Joining a Travel Group - Is it For You?

Belonging to a travel group may not be for everyone. But it may also be the only way you feel comfortable traveling if you do not wish to travel on your own.

Most people who join a travel group are single or their spouses do not enjoy traveling for whatever reason. Or it could be that most of their friends are married and their single friends may not be able to afford to travel. This was the situation for me.

When you travel to different locations, you may not be going with the same people each time. The group I belong to is quite large and usually there are about a dozen trips available to choose from each year.

But people are friendly when traveling and once you share a room (if that is what you choose to do), eat meals together and go on various sightseeing expeditions together, you get to know them and often build friendships in the process. You will find very few that you don't want to spend your time with.

From the last trip I took, there are seven of us that get together occasionally and one in particular I keep in touch with by monthly luncheons. However, we may or may not go on the same trips together again. Most of the people I met this time have done more traveling than I have so may not want to go where I would like to go. But that is fine because there are many other great people in the group. And traveling together is definitely a way to get to know your traveling group better.

When you travel as a group, you fly together, stay at the same hotels, many of your meals are provided so you eat together and when you explore, you travel together by coach bus with an explanation of the landmarks you are visiting. Some share rooms to save on costs while others prefer to get their own rooms. And there is always ample free time where you can do something on your own if you need some alone time or go with one or two others if you are like me and are afraid of getting lost. I have been lost in a foreign city before and I didn't like it.

There's no doubt that traveling with a spouse, a family member or a very close friend is the most ideal way to travel but group travel can include comaderie, hilarity, fun and the chance to make new and perhaps lasting friendships. If a spouse or a close friend doesn't enjoy all of the things you do, when traveling in a group. there's probably someone who will.

So if you are in a position where you want to travel but have no one to travel with, joining a group might be just what you're looking for.

Finding Safe, Appropriate and Convenient Places to Stay When Traveling

The surest way to be confident that you are staying in the safest, best and most convenient accommodations is to have them recommended to you by a friend or someone you trust. But there are other ways of being sure also.

When I have traveled, I have used TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet as well as using referrals when arranging accommodations. But it's also important to talk to everyone who does a lot of traveling and definitely read the reviews before booking. Although with reviews, there are many varied opinions so it is best to go with the opinion of the majority. As in everything, some people are just naturally more critical than others.

When I travel, I don't expect five star accommodations if I'm only prepared to pay for three or four star. For myself, three or four star is quite sufficient. However, my main requirements are safety, cleanliness and convenience, first and foremost. Other things factor in as well but they are secondary.

When we were booking accommodations for traveling in Europe, we were going the hostel route and so our secondary requirements were slightly different. But whether staying in hostels or hotels, top of the list of my secondary requirements is whether there is wireless internet connections available. In Europe and Korea, it seemed to be everywhere. In Australia and New Zealand this wasn't always the case.

Other things to consider (which may or may not be important to you) are: is a breakfast included; how central is it to the attractions you most want to see; is there parking provided and if so, do hotel guests have to pay for it; if you happen to be on the fourth floor or higher, is there an elevator; is there a restaurant in the hotel; is there a pool; is the hotel in a quiet area and, is there a staff member available twenty four hours a day.

When staying in hostels another concern was whether bedding and towels were included; if the rooms were mixed gender or single; if three people, for example, were traveling together, were there three beds in a room and, were the rooms ensuite or were bathroom facilities in the corridor. When staying in a hostel, we thought that the inclusion of bedding and breakfast were important requirements.

So before booking, it is important to ask all these questions to ensure that you get what you want. Nothing would spoil a trip faster than arriving and finding that the things you feel are most important are not available. You can get answers to these questions by either asking someone you know who may be familiar with the hotel, checking online, asking a travel agent or telephoning or emailing the hotel directly.

By being prepared when you travel, you will be more assured of a happy and successful vacation.

Brackendale, British Columbia - Eagle Capital of the World

The 2014 eagle count in Brackendale, British Columbia, done on January 5th, logged 1,617 eagles, almost double that of the 2013 count. The count is done each year in the month of January to coincide with the Annual Winter Eagle Festival.

The Brackendale area is the largest gathering for wintering bald eagles in all of North America. The annual return of spawning salmon heralds the eagles return to the Squamish Valley area where the salmon, many lying on the banks of the river, make the availability of food easily accessible to them. Besides the Squamish River providing the eagles with ample food, security is also assured. The numerous trees available for them to perch on makes this area very advantageous for them as well.

The bald eagles of North America generally gather near bodies of water that have an abundant food supply and sufficient, mature trees for nesting. The trees must be large enough to accommodate their nests which are usually built between 52 and 125 feet above the ground affording them good visibility and in relative proximity to their prey. Their nests are the largest of any other bird. They can be up to thirteen feet deep, eight feet wide and weigh as much as one metric ton. They begin laying their eggs in late February, earlier than other birds.

From mid-December to mid-January is the most ideal time to view these majestic birds of prey but can also be viewed while they are nesting and tending their young, They play a crucial part in the natural health of our environment. Not only eagles can be seen on a visit to Brackendale, but other wild life as well. Some of these are the black bear, gray wolf, bobcat, mink and the northern flying squirrel.

Eagles are considered to be mature at five years when the feathers on their heads become white. They will begin to breed at this time often returning to the area where they were born. Eagles generally mate for life. Bald eagles have a wing span of between 5.9 and 7.5 feet when fully mature and weigh between 6.6 and 13.9 pounds. The females are 25% larger than the males. Eagles can fly at between 35 - 40 miles per hour and about 30 miles per hour when carrying fish. Their dive speed is between 75 to 100 miles per hour.

Besides their main diet of fish, eagles do eat some birds, even ones as large as ducks and geese and some mammals. And many of the smaller animals such as rabbits, even cats and small dogs can be consumed by the bald eagle.

There is an interpretive display explaining the life cycle of the eagles and salmon available at the viewing center in Brackendale. The volunteers who do the count also take note of the overall general health of these birds of prey. Besides viewing the birds from the main viewing area, there are walking tours and boat tours available.

The Brackendale Art Gallery is a must to visit while there. They offer exhibits, information on the lives of the eagles and will answer any questions you have relating to them, the salmon and about the area in general. There is also a small licensed cafe so it's an ideal spot to enjoy lunch or just to warm up with a drink.

Brackendale is located 70 km north of Vancouver, British Columbia in the Squamish Valley. It is easily accessed by taking Government Road which runs parallel to the highway and terminates in Brackendale. The main viewing area is located on the municipal dyke across from the Easter Seal Camp on Government Road.

Bringing binoculars is definitely a must when planning a trip to view the eagles. It is a wonderful experience watching the flight of these majestic birds as they soar gracefully through the sky forever on the lookout for their next tasty meal. They can spot a fish in the water from several hundred feet above and identify a rabbit moving almost a mile away.

Visiting the Eagle Capital of the World is well worth the trip.

Terror and Carnage in Christchurch, New Zealand

On a trip to Christchurch, New Zealand, we arrived to witness the horrific carnage created by two major earthquakes and the thirty-one major aftershocks felt between February 22, 2011 and January 15, 2012. Each of those aftershocks registered between 5.0 and 6.3 on the richter scale. Plus there have been numerous other minor aftershocks felt by the people of this earthquake prone country.

The first earthquake in September, 2010 measured 7.1 on the richter scale with the second large earthquake in February, 2011 measuring 6,3. Besides the damage done during the two large earthquakes, additional carnage resulted from the aftershocks.

The center part of the city continued to be cordoned off even by Spring of 2013 when we made our trip there. It resembled what I would imagine a war zone to look like. The hotel we stayed in, although the kitchen and dining room had been renovated, was still in the process of being repaired. There was scaffolding erected around the exterior walls where cracks could still be seen. In many places inside the floors were down to concrete and many small and a few larger cracks could be seen in the interior walls as well.

Our room, however, was in good condition, as were the rest of our group's rooms. Initially only those hotels at the airport were relatively unscathed with others receiving varying degrees of damage. These were assessed for safety and had since either been repaired or were in the process of being done. Most damaged was the Hotel Grand Chancellor, standing twenty-six stories tall, which collapsed.

Inner city attractions, such as Cathedral Square, were hard hit by the quakes. As we walked around the city, in the areas we could go, we found many closed and damaged stores, restaurants and attractions as well as cracked sidewalks. We had to watch where we walked as some of the roads and sidewalks had lifted or were sunken. Workers rebuilding Christchurch were evident everywhere.

When visiting the Botanical Gardens, we saw no damage and nor did we when visiting the Canterbury Museum. However, we were told there had been some damage done to the facade of the building. On a visit to one of the families in the area, we were shown some of the damage they had sustained and heard harrowing stories that they, as well as others, experienced. They did escape the worst of it, they said, because their location was somewhat outside of the main earthquake zone.

We visited other homes as well, most with damage to walls and surrounding sidewalks. Many were without electricity for a while following the earthquakes. One of the oldest homes in Christchurch was severely damaged. It was obvious that it had previously been a beautiful home but when we saw it it was covered in tarps and was enclosed in a safety fence because repairs had not yet been completed.

It was heartbreaking to not only see the damage two years later but to hear the stories about people returning to their homes to find that the earth surrounding them had become liquified. With the earthquakes there was estimated to be 400,000 tonnes of silt because of the liquifaction. Many were unable to enter their homes, thousands were without power, but most horrific was the loss of 185 lives.

But when those we met talked about their experiences during this time, they neither complained nor felt sorry for themselves. All had a very stoic attitude towards their situation. Since the last two major earthquakes, Christchurch has become better prepared for any future catastrophes. Since we were there in early 2013, there have been other, although minor, earthquakes. It is a fact of life in this earthquake zone area.

In spite of the earthquake risk in New Zealand, there have been many years without even the slightest tremor so one should not hesitate to go there because of a 'what if'. New Zealand is a lovely place to visit and I would not hesitate to go back again.

Vancouver, British Columbia - A Popular Destination for Tourists

Vancouver, British Columbia is a coastal seaport with a population, in 2011, of 603,502 people. It is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in all of Canada with 52% of the population having English as their second language. Because of this diversity, there is a vast assortment of ethnic restaurants making eating out a taster's delight and with a meal to tantalize every appetite.

Vancouver is the fourth most densely populated city in North America behind New York City, San Francisco and Mexico City. As of 2009, Vancouver has been considered to have the busiest and largest port in Canada and the most diversified in North America. Forestry is the province's largest industry with tourism coming in second place. In recent years, Vancouver has become known as Hollywood North becoming one of the largest film production centers in North America.

Tourists visiting the city will enjoy its mild weather, lush, green beauty and mountain and ocean vistas. There are many attractions and activities that make Vancouver popular with tourists. Besides the opportunity to enjoy an ethnic food experience, there are many fine dining restaurants, museums, galleries, theaters and wine tours that can be taken. Because of the proximity to several mountains there is the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snowshoe or hike at Grouse or Mount Seymour Mountains, Cypress Provincial Park and Whistler, a relatively short drive away.

Also because of the ocean and many lakes there is an opportunity for swimming, boating, or spending time relaxing at one of the beautiful beaches in the area after a busy day of shopping. There are many parks in Vancouver and the outlying district which include Stanley Park with a chance to walk or bike along the Sea Wall. (There is a bike rental shop at the entrance to Stanley Park).

Among the many attractions available there is the Sea Bus to Lonsdale Quay and the opportunity to spend an afternoon at the Lonsdale Quay Market; the Aquarium at Stanley Park; a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge; Granville Island Market; a visit to Canada Place with a view of Stanley Park across the water and an enjoyable experience on 'Fly Over Canada'; MacMillan Space Center; Science World; Playland; the Vancouver Game Farm; Chinatown; Museum of Anthropology; U.B.C. Botanical Garden; Vancouver Art Gallery; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden; Nitobe Memorial Garden; Van Duesen Gardens, and Burnaby Village Museum.

Besides this smorgasbord of attractions, a visitor can take the gondola up Grouse Mountain, hear the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, go to a casino or a sporting event, go camping, caving or play golf at any of the many golf courses in the Vancouver and outlying areas. Available also is skydiving, gliding, bungee jumping, a chance to go on a wildlife exploration or enjoy Vancouver's night life.

Occasionally there are concerts, if your timing is right, or you might even catch the Bard on the Beach Festival. Hotels and B & B's are plentiful and are situated making the many attractions easily accessible.

No one could be bored on a visit to Vancouver and the variety of attractions and activities would keep any visitor busy, only wishing they had more time. I have lived in the Vancouver area almost all my life and still have not tired of seeing what Vancouver has to offer. Although Vancouver has much to offer its visitors in the way of entertainment and enjoyment, these probably will take second place to its beauty.

As a Vancouverite, and on behalf of other Vancouverites, we welcome you to visit our city. There are many who come, and many who stay.

Whistler, British Columbia - A Year-Round Playground

Whistler, where you can ski, snowboard and toboggan in the winter and bike, hike and golf in the summer; where the village welcomes visitors with its arms outstretched while you enjoy the restaurants, boutiques and entertainment. Whistler is the place to go all year round.

Whistler is in the southern Pacific ranges of the Coastal Mountains and is 125 km north of Vancouver. We recently enjoyed a visit to this all-year playground while the snow lay light on the ground in the Village, Christmas lights twinkled and music set the ambiance for an enjoyable weekend getaway.

This mountain village is known world-wide for its skiing and snowboarding with more than 200 marked runs, 37 lifts, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and tobogganing can also be enjoyed.

There is also the heart-stopping Peak-to-Peak gondola ride that can be taken during both the summer and winter between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. On the Peak-to-Peak there are stunning views of Blackcomb's alpine, the surrounding peaks, Whistler Village and all the ski fields. For the price of one fare, unlimited crossings can be enjoyed between the two mountains. There is a distance of 1.88 miles between each tower and in most places it is about 436 meters above the ground. And once on top of the mountain, you can enjoy the vistas while you dine.

In the summer months there is hiking, mountain biking, walking, various day trips, horseback riding, camping, canoeing, kayaking, river rafting and fishing. There are also numerous lakes where one can swim and windsurf. There is the opportunity to go ATVing, ziplining and bungee jumping. And for those who are interested, there are treetop adventures and ecotours. Many people will also be happy to know that Whistler is a golfer's haven with several courses in the area.

Whistler is relatively new, not opening to the public until 1966. In recent years the area has become very popular and there have been many upgrades including on the Sea-to-Sky Highway which was completed for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Whistler Village is a pedestrian-only village offering fine dining, night life, boutiques, spas, entertainment and luxurious hotels.

While we were there we stayed in a beautiful two bedroom, two bathroom suite at the edge of the village but there are accommodations right in the village, even ones close to the ski lifts. Most hotels have swimming pools and hot tubs and many have complimentary coffee which one can partake of while sitting in the lobby in front of a roaring fireplace.

Whistler also hosts many events throughout the year, both winter and summer. This mountain community is not only very popular with tourists but also for those of us who live in the province of British Columbia. As a result there are times when accommodations must be booked considerably prior to the date you plan to be there.

Begin now to plan your trip to this incredible place. You will be glad you checked it out.

Be a Tourist in the Beautiful City of Vancouver

Having lived in the surrounding communities of Vancouver all my life, I have also played tourist in this city that so many wish they could visit. Many people never visit the attractions of their own hometowns preferring instead to travel to faraway places.

Vancouver has many lovely places to visit. The following are only some of them:

Stanley Park - at 125 years old is the third largest park in North America. It has an 8.8 km seawall where people bike, skate and jog. The park is over 1,000 acres of serenity and beauty with a view of the ocean, many old trees and multiple gardens. Also in the park is the train, a replica of a CPR train from the late 1880's. It winds its way 2 km over trestles and through tunnels and forests. During Hallowe'en season it becomes a ghost train and at Christmas it is specially decorated for the season with thousands of lights. At the Aquarium, also in the park, there are many different exhibits. Particularly interesting are the jellyfish, and beluga and dolphin shows. There are over 50,000 varieties of species as well as many colourful butterflies for your enjoyment.

Science World - is a learning experience. Each visit is different and a day is hardly long enough to see everything. One time on a visit, dinosaurs were featured and another time, it was the science of the human body. They have many shows and exhibits making Science World a great place for children and adults alike.

Capilano Suspension Bridge - built in 1889 gives access to walks through the surrounding rainforest. There is also a cliff walk, and a tree top adventure for viewing 1,300 year old old-growth Douglas Firs. It is a great place to visit even if you are like me and want to enjoy the experience without looking down into the great abyss below.

UBC Botanical Garden - is home to the Greenheart Canopy Walkway, a 1,010 foot aerial trail system offering a view of the natural beauty of the west coast forest. Many of these trees are over a century old. There is also the Nitobe Memorial Garden, an alpine garden and the Asian garden. We went in late Spring but every season is beautiful.

Canada Place - home of the unique sails hosts many events. We recently attended 'Fly Over Canada' which was a wonderful experience of soaring over our country with the breeze in our face as well as mists from Niagara Falls. From Canada Place you can look out over the water and see Stanley Park.

H.R. MacMillan Space Center (the Planetarium) - has exhibits, activities and various shows. It is very educational and is interesting for adults as well as the children in your family. Most of us who live in and near the city will never see the stars in the sky, the milky way or any part of the solar system. A visit here will show you what it's like.

Granville Island - is not only a public market with fresh produce but is also home to galleries, childrens' shops, jewelery stores, pottery, a brewing company and restaurants where you can sit and savor not only the food but the beautiful views of the water.

Gastown - is Vancouver's oldest area, the original city. It has retained its historic atmosphere with cobbled streets, original buildings and old-style courtyards with shops and restaurants. There are tourist shops and a statue of 'Gassy' Jack Deighton who arrived in Vancouver in 1867 and opened the area's first saloon. There is also an old steam clock which produces a Westminster-type chime to signal the time of day.

Grouse Mountain - in North Vancouver has a skyride, a zipline, paragliding, the popular grouse grind used by hikers and golfing on top of the mountain. For those more inclined to enjoy the mountain in a less exuberant way, there is the gondola ride to the peak for dinner where you can overlook the skyline of Vancouver with its beautiful sunsets and mountain vistas.

The Seabus to Lonsdale Quay Public Market - where you can purchase fresh produce at the market as well as assorted other foods. Sitting at tables provided for an impromptu lunch, you can admire the city of Vancouver and contemplate looking further at flower arrangements, arts and crafts, jewelery or sweets. And the Seabus is an adventure in itself.

Even as a resident of one of Vancouver's suburbs, and one who has been to these attactions often, I can still appreciate all that Vancouver has to offer. Any one of them make for a great day of entertainment.

The Lure of Penticton - An Interior Town in Beautiful British Columbia

Penticton grabs your attention, and your heart, as you descend the winding hill above the lake into this vacation town. The sun has shone each time I've visited and this was no exception.

The hills surrounding the lakes of Skaha and Okanagan, appearing to be devoid of life with their only apparent purpose that of sheltering the lakes, in fact actually hides the famous wine country of the Okanagan.

Shortly after our arrival we headed toward these wineries high above the lakes for a wine tasting tour. There are many estates of varying sizes, each with their own tasting rooms. Most will charge for sampling unless you purchase a bottle of their vino, which is what we did in three of the wineries. I chose a Riesling, a Rose and a champagne.

Besides the opportunity of visiting the wine country for a tasting tour is the chance to go down Penticton's famed river channel. Tubes can be rented, which we have done in the past, and a bus will pick you up at the end and bring you and the tubes back to your car. Or you can bring your own floating devices which is what we did this time. As a group of eight, we had a car at each end. We tied our floaters together so we could float down in unison adding further to the experience. Some people had huge floating devices holding as many as eight or so people, however, ours were individual except for one double. Having done it every year for the past fifteen years, it is easy to see that the channel is one of my favourite things to do while in Penticton. From beginning to end, the float down takes about three hours but will depend on how fast the water is running. It is nice that the channel isn't deep and although it is safe for children with lifejackets, on our recent trip, we saw very few. Important to remember though, is to bring plenty of sunscreen and reapply often. The river channel flows into Skaha Lake and some adventurers down the channel continue to float into the lake itself. This isn't advised however because of the currents in this area.

Staying at a motel less than half a block from Skaha Lake, we spent a whole day sitting on its sandy beaches, fortunate to be beneath one of the few trees as the sun shone down upon us. During the summer the beaches are crowded and like any popular resort, the mushroom effect of numerous umbrellas produce a kaleidoscope of colour on the sand for as far as the eye can see. At this lake there is a park with room for tossing a frisbee and there are volley ball nets. It seems to be more of a family beach with children paddling in the water and digging in the sand. Earlier in the year there are fire pits on the beach that people can use in the evenings but with fire conditions being at an all-time high, there was a ban when we were there.

Okanagan Lake is the larger of the two lakes and, because the busy waterfront strip with restaurants, ice cream stores and tourist shops are all located there, so are the young people. Runners and dog walkers also abound. There is a walking path beside the lake, part of it done in a cushioned cork which makes walking very comfortable. Eventually the whole path will be done in this way. As the sun goes down, people are still swimming in the shallow waters. At both lakes, there is a fairly large area where the water is relatively shallow before it drops off into deeper water. In both places, the drop-off areas are well marked.

A visit to Penticton is great for families as well as those travelling without children as there are many things to do. One can bike along the Kettle Valley Railway Trail, hike on the many other trails as well as do some climbing at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, go to an Adventure Park, a museum, Apex Mountain, go golfing, take a paddle wheeler cruise on Okanagan Lake, rent pedal cars that will seat four to six people, go on a paddle boat as well as canoes and kayaks and of course, tour the wine country.

Of the many things to do on a visit to Penticton, my favourite is the tranquility of floating down the slow moving river channel with family and/or friends. For many it is a time to relax on the pink sands of the beaches of this town's two beautiful lakes where there is usually a slight breeze to temper the heat. But whatever a person's interests, there is much to do in this southern interior town of Penticton.

Enjoying the Camels of Australia

The camels in Australia are mostly dromedaries (those with one hump), imported mainly from India during the 19th century for use as transportation in the Outback. About ten thousand camels were imported between 1860 and 1907, primarily for transporting goods. But as vehicles made their appearance in the 20th century, many were released into the wild.

As of 2009, camels numbered about one million. In the entire world, Australia has the largest camel herd in the wild. There is controversy over whether they should be culled as they are having a negative effect on the environment. Camels, when they find a waterhole, can drink it dry. These waterholes are often what the Aboriginal people depend on for their survival. These camels destroy trees and eat grasses and other vegetation which means there are no kangaroos, emus, reptiles or small birds. When these animals disappear from the desert, survival for the Aboriginal people becomes even more difficult as these animals are their main diet. But in the days when they were required for transportation, they were ideal as they were able to go for long periods of time without water and they could carry weights almost equal to their own.

On our trip to the Outback, we took a sunrise camel ride to view Ayers Rock. Weighing up to 1,325 pounds and being six and a half feet at their shoulders, getting onto the saddle was quite an experience. Although the camel kneels on all fours on the ground, he is still high, especially if you're short as I am. Once you have reached the height of his back, you put your feet in the stirrups, hold on to the metal frame in front of you and lean w-a-y back. When the camel begins to stand, he will straighten his hind legs first and then his front which will abruptly throw you forward. But once he is standing up, your world will right itself again. While riding the camel, you are about two meters above the ground which initially is somewhat nerve-wracking but when you get used to the rocking gait, the ride is very restful as the camels move at a leisurely pace.

There were two trains of camels when we went and being on the second last camel of the second train, I had an excellent view. When I became comfortable with the rocking motion, I felt able to remove my hands from the metal frame in order to take pictures.

The sunrise view was breathtaking and at one point the camel train ahead of us was on a ridge silhouetted against the early morning sun as it slowly came up over the edge of the horizon. It was a beautiful sight.

Enjoying the beauty of the scene before us, we watched the sun creep over Ayers Rock, with the clouds in the sky reflecting the sunrise colours of peaches and pinks. Walking through the desert at that time of the morning when it was relatively cool, atop our camels, it is easy to see why those who live in the Outback love it so much. And those who care for the camels also love these huge, lumbering, gentle animals. (As an aside, we had heard before we went that camels were very smelly. Not only did they not smell but they were also really very friendly).

I would highly recommend when visiting the Outback of Australia, that you take a sunrise or sunset camel ride for an enjoyable camel experience. It was one of the highlights of my trip to the Outback.

Life in the Outback of Australia

The Australian Outback is a contrast in weather extremes. When we were there, it was extremely hot and we were inundated with swarms of tiny black flies that hovered around our eyes, nose and mouth. Butit is also a land of raw beauty with its powdered red earth and amazing rock formations, the most popular being Ayers Rock.

Other than agriculture and tourism, mining is the main economic activity. It is rich in iron, uranium, ore, gold, nickel and zinc as well as beauitiful opals. Seventeen percent of the total poulation o the Outback is Indigenous. The Outback, although it covers 2.5 million square miles, contains only ten percent of Australia's population.

Too sparselyu populated for conventional schools, the children are educated at home by the school of the Air using wireless internet technology. each student has direct contact with a teacher for about one hour each day. The rest of the day assigned material is worked on with either a trained parent or a hired tutor. There are three or four annual gatherings where children travel to the school to meet teachers and other students. Those in secondary education attend boarding schools elsewhere. The first School of the Air was broadcast from Alice Springs in 1951. When we visited the Outback, we visited this school where one of the gatherings was being held.

Because of the vastness of the Outback and the sparse population, the Royal Flying Doctor Service was established to provide emergency and primary health care services for those living in the remote areas of the Outback. These services include emergencu aide, air ambulance services, medical consultation services, health care clinics and support for rural and remote doctors. They have twenty-one bases and five health facilities.

Hot, dry, sparsely populated and with extreme weather conditions, the Outback is an extremely injospitable area. But those living there, usually in small villages, weathered byu the harsh climate, say they love it. They wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

Part of the historical folklore of he Outback includes the swagman, squatters and bush rangers. Waltzing Matilda, a popular Australian song, was written about these people. Besides the colourful characters this song was written about, there are red kangaroos, emus, dingos, wild horses, camels, geckos and snakes, many poisonous. Some of the Indigenous people living in the bush areas eat kangaroos and some of the other animals. When we visited, they cooked a kangaroo tail over an open fire for us to try; it was greasy and grisly and I found it quite unappetizing. When a group of Aboriginal children came to dance and play drums for us, they said many of them drank warm kangaroo blood as part of their rituals.

But the Outback is also home to beautiful natural sights, one being Ayers Rock. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the sandstone formation rises to 348 meters in height. It is sacred to two Aboriginal tribes in the area. Much of its base is decorated with ancient cave paintings, however, many are becoming obliterated with weather conditions and time.

At a dinner we attended deep in the bush of the Outback, after darkness had descended and the lights from the camp were extinguished, we saw a truly amazing sight. Looking up we saw that the sky had become a masterpiece of unparalleled beauty. Stars blazed brightly overhead and the Milky Way paraded its way across the black velvet of the sky. It was an astronomical showing like I had never seen before.

Although the Outback is not a place I would want to permanently hang my hat, I can appreciate the beauty of its vast expanse and admire the people who endure its hardships and love it just the same.

Excavations of Rome, Italy

On our visit to Rome we saw many areas, albeit many fenced off, of open excavations. It was exciting to see these remnants of an ancient civilization making one aware of how old the city of Rome is. But what we saw was a small fraction of the excavations that have been done.

There are many well-known ancient structures such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon but some of the recent excavations are:

- One of the particularly interesting excavations is the Tomb of Saint Peter and the Necropolis under the Vatican Basilica. Special permission is required to visit it. Only 120 visitors per day are allowed in groups of about twelve people. This is done in order to preserve the historical archaeological site and for this reason also, no one under fifteen years of age is allowed. Each group has a guide as further protection of the site.

- A quite new site that archaeologists have completed excavating is Hadrian's Hall and Roman art centre discovered under one of Rome's busiest roundabouts near a baroque church and the Vittoriano. It is believed to have been built in AD 123 with seating for nine hundred people. It is the biggest find since the Forum was discovered in the 1920's.

- Escavations have been ongoing for decades in the Roman Forum and on Palatine Hill. Halls and imperial residences with frescoes and stucco reliefs have been found. Palatine Hill is in one of the most ancient areas of the city. Excavations show that people lived there as long ago as 1,000 BC. Many buildings have been excavated on the Hill, each with their own history. Entrance to it is not far from the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. The Palatine House is believed to be the birthplace of Rome's first emperor, Augustus.

- Some of the other excavations are: the House of Livia; the House of Gryphons, a residence of Republic Rome; the Temple of Romulus in the Roman Forum and, the Loggia Mattei, dating from the Renaissance. Excavations are continuing also in Piazza Santa Maria to reveal more of the Roman and medieval structures.

- Excavations are also taking place at the site of Prato Felici of a Roman Republic cistern structure.

- In 2009, a mini-colosseum was discovered beneath Rome's Fuimicino Airport. With the help of a ground penetrating radar, they uncovered luxuriously decorated rooms, a carved marble head believed to be that of Ulysses, a garden and a toilet.

Unfortunately, most of these excavations are not open to the public on a regular basis because of a shortage of guards. This is a result of significant cut-backs because of the financial difficulties much of Europe is having at this time. Those that are open do so only on certain days and with restricted hours.

It is a shame that these findings are not open to the public as some excavations are known only in academic circles. The importance of archaeological finds is the discovery of pre-modern day cultures, civilizations, ancient topography and how our world has changed over the centuries. And even more than from a purely historical reason, excavations emphasize the fact that we are not a new civilization - we go back thousands of years. Would we have known that were it not for archaeological excavations?

Attractions of Rome, Italy

Rome is one of the most awe-inspiring city in all of Italy with its history and ancient ruins. As one travels around, it seems unbelievable that there is so much antiquity in one place. For those interested in history and seeing the remnants of buildings from long ago, Rome is the place to go. Some of them are:

- The Colosseum - This is the most famous building of the Roman Empire. Having eighty entrances, it accommodated more than 55,000 spectators. Construction began in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD. It was used for fights between gladiators and between gladiators and wild animals with each fighting to their death. The gladiators were usually prisoners of war or condemned criminals. Part of the Colosseum was damaged during an earthquake in 847; one can still see evidence of this damage. Seeing the Colosseum for the first time is quite a revelation when you realize how old it is and how much of it exists to this day.

- The Pantheon - This building was built in 118 AD. It has a 43 meter high dome with three rows of columns on the portico and a huge bronze door at the entrance. It was originally a temple for pagan gods but in 609 was converted into a church. The artist Raphael is entombed there.

- The Trevi Fountain - Completed in 1762, features Neptune, God of the Sea as the central figure riding a chariot shaped like a shell and pulled by two sea horses. Legend has it that you will return to Rome if, with your back to the fountain, you throw a coin over your shoulder into the water. Alas, we were unable to do this when we were there. The area was packed with so many tourists that we couldn't get very close to this amazingly beautiful fountain. Even to be able to take a picture was a challenge in itself. But the breathtaking perfection of this 18th century fountain is definitely worth a visit.

- St. Peter's Basilica - This church is the largest in the world. Construction of the original church was completed by 349 AD. However, it fell into ruin by the middle of the 15th century. A new and much larger church than the original was completed and consecrated in 1626. St. Peter died there as a martyr and is entombed beneath the church.

- The Forum - At one time there were temples, arches and basilicas but many of them have fallen into ruin. However, it takes little imagination to see what it once was. Among some of the structures and partial remnants at the Forum are the Curica, built in 283 AD, the Sacellum of Venus Cloacina, the Arch of Actuim, the Regia, the Temple of Divus Julius and the Temple of Concord.

- Palatine Hill - According to mythology, this area was the original city of Rome. It is believed to have been founded in 800 BC by Romulus after he slay his twin brother Remus. Augustus, Cicero and Marc Antony are all believed to have had homes on the hill. Excavations have been done there since the mid 18th century with discoveries showing there are partial remnants of ruins going back to the first century.

- The Victor Emmanuel Monument (the Vittoriano) is the first historical building we saw when we arrived in Rome. It is a late addition to history as construction began in 1885. Made of white marble, it is decorated with statues, reliefs and murals. At the foot of the Statue of Victor Emmanuel is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

- The Vatican Museum - This museum is actually several museums displaying collections of art built up by the Catholic Church over the centuries and, of course, Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. The museum originated with a marble sculpture of Laocoon and his Sons, discovered in a vineyard in 1506. There are 54 galleries consisting of busts, statues, the Sala Rotonda which is shaped like a miniature Pantheon with ancient mosaics on the floor, a bronze statue of Hercules, numeous paintings, the red marble papal throne and works of Raphael. Although we were only able to spend a half day there, to really see everything, I'm sure it would take at least a couple of days. We spent only two days in this wonderous city and although I have mentioned several interesting attractions, with more time we would have liked to see so much more and enjoy this historical city of ancient ruins.

Murano and Burano Islands - Part of the Venetian Island Group

While visiting Venice, we decided to take a trip to Murano, the glass and crystal island, and Burano, the lacemaking and fishing island. Both trips were well worth our visit in spite of the short time we had available.

We took the public ferry system, the vaporetto #12 to Murano and from there to Burano. The ferry, although the most economical way to travel to these islands uses every bit of space to transport people. We were crushed together so tightly that it was unnecessary to hold onto anything as the bodies around you, held you upright. And if you're short, as I am, vision is limited. However, the means of getting there certainly justified our enjoyment of what we saw.

Murano is the larger of the two islands with glass factories and gorgeous churches. Not as laid back as Burano, there is a hustle and bustle feeling to this island. Although we didn't go to the glass factory, we stopped at some of the shops where we were able to see a glass blower create an amazing masterpiece. Although we didn't realize it when we were there, bargaining is expected.

Besides the many shops and the glass factory, there is a glass museum. Murano became famous in 1291 when glass production was transferred from the city of Venice because of the fear of fires from the kilns. As we walked around the island of Murano, we were impressed with the glass sculptures that were used in outdoor landscaping in many locations.

Some of the churches are extremely old. The Chiesa di Santa Maria e Donato was rebuilt in the 12th century but with Corinthian columns dating to the 6th century and a 6th century pulpit. Some of the frescoes are 15th century. It also features a mosaic depicting the Virgin Mary. The Chiesa di San Pietro Martire church has paintings by Tintoretto, Veronese and Giovanni Bellini.

From there we went to Burano about 7 km from Venice. Burano has a population of about 5,300, with little green space. One of the attractions is the Church of San Martino with a leaning Campanile and a Museum where the Lacemaking School opened its doors in 1872. The Lacemaking School floundered over the years, eventually closing its doors in 1995. Lacemaking is an excruciatingly delicate craft requiring many hours and much patience to complete even the smallest piece. There are many shops, some with outdoor stalls selling lace work, some handmade and some by machines. On the main street of the island there are shops selling pastry and souvenirs and with restaurants and bars.

But away from the main area are small canals lined with beautiful houses painted in bright primary colours and pastels, many of them with flowers growing in window boxes. From this area you can feel the leisurely pace of life tied to the water and the coming and going of the fishing boats which, for the most part, is their livelihood. This area of Burano is very picturesque and tranquil, a welcome diversion from the crowds in Venice itself.

Many people when they visit Murano and Burano also visit the island of Torcello. However, time was limited so we didn't. Those who have visited say it is calm, green and very romantic. Very quiet, its population numbers only about sixty. In the Piazza Torcello, there is the original glass flooring, the ancient Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Estuario Museum. According to history, this small island was Hemmingway's stomping ground. Perhaps next time we will include it in our travel plans.

Although Murano was interesting to visit to see how glass blowing is done, and to see the amazing pieces of art that are produced in this way, I preferred the tranquility and beauty of Burano. It was definitely a photo lover's paradise.

Is It Possible To Get Lost in Venice?

You will almost certainly get lost in Venice, even with a map. It is said that even the Venetians get lost when they get outside of their own immediate neighbourhood. But getting lost is half the fun as long as you don't have to be somewhere by a certain time.

On our visit to Venice, we went about it in the worst possible way. We set out looking for specific attractions which were difficult to find and wasted valuable time searching. It is much better to meander through the city because chances are you will stumble upon one, or more of the attractions and will see so many other wonderful things as well. According to seasoned tourists, there is no city in the world easier to get lost in than Venice. I would concur that it takes no effort whatsoever.

There are things to keep in mind when visiting Venice. You should definitely have a map but realize that even with a map, you will get lost. Also, have some general information and knowledge available concerning where restaurants are and where ferry stops are located. Walking, however, is the best way to get around as gondolas and water taxis are expensive transportation.

On our visit to Venice on the first day, it took us two hours to find our way back to the hostel where we were staying. We had a map and asked numerous people if they could direct us. However, most like us were tourists. Apparently there are more than double the amount of tourists as Venetians at any one time so it is hard to find a local to ask for assistance.

Venice is a city of narrow streets with numerous dead ends. Admittedly many of the main streets have small signs attached to the walls of buildings at some of the intersections to point you in the right direction. Theoretically this should work but often the signs are difficult to find or there will be two signs for the same place pointing in opposite directions. But as you are walking, (lost) in Venice, it is nice to hear the water lapping against the canal embankments even when you can't see them.

There are several must-sees that you won't want to miss on your visit there, if you can find them. They are:

- The Rialto Bridge - It is one of four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. This present bridge, completed in 1591, succeeds a wooden bridge and a floating one. It is considered to be an architectural icon of Venice. A lot of people converge on this bridge because it gives an excellent view of the Canal with various types of boats going in different directions.

- The Grand Canal - The Canal is a major water fare used by water buses, private water taxis and gondolas. It goes from the lagoon near the railway station to Saint Mark Basin and through the central districts of Venice. I could have stood for a long time on the Rialto Bridge watching all the activity on the Canal. To me it seemed to be, although busy, tranquil as well.

- Piazza St. Marco or St. Mark's Square - This is the main square and, to me, felt like the heart of Venice. At one end is the church of St. Mark. The church, with arches, marble decoration and carvings is magnificent and like the other buildings in the square, quite ornate. Beyond the church is the clock tower completed in 1499. To the left of the church is a building which formerly was homes and offices. Built in the early 16th century, it now houses shops, restaurants and some offices. The architecture is beauitiful and in such an intricate design that we stayed awhile to savor the beauty of it.

- The Doge's Palace - The Palace was once a residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority. Built in 1923, it opened as a museum. Over the centuries fires had damaged large portions so it had to be restructured and restored many times.

- The Golden Staircases - The staircases are in the Doge's Palace leading to his apartments; they are a set of staircases which were completed in 1559. They were built for ceremonial purposes with paintings on the ceiling and 24 carat gold trim.

- The Bridge of Sighs - This bridge, one of many, crosses the Rio de Palazzo connecting the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. It was built in 1602 and it is believed that the view from this bridge may have been the last prisoners saw of Venice before their imprisonment.

Considering the size of Venice, it is startling to discover there are so many sightseeing attractions, many more than I have mentioned here. Because we were only there one night and not quite two days, we saw much less than we would have liked to. Venice is unique making wherever you go an enjoyable and interesting experience. Even when you are lost.

Paris in the Moonlight - A Trip Down the Seine River

There is nothing more romantic than drifting lazily down the Seine River with a full moon high overhead, a swath of silver light on the slowly mving river. As darkness descends and the City of Lights highlights mythical spots, monuments, historical buildings and ornate bridges, it is easy to fall in love with the city of Paris.

The Seine River goes through the heart of Paris bordering on ten of the twenty arrondisements. There are thirty-seven bridges over the river, the oldest being Pont Neuf built in 1607 and Pont Des Art which is a pedestrian only bridge.

As we began our cruise, the Eiffel Tower was the first of the many attractions we saw. An extravaganza of light that once seen, will be something you'll never forget. It was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair commemorating the centennial of the Revolution. It is 1,063 feet tall and at the time it was built, was the highest structure in the world.

Another sight to behold, on the Right Bank is The Louvre, one of the world's largest museums and an historical monument. Housed in the Louvre Palace, it was built in the 12th century and opened as a museum in 1793. It contains sculptures, paintings, art objects, Egyptian antiquities, Greek and Roman art and Islamic art. Also, adjacent to the Louvre is the Tuileries Gardens created by Catherine de'Medici in 1564.

We drifted past quays and those, couples and others, lying or walking along the banks beneath the soft rays of the moonlight enjoying the tranquility of the Seine as it slowly flowed past. Eventually we came to Notre Dame Cathedral illuminated against the night-time sky. An historic cathedral in French Gothic architecture, construction began in 1163 but was not completed until 1345. And as we passed, the bells tolled as they have for hundreds of years.

Another historic site seen from the river is the Grand Palais easily recognizable because of its magnificent glass-domed roof. It is an exhibition hall and museum. Construction began in 1897 and was completed in 1900. It is ornately decorated in the Beaux-Arts architecture style. The Petit Palais adjacent to it was constructed about the same time.

The Palais de Chaillot initially erected for the 1878 World Fair was replaced in 1937 when Paris was host at another World Fair. The building houses several different museums and has an aquarium with forty-three tanks, 10,000 fish and a shark tunnel.

On the Left Bank of the Seine, is Musee d'Orsay, a museum which has mainly French art dated between 1848 to 1915. Many of the paintings are masterpieces by such renown artists as Monet, Cezanne, Gauguin and Van Gogh. It is housed in a railway station built between 1898 and 1900.

And last but not least is the Moulin Rouge established in 1889. It was the birthplace of the modern form of can-can dance. I say last but not least because there are many other buildings, rich in architecture and resplendent in lights that line the Seine River and only a cruise at night will give you this view of a Paris that looks entirely different in the daylight.

There are many ways to explore and visit Paris but travelling down the Seine River, as we did on our first evening there, is a great introduction to the city and what it has to offer.

The Majestic Jungfraujoch Mountain in Interlacken, Switzerland

Jungfraujoch Mountain has the highest railway station in all of Europe, calling itself the Top of the World. Upon arrival you will find yourself, not only at the top of one of the highest peaks in Switzerland, but surrounded by a mystical Alpine winter wonderland.

The Jungfraujoch Mountain is situated between Monch and Jungfrau in the Burnese Alps. On our trip there we left from Interlacken, Switzerland taking a modern cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg at 6,762 feet. From there we took the Jungfrau cogwheel train to the Eiger Glacier Station and then through the Eiger tunnel. (In comparison, this train was woefully lacking in any type of amenities, having only hard wooden seats and with people crammed so tightly together, we were like worms in a bucket. But being cramped together with people, damp clothes and luggage was worth it when we arrived at the top and stepped out on the summit where the sun shone sparkling onto the snow and ice and diamonds danced in the air around us.)

The tunnel is 7.3 km (4.5 miles) long. Begun in 1896 it took sixteen years to complete. On our trip to the summit, we stopped at a viewing window in the tunnel so we could take pictures. The window was put into the hole that was used to remove excavated rock during the building of the tunnel. It has also been used as the back-drop in several movie scenes.

The station at what is advertised as the Top of the World is over 11,000 feet up. There is a hotel, two restaurants, an observatory and the Ice Palace which is in the heart of the mountain. The ceiling, floors and walls in the Ice Palace are made entirely of ice but there are handrails to hold as slipping looks entirely too easy. It is an amazing place with spectacular sculptures of Eskimos, seals, igloos, eagles, etc. There is also a tunnel that leads outside where you can walk around. When we were there, the wind was ferocious so we didn't venture too far but we did see a 13.6 mile ice stream and an overwhelming panoramic view of the Konkordiaplatz and the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding mountains. The beauty of our surroundings struggled to hold us but the cold and the wind chased us back inside before long.

Jungfraujoch Mountain is considered the 'excursion mountain'. In the summer hikers can explore the lower regions enjoying views of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Climbing the mountain is an entirely different story. Jungfraujoch and the Eigerjoch are the most difficult passes in the Alps for mountaineers to traverse. The summit was first reached in 1811 by Johann and Hieronymus Meyer, brothers, and two hunters from Valais. Muntaineers continue to climb Jungfraujoch and the surrounding areas even though these explorations are fraught with danger. The whole area of Jungfraujoch, Monch and Eiger includes the largest glaciated area in the Swiss Alps.

Although we went by the easy route, the cogwheel train, the experience of standing on the summit beside the Swiss flag flapping loudly in the wind was an overwhelming experience. The 360 degree panoramic view of snow and ice covered rocks, rugged peaks and awesome beauty makes one feel rather insignificant in the big scheme of things, But it's one I wouldn't have wanted to miss.

Enjoying Rigi Kulm Mountain in Lucerne, Switzerland

Rigi Kulm is known as the Queen of Mountains. On a trip to its summit, it is easy to see why when on a clear day you are blessed with a beautiful panoramic view of distances up to 800 km away. This central Switzerland mountain is 1,795 meters high and although not the tallest, it makes up for its stature in beauty and ambiance.

Mt. Rigi offers walking trails, mountain hiking or climbing, backpacking, snow shoeing and skiing. It is not considered to be part of the Alps but is part of the Swiss Plateau. From the summit you can get a view of the Alps as well as parts of Germany and France.

The Goldau Rigi Path and Arth and Weggis Rigi paths are the most historic paths on Mt. Rigi. More and more tourists came to Rigi Kulm Mountain beginning in the mid 1700's following the various paths on the mountain to the numerous chapels, viewpoints and villages. Many of these attractions have been there for hundreds of years.

- In the village of Rigi Kaltbad, behind a rock formation, is the Rock Chapel built in 1779. Kaltbad, at 1,453 meters is the biggest village on the mountain. Kaltbad also became a health resort for tourists in the 1800's.

- Pilgrimages to Klosterli to visit its chapel, St. Mary in the Snow, is also popular.

- The Kanzeli Vantage Point, located about a twenty minute walk from Rigi Kaltbad, is another popular destination offering panoramic views, on a clear day, of Lucerne and Weggis. It is situated at 1,464 meters.

There are about thirteen towns and villages on the mountain. At the summit is the Rigi Kulm Hotel originally built in 1875 but rebuilt in the 1950's. When we visited this historic hotel, there were few people around as we were a little ahead of the busy tourist season.

On our trip to Rigi Kulm we travelled from Lucerne to Weggis by steamboat on Lake Lucerne. We were fortunate in that it was a beautiful day with white fluffy clouds drifting lazily in an unbelievably blue sky. From Weggis we took a cogwheel train up the mountain to the Rigi Kulm station on the summit where the hotel is situated. There is also the option of cable car and gondola. On our return back down the mountain, we went by cable car which was a completely different experience altogether than the train trip up had been with many diverse viewing options.

From the station, we followed some paths further up the mountain and looked down to where we could see Lake Lucerne and the occasional small buildings off in the distance. The rolling pastures undulated down the mountainside below us while a brisk breeze teased the tall grasses growing beside the paths.

I was mesmerized by what sounded like thousands of cowbells softly tinkling in the distance and the occasional melodic alp horn. (The alp horns are used to call the cattle to pasture in June. We were fortunate because that was when we were there). They were happy sounds to surround us as we satiated ourselves with the beauty we saw wherever we looked. It was like the mountains of Switzerland I had imagined since a young child.

There are approximately 250 Alpine herdsmen scattered across the mountainside with small cottages to house them. And there are 5,000 head of cattle plus goats and sheep. The herdsmen have used the mountain pastures from as early as the seventh century.

For anyone who is a lover of mountains and of nature, this mountain is not one to pass by when visiting Lucerne, Switzerland.

Bungee Jumping in New Zealand - A Heart-Stopping Adventure

Bungee jumping began in Queenstown, New Zealand pioneered by A.J. Jackett and Henry van Asch in 1988. Their first commercial bungee thrill adventure began at Kawarau Bridge outside of Queenstown but has now expanded to other sites in New Zealand and other countries around the world.

One of the other sites in New Zealand is the Nevis Swing suspended 160 metres above the canyon floor with a 120 metre rope length. After their release, participants race towards the other side of the valley at speeds of up to 120 km per hour. It is considered to be the world's largest swing.

Another heart-stopping attraction is the Ledge Bungee which is 400 metres above Queenstown. At this site you can leap in the moonlight with the stars shining brightly above or during the day with the view of the town below. Or, take a trip up the gondola above Queenstown to try the Ledge Swing and get a thrilling view of the town and Lake Wakatipu. Of if you're not quite up to the Ledge Swing, you can take the gondola up to the fantastic restaurant at the top, as I did, and view the lake and town after a wonderful meal. The swing ride over the lake takes one hour to complete.

Bungees used are similar to the bungee cords that we have all used at one time or another to keep things fastened and in place. Because of this firm elastic cord, the person free-falls, rebounding many times until the bouncing gradually lessens.

The idea of bungee jumping has been around for many hundreds of years. On Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, young men jump from platforms with vines tied to their ankles to test and prove their manhood. The story goes that a young woman was the first to do this in Vanuatu. And in 1979 members of the Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club made a bungee-type jump from the 250 foot Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. They were arrested for their effort. Before he began his commercial bungee jumping enterprise, Hackett jumped from the Eiffel Tower and that was the beginning of the world's interest in bungee jumping.

When the two young men attempted to get financing from the bank they were turned down. No bank wanted to be part of a crazy scheme where people jumped off a bridge. They felt the risks were too high and so declined. Hackett and van Asch were eventually able to get financial backing from friends and relatives to begin their bungee jumping enterprise. Initially given a twenty-one day license to operate, they had twenty-eight people willing to pay seventy-five dollars each to enjoy the experience of a lifetime on their first day of operation. It wasn't long before the adrenaline rush experience of jumping off a bridge caught on and now many visitors to New Zealand wouldn't consider leaving the island without trying this heart-stopping thrill of a lifetime.

While I prefer the safety of terra firma, there are many adrenaline rush addicts who enjoy the experience of jumping off into space and plunging to the water below before that bounce propels them up again to continue the experience until the bounce lessens. Since Hackett and van Asch opened their business in November of 1988, millions of people have participated to become one of the many thrill-seeking adventurers. I wish I was brave enough to be one of them. Watching those souls braver than I was as close as I ever want to get to the experience.

Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef

Australia's Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the most accessible reefs in the world, makes snorkeling a dream. The reef is one of the natural wonders of the world and the largest coral reef. It stretches from Papua, New Guinia to Bundaberg in the south. There are a total of 540 islands that are part of the Great Barrier Reef.

Australia's underwater ecosystem is diverse and scenic making snorkeling an experience that is not only fun but one that will raise awareness of marine life. Submerged in the warm waters are baby sea turtles, red bass and giant clams to name only a few of the amazing sights a snorkeler will see.

On our trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef out of Cairns we went by catamaran, travelling about ninety minutes before arriving at an enormous floating dock. On our trip, those who were snorkeling went down from the dock to a platform that each swimmer pushed off from. On this occasion, the area was contained and snorkelers were required to stay within that area. Also, wearing a life jacket was mandatory for anyone over fifty years old as the waters were not entirely calm.

Some trips out of Cairns will have participants jumping off a boat into the water while others are in shallow waters where you can walk in fron the water's edge. Some excursion companies will take snorkelers to an area where there are buoys and those who are not as comfortable in the water can go between the buoys. There are enough options available that even a nervous beginner such as myself will feel confidently mesmerized by the view below them.

On most trips instruction will be given to those who have never snorkeled before as well as there is often an instructional video to view snorkeling techniques. It is important to be able to swim and be somewhat fit. Even if a life jacket is used, there should be some ability to swim.

Some snorkeling tips are:

- Swim with a buddy, never alone.

- For first time snorkelers, it's best to go from a beach rather than a boat, initially staying in shallow water that is calm.

- Never look directly down; keep face looking forward.

- Realize that in salt water your body floats higher than in fresh water so excessive movement of arms and legs is unnecessary. The key is to relax.

- Ensure that you are using a correctly fitted mask that doesn't leak or is too tight. To prevent the mask from fogging up, clean often and use an anti-fog solution on the inside of it.

- A snorkel should have a splash guard. But if water gets in it, blow it out forcefully and the water will shoot out of the top.

- Fins also should fit your feet properly. Fins make it easier to swim.

- Avoid areas with heavy boat traffic or dangerous currents.

- Do not touch any of the reef because the coral is easily damaged and it can readily cut the skin's surface.

It is important to respect the reef and be a coral friendly snorkeler. One of the ways to do this is to follow snorkeling etiquette by not wearing a common sunscreen which will cause reef damage. Choose instead one that is biodegradable.

By following the above suggestions, you will enjoy your snorkeling experience and all that you can see of the astounding reef and breath-taking sea life.

Travelling and Stress

Is there stress in travelling? Or is it the stress of preparing for a vacation and what may happen on the trip? What can you do about it? From experience, I know there is some stress when planning a trip on your own. What are the hotels, or the hostels, (as in our case), like? Will you be disappointed? Are they in a good area? Are they clean? Are they central to what you want to do? Are they close to the metro stations? Do they offer breakfast? Do you have to take your own linen and towels? (This is sometimes a requirement in some hostels). Are the rooms ensuite? Do they have WiFi and internet access? How many are in a room and are they same sex rooms or mixed gender? Do they take Visa or cash only? What are the check-in and check-out times? Do they have a custodian on site 24/7? Do they offer laundry facilities? A lot of these concerns will apply when booking hotels too, particularly lower budget ones and especially when travelling internationally. And we had to make a decision about how long we were going to stay in each place and where we wanted to visit in our limited time.

To try and avoid as many problems as possible, we thoroughly researched each hostel or hotel, the area, where the attractions were and the metro stations and read all the reviews. Reviews were difficult because there was such a variety of opinions so we went with the majority. We were very fortunate that in all of the places we stayed, they were all decent, fitting most of our criteria. There were some that were better than others but we considered ourselves lucky in the ones we chose. And only once did we end up with a man in our room but this was taken care of quickly and with no problems.

There is also some stress in determining what your travel options will be. When we went to Europe, we travelled within the cities either by metro or by walking. We did an awful lot of walking. Between cities we travelled by Euro Rail except between Paris and Switzerland, we travelled by the TGV railway system which was much quicker. Trying to decide which Euro Rail passes to get was difficult too, i.e.: how many days would we need, how many stops were we going to make, how many countries would we be stopping in, etc. And then after those decisions had been made, it was necessary to determine the time schedules for each and on what track or level they were leaving.

After those decisions had been made, we had to decide what attractions were important to see and on what days, depending on our arrival and departure times, and in what order so as to be able to see as much as possible. We knew we wouldn't have time to see everything and there were three people who may have had differing views. In this respect we were in agreement with what we all wanted to see.

There is stress, to some degree, even when travelling with a tour group. What are the people going to be like? Is there going to be anyone who is difficult, are they going to be friendly and inclusive? And if you are sharing a room, what will your roommate be like? What is the tour guide going to be like? Is the trip going to be as enjoyable as you thought it would be? Are you going to see all that you expected to see?

There is no way to completely avoid stress altogether either before, or while you are travelling. But some suggestions are to read reviews avidly, know as much about the area you are visiting before you go as possible, and best of all is to have word-of-mouth recommendations from someone you know and respect.

But once all the decisions have been made, hop on board and enjoy your next adventure.