groups and never known it. Most ships are large enough that multiple special events, seminars, and receptions can take place almost unnoticed by the majority of passengers.
Planning an affinity group cruise involves booking a cruise as early as possible. Consulting with a travel expert is always a good idea since there are lots of cruise options today and even the most avid cruise shopper cannot keep up with everything.
Affinity group cruises should be fairly short since getting time off from work and school is tough for most people. Plan ahead, not just so you can get the rooms you want, but to allow people to put in for time away from the job. Keep an eye on the pocketbook of the participants; some folks who would gladly attend a family reunion may not have the financial clout to pay for a transatlantic cruise.
When booking an affinity group cruise, consider the port of embarkation and debarkation, that is, the place where you get on and off the ship. Cruise passengers not only have to pay for their cruise, they also have to pay for travel back and forth from this port. While many cruise lines can offer attractive package deals to combine cruise fares with airline tickets, there is still an incremental expense.
There are a surprising number of ports for cruise ships today, including Tampa and Galveston (on the Gulf of Mexico), Los Angeles and Vancouver (West Coast), and New York and Fort Lauderdale (East Coast). The ports may limit the cruise options for your particular group (for instance, you can't sail from Vancouver and go to Bermuda on any established route). However, for an affinity group cruise, the journey is more important than the destination.
On-board ship, affinity groups should take advantage of having hassle-free meals and entertainment. This leaves plenty of time for photos and videos. Those with blogging skills can commemorate the activities online; more traditional cruise passengers may be inspired to create a scrap book or other record of event memorabilia.
So if you want to get away from that tired old family reunion in the park, have the greatest graduation party ever, or renew your wedding vows with a few family and friends, visit some cruise websites and talk to your travel agent.
Special interest groups, which cruise lines often call affinity groups, are those groups that want to cruise for a special occasion. Family reunions, business meetings, even weddings are typical affinity cruise groups.
Being an affinity group can be easy, and many cruise lines are going out of their way to cater to the group cruise. Group is often defined quite loosely. Even a few people who want to travel together can qualify as a group. For instance, cruises where several female friends travel together are a recognized (and new) affinity group in the industry.
Depending on the cruise and the size of the group, cruise lines may be willing to offer a package deal on staterooms. A cruise line specialist or travel agent can make recommendations, including booking a suite for four people instead of the usual state rooms (this is not always cheaper, but it can be).
Cruise groups can also make arrangements with the cruise ship for special events. On-board weddings, classes, seminars, receptions, and private dinners for a group of old buddies can all be set up. The best way to make these arrangements is to book as early as you can and discuss options with the cruise line. It is a great idea to be flexible, since cruise lines are much more experienced in this area than you are likely to be. Thus, they may know some great ideas you had not thought of and may offer good advice as to what would work well in your situation.
Princess Cruise Lines even has a specialist who works for them to help with on-board weddings. And it is true, the captain of a ship has legal authority to marry people. Vow renewal ceremonies for married couples are also very popular events for a cruise.
If you are an avid cruiser, you have probably already cruised with some special interest groups and never known it. Most ships are large enough that multiple special events, seminars, and receptions can take place almost unnoticed by the majority of passengers.
Planning an affinity group cruise involves booking a cruise as early as possible. Consulting with a travel expert is always a good idea since there are lots of cruise options today and even the most avid cruise shopper cannot keep up with everything.
Affinity group cruises should be fairly short since getting time off from work and school is tough for most people. Plan ahead, not just so you can get the rooms you want, but to allow people to put in for time away from the job. Keep an eye on the pocketbook of the participants; some folks who would gladly attend a family reunion may not have the financial clout to pay for a transatlantic cruise.
When booking an affinity group cruise, consider the port of embarkation and debarkation, that is, the place where you get on and off the ship. Cruise passengers not only have to pay for their cruise, they also have to pay for travel back and forth from this port. While many cruise lines can offer attractive package deals to combine cruise fares with airline tickets, there is still an incremental expense.
There are a surprising number of ports for cruise ships today, including Tampa and Galveston (on the Gulf of Mexico), Los Angeles and Vancouver (West Coast), and New York and Fort Lauderdale (East Coast). The ports may limit the cruise options for your particular group (for instance, you can't sail from Vancouver and go to Bermuda on any established route). However, for an affinity group cruise, the journey is more important than the destination.
On-board ship, affinity groups should take advantage of having hassle-free meals and entertainment. This leaves plenty of time for photos and videos. Those with blogging skills can commemorate the activities online; more traditional cruise passengers may be inspired to create a scrap book or other record of event memorabilia.
So if you want to get away from that tired old family reunion in the park, have the greatest graduation party ever, or renew your wedding vows with a few family and friends, visit some cruise websites and talk to your travel agent.
Reference: Cooking games
Chủ Nhật, 29 tháng 3, 2009
Livigno, Italy: A Poor To Prosperous Ski Resort
This tax incentive was started in the later 1800s to keep people living here; and, of course, to help Italy keep an eye on its land and borders. Other Italian villages make complaints about these continued benefits given solely to Livigno. The tax incentive continues on today because of the poverty that dominated the region for centuries. Today's inhabitants benefit mostly because of the hardships their grandparents faced.
These hardships didn't stop at poverty back then either. Because of an altitude over 1800 meters, Livigno suffered inadequate supply shipments, snubbing by the Italian government, frostbiting cold and death-swallowing avalanches. The last one killed seven people, destroyed more than a dozen houses and left a chilling wake of snow cover until the spring thaw. In fact, the first papers documenting the area-from the Middle Ages-referred to Livigno as "vinea et vineola." This actually translates from German to "Avalanche"-a seriously hard place to make a living.
The first people to come to Livigno were shepherds, poor migrants who toiled the land into something productive. Today, the sons and daughters of those shepherds enjoy a much easier way of life. Not only are more people bringing business and jobs, but also there are more economic opportunity and advancement. Neither Italy nor the EU rebuffs Livigno today. The area even has one of Italy's highest birth rates, corroborating the census that life here is finally getting easier.
The Livigno resort itself is located a few meters over 1800 meters. The Akua Granda or Spol River passes through the area year round. Livigno is part of the Italian Alps, though Switzerland has some rights to the mountain as they are close by. If bargain hunters are looking for last minute deals in the Alps-with tax-free benefits to boot-Livigno may be the best place to search.
The ski area itself is best suited to beginner and intermediate level skiers, located right above the Valtellina alpine valley near Switzerland. The slopes are the long, wide-open type, allowing beginners to zoom downhill without the pressures of running into someone or something. A week or two here will make a beginner more confident in attempting other narrower and faster slopes elsewhere in the Alps. Plus, any number of the ski schools will show you the ropes for a few euros per session. If you wait until last minute, however, it may cost you a bit more.
The resort itself is part of the Alta Valtellina Ski Area. On one side of the valley, you'll find Carosella and the Costaccia, while on the other, you'll find the Mottolino ski area. You can buy a ski pass (either in advance or last minute) that will give you access to Bormio and Santa Caterina ski areas too. Many of the ski areas are above the resort proper, so it' possible to ride to the top, ski down and have easy access to your hotel or accommodation without riding up again. With over 90 individual pistes and 110 km of runs, you'll be lucky to find your way back without a guide or map.
Historically speaking, Livigno Italian ski resort was visited by only a few outsiders and mainly catered to an Italian crowd. Because of newfound fascination, Livigno receives foreigners from England, Austria, Germany, and even Canada, the USA and Brazil. The slopes are guaranteed snow crusted while the prices are assuredly cheaper than higher-brow ski resorts. With Swiss prices so close and other Alps resorts closer, Livigno makes just as much economic sense as somewhere closer to home. (Hint: There's an airport two hours away. Getting here for a quick getaway is possible.)
The numbers tell why people are flocking to Livigno Italian ski resort, booking all-inclusive or last-minute packages. There are a total of 57 runs-six black, 25 blue and 26 red-plus kilometers of downhill pistes. If you like to get off the slopes, then you can try your skis at some 40 km of cross-country routes. There are over 30 lifts capable of transporting over 45,000 skiers and snowboarders per hour. The highest lift can take you to 3000 meters and with the lowest at 1800 meters-that's a difference of 1200 meters-snow is assured (24 snow cannons provided)! The slopes face a southeast and northwest direction, giving sun and snow lovers the time of their lives.
These hardships didn't stop at poverty back then either. Because of an altitude over 1800 meters, Livigno suffered inadequate supply shipments, snubbing by the Italian government, frostbiting cold and death-swallowing avalanches. The last one killed seven people, destroyed more than a dozen houses and left a chilling wake of snow cover until the spring thaw. In fact, the first papers documenting the area-from the Middle Ages-referred to Livigno as "vinea et vineola." This actually translates from German to "Avalanche"-a seriously hard place to make a living.
The first people to come to Livigno were shepherds, poor migrants who toiled the land into something productive. Today, the sons and daughters of those shepherds enjoy a much easier way of life. Not only are more people bringing business and jobs, but also there are more economic opportunity and advancement. Neither Italy nor the EU rebuffs Livigno today. The area even has one of Italy's highest birth rates, corroborating the census that life here is finally getting easier.
The Livigno resort itself is located a few meters over 1800 meters. The Akua Granda or Spol River passes through the area year round. Livigno is part of the Italian Alps, though Switzerland has some rights to the mountain as they are close by. If bargain hunters are looking for last minute deals in the Alps-with tax-free benefits to boot-Livigno may be the best place to search.
The ski area itself is best suited to beginner and intermediate level skiers, located right above the Valtellina alpine valley near Switzerland. The slopes are the long, wide-open type, allowing beginners to zoom downhill without the pressures of running into someone or something. A week or two here will make a beginner more confident in attempting other narrower and faster slopes elsewhere in the Alps. Plus, any number of the ski schools will show you the ropes for a few euros per session. If you wait until last minute, however, it may cost you a bit more.
The resort itself is part of the Alta Valtellina Ski Area. On one side of the valley, you'll find Carosella and the Costaccia, while on the other, you'll find the Mottolino ski area. You can buy a ski pass (either in advance or last minute) that will give you access to Bormio and Santa Caterina ski areas too. Many of the ski areas are above the resort proper, so it' possible to ride to the top, ski down and have easy access to your hotel or accommodation without riding up again. With over 90 individual pistes and 110 km of runs, you'll be lucky to find your way back without a guide or map.
Historically speaking, Livigno Italian ski resort was visited by only a few outsiders and mainly catered to an Italian crowd. Because of newfound fascination, Livigno receives foreigners from England, Austria, Germany, and even Canada, the USA and Brazil. The slopes are guaranteed snow crusted while the prices are assuredly cheaper than higher-brow ski resorts. With Swiss prices so close and other Alps resorts closer, Livigno makes just as much economic sense as somewhere closer to home. (Hint: There's an airport two hours away. Getting here for a quick getaway is possible.)
The numbers tell why people are flocking to Livigno Italian ski resort, booking all-inclusive or last-minute packages. There are a total of 57 runs-six black, 25 blue and 26 red-plus kilometers of downhill pistes. If you like to get off the slopes, then you can try your skis at some 40 km of cross-country routes. There are over 30 lifts capable of transporting over 45,000 skiers and snowboarders per hour. The highest lift can take you to 3000 meters and with the lowest at 1800 meters-that's a difference of 1200 meters-snow is assured (24 snow cannons provided)! The slopes face a southeast and northwest direction, giving sun and snow lovers the time of their lives.
Cool Stardoll Games
Ice Cream Server Ice Cream Server: Serve ice cream to the kids when they enter. If you waste an ice cream, your score will get reduced. Attain each level target to play the next level. Hope that you will perform as the best server. Good luck to you and try your best!!
To Be a Top Look To Be a Top Look: To be top look, you should pull fashion, hair style and other accessories together.
Baby Princess Gowns Baby Princess Gowns: Try out these entire gorgeous baby princess gowns for a little girl. Find the best one you love the most.
Funky Nail Art Funky Nail Art: Create some funky nail art designs with your favorite colors and add-ons.
What Is All You Need What Is All You Need:
Santa Claus is Coming to Town Santa Claus is Coming to Town: "Santa Claus is coming to town! He's making a list, He's checking it twice, He's gonna find out who's naughty or nice". Now dress him up, then he will send you a special gift on Christmas night. :D :D
Cranberry Christmas Fudge Cranberry Christmas Fudge: on Christmas day, it's a wonderful surprise if you can make a Cranberry Christmas Fudge for your family to enjoy. If you want, let learn how to make a perfect desert for holiday
A little Bit Funny A little Bit Funny: Let this beautiful girl get a little bit beard on the face. Do you think that it is funny?
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