Travel and Recreation Blog

'Green' Travel – Placing the Environment First

Yona Williams — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:53:17 +0000

With daily linen changes, endless bars of soap, and rumpled towels strewn across the bathroom floor – can you imagine all of the waste and eco-damage that occurs in just one hotel at full capacity? In 2006, there were around 62,000 establishments that provided overnight lodging to travelers, ranging from RV parks to luxury hotels to glamorous 5-star resorts. To think – early travelers were content with just a simple place to lay their head...and if lucky, a warm meal.

Accommodations of today have greatly changed from the past, as travelers can now extend their vacationing choices to the possibility of nonstop room service; adrenaline-pumping recreational activities; romantic wedding ceremonies; intense business retreats and late-night romps at a casino. In the end, the result is never-ending waste, which contributes to mounting ecological concerns.

However, there is a way to actively place a dent in draining the planet's resources while vacationing by embracing 'green travel.' Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury, fun, or excitement. You'll simply be making a conscious effort to place the environment first when planning a vacation.

Nowadays, it is important to support businesses that place the environment first and still manage to provide an unforgettable experience. An increasing amount of worldwide hotels and other lodging choices are currently embracing the concept of eco-friendly accommodations. A couple of suggestions include:

· Binna Burra Mountain Lodge (Queensland, Australia): Sink into the allure of a subtropical rain forest, where the promise of adventurous hiking and colorful birds are found at every bend. Travelers have a choice between 'roughing it' in a safari-style canvas tent and hiding away in a well-appointed log cabin. You will find that the lodge has implemented low-flow water fixtures, composting, recycling, and energy-efficient lighting.

· Tiamo Resorts (South Andros Island, Bahamas): Slip into eco-friendly luxury when you settle into private bungalows situated on the beach. The resort is 100% powered by the sun – meaning there is no need for gas or electricity to heat water. Sustainable forests have provided the wood for constructing the resort, which uses composting toilets and water treatment systems to boost eco-friendly efforts.

· Orchard Garden Hotel (San Francisco, California): The U.S. Green Building Council gives this hotel a seal of approval for providing an eco-friendly design that happens to showcase amazing local art in the lobby. Interestingly, the energy-saving electric key card system actually ceases power to each room when a guest steps out and then turns it back on upon their return. Other features include energy-efficient light bulbs, low-flow toilets, and organic bath products.

· Old Chapel Forge Bed and Breakfast (Chichester, England): Explore the center of the Sussex countryside in England with a stay at a breathtakingly restored 17th-century house and chapel. Boasting a high rating from the Green Tourism Business Scheme – travelers are exposed to solar panel heating, locally grown organic meals, composting, and gray water recycling.

· Graycote Inn (Bay Harbor, Maine): Explore this traditional New England bed and breakfast, which offers energy-efficient lighting; high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioning units; organic coffee and wide-ranging composting. Water conservation fixtures have been placed on all toilets, showers, and sinks. This first recipient of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Environmental Leader Award is also conveniently located close to Arcadia National Park.

From Greensboro, North Carolina to Siena, Italy – eco-friendly accommodations are on the rise – allowing travelers to make the most out of their vacations without harming the environment in the process. You should know that it also pays to ride the wave of energy conservation while traveling. For instance, driving a hybrid car not only saves money at the gas pumps, but also entitles you to free and discounted valet parking at select hotels, lodges, and resorts, such as the Hotel Rouge in Washington, DC.

Looking for a Good Japanese Restaurant?

Yona Williams — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:37:38 +0000

Whether you already have a weakness for California Rolls or want to try something new during a vacation – try considering some of the Japanese restaurants scattered about the United States. Before getting down to the nitty gritty of hot spots for Japanese cuisine, beginners should first know that Japanese food goes beyond the sushi and raw fish typically associated with the culture.

About Japanese Cuisine

Japanese cuisine often blends staple foods (like rice and noodles) with soup and other dishes made with fish, vegetables, meat, and tofu. When adding flavor, cooks typically use soy sauce, dashi (soup and cooking stocks), and miso (thick paste used for sauces and spreads). Generally, Japanese dishes are low in fat, but also high in sodium. A standard Japanese meal may have been prepared using a variety of cooking techniques, such as steaming, grilling, using heavy amounts of vinegar, and deep-frying. Sometimes, dishes are served raw (called sashimi).

Japanese cooking embraces the use of beans, rice, seaweed, shellfish, crab, eggs, flour, and mushrooms. A vital component also includes noodles. Popular selections include soba (thin and made with buckwheat flour) and udon (wheat noodles with a thick consistency). Served hot or cold, soy and cooking stocks are often used to add flavor to the noodles.

Common Dishes

It is not uncommon to find the following dishes listed on a Japanese menu:

Ochazuke: Hot green tea or dashi poured over cooked white rice.
Onigiri: Balls of rice with a filling (like fish, pickles, seafood, or miso).
Zosui: Soup containing rice stewed in stock and flavored with miso or soy (often containing egg, meat, seafood, vegetables or mushroom).
Sushi: Vinegared rice topped or mixed with various fresh ingredients (oftentimes fish or seafood).
Anpan: Sweet buns filled with red bean paste.
Tempura: Deep-fried vegetables or seafood in a light, tasty batter.
Teriyaki: Grilled, broiled, or pan-fried meat, fish, chicken or vegetables with a sweetened soy sauce glaze.
Nikujaga: Beef and potato stew with sweet soy flavoring.

Popular Japanese Restaurants

Sakagura (New York, New York) – Known as one of the top sake bars in the United States, Sakagura is located in the basement of a Midtown East office building, serving up lunch and dinner. Address: 211E 43rd Street B1F

Sushi House (Atlanta, Georgia) – Interested in Japanese Fusion Sushi? This is the place to seek out when you wish to dine on tantalizing beef, chicken, and shrimp entrees. Specialty rolls, like the "Happy Sumo" are quite popular. This restaurant is also found in Orlando, Florida. Address: 2221 Peachtree Rd NE #E

Ichiza (Las Vegas, Nevada) – From stir-fried Pork n Nappa to Fire Roasted Eggplant appetizers, Ichiza also provides a satisfying menu filled with fried rice bowls, egg tofu, and unforgettable noodles. Address: 4335 Spring Mountain R. Suite 205.

Matsuri (Baltimore, Maryland) – With seasonal and daily specials, guests can savor the taste of Sashimi, Robata, and Japanese Noodles all in one place. The SushiBar Combos of the restaurant are also a hit. Address: 1105 S Charles St

Sushi O Sushi (Chicago, Illinois) – Guests not even interested in fish can't resist the Playboy Roll. On Friday and Saturday, nights are reserved for "Sake Bombs," where guests wine and dine until 2 in the morning. Also, keep in mind that this restaurant is closed on Mondays. Address: 346 W Armitage Ave

Thanks to Morguefile members, reverendb (top) and sideshowmom (mid) for the use of their photos for this article.

Blog Action Day: Poverty Tourism

Yona Williams — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:12:03 +0000

Peering through a bus window at dusty roads filled with a hint of hope.

Walking through rice fields scattered with nimble workers.

Browsing inexpensive hand-made crafts made with hundreds of years of tradition.

These are just some of the things that a new crop of tourists is experiencing when they engage in what is known as 'poverty tourism.' Critics turn their noses at the concept – deeming this travel choice exploitive. However, a great deal of people believes that the added interest in some of the largest slums and meager villages across the world can help a community in more ways than one.

Let's face it – tropical resorts and adventure getaways dominate the travel market with promises of ritzy hotels, luxury spas, and romps on white sand beaches. The money funnels into the rich communities and many less-fortunate areas are left out of the tourism loop. Tourists are always looking for "just the right" slice of sentimental memory to take back home after a vacation. With poverty tourism, local markets and shops benefit from curious travelers wanting to sample native fruits, nuts, and sweet treats. Art crafts are also popular – gritty, heartfelt, authentic treasures that commercial factories could never duplicate.
When it comes to raising awareness about poverty, tour organizers stand by their belief that this type of tourism will help fight stereotypes and call attention to the growing problem of diminished quality of life. All too many times, poverty-stricken communities are disconnected from the understanding, compassion, and recognition of outsiders.

However, participants of a poverty tour often overcome ingrained notions, realizing that despite living in conditions worse off than popular tourist destinations – these regions also provide travel delights, friendly faces, and vacation memories to last a lifetime. After their experience, many travelers wish to give back and upon returning home – locate and send donations to corresponding charities and other organizations.

My take on the subject of poverty and travel – how can you truly embrace a travel destination without experiencing its full capacity of history and culture (no matter where the location)?

The Ugly Side

However, while experiencing all facets of a destination, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to find legitimate tour operators. Just this year, Prince Tours in Rio de Janeiro came under legal fire for offering vacationers a chance to explore the life of a drug lord – going as far as meeting up with key movers and shakers, and allowing photographs.

How did they get caught? An undercover reporter paid $55 to undergo a 4-hour tour of the largest slum in the city (Rocinha), which included a Q & A session with drug traffickers. You must engage in careful research of companies, as there are numerous opportunities thought to offer questionable services in the more than 600 slums located in the region.

Still Interested?

Travelers interested in learning more about the culture, history, and inner-workings of a travel destination may find 'poverty tourism' an intriguing possibility. In order to get (and give) the most out of this type of experience, consider the following points:
Thoroughly Research Tour Organizers – Some tour companies donate up to 80% of their profits to the communities they're involved with. Researching companies before committing to a tour is a must. Make sure to find out how long they've been running tours. Will you have a local guide? What sort of online criticism or praise have they received from previous tourists?

Prepare Yourself – Depending on the level of poverty of your travel destination, you must prepare yourself for all aspects of the tour. Beyond the sights of children running barefoot or rail-thin pets, tourists often encounter overwhelming smells, sounds, and local encounters. Some towns and villages have open sewage line, where piles of garbage may line the neighborhood streets. On the other hand, many communities hustle and bustle with lively commerce despite surrounding conditions.

Safety – If you have researched and chosen a responsible tour operator, then they are already well aware of the communities that welcome the interest of travelers. Usually, companies will seek the approval of residents before establishing a tour that brings tourists into their community. Traveling in small groups and leaving your belongings, jewelry, and expensive possessions at the hotel will additionally deter crime in areas with high levels.

Interaction – Some people look at poverty tourists as visitors of a zoo or circus – "watching the attractions in their natural habitat." However, if you interact with the residents, strike up a conversation when possible, visit the schools, tour the community centers, and have a drink at a local eatery – the experience begins to feel less like a tour and more 'real.'

Cameras? – Many tour companies forbid taking photos of residents, as it moves closer and closer to that 'visiting a zoo' concept. However, if taking pictures is allowed and acceptable by the locals, always ask permission first.

Resist the Temptation – While on a tour, many travelers are overcome with the urge to 'give handouts' – money, candy, and other small items. This practice is not allowed, as it can cause unrest throughout the community and immediately cast a light on tourists that their presence equals receiving presents.

Privacy – Don't sneak a peek into the windows and doors of the locals. Respect their privacy. Once again, a poverty tour is not a free-for-all for travelers. Just because you've paid to explore a different part of a country or city, doesn’t mean you have the run of the place.

Want to learn more? Check out the following tour companies operating all over the world:

Imbizo Tours (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Half day $57, full day $117

Reality Tours and Travel (Mumbai, India)
Half day $8, full day $15

Victoria Safaris (Nairobi, Kenya)
Half day $50, full day $100

Vineyard Ministries (Mazatlán, Mexico)
Free

Nomvuyo's Tours (Cape Town, South Africa)
Half day $97, $48 per person for groups of three or more

Favela Tour (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Half day $37

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Transylvania, Romania – Beyond a Fabled Vampire's Stomping Grounds

Yona Williams — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:18:29 +0000

Transylvania – where whispers of mystery and magic taunt the imagination. Ever since Bram Stoker chose the region as the setting for his 1897 gothic horror novel, Dracula – those who dwelled outside of the beautiful countryside and intriguing culture of Romania got into the habit of linking this historical destination with vampires. So, as we prepare for an upcoming Halloween season, what better location to explore than Transylvania!

Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania is situated in the central part of Romania, where you'll encounter an interesting history filled with Roman Empire conquerors, Visigoths, Huns, as well as rich deposits of gold and salt. No need to get spooked over a little ol' vampire tale when it comes to Romanian provinces – Transylvania is considered one of the most romantic. Just try to imagine deeply wooded valleys, mesmerizing blue skies, and legendary castles at every turn.

Beyond the obvious allure of culture, nature, and history – Transylvania offers vacationing tourists a wealth of attractions and activities to enjoy, including ski resorts, rejuvenating health spas, rugged hiking trails, and charming medieval points of interest. Additionally, the beauty of Romanian and Hungarian traditions and folk culture provides a learning experience you'll never forget.

To get an idea of what the Transylvania region has to offer, consider the following attractions:

Brasov and Romanian Mountain Resorts: Located close to the major mountain resort region of Transylvania, you will find this medieval city, glistening with luxury accommodations. The Old Saxon architecture of Brasov is usually a popular draw, which includes the 14th century Black Church and the ruins of the citadel.

Bran Castle: On a hunt to solve the legend of Dracula? No exploration is complete until you visit the Bran Castle, cited as the home of the man who inspired the larger-than-life character of Dracula – Prince Vlad Tepes.

Medieval Sighisoara: Once known as a Roman town, Sighisoara has become one of the best cities to come in contact with a medieval past. A clock tower dating back to the 14th century, secret passages, and a walled citadel positioned on top of a hill are just some of the delights to absorb.

Sibiu: Here, museum lovers will cherish a visit to the open air Museum of Folk Technology (found surrounded by woods and a lake), as well as the Brukenthal Art Museum – one of six museums located in the Brukenthal National Museum complex. You may also further discover Romanian culture by traveling to a nearby mountain village.

Snapshot of Beauty: Easter Island

Yona Williams — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:22:41 +0000

Situated in the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean is Easter Island, where Polynesian myths and legends surround the existence of monumental statues that decorate the land called moai. From god-like powers to devastating epidemics to volatile clan wars, the people of Easter Island have endured their fair share of historical ups and downs. Today, the remnants of the mythological Birdman clan and guardians of sacred family caves found on the island allow researchers to paint a picture of native beliefs and better understand the past.

Contrary to popular belief, the moai are often incorrectly referred to as "heads," when in fact – many statues possess complete torsos – some seen in a kneeling position, while others have arms crossed over their stomachs. Since some moai have been buried up to their neck in sand, this common assumption is easy to make. Hoarded away in museum collections, tucked away in caves, and scattered out in the open, a total of 887 of these monolithic stone statues have been recorded.

As a World Heritage Site, the majority of Easter Island is protected within the Rapa Nui National Park, which is divided up into seven different sections, including Puna Pau, Costa Norte, and:

Rano Kau – In the southwest, an extinct volcano and crater lake (one of three natural bodies of fresh water on the island) are located here. To the north, you'll find the ruined ceremonial village of Orongo.

Rano Raraku – To capture a peek at the technological wonder of Easter Island, the 397 Moai that call this section its home still remain in their place to this day. Here, the most unique of the bunch (called Tukuturi) shows distinct features, such as a beard, reddish stone, and kneeling position.

Anakena – Home to a white coral sand beach and palm grove.

Ahu Akivi – A stone platform with seven moai facing the ocean greets visitors.

Hanga Roa – Easter Island's main town, harbor, and capital offers national football games; touristy hotels and guesthouses; the Mataveri International Airport; and some of the most famous moai on the island.

Need for Speed? Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats

Yona Williams — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:17:25 +0000

Calling all speed demons and racecar enthusiasts – northwestern Utah is home to an ancient glacial lake turned speedway that holds quite a history. Located west of the Great Salt Lake, the Bonneville Salt Flats is one of the largest of its kind, measuring 159 square miles. Accessible by Interstate 80, locals and tourists alike come to take pictures, test out their vehicles, as well as enjoy the sights and sounds of the Bonneville Speedway.

In 1896, it was W.D. Rishel, who first recognized the potential of the Bonneville Salt Flats, as he searched for suitable bike-racing grounds. The location showed promise for prime speed testing and continued to gain interest throughout the years. During the 1930's, an international spotlight blanketed the salt flats, as Malcolm Campbell (the first person to drive a car more than 300 miles per hour), set his final land speed record at Bonneville in 1935. There is even an old motorcycle named the Triumph Bonneville – after the salt flats that served as a site for many motorcycle speed records.

Today, the Bonneville Speedway plays host to many different high-speed racecar competitions – some of which have reached speeds of 600 miles per hour. Each year, tourists and participants rally up for Speed Week, a festival that takes advantage of the best weather conditions for achieving top speeds. For example, the Ford Hydrogen Fusion 999 (a fuel cell car) hit 200 mph this month.

Interesting Fact: Portions of Hollywood hits, such as "Independence Day" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" have been filmed at the salt flats.

Five Festivals: September 2008

Yona Williams — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:04:32 +0000

Just because school has started, summer is holding on by the hair of its chinny chinny chin, and the first day of fall officially starts on September 22nd, 2008 – there is still plenty of time to soak up a few rays and enjoy a good festival before the leaves begin to trickle to the ground.

For example, Rhinebeck, New York is preparing for the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest this weekend, held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on September 6th and September 7th. Local restaurants and vineyards, music, and awe-inspiring scenery will take place against the beautiful landscape of the Catskill Mountains.

To give you a bit more time to prepare for upcoming festivities in your neck of the woods, below are five festivals in taking place in California, Georgia, Oregon, and Tennessee during the month of September:

1) Atlanta Arts Festival
September 12th - September 14th, 2008
Atlanta, Georgia

This three-day extravaganza unfolding in Piedmont Park centers on an outdoor festival focused on the beauty of visual arts. Artists from all over the country will gather to admire and absorb creative expression with sounds of live entertainment floating in the air. Other features to look forward to includes "Dirty Car Artist" Scott Wade; a Celtic harpist; and bucket drummer Chris Harris.

While you're there – don't forget to head on over to the food court, where soft drinks, bottled water, wine, beer, and Cat Daddy's Moonshine cocktails are ready to quench your thirst. Concession stands will showcase a variety of regional treats, from fried catfish, sweet potato chips, red beans and rice to Spinach and Black Bean Quesadillas, Crispy Fish Tacos, and Cajun Chicken Eggrolls. Nurse a box of Mountain View Kettle Korn or pay a visit to Always Sweet, which will provide delicious funnel cakes, cotton candy, and candy apples. Times: Friday: 4pm – 8pm; Saturday: 10am – 8pm; Sunday 12pm – 6pm * Admission & Parking: Free. It is suggested to take the Marta, as parking is limited.

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2) ArtWalk on the Bay
September 13th - September 14th, 2008
San Diego, California

Embarcadero Park North (right behind Seaport Village) provides the location for a two-day festival that promises to showcase the work of some of the best artists dwelling in San Diego. With the scenic bayside serving as your setting for this event, the artwork isn't the only thing you won't be able to stop staring at. Performers will keep the crowds entertained and the kiddies will certainly appreciate the various interactive art explorations offered at this event. Sponsored by Toyota, don't miss out on the chance to check out the latest in green technology with hybrid vehicles on display and test drives. Times: 10am - 5pm * Admission & Parking: Free – find your spot all about downtown.

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3) Chattahippie Music Festival
September 18th - September 21st, 2008
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Prepare for a four-day stint filled with peace, love, and happiness at the Chattahippie Festival Grounds, where this riverfront venue (stretching more than 50 acres) will host an array of performers and musical talent, including the sounds of bluegrass, blues, country, Americana, and Southern rock folk. There will be close to 30 acts and bands featured at this event, which also offers food and drinks to satisfy a grumbling stomach and parched throat. Rain or shine, this event is on – so don't forget to bring your sunscreen, lawn chairs, blankets, ground seats, and umbrella.

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4) American River Music Festival
September 19th - September 21st, 2008
Coloma, California

How does spending three days surrounded by blues, folk, and Americana music sound? With a handful of workshops and jam sessions, the American River Music Festival is coming to Coloma (about one hour from Sacramento) with food, music, art, and entertainment. Come enjoy a guided hike along the riverfront. Test your nerves while whitewater rafting or take the time to go camping with the kiddies. Performers slated to deliver a rip-roaring good time includes Gandolph Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams; The Buccaneers; and Blame Sally. Please note that all the action takes place at Lotus Park and three other campgrounds in town. Admission & Parking: $35-$219

Thanks to MorgueFile and Mary R. Vogt for providing the above photo.

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5) Portland Pirate Festival
September 20th - September 21st, 2008
Portland, Oregon

It's time to slap on an eye patch, dust off the wooden leg, and bring the parrot out of retirement – the Portland Pirate Festival kicks off in September, offering two days filled with music, history, and of course…adventure. This family-friendly event will be held under the St. John's Bridge with Cathedral Park providing the historical surroundings. Ships, cannon battles, and sword fighting demonstrations are only the tip of the iceberg for this festival that aims to pay homage to swashbucklers, pirates and other maritime fascinations of the past. Live entertainment will include Captain Bogg & Salty; En Daire Irish Dancers; "The Pirate's Parrot" Live Bird Show; and the Mud Bay Jugglers. Times: Saturday (10am - 10pm); Sunday (10am – 6pm) * Admission & Parking: 1 day: $6-$15; 2 day: $10-$20; Group Rates: $5 -$15

Thanks to MorgueFile and Dani Simmonds for providing the above photo.

Caracas, Venezuela – 8 Things to Do and Places to See

Yona Williams — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:26:22 +0000

Venezuela has recently revealed the discovery of an ancient tar pit that provides a glimpse into the world of the saber-toothed cat (amongst other interesting fossils). The kind of saber toothed cat fossil uncovered was a first for paleontologists working in South America and shows great promise in unlocking the answers to many questions regarding the past. You're probably wondering what that has to do with traveling…

Instead of traveling back into time, I'd like to take a look at eight things to do and places to see in Caracas, the capital and largest city in Venezuela, located in the northern part of the country. With a terrain that boasts a great deal of hills and mountains, you will also find that Caracas Valley on the coastal mountain range of Cordillera de la Costa is close to the Caribbean Sea.

The climate of Caracas varies between the central city and the mountains. The coldest temperatures come in January at 72 degrees, while May is the warmest with 75-degree days. A trip to Caracas during the months of December and January are sometimes filled with foggy days, where some nights bring a temperature drop of 55 degrees. On rare occasions, a hailstorm may erupt in the city, but electrical storms are more frequent, especially between June and October – a direct result of being situated in a closed valley.

Eight Places to See and Things to Do

1) Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex

Best known as the Teresa Carreño Theater, you will encounter one of the most important of theaters in Caracas – as a matter of fact – in all of Venezuela. This is the stage where popular concerts, operas, ballet, and theater unfold. This attraction gem is located in the cultural zone of the city, close to the Caobos Park and the Caracas Athenaeum.

2) Museo de los Ninos (Children's Museum)

Step inside this entertaining, interactive museum when you need a quick fix for restless children. The kiddies will appreciate an exploration of medicine, physics, biology, communication, and astronomy.

3) Parque del Este

For a great place to people-watch, consider Parque del Este, which fills with joggers, pick-up basketball games, soccer, and residents in deep meditation. Some come to investigate the paths or catch their breath on a nearby bench. A small zoo is located on the premises, as well as weekend shows at the Humbolt Planetarium. Keep in mind that the park is open from 5am to 5pm (Tuesday through Sunday) and from 5am to 9am on Mondays. Admission is 300Bs (15¢) – a small price to pay for fresh air and a change of scenery.

4) Parque Nacional El Avila

Hiking enthusiasts usually wind up discovering the nooks and crannies of this mountain-filled national park, which offers a multitude of trails. Remember that you should come prepared for sudden drops in the temperature. Additionally, rain is a common occurrence during the afternoons.

5) Museo de Arte Contemporaneo

A treasure trove of modern art awaits your presence, as the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo is a popular stop for tourists looking for high-quality art in South America. It is here that art lovers come face-to-face with the artistic expressions of Matisse, Picasso, and Joan Miro.

6) National Pantheon

Located five blocks north of Plaza Bolivar, one of the most recognized buildings in the city, the National Pantheon (a former church) is known to provide a final resting place for famous Venezuelans.

7) Parque Central

Step into a world filled with art and culture, where the latest museum exhibits, films, and other entertainment choices in Venezuela come to life. Don’t forget to check out the Mirador de la Torre Oeste, where the 52nd floor promises a 360-degree view of the city.

8) Centro Sambil

Dig deep into your pockets, dust off the credit cards, and trade in a few greenbacks for items offered at the more than 500 shops, restaurants, and other fun things to do at Centro Sambil – the largest shopping mall in South America.

Snapshot of Beauty: Bahrain Grand Mosque

Yona Williams — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:44:55 +0000

During a brief moment of procrastination, the Olympics flashed across the screen, allowing me to catch up on some of the track and field events of the day. It was then that Roqaya Al Ghasara caught my attention as she crossed the finish line before the rest of her competitors in Round 2 of the 200-meter sprinting event.

The devout Muslim was wearing a tailor-made aerodynamic veil – "Bahrain" stretched across the front of her uniform. Where is Bahrain, I said to myself and during my search for information, I came across this unforgettable snapshot of beauty – courtesy of Vladimir Arshinov.

Bahrain is an island country located in the Persian Gulf. About 3 ½ times the size of Washington, DC; the country is home to about more than 700,000 inhabitants. With mildly pleasant winters and heat-filled, humid summers, many tourists come in hopes of benefiting from the plentiful natural resources of fish and pearls. Besides catching a glimpse of the Bahrain Grand Mosque, additional points of interest include:

Qal'at al-Bahrain: Also referred to as the Portuguese Fort, this archaeological site is considered one of the top prizes associated with the country. Excavations for this attraction started during the 1950s, revealing a fort positioned on the remains of previous cities. Seven layers were discovered with the earliest dating back to 2800 BC.

Royal Tombs: While visiting a cemetery doesn’t sound like much fun, many tourists take pleasure in experiencing the largest and most remarkable of the 85,000 burial mounds found in Bahrain. Situated in the village of A'ali, many believe the towering tombs served as the final resting place of royalty – with some reaching 50 feet into the sky. A stop in A'ali also brings you to a well-known pottery workshop, where tourists often find treasures of their own to take home.

Barbar Temple: This archaeological site with a religious and spiritual past consists of temples dating back to the 2nd and 3rd millennium BC. Most likely dedicated to Enki, the God of Wisdom and the Sweet Waters Under the Sea, the excavated wonders are visible when traveling about a collection of walkways.

Interested in Visiting?

When departing from the U.S., you should know that flights tend to be on the expensive side and harder to locate. Consider traveling during what is known as the low seasons (early January to mid-June; and mid-October to mid-December). For the best connections to Bahrain, Europe is a winner with better airline deals found in Greece, Italy, or London.

Fourth Annual PINK Conference Series – Women in Business

Yona Williams — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:42:33 +0000

Calling on female entrepreneurs! Looking for ways to balance your personal and business life; execute the kind of strategic career moves that bring success; and learn unforgettable lessons in business?

In the coming months, seven cities stretched across the U.S. will open their arms to greet a collection of some of the most influential women in business, including Mary Dillon (executive vice president and global chief marketing officer of McDonald's), Julie Gilbert (senior vice president of Best Buy), and Kelly Regal (executive vice president of Turner Broadcasting System).

Keep in mind that the conferences are held between September 24th and November 12th – so you will have seven chances to plan a trip if you'd like to experience varying pearls of wisdom. The Fourth Annual PINK Conference Series consists of a luncheon, held from 11:30am to 1:30pm, where each get-together is comprised of five speakers plus one moderator. Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, and three other exciting destinations await your presence.

For more details (including the cost of tickets, full list of cities, guest speakers, and where to register) for the Fourth Annual PINK Conference Series, check out my extended post featured on the Priceless Writers blog.