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I walked with tigers

Volunteer experience About a month ago I returned to Denmark after almost 2 months in Thailand, most of the time spent in The Tiger Temple. It has been a fantastic experience, and I would like to share it with whoever wants to read it!! It all started as a crazy idea in my head sitting at home in the dark and cold winter in Denmark. I had the opportunity to take two months of in school in the spring. I wanted to travel, to see something new, to do something meaningful and to work with animals without spending too much money (since I'm a student I don't really have any to spend…). Different things came into my mind, but after having seen an ad for the Animal Planet program about The Tiger Temple I wisited the websites there was no doubt in my mind - that was where I wanted to go!!! To be able to work with these big majestic cats, to be part of a project set up to help save these beautiful endangered animals, and to get to see some of Thailand at the same time, what more could I wish for? So I sent an e-mail and asked if it would be possible for me to come and stay, and as it turned out, it was actually possible!! I bought my tickets, got my vaccinations and packed my bag, ready to go, not really knowing what to expect when I arrived. After 2 days in Bangkok I went with one bus to Kanchanaburi and with another bus out towards the Temple, and there I stood looking at the big sign saying that this was the road leading to the Temple, beginning to realize I was finally there after months of waiting. I went to the office signed some papers, got a key to a room and Maha followed me up to the nice little house inside the Temple walls that were to be my home for the next 7 weeks. After that I went down to the canyon to meet the other volunteers, the monks and the staff - and of course the tigers!! Such an impressive sight - big grown tigers laying calmly sleeping in the beautiful canyon, tourists padding them and having there pictures taken next to them. Very impressive, but also quite scary in the beginning… The first two days I spent watching and learning the basics about tiger behaviour, and then I started actually working, amazing!! To wake up in the morning, knowing that 4 “little” cute tiger cubs are waiting for you, hearing them great you with that special prrrr sound when you come up to the cage, to go into the cage, clean it and wash the cubs - that was really something that could make me get out of bed with a smile!! For me mornings and evenings were the best times of the day, so peaceful, and so beautiful! The nature around the Temple is amazing, and the fact that lots of half tame animals roam around freely inside the temple walls was something I really loved! The view from our house was fantastic, I spent a lot of time just sitting there watching all the animals. And the tigers… Wow!! I love tigers, I always have, and to be able to get so close to them was really a mindblowing experience! I have walked and washed the cubs, walked a full grown tiger (Vayo and Techo), I have had a tigers head (Herfa) in my lap, I have had a grown tiger (Techo) suck my finger and I have spent hours watching tigers play in the water, unbelievable, good thing I have pictures to prove it!! And I've also got a really cool scar to show off since I got bitten by one of the tigers (Dau Ruang)!! ? Another great thing was the possibility to get to know a lot of very nice people from all over the world and to get to know a lot about a culture and a religion so very different from what I'm used to here in Denmark. I regret that I didn't learned any thai before I came to Thailand, some very patient thai people tought me some, but I would have liked to be able to speak some more!! I also got to see some of all the things in the area around the Temple and Kanchanaburi, some of the very beautiful scenery like Erawan National Park with the amazing 7-tired waterfall and some of the more scary things like The Hellfire Pass and The Death Railway. All together it was a lifetime experience, and I had a very hard time leaving it all behind, and a hard time getting used to being back in Denmark, and I want to go back!! To see how the building of the Tiger Island is going, to see “my” cute little cubs and all the other tigers again, to once more feel the peacefulness of meditating in the Sala in the evening, and to meet some of the wonderful people I got to know there again. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to work in a place like this, and I hope that one day I can come back. Please visit the website and check the photos and if you can donate. Mai Falk (Denmark) http://www.walkingwithtigers.org


Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

Advantages of Booking Hotels in Central Rome.

This article has the purpose to explain what we intend for central Rome and the benefits to reserve an hotel in this area. For central Rome we mean specifical districts like the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Trastevere. The district of Trastevere was once inhabited by the medieval working class and since the 1970 has been filled up with new hotels, tour buses and sidewalk vendors. The original people of this district belong to a mixed ancestry, mainly Jewish, Roman and Greek and for decades they were known for speaking their on dialect in a language rougher than that spoken in central Rome. Trastevere remains one of Rome's most colorful quarters, even if it is a bit overrun and it is know as a " city within a city". The hotels in central Rome allow visitors to save money when sightseeing because people can cover all the major monuments in few hours with a pleasant promenade. In fact if you have booked an hotel near the spanish steps you can see how Rome is entered by Porta del Popolo built in the Renaissance period by the architect Vignola from the designs of Michelangelo. As you can imagine, you can't walk anywhere in Rome without stepping on several layers of Roman archaological remains. it's often frustrating for the people who actually live there: they can not do anything above or below ground without having to stop and carefully consider what is being lost and found. A trick you have to know after you make your reservation is to ask for a corner room. Corner rooms are usually larger, quieter and have more windows and light than standard rooms, and they do not cost necessarily more. Always ask if the hotel is renovating: if it is, request a room away from the renovation work. You can also inquire about the location of the elevators, restaurants and bars in the hotel, all sources of annoying noise. Rome center offers also some splendid opportunities for lovers of the performing arts. All major performers pass through Rome and the city has traditionally been the hot spot for theater production in Italy. The scene positively burgeons in summer when a mind-boggling range of performances is staged throughout the city in various indoor and outdoor venues. Rome is also a sort of culinary melting pot for distinctive regional styles. Pesto and marinara sauce, ravioli and risotto, cannoli and tiramisu are often all found together on the same menu. Another advantage of Rome's size and cosmopolitan charachter is that you can find very good restaurants downtown with food from around the globe: Rome is really your best opportunity to hunt out different types of cuisine. The Eternal city wasn't built in a day and,to accommodate its tourists, it continues to expand with more hotels, opening hours for museums and other attractions, especially during holidays and the summer months.


Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

Toronto’s Vintage Candy Factory Lofts

The Candy Factory lofts building, located at the corner of Queen St. West and Shaw, is a truly authentic loft building, retaining the vintage feel from its old candy factory days. The original sand-blasted vaulted 14 ft. ceilings still remain, as well as the wood beams, columns and exposed brick. 377 suites are put together in a total of 6 floors, with the top level consisting of 2-storey penthouse suites, complete with spiral staircases. Real loft living in the vibrant Queen West area could hardly be better here. The Candy Factory lofts are located steps away from trendy shopping locations, clubs, restaurants, galleries, as well as some of the city's biggest parks and cafés. Meanwhile, the suites themselves contain plank hardwood flooring, fireplaces, open concept kitchens with center islands, and huge arched windows. The suites also contain many custom upgrades, as previous owners have made these spaces their own. Amenities in the building include an exercise room, party room, security systems, underground parking and a 24-hour concierge. Suites may be sold or leased to the owner, with a range of prices depending on the suite type. For a one-bedroom suite in the Candy Factory lofts, the sale price is between $300,00 and $435,000, while the lease price is from $1,500 per month to $1,800 per month. The prices for a two-bedroom suite are $427,000 to $700,000 for a sale and $2,200 per month to $3,000 per month for a lease. A three-bedroom suite costs between $750,000 and $1,100,000 to buy, and $4,000 a month and $6,000 a month to lease. Overall, the Candy Factory lofts at 993 Queen St. West is hard to beat as far as lofts in Toronto go. If you're looking for a vintage loft suite in Toronto that is located within walking distance of the Queen West fun, this loft building is the right one for you.


Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

Travel Secrets Guide

Just using one of the secrets in the Travel Secrets Guide could save you hundreds, even thousands, on your next trip or vacation.

A Gem In Miami

If you're thinking about basking under tropical sunshine, then Miami Beach's Royal Palm Resort is the perfect place. Among the many Miami hotels and travel lodges, this one offers cheap rates for a four-star hotel. Plus, it faces the beach, so you wake up to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore and an amazing beach view. Located at central South Beach, clients can literally walk to each and any of the attractions. The Convention Center is just a short distance away, as well as other fine-dining restaurants and exclusive boutiques. The clubs and bars that dot the area around the resort also make for an exciting nightlife. It also takes only 20 minutes to reach the airport from the hotel. The Miami Ballet, Ocean Drive, Botanical Gardens, and other tourist attractions are less than a mile away from the hotel. Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Groves, and other tourist attractions are just a short drive away.

The hotel offers a $200 rate for an overnight stay in an ordinary room. But the ordinary things that are in Royal Palm are not ordinary at all. It is a 17-story affair of Art Deco design. The beachfront resort, like most Miami hotels and travel lodges, offers luxurious suites and rooms all with Atlantic Ocean views courtesy of the private balconies. All rooms have basic amenities which include hair dryers, coffee makers, mini bars, data ports, and voice mail. These may seem very basic, but these are essentials especially for an individual traveling for business. Rooms vary and range from guest rooms, suites, non-smoking, double-bedded, and single-bedded rooms. Families with pets need not worry about living their pooches and cats at home since the hotel allows guests to bring pets, provided that these pets have been checked and vaccinated. Located near the beach, the hotel even provides an outdoor pool and a whirlpool. People who are concerned about their fitness and bodies need not sweat the lack of exercise during their stay because the hotel has an on-site gym and fitness center.

Personal services are thoroughly provided at the hotel. Aside from the multilingual staff that speaks English, French, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, German, Greek, and Portuguese, the hotel also features accessible ATM machines, a laundry and dry cleaning service, baby-sitting, a laundry room, and safety deposit boxes. The hotel also has concierge services and the standard room services. Business travelers can also avail of copying services, courier, Internet, fax, computer use, printing services, and car rentals. Truly, in terms of personal services and world-class facilities, Royal Palm is indeed a gem among the many Miami hotels and travel lodges.

For more valuable information on Miami Hotels and Travel, please visit http://www.discount-miami-hotels.com


Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

Travel Secrets Guide

Just using one of the secrets in the Travel Secrets Guide could save you hundreds, even thousands, on your next trip or vacation.

A LITTLE OVERVIEW OF ROME

As Italians would say, all roads end in Rome. We would say that all the roads start in Rome as well, and one would better put comfortable shoes on if visiting. Rome is all about everything wonderful, from delicious cuisine, history and tradition, a great nightlife to stunning art and fashion.

All by yourself in Rome? If so then you will notice that Italians are nothing like the characters in Godfather movie, but rather they are friendly, fun and, let's admit it, beautiful. A family trip to Rome or a solo trip can be both educational and entertaining. Romance is all around and if you're with the loved one, be prepared for extra butterflies in your stomach.
The history of Rome began three thousand years ago, but archeologists discovered 13,000 year old traces of civilization. Rome's tumultuous and legendary history gave birth to some of the most beautiful monuments and pieces of art. The Pantheon, or the temple of all gods, is the oldest best preserved building in the world. Its architecture has been a source of inspiration for monuments all around the world.
And speaking of large buildings, you wouldn't want to miss the Colosseum. This was the largest amphitheatre in ancient Rome, with a capacity of 50, 000 people. Here is where the legendary gladiator fights took place. Romans are also known for their amazing public baths and systems of canalization. Visiting a public bath, such as The Bath of Diocletian, was a social “must do” as one could bath, have a massage, eat, relax in hot water or have a cold bath, not to mention enjoy the ancient equivalent of a jacuzzi.
The baths were divided by social status; this is the place where great historical decisions were taken and where the latest rumors around town were being spread. Circus Maximus (Latin for large arena) is where celebrations took place and games were played. Although some of the ancient monuments are not perfectly conserved, they could make one feel like they're living in another era. The death of Roman Empire seems to be a legend. From this perspective, it's interesting to take a look at The Catacombs of Rome. Since the Romans believed in life after death, cremating was out of the question. The Catacombs were underground burial places, an ingenuous solution to celebrate eternity. 
When traveling anywhere in Italy you cannot miss, simply cannot miss the Vatican: the smallest independent state in the world, the capital of Catholic Church and the Pope's residence. A collection of beautiful museums, basilicas, monuments and paintings by Boticelli, Michelangelo or Benini will delight all your senses.
Since sightseeing is exhausting, make sure you eat well, and there is no way not to eat well in Rome. Italian food is fabulous, and good food can only come along with good wine. A typical roman meal begins with bruschetta (full of garlic), followed by the eternal Italian pasta. Be sure not to miss spaghetti alla carbonara, bucatini all'amatriciana, bucatini cacio e pepe or gnocchi alla romana. Rome is the home of the pizza as well, so it would be a pity not to try it since you are already there. You can also freshen up with  "grattachecca," the typical Roman crushed-ice drink.
Wine cellars are widespread and so are the market places, such as Campo Dei Fiori. Historical café shops are combining traditional drinks with modern technology; famous café's to be seen are Caffè Greco, Babington's Tearooms, Caffè Rosati and Caffè Canova.
Rome is full of seasonal events; it's most prestigious arts festival, RomaEuropa, runs from September to November and features music, dance and theatre with an ethnic edge.
At Christmas and Easter, pilgrims flood into the Vatican to attend Papal masses in St Peter's square. Yet there are other various religious events around the town. On 9 March, for example, devout drivers head to the church of Santa Francesca Roma in the Foro Romano to have their cars blessed on behalf of this saint, who was said to have the gift of bilocation (being in two places at once).
Spring arrives early in Rome, bringing masses of blooms. Azaleas are praised; when they bloom (end of march), 3, 000 vases of them are arranged in Spanish Steps. Shopping is a “must have” in Italy, the capital of fashion. And naturally there are fashion boulevards: Via Condotti, Via Borgognona, Piazza di Spagna and Via Frattina.
Last, but not least, the nightlife! Young Italians meet in Campo Dei Fiori, then gather in numerous bars around the square. Rome is also an endless recourse of nightclubs, some of which are extremely popular: Gilda, Goa, Ex Magazinni. We recommend Black Out Rock Club for live music fans. 
Of course, Rome wasn't built in a day. And, at the end of any day, there's still something new to be discovered. There's just something about RomeÂ…

About The Author
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for bed and breakfasts, villas, hotels and Apartments in Rome


Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

A QUICK OVERVIEW OF MEXICO

A country of great diversity, Mexico is the traveller’s paradise. A unique mix of cultures means that Mexico can cater for all tastes. From deserts to volcanoes, ancient ruins to modern resorts, Mexico has something for every tourist.

Mexico is full of history, as befits a country that was once ruled by the passionate and warlike Aztecs, one of the most advanced civilizations in the western hemisphere.  Their capital, in Modern-day Mexico City, was full of massive stone pyramids and temples, the remnants of which lay under the modern city. The colonization of Mexico by the Spaniards provided a great deal of colonial architecture, and  the violent centuries that followed provided the continent with one of it’s strongest independence movements, which can be found by visiting the Centro Historico and Coyoacan..
Although the Aztecs were wiped out as a political group, their descendents still live in Mexico City, and the ancient culture exists in events such as the Day of the Dead, feast-day of dead souls which falls at the beginning of November. Many people are fascinated by this festival, and anyone with an interest in the native culture should certainly visit Mexico in time for this celebration.
As well as ancient history, Mexico also provides some of the most interesting modern resorts. Mexico City itself provides many modern entertainments, which considering its size (it is the third largest city in the world, with a population of 22 million), including art galleries and restaurants.
Baja California can offer some of the most exciting holidays in Mexico, with kayaking, diving, and whale watching in the Sea of Cortez, as well as the possibility of guided RV tours of the area, aerial tours of the Copper Canyon (a canyon four times larger than the Grand Canyon), which can also be accessed by the famous ‘train ride in the sky’, a mysterious and inspiring place. Even if you wish to do nothing besides go sailing or fishing Baja California can cater for your desires.
Cancun, as well as offering kayaking and diving, also has facilities for golfing. It is here that you can see the famous bullfights once a week, and cockfighting and dancing can also be found at the Plaza de Toros Cancun. Anyone interested in adventure holidays will like to know that Actun Chen, the famous cave system full of stalactites and stalagmites and natural stone formations.  Beyond the caves is jungle, 988 acres of wildlife trails and tropical vegetation. Not too far from Cancun is the Tres Rios, which boasts snorkelling in its section of the Great Mayan Reef.
For those who want a more relaxed experience, Guadalajara is noted for its cultural arts, such as the Degallado Theater, and the mural by Jose Clemente Orozco (part of the 1920’s Mexican mural movement) which is at the Cabanas Cultural Institute. The city has many interesting museums, as well as a fantastic selection of resorts, all part of a city which has become more business orientated
If you are looking for beaches, Mexico boasts some world-class white sands, with surfing, fishing and clear waters, plus parts of the Great Mayan Reef just a few feet from the shore. Some of Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are only accessible via boat trips, and the Isla Contoy (reached by boat from Isla Mujeres) has a fantastic, almost uninhabited beach, and Los Cabos’ rocky beaches are great for laying back and catching the sun. If you want beaches with exclusivity, there are some private beaches at the Costa Alegre, which also boasts exclusive resorts; while Punta Allen’s low-cost hotels are some of the best getaway locations in the country.
Of course, Mexico is not just about history and beaches. Mexico City has a fantastic nightlife, as you might imagine from the mix of Latin, Cuban and alternative music clubs in the city. It also boasts trendy nightclubs and an area nicknamed the ‘Soho of Mexico City’. Other places, such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, also have sophisticated nightlife. Son Cristobal has a music scene that is fun and exciting, while not taking too much out of your budget. It is the ideal place for people who want to spend their nights barhopping, and everything is in walking – or staggering – distance). It would not be fair to talk about Mexico’s nightlife without mentioning Cabo San Lucas; the capital of Baja California for an after-dark scene, casual bars line the main streets, as well as the beach front. A rowdy, lawless feel makes this the nightlife for the adventurous.
Mexico is so full of different aspects that at times it can seem surreal; you can walk the paths of the ancient Americans in the morning, surf or laze on the beach in the afternoons, and go out clubbing at night, and usually all these things are within the same city. Lively and fascinating, this country is a must-see for both the adventurer and the sun worshipper alike.

About The Author

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for bed and breakfasts, villas, hotels and Apartments in Venice


Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com

Travel Secrets Guide

Just using one of the secrets in the Travel Secrets Guide could save you hundreds, even thousands, on your next trip or vacation.

FLORIDA, MIAMI VACATIONS

Miami has lots of fantastic tourist attractions. Bal Harbour Village has shops, hotels, and more. It is also right at the beach and filled with some of the most amazing feats of design. Coral Castle is a monument that shows a single man's determination and the Everglades Alligator Farm has more then 3,000 alligators. Then there is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden that has tons of rare tropical plants and the Miami Metro zoo with over 2,000 animals, and almost 400 species.
Miami's zoo is much larger than an average U.S. zoo. For anyone who likes aquariums they have a nice one to visit, the Miami Seaquarium. They have a Superstar there that you might know, Flipper. Monkey Jungle has all types of monkeys for the monkey lovers and Parrot Jungle Island has a huge crocodile, and over 500 species of plants, and over a whopping 3,000 animals.
A few cruises and tours you might want to check out include the Dragonfly Expeditions. They have lots of tours, including some for the day and also some that last overnight. They have them for individuals, or groups. EcoAdventures have a lot of adventure activities; they include kayaking, snorkeling, and canoe trips along with others. Everglades Safari Park has airboat tours, wildlife nature shows, and much more. Island Queen Cruises Sightseeing Tours takes you to lots of nice places to sightsee on their tour boats. They also take you by some homes that belong to the rich and famous people.
Miami also has the Miami Performing Arts Center. They open in 2006, and they will have three state of the art theaters. They will also have an education center, a plaza, the landmark for the 1929 Art Deco Tower, and more. They offer theater, music and even dance. They are dedicated to entertain, challenge and educate their guests.
For the fishers out there they have some good fishing places. One of these is the Action Charters of Miami. Here you can experience deep sea fishing on a 46 foot boat. This is open for all ages. You can fish almost all day on this. Masita Fishing and Cruising Charters is also one you might like. They offer the most complete fishing and boating charter system. They have the cleanest fleet.
There are some museums you may want to visit as well. One of these is the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. They have lots of educational programs. You can discover the past and present here. Jewish Museum of Florida is in a nice old Art Deco building. Lowe Art Museum opened in 1952. They have western and non western art. The Miami Art Museum has international art. Miami Children's Museum is for the children to learn. There are lots more museums and historic sites to visit as well.
For the golfers they have some nice places to play golf. The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Club is one of these. If you want to play here in season it costs 150-175, and if you want to play when it is out of season, it will cost 95-120. The Biltmore Hotel is another place to play golf. To play here in season it will cost 95 to 121, and 35 to 71 out of season. Doral Golf Resort and Spa, which is a Marriott Resort is a place to play golf, but it will cost you more. Their in season rate is 250, and their out of season rate is 175 to 195.
For those shoppers out there are plenty of places to go shopping. One of these is Aventura Mall, it South Florida's number one shopping place. The Village of Merrick Park has plenty of fashion and style for you. Prime Outlets has nice architecture, landscaping food court, and even a playground. This place is one of a kind. Bayside Marketplace is very nice and popular. They offer many things, they even offer you savings. If you like to sip tea or you like live music then Cauley Square Historic Village might be a place for you. They have many more stores for you to visit, too many to list.
Do you like to camp? If so, maybe you would like to come to Miami and spend some time camping. They have some nice places to go camping. One of these is Goldcoaster, they have 547 sites. Miami Everglades Campground is another, and they have 258 sites. Gator Park has 34 sites. Embassy RV Park has 67 lots. There are other camp sites as well for the campers. They are a nice place to relax and visit, or even have a cookout.
If you like to go to a park, then they have some parks for you. The Barnacle Historic State Park is one of these. Everglades National Park offers cabins, boat ramps, hiking trails, and fishing. Homestead offers a place to set up a tent, concessions, boat ramps, hiking trails, and fishing areas. Key Biscayne offers concessions, hiking trails, and fishing. Majory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center only offers hiking trails for any of you hikers. Oleta River State Park offers cabins, concessions, boat ramps, hiking trails, and fishing.
A couple events you might be looking to attend include John Rosenquist. He brings some of his unique imagery. Another is Miami Beach's America's Tropical Resort. Here you can see photographs, hotel brochures, postcards, restaurant menus, souvenirs, and even bathing suits. There are other events to that you can look out for. Just check with your travel agent to see what is going on when you travel.
About The Author

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for bed and breakfasts, villas, hotels and Apartments in Venice


Source: High Quality Article Database - 365articles.com