Archive for the Travel Category

Kenya Safari Travel: Nairobi National Park

Mar 31st, 2010 Posted in Travel | no comment »

Did you know that Nairobi National Park is the only protected park in the whole world that borders a national city? The park is found about 7km from the city center and is maintained by the Kenya Wildlife Services. The size of the park is 117km2 and has a total of 7 gates though which people can access it. This park is very ideal for those people who are on a brief stop over within the city and want to sample the animals within the gates. Interestingly, the city skyscrapers can be seen within the park.

The park was established in 1946 by gentleman by the name of Mervyn Cowie. The park is home to over 400 bird species and close to 100 different types of animals. Of the “Big Five”, its only the endangered Elephant that is missing here. Visitors to this park can enjoy watching elands, warthogs, hyenas, baboons, wildebeests among other wild animals. The park is characterized by open grass plains plus other flora and fauna.

On the southern side of the park, we have the Athi-Kapiti plains and the Kitengela that is normally the wildlife migratory route during the rainy seasons. We also have the Mbagathi river which demarcates the Southern Boundary. On the Western side of the park we have the highland dry forest featuring a river that runs through it. The presence of man made dams has increased the number of bird and aquatic life within the park. We also have a walking trail that visitors can use to watch hippos lounge lazily in the sun.

We have the Dave Sheldrick trust sanctuary that was launched in 1963 home to orphaned baby elephants and rhinos. This sanctuary is a huge attractions to many visitors who get to interact with the young rhinos and bottle feed them. The place is used as a restocking hub for replenishing the diminishing numbers of black as well as white rhinos.

For those that love taking a walk on the outdoors, they will find Nairobi Safari walk one the best places to be to observe the flora and fauna of Kenya. Here one is able to interact with 3 different ecosystems; the Savannah, the wetlands and the forest. Visitors get to enjoy this scenery through a raised wooden platform that meanders through 27 acres of land.

The park gained international attention in 1989 when the then President Moi burnt 12 tonnes of ivory to sensitize the world on the importance of halting ivory trade that encouraged poaching. Poaching had decimated Kenya’s elephant population to 17,000 from the initial 65,000 recorded in the seventies. To this day, there is an ivory burning site monument that commemorates that event.

Visitors to the park can indulge in team building exercises, picnicking, bush dinners weddings and TV and Film productions. The rustic 3 star Rangers Restaurant overlooking the park, allows the visitors to enjoying the Park’s spectacular view while wining and dining.

There is a Wildlife Conservation Education Center within the park that is equipped with video facilities where lectures can be conducted. The park charges an entry fee at the entrance and guided tours within the park can be conducted. Visitors can also visit the orphanage. We do not have any lodge or camp within the lodge so visitors need to plan before hand where they will accommodate themselves within the city. Transportation to the park is not a problem as there are taxis and public means of transport that they can use to reach here.

Get more information on Kenyan lodges, hotels and camps including Maralal Safari Lodge and Ol Malo. Enjoy your stay in Kenya.

Meribel Ski – What You Must Know

Mar 22nd, 2010 Posted in Travel | no comment »

One of the best known ski resorts in France, Meribel ski fans have been flocking to the site for very nearly three quarters of a century. Initially a small resort centered on Meribel village, it has grown to be an extensive resort stretching right across the entire middle valley of the Three Valleys area in the South Eastern French Alps.

All accommodation in the Meribel ski resort are well designed, many of which have a certain charm unlike many purpose built resorts in the Alps. In Meribel-Village itself, located at the bottom a blue run from Meribel to Courchevel is a great resort for families. Quieter than many, it makes for a relaxing stay if peace rather than vibrant apres ski is sought.

There are many individual chalets that can be used too, most of which are situated in and around Mussillon. This is also a good location for access; being on the main road in and out of the resort. This main road also continues to the snow covered airstrip, (altiport), whilst at the split it extends to recent addition Belvedere.

Continuing up the valley further, the sister resort of Meribel-Mottaret is wonderfully located right in the heart of the Three Valleys. Again, this is excellently located being just a mogul leap from Les Menuires, Val Thorens and Courchevel. Though it is not as charming as other resorts; the proximity to the best slopes in the region more than make up for this to the dedicated skier.

Heading below Meribel itself, the little village of Les Allues is a good place to head for those wishing to get away from the relatively crowded main resorts. Situated right by a mid station for the gondola too, it is a great place to be. Just near here, the spa town of Bride-les-Bains is also a great alternative destination.

Indeed, wherever the skiers base throughout all of the Meribel ski resorts, access to the slopes is more than adequate. There are regular shuttle services, which increase as the season does, whilst many choose to use the decent and well priced public transport. If a car can be hired though, it does make things easier and can save on delay.

A car also comes into its own if ventures further afield are on the agenda. Heading up to Vallon, to see the fantastic scenery in the area, and the wonders of the Mont du Vallon glacier, being a highlight. You may even feel the need to join the skiers that tackle this hardest of slopes in the area.

Restaurants in the area vary from location to location, but all serve a good standard of food as is to be expected. The village also has its own pizzeria and fitness center, but the more recent developments have far more organized structure and facilities.

The best snow tends to keep to routes on and around Val Thorens, Les Menuires and Vallon, helped by their northerly face. However, each year the availability of snow is ensured as work continues to maintain enjoyment.

Such is its appeal the Meribel ski resorts will always have their visitors. However, with many lesser slopes, many people will find it a great destination to take their first steps onto the slopes, no matter what season.

To find out the latest on the Meribel Ski resort, you want to find there web page online. You will find that a lot of tourism sites explain the activities and hottest spots to go see. You can also have yourself catered ski chalets during certain times of the year.

The Historical Roots Of MMA: Muhammad Ali Vs. Antonio Inoki

Feb 22nd, 2010 Posted in Travel | no comment »

The UFC has only recently brought mixed martial arts to the mainstream in the US, but in Japan there’s a long tradition of fights pitting contestants from different disciplines against each other. While they’ve only been called MMA or ‘mixed martial arts’ in recent years, the sport clearly has its roots in these early contests between wrestlers, judo fighters and boxers. In Japan, Antonio Inoki’s fights against world famous martial artists brought great notoriety to the still evolving sport.

Inoki would often face other martial artists in fights that are widely accepted to have been “worked” (having a predetermined outcome) in the same manner as professional wrestling matches. While Inoki faced a number of karate, judo and boxing champions his most famous match was certainly his fight against world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

There’s a great deal of uncertainty about many of the stories surrounding how the event came together and transpired, but a few facts are now known. Ali took the fight as it was a large and presumptively easy paycheck. The big money he was earning is what kept him from walking out when his camp started to disagree with Inoki’s handlers over the rules and ‘finish’ fo the fight. Some suggest that it was supposed to be a fair fight going in, but Ali at the last minute insisted on rules more favorable to him. The more likely version of events is that Ali’s handlers agreed to a predetermined finish, only to have Ali balk at the last moment.

Many conspiracy theorists have noted that these rules were never announced to the crowd on fight night, leaving many with the impression that they were being made up as they went along. Action in the fight would further validate this view, but there actually were rules that both camps agreed to heading into the fight. Not surprisingly, most of these were designed to protect Ali. In fact, they were so one-sided that if Inoki hadn’t been so concerned about preserving his big payday he would have been justified in not fighting. Inoki was prohibited from punching with a closed fist or striking Ali in the head (ostensibly since he wasn’t wearing gloves). Inoki was prohibited from using any sort of submission maneuver. The most absurd limitation was that Inoki was prohibited from “grappling or trying to take Ali to the ground”. A few observers noted that this was like not letting Ali throw a jab.

Despite the repeated howls from the media that the fight was ‘fixed’, it was anything but–it was a real fight and painfully boring. Ali did next to nothing, Inoki did whatever he could within the one sided rules. Eventually, Inoki spent most of the fight on the ground trying to throw kicks at Ali’s legs. The event ended up as a 74-74 draw. Both fighters got paid, and the fans got to watch a fight albeit a really, really bad one.

The fight was officiated by former pro wrestler “Judo” Gene Labell, a legendary tough guy considered at the time to be the ‘baddest man on the planet’. He could have easily beaten up both men, possibly at the same time. That might have provided some much needed entertainment to liven up the tedious charade masquerading as a fight.

In the aftermath of the fight, Inoki’s popularity was greater than ever–in a perverse way he was something of a hero due to his trying to fight despite the rules being stacked so soundly against him. He remained one of the country’s most popular professional wrestlers and even enjoyed a career in Japan’s parliament. Without missing a beat, he quickly resumed his series of fights against other martial artists who were apparently all more comfortable with the “worked” environment of pro wrestling. Among his “victims” was none other than Leon Spinks, presumably serving as some sort of vindication for his draw with Ali. The popularity of these matches led to a number of promotions that were essentially hybrids of martial arts and pro wrestling, and these led to the big Japanese MMA promotions of today.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and World Cup betting sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Want to Speak Spanish To Vacation In Spain, Mexico, Or Elsewhere?

Jan 17th, 2010 Posted in Travel | no comment »

My story: I had a challenge. I needed to move to Mexico for my health and retire, and I spoke English, a few words of French from high school, about 12 words of Spanish which could wind me up in fight or jail, yeah – mostly cuss words.

I was in trouble and when I arrived I needed help. Luckily I met Reuben Varela, a well known Restaurant owner from Lake Chapala, and Gerardo Tolentino, an English teacher from San Juan Cosala.

Reuben pushed me to find ways of learning and practicing Spanish, and Gerardo worked with me to create the Gringo Guide. I’m the gringo — and I sure needed a guide to get me through the experience of living in Mexico.

We searched the internet, and books on Spanish, and listened to conversations in the English speaking sections of restaurants in Ajijic and San Miguel de Allende where most of the gringos hang out.

By the time we were finished, so was the book and we had part of it recorded so that pronunciation would be no problem for anyone to learn. The book was finished and put up on our site speedread.org

Now, you can speak like native in Spanish speaking countries/Mexico. It’s that easy.

The audios cover every pecularity of pronounciation in the Spanish language. The printed book will fit in your shirt pocket for use whenever you want.

The electronic pdf will fit on pocket devices to help you communicate on the spot with electronic support.

So, when someone says: Que quieres tomar? You’ll immediately know the answer — una marguarita, por favor. Or, una coca, limonada, cerveza, or whatever you want!Fulfill all your needs to communicate in Spanish for Spain, Mexico or Latin America?

The book comes with a full guide, by sections to learn, use, and get answers to all your questions. It’s guaranteed to make your vacation — fantastic.

Vacationing in Mexico, Latin America, Spain, learn the Spanish you need to enjoy your trip like you were born there. Gringo Guide for Speaking Spanishebook digital guide with mp3 to learn sounds.

Know More About The Pleasant Feature Found In Hotels In Charleston West Virginia

Jan 12th, 2010 Posted in Travel | no comment »

The opportunities in the business world are beginning to expand as technological advancements like the internet tie individuals from all over the world together. The demand for business travel has recently risen as a result of business breaking free of the restrictions of regions and expanding into the national and global marketplaces.

It is vital in any business market to satisfy the needs of your clients and if those needs demand your presence across the country then that is something a business individual will need to accommodate. Knowing the travel options that are available to you while conducting business are important, especially when visiting Charleston West Virginia. When you look for hotels in Charleston West Virginia it is important to first identify where in the city your business will be taking you. The second topic to identify when looking for hotels in Charleston West Virginia relates to finding a location that offers you all the amenities you will need during your travel.

An important part of any type of business event is having the knowledge of where your business will take place. It can prove to be counterproductive when you look for hotels in Charleston West Virginia that are located on the opposite side of Charleston, away from your business. Being available to your clientele is vital when you start staying with hotels in Charleston West Virginia. Another location issue to consider is the distance from your hotel to Charleston West Virginia Downtown.

Charleston West Virginia Downtown is a popular place in Charleston and upon the completion of a business venture it is likely that your new business partners would like to celebrate at one of its locations. Once again when choosing hotels in Charleston West Virginia you do not want to be at the wrong end of town to meet your clients for drinks, nor do you want your clients to have to come to you. When deciding on hotels in Charleston West Virginia you want to stay at a location that is adjacent to both your main place of business and Charleston West Virginia Downtown.

Knowing the amenities that are offered by your hotel represents the next step in choosing your hotels in Charleston West Virginia following your identification of the ideal hotel location. Many individuals do not put enough emphasis on the amenities of a hotel and it can mean the difference between being comfortable during your trip and being inconvenienced. A refrigerator, a pool, a safe, and an internet connection are only a few of the features in hotels in Charleston West Virginia that should be a requirement.

Security is something that is often not looked at when deciding on a hotel but having a safe that is compatible to fit a laptop is nice. It is not uncommon in any area to have hotels broken into and one of the first things to be lifted is the laptop. Another pleasant feature to find in hotels in Charleston West Virginia is the offer of a hot breakfast every morning. Most traveling individuals think they can supply their own breakfasts on the road but having this option available saves both time and money in the morning.

Enjoy your vacation by visiting hotels in Charleston West Virginia which offers affordable weekly charges with wide range of services like catering services, audio, video equipment, overhead projectors and musical instruments and so on. To learn more about the available amenities and location options of a quality hotel go to http://www.wingatecharleston.com.