My Travel Tales

In 2004, I completed two Inuit art buying trips to Iqaluit (formerly Frobisher Bay), the capital of Nunavut, Canada's newest territory. For both trips, I flew out of Ottawa on Canadian North airlines. The other airline that services Nunavut is First Air. Only the last half of the jets was allocated for passengers as the entire first half was for cargo. Being so remote, Canadian Arctic Inuit communities pretty well have to have everything shipped up there by plane or by boat during the summers since there are no roads connecting to the rest of Canada or even between each Nunavut community. The Arctic landscape from the air was desolate, hilly and barren. As the plane got closer to Iqaluit, the airport's small terminal building stood out with its bright yellow color.

The airport itself is within walking distance to the rest of the town. There are taxis that charge a flat rate of $5 per trip anywhere in Iqaluit. Interestingly enough, these taxis also pick up and drop off other passengers along the way so shared rides with others are common here. There are several hotels in Iqaluit and rooms are generally clean, comfortable but quite basic. Accommodations and dining up north in Nunavut are both expensive. All food items with the exception of local Inuit fare must be flown up from the Canadian south. A carton of milk will cost about $10 in Iqaluit. Most Inuit locals cannot afford to buy overpriced fruits, vegetables and meat from the south. Many local families still rely on Inuit hunters who bring caribou, seal and whale to the table.

There is only one high rise building in Iqaluit and it is used mainly for local Nunavut government offices. All other buildings are low rise, including the hospital. The vast majority of the residential housing is similar to cabins that are raised off the ground because of the harsh Canadian Arctic winters. Many look a bit run down with junk and disposed items piled outside. With the fact that there are no lawns or trees possible this far north, the neighborhoods are certainly not the prettiest sights around. But one Inuit art carver told me that his government subsidized rent is only $36 per month. There are some small clusters of nice homes on the outskirts of town. Some houses have husky dogs tied up outside and many have snowmobiles. In fact, the roads, most of them unpaved, are shared by cars, trucks, snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles and people. During the summers, Iqaluit can get quite dusty with all the vehicles turning up the dirt on the roads. As a result, Iqaluit did look a bit nicer during my first trip which was during the winter when the city was in white snow rather than brown dirt. There is new construction going on since with the creation of the Nunavut territory, Iqaluit is growing as more Inuit from other Arctic communities are migrating to the city.

One thing that was very noticeable in Iqaluit was the large numbers of children everywhere. Nunavut has a very young population with 56% under the age of 25. I saw many Inuit mothers wearing traditional Inuit parkas with large hoods in the back where their babies are carried. The Inuit youth is one of the Canadian Arctic's untapped resources and its future. They have access to satellite television and dress just like their counterparts in the south. However, at present only about 25% of high school students graduate so a big challenge for the Nunavut government is to encourage the Inuit kids to stay in school. During my second trip, there was darkness for only a few hours each day so it was very strange to be walking around town at 10 pm in the evening with daylight still present. Even at this hour, there were still quite a few young Inuit children playing outside.

The locals, Inuit and non-Inuit alike were very friendly. I got the impression of a tight community perhaps because of the isolation of the Canadian Arctic. However, the local Inuit were also very open to visitors and willing to share a bit of their lives. During the daytime, I went up to a few Inuit art carvers who were working outside their houses. Each turned off their power saws when I approached them and seemed happy to talk to me. I met most of them later during the evenings when they showed me their finished works of Inuit art.

I had the opportunity to walk about 30 minutes to the outskirts of town past the airport one day. I climbed up a hilltop with a satellite dish facility overlooking an expansive valley. There was nobody else around and it was incredible how silent the area was. It was like a vacuum where I could hear only my own breathing. It was a very peaceful and even spiritual moment there. While sitting on this Arctic hilltop, I was suddenly startled at one point by a noise and it turned out to be the flapping wings of a large raven flying by.

There are tours offered by local outfitters to see the northern wildlife and experience some of the Arctic tundra further out. I hope to take one of these tours on a future visit. A trip to Nunavut is not cheap since everything, including flights are so expensive. However, I will definitely return not only for more Inuit art, but also to experience more of the local Inuit culture and the Arctic land.

You will discover Frankfurt tourist attractions to be interesting and engrossing. What is most striking about Frankfurt is its open and hospitable atmosphere with people from diverse cultural backgrounds living in peace and harmony. The sightseeing of Frankfurt begins with its exquisite architecture. The bold high-rise architectures have a distinctiveness about them, which makes them stand apart. Opposite to the high-rise buildings, on the other side of the Main, you get to see an attraction, which is unique by itself

Camping provides a great temporary escape from the stresses and dangers of suburban and urban life. However, the camping experience is fraught with its own set of dangers. The wise camper must take these into account and prepare in advance how to make safety in the woods a high priority and counter the inherent risks.

In part 1 of this two-part series, we looked at safety related to food preparation, preparing clean drinking water, and how to minimize the risk of illness from ticks.

In this second and final part, we will now turn our safety focus to properly handling camp fires, avoidance of wild animals, and giving caution due consideration while walking through any wooded areas.

CAMP FIRES

For many people, the thought of sitting, talking, or singing around a camp fire lies at the heart of the outdoor experience. No fire, no fun. However, a fire handled improperly can lead to inadvertent disaster. So safety is of the essence.

When starting, enjoying, and later putting out a fire, use common sense.

For example, if you are camping when the weather has been dry for a lengthy period of time, it would be safer to skip the camp fire altogether. This issue itself may actually influence your decision on selecting a time to camp.

Additionally, only build fires in camp ground provided areas, such as fire rings. Otherwise, clear out a small area in your camping site, and place rocks around a circle to set the parameters for your fire. Within the circle, dig a hole several inches deep for the wood you will burn.

If you have not brought your own wood on the trip, gather wood that is already dead and lying nearby. Make sure that any leaves close to the fire pit are raked several yards away and that there are no paper products lying on the ground. Throw those in the trash.

Once the fire is started, let it build slowly with smaller twigs and dead branches, only placing larger pieces of wood on the pile as the flame grows. Make sure small children remain several feet away from the flame, as the heat can become intense while it grows. And they certainly should not be close enough that they could slip or trip and fall in.

And finally, never leave a camp fire unattended. When leaving the area (say for a walk) or going to sleep for the night, extinguish the flames. Use a lot of water to douse the flames, saving your clean drinking water when at all possible. Stir the ashes and use more water until the remains are cool enough to the fingers.

WILD ANIMALS

Most people do not encounter wild animals when camping in the woods, certainly not up close and personal. But that does not mean they are not living in the habitat and posing a quiet danger to humans. It can definitely be entertaining to spot them from a distance, not to mention serving up great snapshot opportunities with a raccoon, deer, or even a bear. However, in such a situation, distance between you and the animal is one of your best friends.

Never (ever) attempt to feed an animal you encounter. It is not your pet dog or cat and may attack! That is an instinctive response. Even if you make no gestures that seem threatening, the animal may interpret it that way.

If a wild animal approaches you, back away slowly and do nothing to invite its approach.

Minimize your risk of an animal encounters in the first place by wrapping all food securely and putting it away when you have finished eating. Then throw away food-related trash in camp provided trash receptacles.

PERILOUS ACTIVITIES

There is nothing quite like a long, quiet walk in the woods. Remain on paths that have been designed for walks. Use common sense.

* Refrain from hanging on tree branches. Old, dying, or thin wood can easily snap off.

* Avoid walking close to or leaning over steep cliffs, whether they are primarily rock or brush. It would be easy to slip or lose your balance. A subsequent fall could be disastrous.

* Do not attempt to conquer gravity in the opposite direction either. That is, refrain from climbing steeply angled rocks. You are on a camping trip, not a mountain climbing expedition.

* In the winter, never walk on frozen water. Regardless of surface appearance, there is no method to assess how thin and weight-bearing capable the ice may be.

As you can see, the camping experience is not a danger-free zone. The great outdoors certainly provides compelling motivation to seek quiet time with nature. But this activity cannot be done with reckless abandon. In fact, making safety in the woods a habit actually assists with maximizing the many positives of the camping experience.

I. Thou shalt pack HALF the clothes you want.

II. Thou shalt take TWICE the money you will need.

III. Thou shalt pack an abundance of Patience.

IV. Thou shalt NOT count calories, especially on cruises.

V. Your extra large luggage shalt have wheels.

VI. Thou shalt NOT feel guilty if you don't write and mail postcards until after you return home.

VII. Thou shalt pack a little Caution.

VIII. Thou shalt practice using your new camera BEFORE

you depart on your vacation.

IX. Thou shalt NOT pack uncomfortable shoes, no matter how attractive they might be.

X. Thou shalt have wonderful experiences that will flow into wonderful memories!

Copyright (C) 2003 by Marlene M. Davis

All rights reserved.

Now we can travel like pros ~

The Ten "Travel" Commandments

Travel for business or pleasure can bring to the fore several health concerns. The most common ailments people experience while on a trip are hypertension, colds, and diarrhea. In order to build up resistance to fight diseases you must adopt a healthy lifestyle. Get adequate rest, adopt a good exercise program, eat balanced meals, avoid fast foods, and food full of saturated fats, and take vitamins and any other medication prescribed by the doctor. One of the simplest rules to stay healthy while traveling is never eat uncooked foods and do not drink water that is suspect.

To protect yourself pack a small medicine kit as well as your medical records and insurance card. To maintain your health be sure to follow an exercise regime while traveling. You must walk, jog, swim, or use the hotel gym. Or you could play an exercise tape on your lap top and do your exercises in the hotel room. The secret to staying healthy is to stick to a routine and eat balanced meals at regular times.

Here are a few tips:

? For every time zone you cross, take a day's rest to allow your body clock to reset itself.

? Avoid alcohol but drink plenty of fluids. The crucial thing is to avoid dehydration.

? While on the plane try and rest as much as possible and exercise by getting up and moving down the aisles.

? Eat low fat meals on the plane, eat lightly, avoid salty, rich, and fatty foods.

? The CDC recommends that you drink only bottled water and that too the carbonated kind. The water bottles must be sealed and opened by you only. Do not use ice cubes under any circumstances and drink out of a straw.

? Use bottled water for brushing your teeth and for gargling. Wash you toothbrush in bottled water. Try and avoid using tap water.

? Eat and drink anything that is at boiling point or deep fried. Eat freshly cooked food. Avoid meat and seafood if you are traveling in interior areas where the meat is unlikely to be fresh and freezers and refrigerators are not dependable.

? While in flight you should do a few stretching exercises to avoid cramped muscles. Yawn frequently or chew gum to de-pressurize your ears. Avoid drinking coffee before and during a flight. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing. Include plenty of greens and carbohydrates in your pre-flight meals. Relax as much as possible and take a few deep breaths before boarding a flight.

? If you suffer from hypertension, motion sickness, an overactive bladder, weak digestion, or allergies consult your doctor before undertaking an extended trip.

Be sure to pack in your carry on bag a bottle of water, a few snacks especially if you are diabetic, as well as your first aid kit. Pack a light jacket or sweater to wear in case there are great variations in temperature.

Torrevieja weather is near perfect with both warm temperatures and sun all year long. The weather in this area, and along the Costa Blanca is considered to be extrememly healthy actually, with the World Health Organization naming it one of the healthiest places in the world to live.

This areas climate is typical of most Mediterranean climates. The summer is hot and mostly dry. The winters are basically mild and moderate in temperature, and it seldom snows. The spring and autumn have much of the same, mild and warm weather.

During the spring, on the Costa Blanca of Spain, the weather is mostly warm and the days mostly sunny. It rains very little, and the average temperature throughout the season ranges from 55 to about 70 degrees.

If you want to avoid the crowds that the summer months bring, then the warm temps of the spring make this about the perfect time to go. This way, you're vacation isn't burdened by the over crowding while you enjoy the beautiful environment that the area has to offer.

Of course that being understood, the summer still remains the most popular time to visit Torrevieja and the Costa Blanca. The summer is actually longer and hotter than most others in Spain, with average temperatures ranging from 70 to 80, with little to no rain, and nearly constant sunny days.

During the autumn and winter the rainfall is quite a bit lower than the rest of Spain. Usually you'll see the most rain in the late autumn and winter months, but even that is minimal and irregular compared to the rest of the country.

The average annual rainfall varies quite a bit from year to year, with a average of between 250 and 600mm, which you can see is quite difference. The total rainfall however usually only happens on very few days of the year at all. You may get a lot on those days however, sometimes up to 100 mm in one day.

The sunnier days of autumn usually brings nice warm temperatures, with averages ranging from between 50 to 70 degrees, which some deem as quite the perfect weather, especially for the days that you may be walking around and sightseeing. But, planning during these months is hardly predictable and can lead to disappointment due to rain.

Oddly enough, the winters are actually a better time to visit than the autumn, with mild winters of 50 to 60 degrees in the weather, but with little rainfall, and very rare snow. You will see some rainfall, but for the most part the weather is favorable.

So as you plan your vacation, keep these different seasons in mind, and know what your agenda and wants are for your vacation. Are you one who enjoys extreme heat and love to lounge on the beach for this weather, or are you someone who will be walking and sightseeing, where you may want to opt for a bit cooler weather. Either way, there's enough perfect weather to go around for everyone.

'Twas the night before Christmas,

In a town called Bethlehem.

A king will soon be born,

And visited by wise men.

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh,

Added to all the big fuss.

They named him Immanuel,

Which translates "God with us."

The angels were rejoicing,

And told the shepherds first.

A savior is born this day,

For those who hunger and thirst.

He'll sit on the throne of David,

With governments upon his shoulder.

He'll perform many miracles,

Once baptized and quite older.

He'll gain strength and wisdom,

Put the righteous in their place.

He'll establish a huge following,

Because of love and grace.

He built a team of twelve,

That never seemed to agree.

He chose from among the low,

With the phrase, "Follow me."

Transforming water to wine,

Saved the Cana wedding feast.

The guests were all amazed,

Happy, to say the least.

"Blessed are the meek…"

As he continued to speak.

Those sitting in attendance,

Learned spiritual abundance.

He taught them how to live.

Gave two mighty commandments.

He modeled how to pray,

And warned of coming judgments.

He calmed the winds and waves.

He walked on top of water.

He healed the lame and sick.

Sent demons in swine to slaughter.

The religious were up in arms,

They didn't know what to do.

Let's bring the Romans in,

To kill this blasphemous Jew.

He rode into the city,

With praise, honor, and glory.

"Hosanna in the highest!" they cried,

But soon they'd change their story.

For thirty pieces of silver,

One of the twelve betrayed him.

They swore they wouldn't deny him,

But fear had overcome them.

He gave his life at Calvary,

He did not one thing wrong.

He spent his dying moments,

Asking to forgive the throng.

They entered the open tomb,

His body couldn't be found.

"He is risen," the angel said,

And the good news spread around.

Give this story of Jesus,

To make your holidays bright.

Happy Christmas to all,

And to all a good night.

No, I am not going to discuss Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' fashion sense. Going on cruises — you know, aboard a ship — is more than just a vacation. This is a time when dressing up is a must especially in the main dining hall and night socials. Though many cruise ships have loosened their dress code policies, there are still premier lines that keep the old dressing up traditions. It is a good thing, too, because most people who go on cruises are people who want to break the monotony of their lives. Dressing up gives them an opportunity to break from their routine and lets them get the most from their cruise vacation. Dressing up is not really a problem, it is the packing that frustrates many. By many, I mean us, women.

How many times have you tried to shut and zip up an overflowing suitcase only to be denied at the port or airport because your luggage is at least 20 pounds overweight? Dressing up on cruise does not mean that you have to pack your whole wardrobe. Cruise fashion means smart and practical packing. Being stressed out because of too much luggage makes us look haggard even in our best evening dress. Before you pack, it is important to be familiar about your cruise's itinerary. This gives you a general idea what clothes, accessories, and shoes to pack. Since the itinerary and dress code of the cruise is usually printed with the brochure, you should have no problem with this. If you like to be sure, call the travel agency that promotes the cruise. In general, cruises often require that you attend three kinds of activities: a formal social, smart casual affair, and a casual/sporty activity.

Since you won't be spending the day locked up in your cabin, remember to pack good day wear aside from your stilettos. Day wear can mean anything from swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts, and jeans depending on wear you are going. Bahamas cruises certainly merit good swimsuits, sarongs, and other breezy wear. If you are thinking of a Scandinavian tour, hiking boots, jackets, hiking clothes, and gloves are must-haves. Bring sweatshirts, wraps, or lightweight windbreakers for sudden changes in temperatures.

Nighttime aboard on the ship usually involves socials that require dressing up. If your itinerary specifies several strictly formal events, just bring a formal dress or two and key pieces of jewelry. There are dresses that are designed to function in multiple ways: asymmetrical, tube, halter, or with straps. You could buy and pack one of these and save on luggage space. Your staple black dress is fine as long as you change the accessories that go with it. Wraps, shawls, earrings, and necklaces are good additions to your outfit. If you prefer pantsuits, bring a pair of versatile dress slacks and several tops to go with it. Cruise Diva editor Linda Coffman actually advises concentrating on the waist up. People hardly notice what pants or shoes you wear as long as they notice change on your tops and accessories.

Follow the two principles of packing and you'll never be wrong: function and fashion. More than how you look, your enjoyment is a more important aspect of going on cruises. By packing smart, you will still have room for souvenirs without going overweight and having to pay extra charges. Packing for cruises is a chore, but if you pay attention to the details, you can pack your cares away.

The international airport at Los Angeles is perhaps one of the busiest in America with many local and international flights, filled with tourists and businessmen, landing here everyday.

You will surely find that there are a number of very good hotels, inns and B & B's very close to the airport. There are many hotels to suit you every need and they will fall within your budget. A list of some of the popular hotels is listed here. These hotels fall within two miles from the airport.

The Lax South Travelodge is at El Segundo

Thy Courtyard By Marriott Los Angeles South/El Segundo at El Segundo

The Radisson Hotel At Los Angeles Airport is on West Century Boulevard

The Residence Inn By Marriott is at El Segundo

Sheraton Gateway Hotel Los Angeles Airport is on West Century Boulevard

Crown Plaza Hotel Los Angeles-International Airport is on West Century Blvd.

Marriott Los Angeles Airport is also West Century Boulevard

Four Points By Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport is on Airport Boulevard

Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel is on Airport Boulevard

Travelodge Hotel At Lax Airport is on West Century Boulevard

Ramada Plaza Hotel Lax Airport South is on West El Segundo Boulevard

The Westin Los Angeles Airport is on West Century Boulevard

Clarion Hotel is on West Century Blvd

The Los Angeles International Airport (or LAX) is situated only 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the city. Road and rail links to and from the city are excellent so if you decide to stay close to the airport, you are never too far away from the fun.

Known as the ?gateway to the Highlands,? Stirling is Scotland?s youngest city, yet also steeped in some of the country?s most colourful and glorious history. Situated on the River Forth, 40 minutes from Glasgow and 50 minutes from Edinburgh, the city enjoys breathtaking views of the Highlands, Loch Katrine, the inspiration for William Blake?s The Lady of the Lake, Campsie Fells, and the Highlands? largest loch, Loch Lomond. Stirling offers a wide range of places of historical interest, activities, and great shopping and dining, which attracts over one million visitors a year.

Places of interest:

Stirling is home to the magnificent Stirling Castle, where ruling Scottish monarchs resided for over three centuries. King Kenneth McAlpine battled and conquered the tribe of the Picts in 843 to form the Kingdom of Scotland within sight of the Castle, and over one thousand years later, William Wallace triumphed over King Edward?s army at Stirling Bridge in order to gain freedom from the tyrannous English for the Kingdom. The battlefield of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314 to be crowned King of Scotland is nearby, and the creative, optimistic, and possibly occasionally foolhardy, nature of the Scottish people is captured in John Damian?s 1507 attempt to fly from the battlements of Stirling Castle, with wings made from hen?s feathers!

Open year round, the National Wallace Monument stands 220 feet above Abbey Craig, as testament to and in honour of the life and achievements of one of Scotland?s greatest heros, William Wallace. The monument offers a living history introduction to Wallace?s life, bloody and glorious campaign for Scottish freedom, betrayal, trial, and gory death.
Since 1874, the Smith Art Gallery and Museum has housed history, archaeological and fine art collections that celebrate Scottish history and achievements.
Bannockburn Heritage Centre is the site of one of the most important events in Scottish history. The Centre presents a vivid retelling of the 1314 battle in which King Robert Bruce defeated the army of King Edward II, securing freedom for the Scots.
No visit to Stirling would be complete without experiencing Stirling Castle. Built on volcanic rock, the site of the castle had been inhabited by Picts, Romans and Scottish monarch among others, for over eight thousand years. The prehistoric castle has been rumoured to be the setting of the legend of King Arthu?s Camelot, and features tours, exhibitions and living history performances that offer fascinating insight into the lively history of the castle and grounds.
The Church of the Holy Rude is said to be the only church still in use that has witnessed a coronation.

Things to do:

There are loads of things to do while in Stirling. From fantastic shopping centres to fun amusement parks, Sterling provides entertainment for everyone.

The Thistle Centre is one of Scotland?s premier shopping centres, home to a plethora of high street names, including Marks & Spencer, Monsoon, Next and the Virgin Megastore.
There are a number of popular bike rentals, mapped cycle routes and guide led cycle tours for all ages and abilities, taking in the historic town and beautiful surrounding areas.
The Safari and Adventure Park in Blair Drummond, near Stirling, is great for kids? entertainment and home to elephants, rhinos, giraffes, tigers, bears, camels to name a few species of wild fauna, and with an Adventure Park, Pets Farm and performing sea lions shows on offer for all round amusement.
For some fantastical and supernatural entertainment, the Doon Hill Fairy Walk is a must for a guide led walk exploring local legends of Fae folk, or for the brave, the Ghostwalk with Jock Rankine's Spirit Guide meets at the Stirling Town Hall.

Food & Drink:

Dining in Stirling is an unforgettable experience. No matter what pleases the palate, Stirling?s fine dining sites can satiate anyone?s appetite.

With traditional, home cooked food on offer, local mother and daughter run Victoria?s Coffee Shop is a great bet for lunch on the go and casual family dining.
Recommended by EatScotland.com, The Birds and the Bees offers a lively atmosphere, national and international dining in an authentic farm steading conversion.
For a refined dining experience, the four star Jekyll?s Restaurant at the Queen?s Hotel is recommended for traditional dishes in luxurious surroundings.
Hermann?s Brasserie is recommended as a staple of Stirling?s dining experience. Featuring a unique fusion of Scottish and Austrian cuisine, it is also famed for its warm and hospitable atmosphere.
Reservations are recommended to experience the sophistication and world class cuisine of The Heritage in the sophisticated Park Lodge Hotel.

Stirling Hotels & Accommodation:

There is a wide range of Hotels and Accommodation available to suit all requirements and budgets in Stirling, from traditional, family run bed and breakfasts to dependable national chains to lavish high end hotels.

Express By Holiday Inn Stirling
The Stirling Highland Hotel

Entertainment

Stirling offers all sorts of entertainment and nightlife, from cinema such as Carlton Cinemas, presenting the latest UK releases, to clubs and bars to family friendly activities including ice skating a the Stirling Ice Rink and ten pin bowling at AMF Bowling or the Stirling Indoor Bowling Centre. Traditional entertainment, including Highland Games and Celtic folk nights of music and dancing, known as celidhs, are in abundance. Stirling enjoys a varied nightlife, with dance clubs including Fubar and Enigma, and traditional pubs such as All that Jazz and O?Neills, both frequented by University of Stirling students.

Stirling, and its surrounding areas, is rightly known as Scotland?s birthplace. It cannot be mere coincidence that so many events of great significance to the Kingdom of Scotland occurred within the vicinity of the gateway to the Highlands. Once the area was home or destination to national heroes such William Wallace, Robert Bruce and Mary, Queen of Scots, literary heroes including Rabbie Burns and William Blake, and the villain Rob Roy, and today it is a premier destination for tourists and local visitors alike. Exulting in the breathtaking and unrivalled scenery of the Highlands, proximity to Scotland?s urban centres of Glasgow and Edinburgh and enjoying a range of activities to suit a wide variety of visitors, Stirling is at its heart an essential destination for any enthusiast of Scottish, or wider Celtic history and culture.

By: <a href=http://www.articledashboard.com/profile/Maria-Williams/3228>Maria Williams</a>