Best Travel

In 1959 Boston authorities made a tough decision when figuring out what to do with the overflow of traffic moving to, from, and through the city. Their solution was to erect a 6 lane elevated superhighway, one that would slice the city in half. The Central Artery, as it was called, displaced 20,000 residents from their homes, and severed Boston’s Waterfront and the North End from the rest of the city. The ability for these neighborhoods to economically compete in the city’s commerce were cruelly diminished. 25 years later, when the volume of traffic on the Central Artery began creating over 10 hours of congested traffic per day, and as the severed neighborhoods were still harboring their grudges, a solution was planned once again. This time it was called “The Big Dig”.

The Big Dig broke ground in 1991 with a mission to remove the entire Central Artery, replacing it with an 8-10 lane expressway below the surface. It would require huge connector ramps on either side of the tunnel, and as an added bonus, the Ted Williams Tunnel would be constructed to connect Logan Airport in East Boston to South Boston, thus creating an alternate route for travelers approaching from the South and West. When it was all said and done, the Big Dig disrupted 7.8 miles of highway. If each lane of those highways were laid down one after the other, it would stretch out for more then 161 miles. The project is currently in its final stages, 15 years later.

Although the finishing touches still need to be applied, Boston residents are already realizing the effects of the Big Dig. The North End and the Waterfront are once again a part of the city, whereby residents can easily stroll from one neighborhood to the other. The sound of traffic is buried beneath the streets, and the once poisoned property along the Central Artery is busting with construction and realizing a growing volume of commerce. Besides bringing the city back together, the Big Dig is responsible for the creation of more then 260 acres of open land. Where the old artery once stood stretching through the city, a strip of parks, art centers, and recreational facilities are being built. The Rose Kennedy Greenway, as the strip will be termed, is being lined with new hotels, restaurants, shops, galleries, an arboretum within, and several new luxurious condominium residences. Rowes Wharf and the Boston Harbor Hotel have had the pleasure of watching the entire Greenway laid out in front of them. Other condo buildings, either new construction or recent conversions, have recently opened their doors in time to take full advantage of the areas new atmosphere. These include Greenway Place, Folio Boston, Broadluxe, and the Residences at the Intercontinental. There are several residential communities planned for the future, including Russia Wharf, which will position itself should-to-shoulder with The Intercontinental.

The Greenway represents something brand new for a city whose streets and neighborhoods have already fathered so much history. Being a Boston resident affords each individual the ability to observe and contribute to this exciting era. Living along the Greenway and among all its integral surroundings offers a promise of something novel and unique in a city where that is often rare. The Rose Kennedy Greenway will be a hub of anticipation, of activity, of fresh character, and of exhilaration.

There’s no denying that it has become more and more difficult to fly without running into snags or problems with the airport or the airlines. Enduring the line at the security check point in some airports is enough to put some passengers in a bad mood. However, despite all of the inconveniences that come with flying, it is a necessity. There are several things that can be done to make flying easier and more hassle free, and all that is involved is a little bit of common sense and planning.

1. Get to the Airport Early
Arriving at the airport early is a no-brainer, especially when the airlines tell passengers to arrive at least two hours prior to a flight’s departure time. However, there are many people who refuse to heed this request, and arrive at the airport just several minutes before a flight is scheduled to leave. If there is a line at the check-in counter or at security, this can create a very stressful situation. Not only may the flight be missed, but a new flight must be booked, and the passengers will probably have to travel stand-by on a later flight with no guarantee of a seat until the very last minute.

2. Take a Morning Flight
Leaving on an early flight does not necessarily mean a 4 a.m. flight must be chosen. However, flights that leave first thing in the morning are less likely to be running late, and they are less likely to be affected by weather problems across the country and/or other planes that may be delayed at other airports. Also, if for some reason the first flight of the day is canceled or delayed, there will probably be several other flights throughout the day that, if necessary, can be taken instead.

3. Try Not to Fly During “Rush Hour”
Airports, like highways, have rush hours. Typically, rush hour in the morning is from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and in the afternoon from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. These are the hours when airports are the most crowded with people waiting for flights. Crowds mean longer lines at the security check points, more people in the restrooms, more people waiting in restaurant lines, and more people taking up seats in the waiting areas. Flying at a NON-rush hour time of day can alleviate the need to stand in lines and sit with crowds.

4. Try to Take Non-Stop Flights
Obviously, when a non-stop flight is taken, there is less risk of being delayed. Taking off and landing both take quite a bit of time, so avoiding having to do this twice is recommended. There will always be destinations when a non-stop flight is not available, but there are plenty of cities where non-stop flights are just as common as those that stop. It may even be worth a few extra dollars to book a non-stop flight to avoid an unneeded hassle and the possibility of being delayed.

5. Book Connections with Enough Time
If a non-stop flight is not available to a desired destination, make sure to schedule enough time in between flights. When airlines book flights, they often have a layover requirement of 30 or 45 minutes between connections. However, this is often not enough time if the original flight arrives late. In order to avoid this stress, try to schedule connecting flights with at least an hour to spare between the arrival time of the first flight and the departure time of the connecting flight.



Our skiing had come to an end and I allocated the last full day in Banff to explore some more local attractions while my husband headed into Calgary to do some shopping. We got going at about 11:30 am and Nigel dropped me off at the foot of the Banff Gondola. This historic attraction has been around since 1959 and the gondola was just recently reconstructed and reopened in 1998 and features a state-of-the-art gondola system engineered by a Swiss gondola construction company.

On the parking lot of the gondola you can see a big bus with oversized wheels called the “Ice Explorer”. This is the type of vehicle used to carry tourists onto the famous Columbia Icefields located between Lake Louise and Jasper National Park.

The gondola takes you from 1583 m (5,194 feet) at the base station to 2,281 m (7,486 feet) to the upper terminal on Sulphur Mountain in just 8 minutes. On the way up I enjoyed the wonderful view of the townsite of Banff, looking down at the Banff Springs Hotel.

At the top of Sulphur Mountain is a complex of visitor services that includes a restaurant called the Regal View Garden. No doubt this is a rather appropriate name since the panorama from Sulphur Mountain is truly something to behold. The summit gondola station also features a roof-top observation deck that is equipped with a variety of arrows, indicating directions and distances to major world cities.

The one kilometer interpretive boardwalk takes you over to Sanson’s Peak which is the location of the 1903 Stone Observatory. Norman Sanson observed the weather from Sanson’s Peak for every week for 30 years and recorded his observations. Near the observatory is the foundation of a designated National Historic Site: the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station that measured cosmic radiation during the 1950s and 1960s. Along this boardwalk there are a variety of informative panels informing you about local fauna and flora in this unique habitat.

The gondola brochure points out that you may actually encounter local wildlife such as Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Golden Mantled Squirrels, Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles. Although I didn’t run into any major wildlife, I enjoyed the majestic view from the mountain and the peacefulness that surrounds it.

I had a little snack in the cafeteria and sat right next to the picture window and looked down onto the townsite of Banff. It wasn’t a perfectly clear day and Cascade Mountain’s top was covered in mist and cloud, but the view from Sulphur Mountain is one of the most astounding panoramas anywhere.

After my wonderful mountain break, I took the gondola down – although I was debating whether I should take a snowy forest pathway all the way down the mountain which I kept seeing from the gondola. From the base station I walked over to the Banff Upper Hot Springs. The Canadian Rockies limestone mountains have all sorts of fissures and hot springs feed geothermally heated water right up through one of the cracks to the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

The springs were discovered in 1894 and contain steaming water loaded with minerals. Even in the winter people sit in the open-air pool and enjoy the medicinal waters of the Upper Hot Springs. The fully restored bathhouse dates back to the 1930s and also provides day spa facilities offering massage therapy, a steam room, aromatherapy and other facilities. A restaurant and snack bar are also located in the Bathhouse.

For a minute I was tempted to try the Hot Springs myself, but I didn’t have a bathing suit with me. Although the retail shop in the Bathhouse sells bathing suits I decided that rather than relaxing in the hot water I’d get a bit more exercise and I started my walk towards town.

Instead of taking the main road back to town I took a forest path that connects the Banff Upper Hot Springs with the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It was a beautiful peaceful walk through the trees and it would have been perfect if I hadn’t been wearing the world’s most slippery boots. I had to watch every step on the sloping forest terrain to make sure I didn’t wipe out, and I finally arrived at the bottom of the hill, relieved to be back on a paved parking lot right next to the Banff Springs Hotel.

I strolled by this famous Banff landmark into town and crossed the road to explore the grounds of Canada Place, the home of the Banff Park administration since 1936. During the summer Canada Place offers free admission to an exhibit that celebrates Canada’s land, culture and achievements.

During the winter the facility is closed, but the view from the surrounding Cascade Gardens towards Cascade Mountain is stunning on a clear day. I wasn’t so lucky, for our entire week in Banff we never got to see famous Cascade Mountain completely clear and free of clouds. But never mind, the glimpses that we did catch gave us a feeling for this amazingly photogenic natural feature that is always pictured on Banff postcards.

From Canada Place I crossed the bridge over the Bow River and I visited another important landmark: the Banff Park Museum. It is one of Canada’s oldest and grandest natural history museum, housed in a historic “railway pagoda”, built in 1903, the largest and most elaborate example of early park design, using decorative cross-log construction.

Specimens inside the museum include mountain goats, deer, cougars, bisons, bears, a large variety of birds and mammals and some of these specimens date back to the 1860s. Norman Sanson, the weatherman on Sanson’s Peak, was the curator of this museum for over 30 years, and personally collected thousands of specimens for this museum. Museum

The museum also holds a library where you can browse through a variety of books and magazines. After I had informed myself about Western Canada’s wildlife I strolled down Banff’s main street, aptly named Banff Avenue, I strengthened myself with a quick late lunch in the food court at the Cascade Plaza Shops, one of Banff’s main shopping plazas. After lunch I headed back out on the street and a very chilly mountain wind had started blowing. This was my last walk through Banff on this vacation and I was mentally saying goodbye to this picturesque mountain town.

Introduction

Dundee lies on the east coast of Scotland, around 40 miles north of Edinburgh. It is the fourth largest city in Scotland. It used to be known for the 3 “Js”. jute, jam and journalism, of which journalism is the sole survivor. It is the home of the Beano and the Dandy comics started in the late 1930s. Bronze statues of three characters from the comics, Desperate Dan, Minnie the Minx and Gnasher adorn the city centre. The city has undergone quite a renaissance in the last 20 years, beginning when the ship Discovery, built in Dundee, which transported Scott to Antartica, was brought back to the city. I was born in Dundee but only lived there until I was five years old. I have seen such a positive changes in the city over the years. It really has pulled itself up without becoming too pretentious or gentrified.

Unique Points

Dundee is a compact city with wonderful views over the Tay Estuary. I think it is ideal as a short break destination as there are the attractions of the city; a choice of shops restaurants and cafes plus visiting the Discovery, the Verdant Works, an award winning industrial heritage museum and a beautiful sandy beach at adjacent Broughty Ferry.

History

Dundee’s location at the mouth of the River Tay has shaped much of its history. Dundee is documented as being a trading port from the 12th century. There were imports of wine, grain and later wool and linen. Dundee was the port for many whaling ships. Dundee was already established as a textile manufacturing centre wit the weaving of linen and sail cloth, when a new innovative jute spinning process was developed there in 1833. Dundee then became the centre of jute production and earned the nickname of “Juteopolis”. However the industry slid into decline in the 1920s

Two thousand ships were built in Dundee between 1871 and 1881. The Discovery, which was used to transport Scott’s ill fated expedition to the South Pole was built in Dundee in 1901. The Fleming Investment Trust company was started in Dundee in 1873, by Robert Fleming a jute baron when he started to invest in the growing US economy. His grandson was Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond books.

In June 1878 the Tay Rail Bridge opened to great acclaim, it was the longest bridge in the world. It reduced the journey time from Dundee to London by 5 hours and was used by Queen Victoria to reach her Highland retreat, Balmoral Castle. However the bridge collapsed during a severe storm in December 1879, with the loss of 75 train passengers. The bridge was rebuilt opening in 1887 using some of the original bridges girders. You can still see the stumps of the former bridges piers running alongside the current rail bridge. The Tay Road Bridge was opened in 1966, after a three and a half year construction period. I have a vague recollection of there being constant banging noises during the construction.

Dundee certainly suffered from the demise of its traditional industries which led to high unemployment and poverty. However I feel that the city really has picked itself up over the last couple of decades. I was born in Dundee but only lived there until I was five years old. Over recent years when I have visited the city I have witnessed many improvements. The city centre has been greatly improved, more attractions have been opened. Dundee is now a world class centre for biomedical research. Real Time Worlds, the developer of the computer games, Lemming and Grand Theft Auto is based in Dundee. It is also emerging as one of Scotland leading retail centres.

What to do

The ship Discovery is probably the jewel in the crown of the reborn Dundee. The ship and the visitor centre give you an insight into Scott’s Expedition in his race to beat Amundsen to the South Pole. If you are interested in ships, the Frigate Unicorn and the Lightship North Carr are located at the Victoria Docks only few minutes along a riverfront walk way from the Discovery. The Unicorn is a 46 gun wooden warship, built in 1824 and the oldest British built warship still afloat. The City Quay shopping centre is at the other side of the dock. Sensation is a hands on science museum with over 80 interactive exhibits. It is very popular with families and as offers fun education about science. The Verdant Works is a former European Industrial Museum of the Year winner, telling the story of the jute industry in Dundee. There is a film show, computer displays and original machinery to help you recapture the past.

Mills Observatory, tel 01382 435967, is the only full time public observatory in the UK. The main telescope, a Victorian 10″ Cooke Refractor was manufactured in 1871 but is still going strong. There are regular talks and displays.

St Mary’s Tower, know locally as the “Old Steeple” is the highest existing medieval tower in the UK. It stands at 488 metres, and has 232 steps. It is the oldest surviving building in Dundee. The Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre encompasses a cinema, exhibitions, events and talks. There is Dundee Rep Theatre which is home to the Scottish Dance Theatre, The Rep company is on the road in 2007 performing the new highly acclaimed “Sunshine on Leith” musical with music from the Scottish twins, The Proclaimers.

Broughty Ferry is a seaside town now part of Dundee. Broughty Ferry Castle was built in 1496, rebuilt in the 1860s, now houses a museum. The castle sits beside the long golden beach. Broughty Ferry was used as the northern port for passengers travelling north by rail before the first Tay Rail Bridge was constructed. It was home to the mansions built by the jute barons, away from the industrial city. It was known as “The Brighton of Scotland” as it was a popular seaside resort for day trips and holidays before the advent of package holidays to warmer climes.

Glamis Castle the childhood home of the Queen Mother, lies 12 miles north of Dundee. The castle was first constructed in the 1400s, on the site of a royal hunting lodge. Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth 11 was born here in 1930. You can buy a Royal Discovery Pass which gives you reduced joint admission to the Discovery and Glamis Castle.



Massachusetts is a beautiful New England state providing plenty of opportunities for exploration. Following are Massachusetts RV lodgings where you can stay on your trip.

New England is a great area of the United States for a vacation any time of year. If you enjoy winter sports such as skiing or summer events like going to the beach and outdoor activities, there is definitely a spot waiting for you in New England. Among the states here, Massachusetts is perhaps the best example of the region as a whole. Filled with historical sights and beautiful shorelines (such as those on Cape Cod) this state is a very popular family destination. Choosing to stay at any of the Massachusetts RV lodgings can make your trip even more enjoyable.

One very popular section of Massachusetts is Cape Cod. Long known as a resort area for people from Boston as well as other large cities in the nearby states, this peninsula sees thousands of visitors each year. Its unique semicircular shape and the fact that it borders both Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean make Cape Cod a good place to see beautiful lighthouses and other types of New England architecture, as well as a great starting point for going whale watching in the area.

A look at the Massachusetts RV lodgings in the Cape Cod area reveals a lot of choices. One of these lodgings is the Bay View Lodgings in Bourne, Massachusetts. This small town is located just near the Cape Cod Canal, and is a short one hour ride from either Boston or Providence, Rhode Island. Built high up in the wooded area around the Canal, this lodging offers access to beautiful views as well as beaches that offer marinas, fishing in either the Cape Cod Canal or Bay and many other water activities.

The Bay View Lodgings offer RV campers 400 back in or pull through sites, each with water, electric, sewer and cable hookup. There are also picnic benches and a fireplace situated at every site. Also located on the Bay View property are laundry facilities, a camping/convenience store, restrooms with hot showers and ice and wood available for purchase. During the summer months (and on weekends in the off season), an outdoor eatery is set up at the lodgings offering fried and grilled foods – with an ice cream parlor also available for desserts and snacks. There are three swimming pools available for your use in season, as well as camp-led activities for visitors of all ages.

Massachusetts RV lodgings make staying in this state fun and comfortable. With the many choices out there, your biggest problem may be choosing which area of the state to camp in.



Writing a cover letter to send with your résumé can be both confusing and frustrating. What exactly should you say? Are you saying too much? Are you only speaking about your needs vs. the company’s needs? Oh, what to do! In this “short” piece, I will list some ideas on how to craft your cover letter. I have also provided some important links — for additional assistance — particularly if you find yourself still needing outside help.

Basics

* Make sure you use exactly the same type of paper you use for your résumé. White with white is best, business paper is strongly advised, especially paper containing 100% cotton. Cheap 20 lb. copier paper is a terrible idea!

* A matching business envelope {#10} is acceptable. Tri-fold your copies separately; when you place the cover letter inside the envelope, make sure that the letter is shown first [when you lift the flap of the envelope up] followed by your résumé. Fold it so that your name and contact information is the first thing the recruiter sees. If you choose to use a kraft envelope make sure that is no smaller than 9×12 or bigger than 10×13. Place an attractive computer generated label on it with your return address shown appropriately. If you must write on it, PRINT your information and do not be fancy. Remember: you want the post office and the company’s mailroom to be able to read what you wrote! Otherwise, important time may be lost in the process.

* If you are emailing your information make sure that the job listing stipulates that attachments are okay. If not, don’t you dare send attachments! Instead, within the body of an email message you can write your cover letter [a brief introduction] and then cut and paste your résumé. I cannot tell you how many files never get read when the person does not do as instructed. You can also follow up and mail in a hard [paper] copy if an address is provided.

Beginnings

* Match the header on your résumé with the header on your cover letter. They can and do get separated! An example header should look like this:

* Include your personal website address only if that information is valuable. If you host a site that is weird, inflammatory, adult oriented, or otherwise controversial, simply do not expect any response from the company.

* Put today’s date on the cover letter.

* Next, include your contact’s information, which can include:

Ms. Ellen Snow
Human Resources Coordinator
FlyByNight Aviation, Inc.
1234 Orville Wright Lane
Serendipity, NC 27776

* Your salutation comes next and should look like this

– Dear Ms. Snow:

Body

* Keep in mind that your cover letter must not be lengthy. You can say all that must be said in no more than three, maybe four, brief paragraphs.

* Here is a sample:

Attached, please find a copy of my résumé for your review. I am interested in the position of corporate flight attendant listed online at www.flybynight.com.

I believe my three years of international flying experience along with my culinary background and language skills makes me the ideal candidate to serve FlyByNight’s distinguished clientele. Currently, I work as an independent contractor and have flown to top destinations in Europe as well as throughout the U.S. and Canada. FlyByNight’s need for a dependable, trained, and highly experienced team player is exactly the type of position I desire.

I look forward to meeting with you in person to discuss your particular needs and how I can help FlyByNight successfully carry out its mission as the best operator of private jets in the world. Feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience; I can be reached at 919-555-1212 or by on cell phone at 919-555-1213.

Byes

* Sincerely,

Jane Doe

Leave 3-4 lines from your “Sincerely” to your name. Your closing shouldn’t include other words including Regards [too plain], Cheers! [too British], Love [too personal], etc. Remember, this is a business letter.

In summation, keep it short and specific. Have three or four main points you can emphasize about your strengths, particularly, those points which match with the points listed by the company in their job details. In this particular case the candidate emphasized her culinary, language, and international travel experience, as well as her availability. All four points were stressed in the company’s job listing which read:

“…international jet operator is searching for an experienced cabin attendant. This position involves serving our on demand charter clients from east coast locations to destinations in the U.S. and abroad. Must have exceptional food service skills. Current training with FACTS, FlightSafety or similar training vendor; French or Spanish language skills: a plus…

You cannot avoid talking about yourself, but you can control how you talk about yourself.

Do not…

1. …beg for an interview.

2. …mention money or benefits. If the job listing “demands” that you list your salary requirements, simply state that salary is negotiable.

3. …overly boast about your skills: think about what the company’s needs are, do you think they care that you were the recipient of an NBAA scholarship? It is, however, okay to list scholarship awards on your résumé.

4. …name drop. Unless, you already come highly recommended by someone they know and like. Your mentor may be well known in this industry, but not universally liked. You can use them on your list of references, however.

March 21, 2005

Ms. Ellen Snow
Human Resources Coordinator
FlyByNight Aviation, Inc.
1234 Orville Wright Lane
Serendipity, NC 27776

Re: Corporate Flight Attendant Opening [this is optional, but it can be helpful especially if the company has multiple openings available.]

Dear Ms. Snow:

Attached, please find a copy of my résumé for your review. I am interested in the position of corporate flight attendant listed online at www.flybynight.com.

I believe my three years of international flying experience along with my culinary background and language skills makes me the ideal candidate to serve FlyByNight’s distinguished clientele. Currently, I work as an independent contractor and have flown to top destinations in Europe as well as throughout the U.S. and Canada. FlyByNight’s need for a dependable, trained, and highly experienced team player is exactly the type of position I desire.

I look forward to meeting with you in person to discuss your particular needs and how I can help FlyByNight successfully carry out its mission as the best operator of private jets in the world. Feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience; I can be reached at 919-555-1212 or by on cell phone at 919-555-1213.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe



Owning a Sports Utility Vehicle gives one access to a vast array of outdoor activities. Its’ no secret that SUVs can go places ordinary vehicles can’t, but little attention has been given to proper SUV camping equipment and methods. That’s right, we’re talking about sleeping right there in the back of your SUV.

The first consideration, of course, is whether your particular model of vehicle has enough room to actually stretch out and sleep. I’m six feet tall and have no problem sleeping in the back of my Nissan XTerra. The best way to find out if you fit is to crawl in there and lay down! I’ve found that sleeping in the vehicle itself has advantages. The foremost of these is the security of being in a vehicle during a rainstorm or foul weather. Also, while I’m not averse to old fashioned tent camping, I find that the vehicle is much warmer than the cold ground. Another plus is that I don’t roll over in the night to find a tree root stuck in my back. Some great solutions for a good nights sleep in the back of your SUV may actually be in your closet or basement right now. One of the best is a single sized futon pad. These roll-up nicely for transport and provide not only comfort but insulation on colder nights. Some campers like to use inflatable mattresses of various sizes, including the small inflatable models sold for hikers in most outfitter stores. Personally, I use a pad from a chaise lounge on my back deck. It folds well and is rugged enough for tough use. Also, the SUV makes a great base-camp for day-hikes or fishing expeditions. By using the SUV as a tent you don’t need to carry a restrictive mummy bag if you don’t wish. Break out the cotton sheets and sleep in comfort!

Another consideration is ventilation. Sleeping in your SUV with the windows closed can become uncomfortable, especially in warm weather. Not only do the windows become foggy, but the entire interior of the vehicle can become moist with breath exhalation and quite stuffy. Leaving the windows down is a solution that works fine so long as there are no bugs flying around. However, add a few mosquitoes or other buzzing critter and the night can become very uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are a couple of ready solutions for this problem. The first, and most expensive, is to purchase a truck tent system for your SUV. There are many models designed to fit over the tail gate of many common models. Some are smaller and simply create a little extra space with the gate open. Others create an entire room off the back of the vehicle with screened windows and room for the family. This choice is a matter of personal taste, budget, and intent. Another solution, which can compliment a truck tent or be used solo is a product called the “Magna Screen”. These allow you to sleep with your windows down and provide a barrier against insects. Basically, a Magna Screen is a screen that fits magnetically over the exterior of your side window. They’re inexpensive, durable and solve the problem nicely.

Getting to the back-country should be no problem. The best thing you can own is a detailed map of your local National Forest or Park. Make sure to own a map that details all accessible fire roads in the area, and check local conditions to be sure that motor vehicles are allowed where you plan to camp. High end dashboard GPS units, such as Garmin, will also have details on access roads. Once you use a GPS unit you may never buy a map again, and with a good GPS system you can mark all your favorite fishing and camping spots to return again and again with laser precision. So there you have it, your SUV can do even more for you if you’re willing to try something new. Sleeping in your SUV may seem odd at first to some, but once you experience the freedom it allows on back-country jaunts you will be sold. Remember, always respect your environment and always practice “leave no trace” tactics when enjoying the outdoors.



Have you ever heard the word yoga and thought about that woman in white tights on the cereal box? The next thought that comes into your mind is “Wait, I can’t even touch my toes. I would look really silly in a yoga class. Forget it. Chanting is not for me.” Think again. This article will tell you what yoga is. It is not about women in white tights. It is not about auditioning for Cirque du Soleil either. It is not about chanting words you have no idea about.

Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning joining. By doing yoga we are joining together the various facets of a human being. We are made up of body, mind and spirit. By doing yoga we join these three parts together to form an integrated human being. The actual pose or asana part of yoga is only a method by which we can integrate the human being. In essence, yoga means to attain a sense of balance, focus and improved breathing. If we all did a structured breathing exercise which would improve lung capacity and increase circulation, then that would be yoga. In fact, the first step in doing yoga is to understand breathing and its effect on the human body. Physiology tells us that the functioning of the human body is highly dependent on our breathing.

We know that when we are anxious, our breathing is short and fast. When we are relaxed it is long and deep. The latter produces a more efficient human body and cells respond to that efficient infusion of oxygen to perform at their peak level.

For more information please check the website.



If you are a novice in African safaris, you probably might find yourself overwhelmed with the array of choices that will arrest your sight. If you have already gone there, you might as well know how to plan a tour so as to delve into the deeper wonders of the African safaris. Remember, some solitary locations are far more marvelous than those, which already became traditional destinations.

Go. Plan a different route. Seek places that you haven’t scoured before and experience wonder that you should not miss.

You can’t off course explore the whole of African safaris on a few days of trip. There simply are too many sights to feed your spirit and too many places where you may see the real and seldomly seen creations.

This is what an African safari may look like-

A spot may feature a snow-capped mountain while another site will let you witness the miracle of aquatic reefs. And there are definitely desserts and endless selections of wildlife. On another spot, you may even see a remarkable waterfall that will let you experience African safari the different way. Not to mention the diversity of culture and traditions, people and norms that form Africa.

It simply has got it all! Even the most amazing wonders that you can imagine may be found lingering in its rich and vast African safaris.

East and Central Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro…Ngorongoro Crater…countless plains animals…prides of lion along with other predators are all found in these African safari regions. It is strange how these two regions harbor the diversity of animals that feeds on its earth. Its amazing how animals like impala, hartebeest, cheetah, buffalo and others coexist harmoniously in African safaris.

South Africa

Though southern African safaris lack the famous wonders that east and central Africa offer, it still has other things to present to its guests. This is the sight most films of life in the safaris are made.

Zimbabwe is often deemed to be the most marvelous place in African safaris. Why not? It is the honors the mighty Victoria Falls.

One of the African safari favorites is the Zambia. It harbors wilderness camps that may be found in national parks such as Kafue National Park and South Luangwa.

To finish your African safari trip, you may find pleasure in the Indian Ocean islands, which cover Mozambique, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius and Seychelles Islands. The waters that cover these places are great havens for marine life.

AUSTRIA

The world’s best music festivals. The world’s biggest and most famous music festival is the Salzburg Festival. Other important Austrian melomaniac delights include the Haydn Festival in Vienna and the International Chamber Music Festival. Tickets to the festivals are cheapest if you buy them in Austria. “Tickets for Events in Austria” is an information sheet which is available from Austrian National Tourist Office, tel. (212)944-6880; website: www.austria-tourism.at.

The world’s best horsemanship. The 400-year-old Spanish Riding School, located in the Hofburg, trains the noble white stallions that descend from the Spanish horses imported to Austria by Emperor Maximilian II in the 16th century. The horses dance to Viennese music, guided by expert riders wearing the traditional gold-buttoned brown uniform and gold-braided black hat. Performances are held at the school most Sunday mornings at 10:45 a.m. and occasional Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. from March to June and September to December. It’s difficult to get tickets; write six months in advance to the Spanische Reitschule, Hofburg, A-1010 Vienna, Austria; tel. (43)1-533-9031.

The most romantic hotel. Less than an hour from Vienna, the Schloss Durnstein, tel. (43)2-711-212, presides over a wide curve of the Danube River. Located deep in the wine district of Wachsu, this magnificent castle is surrounded by distinctive vine-clad hills, age-old ruins and timeless picturesque villages with one-lane streets. According to the legend, it was here that the imprisoned King Richard the Lionhearted was reunited with his faithful minstrel, who had sung his way across Europe searching for his master. Also intriguing is the wine cellar (which can accommodate 8,000 “buckets” of wine), the arch-crossed cobbled courtyard and the 33 rooms all with chandeliers fronting the Danube.

GERMANY

Heidelberg, the most romantic town. Heidelberg is the hub of German Romanticism. Schumann began his career as a Romantic composer in this pretty town and Goethe fell in love here. Heidelberg is also the oldest university town in Germany and the site of scenes from the movie and opera The Student Prince. The best place to ramble in Heidelberg is the Haupstrasse, which is lined with coffeehouses and little shops. Have a drink in one of the cafes beneath the rathaus. Or meander along Philosopher’s Walk, where Goethe and Hegel wandered. From the path you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the city and Heidelberg Castle. Don’t leave town without visiting the Electoral Palatinate Museum, where the 500,000-year-old jawbone of Heidelberg Man is kept.

Germany’s best fish market. The best fish market in Germany is held on Sunday mornings in Hamburg. This raucous but fun affair is located by the docks in Altona and begins at 5 a.m.

Worms: the strangest history. The city of Worms has a strange name and an even stranger history. It was named for a legendary giant worm with fangs and webbed feet that lived in the Rhine and demanded human sacrifices. Worms was the fifth-century capital of the legendary Nibelungs. The tribe left the area, according to legend, after the wicked Hagen slew their hero, Siegfried and threw their treasure into the river. A huge statue of Hagen commemorates the story. The town was destroyed in A.D. 436 by Attila the Hun. In the center of the town’s old section is the tall, spired Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, built in the 11th and 12th centuries. Worms has a huge statue of Martin Luther; the oldest synagogue in Germany, built in the 11th century and restored in 1961; and the oldest and largest Jewish cemetery in Europe. Tombstones date from the 11th century.

Hitler’s favorite hideout. The Kehlsteinhouse (also known as Eagle’s Nest), perched on a rocky crag above the town of Berchtesgaden, was Hitler’s favorite hideout. No wonder-the view from the hideaway-turned-restaurant is exhilarating. Anyone could develop delusions of grandeur here. Alpine peaks rise above cottony clouds at this level. The snow at their summits glistens in the sun. Below, a thick carpet of dark green pines stretches toward the valley. The road to Eagle’s Nest is so steep and dangerous that cars are not allowed to use it; you must take a special bus from the Obersalzberg-Hintereck parking lot. You can dine in the restaurant from mid-May through mid-October.

The world’s best passion play. Every 10 years, the world’s most moving passion play is performed in the shadows of the Alps in the little artisan town of Oberammergau. From May through September in years ending in zero, local amateur actors put aside their daily professions and devote themselves entirely to the play. Written in the 17th century, it enacts Christ’s suffering between the Last Supper and his death. Villagers have performed the play every 10 years since the 17th century, when they vowed they would perform the passion if the black plague ceased. It did and they have. The picturesque Passionsspielhaus (Passion play Theater) can be visited any time of the year. The immense open-air stage holds 700 actors and the theater’s wooden benches hold 5,200 people. You can see the elaborate costumes used during the passion play when you visit. Performances begin at 8:30 a.m. and finish at 6 p.m., with a two-hour break for lunch. The best hotel Oberammergau is the Alois Lang. This quiet place has rooms with private bathrooms and three good dining rooms.

The world’s best asparagus. Every spring, Germans go stalk-raving mad, gorging themselves on the country’s Weisser Spargel, or white asparagus. The German asparagus, introduced 2,000 years ago by the Romans, is plump and ivory white with delicate purple tips. It is prized among epicures, who come from around the world every April, May and June to the world’s asparagus mecca. Asparagus is especially big business in Finthen, near Mainz, where all 5,000 inhabitants are engaged in the cultivation of the white vegetable; in Lampertheim, between Worms and Mannheim, where every housewife grows the prized vegetable in her back yard; in Schrobenhausen, the center of the only area in southern Bavaria where asparagus is grown; and in Tettnang and Schwetzingen, known together as the asparagus capital of Germany.