Archive for the ‘Great Destinations’ Category
The Secret to Living A Five Star Life
On a recent trip to Las Vegas I joined a group of associates for a dinner trip to the nearby village, a collection of shops and restaurants in a community of resorts designed to attract high-end conferences. During this weekend I felt fully integrated in this five star living experience.
We departed the shuttle, and walked past the galleries, cigar bar, and shops filled with wonderful clothing and gift items. My associates had been here before, having dined at one of restaurants a few nights earlier. I just followed, knowing my group shared the same desire for a quality dining experience to continue the powerful energy of our day.
The first restaurant we came upon caught our attention, and we decided that its cuisine would satisfy each of us. They had life entertainment as well. We seated ourselves at an outdoor table, and almost immediately the singer found his way to us, engaging us with his songs. I played in the flirtatious moment with great enjoyment!
As we shifted from fun back into business we discussed events of the day and plans for tomorrow. At one point though we realized we had been there a very long time without even seeing a menu. Time was passing, and we had meetings and networking plans that night.
The server apologized, and brought our menus. After ordering we returned to our discussions, but we held a part of our focus on the food. Finally, after over half an hour longer of waiting, our order arrived. This was disappointing. The quality wavered as well. All I could think was “where is Chef Ramsey”? This place needed serious help.
We talked to the server, and then the manager came over. All we heard was a series of excuses. I finally turned to the manager and said, “Of all the things we have told you about our dis-satisfactory experience, you have not once told me that you are listening to us. You could easily have said you appreciate our feedback and will do your best to improve your restaurant”. What he and the server both communications in their actions was that they believed they were stretched too far, and that they believed they could only give the bare minimum.
I have no plans of going back to this restaurant because this manager shows that he does not value his customers. My conference trip, attending the CEO Space event, was set at a level of quality, value, and purpose in everything we do. Every interaction I had during these days held each person in the highest esteem. This practice of five-star quality thinking was not just talked about but integrated into living by every person attending this event.
At the restaurant I offered my comments and suggestions to the manager, not as a criticism but as an invitation to join us in the powerful five-star energy vibration that we carried with us to his restaurant. I could see he was unable to have this gift at the moment, but perhaps the concept will creep into his thoughts in the days to come. We all wished the best with him, not to break him down, but to remind him that giving our best always reflects back to us. If his restaurant was operating at its best the customers would be happier, the server would have been tipped more than the minimum, and the recommendations would bring customers to fill his restaurant and give him greater rewards. Successful thinking breeds successful results. We only limit ourselves when we give from a minimal mentality, or leave out the one quality that makes everything we do a success.
We can all live the five-star life. No matter what we offer, whether it is fine dining or fast food we can bring the highest value into our work, our product, and our presentation. The time is now to change the way we treat ourselves, because the five-star lifestyle begins and ends within. Our thoughts permeate our actions, and when we give it is important that we give the best we can in every moment of life. As recipient it is also important that we receive with grace and appreciation.
There is no reason for our lives to be anything than a five-star experience. All it takes is practice. You can shift your beliefs into gratitude and quality acceptance and live the most amazing life every minute of the day, and as we practice this five star belief we can change the world around us.
Author Estee Taschereau offers powerful coaching sessions for clearing old beliefs and shifting into five-star living. Appointments for sessions by phone can be arranged by calling 253-336-6175. Estee’s first book, Now is the Time to Believe, is available now in ebook format.
Tags: five star living, five-star, giving our best, gratitude, las vegas, quality, satisfaction
The Beauty And Magnificence Of Mount Fuji
Hundreds of thousands of individuals seek to climb Mount Fuji’s peak every year. The Japanese tourist industry welcomes many times more that number that travel to the country to experience the dormant volcano’s sights. It is common knowledge that Mount Fuji might erupt in due time, yet it has not stopped people from making the trip.
What motivates them to do so? Perhaps the following might explain better why Mount Fuji remains a popular destination with the young and old, all over the world.
First of all, Mount Fuji is a popular tourist destination, but it is also a sacred symbol of Japan. There are legends attached to the mountain that show the respect and awe that it is held in the Japanese people’s eyes. The fact that it is also the tallest peak in the East Asian country has made it all the more formidable.
There are numerous mini Fuji’s all over Japan. All are smaller mountains or hills that have been named after the original in the west of Tokyo. They allow the non-Tokyoites to imagine having Mount Fuji in their own backyards, instead of having to make the long trip to the capital.
The origami artists of Japan have also paid their own tributes to one of their national symbols. You can learn how to fold paper Mount Fuji’s with origami. There are even versions which allow them to spew volcanic ash.
On any trip to Tokyo, the sight of Mount Fuji in the skyline of Japan’s capital city is a sight to behold. This could be another reason why the dormant volcano is commonly thought and spoken of by Japanese. Even though Mount Fuji is notoriously shy, there is no missing it even when it is hidden by clouds.
But this beautiful sight of Mount Fuji’s peak is only clearly seen on ten days per year. On other occasions, it will be blocked due to bad weather and the haze from Tokyo’s polluted skies. This has made catching a glimpse of the mountain peak an adventure in itself for many travelers.
Despite all its beauty, Mount Fuji also hangs a slightly negative cloud over the country. While it is currently dormant, weather experts have predicted that Fuji-san’s next eruption will likely occur within the next few years. Under such a situation, Tokyo and neighboring parts of Japan will suffer great devastation and calamity. However, the Japanese are well prepared for it and will face up to the challenge in time. Meanwhile, they continue to admire and revere their country’s greatest natural symbol, as with many others in the world.
Tags: Great Destinations, japan, japan ryokans, leisure, mount fuji, mount fuji day tours, mount fuji hotels, mount fuji tour packages, mount fuji tours, recreation, Travel
Guided adventures Grand Canyon Vacation Packages
One of the nation’s top vacation locations has long been the scenic and majestic Grand Canyon. While some people study travel books offering foreign adventures there is one of the greatest thrills in the world awaiting them in the western portion of the United States. The awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder has attracted families and individuals for years and there are some Grand Canyon Vacation Packages that are certain to be the right fit for you and your group.
Today you can visit the Grand Canyon Walkway, which is also known as the Skywalk, and enjoy one of the best and most scenic ways to familiarize yourself with the canyon. The Skywalk extends 70 feet from the rim of the canyon. The panoramic views that you are afforded makes this a must do when you arrive. From your safe vantage point on the Walkway, you can look straight down into the valley of the canyon, which is almost a mile below where you are standing.
This Walkway is similar in shape to the letter “C” and the bridge you cross spans the mighty Colorado River. This bridge is constructed from glass and the views are simply breathtaking, but may be too intense for those with a fear of heights. This is a guided tour and cameras will not be permitted but you will have a chance to purchase photos from the tour guides. There are also some great package tours that can include any combination of fun activities that allow vacationing families to personalize their canyon trip.
You can choose to travel by air and these tours will take you around, over, and into the canyon itself. Tourists that choose planes or helicopters for their vacation exploration of the canyon will be thrilled to soar into the clouds and then swoop down for close up exploration with their experienced pilot and guide. This sightseeing adventure also lets you view many of the less accessible areas that cannot be reached by most visitors. There are also rafting trips with qualified river guides that will have you paddling in unison as a group, enjoying both the Colorado River wonders and the majesty of the canyon walls and trails. There are also hiking tours that can be arranged for any number of people and these are available at different levels of difficulty and experience so that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy them.
A Grand Canyon Bus Tour is a wonderful way to set out to see the sites and these tours usually include narration and commentaries by skilled guides, park fees, lunch, and a guided park tour. All of the buses are fully equipped with AC, modern seating and an on board restroom. These bus tours also provide guests with photo opportunities at special sites like the Hoover Dam.
Tags: Grand Canyon Deaths, Grand Canyon Vacation Packages, How Deep the Grand Canyon, Vacation, Vacation Rentals Grand Canyon
Travel Tips – Adventure Travel In Peru
I can not remember that the rest of the route and more than 10,000 feet below the top of the world, but it was a very good opinion anyway. I have it on the summit of El Misti, the volcano outside the city of Arequipa, Peru, which had called my name when I first saw him two years ago. I have vainly tried to walk one day then, Manon because of a delay in the departure and is not used to the altitude, about 15 500 feet. I still believe we can do as a day trip, there is a future goal.
I waited impatiently for my friends Jason and Lisa, beetles (Southern California Adventure Racing Buddies) members from Los Angeles to here. It was communicating via e-mail for month, because they are on a world tour, and we wanted to achieve when they came from Peru. Our appsOn change, but the Menschdie at the last moment, the grid and we were able to respond to a couple of times in Arequipa. I arranged to use a 4×4 Suzuki and Jason and I have plans to climb El Misti, Saturday and Sunday. Lisa has decided to relax in Arequipa we prepared for our drivers because it is not safe to leave a trace of the vehicle. We have some shopping velocirapidamente, and after losing on the road to the track in relationon the seguridadseguridad arrived and are ready to start ex-cursiones to 12.30 clock. We were told it was five hours of climbing camp, but is expected to be less, because it would mean that the arrival to camp, when night falls. I also recognize that we are in another song that I had tried two years before they are a completely new for me (there are three lines sommet).
We were well matched, my year of living at 8,800 feet and hiking regularly at altitudes of over 12,000 feet made up for my age and Jason’s (relative) youth and three weeks of high altitude hiking in Peru made up for his living at sea level in L.A. We followed an easy trail up to the campsite at about 15,000 feet, arriving there in three hours and 10 minutes. We were glad that we hadn’t left earlier and had to just sit around in the cool wind. This also gave us hope that the supposedly five to seven hour hike to the summit should be less than that. We had also been told to expect temps as low as zero degrees so were thankful that it was warmer than normal. Helped by the cloud cover it didn’t get below 30 degrees, so we were plenty warm in our 20 degree bags and my cheap Wensel tent.
After we got camp set up, Jason suggested scouting out the trail to the summit, as we planned on leaving about 5:00 in the morning and weren’t sure if we could find it in the dark. We easily found the trail and hiked up about 20 minutes to another campsite; the people there said they planned on starting for the summit at about 2:00 am. By the time we got back down to our camp, the wind had died down and it felt warmer, especially after hot chicken noodle soup with tuna, cheese and bread and some tea. I used my soda can stove, which worked fine, after removing the windshield; I guess it needed a bit more air at that elevation too. Our campsite neighbor, a Frenchman suffering from the altitude wasn’t looking too good, we found out he didn’t attempt the summit. We were still below the clouds so got a great view of Arequipa as the lights came on and the quarter moon illuminated Misti above us. By 7:00 pm we were in our sleeping bags, hoping to get a good night’s sleep before the 4:00 am alarm.
Following a breakfast of instant oatmeal, we were on the trail at 4:45 in the morning, climbing by headlights, with very little trouble following the trail. We could see the lights of other climbers, which seemed a long ways above us. Again it was a fairly easy trail, not too much sand (unlike the trail from my previous attempt) and enough large rocks to make it interesting, but also harder to see the trail. By this time I was deeply regretting my forgetting my gloves as I hurriedly packed for the trip but Jason said his hands were warm enough and let me use his – thanks Jason!
About the time it got light, we caught up to two other groups that had started earlier but were climbing very slow. One of the guides asked if one of his team members could follow us up so Steve joined us, again a very good match as we were all climbing at the same slow steady speed, taking very short breaks every so often. We soon lost sight of those below us and never saw them again until we got back down to their camp; unfortunately they had to turn back and were not able to reach the summit. When we were about a half hour away, we could see a large group standing on the summit. They had gone up a shorter route on the backside; we met them later after they had explored the crater. We finally got some sunlight when we reached a saddle between the summit and the crater, which really felt good. We had been climbing up the dark side, away from the sun, which made it very cool but we were also treated to a great view of Misti casting a shadow over miles of landscape when the sun rose on the other side. At 8:55, after crossing a couple of small snow patches and a couple of sandy stretches, we were on the summit at 19,100 feet, four hours and 10 minutes from camp. We marveled at the huge iron cross, about 20 feet high that was up there. It was constructed in sections; each about three feet long. I couldn’t have carried even one section up there. We were hoping that it had been helicoptered up so that weren’t totally put to shame by the super humans it would have taken to carry all the pieces up there.
After many photos of almost surreal landscape, offers the crater of black sand, rock and light snow, and slightly more than 19,925 feet Chachani neighbors, we went to the bathroom and ate a snack. Two of us a good feeling, no problem, MAHhe to maintain this kind, haves we decided to forgo a crater up explore and return. Not hire a guide for the ascent, but were happy to Mars, my friend driving, was with us for the track and pointed the way for us. Steve explains the way back to the countryside.
Both of us feel good, no problem, but the amount to keep dassSo we have decided to renounce the exploration of Tel crater and fell. Not hire a guide for the dune climb, but wehad a chance, Marcio, my friend drive, went with us on the road and pointed the way for us. Steve explains the leadership of the route back on the field. No need to go, just go to dark gray sand and the inclination, “that a lot of fun! We have at Camp Steve and he left with his team, dasswurden packing, and then continue on. Avevamovons left the field in two hours , Quehabra more rapideou stopped if the many photos of the descente fun! After ahis simple breakfast (which another package of soup), which produce our food, with the exception of some “mix of the runway, which broke camp and headed down. There is no hurry, because Lisa was not planned to to 4.00 Clock. We had hoped that with the time of the summit on the Hlfteogiorno, but back on the field h 11:00 ES. After a few photos at the end of the trail, we decided to travel suciedad arretera, receiving close to the highway before The meeting Lisa and Marcio. This has given us a lot of time talking about our next adventure, after completing his trip. Of course, Chachani call our names, there are also two in 6000-meter summit of the mountains on the way Cotahuasi where I live, Coropuna at 21,075 feet to 19,985 feet and Suleiman. And then there’s my plan is to week, UNON bike, all from 9000 to 16000 pie.
Tags: adventure, arequipa, aviation, Boating, climb, destinations, outdoors, peru, route, summit, Travel, travel tips, Vacation
Atlanta and Its Historic Homes
Atlanta is the state capital of Georgia and home to many wonderful things. Here you will find the world’s largest aquarium that opened in 2005; no doubt that you already know that Atlanta is also home of the popular soda, Coca Cola. Aside from these there are many other things that you will discover in the wonderful city of Atlanta.
Aside from the tourist spots, parks and great restaurants in Atlanta there is something else that is a great hit. Historic homes can be found abundantly throughout Atlanta. These homes which have been here even before the war still stand today. Those who love things of the past will certainly enjoy this. These homes also provide perfect venues for weddings and other parties.
There are some people who are so enchanted with the historic homes of Atlanta that they decide to purchase such homes. There are a number of historic Atlanta homes which you can find for sale. Most of them have been restored and maintain the elegance that they have from the past. However there are also those which may need some up keep to bring out its beauty.
Trying to get a historic Atlanta home back to its old condition is a large task; although it will surely be fun. For most owners this is the best part of buying a historic Atlanta home. If there is one common problem with homes like these it is getting the tiles and grout back to its old condition. Given its history, taking them out and replacing them is out of the question.
An expert can always help out with cleaning tiles and grout to get them to look new again. You certainly don’t want to remove these things that have been around for ages so your best bet is to have an expert clean them out. Atlanta is filled with grout cleaning experts who can help with restoring any historic Atlanta home.
Tags: atlanta, Design & Remodel, grout cleaning, Historic Homes, home improvement, home restoration, REstoration
Awesome Luxury Lodge in Tanzania – Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island is an undiscovered haven off the coast of Zanzibar. It is renown for its natural therapy on spirit. CondeNast Traveller has recognized this exquisite establishment as on of the three most romantic places in the world.
Mnemba, an Arabic word meaning octopus head, lies two kilometres north-east of the island of Zanzibar, a 20-minute cruise in a traditional 16 foot flat-bottomed boat. A pristine swathe of beach defines the island’s one mile circumference. A protection zone surrounds the island, conserving magnificent coral reefs where giant turtles, Ghost Crabs and spectacular tropical fish drift through the lagoons.
Privacy is synonymous with Mnemba since the only residents of the island are the lodge staff and guests, assuring guests of unparalleled exclusivity. This island features ten banda en-suite cottages. These cottages each have a stunning view of the beach and coral reef.
A banda is a masterpiece of art made from locally available materials. Each banda is hand woven and thatched from tree branches. Traditionally zanzibari palm mats adorn the banda. The food is top notch, the chef caters for your every taste.
Diving is an exciting and adventurous activity that is carried out at the Mnemba lodge. A valid diving certificate is required. There is a professional diving school that offers training for an extra cost. The 200 -meter protected zone offers sanctuary to a myriad of aquatic animals and magnificent coral reefs.
The lagoon surrounding the island is a haven of spectacular aquatic life. More than 300 species of fish have been documented here. Whales and dolphins are a common sight in this waters especially the stripped dolphin. Game fish like the barracuda and marlin are tagged before being released back to the lagoon.
Mnemba offer irresistible water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, fly fishing, windsurfing and swimming. Excellent bird watching, beautiful walks around the Island or simply sun tanning on the pristine beach may also be enjoyed.
The host of activities does not end, there is also the option of deep sea fishing or touring the ’spice island’ of Zanzibar plus a range of relaxing massages and other therapeutic treatments that leave you relaxed and whole. Mobile reception/signal on the island is not very good, a broad band WiFi signal is available to keep you connected to the rest of the world through the internet. Guests fly a 5km distance from Dar es Salaam to reach Mnemba.
Tags: lodges.camps, luxury lodge, tanzania, tanzania safaris, tanzania tours, tanzania travel, tanzania vacations, Vacation
Beauty Beyond State Parks with Alaskan Adventures
Taking discount air adventure cruise travel can be a great get-away to see and new places, one of which is Alaska where you will certain be impressed by its appeal and beauty. Towering mountains with snow caps, miles of ocean and untouched wilderness are all some of what makes Alaska popular with visitors from all over the world, in addition to the fascinating wildlife and great climate.
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Tags: alaska cruise, travel in alaska
Spain’s Costa Blanca Incredibly Popular Vacation Getaway
Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante in Spain begins in the north in Denia and goes 200 kilometers, or 125 miles south to Torrevieja. Costa Blanca is Spanish for the White Coast. White beaches, white water caps and many white buildings highlight the area and give it its name. The beaches on the Mediterranean sea make this area a very popular tourist attraction. Tourism and fishing are the area’s two major industries. Costa Blanca as a concept was introduced to market a new flight made available from London to Valencia by British European Airways in 1957. The strip of beach includes the resort towns Benidorm and Altea, Javea and Guardamar, Moraira and Alicante.
Alicante has an international airport the Altet, and is therefore a typical starting off point for a vacation on the Costa Blanca. There are buses, mini-buses and taxis available to take you around town. The city is on the foothills of the Saint Barbara Castle. The Carthaginians built the Saint Barbara Castle in 300 BC. Although the area was in a very good location on the Mediterranean for trade and therefore a constant site of struggle for many centuries, the castle has been well preserved. There is a restaurant now located inside the castle for the public.
The beach is separated from the city by a beautifully decorated tile inlaid walkway. There are flowers and plants along the edges and people set up booths to sell all kinds of handmade articles. There is also a variety of music during the summer. Different orchestras and bands often come to play in Alicante.
Alicante is also famous for its many festivals, including the Saint John Bonfires, where the locals build and burn down large images of different international and local figures. The images are set on fire in a nod to the pagan tradition of bonfires used to dispel evil spirits.
Benidorm is also convenient to the Alicante Airport, and is a very popular tourist town. There are many stretches of beautiful beaches, and an amazing collection of theme parks, from the Terra Mitica Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman themed roller coaster park to the Aqualandia, Europe’s largest water slide park. Terra Natura is another popular attraction, with beautiful displays of all sorts of exotic animals, including tigers, rhinoceroses, elephants and many, many others. For marine animal lovers, Mundomar is filled with informative underwater dolphins shows, aquariums, and the like.
Benidorm is famous for its nightlife. No matter what your idea of fun is Benidorm has a place for you. Cabarets, British pubs in the “Square,” tapas bars, adult clubs and restaurants, bars and dance clubs are all over Benidorm and more than 4 million tourists a year come to visit each year.
It is Fall Foliage Time In Michigan
The colors in the Upper Peninsula in the fall will be well worth the trip to see. There are nine different areas that are suggested. The first is a trip of 105 miles from Hancock to Lake Linden, on to Lac La Belle, Bete Grise and then to Copper Harbor. Leave Copper Harbor and go to Eagle River and on to Calument and Laurium and back to Hancock. The route covers Mackinac County with the peak color expected in mid-October, Chippewa County with the peak color expected the first two weeks of October, Luce County with peak color expected the first two weeks of October and Schoolcraft County with the peak color also being the first two weeks in October. This is called the Eastern Upper Peninsula tour.
Visitng the Central Upper Peninsula your tour would go from highway 107 to 64 where you begin at Silver City and on to Ontonagon. Now go to Highway 45 to Rockland and Victoria. Now you will have to backtrack a bit to highway 26 and on to Greenland. At Greenland you take highway 38 to Baraga and then hwy 41 to Chassel and Houghton. Now you take hwy 26 to Twin Lakes and back to Greenland. This tour will be approximately 200 miles. The season for you to see the peak colors of fall begins the first week of October and runs for about three weeks.
Now you can take the third tour which takes you on hwy 2 from Ironwood and Wakefield to Watersmeet, Iron River and Crystal Calls on the Western Upper Peninsula. Then take hwy 141 to Covington and then to highway 28 to Bruce Crossing and back to the beginning at Wakefield. Peak season for seeing this colorful route is the last week in September and the first week in October.
The 4th tour starts in Ishpeming on highway 29 and goes to highway 510 to Nagaunee and Big Bay, take highway 550 to Marquette and then 29 to Munising, on to highway H 58 to H 15 for a drive to Singleton and then highway 28 to highway 94 to Chatham, Gwinn and then on 35 to Palmer and back to Ishpeming. All toll this route is 165 miles long.
The fifth option is a shorter one beginning at Iron Mountain and Norway on Hwy 2 to Spalding and then highway 41 to Menominee and hwy 35 to Cedar River and Escanaba. Just 125 miles long but full of beauty.
The sixth option is from Esdcanaba on hwy 2/41 to Rapid River then hwy 2 to Manistique and Saint Ignace. This is 183 but in a rather straight line.
Try tour 7 which starts at Whitefish Point and goes on to Paradise on hwy 123. Newberry is next on highway 28. Now go to Seney and take hwy 77 to grand Marais and H58 to Deer Park and back to highway 123 and Paradise. This route is 150 miles in length.
The 8th tour begins at Saint Ingace which is on hwy 75 and goes on to Kincheloe and Sault St. Marie. Then drop down to highway 129 and Pickford where you will take hwy 48 to Goetzville and De Tour Village getting on 134 to Cedarville and then back to Saint Ignace. 150 miles of foliage to enjoy.
The last suggested tour is number 9 where you start off highway 28 and join highway 123 and begin at Eckerman. Take 123 north to Paradise and then go back to the intersection to turn toward Curley Lewis Scenic Highway. Stay on Curley Lewis Scenic Highway to Bay Mills and Brimley. This is the shortest of the tours at just 90 miles.
Tags: lake michigan, michgan vacation getaway, michigan attractions, michigan camping, michigan family vacation, michigan hunting, michigan lake, michigan recreation, michigan sports, michigan tourism, michigan travel, michigan travel guide, michigan vacation
