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Theme Park Paris

Planning a trip to France with the kids but don’t know where to go? Looking for theme park excitement in Europe to rival that of America? Then why not visit Paris – not only is it one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it also has two great theme parks nearby, which kids will love. Enter the cartoon world of Gaul at Parc Asterix or mingle with Mickey, Minnie and company at Disneyland Paris.
Parc Asterix
Introduction
This quintessentially French theme park brings to life one of France’s most popular comic book cartoons of all time – Asterix de Gaul, a small and quirky warrior living in Armorica in 50 BC, in the only part of Gaul not to be conquered by the Romans. The amusing stories in the comic books focus on Asterix, his kind-hearted and somewhat rotund best friend Obelix, and the local druid Getafix (Panoramix in French) who prepares magic potions for them.
Location
The park is located approximately 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of Paris, north of Charles de Gaulle airport on the A1 Paris to Lille motorway.
Attractions
There are some exhilarating and hair-raising rides, all loosely based on a classical themes – there’s the Thunder of Zeus – the largest wooden rollercoaster in Europe, the swinging Roman galley ship, the Trojan horse and the death-defying Goudurix loop-the-loop ride, as well as flying chairs, log flumes and other popular theme park favourites.
Shows
There’s always plenty of entertainment going on when you want a break from the rides. Meet your favourite characters at the costume parade – they’re held several times a day, or go back in time to a Gaulish Village Festival, where there are lots of great activities and funny goings-on daily. The dolphin and sea lion show is captivating, and the Panoramix Magic Show will leave you spellbound. And that’s not all – there are several different stage performances throughout the day, in which Asterix and his friends get involved in great high jinks and adventures.
Restaurants
Being a French theme park, the food here is of course excellent and there’s a huge variety of eating places to choose from, whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a snack. There’s a great pizzeria, a tasty creperie and a delicious burger bar to name just a few. All the restaurants are themed too – there’s a medieval banqueting hall, a circus buffet in a colourful big top tent, a Gaulish tavern and a Roman villa.
Shops
You can get Asterix souvenirs in all shapes and sizes, from t-shirts and mugs to helmets and swords. There are stalls and boutiques all over the park, so you can get whatever you want, whenever you want. If you’re looking for other gifts and souvenirs, there are some wonderful shops selling Egyptian, Roman and Greek themed ornaments, crafts and clothes.
Accommodation
Hotel des Trois Hiboux is the only accommodation within the park itself, but it’s a wondeful place to stay and offers great value for money. The facilities in this three-star hotel are excellent – there’s a cosy lounge with a roaring fireplace, a games room for children and a bar with a terrace. Nearby hotels include Novotel, Kyriad, Campanile and Mercure, so you’ll never be stuck for somewhere to stay.
Disneyland Paris
Introduction
Disney’s only theme park in Europe is very similar in style to the parks in America. The Magic Kingdom comprises four different lands, all of which converge on Main Street USA – an early 20th century themed street with horses, trams and vintage cars. Fantasyland is a world of fairytales and is aimed at young children. There’s Sleeping Beauty’s castle, Snow White’s house and Alice in Wonderland’s maze. Peter Pan, Dumbo and Pinocchio also put in an appearance. Frontierland is a gold rush themed area with Pocahontas Indian Village, a shooting gallery, Big Thunder Mountain and Wild West legends all around. Adventureland sweeps you through marvellous exotic lands from Aladdin’s Enchanted Passage to the Pirates of the Caribbean lagoon. Discoveryland is a wonderful area of science and space.
Attractions
All the most popular attractions from the American parks are recreated in Disneyland Paris. There’s the terrifying Space Mountain, the Mad Hatters’ Teacups, It’s a Small World, the Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Shows
No trip to a Disney theme park would be complete without a parade where you can meet your favourite Disney characters. There are parades in various parts of the park all day, so you’ll never miss out. Some of the excellent stage show performances include The Lion King, The Tarzan Encounter and Winnie the Pooh and Friends Too.
Restaurants
Every zone has its own range of eating places to cater for all tastes and appetites at any time of day. Some of the best ones are Victoria’s Homestyle Restaurant in Main Street USA, which serves wholesome, traditional American dishes such as meat pie and chocolate brownies. The Cowboy Cookout in Frontierland is a mouth-watering barbeque restaurant with country music and dancing, while Buzz Lightyear’s Pizza Planet serves pizzas in an intergalactic atmosphere.
Shops
You won’t have any bother finding a souvenir of your favourite Disney character – there’s a huge selection of soft toys in many of the shops dotted around the park, from old classics like Winnie the Pooh to the space-age Buzz Lightyear. The shops in Discoveryland have some weird and wonderful scientific gadgets and gizmos, while Adventureland has exotic gifts and souvenirs from far-flung lands. Budding cowboys can kit themselves out at the Bonanza store in Frontierland, from Stetson hat to boot spurs.
Accommodation
It’s rather expensive to stay in the resort itself, although for a real treat it is very good fun. Disneyland Hotel on Main Street USA is the most expensive, while Davey Crockett’s Ranch is the cheapest option. The cosy log cabins are about quarter of an hour’s drive from the park. Other hotels outside the park include the Radisson SAS, Kyriad, Holiday Inn and Pierre et Vacances Hotel.

San Diego Vacation Rentals

With its mild weather, miles of beaches, and world-renowned attractions, San Diego is the perfect vacation spot for a California adventure. From the Gaslamp Quarter, to the San Diego Zoo, to the many brilliant beaches that frame the Pacific Ocean, this city has every entertainment option covered. No matter what your reason for traveling to this breathtaking city on the water, you will leave awestruck at all it has offer and wonder how you could have missed out on such an amazing city for so long.
The Gaslamp Quarter has certainly earned its reputation as a world famous entertainment district with its local pubs, numerous restaurants, fine art galleries, live performance theaters, specialty boutiques, and comfortable coffee houses. You could come back night after night and sample a different local flavor without ever running into something that does not live up to the high standards San Diego has set for itself. When such a plentiful amount of entertainment is so close, there is no way you could ever settle for staying indoors at night. So stay in a vacation rental that makes it easy to enjoy all the Gaslamp Quarter has offer.
When you choose accommodations in one of the breathtaking high-rise condos that are scattered about, you have easy access to some of San Diego’s best assets. Imagine how much more enjoyable and memorable your vacation will be when you have no possible excuse for skipping out on any of the Gaslamp Quarter fun. All you need to do is walk down the street and all the attractions stand before you, waiting patiently for your arrival so they can show what San Diego is all about.
One of the other great aspects of the many condo rentals in San Diego is the unbelievable views they afford visitors. A step off of your living room and you can watch the sailboats trolling about and the stunning blue water rolling ashore. Let the gentle breeze wash over you as the delicious lunch you have prepared in the fully-stocked kitchen waits patiently on the cozy balcony table. There is absolutely no better way to spend a San Diego day than admiring its stunning coastal beauty and watching the boats making their way in and out of San Diego Harbor.
If you prefer to stay directly on one of San Diego’s gorgeous sandy beaches, there is a home rental that has everything you need to realize the perfect trip. You can find vacation homes on beaches such as Dog Beach, where fishing off the pier, surfing, swimming, and sunbathing are all easily accessed from your backyard. And when you return from your day of playing in the sand and swimming in the ocean, you can enjoy a cozy dinner on your vacation rental’s back deck and watch one of the most amazing sunsets you will ever see as the sun slides slowly into the Pacific.
Experiencing the San Diego vacation of your dreams is easy when you consider all the amenities you can enjoy in San Diego vacation rentals. Many come with a washer and dryer, so you can rid your clothes of unwanted sand throughout your trip, and plenty of space, so the entire family can spread out and avoid feeling cooped up whenever you are in your accommodations. Throw in extras such as wireless internet, HDTV, DVD players, and numerous beach towels to last the duration of your trip, and you are bound to have a San Diego adventure that is more restful and relaxing than you ever thought possible.

What Mental Health Providers Do Not Tell You about Why Residents in Long Term Care Are So Depressed

Forward-looking long term care administrators have long pondered how to eliminate the dejection and malaise that infests their facilities. They have heard about culture-change and tried various solutions: staff wearing regular clothes, pleasant bird cages, providing more resident options and meetings about communication skills with the staff.
However, nothing seems able to generate the meaningful changes needed for a pleasant and more optimistic environment.
How Do You Transform Long Term Care from Being A Festering Incubator of Malaise and Hopelessness to Becoming an Uplifting Gallery to Resident Achievement and Accomplishment?
I have practiced clinical psychology for 30 years and treated hundreds of elderly patients for depression and anxiety. I have concluded that insidious communication patterns within long term care facilities themselves are often at fault.
These, combined with the out-dated techniques used by the mental health providers they use, inadvertently create the conditions which cause residents to be even more depressed and dejected.
There is a growing concern that the only mental health care residents often get is from geriatric psychiatrists who often miss the feelings they experience about their plight. Just write a prescription, maybe tell them how their thinking processes are distorted, check in occasionally and see you later.
The use of medication is often the only treatment a resident receives, even though the research literature clearly and consistently emphasizes that it must be combined with psychotherapy to achieve optimal outcome.
However, many psychologists use pathology-driven psychotherapy in their treatments. They build and expand on the problems and repeated complaints of the resident thereby encouraging their impact on his/her awareness. They often contribute to the lack of significance and de-humanization residents feel because their approaches are often too impersonal, mechanistic and dismissive. Consequently, resident losses continually loom larger in consciousness.
They generate impersonal case histories, which fail to illuminate each individual’s experience in the struggle to survive illness. Residents, too, increasingly complain about this crisis of having no meaning-nothing to live for.
This underscores the need for a cutting-edge mental health program that addresses meaning obtained by the resident from his/her travails and his/her strengths and successes, no matter how small. This dignifies him/her. After all, that is what culture-change is all about!
What Most Mental Health Providers Do Not Know about How Residents in Long Term Care Become So Depressed
Conventional mental health providers miss the point that the resident makes sense of his/her world by creating a coherent facility persona by subconsciously crafting a particular story and role for him/her in it. We have all seen the abandoned residents, betrayed residents, and the ostracized residents. When we see no objective verification, we conclude that they are the result of internal dramas that the residents are really feeling and living which have been created by inadvertent, though insidious, hypnotic processes taking place in the facility itself.
Just like the stage hypnotists subject really feels like and becomes a barking dog, the facility resident becomes and feels like a victim drowning in his/her own tragedy. Therefore, the residents hopeless story, though not necessarily a FACT, becomes one.
And unfortunately the screaming misery that results becomes the biggest FACT of all!
Implications For Your Facility:
This insidious waking hypnosis is induced by repetitive problem-saturated conversations taking place in the facility. THAT IS Right! The CNAs, nurses, therapists, families, doctors and residents themselves unknowingly collude, by their use of various interactions and words, to create a reality which is catastrophic, demoralizing and futile.
We undergo waking hypnosis all the time e. g. in the theatre when an endearing character dies we may cry and feel hopeless; if our parents continually told us how stupid we were, we may grow up actually feeling stupid. THE SAME SITUATION can be perceived differently by different people based on the story of themselves that was internalized by repetitive pervasive conversations.
One person is treated for cancer and describes the therapeutic experience as miserable and the worst time in my life. Another describes it as just a difficult challenge.
Both had almost identical experiences and walked away with vastly different interpretations, stories and feelings. We learn thru repetition. Repeated suggestions and conversational themes associated with emotionally charged experiences are powerful in crafting a certain role for a resident in a particular story.
The residents internalized story can change over time because it is contingent on the type of consistent interactions in which s/he is engaged. Interactions or conversations need not be verbal, but are often composed of nonverbal components. A nurse who is gruff in manner is sending the suggestion that the resident is a pain or perhaps inept. Every interaction with a resident should be seen as resulting over time in a better or worse outcome for the residents felt sense of self.
Strength-Embedded Psychotherapy starts to treat resident depression and anxiety by using asset mining, a method of sensitively, yet tenaciously, unearthing any improvements, large or small, that can be credited to the resident. Then s/he implements the skillful use of conscious conversation: manifesting attention, imbuing constructive meaning and significance to resident suffering and replacing problem-saturated conversations with strength and progress saturated ones.
These techniques are reinforced by the long term care staff and are used over time with repetition and consistency. The therapist then incorporates them deftly in the residents internalized story, occasionally over his/her objections, so that the new plot can be internalized and eventually changed from one starring resident victimization to one showcasing mastery.
Throughout the process, the resident will often tenaciously attempt to revert to saturating conversations with problems and references to victimization. The resident craves continuity of the problem-saturated story which s/he has internalized.
After all s/he has depended upon it, often at great emotional cost, for a consistent sense of identity. However, with consistency and over time, the new trance starts to take effect with the resident experiencing him/herself as masterful and potent, rather than miserable and hopeless.
Compare SEP-strength-embedded psychotherapy with the usual pathology-focused techniques of most mental health providers. Talk to a resident for 15 minutes; just write a prescription and follow-up occasionally. If you are a psychologist, tell them how their thinking processes are distorted. Then over-use empathy to the point that the resident is repeating the same miseries and complaints over and over to the point that they loom ever larger in consciousness.
These pathology-driven treatments continue to infest long term care with dire results. They build on the problems of the resident and build their impact on his/her awareness. They often contribute to their insignificance and de-humanization because they are impersonal, mechanistic and dismissive. Consequently, resident losses continually loom larger in consciousness.
The train to culture-change is moving faster. Not changing your mental health provider to one who emphasizes strength and success-based approaches can put you in danger of being perceived as an uncaring dinosaur later. On the other hand, enthusiastically adopting it now can position you as a forward-looking pioneer who is contributing to the historic changes taking place in the long term care industry.

Green Coast Northern Cyprus

If you are thinking of taking a trip to Northern Cyprus, you may want to consider staying at the beautiful Green Coast Holiday Village. Nicely situated on the outskirts of the pretty village of Alsancak with its own little stretch of man-made beach, the Green Coast Holiday Village offers something for everyone. You will want to have a car, though, as it is situated one mile from the nearest bus route.
Places to Stay and the Green Coast Location
The Green Coast is possibly the most scenic part of Northern Cyprus and, as mentioned, it is situated on the outskirts of the village Alsancak and it is pretty much secluded.
There are three types of accommodations in the Green Coast Holiday Village and these include bungalows, villas and studio apartments. The studio apartments have two bedrooms and there are forty-four of them altogether. They each have air conditioning, a heating system, a bathroom with and without showers and well-equipped kitchens, as well as a television and a telephone. There are also twenty-seven villas that have galleried first floor bedrooms. The bungalows have one bedroom and are fairly spacious.
As well as its own man made private beach, there is also a fairly large freshwater swimming pool, along with a large restaurant and bar next to the beach. The restaurant serves both Turkish and European food, so there should be something to suit all tastes. The bar is open all day, so you can refresh yourself at anytime during your stay. The Green Coast Holiday Village is ideal for both couples and families and it offers a secluded, beautiful location for you to really relax and enjoy your holiday.
Things to Do and the Holiday Village Facilities
The great thing about this Holiday Village is that it offers activities for everyone. No matter what your age, there is bound to be something to suit you!
Depending upon the weather, you have the chance to try out various water sports and there is also fishing and horse riding on offer too. Children especially enjoy horse riding, though always make sure you book lessons that are suitable for your ability levels. There is also a playground for children that will keep themselves entertained throughout their stay. There are also museums nearby, too, so you can provide yourself with some culture if you want to.
An advantage of the Village is that, although it is fairly secluded, there is a doctor there just in case any accidents do occur. There is also a Jacuzzi for you to relax in, a laundry service so you do not have to worry about washing dirty clothes and there is also live music for your entertainment.
Finally, if you have anything that you would like to keep safe, there is a safe deposit box for you to put valuables in. Overall, there are plenty of facilities and activities to keep you happy throughout your whole stay at the Green Coast Holiday Village. With so many accommodation options, there really is something to suit all budgets. This really is an ideal place to visit, relax and enjoy your holiday. So, if you have never heard of the Green Coast before and you would like to book a holiday now, the best place to book is http://www. cyprusparadise. com.

The Luxurious Side Of Cancun

Cancun is certainly the most luxurious destination in the Mexican Caribbean. Offering all of the finer things in life, the Hotel Zone and downtown areas of Cancun are brimming with top notch entertainment and relaxation opportunities. With everything from couture shopping to gourmet dining and exquisite spa treatments, Cancun is the place to indulge and treat yourself like royalty. With the splendor of the Mexican Caribbean in the background, Cancun spas and resorts blend traditional Mayan techniques with innovative technology. Therapeutic treatments, such as thalassotherapy – the use of seawater to relax and rejuvenate – and traditional hot stone massage, offer guests the opportunity to decompress at the beginning or end of a Cancun vacation. Many spas also utilize a stunning assortment of sea greens, herbs and minerals indigenous to the region in their treatments. Furthermore, despite the top-tier quality of these spas and resorts, spa visits in Cancun are generally much less expensive than comparable trips to destination spas in the United States. Cancun also boasts the largest spa in all of Latin America, the three-level, 35,000 square foot paradise at JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa. Additionally, the JW Marriott Resort and Spa was recently rated as a top 5 Latin American spa by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Offering a full range of Mayan-inspired treatments, incorporating materials such as crystal, stone, mud, exotic fruit and milk, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa is certainly unlike anything you’ll experience at home. For travelers looking for an exclusively native spa experience, Temazcal is an indigenous Aztec steam bath treatment said to renew the body, mind and spirit. Performed on hot stones with aromatic herbs, the Temazcal treatments are performed in cloth huts on the beach at sunset. As a traditional form of therapy, Temazcal could be likened to certain aspects of the Turkish bath, Finnish sauna or Arabian hammam. Having been practiced for centuries by tribes throughout North and Latin America, the term “Temazcal” is derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec) terms, “temaz” (bath) and “calli” (house). Several beach resorts also offer more traditionally romantic moonlit massages in outdoor cabanas or secluded terraces, allowing guests to enjoy luxurious relaxation in a gorgeous environment with spectacular ocean ambience and vistas. As you are in Cancun, you will probably want to indulge in some adventurous Mexican cuisine. Many internationally-trained chefs employed in Cancun are well-versed in both local cuisine and cutting edge techniques. Within the Hotel Zone, you will find the most adventurous dishes, with many chefs offering Mayan flavors with a unique European flourish. Most restaurants within the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun will have menus in English, so there is no need to worry about a culinary language barrier. There are plenty of adventurous cafés both downtown and within the Hotel Zone, but fresh steak and seafood are always available as luxury staples. Take a stroll down the Avenida Tulum if you are looking for a sidewalk café to enjoy some sun and people watching. Furthermore, with over 1,200 restaurants in Cancun, there is certainly a lot to savor. The shopping options in Cancun are almost as limitless. With a number of shopping centers containing all of the world’s finest retailers, you will find everything you have seen in the magazines at prices below similar stores in the U. S. The Plaza Caracol – the largest of these shopping centers – houses over 200 boutiques and galleries with everything from unique local arts and crafts to European couture. After browsing the racks at Ralph Lauren and Gucci, settle down in one of the complex’s many elegant cafes for lunch or a quick snack. The most luxurious shopping center in Cancun is probably the 500,000 square-foot Plaza Kukulkán. In addition to all types of great local products, all the best stores like Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo and Rolex are located within this sprawling mall. When you are ready to unwind after an exciting day of shopping, there are also plenty of great restaurants and bars in this area of the city.

Top Attractions To See During Your Visit To Brussels

Brussels is known for more than just being Europes capital city and any visit to Brussels should include at least some of the below famous landmarks. Grand Place It all begins here – Brussels most distinguished feature started life as a cobbled marketplace in around the 12th century. Many of the grandeur buildings that make up such a vivid part of Grand Place today weren’t erected until the 18th century. The guildhalls that give Grand Place it’s identity were part of trade societies formed around the 13th century – notably butchers, bakers and cloth makers. Each guildhall is distinguished by certain unique designs. Perhaps the most admired part of Grand Place is the magnificent Hotel de Ville, which was completed in 1444 by architect Jan von Ruysbroeck. Since then, it’s been described as a gothic masterpiece and one of the most splendid sights in Belgium. Inside, you can take a tour and browse over some wonderful artwork and tapestry from the 15th century. Take in the breathtaking majesty of the conference room boasting ancient tapestry and the “Aldermens Room” where even today the Mayor holds certain prolific meetings. The final masterpiece of Hotel de Ville is its exquisite belfry – described as one of the finest in the world. Now, the Hotel de Ville is the town centre of Brussels. The Maison du Roi was built in 1536 by (then) Spanish rulers and now houses a fine collection of art, tapestries and Manneken Pis from the 16th century. Meaning “Kings House” Maison du Roi is now the setting for Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles – a collection of medieval art. If you’re planning on seeing a number of museums during your stay in Brussels then you may benefit from a “Brussels Card” which offers free entry to 30 museums for 30 Euros – the holder also gets unlimited access on public transport and discounts on various additional attractions and eateries. Le Pigeon is known as being the home of Victor Hugo, the famous French writer in 1852 after he fled France following the French insurrection and La Maison des Boulangers was built by the guild of bakers – a testimony to their power and wealth at the time. Maison des Tailleurs is made famous by the statue of patron saint St Barbara – this was the guild of tailors. One of the best experiences of visiting Brussels is to enjoy a coffee or beer at one of the cafes set within Grand Place and watch the bustle of tourists potter along the cobbled streets while viewing the grandeur. If you intend on having something to eat in and around Grand Place then there’s no shortage of options. If you’re in the mood for traditional Belgian fare, try t’Kelderke which serves up the usual offering of moules et frites at reasonable prices. Katya’s Kitchen is also an interesting establishment serving up a variety of cuisine including Asian and more traditional Belgian dishes. There are other restaurants within a stones throw of Grand Place so if these don’t take your fancy simply take to the streets until something does. Try coming back to see Grand Place at night – the busy atmosphere and night lights make it a truly enriching experience. Parc du Cinquantenaire Beautiful, tree-lined Parc du Cinquantenaire was built as a tribute to the golden celebrations for Belgian independence in 1880. The famous Arc de Triomphe landmark was completed several years after the park was built. The park houses the Musee de l’Armee which is a museum describing Belgiums military history and includes various artefacts stretching back to over two centuries. The gateway into the city is marked by the Central Archway. Interestingly, the park is also home to “Autoworld” which has hundreds of classic cars on display. Also worth a visit is Musee du Cinquantenaire which has international artefacts from civilisations dating back to the 15th century. Aside from the many features of Parc du Cinquantenaire it’s also a very plesant place to take a relaxing stroll – indeed it’s one of the most loved places by the locals who come in droves during weekends and public holidays. Quartier Royal Once upon a time the Quartier Royal was the home of Belgian Royalty, though this is no longer the case (the Royal family are now situated in Laeken). Even so, the Quartier Royal are grand and handsome grounds with an eventful history – including being utterly destroyed by a fire in 1731 before being rebuilt by the 19th century. Stretching over a mile long, Rue Royal runs from Quartier Royal to the pleasant Jardin Botanique and is a pleasant way of seeing some fine architecure. The Quartier Royal also houses the Palais Royal, Palais de la Nation and Palais des Academies. The Palais Royal remains the largest of the palaces set within Quartier Royal and boasts a fine throne room, long gallery displaying ceiling paintings and the hall of mirrors. It’s open to the public between July and September and is well worth the visit. The attractive Parc de Bruxelles has some elegant fountains and is lined with trees – the park was originally conceived in the 17th century. Cathedrale Sts Michel et Gudule This grand cathedral took over three centuries to complete – work actually began in 1225, under Henry I (Duke of Brabant) and was completed around the 16th century under Charles V. Saint Gudule was the 7th century saint who the Cathedral was inspired after along with St Michael (Patron Saint of Brussels) who’s statue can be seen in the middle of the structure. The “Last Judgement” window is an exquisite feature of the Cathedral – indeed, it’s the first sight that stands out as you approach. This interesting gothic styled institution is located on Parvis St. -Gudule. Palais de Justice Completed in 1883, the Palais de Justice was designed by Joseph Poelaert and remains one of the distinctive constructions in Belgium and unlike many other landmark still functions as it was originally built for – in this case the capital of Brussels’ legal courts. The Palais de Justice is situated along Place Poelaert. Very near the Palais de Justice are Les Marolles which are stuffed with little cafes and tiny shops. For some unusual bargains make your way to the junk market on Sunday mornings on Place du Jeu de Balle. Palais d’Egmont On rue aux Laines is the unmistakable sight of Palais d’Egmont – originally built in the 16th century, the palace took on further historical significance in the 1970’s as the place where Great Britain officially became a member of the EEC. Musee d’Art Moderne The multi-storey building that houses this museum is almost as interesting as the exhibits inside – as many of the levels are underground. The museum is located on Place Royale and as the name suggests, includes works of art from modern talent (19th century onwards). Also worth a visit is Musee d’Art Ancien – displaying art dating as far back as the 15th century and includes a pleasant sculpture garden that’s a delight to visit. Musee d’Art Ancien is on rue de la Regence. Le Sablon District Known as the region where Brussels splits into two (the upper and lower region) the Place du Grand Sablon is a pleasant area with a prolific fountain and the Gothic church of Notre-Dame du Sablon. This prosperous region of Brussels is noted for housing top restaurants, bars & cafes to stop by and enjoy a bite. Aside from visiting the gothic church (completed around the mid 1500’s) the Place du Petit Sablon must be seen – these delightful gardens are a pleasure to amble along. Sit on the many benches available, peruse the statues and take some pictures of the fountains built to honour Counts Egmont & Hornes. Atomium The Atomium (located in Heysel) is one of the most distinguished landmarks of Brussels – the structure – a giant molecule was constructed in 1958 when Brussels held the world fair. It’s well worth a trip to see this interesting structure. Laeken This leafy suburb situated north of Brussels is the Belgian equivalent of Windsor – it is the residence of the Belgian royalty and is noted for it’s abundance of greenery and picture-perfect parklands.

Prepare your Guests for an Unforgettable and Enjoyable Stay This Holiday

Lack of forethought given to ensure adequate and proper planning and preparation for accommodating your expected guests at your home this holidays can be consequentially stressful and worrying. It is therefore always a wise choice to give some times in planning ahead for this day so that you can provide a warm and welcoming environment for your guests and your family.

A fair bit of decoration efforts need to be built in into your home this holiday if you are expecting guests of all ages. You may need to put up extra Christmas tree with beautiful ornaments for your guests to admire. There might be possibilities that several ornaments and decorative items might get damaged if there are children playing around the house or that your best curtain cloth might be stained with coca-cola spills. Regardless of these possibilities, you will be glad to serve your important guests in your own home so you have to pour in attention to provide the welcoming environment for them.

Start the process in the guest room your company will be staying in, and make it special. If theyll be with you for more than just a couple of days, provide drawers they can put things away in so they can easily find things and get ready each day. Make sure your guest bathroom has plenty of clean towels and that you are stocked up on the necessities like toilet paper, shampoo, soap, and toothpaste.

Also, be sure you have plenty available to entertain your younger guests. Board games, crayons, colouring books, and movies help pass the time while the adults visit. Encourage the little ones to draw a pretty Christmas picture that you can display in your home for the holidays, or provide them with enough craft material such as glitter, yarn, glue, tape, and construction paper to make fun Christmas gifts of their own. An outing to a Christmas pageant or a night out caroling or watching the local Christmas parade provides fun for all ages as well.

It is invaluable to plan ahead of schedule to check out any requests or needs of your guests for special attention to any aspects of their coming stay at your home. Awkward that you may find for asking, it is the thoughtfulness and care for attention that counts. By making sure of the special diets, accommodation needs, food allergies and other potential issues, you can avoid the likelihood of a negative experience during their stay or detrimental food allergy to your Christmas feast.

Most importantly, try to keep the environment calm and relaxing. After all, it is the holidays and both you and your guests have taken time off work during the holidays, so make sure you take the time to sit back and take it easy with your company. Keep the days entertaining, but not crammed full of activity. Be sure to schedule in activities they enjoy. Perhaps theres a special exhibit at your local art gallery or museum theyd like to see while theyre in town. If so, offer to watch the kids while they go, and then take the kids to see a movie or ice skating. If these options are a bit too energetic for you, they might also enjoy playing a board game or watching a movie or television program at home. The gift of your time will be fondly remembered long after your guests have returned home.

Discover Endless Thrills in the Mayan Riviera Mexico

Now is the perfect time to start planning your exotic vacation to the enchanting land of the Mayan Riviera . Discover why the Mayan Riviera is the most popular destination among Mexico travelers. At your Maya Riviera hotel, enjoy days filled with sunshine and nights of endless strolling, shopping, and dining.

Stretching from Punta Brava, just south of Cancún International Airport, to Punta Allen, just south of Tulum, the Mayan Riviera is one of the most alluring vacation destinations on earth. Crystal blue waters and virgin white sand can be found along the coastline, along with fascinating ancient ruins, abundant wildlife and tropical rainforests. Besides the beautiful Caribbean beaches, Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city which pays tribute to a powerful ancient civilization, is the most visited attraction in the Mayan Riviera. Take time to visit eco parks in the Mayan Riviera, which are great places to play in gorgeous rainforests and waters of Mexico. The Great Maya Reef is one of the largest reefs in the world, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

The main attribute of the Mayan Riviera is its diversity. If you are on Mayan Riviera vacations, you can choose from skydiving to golf and tennis tournaments, jungle tours by foot or on horse, a great variety of water sports, the astonishing Mayan culture through the many indigenous communities and the archaeological treasures of the Mayan world.

Diving

The Mexican Caribbean is one of the best diving spots in the world. The Great Maya Reef offers year-round diving as well as a visibility of up to 165 ft and a great diversity in plant and animal species. There are also daytime and nighttime diving tours in the ocean.

Shopping

The regional and local handcrafts are famous for its appealing colors and imaginative shapes. There are many Mayan Riviera shops and galleries showing with pride the best handicrafts selection. Visit them, you will surely find that piece that you’re looking for as a gift or a memento. For example, Yucatan Peninsula’s semiprecious stones are famous: amethyst, onyx, opal, turquoise and lapislazuli incrusted on silver or pewter become unique jewels. At Mayan Riviera shops, you will also find sombreros, serapes, hammocks, beach wraps, clothes and other objects full of creativity. All products sold in the hotels’ stores come from all regions of México. Some are inspired in nature, some others in the people’s costumes, but all of them have the distinctive seal of its skilled Mexican handcrafter. Mayan Riviera shopping is something you can not miss!!

Nightlife

Mayan Riviera nights can be peaceful, quiet, romantic evenings or wild and exciting parties. It all depends on your personal preference. For a night out, Playa del Carmen is the place to go. Almost all activity take place around Playa’s 5th Avenue a pedestrian walk way filled with restaurants, sidewalk cafes, bars, handicraft stores where people from all over world get together giving this town it’s cosmopolitan atmosphere. The options are exceptional from bars with lounge music, soft music, classic jazz, Mexican music, or discotheques with salsa and merengue rhythm.

Alternative Activities in Whistler

Whistler’s reputation as a skiing and snowboarding destination is rightly justified, but what if you don’t ski or you don’t snowboard? More and more people are discovering that Whistler is a fantastic location for a range of activities and are finding that there are more ways to enjoy themselves than sliding down a mountain. For those that do love the Winter activities they are finding that they are breaking up their time more to sample everything that Whistler has to offer.
Whistler Village is a shoppers dream. The pedestrian village is full of nooks and crannies and passageways, each with a new shopping discovery. Because the layout of the village all of the shops are within easy walking distance and you get that intimate shopping experience. There is also always a bistro or cafe nearby should you need a break.
Many people are surprised by the variety on offer in the shops in Whistler. With the obvious proliferation of sports shops selling the latest equipment for the outdoor enthusiast, there are many souvenir shops, furniture shops, jewelry, clothing and sweet shops. There are also numerous merchants in Whistler offering everything from art to hardware.
Whistler is attaining a reputation for being a great place for nightlife, for people of all ages. The pubs cater for all tastes, you can try out one of the local pubs and mingle with the friendly residents of Whistler or try out the upscale lounges with luxurious surroundings and array of cocktails. For the hardcore there are many underground clubs offering all kinds of music which stay open until the early hours. Live music is also popular and big acts find there way up to Whistler for certain occasions, up and coming bands also ply the bars and clubs regularly. For a more relaxing evening there are hundreds of great restaurants to choose from.
A great option for those in need of relaxing after a day’s action on the slopes is a beauty and fitness spa, and Whistler has a variety of places offering numerous ways to indulge. Your body may look and feel better when you leave than when you arrived! You can choose from massage therapy to mud baths to manicures. There are treatments for every muscle, pore and fiber in your body. If your muscles need more stimulation there are fitness centers around Whistler offering swimming, squash, hot tubs, tennis, weight training, circuit training and yoga.
Other interesting activities include eagle watching which is possible through much of Winter, and day trips to Vancouver, which is consistently voted the most desirable city to live. Just hours from Whistler, this makes a fantastic day or 2 day trip. There is an indoor rock climbing center for adrenaline junkies who need a break from the slopes, as well as an indoor ice rink. For a change of pace there is the Whistler Art Walk tour – a great way to experience the local galleries and the many public works of art displayed throughout the village. Some artists will open up their studios with advanced notice, and even the art on display in cafes and restaurants are often for sale.

Excursions Direct 2007 Excursion Review

As the Algarve season draws to an end for another year, Excursions Direct is able to bring you the 2007 Excursion review.

Each year we produce a review Blog that will hopefully help and guide next years visitors to the excursions, days and nights out that you enjoyed this year. We have had quite a few changes for the 2007 season, and not just including the attractions. The Algarve has undergone a transformation over the past 2 years where roads and junctions have changed dramatically as the infrastructure has been dragged into the 21st century.

This year more than ever has seen many of the junctions replaced by roundabouts, the usual single lane roads widened to dual carriageways. It is with these changes in mind that we advise all visitors for the 2008 season to use the transport provided by many of the excursion companies, this will save you masses of time and effort in navigating the new improved Algarve traffic system. We hope by 2009 the majority of the works undertaken will be complete and normality can resume.

Right, enough of the rambling lets get down to business. We have reviewed the top 5 excursions that you booked through us last year as well as consulting our friends at Thomas Cook to get a broader picture of what was hot in 2007. A couple of the reviews actually contain more than one excursion this is because depending on which part of Algarve you chose would depend on the trip you would take (you will get what I mean when you read on). Also please remember that you can get exact prices and group quotes from our website.

The sections included this year are;ZoomarineWaterparksCoach toursNights outBoat trips

Zoomarine

For about the 300 hundredth year running Zoomarine has toped the charts once again. Locals struggle to remember an Algarve without the famous park; some say it was built during the Moorish invasion and that Henry the navigator himself brought the original dolphins after his Atlantic voyage (sorry I am being ridiculous). The park has become an integral part of any Algarve holiday for all nationalities. Zoomarine was actually founded in 1989 as a marine learning centre for adults and children alike since then it has grown into the Algarve’s most famous excursion. The dolphin shows, Sealion theatre (in 2007 called “Magic book”), the birds of prey display and the shark tunnel, not to mention the log flume, the swinging pirate boat and the mini rollercoaster. 2007 also saw the addition of the 4D cinema, this incredible movie shows how we are changing and affecting our planet through how we treat nature. All of this accompanied by the huge swimming pool and sun deck, bars, restaurants and shops you can begin to see why it wins every year. Oh and on top of all this did I forget to mention that with an advance booking through Excursions Direct you can swim with the dolphins, yes that’s right SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS. The dolphin interaction is a fantastic way for visitors young and old to fulfil what is for most a life long dream. Zoomarine was priced at €21. 50 for 2007 we will keep you posted on any price rises for 2008 on our website, Excursion Direct. However for a full day out including transport with everything inside free (with the exception of food, drinks and gifts) £13. 00 per adult is unbelievable value. Excursions Direct would just like to say a huge thank you to Rosa and all the team at Zoomarine for another superb season.

contact us for exact prices and opening times.

Waterparks

The waterparks produced the Excursions Direct team with yet another headache this year with the Algarve split once again depending on where you were staying. The West coast visitors had Aqualand and Slide and Splash at a 40, 60 split in favour of Slide and Splash, whereas the East coast visitors all flocked to Aquashow in Quarteira, so to give you a run down of all three here goes.

Aqualand

They can be found in between Alcantarilla and Lagoa on the EN125, known locally as “The Big One” for strange phallic reasons which we can only imagine refer to the fact it sports the highest waterslide on the Algarve called the Kamikaze, you can also enjoy the Anaconda, Congo river, Surf beach wave pool, the raging rapids, the crazy race, the banzai boggan plus all the swimming pools, bars and restaurants. There is an assortment of gift shops and return transport from as far away as Vilamoura to the east and Praia do Roche (Portimao) in the west. The pricing starts at €21. 50 for an adult staying locally up to €25. 50 for an adult staying at the furthest pick up point, children are slightly less roughly 75% of the adult price. All in all a great day out and a summer favourite.

Slide and Splash

Just pipping Aqualand at the post according to our records (not by much mind), Slide and Splash is a family favourite, with pick up points from one side of the Algarve to the other it is an easy park to get to. The park can be found on the west side of Lagoa towards Portimao, with huge slides and rides, multiple swimming pools and the usual Bars, and restaurants Slide and Splash is a absolute must for the water babies amongst us. Again with prices ranging from €21. 50 right up to €30. 50 from Spain (yes Spain, they will travel to get you).

Aquashow

What can we say about Aquashow and Senor Calderinhas team that the park doesn’t say for itself? Packed with incredible rides and shows as well as a full on rollercoaster. Situated on the main road from the EN125 at the “Quatro Estradas” roundabout heading towards Quarteira. The park provides transport from just about anywhere and charges the same price of €21. 50 for entrance. The park is heavily pushed by the major UK tour operators for their Eastern Algarve visitors and we must confess that wherever you may be staying on the Algarve it is worth the trip to pay the guys a visit.

Waterparks are an essential part of any Algarve holiday, you can soak up the sun, relax on manicured soft grass, sip refreshing ice cold drinks from the bar all in the knowledge the family is safe and being supervised every step of the way by experienced and professional lifeguards.

Contact us for exact prices and opening times.

Coach tours

Now all you guys that visited Algarve this season certainly enjoyed your days out on board our famous coach tours. From the Eastern Algarve to the best of the west and everywhere in between. It was a hard one to call this year but Excursions Direct came up with the defining top three coach tours, somehow. Starting in reverse order at number three we have the Seville shopping trip, we are not really sure what is going on here but you guys are visiting Portugal and your number three coach trip is to Spain??? Besides that we have to admit it is a fantastic trip, the day begins pretty early (around 7. 30am) where you are collected from your hotel by air conditioned (or heated) coach. On board is your guide (You can choose from English, German, French, Portuguese and Spanish) for the day that will help with any questions or queries you may have during the 2 hour journey through Eastern Algarve and out onto the vast flatlands of the Costa de la Luz, Huelva and finally your destination, Seville. On arrival in Seville you will be given the coach meeting point (very easy), maps and of course all the locations of the shops. You can either spend the entire day at the main shopping centres or you can explore some of the sights and sounds of this remarkable city from the incredible cathedral to the art quarter. At around 4pm you will return to the coach where your guide will make sure everyone is aboard and accounted for (it has been known for customers to spend the night in Seville and make their own way back the next day or catch another coach on another day) we will then head back across the border where you will be dropped off at your hotel or drop off point.

At number two is 2 trips on different days but doing almost the same thing, Loule and Quarteira market trips These are both half day tours and are very self explanatory they will collect you from your hotel, apartment, villa or nearest pick up point at around 8am depending on where your staying. If you are visiting the Quarteira market you will be travelling on a Wednesday if its Loule you have chosen it will be a Saturday. The markets are a favourite where you can browse the clothing, lace embroidery, gift and local art stalls. If its food and local produce that gets you going there is the local fresh fish and meat market as well as deli stands and street food sellers. Both of the markets are very much local affairs and you will be rubbing shoulders with the locals as much as other visitors, the locals seem to find all the fuss about their markets a little strange they are simply there to buy their weekly shopping but still it’s a great experience. The markets will begin to close at approximately 2pm where you will be collected by your coach and taken back to you accommodation. Both markets are very local to Vilamoura and Albufeira so if you want to stay on in either town for some late lunch or even an afternoon browsing let the coach driver know and off you go (no refunds for one way trips mind ha, ha, ha). So to the top of the pile for the Excursions Direct coach tours we have the Historical Algarve trip. Again you will be collected from your hotel or nearest pick up point at around 8. 30am and off to the first stop on the tour which is Silves. This is the ancient Moorish capital of Algarve and is steeped in history dating back almost 1000 years you can visit the cathedral (entrance fee not included). Travelling west we head to the Monchique Mountains where the views are spectacular from the peak of the famous 3000 foot high mountain top where you can sample local wines and brandies in a free tasting. The next stop is down towards the coast and the ancient city of Lagos where you will have time to reflect at the location of the very first human slave market in Europe and pause for thought in the old baroque style church of St Anthony. Our next destination is Cape St Vincent, the most westerly point in Europe where many centuries before Henry the Navigator once stood and pondered on what really lay beyond the horizon. We take the time to visit Baleeira the small fishing village and the fortress where Prince Henry started the very first navigation school. We then make our way back eastwards to your drop off points along the Algarve. The trip runs every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and costs an incredible €25 (£17) per person with discounts for groups children and OAP´s.

Contact us for exact prices and opening times.

Nights out

When it comes to letting your hair down it’s a difficult one to call as everyone is different, you can find people in traditional restaurants in Algarve’s beautiful countryside, chatting at the bar of a golf club or partying on the strip in Albufeira or the old town. We have included a couple of reviews in this section as well as some info on some organized nights out available through , Excursions Direct If your looking for the party atmosphere you need to be heading to one of three places. The strip in Albufeira, the old town (square) in Albufeira or the marina in Vilamoura (summer only). These areas are filled with bars, restaurants and nightclubs, there are Karaoke bars, fun pubs and theme bars as well as the new trendy wine bars around the revamped square in Albufeira’s old town. The Algarve has a huge range of restaurants and cafes from the Michelin stared Willy’s in Vilamoura to the popular Churrasco (bbq’d meat) restaurants where a Prata do Dia (Menu of the day) would cost around €6 for a 3 course meal (yes that’s £4 per person). We also have the proverbial Indians, Chinese, Italians, burger joints and pizza restaurants but we can have them anywhere cant we, so we wont spend much time on those. For more detailed information on the bars and restaurants of Algarve feel free to drop us a line through the Excursions Direct

As far as organised days out are concerned there are two main options that we have had huge feedback from, the casino shows and the Portuguese evening.

The casino shows

We have three casinos on Algarve, one is at Praia do Roche (Portimao) one in Monte Gordo (near Spanish border) and the other is in Vilamoura, all have different shows on throughout the year so here is a low down.

Vilamoura

The Vilamoura Casino will present for the first time the show “Amor Latino” -production and choreography by the Russian Sergey Denisov. In a cigarette factory, somewhere in a country with a Caribbean aroma, a North-American officer (“Romeo”) falls in love at first sight with the sensual beauty of a factory worker (“Julia”) who is engaged to be married. It is a small city and the love triangle meets in a discotheque. The jealous lovers fight for their dear one. “Romeo” is put in jail but manages to escape with his lover’s help who hides him in a boat. However, as carnival time starts there is a masquerade where anything can happen, even the unexpected. When entering the magnificent hall of the Casino, you may visit the Commercial and Art Gallery, where exhibitions are frequently held and artists, photographers, sculptors delight lovers of the different artistic expressions. In one of the comfortable lounges we have at you disposal, you may choose to have a chat, read a magazine or enjoy an appetizer before dinner. In the Royal Restaurant/ Lounge, with a capacity for 200 people, you may enjoy a comfortable and elegant atmosphere, which is the ideal place to hold celebration dinners of all types. The Miralago Lounge, with 500 places, offers a magnificent view and presents, daily, a wide variety of shows that carry you to the most idyllic sceneries while you appreciate unique flavours. Situated in the hall of the Vilamoura Casino, the Arabesque Bar is the meeting point where you may appreciate the most exquisite international cocktails before and after meals. The Arab décor takes us into the world of magic stories, such as “1001 Nights” by Sherazade or “Ali Bábá and the 40 Thieves”. It has been for over ten years one of the most popular places for the Algarve night. This is especially due to the modern and refined décor.

Portimao

Situated in the extreme south of Portugal, the Algarve coast is famous for the immense blue of its sea as well as infinite, warm water beaches with the finest sands.

The rich gastronomy, traditions, handicrafts and magnificent golf courses are unique requisites of this irresistible place, situated between the mountain and the sea, and a clear invitation to tourism.

In the heart of Praia da Rocha, the Algarve Casino Hotel offers the ideal scenery for holidays that combine comfort with elegance, entertainment with relaxation and leisure with business.

Near the main tourist infra-structures – Golf courses, Piers, Aqua Parks, Bars, Discos and with its own Casino – it has a cosmopolitan atmosphere waiting for you!

With a private car park, garage, shops, rent-a-car and hairdresser.

Directions from the Airport to the Hotel:

Drive from Faro Airport to the Via do Infante / A22 and follow the directions for Praia da Rocha / Casino. The Aladino Restaurant is open for dinners and has a capacity of 220 people. It presents daily performances and artists of an international level.

With a magnificent view over the ocean, you may appreciate its rich national and international cuisine.

“It’s Magic” is the new show. It is a production marked by magic, eccentricity and seduction. In a mysterious cave, wizards from all over the world compete for the title of “Magician of the Century”, at the rhythm of sensual music and dances, embracing you from the first moment in an exotic atmosphere of pure fantasy.

Let yourself be fascinated by incredible tricks, fantastic enchantments and mysterious spells which come out of the top hat and reach a surprising and truly magic end.

Monte Gordo

Situated only 6 km from the border with Spain, 300 km from Lisbon and 65 km from the Faro International Airport , the renovated Monte Gordo Casino is one of the liveliest attraction centres in the Algarve.

The Oceano Lounge, overlooking the sea, offers a magnificent atmosphere where you may, at the same time, appreciate a refined, unique dinner and a most enjoyable international show every day.

The wide range of games available at the Casino, together with the excellent service, offer you intense and memorable moments in a world of fantasy.

Open for dinners, with a capacity for 200 people, the Oceano Restaurant offers the best typical dishes of the Algarve cuisine, as well as international shows of excellent quality.

The daily show crosses Shakespeare’s eternal love story of “Romeo and Juliet” with one of the most famous romances of the popular culture of the XXth century “West Side Story”, appears a new and exciting show that you will love.

“On the West Side” is a different musical that tells the story of a forbidden love at the rhythm of memorable songs from “West Side Story” combined with R&B, Jazz, classical music and comedy. Modern choreographies and an extraordinary wardrobe combine to produce a simply brilliant production.

Portuguese Evening

For the slightly more traditional among us there is the famous Portuguese evening.

The evening starts with you being collected from your hotel or pick up point in one of our air conditioned coaches, your guide will be there to provide you with some of Portugal’s more traditional information. We will transport you back in time to a typical Algarve village where you will be entertained with folk dancing accompanied by traditional Portuguese musicians. You can eat and drink as much as you wish and dance to the sounds of Portuguese and international melodies. After dinner you can enjoy the show which is laid on by the folk band and dancers. With your night behind you we will transport you back to hotel or drop off point. Contact us for exact prices and opening times.

Boat trips

Our final section is dedicated to the many boat trips available on the Algarve; we have also included water sports and fishing trips.

The boat trips you chose in 2007 were very much dependent, once again, on where you were staying. Our West coast visitors centred on Alvor and Portimao marinas, whereas visitors staying on the East coast used Vilamoura marina as well as Albufeira’s new marina.

West Coast

Starting with the west coast the boats leaving the Portimao and Alvor marinas are some of the best on the coast. Boats include the Arimar, Sealife safaris, Cepemar and the Novo Alvor to name but a few. Depending on what you are looking for from Sunset cruises to Big game fishing trips the two marinas in the west have it all. For sailing times and bookings please contact us.

Eastern and central

Vilamoura is by far the most established marina along the entire coast, with many of the larger boats using it as their mooring. Boats include Tangerina, Champagne cruises, Santa Bernarda, Sea Sunset, Algarve Seafaris, Tope Norte and Polvo watersports. There are many more but these are the most popular. Albufeira marina is only around 2 years old and as far as boats go it is mainly dedicated to personal moorings as apposed to commercial boats. The two we have available in Albufeira are the Vitamin sea fishing boat and the Mara catamaran.

Contact us for exact prices and sailing times.

To conclude this years review we would like to say a huge thank you to all the guys and gals who work hard each season to make everyone’s holiday a resounding success. There is so much work that goes on behind the scenes that we all take for granted, so please take a moment to give them a thought and keep the flag flying for the Algarve. Europes best kept secret.

Please pay us a visit at Excursion Direct for exact prices and pick-up and opening times for all of the Algarve’s trips, tours and rides.