Going to boracay during the off-season

Boracay in the Philippines is among one of the best beaches in the world. It is because of the great sand and clean waters that make Boracay a wonderful beach to relax. There are also lots of establishments there in Boracay that can make their experience better. The nightlife there during peak seasons such as holy weeks and all saints day is great because lots of people go to Boracay to have fun.

But what happens to Boracy during the off-season when the bad winds arrive? It may seem stupid for lots of people to go there when the winds are scary and the rain is pouring. Who would want to swim when the rain pours and makes you chill more? The rain will also make people think that it will dampen their merry night life. But here are some reasons why it is still ok to go to Boracay even if it is off-season. Here are some reasons that can help convince people that Boracay is great no matter what season it is.

1. It is cheaper to go to Boracay during the off-season. If you are on a budget it is the best time to go. The flights from Manila to Caticlan are cheaper. If you are on budget and have motion problems when riding boats, you can just go during the off-season because you can ride the planes and it can still fit your budget. The hotel accommodations and food are also cheaper, usually up to 25%.

2. The strong winds can help make an experience riding a Paraw or a special kind of sail more fun. For P500 you can be able to sail with two able-bodied sea goers. You can be able to enjoy cruising for an hour on the shoreline. You can be able to watch the crystal clear waters when sitting on the Paraw’s left wing while holding on the ship’s rigging for support.

3. The massage will be cheaper compared to massages in Manila. You can be able to get massages for only P350 in your own room and have coconut oil rubbed on you.

4. Surfing on a kite board is better on a windy day. It is called a kite board because the person will strap their feet onto the surfboard and will lasso their upper body to a 15-foot kite. Hoe can you be able to do that on a summer day without any wind? The price of kite boarding is around $200 because it includes trainers and P1, 000 per hour for the board. It is cheaper to pay this amount than pay for future hospital bills when you end up in an accident.

These are only a few reasons why Boracay in the Philippines is still a fun place to go to even during the off-seasons. I’m sure that you can be able to find your own reason why going there during the off-season is still fun.

Romantic spots in georgia

In our fast paced world, romance can get edged out by the daily rush of life. Romantic destinations in Georgia offer a chance to recapture that spark that started long ago.

Romantic Spots In Georgia

Georgia is known as the “Peach State”, but another good nickname for it might be the “Romance State”. While Georgia may not be what you think of when you are planning that honeymoon or special anniversary trip, romantic spots in Georgia can be wonderful and special. Georgia has a romance and charm that is uniquely Southern, and staying here with someone you love will be an experience you won’t soon forget.

The charm and beauty of a Southern plantation cannot be underestimated. A stay at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation will make all your dreams of romance come true. This resort, located 60 minutes from Atlanta in Greensboro, Georgia, is both a spa and golf resort (81 holes available for play) with service and style to make any couple fall more in love. Weddings are frequently held here because of the exquisite grounds, and the restaurants and other eateries are known to be delicious. Honeymoon and romance packages are available for those in the mood to be alone. Private verandahs and other amenities like a private beach draw many couples to this spot.

Of course, there are other places for romantic spots in Georgia. If you would prefer to feel like you are on an old French estate instead of a plantation, the Chateau Elan can definitely suit your needs. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this winery and resort combination feels more like you are in the south of France than in the South. A spa is also on the premises for those who want to truly relax, and there are romantic packages planned out just for you. The two night Chateau Romantic Retreat, for instance, offers amenities such as a rose petal covered bed, breakfasts, dinners, and a bottle of the wineries own vintage delivered to your room. Also available are other bed and breakfast packages and spa treatments that can bring you and your loved one even closer together.

Georgia’s many resorts and romantic retreats are as diverse as the people and terrain in the state. If you enjoy great food, great atmosphere and Southern hospitality, romantic spots in Georgia provide you with a stay that fits the bill. Whether in a city or small town, on the beach or in the mountains, a trip to Georgia will bring out the romance in any couple. Try a Georgia destination for your next vacation for two!

Shopping for a chic pied-a-terre in singapore

An article in the International Herald Tribune talks about the variety of ‘modern luxury condos’ that have been developed in Singapore. Whilst good workmanship and quality of materials have been cited as factors that make Singapore’s condominiums desirable and have allowed its property market to be categorized as aspirational , the rush to tap into the renewed interest in private properties and the craze for ‘modern’ design has spawned varying interpretations of modern, contemporary architecture.

Following the early entries into modern development projects(The Loft on Nassim, Paterson Edge) came a slew of less distinguished developments. The progenitor of luxury living and sophisticated, boutique developments, SCGlobal has added BLVD to its luxurious troika of urbane, uptown developments.

Even more mainstream developers, more known for generic housing projects have incorporated more edgy design elements to stand out from the rest of the developments. The efforts seem to have paid out - Far east Organization’s ‘Icon’ sold out in an otherwise dreary property market. Located close to the CBD area and next to an MRT station, these loft apartments which afforded buyers a more customized, tailor made package by allowing buyers to choose from a different combination of finishes, this development made headlines when the better units were bought and ‘flipped’- reminiscent of the pre-1996 property boom years. The Central at SOHO similarly employs a more experimental approach towards showflat design and marketing - spiral staircases connected by strings of thick rope and a showflat that opens beyond 10pm on weekend nights.

Whilst there are projects that continue to try to distinguish itself by employing radical design ideas(a la the all glass faзade of Edge at Cairnhill, Moshe Safdie’s latest development in Singapore), there are many more that simply adopt vague interpretations of modern, resulting in modern developments of the most contemptible exteriors, undistinguished in its sterilized homogeneity.

Older, modern developments

Developments distinguished by interesting architecture are by no means a recent phenomenon in Singapore. Some of the more interesting developments include Paul Rudolph’s Colonnade on Grange Road, Moshe Safdie’s Habitat I and II and the Futura apartments on Leonie Hill. Moshe Safdie’s Habitat apartments on Ardmore Park - Habitat I and Habitat II have had different fates - the Habitat I project, with larger units of 3300sqft and above, have benefited from a recent makeover by Eco-Id architects, resulting in a concierge desk of lit, opalescent faux mother of pearl that speaks luxury. The entrance to the pool area is a wide swivel door made of glass with wooden handles and the previously depressingly aged pool has taken on modern, streamlined proportions with a parallel slab of concrete running through its side for architectural impact. The result is a rejuvenated development that is more in synch with the times and keeps up with the avant garde character of the building. Its sister development Habitat II, maisonettes of 2500sqft is sadly up for en-bloc re-development. Paul Rudolph’s Colonnade has similarly had its ground refurbished by Kerry Hill architects and remain a favourite for the expatriate crowd looking to rent spacious apartments in a good location.

Size and modernity

Going by the recent offerings of ‘modern’ developments, a good square footage of 2000sqft and above does not seem to co-exist with modern design elements without an associated price tag. Most modern developments - the result of enbloc sales and consequent subdivision have yielded paltry square footages of 850sqft for a studio apartment to 1100sqft for a 3 bedroom. Top end luxury developments such as the Grange Residences and BLVD, with a square footage of 2030sqft and up, come with price tags of $4m and above.

Savvy home buyers, keen on spacious apartments without the associated price tags have sought out older developments - with run down facilities and common grounds no doubt, but with views of greenery not afforded by the newer developments. The result is often a home with finishes to rival, if not trump - the best developments in the market. Renovated apartments in these older developments have attracted a new niche market - home buyers frustrated by their need for larger space and modern design elements.

A new trend, but a significant one nonetheless, judging from the sales of such apartments recently and certainly bids well for the design scene on the property market in Singapore.

San diego beaches

San Diego is offered up as a great destination for people looking to take a vacation on the beach. Here are some recommendations on San Diego beaches from a local.

San Diego Beaches

When people think of San Diego, they inevitably imagine year around sun and beautiful beaches. Ironically, the worst time to visit San Diego is from the middle of May through the middle of June. During this time period, the coast is socked with low clouds and the sun breaks through for no more than a couple of hours a day. In fact, we call the annual process by the name of June Gloom.

Assuming you come at a different time, the beaches of San Diego offer up plenty of variety and beauty. There are literally hundreds of beaches you can visit, but a select few are worth a mention.

If you are looking for the beach with college kids and a party scene, Pacific Beach is the place to be. The beach is wide, wild and packed. A sidewalk runs the length of the beach to the south and is a great place to people watch. If you prefer an alcoholic beverage with your people watching, the outdoors deck at Lahainas is the place to be. The suds flow all day, but make sure to get there early as the deck is small.

For a more relaxed experience, the beaches of Del Mar offer a choice spot. The beaches are designated by the numbered streets that intersect them. If you are looking to surf, 9th street is the place to be if you are willing to walk down the cliff. If you just want to loaf, play a little volleyball and so on, anywhere from 19th to 25th street should do the trick. Del Mar is a particularly good place to be during the fourth of July since the racetrack on the back side of the beach puts on a fireworks show. Keep in mind there will be tons of people.

If you prefer to have most of the beach to yourself, you need to look to the beaches backed by cliffs. People are lazy, so they tend not to congregate in these area since you have to hoof it up and down the paths to get to the beach. Stone Steps in Encinitas is a personal favorite. The beach is used sparsely, which makes it a good place to swim and just loaf.

The honest truth is you really cannot go wrong with San Diego beaches as long as you avoid June gloom. If you decide to visit, give me a wave. I’m the tan guy!

Go scuba diving in maui

Do you want to see a side of Maui like never before? Check out the beautiful island of Maui from a different view - underwater! There are many places in Maui where you can go scuba diving even if you have never been before. You can go on a guided tour, learn from an instructor or rent equipment if you don’t have your own. Below is more information about snorkeling and scuba diving in Maui.

Diving Trips

There are many different diving trips for you to choose from if you are staying in Maui. Many places offer small group SCUBA trips to at least two different destinations on each day of the week. Set out with other divers on a fully-equipped dive boat and enjoy comfortable seating and amenities (such as a bathroom) while you travel to your dive location.

There are knowledgeable crew members and diving instructors that can help you no matter what your level of experience and most dives are very affordable. If you are concerned with price, you might also look into package deals to save you money or go with a group.

There are also many specialty diving opportunities such as diving in caves or caverns. There are special excursions you can take with a professional tour guide to show you sights you probably never dreamed of before.

If you are a novice diver or if you are in a party with snorkelers, then you might want to take a different boat trip or tank dive trip. You will have to contact facilities that offer these to find out all the details. There are also many introductory dives and diving courses for you if you are new to the underwater world.

Snorkeling Trips

In addition to scuba diving, you might want to try snorkeling. There are many places that let you view gorgeous coral reefs and much more as well as the many exotic underwater living creatures of the Hawaiian Islands. Set out on a boat with many other snorkelers whether it’s your first time or you’ve been doing it forever. Head out to a nice snorkeling location such as a coral reef and friendly, knowledgeable crew will help you even if you have never done this before. There are “boogie boards” available to help you while moving through the water.

Even if you have been snorkeling before, you have likely never seen it like it is in Maui so it is well worth the time to go for at least one day and check it out. Snorkeling usually costs around $50 a day per person but you will have to call actual facilities since prices are subject to change. There are also group deals and discounts that you may be eligible for as well if you call and check into it.

Diving Courses

If you don’t know how to dive, you might want to look into getting some instructions first before you set out to go on a dive with people that know what they are doing. There are also many places that offer diving courses for those of you that may not have even been diving before. You can take classes on all the details of diving as well as go out on a boat with an instructor that will show you exactly how to do everything properly and safely.

If you are looking to find out exact pricing and diving schedules for different resorts and facilities, you will have to call them to find out all of the details. Equipment rentals can vary in pricing according to exactly what you need and what company you go through so you have to call to find out for sure. There are some places in Maui that offer trips and equipment that have their information available online and this may make it easier for you to plan ahead for your trip and find which location you want to use.

If you are going to be in Maui for vacation, you really need to take at least one day to go scuba diving or snorkeling and see the amazing underwater world in person for yourself. You might even want to take along an underwater camera to remember your adventure.

You can check into pricing, dive days and times as well as what certifications they have and what comes in their deals to help choose the one that suits your needs the best.

What do you need to know about ireland travel

Ireland is an exotic tourist spot. It is popularly known for the myths, magical incidents and legendary stories associated with it. Numerous tourists from all round the world are magnetized to view this bewitching place. The wonderful Ireland cities with a horde of interesting activities for young as well as the old and the scenic splendor with which the country is blessed have always been inviting people from all round the world. Ireland is thus deemed to be an ideal place for vacationing.

Ireland like many other places on earth has something for everyone. You can tour the place individually or with your family, there will be no deficiency of fun and amusement. For instance there are water and other sports for kids and adults, rock climbing for the teenagers and other enthusiasts, beaches, botanical gardens, museums, castles and all other attractions that are more than enough to keep you glued to the place.

Ireland is a country that has a rich culture and heritage. The reflection of the tradition of the place can be perceived in the lifestyle of Irish people residing in different Ireland cities.

1. Dublin is an eminent Irish city. It is regarded as the heart of Ireland for more than a few reasons. Dublin is a mirror to the Irish history. It has the many historical monuments that have preserved the priceless Georgian art and architecture. The Custom House, the Gate Theater and the Garden of Remembrance parade much of Georgian architecture. There are also many worth visiting modern art galleries and museums that add to the creative ambience of the place. Apart from this the nightlife of Dublin has always entertained its tourists to best and fullest.

2. The Irish Midlands are known by way of bifurcation into various provinces or counties. These counties are individually famous for some or the other attraction. For instance County Cavan has got recognition due to the River Shanon that flows towards its south, the Killygeen forests and the fascinating activities like fishing, horseback riding and hiking etc. in there. While the County Offaly is popular for its superb science center and ravishing plant and animal life.

3. Moving on to the Northern Ireland region, what is most welcoming here is the capital city of Belfast. Belfast is seen terms of its directions i. e. north, east, west and south Belfast. All the areas have respective allures. If south Belfast has beautiful Belfast gardens and the famous Ulster Museum, the north Belfast has amazing Neolithic caves in the Cave Hill Country Park and the Belfast zoo. Besides Belfast, there are several other counties of Northern Ireland region that have always gained tourist attention.

4. South Ireland area is again a combination of different counties. County Mayo here is a land of lakes and cliffs. This county has some remarkable historical sites that are often a source of information. The County Clarke of this region has multiple lures. There is fishing, boating, mind-boggling stalamites and stalactites in the caves of cliff of Moher, dance, music and theater. The Bunratty Folk Park adds to the amusement sources of this place.

5. Similarly there are other provinces like Northwestern County, which again is subdivided in a number of other counties, Southeastern and Southwestern Counties that too are sectioned in numerous counties.

Finally, Ireland is not just a destination for the rich. Accommodation and other facilities are available for all classes of people. A holiday to Ireland with planned budget can be a dream come true for many people.

The favelas of rio de janeiro

When people hear about Rio de Janeiro, they often remember its beaches, beautiful women, natural beauty and its buildings. There is, however, an ugly side to Rio, the favelas. Today there are over 600 favelas in Rio, housing between 30 and 40% of the city’s population of approximately 6 million. Most do not have running water, sewerage systems, electricity or telephones. About 50% lack indoor toilets. Most favelados are extremely poor, supporting their families on less than $100 US per month. There are few factory jobs, and many survive by polishing shoes, street vending or washing cars. About 50% of the females living in the favelas are employed as domestic servants in middle class and rich homes. In 2002, the film Cidade de Deus (City of God) was released, exposing to the world the hard life of the slum dwellers.

Rio has a rich heritage. The city was mostly a colonial capital until 1808, when Napoleon invaded Portugal and decided to ship the Portuguese royal family and most of the Lisbon nobles to Rio de Janeiro. The kingdom's capital was transferred to the city, making it the only European capital outside of Europe. As there was no space or housing to accommodate the sudden influx of noblemen, many inhabitants were simply evicted from their homes. The royals stayed on in Rio until 1821.

The favelas appeared in Rio around 1800 and slowly spread throughout the country. They housed the very poor who were just trying to survive. The favelas were usually very small, overcrowded, with insufficient lighting, ventilation, water and lacking a system for disposing of sewage. Those living closest to the nearest water source tended to fill the run off with their wastes, polluting the water of those below them. People became sick and the general health of the favelas deteriorated rapidly. In consequence, the favelas were blamed for the outbreak of diseases in Rio.

In 1898, a tenement housing more than 1000 people was demolished for sanitary reasons. More likely, its demise was due to Rio’s bourgeoisie, who demanded that the favelas be erased. Neither the city nor the state had plans to deal with the displaced inhabitants. They were simply kicked out of their tenement and told to move on. Forbidden to live in the center of Rio de Janeiro, the poor built new houses on the outskirts of the city, wherever there was open space. Slowly, the favelas expanded around Rio, often living on hillsides unsuitable for profitable building.

In the 1990’s, drug trafficking came to the crowded favelas. Crime rates soared. In 2001, between 80 and 110 people per 100,000 were killed as a result of gun violence. It became extremely dangerous for people to walk through the streets or stand near windows. In addition, the houses were packed so tightly together that fire and ambulance crews could not get around, ensuring disaster and loss of life in the case of fire or flood. In 2003, Mayor Cesar Maia announced an ambitious plan to spend one billion dollars to build roads, drainage systems, sports facilities and leisure areas in the favelas. Violent criminals, however, did not want this and clashed with the police. In 2004, the Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, sent 4,000 troops (1800 of the whom had been trained to combat urban and organized crime) to patrol the slums after the mayor of Rio requested assistance in quelling the gang violence after 10 people were killed in Rocinha, Rio’s largest slum.

Some 6,600 people were killed in Rio in 2005. Today, the situation in the favelas has changed little. When the Rolling Stones played at Copacabana beach in Rio, 6,000 police were ordered into the favelas to prevent clashes, robberies and theft during the free mega-show attended by approximately 1.5 million people. Copacabana is noted for its prostitutes and drug dealers at night, and robberies often occur there during the daytime. Little can be done about the favelas in Rio.

Living in siberia lenin s revenge

In 1999, I moved to Chita, a city in Siberia, Russia to teach for a year. After seven days of planes, trains and, well, more trains, I was ready to experience Chita in all its glory.

Day 1 – Lenin’s Revenge

Riding on a train for three plus days does weird things to your equilibrium. You tend to develop a natural compensation for the swaying. Unfortunately, your body doesn’t just snap back when you finally get on solid ground. As I stepped off the train, I did this sort of forward, sort of sideway shuffle. I can only image I must of looked like I had been investigating the better brands of Russian vodka. On top of this, I hadn’t had a shower for three days. Things quickly got worse.

Awaiting Grae, a fellow American, on the train platform and me were our hosts Natasha, Oleg, Dima and a few others. They were in formal wear. They didn’t smell. In retrospect, I have to give them an incredible amount of credit. Upon seeing us, they continued to smile, didn’t roll their eyes and nobody grabbed their nose. Heck, I was holding my own nose. Greetings were made and off we went to promised food and showers.

Being a San Diego local, I had often warned out of town friends about “Montezuma’s Revenge” if they drank water when visiting Mexico. There isn’t anything wrong with the water. It just has different bugs than ours. You would think I would be smart enough to follow my own advice. [Don’t say it.] Yep, I was suffering from “Lenin’s Revenge” by the early afternoon of the first day. My hosts were kind enough to leave me in peace once they noticed my distress. If only I had learned the Russian word for “Pepto!”

As seems to happen all to often, I had made a less than stellar first impression! What the heck, I was only going to be living in Chita for a year.