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August 4th, 2008

Southern Africa Lets Folk Identify the Incredible Lion Prides by Safari

Posted in Travel Stuff

The sensational area of Africa known as South Luangwa has been named the best place to safari in Africa. The area has been celebrated in numerous years by the countries very greatest safari experts. Couples may be able to admire big groups of lions as well as fabulous hippos.

The wildlife park is well known for its unbelievable driving safaris and is a hit with all United Kingdom tourists. The changing weather makes the safari region irrestible with a desert season during the whole of the winter and a green lovely jungle feel over June to August. During the changes in season the wildlife animals may change giving you a different aspect.

Ascertain the allure of South Africa with a walking safari vacation and be at one with the amazing nature and wildlife. The amazing rivers and hippos and lions will probably make tourists feel alive with energy. British Tourists will be able to take huge amounts of photos and bring back the most influential memories.

Southern Africa comes with many animals in its parks and you can easily see the perfect photograph of a wild cat. If you are not used to a walking holiday you can go on a driving safari and watch huge amounts of the country all within a short amount of time. When you have exhausted your driving safari by day you can then go back to your hotel complex to shower. Many hotels are 3 star and great. Visit the South Luangwa National Park through Shenton and see lions upclose.

June 21st, 2008

Try a Walking Safari Holiday in Hot Southern Africa - Be Upclose to the Big Cats

Posted in Travel Stuff

Southern Africa is a wonderful experience, the large open fields teaming with wildlife and one of the lowest population densities in the country. South Africa has some of the greatest natural scenery in Southern Africa, the superb blend of clear fields, landscapes and marshlands makes the total land come to life. Not only can you be allured at the countryside, you yourself will additionally be seduced at the lovely lakes and waterfalls. A real sanctuary on earth.

In South Africa you will be able to explore the very best waterfall of all, the Victoria Falls. This outstanding waterfall has been a place for tons of lions with many big cats & elephants coming to enjoy the crystal clear waters that run here. Of course make sure you view the crocodiles & hippos in the Zambezi River, and remember to hire a guide as the river could be a little unpredictable. one may additionally wish to hire a driving tour in South Luangwa National Park & get yourself near with the diverse wildlife. On a driving safari one will view lions & highly rare wild dogs. If you yourself are lucky enough you should view a heard of elephants with their young. The ability to be so close with all of these pleasing animals is amazing. Why not go on a safari, Kaingo specialise in Africa safaris.

Accommodation in Zambia will range from five star hotels right through to outside shelters without any showers. Whichever accommodation type you select one can be sure of an awesome time.

June 8th, 2008

A Taste of Irain Jaya

Posted in Travel Stuff

4 Days Baliem Valley

The fact that, the Baliem Valley wasn’t discovered by explorers until the 1930s will come as no surprise to anyone who, s ever been to this part of Irian Jaya province.

Even today, there are only two ways to reach the valley. The first is by hiking for a month or so through tangled jungles, across coarse grassy valleys. and over snow-capped peaks before reaching the other world, a cultivated green valley, inhabited by the Dani tribe, deep in the mountains Alternatively, you could 17y in, landing on the airstrip near Wamena, the main of Balliem Valley.

Day 1: Jayapura to Wamena.

Transfer to the airport from your hotel in Jayapura for your flight to Wamena. In Wamena you’ll visit the local market, then by car to Jiwika village where you’ll experience the daily life of the Dam tribe and see their most priceless treasure, the mummified remains of an ancestral chieftain. The night is spent in a local inn or a traditional Dani hut.

Day 2: Baliem Valley/Wamena.

After breakfast, you’ll climb a nearby hill to see Dam women mining for salt in the primitive way. Then on to Kontolola Cave and exploration to the surrounding villages before returning to Wamena.

Day 3: Wamena to Jayapura.

A leisurely exploration of Wamena before taken to the airstrip for your flight to Jayapura. Arriving Jayapura, you’ll be met at the airport and taken on a city sightseeing tour before being transferred to your hotel.

Day 4: Jayapura.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to your next destination.

Note:

Routing may be reversed depending on your time of arrival departure in Jayapuraa.

Daily Flight Schedule:
Jayapura - Wamena
MZ-7504 07:15 08.15
MZ-7514 10:30 11:30

Wamena Jayapura
MZ-7505 08:45 09:45
MZ-7515 12:00 13:00

www.indonesiaholidays.eu.com

http://www.indonesiaholidays.eu.com

May 23rd, 2008

Why is the Napa Valley so Great? No, It’s Not What you Think!

Posted in Travel Stuff

Wine is grown all over the world and in all fifty states in the US. Why is the Napa Valley so terrific? Sonoma is bigger and produces more wine. The central valley of California certainly produces more grapes. There are awesome wines made all over California. So, why is Napa special? Of all the wineries in California, over 360 of them are in the Napa Valley. That’s a clue! Also, the Napa Valley is the second largest tourist destination in California behind Disneyland. Wow!

What makes the Napa Valley so special is its geography.

If you have ever been to the Napa Valley you will immediately relate to this. Napa Valley starts on the north end of San Pablo Bay just off of the San Francisco Bay. Just inland from the bay start two low mountain ranges about 5 miles apart that proceed north. The valley in between those two sets of hills is the Napa Valley. And, as the hills go north, the two ranges get closer together. So, on the southern end they are wide apart and on the northern end, in Calistoga, they are only about a mile apart. This is key.

Because of this geography, you get a wide range of climate and soil.

This is why the Napa Valley is so special. In the Carneros region at the southern end, the climate is cooler with more overcast or fog. This is great for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. As you travel up valley, the climate is progressively warmer with more sun. So, at the north end, Calistoga is much hotter and dryer and is great for Zinfandel and other warm varietals.

The Napa Valley is only 38 miles long, yet contains a full spectrum of growing regions called appellations. That is the key to Napa Valley’s greatness. In a relatively short distance you can effectively grow a wide variety of excellent grapes that turn into terrific wine. In this one valley you can find Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Malbec, Petite Syrah and several other varietals. That is a lot for such a small area.

Robert Mondavi realized the fantastic potential of the Napa Valley when he began growing grapes in Oakville. Today, his winery produces excellent wines and his Opus One winery produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon.

He certainly is not alone.

There are over 360 wineries in the valley and they all have their own, unique wines and wine making philosophies. Some wineries and wine makers produce good wine, while others produce fabulous wines. And, many of the fabulous wines are very reasonably priced… but we’ll cover that in another article.

The Napa Valley is a terrific destination for wine lovers and those wanting to learn about wine. The large number of wineries in this beautiful valley enable you to see, taste and learn a great deal in a short stay. Why not plan your next vacation to go to the Napa Valley?

Steve and Lynnette Sands own La Belle poque Bed and Breakfast in Napa. You can view their Inn at http://www.labelleepoque.com or Napa Valley Bed And Breakast.

For information about tours, visit the Napa Valley Wine Tours web site.

April 11th, 2008

Holiday Gift Giving Ideas for Those Really Hard to Buy for People on Your Shopping List

Posted in Travel Stuff

It seems like the same gift giving problem creeps up each year when the holidays loom closer. There are always a few people that seem very difficult to buy gifts for on your holiday shopping list. You know, the ones that are the last to be crossed off your Shopping List. Either you may not know the person very well, or, in some cases, maybe you do know them…perhaps a little too well!

I am sure you have heard the comment, “We don’t need (or want) anything for Christmas this year” from someone in your family, especially those who are elderly and may have downsized their household. The truth is that they may not want anything else in their house right now. People get to a point in their lives when they prefer giving away their possessions and want to clean out their house. Other people that can also be hard to buy for include neighbors, teachers, coaches, and scout leaders that you know only from an activity or may have known only for a short time.

Well, what do you do? You still want to give them at least a small gift, right? Ideas that come to mind are consumable items. That way there is nothing to take up space in a small apartment on a long-term basis for an elderly couple, but they can still enjoy a holiday gift from you. But just how many meat and cheese boxes can someone receive? Yes, they are good, but perhaps a bit overdone. In search of some fresh ideas, I have come up with the following:

Food and Drink Gift Giving Ideas

1. Coffee syrups or flavorings along with a great bag of coffee beans for the coffee lover.

2. Dried Fruits and fruit boxes with apricots, prunes, grapes or figs.

3. A Dessert Sauce and Ice Cream Sundae Topping selection of their favorite flavors.

4. A selection of Gourmet Jams, Jellies or Preserves.

5. Two Bottles of wine, one white and one red packaged in an attractive gift box.

6. A nice bottle of top shelf Scotch, Brandy or other liquor.

7. An assortment of hot sauces or barbeque sauces.

8. A warm home baked Rye bread, coffee cake or pound cake.Bring it ready to serve with a honey butter or whipped cream and make it a surprise.

9. A collection of cooking spices and extracts.

Non-Food Gift Giving Ideas

1. A calendar with favorite scenes or themes.

2. A roll or pack of postage stamps.

3. Collector stamps or collector coin sets are available from the US Post Office or the Department of the Treasury online.

4. Gift Cards to the local grocery store or department store.

5. Giving of your time to drive someone elderly around to do help them do their shopping or taking them to a doctor appointment.

6. Fabric, Embroidery Floss or Yarns in the newest colors and styles, for those who are crafty.

7. Picture Puzzles

These gift ideas can also make great gifts for weddings, anniversaries, a house warming, thank-you gifts, and birthdays.

So, get creative and find some fresh new ideas for those hard to buy for people on your holiday shopping list. Give a gift that is well-thought out and it is sure to be appreciated.

Laura Warnke is owner of an online gourmet retail store, The Topping Shoppe, LLC (http://stores.ebay.com/The-Topping-Shoppe-LLC). Here you will find a great selection of dessert sauces and ice cream sundae toppings to purchase. If you want to know more about how to use different types of dessert sauces in your recipes please visit my website at http://www.all-about-dessert-sauces.com.