 |
 |
 There
is no place on Earth quite like the extraordinary Galapagos Islands, an
archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the
Pacific Ocean, 972 kilometers west of continental Ecuador. The islands
are geologically young and are famed for their great number of endemic
species (that is, species unique to a particular geographic location)
which were studied by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle.
Darwin's research there contributed to the inception of his theory of
evolution by natural selection.
The Galapagos Islands, formed
due to an uneven line of chasms and ridges known as the Galapagos Rift,
are in and of themselves a study of geology in action; in fact, the
Galapagos Islands comprise one of the most volcanically active areas on
Earth. More than 50 eruptions in 200 years have been recorded from the
Galapagos volcanoes, six of which are still active. Most of the islands
were made from a single volcanic cone rising to a high point with
gentle slopes and a flat coastline. Española (the oldest of the chain)
and Fernandina (the youngest), with their single volcanic cones,
represent typical Galapagos volcanoes which are known as shield
volcanoes - said to resemble a warrior's shield.
The creation of
the islands was due mainly to the existence of three plates of the
Earth's crust: the Pacific, the Nacza, and the Cocos. As a result of
the spreading of the sea floor along the Galapagos Rift and the East
Pacific Rise, the islands are moving east at more than seven
centimeters per year. Because of this movement, the "hot spot" that
formed the islands keeps forming new islands, resulting in the "trail"
of islands that we call the Galapagos.
The best way to see
Galapagos is on a boat-based cruise, although it is also possible to
make day trips from a hotel on the islands. The islands are managed by
the Galapagos National Park (GNP), which require all tourists to be
accompanied by a qualified naturalist guide. The Park has designated
more than 60 visitors' sites, enabling tourists to see all the best
wildlife; the rest of the National Park is out of bounds to tourists.
In addition to the land sites, Galapagos offers excellent diving
opportunities.
There
is no place on Earth quite like the extraordinary Galapagos Islands, an
archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific
Ocean, 972 kilometers west of continental Ecuador. The islands are geologically
young and are famed for their great number of endemic species (that is, species
unique to a particular geographic location) which were studied by Charles Darwin
during the voyage of the Beagle. Darwin's research there contributed to the
inception of his theory of evolution by natural selection.
The Galapagos Islands, formed due to an uneven line of chasms and ridges known
as the Galapagos Rift, are in and of themselves a study of geology in action;
in fact, the Galapagos Islands comprise one of the most volcanically active
areas on Earth. More than 50 eruptions in 200 years have been recorded from the
Galapagos volcanoes, six of which are still active. Most of the islands were
made from a single volcanic cone rising to a high point with gentle slopes and
a flat coastline. Española (the oldest of the chain) and Fernandina (the
youngest), with their single volcanic cones, represent typical Galapagos
volcanoes which are known as shield volcanoes - said to resemble a warrior's
shield.
The creation of the islands was due mainly to the existence of three plates of
the Earth's crust: the Pacific, the Nacza, and the Cocos. As a result of the
spreading of the sea floor along the Galapagos Rift and the East Pacific Rise,
the islands are moving east at more than seven centimeters per year. Because of
this movement, the "hot spot" that formed the islands keeps forming
new islands, resulting in the "trail" of islands that we call the
Galapagos.
The best way to see Galapagos is on a boat-based cruise, although it is also
possible to make day trips from a hotel on the islands. The islands are managed
by the Galapagos National Park (GNP), which require all tourists to be accompanied
by a qualified naturalist guide. The Park has designated more than 60 visitors'
sites, enabling tourists to see all the best wildlife; the rest of the National
Park is out of bounds to tourists. In addition to the land sites, Galapagos
offers excellent diving opportunities.
|
|
 |
 |
When
you take a love of travel and a love of art, and couple those
affinities with the realization that cultivating the arts is good for
the economy, you are presented with a number of indisputable reasons
why we should seek out unique American travel destinations that are
rich in the arts. Cities with thriving arts scenes are, by and large,
filled with a colorful mix of residents and visitors alike who make
exploring these places a worthwhile venture.
No
matter its size, no matter how remote it is, a town can have an arts
identity that generates local pride and good will, and contributes to
economic development. Here are a few American cities whose citizens
have a commitment to supporting local galleries, studios, and museums.
These are also culturally diverse, character-filled places that make
for very affordable, fulfilling travel destinations.
Austin, Texas
- Austin boasts a diverse and lively art scene, which, coupled with its
world famous music scene, marks the city as a sort of Mecca to anyone
who can be easily immersed in an explosive art experience that is
constantly producing a new dimension to its dynamic culture.
Asheville, North Carolina -
Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts a
thriving creative and performing arts scene, featuring hundreds of fine
artists, performing arts venues, mountain crafters, folk artists, hip
arts districts, numerous art galleries, and a myriad of art events.
Naples, Florida -
The sophisticated Naples lifestyle is reflected in the city's many art
galleries and theaters. From museum quality pieces to unique home
accessories to fine works by local artists, you will find a wide
variety of exceptional art, as well as entertainment opportunities, in
Naples.
Santa Fe, New Mexico - Santa Fe plays a
major role in the art world, with nearly 300 galleries and more than a
dozen museums, including one devoted to Georgia O'Keefe. New Mexico's
landscape supplies plenty of inspiration for artists in Santa Fe, a
city where art is so naturally incorporated into everyday life.
Saugatuck, Michigan -
Called "the art coast of Michigan," Saugatuck is home to world-class
galleries, artist studios, and museums. The world-renowned Ox-Bow art
school is here, as well as summer stock theatre. The city hosts its
annual Waterfront Film Festival every June, featuring independent films
from all over the world.
|
|
|
 |
 Whether
you are a dyed-in-the-wool cruiser or not, if you've exhausted all the
old ways of meeting other singles (and actually seeing meaningful
results), then a singles cruise might be just what you need to get that
dating momentum going again. The truth is that singles have the
potential to have a really amazing time when cruising with other
singles, simply because of the great variety of things they can do
together. You can dine, drink, dance, and attend special activities and
events throughout the voyage, both aboard the ship and in port. As with
any vacation, the idea is to relax and enjoy yourself. In other words,
there's no pressure - you can connect with the people you like, bypass
those you don't, and go off on your own whenever you want.
So
what exactly distinguishes a singles cruise from other types of
cruises? The world's leading cruise lines hold cruises featuring
special singles activities and events hosted by professional cruise
directors. Cruisers receive all the standard amenities typically
available on board the ship, Plus entrance to all of the exclusive
singles events. These usually include private meet and greet parties,
cocktail mixers, lectures, theme & costume parties, a separate
dining area for groups, and a number of ongoing activities organized by
directors. Many cruise itineraries also feature pre-cruise activities
like dinner parties, as well as resources, including a private message
board to use to connect with other cruising singles prior to
embarkation.
What better way for singles to meet than by
bringing people together from around the world and sending them on the
vacation of a lifetime? That's the other great thing about singles
cruises - you don't have to vacation alone anymore! Fulfill your dreams
of visiting faraway places, but do it among people with whom you can
form lasting connections simply by sharing the experience.
|
|
|
 |
 Though
many of us think of California, France or Italy when we think of the
origins of wine, in actuality, wine is produced the world over in some
rather unexpected places, from Vietnam to Hungary. For the wine
connoisseurs among us who relish in traveling off the beaten path and
tasting obscure varieties of wine, here are view of the lesser known
wine regions that dot the map.
The Eger wine region
of northern Hungary is where Egri Bikavér, the "Bull's Blood of Eger",
is produced. Egri Bikavér is Hungary's most famous red wine.
The Madeira Islands
of Portugal have a long wine making history which dates back to the Age
of Exploration. Madeira is a fortified wine that comes in a variety of
styles ranging from dry wines to sweet dessert wines.
Mendoza
is the heart of the Argentinean wine making industry, responsible for
nearly two-thirds of the country's wine production. Some of the
region's most important grape plantings are Malbec, Criolla Grande and
Cereza. Here in the eastern foothills of the Andes, vineyards are
planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world.
The Minho region
of northern Portugal is characterized by many small growers who train
their vines high off the ground, up fences, trees, and telephone poles
to allow them to cultivate vegetable crops below the vines, that
families use as a food source. Vinho Verde, meaning "Green Wine", is
produced here. The name refers more to its freshness rather than its
color.
Dalat, or Da Lat, is a popular tourist
destination in Vietnam that is renowned for its production of orchids,
roses, vegetables, and fruits. The city has temperate weather not
typical of a tropical country like Vietnam, and mist covers valleys
almost year-round, hence its name meaning "city of eternal spring".
Though in its wine making infancy, Dalat is positioned to become a
legitimate wine industry in Vietnam.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In This Issue
|
|
 |
|
News from Our Office
|
Name
Phone
My Website
|
|
|
Niagara Falls To Do List
|
No matter what time of the year you visit, there is much to experience
in Niagara Falls. Without further ado, your Niagara Falls To-Do List:
1.
The obvious: visit Niagara Falls State Park to witness a great expanse
of natural beauty like the falls and the gorge. Enjoy hiking, biking,
cross-country skiing, and fishing in the world's oldest state park.
2. Take a cavern tour, such as Cave of the Winds, for wet but rewarding views of the falls.
3.
Take a boat tour, such as Maid of the Mist, for an up close and
personal encounter with one of the world's great natural wonders. Get
ready to get very close to the falls!
4. Put your luck to the test at the Seneca Niagara Casino, complete with 91 gaming tables and thousands of slot machines.
5. Take an exhilarating hike down from Whirlpool State Park into the gorge, to see the rapids and the whirlpools.
6.
Visit the Aquarium of Niagara. Known as the "first inland oceanarium,"
it features more than 1,500 marine animals including sharks, piranha,
California sea lions, and the endangered Peruvian penguin.
7.
Visit the Daredevil Museum of Niagara Falls to see videos, photos, and
artifacts recounting daredevils who've attempted to conquer the falls.
|
|
|
Tips for Traveling Solo
|
There
comes a point when everyone needs a little alone time. If this sounds
like you, and it just so happens that you're in a position to take off
for a few days, why not plan a mini solo vacation? A weekend getaway
just for you could be exactly what you need. Here are some tips for
going it alone:
Avoid Romantic & Family Oriented Destinations
To
get the most out of your weekend alone, find out if your destination is
perfect for either honeymooners or families with children. If it is,
avoid this location unless you want to share your experience with a
bunch of gushing couples or screaming children. Hit the beach in the
off-season, or rent a secluded mountain cabin. Remember, it is better
to be alone than to wish you were.
Wine & Dine Yourself
Explore
some good cafes, bistros and pubs – either lively or quiet, depending
on what you prefer. Consider sitting at the counter to watch your food
being prepared. Take along reading material or a journal. Enjoy
people-watching and the fine art of eavesdropping. Use your smile to
reach out and make contact with others if you so desire - your
conversations with them may be the highlight of your evening.
Talk To Strangers
For
those times when you'd like some company or a chance to gain some local
insight, talk to people who seem approachable (use your common sense
here!) Some of the most meaningful travel experiences come from
spontaneous invitations to join a conversation or activity. Even if you
don't speak the language, a smile can go a long way.
Avoid Unwanted Attention
For
those times when you want solitude or just don't want to be pestered by
someone with the great potential to be annoying, quickly move away from
sources of irritation and avoid eye contact. Trust your instincts – if
you are really bothered, go into a store or hotel and explain that you
are a tourist and that someone is annoying you. Dress conservatively so
as not to draw unwanted attention and take clues from the way locals
are dressed.
Practice these things and traveling alone comfortably will be a skill you quickly develop!
|
|
|
del.icio.us
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon