Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category
In the Heart of the New York Catskill Mountains, there is a place called Nicks Waterfall House. I have been there many times and it has become one of my favorite places of all time to ride to.
There are times when the stress of our lives and jobs can get even the best of us a little down. If you are a straight lace citizen you go to a Doctor and get some pills or maybe see a shrink. If you are a Biker you hop on your Motorcycle get the motor running and you head out to a place like Nicks Waterfall House.
It does not matter where you are or what direction you come from. The ride threw the NY Catskill Mountains is going to relax the stress away from the depths of your very soul. As you ride to Nick's threw long winding roads up over and into the heart of some of the worlds most majestic Mountains, with the Sun shining down on you and the fresh Mountain air filling your lungs you will start to get a feeling of what one can only describe as pure joy.
As you get near Nicks Waterfall House located on Route 990v, Gilboa New York 12076, either alone or with a group of friends. You will feel as if time and space are no longer a factor in the Universe, and it only gets better from there! As you ride in the first thing many think is they have reached some old time lost resort, but have no fear Nicks is a Biker bar.
When you walk threw the front door you will no longer have any doubts you have arrived at the right place. If Nick is not there to great you himself, there is a good chance he is in his large kitchen cooking up some classic Biker grub. I recommend the first thing you do is order an Ice Cold Beer and go sit by the large windows over looking a Waterfall that looks as if it was stolen from the year 1492. If there is any stress or negative emotions left in your body after the ride to the Waterfall House after only a few minutes watching the water fall down and roll over the rocks it will soon have all washed down stream.
Then it is time to meet the locals, grab another Beer and maybe some of that great food (My favorite is the Waterfall House Cheeseburgers) or maybe shoot a game of pool. The crowd at Nicks is a mix of friendly Bikers, locals and good ole boys. This is a place to exchange stories and Adventures from the road. Often the sharing of stories can go on for hours.
It is easy to have what some may call too much fun at Nicks Waterfall House but with rooms up stairs starting at only $25 a night, there is no reason to worry! Now I want to make sure that you know when I tell you there are rooms at Nicks you understand these rooms where created for road weary bikers. If you bring your old lady with you make sure she is a real biker Chick because Nicks is no Yuppie bed and breakfast! It is a real bikers, biker bar and what you get when you rent a room from Nicks is a communal living room a bed to sleep in and a shower to wash off the road dust! One other thing you get from a night at Nicks is a renewed Spirit of Adventure and a willingness to face what ever maybe up around the next bend in your life!
I have many local Bars that I think of as home and I love to go to and cut loose, but when I hear that call of the road it is often telling me it is time to go to Nick's Waterfall House!!!
For more info or directs call 607-588-9891 and ask for Nick.
Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com Listen to my Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com
No children's book series has caught the imagination quite like Harry Potter. The stories have launched an industry in merchandise, games and movies. Fans like to see where the films were shot and several Harry Potter Tours organise guided visits to locations where memorable scenes from the books were brought to the screen. Many famous British landmarks and institutions have played a part in the filming. The challenge for the filmmakers was to find the right location to stand in for the fictitious places of the wizard world.
The British Tours Company runs various tours, offering different durations and permutations. The Oxford and Gloucester Tour takes in some splendid sights and is an interesting history lesson. The prestigious Oxford University was used for many scenes at Hogwarts School, its magnificent architecture of cloisters and archways being perfect for the job. Staircases in the University were featured along with the Great Hall, which was the inspiration for Hogwart's Dining Room. The University Library served as Hogwart's Hospital Infirmary.
The Gloucester part of the Harry Potter Tour includes the wonderful Norman Cathedral, which was used in scenes involving ghosts and talking portraits in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the first in the series. The Moaning Myrtle scenes in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and scenes from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince were also shot in Gloucester Cathedral.
London can also be added to the itinerary, which gives the opportunity of standing on the very platform at Kings Cross railway station that represented Platform 9 3/4 in the movies. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Westminster Tube Station is the location for the Ministry of Magic. The Harry Potter Tour also goes to the Victorian built Leadenhall Market, where Harry and Hagrid made their way to the Leaky Cauldron pub. The itinerary also includes London Zoo, where Harry had his encounter with the snake in the first film. There is an alternative trip to the British Museum to see the Lewis Chessman display. This was the chess set that was copied for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Other London tourist attractions can be added, such as Piccadilly Circus, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St.Paul's Cathedral, Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament.
The London Taxi Tours are a comfortable way of exploring the capital with different themes. The driver guides give informative tours for James Bond, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Monopoly Board Game, and Harry Potter Tours. There is a separate tour for Lacock village and Abbey, the location for scenes in the first two films. The beautiful Abbey dates from 1232 and the medieval cloisters, monastic rooms, classrooms and grassed courtyard can all be seen on screen. The village is 16th century and is the location for Privet Drive, home of the Dursley family. The village is also used for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and for Professor Slughorn's house. London and Oxford can be added to this Harry Potter Tour.
From various different customs of the world to experiences which diversified in their nature- Dubai is a country that has plenty to offer to its tourists.
While your stay in Dubai, you can have the benefit of the most outstanding and top lodgings services. There are lots of 5 stars in Dubai in which you can stay and make the most excellent of your trip. However, if you wish for an even better accommodation and wish to enjoy your trip in the most extravagant manner then you must go for the 7 star in Dubai.
The well-known 7 stars in the world is the Burj Al Arab which reminds you of a billowing sail, and is eminent in its own regard. Burj Al Arab has got a very good name when it comes to comfort, and is synonymous with greatness and chic in all its glory.
Burj Al Arab is exclusive, exciting, and striking, and furthermore is very likely to leave you in a state of admiration. Burj Al Arab provides best comfort that is unbeatable. It's uniformity in being rated as the world's best hotels characterises it as a sign for comfort and elegance.
Throughout your dwell in the hotel, you'll be able to experience real extravagance with lots of different varieties and experiences consist of sports and dining to even elite transportation amenities in a Rolls Royce. All these are the characteristics that create the Burj Al Arab able enough to declare itself as the only 7 star hotels in the world.
From the great reception the discerning visitors get since their arrival to the outstanding accommodation with butlers and stylish furniture and lavish decoration, Burj Al Arab has got it all. The design of the Burj is a clear representation of modern art and its development. You can also have a dining experience 600 feet more than the water level in the restaurant known as Al Muntaha in Burj al Arab. And there is only one word for the experience and that is ultimate.
One more 7 star hotel that has just opened in Dubai is the Atlantis Palm Dubai. The hotel has been built on an artificial palm shaped isle in the Arabian Gulf, and this building in itself is very much speculating.
The hotel had a very impressive opening few months back, and it provides excellent dining with over 20 cafs, bars, and lounges. The hotel just as a sight shows lavishness and splendour. The hotel also marks an "Aquaventure", and "Ambassador Lagoon", an "Avenue," and numerous other characteristics that are going to last with you once you have used them. These go with various other choices makes the Atlantis Palm Dubai a holiday heaven, similar to Dubai itself.
In the 7 star hotels in Dubai, you would experience what is called truly personalised service accompanied by the most luxurious setting you can possibly think of. The 7 star hotels in Dubai are very much like the city itself, i.e., earnest and always pursuing for being the very best. You'll be treated like royalty during your stay, and your visit to Dubai would be a lifetime memory.
The Dead Sea is located 395 meters below sea level and it is the lowest point on earth. The sea is famous for its high salt concentration that makes it easy for people to float.
Many tourists that hear about the Dead Sea wonder what it is all about. The Dead Sea is extremely deep, it is about 1000 feet.
The Dead Sea scrolls are about 900 documents. The Dead Sea scrolls were first discovered in the year 1947 in a cave on the northeast side of the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea scrolls are a significant piece of history and they are written in several languages like Hebrew, Aramaic, and even Greek.
There are several museums that display parts of the Dead Sea scrolls like the Jewish museum in New York City, and the royal Ontario museum of Toronto. The Dead Sea scrolls can be divided into two categories: biblical and non biblical. The scrolls are also the oldest group of Old Testament manuscripts that were ever found.
Since the scrolls are mainly written in Hebrew they have greatly enhanced our knowledge about that language. The scrolls contain never heard stories about biblical figures like Enoch, Abraham, and Noah. They were mainly made from animals skin and written from right to left.
Many believe that the Dead Sea scrolls are a link between Christianity and Judaism. The discovering of the Dead Sea scrolls has truly revolutionized our understanding on how the bible was translated.
Ever since the scrolls were discovered somewhere between the year 1947 and 1956 many books have been published about the scrolls. Some of them also offer a translation of the famous scrolls.
The discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls did cause a controversy in scholarly circles over the date and the identity of the community they represented. Today the Dead Sea scrolls continue to be one of the most important documents in Jewish history and they will be written and talked about for many years to come.
Prices for holiday services change awfully quick, and in this incredibly fast moving world of traveling, learning the best tips brings maximum profit for businesses and great fun for holiday makers. Cheap travel packages are often used as a marketing strategy to attract customers, and this competition does not remain within the boundaries of travel agencies, as it greatly touches on the policies of hotels and touristic resorts too. Sometimes the prices increase without any apparent reason, but keep in mind that the higher the demand for a certain destination, the bigger the prices will get.
Be careful about the cheap travel packages you choose since you could be paying more for the flight to the destination than for the whole stay there. Those tourists who'd rather go the direct way should know that airfares vary according to some "rules" the common user remains a stranger to. Alternate routes and combinations of two flights are often cheaper than a direct one. Before paying for an international flight, you should check whether you don't pay less for getting a domestic one in the same direction, first. Some of the cheap travel packages are planned according to these standards, but others are not.
Another way to be sure that the cheap travel packages are what they claim all the way is never to overlook important details like the travel food. Many restaurants in different parts of the world make huge profits on the account of tourists without peoples realizing it, therefore, it is time people paid more attention to local food they could enjoy during outings for example. This does not mean that you need to spend any time in the kitchen while on holiday, but you should make some research before getting to the destination and get some tips on good local establishments that focus on regional specialties. For local specialties, costs are a lot smaller and the food is absolutely great!
Another way of getting really cheap travel packages is flexibility. Let's say that you want to go to South America. If you request a vacation to Rio de Janeiro, you will most likely pay more than if you just expressed your wish of visiting Brazil. Some less known and little crowded resorts could offer you a lot more than a very popular but highly expensive one. Nevertheless, it all depends on what you expect from the cheap travel packages, and what idea of a holiday you have in mind. Plenty of other info is widely available on the Internet and you can learn loads of useful things to aid you make the best of your money and the time you spend on holiday.
The best way to get genuinely cheap travel packages is follow the link below. Good luck on your travel.
When people in other states think of California, they invariably think of Hollywood, or San Francisco. But don't forget that California is known as the Golden State, not because of the gold in the Hollywood Hills, but because of the real gold found in the mountains...of which California has aplenty.
There are eighteen national forests in California, one of which is the San Bernardino - through which runs the San Bernardino Mountains. And within this national forest is Big Bear Lake - a year-round resort community.
In order to stay at this resort community, one need not stay in a dreary old hotel, but rather in one of dozens upon dozens of cabins of various sizes - from small cabins for the single traveller, to those that have nine rooms, for family parties.
These cabins are available year round - Big Bear Lake is especially popular in winter...it's so much easier to drive down to southern California than to fly up to Colorado or Utah. The snow is man-made, but it's well-kept.
In order to find the best cabin for you - whether you want to go skiing in winter, or hiking, rock climbing or mountain biking in spring, summer or fall, there are a variety of websites that will help you. Big Bear Lake is the official website of the area, and offers a travel planner, blogs, videos of the area, and a free vacation guide, as well as a listing of all the companies that offer cabins and luxury homes for rent.
Another official website also offers the same kind of information. They also have live webcams, so you can see the skiers on the mountain slopes, but no blog offerings. (As an aside, this particular site is in frames, which I find very limiting.)
Find sites that contains all the information you need to know on shopping, dining, lodging, history of the area and so on. They should also offer webcams, but no blogs! It's not in frames, so I like it. The information is easy to find and more important, easy to read.
If you are traveling to Kiev, Ukraine for the very first time, it will be an experience. Break through the clouds and you will notice a land of abundance nature and beauty. A landscape of trees covers the countryside. The abundance of rainfall and annual snow makes Kiev a wonder of forests, lakes, rivers and pristine landscapes.
Boryspil International Airport is the main airport for all of Ukraine. It services not only international flights, but also all domestic flights. Boryspil has one of the largest runways in the Ukraine and can service any type of aircraft. When the Ukraine was still part of the Soviet Union, Boryspil was used strictly as a military airfield. Later after independence was declared, the airport was converted into a civilian airfield. Prior to Boryspil, Lugansk airport was the main international airfield.
All flights with the exception of a few carriers such as Delta and Air France park away from the terminal and bus in their passengers. It is a short bus trip to the International Terminal B.
When you get to the terminal, you are greeted with a very old Russian style passport control center. Be prepared for long waits. During peak hours it can take up to two hours to get through passport control. Customer service is not a priority here so ensure you have all your paperwork filled out and ready to go. The last thing you need is to get back in line for a missed document or unanswered question. In the seven times I have been to Ukraine, I have only waited two hours one time. After that bad experience I always booked my flight to arrive very early in the morning or late at night. 9 am to 2 pm are peak hours at Boryspil Airport.
Be polite and patient while in the passport control line. Ukrainian officers are not in the mood for jokes or small talk. Answer their questions fully and respectfully. Officers speak English and will understand you.
Once you make it through passport control, you will see the baggage claim area. Digital readouts will tell you where your baggage is located. It is a small area and impossible to lose track of your baggage. Boryspil is like all airports. There is not much difference in their baggage claim area.
If you cannot find your baggage, there is a lost baggage office that will assist you in finding your luggage. Now in seven times of traveling to the Ukraine, I have only had to use this service once. Surprisingly, this office was very helpful, spoke very good English and immediately was able to track down my luggage. The representative called New York for me and found my luggage. Apparently my luggage never made the flight.
The next day I was able to retrieve my luggage after being lost the day before. The only interesting thing about it is I had to pay a tip to the attendant to go retrieve it for me. A side note to remember is everything in the Ukraine moves by tips. Give too small of a tip and Ukrainians have no problem in letting you know your mistake. Normal tip fair for getting your baggage reclaimed $6.00. Taxi trip to get back to the airport to retrieve your baggage $55.00. Knowing that you paid the right tip and avoiding the embarrassment of getting screamed at for failing to understand the tip policy, priceless.
Out of baggage claim and ready for the next adventure? Ok great, now let us take a walk up a small incline in the busy heart of the Boryspil Airport! The only thing between you and a hundred or so impatiently waiting family members, friends and taxi drivers is a set of automatic sliding doors. As the swoosh of doors slide open you are immediately impacted with the excitement of the waiting crowd in front of you. Make your way past them and you reach the second level of excitement. Yes, you guessed it, the Ukrainian Taxi Car Drivers! Stay calm and just shake your head back n forth with every question of "Taxi?" No need to say "No" just shake your head back n forth.
Stay away from these taxi drivers. Go find one of the many kiosks in the airport that can aid you with a taxi to anywhere you want to go for a fair price. Taxi kiosks are easy to find, they have the word "TAXI" written across them.
There are four different money exchange booths in the international terminal. The airport has the worst rates, so only exchange a small amount of money. Wait until you get to the center of the city to do your large exchange transactions. I tend to only exchange two hundred dollars at the airport. This covers my taxi, food and any other little thing I would like to buy while in the airport. Just as easy as it is to find an exchange booth in the airport, you will have the same luck in the center of the city. These exchange booths are everywhere. The US Dollar, Euro and Russian Ruble are accepted everywhere.
Currency that is old is not accepted at exchange booths. It so happened that I learned this lesson the hard way. I was unable to exchange five hundred dollars because of the age of the currency. Ensure you take newer currency that is in good condition. All currency is inspected by eye and then by machine. Any wet spots or torn, worn bills are not accepted.
Going to another part of the country? Then it only takes minutes to walk to Terminal A. This terminal is reponsible for all domestic air travel. Two booths in this airport sell plane tickets to anywhere with an airport in the Ukraine. Modern digital screens show all activity and gates of departure in English. Now once you are at your gate, pay close attention. Boarding calls are only done in Ukrainian and Russian. If in doubt ask an attendant and they will be happy to point you to the right boarding line.
Not fond of the airport crowds and long waits? Then the airport VIP service is what you want. Terminal C will take you by the hand and guide you through everything. They provide a personal shuttle for all arrivals and departures. They provide a 15 minute passport control service and personal baggage claim assistance. They do this for the a starting price of $150.00 USD. You also get access to the lounge where wireless internet, fax and phone is provided. Google Boryspil Airport to find contact information for this service. All VIP representatives speak English.
Enjoy your stay in the Ukraine!
Travelers today are very concerned about their luggage. With today's higher security and increased bag checks many people know their bags will be searched. Anytime people think about their bags being screened or checked the thought of theft does occur. Today not only are carry on bags screened and checked but checkin baggage is screened as well. Therefore it is recommended to not place valuables such as electronic devices, jewelry and other valuables in checked baggage.
Some travelers make the mistake of packing prohibited items their bags. Packing prohibited items happens both accidentally and also purposefully. With today's airport security screening, it is virtually impossible to get away with storing prohibited or illegal items inside your checked baggage. In the past, certain airlines only randomly searched checked baggage. Searches like these are only completed for safety purposes. Today, all bags are searched, including your checked luggage.
In the past, certain airlines only randomly searched checked baggage. Many times, these searches were only implemented if airline officials or airport security had probable cause. Today, all bags are checked, including your checked luggage. Most checks will quickly be done, but, in some cases, more extensive searches may be conducted. A quick check of your luggage may include rummaging through all of your belongings, looking for anything out of the ordinary. An extensive search could include searching all of your clothing pockets and baggage compartments. In the event that you are subject to one of those checks, it is likely that you will be caught if you are carrying prohibited items. A list of prohibited and allowed items is available from the TSA website.
The TSA agency that regulates airport security advises against locking your baggage before heading to the airport. Some airlines will allow you to lock your bags after they have been checked but that rule varies among airlines. For this reason, you may want to reconsider storing expensive items, such as electronic equipment, in your bags. In addition to the possibility of theft, you will find that items packed inside your checked luggage are at a higher risk for being damaged then those that are in your carry-on bags.
The TSA advises against locking your baggage before heading to the airport. After your bags have been properly screened, some airlines will allow you to replace the locks on your checked baggage, but some wont. For this reason, you may want to reconsider storing expensive items, such as electronic equipment, in your bags. In addition to the possibility of theft, you will find that items packed inside your checked luggage are at a higher risk for being damaged then those that are in your carry-on bags.
The critical thing to be aware of with malaria symptoms is that from case to case, there is a variation in the incubation period, ie, the time between initial infection and manifestation of the disease.
9 to 14 days is the normal time of incubation, but symptoms may appear in as little as 7 days or after as long as 10 months with the virus just staying dormant in the body.
Causes for this delay.
The general good health of and body immunity of a person can lengthen the incubation period.
It is also possible to find that a person can be infected but is not showing any signs because they are taking preventive medication.
At the outset, malaria symptoms may not follow a definable pattern and a time frame is not a good basis for diagnosis. Infection could be present and festering if not attended to.
What to look out for.
-- high fevers
-- chills
-- nausea and vomiting
-- loss of appetite
-- Splitting headaches
sweats
-- energy loss
-- tiredness
-- dry coughs
-- pain in the back and the muscles
-- enlargement of the liver and spleen
Fever is often the first the earliest sign of malaria and it is important to get diagnosis from a qualified doctor. As stated a malaria attack can be very subtle.
Severe malaria infection
If the disease degenerates and continues to be unattended, further symptoms could include
-- yellowing of the eyes
-- seizures or convulsions
-- shock even coma
-- kidney and or liver failure
-- a changed mental state and the start of cerebral malaria
So if you find you have any or some of these malaria symptoms, get an early diagnosis. Remember that malaria kills.
The luau's are some of the best the islands have to offer. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a glimpse into the polynesian culture and don't miss the dramatic north shore. This is where you will find the big waves and surfers. Dole Pineapple offers tours in the middle of the island. Be sure to sample some ice cream. There's also Cirque Hawaii, Diamond Head Volcano and the Bishop Museum.
Eco Tourism Makes a Big Splash in Hawaii:Some Hawaii one day tours center around eco tourism. Eco tourism means taking a kayak down a river instead of a speed boat. It is also about getting close to nature without disturbing it. Because of the mountains, cliffs, rainforests, oceans, waterfalls and volcanoes, Hawaii has really been able to take advantage of eco tourism. Hiring a local guide to experience the real Hawaii is important if you want a truly satisfying eco-tour.
Place of interest: It will not be a small list if anyone tries to make a list of all tourist attractions. The partial list should be look like this:" Akaka Falls, " Captain Dan McSweeney's Year-Round Whale-Watching Adventures " Captain Zodiac, " Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center, " Fair Wind Snorkeling and Diving Adventures, " Hapuna Golf Course, " Mauna Lani Frances I'i Brown Championship Courses, " Pololu Valley Lookout, " Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, " World Botanical Garden.
Once you have made all of your Hawaii travel arrangements, including your Hawaii vacation rental reservations, you will then want to start focusing on what you want to do and see while on vacation. That is what is nice about Hawaii tours. They not only allow you to participate in fun activities, but they also give you the opportunity to explore a number of popular Hawaii attractions. For example, if you choose to rent a Hawaii vacation home on Big Island, you can enjoy a nice hiking adventure, while exploring the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at the same time!
Speaking of hiking, hiking is one type of Hawaii tour that you will want to examine. What is nice about hiking is that it is activity that many already enjoy and find peaceful. Depending on which Hawaiian Island you choose to visit, you may find a wide array of landscape and scenery. As previously stated, Big Island is famous for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Additional views that you may enjoy on foot include scenic gardens and waterfalls.
All Hawaii tourists are encouraged to take a Hawaii helicopter tour. Hawaii helicopter tours come highly rated and recommended. Although you are able to explore many parts of the Hawaiian Islands by car, foot, bike, or even ATV, some of the most beautiful areas are only accessible by air. Whether your next trip to Hawaii is intended to be a family vacation, a fun adventure with friends, or a romantic getaway, a Hawaii helicopter tour should be on your list of things to do in Hawaii.
In addition to having a number of different options, in terms of Hawaii activities and attractions, Hawaii is also popular among tourists as there are so many places for you to stay. When vacationing in Hawaii, your overnight accommodation options include hotels, vacation resorts, Hawaii vacation homes, vacation condos, vacation villas, and vacation apartment rentals. When choosing a Hawaii vacation home or another Hawaii vacation rental to book a stay at, you may want to take a look at your wants. For example, if you are interested in enjoying the beautiful Hawaii beaches, a beachfront Hawaii vacation home or a rental with an ocean view may be your best option.
One of the best things about going to Hawaii, having a Hawaiian wedding or a Hawaiian honeymoon is all of the incredible Hawaii activities available. There's so much to do, you may have a hard time choosing. No problem. One of the easiest ways is to purchase a tour. You'll get transportation and all of the info you might miss on your own. Here's a guide to lead you to all of the fun!
Oahu Activities: Oahu, home to Honolulu and the famous Waikiki Beach, has something for everyone. There's all the big city shopping and nightlife that you would expect to find, but Oahu is so much more.
Hawaii is full of natural richness and diversities. You will find jungles, sand beaches, blue waters and a rich diversity of marine and animal life. A Hawaii sub tour would be a perfect way of experiencing the rich marine flora and fauna of this place. Hawaii sub tour also provides a unique chance of experiencing the underwater wonders for those who hate or fear scuba diving and snorkeling. A submarine tour in Hawaii also proves to be a unique learning experience for kids who are fascinated by biology and marine life. It would be such an unforgettable experience that not many would forget it ever, if any.