**SAFARI HOLIDAYS!**

That really already makes you feel like you are relaxing
already, seeing yourself almost getting to feel like enjoying
life again? And indeed WHY?

… sometimes she is referred to as ‘Zambia.the Real
Africa’. Zambia is sandwiched between 8 countries. From Zambia you can get practically anywhere
in Southern Africa and even far beyond. Zambia continues
to be a haven of peace. With 73 ethnic groups Zambia is
an example of African unity in diversity. Zambia is a nation
teeming with wildlife in its 19 national parks and private
game reserves. It is a land of unspoiled nature with many
wetlands and unblemished forests.

Once there you will get close to nature. You will get the
feeling, the rhythm of pulsating nature, the soothing feel of
close proximity to nature. The friendly people with their
warmest of warm African welcomes will embrace you.
Awaiting you is the embracing unspoiled nature that will
give you the soothing you yearn. Get the healing, recharge
the natural batteries. That is what Zambia Safari Holidays
will do for you!

Zambia is home away from home, where nature and life
slows down to let your natural rhythms refresh you. Allow
the untamed natural elements of the beautiful weather per
excellence soothe you, cares you, recharge you, and make
you feel life anew!

You will enjoy nature. By watching, feeling and being part
of nature. Allowing the healing of mother nature, just like
nature intended it to be. That is what Zambia – the land of
glorious sunsets, friendly people, ancient traditions and
mystic legends, of nature at its wildest and most exquisite
will do for you!

Zambia is a land of the legendary African walking safari and
they did originate here. Zambia has earths biggest waterfall,
the wild Zambezi River, breath-taking lakes and wetlands,
a profusion of birds, abundant wildlife, and raw, pulsating
wilderness, …….all in one friendly country!

What constitutes Zambias Safaris is its 19 national parks
and private game reserves covering a total of 47,662 square
kilometres. Most popular of
these are South Luangwa, Mosi-oa-Tunya, Kafue, Lochinvar,
Lower Zambezi, Kasanka, North Luangwa and Nsumbu.
And so also are the best accommodation found there.

Zambias natural parks are strategically positioned and
cover every part of the country. The largest, Kafue National
Park is centrally positioned but to the west of Lusaka,
accessible by an all weather road. Then there is the unique
dual of North and South Luangwa in the east. Others are in
the north, in the west and in the south of Zambia.

Zambia’s astonishing wildlife includes the graceful lechwe
antelope filling the vast plains of Busanga and Bangweulu
in their tens of thousands; the annual wildebeest migration
of the Liuwa Plains which rivals the Serengeti. See the
elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, warthog, primates,
antelope and various reptiles and rodents and

are common
sightings in the game reserves.

And there are large carnivores too! The common ones seen
in the Zambian game parks are the cheetah, leopard, lion
(the legendary king of the jungle), spotted hyena (‘wild’
strongest teeth) and the wild dog. Smaller carnivores such
as honey badger, African wildcat, mongoose jackal, etc.,
are common sights too.

Zambia has three natural lakes. In the north are the
Bangweulu, Mweru and the southern tip of Lake Tanganyika,
the world’s second deepest lake. Along the southern border
is the exciting mighty Lake Kariba, one of the world’s
largest man-made lakes. It measures 280 kilometres long
and 40 kilometres at its widest.

Of the 73 tribes of Zambia, 20 practise annual traditional
ceremonies. These manifest customs, social life, rituals,
oral history, material and spiritual culture. When these
ceremonies are in session visitors are welcome to watch.
Catch one and you will enjoy it.

Apart from its abundant wildlife, rivers, and lakes, Zambia
holds 6% of the worlds copper reserves and is the fourth
largest copper producing nation in the world. Zambia is
internationally recognised as a major producer of emeralds,
aquamarines, amethyst and tourmalines. The qualities of
the gems are highly competitive on the world markets.

Zambia’s vegetation is savanna type with lots of trees
varying in density. The climate makes Zambia suitable for
a wide range of farming crops. All vegetables and fruits
such as citrus, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, avocadoes,
etc., grow. The weather is fine just about the whole year
round; a bit sun shine now and a bit of rain another season.

While on holiday in Zambia you can choose to enjoy
adventures of your choice. In Livingstone town, the Adventure
Centre is a must visit. You will be able to choose the
adventure of your liking and they’re a myriad. The adventure
tours can also be arranged from the comfort of your hotel
lobby or lodge. These adventures include;

White water rafting on 23 wild Zambezi river rapids below
Victoria Falls

Canoeing safaris along the Zambezi River

River-boarding by surfing the Zambezi below Victoria Falls

Houseboating on Lake Kariba

Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge

Walking safaris are the best on the continent

Abseiling the gorges of Victoria Falls

Horse riding safaris, a unique way to view game

Tandem kayaking with an experienced kayaker who will
take you through the raging rapids of the Zambezi – great
fun and quite safe.

Fishing such as fly fishing, tiger fishing, are some of the
best fresh water fishing

Elephant back safaris; tame elephants give the best view
for game viewing in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

One guarantee! The contagious “Simply-Love-Zambia-
Safari-Bug” will affect you. Once “infected” you will
always remember Zambia, the warmest of warm African
welcomes, Africa’s best-kept secret. The superb enjoyment
cure of exhaustion!!

Contact mailto:enestle.zimba@kcm.co.zm

About the Author

Enestle Zimba is the founding editor of Africa’s Best Kept
Secret Ezine. Enestle is geologist of over twenty years and
manages Zambia African Safari (ZAS) part time. He is
dedicated to the promotion of safaris and tourism in Zambia
and the conservation of wildlife and the environment.

Do You Know What is Africa’s Best Secret?
http://www.zambia-the-african-safari.com/subscription.html

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/zambia-african-safari/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/yucatan-adventure-its-chichen-itza-near-cancun/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/yucatan-adventure-its-chichen-itza-near-cancun/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:07:05 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/yucatan-adventure-its-chichen-itza-near-cancun/ Yucatan Adventure – It’s Chichen Itza Near Cancun

Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
Read this entire feature FREE with photos at
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/adventure/mexico/mayaland/mayaland.html

We sip slushy lime Margaritas on a windy afternoon on the Mayan Riviera while sitting on the beach and doing what all tourists do when they visit Mexico – I lie there on my lawn chair covered in Banana Boat coconut sunscreen contemplating a dip in the ocean.

The Tulum Temple on the Mayan Riviera.

I couldn’t help but overhear a young couple under the umbrella beside me discussing their day trip out to the historical site of Chichen Itza, the inland site of the great pyramids. They playfully bet on who will climb to the top of the steep pyramid the fastest during their tour the next day.

Tourists from all over the world visit Mexico every year to get away from the harsh cold reality of winter, and in some cases, life. When Mexico comes to mind for most we think of sun, surf, and the hangover followed after too much tequila. Many, but not all, take it upon themselves to venture out to the jungle pyramids during their once-a-year weeklong duration in the country.

El Castillo (great pyramid) foreground,
and the Temple of 1000 Columns.

I couldn’t get the thought of Chichen Itza out of my mind the rest of that afternoon. I want to climb to the top of the pyramid as well! It is settled, I grab my boyfriend Marcus and drag him to a tour operator to arrange “the climb” for the very next morning.

Samuel, our private driver arranges the tour through MayaLand Tours, and he picks us up right on time outside our five star hotel, The Bahia Principe Tulum.

Mayaland Tours operates fully-guided tours, self-guided tours, as well as custom private tours that are in length from day trips to overnight excursions. The trips vary from snorkel tours at Xel-ha, full tours of Chichen Itza, to private excursions to the temple of Tulum! www.mayaland.com/sites.html

The more than helpful staff arranges a private tour to the Chichen Itza pyramids and a one night stay at the beautiful resort, Mayaland Hotel and Bungalows, right in the Chichen Itza archaeological zone.

Samuel turns up his Mexican tunes, rolls down the windows, and the three of us ride the “highway of death” (according to Samuel) for three hours all the way to Chichen Itza. The experience of self-driving in Mexico is not one I recommend to those who are interested in death while on vacation. With that being said we have a fantastic time taking in the countryside, and listening to Samuel tell us stories about growing up in Mexico.

The Mayaland Hotel and Bungalows is in the heart of the Chichen Itza Archaeological Zone.

The closer we get to the archaeological site the more excited Marcus and I grow at the thought of climbing the amazing pyramid. What an accomplishment this is going to be! We arrive a little windblown but eager and ready to climb. Quickly calmed by the hypnotic buzz of the lobby ceiling fan, I sit down and read about the Mayaland Hotel and Bungalows as Marcus checks us in.

The hotel was founded in the 1930s by Fernando Barbachano, who successfully convinced the first tourists to venture out with him to Chichen Itza from their ships on the gulf coast. Today, the Barbachano family continues to operate, build, and contribute to organized tourism and hospitality in Mexico. Local tours from the hotel include organized trips to Chichen Itza for 480 pesos or U.S. $42.00 and horseback riding to old Chichen Itza for 400 pesos or U.S. $35.00. Pavarotti once stayed in the hotel in a custom-built suite during his performance at the ruins in ‘97, and one of the hotel restaurants is now named after him.

The Mayanland Hotel and Bungalows Accommodations -

All 93 rooms and suites at the Mayaland Hotel and Bungalows have air-conditioning, ceiling fans, Servibars and satellite color TV. The hotel is three storied, and it is the first hotel built at Chichen Itza, and the worlds first within an archaeological site. Mayaland is a landmark, reminiscent of the hacienda nobility of a century ago. The Main House is beautifully appointed with rooms and suites looking across manicured gardens to the pyramids. The Bungalows were built in the 1990s and they are clustered around a secluding pool and were created for guests wishing to commune with nature, but with all the amenities of a

first class hotel.

The hotel has several rooming optons, including:

Palm Springs lies in the California Desert on the western edgeof the Coachella Valley. At 487 feet above sea level andcovering 96 square miles, it offers a beautiful view of theimpressive Mt. San Jacinto. In addition to natural landmarks,the city offers its residents an almost endless number ofactivities including tennis courts, golf courses, an Olympicsized pool, a dog park, a water park, and trails of all kinds(including bike routes and horseback trails). Palm Springs evenhas a baseball stadium Palm Springs is also noted for its vastcity library and museums.

In addition to these activities, Palm Springs also offersvisitors the chance to visit boutiques, art galleries, antiqueshops, restaurants, and night clubs.

Palm Springs has an unusually warm, dry climate. This is becauseit is surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains on the west, theSanta Rosa mountains on the south, and the Little San Bernadinomountains to the north. Although temperatures rise above 100 inthe summer, you will still remain comfortable due to the lowhumidity.

One of the outstanding activities offered by Palm Springs isgolf. Palm Springs offers over 30 different golf courses spreadthroughout its vast acreage. It attracts the most prestigiousgolfers in the world, including Jack Nicklaus. In fact, PalmSprings is the home

of the PGA West Jack Nicklaus TournamentCourse. This course is the home of the PGA s Tour QualifyingSchool. The course is names as one of Golf Magazines top 100golf courses you can play. Other fabulous courses you can tryout are the PGA West TCP Stadium Course, Silver Rock Resort(designed by Arnold Palmer), the Palm Desert Resort CountryClub, and the Desert Princess Country Club. As you can see, PalmSprings hosts the best of the best when it comes to golf.

When you have had your fill of golf (or if golf is not yourthing), Palm Springs offers a multitude of fun, uniqueactivities for you to enjoy. If you feel like taking to the sky,you can enjoy a ride in a colorful hot air balloon, allowing youto view the beautiful vistas of California. For a little moreexcitement, you can ride in a classic biplane or warbird of the20s or 40s. Imagine the thrill of aerobatic flying with anaval pilot at the controls.

If the sky isnt your cup of tea, then you can take advantage ofthe Coachella Valley and the surrounding area. You may wish totake nature hikes in the valley, or take a ride on thebreathtaking Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tramway is asuspended cable car with a 15-minute ride across the valley eachway. If you decide to stay on the ground, horse riding and jeeptours are available.

Palm Springs is a showplace retreat for people of all walks oflife. It offers something for everyone, from visitors from othercountries, to those just wanting to get away for a while. Itoffers breathtaking views, as well as the beauty of the cityitself.

About the author:

By DesertOnline.com Yourguide to Palm Springs California and the surrounding desertcities complete with photos and information. http://www.DesertOnline.com

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/your-introduction-to-palm-springs-california/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/your-breckenridge-vacation/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/your-breckenridge-vacation/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:07:03 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/your-breckenridge-vacation/ Youll be welcome with open arms in Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge ski resort offer the worlds finest powder and terrain anyone can manage. Half of all slopes at Breckenridge ski and snowboard resort are for beginners. The other half is for moderate to extreme skiing. Breckenridge is the only ski area to offer this much skiing for all types of ability levels.

The town of Breckenridge is just like you would dream about on the way to your ski vacation. The town has a Main st with stores, restaurants and variety. You wont be disappointed as you stroll down Breckenridges Main st. The main area is about

Thousands of revellers jumped up, gyrated and wuk-kup themselves into a frenzy as they partied themselves behind 21 bands on the way from the Barbados NBridgetown City Guideational Stadium to Spring Garden to bring the curtains down on Crop Over 2002.

Twelve point seven inches of rain did not dampen the spirit of the revellers in their passion, an intensity, matched only by the pulsating beat of drums and calypso music.

A sea of shimmering colors, blue, green, red, yellow, and orange stretched for miles and miles. A generator failure during the first half of the Heineken Beer/EAS Field White Rum Pic-0-de-Crop Finals at the National Stadium did not prevent Red Plastic Bag (Stetson Wiltshire) from being selected Calypso Monarch 2002, for the sixth time in his 20 year career. RPB had just begun his first tune when the lights went out. He returned later to finish SAM, a powerful presentation of twin towers labelled love and peace, with RPB appearing in a Bin LaWorldwide Concert and Event Ticketsden costume followed by an armed soldier on the hunt for him.

The crowd was captured by the song in which Red Plastic Bag referred on several occasions to Bin Laden, with the chorus of “terror, terror” and the warning to the United States by Bin Laden. He ended his presentation with two loud explosions on stage followed by the collapsing of the two towers.

When RPB was announced as the Calypso Monarch, pandemonium broke loose as hundreds of fans swarmed the stage, catching the police off-guard and sending them scurrying on stage to form a barricade around Prime Minister Owen Arthur. Newsmen and photographers were also caught off guard, but only momentarily.

Worldwide Concert and Event TicketsThe new King drove away with a fully-loaded Subaru Impreza, two first class tickets to New York on Caribbean Star, a trophy presented by the Prime Minister, and $10,000.

Most of those in the finals night at the National Stadium came out with blazing guns, ready to take the crown, but RPB came out on top, dressed for the first half with blazing red and later with a white Bin Laden outfit including a turban. In the Stadium there were thousands of red flags, umbrellas, clothing, plastic bags, scarves, rags, flashing lights, and even men painted red.

Kid Site, another veteran on the scene came in second and received a $5,000 check from the Barbados Prime Minister. Kid Site was a crowd favorite from the moment he went on stage, touching on the several matters facing Barbados: unemployment, inflation, corruption in Government circles, and serious economic issues facing Barbadians. His first presentations were entitled Too Malicious and Dangerous, followed in the second half with Stop De Cover-up. Both songs were well received, and from the crowds reaction, it became clear that it was a close race between Kid Site and RPB.

Third place winner, John King received a check for $1,500. His first rendition as Fuh Cree was well received. He opened his presentation with a film dramatization of an old calypsonian named “Cree”, asking King to render a song for him. This was followed by Body Talk featuring two models. It spoke of a womans body in its entirety and projected women in a different light.

The fourth prize of $500 went to lil Rick with his first presentation, entitled Doh Tell Me So, followed by an upbeat performance entitled Owing. Owing was well received as a good effort with the necessary ingredients of good presentation.

The competition set the stage for the Becks Beer/Cockspur Surge Cohobblopot, also held at the National Stadium. The Queens competition came before the Kings competition and first place went to Spring Garden, a costume worn by Pat Harding, which displayed in colors of green, white, and silver. It was sponsored by Mount Gay Rum and is described as 100 percent Bajan.

The second prize went to the costume called “Freedom Fighter”, worn by Michelle Lewis. The costume depicted a meaningful aspect associated with Barbados national culture. The large face in the middle is a symbol of African peoples who fought for freedom. It is richly decorated with the bright red, white, yellow, black, and green feathers. The

two large shields, which is on each side of the front, serves as a form of protection and is decorated with animal skins, skins of tigers, lions and other fierce animals adorned with rich colored feathers.

Third place went to “Kiss of the Sun” worn by Cheryl Roach. Glittered coconut sticks, dried leaves, coconut and palm branches are used to create a flaming sun above the shoulders of the masquerader. Wire, cane, fiberglass, and aluminium rods are used to create the frame of the costume.

In the Kings competition, the “Masquerade”, worn by Tyrone Augustine, was a crowd favorite and won first.place. The costume represents the splendor of the National Crop Over Festival as it climaxes into a sea of color with the final parade of the bands. The Masquerador is 100 percent Bajan, with the colors of the national flag, the blue and the gold and the black.

“Worms in the Big Apple”, worn by Jeffery Browne, placed second (opening photo). A magnificent creation of color and structure, it stands 15 feet high and has a span of eight feet. The body of the costume is fabricated from steel, aluminium, wire, cane, fiberglass rods, and covered in foam. The main structure is a big red apple, cut to reveal its core and infested by a big worm and a few of his friends.”Worms In the Big Apple” eating it at the core, is a satirical look of how evil in one of its manifestations can neat the core of society.

This was followed by “The Flight of the Flying Fish” from Cable and Wireless and worn by George Collymore, who placed third. The design paid homage to the most spectacular of flying creatures…the Bajan flying fish. The massive creature stands 25 feet tall and has a span of 23 feet, a combination of aluminium and fiberglass rods, creating the frames for fins and wings.

Silver mesh highlights the main wings of the creature. The Masquerador portrays the body of the fish, wearing a full-body suit including skullcap in the characteristic blue and silver hues. The message was clear…”get the message”…the Flight of the Flying Fish…here to stay.

But undoubtedly the night belonged to Rupee as he wowed the estimated 16,000 fans. He started on a sensuous note with Tempted to Touch, before launching into Frenemy and the frenzy-inspiring tune, This is Carnival. He increased the temperature of the crowd with a burst of energy, spurred by the haunting horn strains of his Road March contender: Festival. Rupee went all out in his performance of that song as well as Frenemy and Tempted to Touch, scrambling down from the stage and onto a cameramans platform to be close to the crowd. While the crowd reacted with enthusiasm, the cameraman expressed his displeasure and walked off the platform only returning when asked to do so by his supervisor. Renee, who was the 2000 Road March winner, told the crowd: “They cant keep me down.”

The curtain came down with Ricky “Lil Rick” Reid taking a second crown as his Hypa Daw won “Tune of the Crop.” Band leader Gwyneth Squires conceded “The Large Band Of The Year” title for the first time in six years, to designer Chris Williams and bandleader Chesterfield Haynes, with their production, “Cable and Wireless Contact”. Contact not only won the prestigious Large Band Of The Year category but also came away with top prizes in the Historical, Fantasy, Traditional, Topical, and Most Colorful Band categories.

Squires won for the second time, the annual Robert Weekes Award for Best Festival Designer, a category which was created last year. She also won first prize in the Advertising, Best Individual Male, Best Individual Female, Best Flag Person, Best Presentation, and Best Band On The Road.

Also in winners row were Brian Corbin for Small Band of the Year; Rosanne Lewis, who took top spot in the Community Costume Band category; and Betty West for Best Environmental Band.

To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/globe02/Carib02/barbados/crop/crop.html

Edwin Ali, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

About the Author

Edwin Ali, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave Your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/wuk-up-to-the-barbados-crop-over-festival/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/world-flags/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/world-flags/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:07:01 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/world-flags/ Flags have a rich history and heritage. Flags trace their genesis to the use of staffs or vexilloids, that were commonly used to lead men into battle. These staffs were decorated with symbols and other items, giving the soldiers a feeling of camaraderie. With time, these staffs were adorned with silk and other types of material. This is what we see now as the modern day Flag. Now every country has its own flag as an identity. These are used to stake claim over a new land or a symbol of presence – flag on the moon by Neil Armstrong. Flags have been used for centuries to signify different things.

They can be used to signify civilizations, ideas, groups, and nations. Flags were not used to symbolize a nation until the eighteenth century. Today, every nation has their own flag, each rich with symbolism. This symbolism often only means something to the inhabitants of that nation. The stars and stripes, the national flag of the United states of America reached its current form in 1960 when Hawaii joined the USA. The flag was conceived in 1777 and since then has seen various transformations. The stripes symbolize the first 13 states that made up the USA and each state is represented by a star, thus showing 50 stars on the flag. This symbolizes the unity of all states. Great Britains flag is also called the Union Jack. It has been the official flag since 1801. The flag symbolizes the three different countries that are united; England, Scotland, and Ireland. Today it only represents Northern Ireland, as the rest of Ireland became its own state in 1920. The Union Jack is a familiar symbol and is used on many other flags such as Australia. The flag of Canada is a red maple

leaf flanked by stripes of red. This flag design was officially adopted in 1965, although the maple leaf was a Canadian symbol for many years before that. The two stripes are said to represent the Pacific and Atlantic oceans which flank the country. The flag of Barbados is an interesting one. It is represented by two stripes of blue on either side which represent the ocean and the sky, and the center which is yellow represents Barbados beaches. The interesting part is the trident in the center, which represents Neptune. The trident is broken, which symbolizes Barbados split from Britain in 1966 when the flag was made official. The Israeli flag has blue and white stripes. They are the same color used in Jewish prayer shawls. The Star of David takes up the center, another familiar Jewish religious symbol. Their flag became official in 1948. Flags all over the world express their values through symbolism and sometimes religion. Often they carry religious sayings or symbols that tell the world about their countries. As territories change hands throughout the world, or two nations become one, new flags are designed. Two of the most recent and recognizable are the flags representing the United Nations and the European Union. People love their national flags and are proud of what they express. The flag tells who the people are and what they value. Flags have proudly flown for thousands of years and will continue to fly throughout the world forever.

http://www.traveltoworld.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author is an amateur writer, only express what he has experienced. By profession he is a designer

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/world-flags/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/will-you-be-a-trusted-traveler/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/will-you-be-a-trusted-traveler/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:07:00 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/will-you-be-a-trusted-traveler/ Editor: The following article is offered for your free use providing the Resource Box at the end is included.

WILL YOU BE A TRUSTED TRAVELER?
By Laura Quarantiello

The green parrots are Mitred Conures or Mitred Parakeets (Aratinga mitrada), which comprise one of ten species of parrots that reside in Southern California. They have never flown at elevations between 1000-2700 meters in their native neotropical habitat of Peru, Bolivia or Argentina. Instead, these naturalized parrots forage, roost, and breed in Redondo Beach, California, one of the beach cities in Los Angeles County.

Southern California has thousands of wild parrots, including three species of conures: the Blue-crowned Parakeet (Aratinga acuticaudata), Mitred Parakeet, and Red-masked Parakeet (Aratinga erythogenys). Wild parrots have been observed in cities, such as Pasadena and Temple City. Temple City has had as many as 1200 parrots. Early morning commuters have seen parrots flying low over the Malibu freeway. Mitred Conures have been seen foraging on the campus of California State University Long Beach. Parrots have been spotted in San Fernando Valley, Ventura County, San Gabriel Valley, Manhattan Beach, and Palos Verdes.

Records show that the parrots were imported to Southern California between 1968 and 1985 for the pet trade. And between 1981 and 1985, 41,549 Mitred Conures were imported. But pet owners either let them go, or the parrots escaped, making their home in non-indigenous surroundings. Yet, they have thrived because they have grown accustomed to the temperate climate and have found an abundance of tropical plants, including evergreen trees in the winter and deciduous trees in the summer. Conures and other parrots can eat a variety of fruits and seeds, such as figs, apricots, and sunflower seeds and flowers and nectar from Eucalyptus and Coral Trees.

I first saw the conures in a Eucalyptus tree a half a block from my home. I heard the birds squawking nearby but couldn’t identify their calls. Then, one day in late February 2001, my step-daughter and I saw green birds flying overhead. She said someone at her school told her the birds were California parrots. I didn’t believe her. I called and asked Jess Morton, the president of Palos Verdes/ Southbay Audobon Society if there were parrots in Redondo Beach. He replied, “Yes.” I gave him a description of the birds-green with red spots on their wings, small patches of red on their head, and yellow spots on their breasts. He said, “Sounds like Mitred Conures.”

From then on, I listened throughout the day for the parrots that separated into groups of from two to six and foraged within a 2-mile radius of their roosting

site on Irena Street. Most afternoons between 4:30 and 6:00, they returned to a regular pre-roosting site–four flowering Eucalyptus trees on Vincent Street. All that separated the trees from Redondo Beach High School was a cyclone fence. Of course, the parrots flew over the school grounds and sometimes landed in the trees overlooking the school yard. In the Eucalyptus trees, they ate the juice of the pink flowers, sprinkling the discarded petals on the sidewalk, the petals often falling on my face as I stood beneath the tree looking up at them.

After their meal, they wiped their bills on their perch, all the while chattering, some in pairs, some fighting, some preening (caring for their feathers), some allopreening (mutual preening).

I always knew when the parrots were about to return to their roost because one conure would sound off like a drill sergeant. In response, the rest of the flock vocalized loudly in unison. Sometimes I followed them to their roost and other times I walked home to watch and listen from my roof deck on Juanita Street. They flew in and out of the tall palm tree and vocalized heavily until the sun disappeared. Gradually their calls dwindled to one or two last calls. Then, they were silent until the next morning when the sun woke them again.

Sources:

Athan, Mattie Sue. 1999. Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior. Barrons Educational Series, Inc. New York.

Collins, Charles T., Kares, Lisa M. 1997. “Seasjonal Flock Sizes of Naturalized Mitred Parakeets (Aratinga Mitrata) in Long Beach, California.” Western Birds. 28: 218-222.

Garrett, Kimball L. 1997. “Food Items of Naturalized Parrots in Soutehrn California.” Western Birds. 28: 196-201.

Mabb, K.T. 2001. The California Parrot Project-Researching parrots in the wilds of California’s suburban jungles. WatchBird Magazine Jan/Feb 2001: 30-31.

Mabb, Karen T. 1997. “Nesting Behavior of Amazona Parrots and Rose-ringed Parakeets in the San Gabriel Valley, California. Western Birds. 28: 209-217.

Mabb, Karen T. 1997 “Population Status and Distribution of Naturalized Parrots in Southern California.” Western Birds. 28: 181-195.

Mabb, Karen T. 1997. “Roosting Behavior of Naturialized Parrots in the San Gabriel Valley,” California. Western Birds. 28: 202-208.

Nature Alley. “Parrot (and other naturalized inhabitant) Identification.” 10 January 2005.The California Parrot Project. 25 March 2005.

Rach, Julie. 1998. The Conures. Howell Book House, Inc. New York Freud, Arthur. 1982. All About Parrots. Howell Book House, Inc. New York.

About The Author

Diana Clarke is a California credentialed teacher. Her work has appeared in publications, such as the San Jose Mercury News, Cupertino Courier, and Saratoga News. Visit her website at www.yourskinandsun.com to read more great articles.

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/wild-parrots-of-irena-street/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/why-vacations-are-good-for-your-health/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/why-vacations-are-good-for-your-health/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:06:06 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/why-vacations-are-good-for-your-health/ Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel.com and bookpleasures.com interviews Toronto Physician, Dr. Mel Borins who discusses why vacations are necessary for maintaining good health.

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel.com and bookpleasures.com is excited to have as our guest Dr. Mel Borins.

Dr. Borins is a physician and motivational speaker from Toronto, Canada who is a very strong proponent of the health benefits of taking vacations. 

Dr. Borins has authored Go Away Just For The Health of It  and he is here today to discuss his book and why vacations are good for us. 

Good day Dr. Borins and that you for agreeing to participate in our interview. 

Norm: 

Dr. Borins, when did your passion for travel begin? What keeps you going? 

Dr. Borins: 

When I was in grade three, I drove down to Florida with my parents.

I loved the scenery, the new experiences and the chance to be with my parents 24/7.

After my internship, my wife and I traveled for 14 months around the world. It was amazing to see the different cultures and how people lived. I was inspired and have been traveling ever since. Every trip is a new adventure and a break from the treadmill of daily life.

Norm: 

How did you get the inspiration for Go Away Just For The Health of It? What challenges or obstacles did you encounter while writing your book? How did you overcome these challenges?

Dr. Borins: 

Since my graduation from medical school I met many patients whose lives were changed irrevocably by time off.  I witnessed tremendous improvements in their physical and emotional health after they came back from vacation.  

The more I enquired about their travels, the more I became aware of the many positive transformations taking place.  I could also often tell if a medical problem was of a serious organic nature because it would not usually disappear while someone was on vacation.  If a problem did disappear when someone was away, the illness was likely stress related, and being away was enough to either eliminate or sufficiently diminish the stresses and relieve the symptoms. I always felt transformed by my vacations.

I rewrote the book many times. The biggest challenge was finding a publisher. I just persevered. I believed in the book and thought that someday the concept of the importance of leisure time will be appreciated. I kept sending the book out and finally Eastendbooks was interested in it. I was single-minded, persistent and did not give up.  

Norm: 

Why do you believe vacations are good for us and that they can be transformational for us? 

Dr. Borins: 

One research study has shown homemakers who reported that they had a vacation once every six years or less had almost twice the risk of developing heart attacks as homemakers who took vacations two or more times per year. Another study found that compared to men who never took vacations, men going on annual vacations were 21% less likely to die over the next nine years and 32% less likely to die of coronary heart disease. 

Other studies found a positive relationship between vacations and intellectual

functioning, an increase in life satisfaction after a vacation; vacations were strongly beneficial to family life; burnout of employees decreased significantly during their vacations while work efficiency had increased and jobs were more interesting after their vacations. I have met many people whose lives were transformed by a vacation. 

Norm: 

Of all of the places you have visited with your family, could you name and briefly describe 4 that you would recommend as being the most romantic? 

Dr. Borins: 

I find sunsets, beaches, and hot climates romantic 

• Bali Indonesia

Smiling friendly people, incredible beaches, sunsets, rice patties. Love is in the air. 

• Hawaii

Sunsets, scenery, beaches and slower pace of life. 

• Seychelles

Quiet, island life, isolated, scenic 

• Moorea, Tahiti

Beauty, snorkeling, beaches and quiet. 

Norm: 

From my own experience, whenever I take a vacation, I begin to

come down with the blues on the last two or threes days, as I realize I have to return home. How do you combat these feelings? 

Dr. Borins: 

The last chapter in my book describes How to Avoid Depression When You Return.

Here are a few pointers from my book Go Away Just for the Health of It 

Schedule some activity before you go on vacation for the first week of your return. This activity must be something you love to do like walking in the park, going to a sports game, having a massage, or meeting with a supportive friend. In this way you have something to look forward to during your first week back.

Develop your photos soon after returning and put them in a book and start showing them to your friends and family. In this way you remember your holiday and the good feelings return.

Make arrangements to be with other travellers who understand what it is like to return after a vacation. Ask them to support you when you get into the doldrums.

Even though you may feel obliged, dont overwork when you first get back. Pace yourself. Most things can be done over time. There are very few emergencies. Say no to new demands without feeling guilty. 

The best time to begin dreaming your next vacation is while you are on vacation. Choose a date and place in your mind. Write it down and go over the steps that are necessary to make the arrangements needed to ensure you will go away again. Fantasizing about your next time off gives you something to look forward to. 

Norm: 

How do you avoid intestinal problems when on vacation? 

Dr. Borins: 

Since there is an increased risk of getting infections in the Tropics and third world countries, you must take extra special care in avoiding undercooked or raw eggs, meat, poultry, or seafood. Do not drink the water. Stay away from fountain drinks, ice cubes or unpasteurized dairy products. Generally avoid fresh salads or fruit unless you peel them yourself because they can be washed in unclean water. Boil it, peel it or forget it. 

Norm: 

I notice that you are a travel writer, as well as a physician, how do you come up with ideas for what you write? What methods do you use to flesh out your idea to determine if its salable?

Dr. Borins: 

My ideas come during my time away. I find every place I visit fascinating. The world is so interesting and beautiful. I am never short of ideas. It seems many people enjoy reading my articles. When Im interested in something I find other people are as well. 

Norm: 

Could you describe to our readers some of the complementary methods of healing you incorporate into your medical practical? 

Dr. Borins:  

I do acupuncture, some spinal manipulation, have an interest in herbs and nutrition. I am also familiar with many alternative methods of healing and can talk about them to my patients. 

Norm: 

What is next for Dr. Borins? 

Dr. Borins: 

I am creating a book of photos from my travels that include songs that I have written. I am also working on my fifth CD of songs that I have composed and sing. My dream is to have a band or singer record one of my songs.  

I am continuing to promote my public speaking. I really enjoy talking to large groups about Laughter, Vacations, Relieving Stress and Complementary Medicine.  

Norm: 

Is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered? 

Dr. Borins: People who are interested in my books, photos, CDs and speaker bookings can visit my web page melborins.com. 

Thank you. 

Thanks once again and bon voyage.

To read Norms review of  Go Away Just For The Health of It  CLICK HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Norm Goldman is the Editor of the travel site Sketchandtravel.com and the book reviewing and author interviewing site, Bookpleasures.com.

Norm is also a travel writer and together with his artist wife Lily, this unique couple meld words with art focusing on romantic destinations. You can view Lilys articles and read Norms articles on Sketchandtravel.com.

Bookpleasures.com comprises over thirty international reviewers who come from all walks of life and who review all genre. There is also an express review service offered for those authors who wish to have a quick review.

]]> http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/why-vacations-are-good-for-your-health/feed/ 0 http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/why-take-a-hawaii-cruise/ http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/why-take-a-hawaii-cruise/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:06:05 +0000 admin http://www.infotips.co.uk/2009/04/22/why-take-a-hawaii-cruise/ Experiencing a Hawaii cruise is a dream come true for many people around the world. Very few travel adventures can live up to the thrill of sailing out into the depths of the Pacific Ocean on a luxury cruise liner in search of a paradise that is Hawaii and her neighboring islands. And what a paradise it is too!

Golden sunsets, sun-drenched sands and palm trees swaying in the warm gentle breeze await all who take a Hawaiian cruise. Is there anything on Earth that could rival sipping your favorite poison while watching the sun dip down below a watery horizon – all to the gentle sound of wavelets breaking on the golden sands of Hawaii? For many, this is paradise found!

For U.S. and Canadian citizens, Hawaii cruises depart from numerous seaports along the west coast of North America. Vancouver, Seattle and San Diego are the main ports of departure to Hawaii, although several of the other ports up and down the coastline offer cruise services to Hawaii too.

Hawaii cruise vacations normally comprise of a round-trip of 15-18 days and take in Hawaii and one or two ports on the other islands in the group. One-way cruises can also be booked where passengers opt to fly back home from Hawaii. Many companies also offer extended Hawaii cruise vacations of 25-30 days or more. These extended cruises are an excellent choice for those wishing to experience a more intense adventure in Hawaii and also for those who would like the opportunity to spend some time on the other islands of

Maui, Lanai, Oahu and Kauai.

Aside from lazing on the pool deck and soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii, a Hawaii cruise offers many shore excursions to satisfy even the most restless of vacationers. On the Big Island itself you can turn intrepid adventurer and explore the dormant volcanoes of Mauna Kea or the smaller Kilauea crater. If you dont fancy the hike you can always do a Circle of Fire tour by helicopter.

On the south side of the Big Island near the port of Kona is the Kona Cloud Forest botanical walk. You can also enjoy many varied types of watersports here, as well as taking a passenger submarine down to explore the 25 acres of coral reef in the vicinity.

Further afield, a Hawaii cruise lets you relive the drama of Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, as well as providing an opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Honolulu. You can go in search of whales off the shore of Lanai Island, and even head off into the rainforest of Kauai in a 4×4! So, whether you want endless days of relaxation, the ultimate in outdoor adventure or a bit of both, a Hawaii cruise could be the dream vacation for you.

John Metcalfe is the webmaster for A to Z Cruises which is the No1 resource for Hawaii Cruise related Information on the Internet. Be sure to visit his site here:http://www.azcruises.com/hawaiicruise/

Copyright John Metcalfe – http://www.azcruises.com

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