How To Find The Perfect Rental Unit

This 4 step guide to finding the perfect rental unit is quick and easy to understand. Learn how to structure your search in a way that will be most effective for the time invested. Come out ahead in your search for the perfect new home rental!

Let's get started!

1.Time Factor

Your quickly come the to the realization that most landlords/managers will require a one year lease. Is one year too long? If so, consider a sublet or a month to month lease arrangement. You should also ask what the penalty for leaving early would be.

Money Factor

Take a look at your current situation. Do you need a roommate? Do you want a roommate? Whether or not you should have a roommate will determine how you will find an apartment. If you are moving out with a good friend, be prepared for a higher level of confrontation in your new arrangement. It?s sometimes mutually advantageous to find a stranger with a solid job and good references then an old friend. Having a roommate has it?s obvious benefits. You?ll save money, have company and share the work of cleaning up (hopefully).

Children Factor

Do you have kids? It would be sad if you found the perfect location to live in and then you find out your little rug rat does not have a friend. Research the neighbors and find out where they?re at with having kids. Ask the contact people I your local classified section about the children in the area or go online and browse through listings.

Necessary Documentation

You may notice that several apartments, townhouses and houses will be taken on their first day of being advertised. It?s recommended that you start your search no later then 3 weeks in advance. In order to be the early bird bring the following material:

Two Recent Bank Statements or Pay Stubs Last years tax return Letter of employment Letter of reference from a previous landlord Tape Measure Checkbook Pen and Paper

Many city?s throughout North America are experiencing saturated rental markets. The best way to get ahead of the crowd is to be the one person that is prepared. Many rental managers and landlords respect people that have all their documents readily available.

Shane Toews is a Licenced Realtor who helps others to educate themselves on current real estate issues. He also provides assistance on how to locate quality homes, apartments or vacation rentals in Canada's Fraser Valley area. Visit his website RentFraserValley.com for more information on Canada's Fraser Valley Real Estate Market

Real Estate Are Interest Rates Damping the Market?

The Federal Reserve Bank has raised interest rates more than 15 times over the past two years, and Realtors are feeling the pinch. Home sales have slumped all over the nation, and blame is being placed squarely on interest rates.

In June Ben Bernanke, Federal Reserve Chairman said that core prices had increased 2 percent. No one except the Fed seems to think that we are in any danger of runaway inflation. The greater fear is that higher interest rates will lead to loan foreclosures as popular variable rate mortgages written in the past few years are repriced. Real estate agents and lenders are not the only ones affected by rising interest rates. Businesses that depend on borrowing will find their expenses climbing, which will lead to pay cuts, layoffs and pullbacks in operations if interest rates don?t level out.

Many young home buyers have opted for variable rate mortgages, betting that their incomes would increase before the interest rates on their homes. Rising rates will put many young families at risk of losing their homes. Americans place a high value on home ownership, believing it leads to stability in our society.

Some have cast blame on rising rents for fueling inflation, but the truth is, rents have been stagnant for years. Young families normally rent for a few years as they save for their first home, but in the past few years they have borrowed from relatives and used every creative financing trick in order to buy their first home while rates are low. This has left many landlords wringing their hands over empty apartments and rental homes. The predictable result was a lowering of the price of rental housing. Now that home sales have slowed, rental housing is filling up again, and landlords are cautiously making long overdue adjustments to rent.

Actually, inflation is not caused by any industry or market raising its prices. Inflation is a growth of the money supply caused by increased lending. The symptom of inflation is increased prices as too many dollars chase too few goods. The Federal Reserve controls the amount of currency in circulation by raising and lowering interest rates. When interest rates are low, business and consumer demand for loans increases, and banks ?create? new electronic money by making loans.

The Federal Reserve attempts to grow the money supply at a rate matched to the growth of the American economy, so that prices do not increase or decrease.

The current higher interest rates are having a damping effect on real estate sales today, but the low rates of the past are also reaching forward to affect sales today. That is because many buyers bought early to take advantage of low rates while they lasted. If home sales were the only consideration, the Fed would not have raised interest rates this far, this fast.

Real estate agents are optimistic that the current sales slump is just a temporary hiccup that will pass as the market adjusts to current conditions.

Visit http://www.realestatecrosslakeminnesota.com/ for listings of real estate agents in Cross Lake, Minnesota.

The Backgammon Board

For over five thousand years plus the backgammon board hasn't changed much, the basic layout and design has remained the same for the whole time. Of course the materials of the board have changed and now the game is played online so that the graphics are far superior to probably traditional boards, but the undeniable fact is the board is still the same as it was in the very beginning.

No matter what materials are used to make the board whether wood or card board or hand made timbers, or add-ons like cotton or velvet, that give extra padding below the board for better surfacing, or artistic woodworks to add glitter to the playing ambience. The playing surface hasn't altered.

The board's heritage remains constant; tracing the roots of the board will take you on a journey that passes through many different decades and dynasties.

The Basic Design

The layout of the board consists of four distinguishable quadrants and a thick ridge bar in the middle separating the two boards of the two players.

Don't forget backgammon is a sort of war game, two armies of 15 men each trying to defeat each other in an open combat game; a good way to illustrate this picture is with the two divisions which make up the points, which look like spear heads pointing at the opposition.

Between them lies No Man's Land or the Bar.

Inner and Outer Boards

Divided into four quadrants containing six triangles each, each with its own colour to differentiate itself and centrally divided by the Bar. Each portion has two quadrants. The two sides of the Bar are referred to as Home Boards of the two players. The Home Board is the one nearer to you and the one furthest from you the outer Board. This applies in equal part to the opposition.

Remember the Bar not only divides you and your opposition but is also the place when or if any checker is hit, that checker is placed on the bar and cannot move until the correct number is thrown.

Hence, No man's land.

Although boards do come in all different shapes and sizes and materials and are available on line, the fundamental backgammon board hasn't changed in over 5000 years and probably never will.

After all if it isn't broken, why try to fix it?

Want to learn more about backgammon ? come and visit my site and get the know rules and strategies for winning backgammon games. Basic backgammon rules, advanced and variation. The site also includes a full game play glossary. Enjoy the game !

About the Author

David Lambert has been playing backgammon ever since he was a young kid, he enjoys the backgammon game more then any other board game out there.

Parenting Teens A Guide To Connecting Relationally With Your Teen

What every teenager would like to have is a credit card without limits, a new car, the newest look, and an iPod that can hold 50 million songs. Of course, we grown-ups have been around long enough to know that you don't always get what you want. There is a need however, that stirs in the heart of every young person. That need is a relationship with you the parent. It is true, they may not want it, but it still remains one their most important needs.

We've all heard about the generational gap thing, and too often have used that as an excuse to not bother trying to connect with today's teenager. Don't get me wrong there is a gap. A big one. They have their little world and we have ours. And so many times, we aren't welcome in theirs and they aren't welcome in ours. They listen to music we can't stand, and we listen to music they can't stand. They wear clothes we would never wear and we wear clothes they would never wear. They have a language with terms we don't understand and we say things that to them, seem so outdated. The differences go on and on and on and le'ts face it, it is so much easier to just not understand each other than it is to put forth an effort to try and understand.

I assure you, the effort is worth it. Your teenager is worth it! Connecting with your teen will take some work, but the rewards are priceless. It my require you to make some major adjustments to your routine. It may take some radical changes in the culture of your home. Don't be afraid to initiate the changes necessary to connect relationally with your teen.

Ok, so you're thinking what changes need to be made. Let me give you some helpful tips. Are you a family that seldom sits down for dinner together? If so, try to make it a point to eat one meal a day together. Use this as a time to talk. Sure it may be awkward if you haven't made this a practice in several years, but fight through the awkwardness. If you just can not make it happen every night, set aside at least one night a week where you eat together as a family. Set it in stone and make it happen. If you had a meeting set with someone very important you would do everything you could to keep that appointment. Treat your family no different.

Perhaps you are like the typical family that has a tv in every room and in the evening everyone retreats to his or her own room. Learn to utilize your family room together as a family. Pick a night or two and turn off the tv. Instead, spend an hour or so together as a family. Play games, go through a Bible study together, or just sit around and talk. I know what you're thinking. Play games? Bible study? Sitting around talking? Are you crazy?

What is so crazy, is that because of our great American culture, these suggestions seem so lame. Our culture, opposes the family in almost every way. It blows me away to see a family out at a restaurant and their teenager sitting there with his iPod listening to music while they eat. Video games, iPods, internet, and cell phones are tools that really cause us to isolate ourselves from other members of our family. Now, don't go overboard and take everything away from your teen. You just have to make a decision to fight against a culture that opposes the family. Don't allow this culture to dictate how your family is going to operate. As a parent, you set the agenda for the family. You decide how your household is going to run.

Plan some family outings. Do it once a week, once a month, once a quarter. It really doesn't matter how often, just make it happen. Go camping over the weekend. Go to a ball game. Go to the lake. The list is endless. Get input from everyone and be creative. If you live in the city, take a trip to the country. If you live in the country, take a trip to the city. It doesn't have to be expensive, just make it fun. Don't be in a hurry. The key is to connect relationally, nothing else. Don't set an agenda that's going to stress everyone out. Just have a good time as a family.

How about doing some volunteer work together as a family? There are countless numbers of opportunities to serve in and around your community. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, at the hospital, or at a senior citizens home. Or, how about as a family, adopting an elderly couple and helping them around the home with yard work, house cleaning etc. Again, the list is endless, and one of the most important things you can teach your young person is to live life outside of themselves.

If you have more than one child, make sure you as a parent spend some quality one-on-one time with each of them. Dad's take your daughter's on dates and treat them like a princess. I mean, treat them as though they are the most beautiful, most precious young lady on the planet. Give them an example of what they are to look for someday in the man they are going to marry. Help them to set that standard so high, that no loser will ever catch their eye. As for your sons, hang with them. Go fishing or hunting. Go play paintball together. Play video games with them. Do guy stuff together and talk about guy stuff.

Mom's plan a day to go shopping with your daughters or plan a day to bake together. Don't like to bake or shop? Then, find something that you enjoy doing together and do it. I'm not a mom, or a daughter so, to be honest, I don't have a clue. Maybe just go to lunch and have intimate conversation with one another. How about getting a manicure and pedicure? Whatever you do, make sure you connect with one another. And when it comes to connecting with your son, try to keep in mind that most teenage boys are at a stage where being a momma's boy is not a cool thing. As they get closer and closer to manhood, they become more and more independent. So, don't feel rejected when they seem to be pulling away. That being said, you can still connect with them and you need to. You may think this is absolutely crazy, but if your son is big into video games, instead of always hammering him to quit spending so much time playing, sit down for a few minutes and play with him. So what if you have no idea how to play, let him teach you. Trust me, it will blow him away.

Whatever you do, remember, connecting with your teenager is the primary goal. The sky is the limit. As a youth pastor for 15 years, I have consistently scheduled events for teens with the primary purpose of connecting with them relationally. Trust me, I have never had a huge budget, so planning events that are inexpensive while at the same time fun, simply takes a little effort and creativity. You may think that your young person will never desire to connect with you, and that may be true. However, in my experience with teens, I have discovered that I generally connect with those I determine to connect with. I believe the same is true about you. In all that you do, please keep in mind that the two biggest keys to connecting with teenagers is time and the ability to listen. So, make the time and work on your listening skills.

? 2006 Tim Stone All Rights Reserved Worldwide

About the Author

Am I Really A StrollerMonger?David Leonhardt

By David Leonhardt

I was reading A Modern Infant Armada, a humor column in Maclean's Magazine written by a fellow humor columnist. Writing about it now is a bit like a painter painting another painter or a singer singing about another singer (but it not like a cook cooking another cook.).

David Russell (yes, another humor columnist named David) laughs at his neighbor for parking both cars in the driveway to make room in the garage for four strollers for just one child. I laughed with him. Four strollers for just one baby is ridiculous, right?

However, David Russell becomes a parent himself, a condition that afflicts many unsuspecting homo sapiens, and he concludes that a call to his neighbor is warranted: I need to see if he can help me get a fleet rate.

Traitor! I cried out. Stroller monger!

Who's a traitor? my wife asked as she walked in the room. And just what is a stroller monger.

I resisted the obvious answer that a stroller monger is somebody who mongs strollers. David Russell. He says that one stroller is enough for any child, but then he decides to buy an entire fleet.

Say, we could have saved a bundle if we had applied for a fleet rate, my wife mused.

What? We don't have four strollers.

My wife smiled. It was a sweet smile you could just fall in love with...if you did not know that it meant, Oh yes we do!

We do not.

My wife took out her counting fingers. First there is the car seat, she said, pressing down the first finger. We snap it into the stroller base whenever we go anywhere.

OK, that's one.

Then there is the SUV, she said, pressing down on a second finger. The SUV is a full sized stroller. We bought it when we were still squeezing it on a downtown apartment. With no storage space, it stood in the entrance area, blocking our path to the kitchen and any hope of escaping if the place caught fire. The SUV is the Hummer of strollers.

OK, that is a stroller, I will grant you. But that's just two.

We also have the fold-up stroller, my wife said, pressing down a third finger.

But she's not even using it yet.

She will soon and we have it now, my wife pointed out. Then there is the old fold-up stroller we kept as a backup. That makes four.

You can't count duplicates. That's double counting.

It takes double the space, my wife insisted. We have four strollers.

I stared in silence. Slowly it sunk in. Yes, there were two Davids who were humor columnists, but there were also two Davids who were stroller-mongers.

Uh-oh. My wife was smiling again. She was watched for just the right moment to strike. Our baby has more seats in this house than anybody else has.

That's ridiculous. No sooner had the words left my mouth than I remembered the boomerang rule. Words like ridiculous, ludicrous, silly, stupid and big mouth usually apply only to the person who speaks them.

My wife rhymed off our seats, Three on the couch, two chairs in the living room, six in the kitchen, one in the bathroom and one at each of our desks. Plus the three red chairs Little Lady has in the living room. That makes 17.

Ha! I knew it couldn't be true.

Then came that deadly sweet smile again, the smile that said, Take my hand while I lead you around the house to see why you should think first and shout 'Aha!' later.

In the kitchen stood the high chair and the sit-in play saucer. In her office sat the rocking chair that never rocked and the bouncy chair that never bounced. There was the swing seat, and there were two cushion seats for sitting upright on the floor. She opened the door to the enclosed porch, and there were the four strollers and the car seat she would soon be using.

That makes 12, my wife tallied. We each have fewer than six.

I thought really hard. Aha! I said again, proudly pointing out that this time I had thought first and shouted 'Aha!' later.. We have three chairs on the balcony, and six on the patio. There are also six folding chairs for the fire pit.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and there was no reason to forget all the outdoors furniture at a time like this. Unfortunately, there was no reason to forget arithmetic, either. Our baby still had the most seats in the house and outside the house, too.

Uh, do toilet seats count?

My wife smiled her sweet smile again, a smile that could only mean, So, stroller monger, what do you have to say for yourself now?

I knew that another humor columnist named David had just been labeled a traitor. Meekly, I mumbled. Lawn tractor seat?
By David Leonhardt

I was reading A Modern Infant Armada, a humor column in Maclean's Magazine written by a fellow humor columnist. Writing about it now is a bit like a painter painting another painter or a singer singing about another singer (but it not like a cook cooking another cook.).

David Russell (yes, another humor columnist named David) laughs at his neighbor for parking both cars in the driveway to make room in the garage for four strollers for just one child. I laughed with him. Four strollers for just one baby is ridiculous, right?

However, David Russell becomes a parent himself, a condition that afflicts many unsuspecting homo sapiens, and he concludes that a call to his neighbor is warranted: I need to see if he can help me get a fleet rate.

Traitor! I cried out. Stroller monger!

Who's a traitor? my wife asked as she walked in the room. And just what is a stroller monger.

I resisted the obvious answer that a stroller monger is somebody who mongs strollers. David Russell. He says that one stroller is enough for any child, but then he decides to buy an entire fleet.

Say, we could have saved a bundle if we had applied for a fleet rate, my wife mused.

What? We don't have four strollers.

My wife smiled. It was a sweet smile you could just fall in love with...if you did not know that it meant, Oh yes we do!

We do not.

My wife took out her counting fingers. First there is the car seat, she said, pressing down the first finger. We snap it into the stroller base whenever we go anywhere.

OK, that's one.

Then there is the SUV, she said, pressing down on a second finger. The SUV is a full sized stroller. We bought it when we were still squeezing it on a downtown apartment. With no storage space, it stood in the entrance area, blocking our path to the kitchen and any hope of escaping if the place caught fire. The SUV is the Hummer of strollers.

OK, that is a stroller, I will grant you. But that's just two.

We also have the fold-up stroller, my wife said, pressing down a third finger.

But she's not even using it yet.

She will soon and we have it now, my wife pointed out. Then there is the old fold-up stroller we kept as a backup. That makes four.

You can't count duplicates. That's double counting.

It takes double the space, my wife insisted. We have four strollers.

I stared in silence. Slowly it sunk in. Yes, there were two Davids who were humor columnists, but there were also two Davids who were stroller-mongers.

Uh-oh. My wife was smiling again. She was watched for just the right moment to strike. Our baby has more seats in this house than anybody else has.

That's ridiculous. No sooner had the words left my mouth than I remembered the boomerang rule. Words like ridiculous, ludicrous, silly, stupid and big mouth usually apply only to the person who speaks them.

My wife rhymed off our seats, Three on the couch, two chairs in the living room, six in the kitchen, one in the bathroom and one at each of our desks. Plus the three red chairs Little Lady has in the living room. That makes 17.

Ha! I knew it couldn't be true.

Then came that deadly sweet smile again, the smile that said, Take my hand while I lead you around the house to see why you should think first and shout 'Aha!' later.

In the kitchen stood the high chair and the sit-in play saucer. In her office sat the rocking chair that never rocked and the bouncy chair that never bounced. There was the swing seat, and there were two cushion seats for sitting upright on the floor. She opened the door to the enclosed porch, and there were the four strollers and the car seat she would soon be using.

That makes 12, my wife tallied. We each have fewer than six.

I thought really hard. Aha! I said again, proudly pointing out that this time I had thought first and shouted 'Aha!' later.. We have three chairs on the balcony, and six on the patio. There are also six folding chairs for the fire pit.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and there was no reason to forget all the outdoors furniture at a time like this. Unfortunately, there was no reason to forget arithmetic, either. Our baby still had the most seats in the house and outside the house, too.

Uh, do toilet seats count?

My wife smiled her sweet smile again, a smile that could only mean, So, stroller monger, what do you have to say for yourself now?

I knew that another humor columnist named David had just been labeled a traitor. Meekly, I mumbled. Lawn tractor seat?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Leonhardt publishes The Happy Guy humor column:
http://www.thehappyguy.com/positive-thinking-free-ezine.html
Read his humor articles:
http://www.thehappyguy.com/humor-articles.html
Visit his home page:
http://www.thehappyguy.com
David is owner of The Liquid Vitamin Supplements Store:
http://www.vitamin-supplements-store.net

Buying Your First House

Just about all of us wonder about the day we'll pick up the keys to our own home. Buying your first house is actually the goal for million of people worldwide. Being able to afford your own house is an extremely important mission most people work to accomplish throughout their lifetime. But apart from being an investment and providing security to a family or an individual, buying property, in the form of a house, can be a tremendous experience for the person that decides to commit time and effort in finding and bidding for the house of his or her dreams.

Whether you like big contemporary designs or town houses with tiny back yards, the idea of owning a home is definitely attractive. But many people don't realize that home ownership doesn't have to be so far off in the future. Although the actual process of buying a house can seem really scary because most people think about the tons of paperwork involved, and the use of a lot of vocabulary that sounds like a foreign language, postponing your dream can be not such a wise choice after all. Although a lot of people do not realize that they've got the financial resources to buy, or may have reasons they think they should continue renting, if you decide to invest time to research thoroughly your choices, hopefully the buying process will seem a little less intimidating.

But first of all you should think if you have enough reasons to wanting to buy your own immovable property. In fact, buying a house puts your money to work for you. Property values are on the rise at a rate faster than most interest-bearing savings accounts, making a home a great investment. Also, while rents continue heading skyward, mortgage payments usually stay constant. That means your housing expenses will be stable, while your income will naturally increase over time. In short, you can stabilize your monthly expenses and put the money you pay in rent back into your own pocket.

Moreover, the interest you pay on your mortgage loan is tax deductible which can result in huge savings on your taxes. This is especially true during the early stages of home ownership, when the creditors require you to pay the most interest. Furthermore, even the interest rates of your house mortgage are kept in low levels (around 7 percent) for a fixed-rate of a 30-year loan, transforming your home loan to your least expensive one.

Finally, the biggest bonus of buying your own property is the fact that unlike rent which is money down the drain, your mortgage payment goes toward your home equity. In fact, this comes back to you either as an emergency line of credit, or in case you decide to sell your property later, you have not lost your money since that equity is returned to you in full and can be used for the next house down-payment.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Real Estate, Recreation, and Shopping

External Frame vs. Internal Frame Backpacks

Long and frequent has been the debate amongst hikers and campers regarding the use of internal or external frame backpacks. Many old timers insist hat external frame packs are the way to go, mainly due to years of utilizing externals, and reluctance (like all of us), to change. The younger generation tends to gravitate toward the trendy internal frame packs. It seems that the new wave of hikers are as much concerned with form as they are with function.
In my experience, having owned and used both types of backpacks, I have compiled some recommendations based on experiences on (and off) the trail.

External Frame Backpacks
Pros-- Generally less expensive, more compartments, pack doesn't rest directly on back, increasing ventilation.
Cons-- Usually more bulky than internal frame packs, can impede hiking, and storing in tent.

Internal Frame Backpacks
Pros-- More streamline, more compact.
Cons--Can be expensive, few compartments, pack rest against the back.

In closing, in a normal hiking environment, (on trail), I clearly prefer an external frame pack. I find them more comfortable, affordable, and much easier to organize pack items. Internal frame packs make it difficult to retrieve items, as most items are stored in the same compartment. Internal frame packs do have their place, generally in off-trail adventures. External frame packs tend to get snagged on branches and such easily when off-trail.

Isn't it time to plan your next hike? What are you waiting for?
About the Author

Forrest Treker is a path stomper from way back. Frequently blazing trails in the mountains of North Carolina. Join Forrest for a hiking good time at Discount Outdoors!

Eating Out in The Seventies

The most popular restaurants in the Seventies were places to see and to be seen in. The newly opened Langan?s Brasserie in Stratton Street, on the site of the old Coq D'Or, fitted this bill perfectly. Peter Langan, the alcoholic genius who created the restaurant, hosted preview dinners, leading up to the opening in 1976. The ambience was divine, donated fine art splattered the walls, David Hockney designed the menus, but in those days, the food was the least interesting thing about the restaurant. It was the famous clientele that attracted the caf? society in droves. On one given weeknight, you could spot deranged members of the British aristocracy, Hockney, David Bailey, Jack Nicholson, Andy Warhol, The Shah of Persia, and President Gerald Ford munching away. (Statesmen were invariably encircled by tables of their security staff). Diners scoffed bangers and mash, while viewing the restaurant's visual froth, which included socialites, top models and their entourages of fashion designers and fashionable hairdressers.

Once the restaurant opened, if provincials booked a table, thinking they could star spot, they were shoved upstairs to 'Siberia', to ogle if they so wished, Patrick Procktor?s freshly painted mural of Venice. The top table, which Peter reserved for his friends was near the entrance, next to one of the big windows in the restaurant. One of the main attractions of the restaurant was Peter himself, who thrived on being an outrageously rude court jester. He revelled in verbally attacking his adoring customers, and behaved like a sexist pig towards his women victims. Funnily enough, trapped diners regarded it an honour if Peter descended on their tables and ruined their meals.

The Sculptor Peter Schleshinger drew a lovely portrait of me in the early Seventies, and the architect who bought it in order to scare his children loaned it to Langan?s. It was shoved at the far end of the restaurant near the library on the ground floor, which gave me a legitimate excuse to ?see and be seen?, while I table hopped through the restaurant during my days as a gossip columnist. The characters in ?Frantic?, my novel about the early Seventies didn?t make a habit of going out to swanky restaurants. That?s because they were holed up in trendy cafes, modelled on the infamous Up All Night in Fulham Road, where wired partygoers used to come down from their drugs. ?One fading afternoon, in a popular Knightsbridge watering hole, Alice's pounding head lay submerged in her triple expresso coffee (she had spent a tough night at The Igloo)? is a quote from ?Frantic? which illustrates the fad for all night cafes in the early Seventies. Food didn?t seem to be so popular in those days.

The fodder was definitely the least important thing about Langan?s, although the cr?me br?l?e was divine. It was the best thing on the menu, and one needed a pickaxe to crack the crust. When I interviewed Jackie Collins re: her book ?Hollywood Wives?, we consumed cr?me br?l?e for our starter, main course and desert. And, no, we didn?t have the top table. We had the second top one!

Copyright: Frances Lynn, 2006

Frances Lynn is a professional writer and journalist. Her two novels, Frantic and Crushed are published by Eiworth Publishing at http://yourbookstore.eiworth.se/. Her musings about writing can be read at http://www.writerholic.blogspot.com/. Her personal website is http://franceslynn.org.

May Bank Holiday Offers

What better than an early summer mini-break - with your other half, or with your kids, too? It might be may-day, but there's no need to panic - Superbreak still has heaps of early bank holiday offers available for couples and families alike!



Superbreak has a great selection of deals on offer from as little as ?94 per family per night (including two adults and two children under 16) sharing a family room.



Two-night breaks starting Saturday 29th April up and down the country include:



For Couples: Edinburgh In Style - ?138pp - head to Scotland to experience the cultural and not-so-cultural aspects of Scotland's most stylish city. The four star Carlton Hotel is just a few minutes walk from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, while the shops of Princes Street lie equally close. Recently refurbished, the hotel is now a landmark in terms of comfort, quality, design and service. Don't miss the outstanding health and leisure facilities, including squash courts, swimming pool, gym, spa, solarium and steam room. A two night stay beginning 29th April costs ?138 per person on a bed and full Scottish breakfast basis, or for ?168 per person enjoy dinner, too. Two share.



For Couples: Five Star Chester - ?195 pp - Situated in the historic city of Chester, The Chester Grosvenor Hotel and Spa is offers an individual touch with each bedroom designed on a bespoke basis. Explore the ancient city by day, and if the sun don't shine, the Grosvenor Spa, with its five treatment rooms is there to pamper you. The Spa's philosophy is to combine traditional and contemporary treatments from around the world offering both relaxation and indulgence. As for dining, the hotel has two award winning restaurants, the Arkle and the less formal La Brasserie, so pick whichever reflects your (bank) holiday mood! A two night stay beginning 29th April costs ?195 per person on a bed and full English breakfast basis. Two share.



For Families: Two Day Break At Alton Towers - ?277 per family - Been to Alton Towers before? Think you've seen it all? Well, you'd be wrong. 2006 sees the opening of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ride, a fantastic, multi-sensory ?4.5 million indoor ride which takes families on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the wonderful world of Willy Wonka. Stay at the nearby North Stafford hotel, an elegant Victorian building with comfortable bedrooms and modern facilities - just a 20 minute drive from Alton Towers. A two night stay costs ?277 per family based on four sharing. This price includes bed and full English breakfast for the two adults, with children paying for breakfast locally, and a one day pass for two adults and two children to Alton Towers and is based on a two-night stay commencing Saturday 29th April.



Superbreak.com, incorporating Theatrebreak.com, is the internet division of Superbreak Mini Holidays Limited, the market leader for short breaks throughout the UK. Superbreak is part of Holidaybreak plc, a publicly quoted leisure company whose share price can be found in most major UK newspapers, or at Holiday break.

About the Author

Author:

Michael Hanna



About Michael

Michael is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland:



Contact details:

E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com

Phone: 0131 561 2251

Michael's Website: Belfast Airport Taxis

11Best of Kenyan Beach Hotels Resorts and Sea Lodges

1. Hemingway Resort

The hemming way is located in the Northern coast at Watamu near Malindi. Watamu is a recluse resort which is off the main Malindi tourist thoroughfare. The resort offers world class cuisine has immaculate d?cor and a warm and friendly staff to boot. Its easy access to the coral reef offers its visitors easy snorkeling and diving opportunities. The resort is popular with big game fishing enthusiasts and is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World as well as the prestigious chaine des rotisseurs. The resort has 74 comfortable air conditioned rooms and suites, all with ensuite bathroom, shower and ocean views.

2. Baobab Beach Resort

Located on a coral headland overlooking the Indian Ocean and nestled in 35 acres of indigenous forest, the Baobab resort has retained its leading status amongst the coastal resorts.

The resort underwent major renovations in 2005 which included extension of the bungalows, new custom-designed furniture and elegant soft furnishings. An addition of an extra 35 rooms also increased its capacity and now provides facilities for those with disabilities, the elderly and family rooms. It also has the marhaba sea food restaurant, new cafes a shopping village and a sunken bar in addition to the common swimming pool. The hotel offers animation, a fitness centre, Jacuzzi, holistic beauty programmes, massage and hair dressing services.

3. Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa

Set on the legendary Diani Beach with the pristine white sands, Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa is the first resort in Kenya and East Africa to feature a health and wellness spa.

The resort is mammoth and enjoys a 350 meters beach frontage and located on 35 acres of landscaped tropical gardens. The resort has 142 rooms with ocean view comprising of standard and deluxe including some suite, pent house and presidential suites.

There is the Sake oriental restaurant specializing in Indian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine and 2 other restaurants specializing in sea food and Mediterranean dishes. There are five bars, a disco and pool bar. They also have a 120-seater conference room with all necessary equipment, a board room and a business centre.

Activities include golfing, kayaking, cycling and scuba diving among other water sports.

4. Temple Point Club temple is an all inclusive resort on Watamu beach, 25km from Malindi airport. The clubs accommodation units have been designed with the business and pleasure guests in mind and combines high luxury and standards.

It offers 100 spacious air conditioned rooms in Swahili style d?cor, conference facilities for 200 delegates, private beach with white powder sand, fine dining and wide range of water sports.

5. Travelers Beach Hotel & Club Travelers is an all inclusive club located on beautiful white sandy beach in the northern coast. The club offers 288 air conditioned room including standard rooms, suites, family rooms and honeymoon suites.

It also has 24 hour access to restaurants and eateries, four interconnecting swimming pools, a full programme of evening entertainment and a wide choice of water sports.

6. Sarova White sands

This hotel is located north of Mombasa and has 340-rooms and has fine white sandy beaches of the northern coast.

The hotel is famous for Lido Grill which serves sizzling steaks and freshly caught seafood. The 24 hour Minazi caf? is a bistro-style eatery with some of the best pizzas on the coast. The pavilions restaurant offers buffet-style dining with culinary themes from around the world.

7. Mombasa Beach Hotel Located on a cliff top, the Mombasa Beach Hotel has splendid views of the Indian Ocean. It has vast tropical gardens and ensures tranquility and privacy for guests.

The hotel has 150 air conditioned rooms. The hotel also has fine food and refreshments and five restaurants complimented with three bars. Other amenities include a comfortable Mombasa lounge and a 200 seater conference facility.

8. Indian Ocean Beach Club The club is set on the white sandy Diani beach with its warm blue waters.

The main building is designed in grand Moorish-style and consists of 100 palm fronds-roofed chalets, club rooms and beach front rooms with private bathrooms. The chalets are air conditioned, provided with ceiling fans, minibar and telephones.

They have 3 restaurants including one dhow shaped and captivating Bahari cove moored on the southern side of hotel facing the full moon or the magical African sky.

The club has a large free form swimming pool with other smaller ones scattered around the property. All kinds of water sports are arranged including deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and canoeing. They also have 2 flood lit tennis courts, volley ball, croquet, boules, bird-watching and jogging trail. Daily entertainment in the form of live band, cabaret shows or traditional dances and live music in sultan?s lounge.

9. The Alliance Hotels & Resorts

The Alliance consists of three coastal hotels all next to each other; they are the Alliance Safari Beach, the Alliance Jadini Beach and the Alliance Africana Sea lodge.

The safari beach offers luxurious two-storey coastal cottage-style accommodation and also features a circular shaped restaurant called the village. The hotel has the famous beachcombers? brasserie, ice cream and juice bars for the midday sun.

The Jadini beach the Boriti bar and main restaurant are built over the beach for that exquisite view. All rooms are air conditioned with en-suite bathroom, TV and radio, telephone and minibar. The African a sea lodge is built in a traditional style and is an all inclusive resort.

10. Woburn Residence Club

The Woburn is for those in need of exclusivity. Located near the coastal town of Malindi it offers spacious accommodation in a homely environment. The apartments include executive suites and luxury bedrooms available for daily or long lease vacation rental.

The Woburn has 18 three-bedroom apartments, nine one bedroom apartments and 14 hotel rooms and suites. All apartments have well furnished sitting and dining areas plus a separate kitchen with electric cookers and fridge.

Also included is a three tier swimming pool, shady Jacuzzi, lush tropical gardens and an elegant dining area and bar. The Woburn is attractive and convenient for either long stay or short holiday for those that want to escape crowded hotel settings.

11. The turtle bay beach Club

The beach club is located in Watamu, 25km south of Malindi town and is an all inclusive holiday facility.

The beach club has 145 rooms as ensuite, club rooms, and cottage-style and ocean front rooms. There is a main dining room serving wholesome breakfasts and buffet-lunches and dinner. A poolside snack bar and the pizza garden are places worth your visit.

The hotel has the added advantage of being located dead centre in the Malindi National Marine Park. It therefore offers easily accessible snorkeling, scuba diving, coral garden boating. Other activities on offer include, bird-watching, horse riding and visits to the Gede ruins. There is always some one on hand to look after the children.

Robert is a tour consultant and co-owner of Landmark Safaris Ltd in Kenya. Visit us http://www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/beach.php to tailor your own beach vacation or grab your more info here http://www.eastafricasafari.blogspot.com

Eating Out In Paris Restaurants

French food is famous all over the world and France has a rich history of fine cuisine that is taken very seriously, with Paris restaurants serving some of the finest food in the world.

There are thousands of different Paris restaurants and cafes and these will range from the small a bistro to haute cuisine, but the quality of food will be a delight to all, no matter how big or small your budget is.

Choosing a restaurant in Paris can give you a real headache, as there are so many different types of cuisine to choose from, and you will be really spoilt for choice deciding where to eat.

But there is something ?to suit everyones palate, so why not try something a little different, like Japanese food in France, or you could opt for numerous other International varieties of cuisine from Mexican, American, Turkish, Italian, Brazilian like the very popular Brasil Tropical that also has a cabaret show, Spanish, Indian, and many more to excite your taste buds!

The finest way of eating in Paris is at a Haute Cuisine restaurant, but you need a good bank balance, as this type of meal has elaborate preparations and presentations of the delicacies in small portions and can be found at some of the best hotels and plush restaurants.

However, most Paris restaurants have a 'Menu du Jour' and this normally means the most reasonably priced meals or set meals, with the food prepared from what is available locally and always changing through the seasons, it is the freshest produce available.

The French loves their sauces and there are many different sorts, and some are regarded as specialities at certain restaurants where they will accompany most food, so if you get a chance, consider trying some of these.

Having breakfast out is more than likely to be at a Patisserie or cafe in Paris where you can get croissants, bread, numerous varieties of cheese and cold meats, plus pastries that are usually accompanied by a cup of strong black coffee, but if you prefer white coffee, then ask for caf? au lait, so that you get milk with it.

Whilst experiencing this fabulous city, you will come across numerous cafes and bistros in Paris that have indoor and outdoor dining, but if you decide to eat on the terrace, there is often an additional charge added to your bill.?

Most of the shops in France close for at least two hours of a lunch time, which is when most of the French have their main meal, but there are now lots of restaurants providing a Brunch type service, so it is great time to re-fuel before continuing your sightseeing.

If you need to have a snack in the afternoon prior to an evening meal, where most restaurants only start serving from 7.30pm onwards, you would need to go to a Brasserie as they are usually open all day and serve the same food, whatever the time.

Having a glass of wine with your meal is like a French tradition and is almost expected in most places, but bear in mind that a table wine in France is not normally a cheap and hopefully cheerful option, like it is in the UK, and you can often purchase more reasonably priced wines from the menu, yet there are also always vintage wines available, so if you know what you like then go for it, ad we are sure that you will experience quality, whatever your wine choice.

But thinking about this, normally wine is paired with your meal, so when dining at a plush restaurant it is customary to order a different wine to accompany each different dish served, so as to truly enjoy the cuisine and not take away from any of the exquisite tastes.?

There are so many different options for a Paris restaurant and a couple of these even have museums such as the Musee du Vin.? Here you learn about wine making, its history and different wines, plus do some wine tasting, then you can even enjoy a fabulous meal with the wine and come away feeling a little more knowledgeable.

But if you are still not sure about where to go for your next evening eating out in Paris, then it may be an idea to pick up Le Carnet Gourmand, which is a free guide to restaurants in Paris that are registered with the Tourism office and has a list of around 200 with the type of cuisine, average costs, and other information such as access for the disabled.? To obtain a copy you would need to go to the Office de Tourisme, but this restaurant guide can also be found in numerous Paris hotels and at the restaurants that are listed.

Yet there is one last point we would like to make and that is the fact that Parisians tend to dress up for an evening meal and many restaurants require a jacket or even dinner attire, so we would recommend that you check what the dress code is when booking, or you may be refused entry!

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

http://www.placesinfrance.com

?

Martyn Davis European Traveller, Author, Photographer and Business Development Manager - http://www.placesinfrance.com/eatinginparisrestaurants.html

San Franciscos Monaco Hotel A Bay City Luxury Retreat

Enter a luxury cruise liner . . . in a major metropolitan area?

Enter a luxury cruise liner . . . in a major metropolitan area?

When you check in at the Hotel Monaco in San Francisco, it's like boarding an intimate cruise ship of the early 1900s and stepping back to the heady days of Hemingway and Christie. Get a good look at the registration desk it's built to look like an ocean steamer trunk.

Then take a quick stroll to the right, past the elevators into the elegant sitting room. Fanciful furnishings, high-backed sofas, and a crackling fire all make for intimate spaces for private conversations. Join your fellow guests in the other sitting room just past the old marble grand staircase for wine and cheese in the afternoons. There you can have your tarot cards read and get a neck and back massage. The decorations evoke the days of elegant travel. The art deco flavor and high ceilings made us feel like we were giant pieces in a grand Monopoly game.

We loved the dcor of our room French, fun, and boy-oh-boy were the fabrics expensive and fine. So nice, in fact, that if you smoke in your room, the hotel charges an extra $250 cleaning charge. Like all San Francisco hotels built at this time, the Hotel Monaco has smaller rooms than you might expect from a modern luxury hotel. But dont be fooled; this room makes the most of the space a period armoir holds the TV and mini-bar, and a huge circular mirror gives the room lots of light.

The foundation of any hotel's success is in their beds . . . really! If you don't get a good night's sleep, how great can a hotel be? You'll find the Hotel Monacos sheets and bedding an inviting way to recover from a day of walking through what locals call The City. Dreamy pillow top covers, down pillows and romantic canopies may make you want to stay in. Luckily, the Grande Caf, attached to the hotel has mouth-watering room service. Be sure to order the omelet and wine, which comes with a small green salad, perfect for the lighter appetite.

The bathroom more than met our needs with Aveda products and Frette bathrobes. There is also complimentary high-speed Internet access, coffee service, newspaper, and all the other goodies you expect from a luxury hotel. Plus one more The Hotel Monaco has teamed up with Yoga Magazine to give you a little workout in your room. Just ring up the front desk, and they will bring you a complimentary yoga package with a yoga mat, strap, block, and instructions. You do the workout with an instructor on the TV.

PETS ARE WELCOME

Although we left our pets at home, the Hotel Monaco can take care of your four-legged friends in style, taking the term pet-friendly to a new level. The Bone-A-Petit package features bottled water, a dog bowl, Good Dog towels, top quality chew toys, gourmet dog cookies, Hotel Monaco's temporary dog tags, and clean up bags. You can also request Lassie, Babe, and Dr. Doolittle videos from their front desk. We didnt get a chance to see if they offered doggie yoga.

Additionally, the hotel offers Guppy Love, a complimentary goldfish along with fish toys to keep you company during your stay. The housekeeping staff feeds and takes care of the goldfish - all you need to do is enjoy.

HEART OF THE THEATER DISTRICT

The Hotel Monaco sits in the heart of the theater district on Geary Street, just off the famous Union Square. From the hotel, you can walk in just minutes to all of San Francisco's most famous theaters: Orpheum Theater (which is currently showing The Lion King, the American Conservatory Theater, Curran Theater (where Phatom of the Opera played to packed houses for years), Post Street Theatre, Theatre on the Square, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

DINING IN PLEASURE

When we told a friend, who is a wine collector and hedonist extraordinaire, that we were staying at the Hotel Monaco, he asked excitedly, You're eating at the Grand Caf then, right? I'll join you. The restaurant is connected to the hotel by a large, ornate doorway, but the businesses are two different entities. The Grande Caf bills itself as a FrenchCalifornia brasserie featuring contemporary French cuisine influenced by earthy seasonal flavors and wonderful local ingredients. The menu's diverse array of fresh seafood, roasted meats, and theatrical desserts satisfies

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cymber Quinn, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

Middlesbrough City guide including Middlesbrough Hotels

Middlesbrough is situated on the south bank of the River Tees. It has a
long industrial heritage with the coal and iron industries using the
river to transport materials, and the shipyards based on the River
Tees. The factories and processing plants are still there today. It
also has four shopping centres and all the facilities you would expect
with a population of about 200,000.


Places of interest:


Middlesbrough is famous for being the birth place of Captain Cook and
celebrates this with an award winning museum. Other museums relating to
Middlesbrough's history sit comfortably alongside art galleries and the
unique Nature's World to give visitors a wide selection of places to
visit. There is also the Middlesbrough Theatre, an Art Gallery, and a
multiplex cinema at Teeside Park.

Nature's World is a unique visitor attraction, extending to over 25
acres, provides a model for a balanced and sustainable future.
Attractions include a traditional composting and organic gardens, a
400m long working River Tees model and a futuristic eco-structure and
hydroponicum.

Captain Cook's Birthplace Museum is close to where he was born in
1728. It is an award winning museum showing the life of Captain James
Cook and his voyages of discovery. It also houses interactive displays
and exciting audio-visual presentations, hands-on experiences,
exhibition area, café and gift shop.

Transporter Bridge Visitor Centre shows Middlesbrough's Industrial
Heritage and the history of this unique bridge. The bridge, opened in
1911, has a middle that acts as a ferry across the Tees.

Dorman Museum is a refurbished museum displaying the history of
Middlesbrough from the 19th century, a collection of Middlesbrough and
Linthorpe pottery, exhibitions, discovery centre, and cafe.

Middlesbrough Art Gallery combines an art gallery with exhibitions
by local artists.

Things to do:


Middlesbrough offers an exciting choice of activities for visitors on
day trips or short breaks. Fast gaining a reputation for innovation -
it is witnessing a retail explosion with a myriad of designer shopping
and fashionable boutiques, as well as retaining the traditional English
high street names. In 2005 the town hosted numerous major exciting
events - from the multi cultural Mela to the world renowned Tall Ships
race.

During the day, Middlesbrough is alive with activity. From the wide
open walkways of our four shopping malls to the more traditional shop
fronts of Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough blends familiar high street
names with the excitement of designer labels and the tradition of
covered markets.

The Captain Cook country tour takes in the magnificent scenery of
the North Yorkshire moors and coastline, Middlesbrough being the first
port of call in this 70 mile tour.

Premiership Middlesbrough Football Club offers regular action at
the Riverside stadium to lovers of the beautiful game. Die hard fans
can get a glimpse behind the scenes on a stadium tour.

Newham Grange Leisure Farm visitor centre tells the story of the
farm from the 17th century to the present day. The farm also has a 19th
century veterinary surgery which gives the visitor an opportunity to
see some of the medicines and equipment used in the 1890s.

Food & Drink:


Middlesbrough's restaurants feel passionate about quality food and
service. Equipped with most of the essential cuisines to titillate any
taste bud, the area continues to evolve in culinary terms thus
developing into a real multicultural centre for food. A host of pubs in
and around the town centre do a great line in food and drink, and many
now put on their own entertainment as well.

Etsuko Japanese and Oriental Restaurant is unique to Middlesbrough,
serving a vast choice of freshly cooked oriental dishes. It has a semi
open kitchen that adds to the overall contemporary feel of the
restaurant, where the layout lends itself to a very sociable and
distinctly oriental dining experience and atmosphere.

La Terrasse restaurant has a Parisian theme, with an emphasis on
quality seafood dishes. The restaurant has an award for the quality and
standard of cuisine and service. The cosmopolitan style brasserie
serves tempting traditional food with a local perspective alongside the
ever-popular carvery.

The White Room exudes a calming and relaxing atmosphere - the
perfect conditions for an enjoyable meal for two or for a special group
occasion. The spacious and unusually designed room is the ideal place
to enjoy a glass of wine and fine food.

Hardwick's is open for Sunday lunch and the weekly menu changes
every three weeks, giving diners a wide variety of choice. Dedicated to
Gentleman George Hardwick, ex-Middlesbrough FC player, this restaurant
is adorned with photographs of George in his playing days.

Nando's prides itself on excellent value for money and traditional
Portuguese hospitality. The speciality is the succulent, Portuguese
flame grilled, Peri- Peri chicken served in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Hotels & Accommodation:


Middlesbrough offers a range of visitor accommodation to suit all
tastes and budgets. Available accommodation ranges from three and four
star hotels to cosy guest houses and bed & breakfasts.

Hotel Baltimore

Wainstones Hotel

Highfield Hotel

Thistle Middlesbrough

Entertainment


The town has a range of entertainment venues and attractions to suit
all tastes and interests. In Middlesbrough you can choose from more
than 20 cinema screens, a leading provincial theatre and sophisticated
restaurants offering a mouth-watering variety of cuisine. There's
plenty of other activities to choose from - bowling to bingo, classical
concerts to disco.

Middlesbrough Theatre, formerly called Middlesbrough Little
Theatre, puts on shows of all genres for all generations performed by
local and touring casts.

The Purple Onion is the top venue in the Tees Valley, combining
superb food in the restaurant with Jazz, Blues and Disco in The Cellar
for people of all ages.

Sassari Continental Cafe Restaurant is open all day specialising in
authentic Italian food using only the best fresh ingredients and in the
evening the upstairs function room hosts theme nights, DJ nights &
live bands.

A multiplex cinema at Teeside Park offers a selection of the latest
films.

With a huge selection of places to stay, things to do and excellent
restaurants and bistros - Middlesbrough is a great choice for a short
break!


This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and
this resource box accompanies the article, together with working
hyperlinks.

Biography


Name: Maria Williams

Website: http://www.sleepuk.com
Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK
- providers of cheap uk hotels.
About the Author

Biography

Name: Maria Williams

Website: http://www.sleepuk.com

Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK
providers of discounted uk hotels

Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas, the new mega resort. Steve Wynn originally named the resort Le Reve after the renowned painting by Picasso that he owns, but he then decided it was not nearly as exciting as the name Wynn Las Vegas. Think of the implications - you can win Las Vegas at WYNN!

Wynn Las Vegas, the new mega resort. Steve Wynn originally named the resort Le Reve after the renowned painting by Picasso that he owns, but he then decided it was not nearly as exciting as the name Wynn Las Vegas. Think of the implications - you can win Las Vegas at WYNN!

Having stayed at The Desert Inn many times in the past I know that I'm excited about Wynn Las Vegas being on the site of the old Desert Inn, their will be ghosts I'm sure. Steve Wynn is such a magician when it comes to bringing the best to Las Vegas, and he's certainly on the site of where the best once was! The Desert Inn built in 1950 was the first hotel or resort to use water features in the desert. They had the original Dancing Waters Show and a fountain at their entrance. The Tournament of Champions (first Las Vegas golf tournament) was broadcast by NBC. It also boasted an observation tower, The Skyroom, the new Strip's best views. You would overlook Sunrise Mountain and the twinkling lights that were beginning to show on the desert floor, but Wilbur Clark with all his imagination could not envision this bronzed glass spectacle that is Wynn Las Vegas.

Everyone in the travel industry is certainly excited to stay and enjoy this new thrill, several years in the making. I watched the cranes and the earth being moved around and am now ready to experience the phoenix rising from the ashes. The water-themed $1.85 billion megaresort has 42-story hotel tower, a three-acre man-made lake, Wynn's private art collection in an on-site museum, golf course and several private gambling areas.

Wynn megaresort has 2,701 rooms, an average esort room is 640 square feet, with special bedding, a sitting area with couch and ottoman, floor to ceiling windows with views of Las Vegas skyline and electronic controls to control the window treatments to shut-out or bring-in the views. The price tag for middle of the week is around $249.00, not exorbitant for the luxury you will enjoy. There is also a selection of suites, including a Tower Suite, Salon, Parlor or Executive Suite. All with the appropriate amenities...and even though the accommodations are out of this world, you'll be spending more time doing other things.

If you want to shop till you drop, you can break the bank in the shops just as easily as at the casino. Just one item from each shop could do it. A bracelet from Cartier, shoes from Manolo Blahnik, a cute little purse from Judith Lieber. Don't forget Gizmos, where you can buy a wild toy for your boy! Pick up some Estee Lauder sunscreen, a silk shirt at Brioni for the man in your life, a watch at Wynn & Co., so you know when it's time to eat, a fancy pen to sign your checks or new sunglasses at W. Ink. A classy jacket from Chanel, some designer fragrance from John Paul Gaultier, an exciting outfit to lounge around the pool from Oscar de la Renta and you're all set to stay at Wynn Las Vegas for another couple of days...oh oh, we forgot to mention you can pick up a gull-wing Ferrari at Penske-Wynn showroom to drive home.

You can take a day to relax in the sumptuous spa, get a facial, body treatments (my personal favorite, Fresh Brown Sugar Body Treatment) what a way to get a sugar shock...and it wont go to the hips either. Massage, try a Good Luck Ritual a fung shui experience based on health, wealth, prosperity, happiness and harmony, how can you miss with this under your belt or on your body or where ever. You might need a special foot treatment after all the shopping; the spa can take care of this as well!

If you plan to play golf, be prepared to experience one of the greatest golf courses in the world, with elevation changes not seen in anywhere else in Vegas. Designed by Tom Fazio along with Steve Wynn, you find 18 holes to take your breath away. Eleven water holes, with a waterfall on 18, 2 marshland areas that use underground water, Pennlinks Bentgrass greens and the best part of all, many old trees, some over 50 years old, that were salvages from the old Desert Inn golf course and replanted to once overlook play on the course...and all of this right our side your hotel room! To play this 7,042 yard, par 70 course, you must be a guest at Wynn Las Vegas.

After doing all this shopping and putting or gambling which is really what Vegas is all about, you'll be ready for dinner and a show. Remember the name Le Reve, it now is the name of a water show extravaganza, directed by Franco Dragone, a show like no other, which truly refects on it's name The Dream, theater in the round, so no seat is more than 40 feet away from the action. You merge with the actors in this one.

Food, an assortment of restaurants to keep you busy for a week at least. Red 8 for Hong Kong dim sum and barbecue. SW Steakhouse, good old American steak with flavors of Alsace, does this mean the best entrecote you ever ate. Okada, where you will enjoy authentic robata cooking and shushi prepared by Chef Takashi Yagahaski, voted Best New Chef by Food & Wine. Alex with flavors of the Riviera, this one gets 2 Mobil 5 Star awards and the AAA 5 Diamond designation. Corsa Cucina, a delightful cafe and excellent selection of wood-fired pizzas. Tableau with fine American cuisine open for dinner to all guests, breakfast and loch for Tower Suite guests only. Another winner is Daniel Boulurd Brasserie, James Beard award, Four AAA 5 Diamond awards, and three Mobil 5 Star awards. Bartolotta Ristorante de Mare, fresh fish flown in daily plus excellent pasta dishes and enjoy Jimmy Sneed's over at the Country Club.

The casino offers every table game including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, and all your favorite poker games, including Let-It-Ride, over 1900 slots and the most exciting a chance to win megabucks jackpot for 1 cent. This is Steve Wynn's brainchild a $10,000,000.00 penny slot machine. Watch out for the stampede to Wynn Las Vegas.

I do hope you enjoyed these observations on the new Wynn Las Vegas, and if you liked what you read here, wait until you jump over to my website www.lasvegas-wow.com. You'll love it for the bargains you'll find for your next trip to Las Vegas, including discount hotel rooms and discount show tickets. Thanks for reading.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
An artist, a writer and world travler, devotes many hours to authoring and maintaining major travel web sites. Publishes many articles on travel spots around the world. You'll find this and much more Las Vegas Information at www.lasvegas-wow.com

Huddersfield A Concise Tourist Guide

The town of Huddersfield lies among hills, moorland and 300 million year old river valleys carved out by ancient tropical river deltas and glaciers. The steep green uplands skirting it to the South continue further on to become the Peak District while the coal rich land to the East tilts gently away towards the sea. Much of the land around Huddersfield rises to between 200 and 400m above mean sea level and the hills around the Holme Valley to the South and West of Huddersfield are among the prettiest to be seen in England.

Huddersfield is situated equidistantly between the cities of Manchester to the West, Leeds to the North and Sheffield to the South and is easily accessible from the M62 or the M1 motorways making it a great strategic stopover. However, the town and surrounding area has much to recommend it and is well worth a few days exploration.

History
Huddersfield gets a mention in the Doomsday book (Oderesfelt). Before the Norman invasion it was a small Saxon market town and the area is thought to have been continuously settled for at least 4,000 years. One place to view the full story of Huddersfield?s evolution from the Neolithic to the modern past is at the Tolson Museum just outside the town centre.

At Almondbury, a mile to the South East of the town are situated the remains of one of England?s most important Iron Age settlements, sharing a hill with the town?s most recognisable landmark, the Victoria Tower at Castle Hill - built to mark the late queen?s 60th year of ascendancy. The hill is an important historical focus for Huddersfield. The Saxons had a royal court in Almondbury and in the reign of King Stephen a castle was built there (hence Castle Hill) but this was demolished in the 14th century. The hill has the status of Scheduled Ancient Monument and from its summit can be gained fine views of the surrounding countryside.

Architecture
Huddersfield is famous for both the number and quality of its listed buildings and has some truly outstanding examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture. Its railway fa?ade has been described by architectural historian Nicolas Pevsner as ?the best neoclassical station fa?ade in Europe?. At Horbury, some 9 miles outside Huddersfield lies the 18th century church of St Peter and St Leonard ? recognised as being the finest Georgian church in West Yorkshire.

Even some of the town?s more modern and controversial buildings have their fans: Adrian Evans, Architect and lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University believes the modern Market Hall, built in the late 1960?s, to be at least as significant architecturally as the station. Be warned though, others have called it plain, shabby and unexciting.

Industrial Heritage
The industrial revolution initiated Huddersfield?s transformation into a textile powerhouse, and that Georgian and Victorian legacy is still very evident today in the buildings, canals and old workings that make the town such a valuable historical resource. The Colne Valley Museum in Golcar, just outside Huddersfield is worth a visit to get a flavour of what life was like in the early Victorian, industrial heartlands of Northern Britain.

One industrial heritage must-see during your stay in Huddersfield is the 18/19th century Standedge canal tunnel near Marsden, some 7 miles outside the town centre. This tunnel, completed by Thomas Telford in 1811, is the highest (645 feet above sea level), deepest (638 feet under the surface) and longest (three and a quarter miles) canal tunnel in the country. It took 16 years to build, claiming many lives in the process. There is a full visitor centre there and from April to October you can experience the tunnel for yourself in a glass topped boat. The tunnel was reopened in 2001 after 50 years of neglect.

At Overton, some 7 miles outside Huddersfield, you can visit the National Coal Mining Museum, built around the former Caphouse Colliery which closed in 1985 and was superbly restored with heritage funding. There you can descend 450 feet into a real mine or discover the restored mining buildings, and the museum proper. The National Coal Mining museum will give you a real insight into Britain?s recent industrial heritage and the working lives of those who mined for coal here.

The Holme Valley
Some 6 miles South of the centre lies Holmfirth, the picturesque heart of the Holme Valley and stunning backdrop to the much loved television series ?Last of the Summer Wine?. The BBC still films the series around the town and tour buses running out of Holmfirth can take you on an intimate journey around some of the best known locations from the series.

From Holmfirth and surrounding villages you can walk out onto the Moors or traverse the many trails that criss cross the area. Huddersfield is a veritable Mecca for walkers.

Country Parks and Houses
For those who prefer the relaxation offered by country parks and houses, the area around Huddersfield has an abundance. Try the 16th century Oakwell Hall and its 100 acre country park at Birstall, some 8 miles outside the town and a favourite haunt of Charlotte Bronte; or Longley Old Hall near the town centre, an architectural treasure trove of 14th century origins and later Elizabethan addtions.

How about another of Charlotte Bronte?s favourite places ? the Red House at Gomersal, some 7 miles from Huddersfield; or the ancient Shibden Hall and its 90 acre park near Halifax built in the early 15th century and featuring rooms furnished from the 17th to 19th centuries. Other places guaranteed to excite you are the Georgian Cannon Hall & Country Park at Cawthorne featuring fantastic 18th century walled gardens, a museum and a wonderful farm where you are free to feed the many animals; and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and visitor centre in West Bretton with 500 acres of lush parkland featuring figures by Henry Moore, Anthony Gormley and others.

Nights Out
For nights out in Huddersfield, how about the modern Lawrence Batley Theatre in Queens Square or the Cragrats Theatre in Holmfirth. Near the home of Huddersfield football and rugby teams, the Galpharm Stadium, you can find a multiplex cinema and ten pin bowling alley.

If clubbing is your scene then check out the many great clubs in Huddersfield including the Camel Club, Tokyo, Livingstones and Billie Rox.

Dining Out
There are many places to go for a fine dining experience in Huddersfield and the surrounding area. Try the contemporary Vanilla V1 Restaurant in Lindley or the CragRats Brasserie in Holmfirth. Book in advance for a treat at the Three Acres at Roydhouse near Shelley or try the wonderful Olive Branch in Marsden. How about the award winning Weavers Shed in Golcar? For great Yorkshire food you might also visit the Woodman Inn at Thunderbridge. However, don?t stop there, in Huddersfield town there are many other restaurants and bars to choose from. Those mentioned are just some of the best.

Whatever you decide to do in Huddersfield you?ll be glad you came.

About the Author:

Paul Theato runs and manages The Business Directory for HuddersfieldHuddersfield Huddersfield Business Directory

The Best Indian Restaurant In London

The Best Indian Restaurant in London is easily The Bombay Brasserie in South Kensington and it is in it's own class. It belongs to the 5 Star Hotel Chain called The Taj Group, which is owned by India's largest and oldest vehicle manufacturer - TATA.

The Best Indian Restaurant in London is easily The Bombay Brasserie in South Kensington and it is in it's own class.

It belongs to the 5 Star Hotel Chain called The Taj Group, which is owned by India's largest and oldest vehicle manufacturer - TATA.

Tata who also recently bought the Jaguar car company opened The Bombay Brasserie in 1982 - which is also by pure coincidence the year that I got married Alas !

This restaurant is extremely popular with Indian and English Clients and the Eat As Much Gourmet Food As You Like Sunday Lunch is only ?20, which is a bargain by all counts for a 5-Course Deluxe Meal.

There is a soup as an aperitif, this I usually miss, so that I have plenty of room in my belly for the rest of the scrumptious delights.

To begin with there is a huge range of starters, too many to put here, but the Pani Puri deserves a mention as it is Pure Traditional Indian Food and not available elsewhere in the UK.

A good selection of Fish, Fowl, Meat and Vegetarian Main Course Dishes ensue with rice and Freshly Baked Bread.

Then there are usually three or four sweet dishes, if you still have space you may follow with Western Coffee or Indian Tea to round off your Perfect Indian Meal.

Now that's not bad for ?20 you must admit.

Furthermore you get the nice sedate atmosphere, that only a quality restaurant can give you and the ambience has always been great on the many times that I have been there in the last twenty plus years.

It's a Good Choice whoever you are trying to impress and the Service is more than acceptable, though I would not shout about it - deliberately understated I think.

You may be interested in reading what the London Evening Standard has to say about my favourite Indian Restaurant.

It's Top Food Critic wrote the following:

Back in 1982, The Bombay Brasserie brought with it a sweep of grandeur and an intelligible interpretation of the regionality of Indian cooking and at a stroke altered the preconceptions of a cuisine that had long been immured in yards of flock wallpaper and all purpose sauces.

Well if you are convinced, then pick up your telephone, and give them a call now - and find out what you have been missing for all this time, or you will never know, will you ?

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Dev Patel, besides eating Gourmet Food also does VIP Limo Hire Surrey rentals and for your Limousine Hire Surrey quotation please visit his site http://www.abfablimos.co.uk

Three Amazing Things To Do In London!

A review of three fascinating attractions in London which offer more than the usual visitor experience!

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre was founded by the late Sam Wanamaker. Its objective is to help everyone to understand Shakespeare's work and gain an appreciation of the theatre for which he reputedly wrote his plays.

The first part of this tri-part venture is the Globe Theatre itself; no amateur theatre, this, boasting a full professional theatre company which puts on an entertaining season of plays each year. The second part is the Globe Education Trust, which helps students of all ages to understand Shakespeare's work as it relates to performance and the stage. And the third part is Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition, the most comprehensive exhibition in the world about William Shakespeare and his contemporaries. More than 700,000 children, women and men enjoy all these facilities each year - and no wonder, for the Globe is located on a first class site, on the south bank of the River Thames, looking across to St Paul's Cathedral.

A tour of the Shakespeare Exhibition includes a fascinating guided tour of the rebuilt theatre. As tours depart every 15-30 minutes, you don't even need to book (though groups will get a reduced rate if they notify the theatre in advance of their visit). If there's a performance going on, you'll visit Bankside's first theatre, the Rose, instead.

The Shakespeare exhibition provides a lot of active displays and live demonstrations, which are great for kids. These include costume dressings, amazing performances by musicians, mock sword-fights and many more besides.....when you've seen enough, you can buy a souvenir at the Globe shop and refresh your body at the Bar and Brasserie. You can find Shakespeare's Globe at 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT Phone: 020 7902 1400

Have you ever thought about how London is protected from rising tides? If left exposed, surge tides and winds would put over a quarter of a million people at risk of flooding. And a disastrous flood in the early fifties killed more than 300 people and devastated parts of Canvey Island. It was in response to this sad event that the Thames barrier was designed and built.

Finally opened in 1984, the Thames barrier is made up of nine reinforced concrete piers and ten metal, movable gates that span the entire river, a distance of 520 metres from one side to the other. When advance warning of a high tidal surge is received, the steel gates are raised to seal off the upper part of the Thames from the sea.

This amazing feat of engineering is well worth a visit, especially now that walkways and exciting amenity areas have been developed near the barrier. You can even enjoy a working model of the barrier and an audio-visual exhibition on the history and operation of this astonishing flood defence system. You'll also be able to learn about the wildlife in the ever-developing environment of the River Thames. If you need refreshments, there's a super cafe; and there's a picnic and play area for the little ones. For school parties, the Thames Barrier Learning Centre offers an educational centre that also has a whole variety of etertaining activities with an appropriately aware environmental theme. The Thames Barrier Information and Learning Centre is located at 1 Unity Way, Woolwich, SE18 5NJ Phone: 020 8305 4188

For football fans, what could be more interesting than a visit to Chelsea FC's Centenary Museum, a highly entertaining tribute to the first hundred years of the famous club based at Stamford Bridge? With a history as diverse and fascinating as Chelsea's, there's a host of material to look at and enjoy. What's more, entrance to the museum is through a mock-up of a cobbled London street typical of the kind which surrounded this part of London when Chelsea FC was originally formed in 1905.

The opening section of the museum is called The Champions Room and celebrates the title winning side of 2004-5. There are flat screen televisions showing highlights of this enormously successful season, exhibitions marking the club's trophy successes over the past hundred years, the centenary tribute, and various photo opportunities. As you walk through the decades of the club's history, you'll see exciting images and displays of the club's performance at Chelsea and historical events which happened in London.

The first half of Chelsea's century exhibition includes exhibits on the club's development, the visit of King George V and the so-called Khaki Cup Final. Of course, like all clubs, Chelsea went through highs and lows, in the 1970s and 1980s, and these are covered, with additional focus on the Chelsea of today. The museum features many interesting objects and memorabilia, including Seamus O'Connell's England caps and medals. And with items being added all the time, the displays are ever-changing.

If you take the tour, you'll also have the chance to see the changing rooms and press room, sit in the dugout, walk up the players' pitch tunnel, and enjoy a photo opportunity with the shirt of your favourite player. There are many fascinating facts to learn about the pitch, security and players' pre-match rituals.

Besides the standard tour, if you're a really keen fan, you can enjoy a luxury break with the Ultimate Chelsea FC Experience, which includes overnight accommodation. The exhibition is closed home football match days or on the day before a Champion's League football game. Chelsea Football Club, Fulham Road, SW6 1HS Phone: 0871 984 1905

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Discover more about London's fascinating attractions and best accommodation options at the London Visitor Guide

Food And Drink Specialities Of Brussels What To Eat and Drink During Your Stay In Brussels

You could be forgiven for wanting to visit Brussels for the eating choices alone. The city centre has a sprawling medley of restaurants serving up fine cuisines and ales and no trip to Brussels is complete without visiting a speciality Belgian Chocolate Shoppe and stocking up on sweet treats for the journey home.

Food & Restaurants In Brussels

From the traditional Belgian & French fare in and around Grand Place to the more exotic ethnic options such as the enjoyable Italian fare offered by the string of restaurants in ?Little Italy? (along rue Franklin), Brussels is choc-a-bloc with engaging dining opportunities.

Of course, we all know that Belgium is associated with Moules (mussels) et Frites (Chips) but it?s also regarded for a number of additional dishes that have been shaped by a variety of influences including the French, Spanish and Dutch who all ruled over the land at some point in History. In fact Belgians culinary history can be traced back to the middle ages.

You can enjoy starters such as Croquettes aux Crevettes Grises (shrimp) and Fondues au Fromage (a type of cheesy croquette). A speciality Belgian bread that is sweet is Choesels and Ardennes pate is a pate comprised largely of pork and garlic. Then there are main dishes such as Filet American (served minced and raw mixed with onions and several spices). The Belgians do enjoy their red meat and it can form the basis of many a meal. Ragout d?agneau is a braised lamb dish that?s marinated with herbs. Pheasant and rabbit are also used in some speciality dishes like Faisan a la Brabanconne and Lapin dishes.

Anguilles au vert is an eel based soup and Andouillette a type of sausage.

You may expect to see Brussels Sprouts somewhere ? and you would be right (Choux de Bruxelles). Chicory is one of the most used vegetables in Belgian cuisine, featuring in foods such as Witloof where it?s wrapped in cheese and ham.

You can round things up with Damme Blanche ? vanilla ice cream served with a thick chocolate sauce. Or opt for other sweet delights like Profiteroles or Tarte tartin (apple pie served with cream).

There?s no shortage of quality restaurants in Brussels ? you can feast on fresh fish in the Lower Town, enjoy dinner at any one of the high-class offerings along rue Antoine Dansaert ? in fact you can venture to practically any part of the city and be within five minutes of a good place to eat.

For Tradional Belgian Food?

For pleasant food at reasonable prices, Chez Leon in Grand Place delivers ? As you may expect it offers the Moules et Frites type menu and children under the age of 12 eat free.

Similarly, Chez Patric (Rue des Chapeliers) is popular with the tourists who want to sample traditional Belgian fare as is Brasserie de la Roue d?Or which is on the same street. La Rose Blanche (Grand Place) is known for its stews or you can opt for La Brouette for grander Belgian fare.

Italian

Noted for its warm atmosphere and exquisite food, A?mbriana (Rue Edith Cavell) serves up quality Italian fare are reasonable prices. Nearer to Grand Place is Rugantino and Senso (rue Franklin) offers well presented food but is somewhat on the pricey side. Also along Franklin are Pappa e Citti and Napoli.

Asian

While Brussels has a fairly high number of Chinese & Vietnamese restaurants, Indian fare is not as widely available and one of the best options is La Porte des Indes Avenue Louise).

La Cantonnaise (rue Tenbosch) and Hong Hoa (rue du Pont la Carpe) are among the favoured Chinese options while La Citronnelle is an interesting Vietnamese restaurant along Chaussee de Wavre.

Spanish

Tapas Locas (Grand Place) draws in a younger crowd and tends to be pretty good, cheap fare and Casa Manuel (also in Grand Place) is also a nice place which serves Portugese fare as well as Spanish.

Other International Restaurants

Le Forcado (Chaussee de Charleroi) is one of the few pure Portugese restaurants in Brussels. Along Rue des Grands-Carmes is Canita Cubana, which as you might suspect offers a wide range of Cuban cuisine. In the mood for African? Try Gri Gri located on Rue Basse.

Beers In Belgium

Belgium is the beer producing capital of the world, and offers a variety of hundreds of different beers. In fact, bars in Belgium often have a separate menu just for their beers. Depending on who you talk to, Belgium produces anywhere between 400 to 750 different varieties of beer.

Brussels also hosts the ?Beer Weekend? which is on for three days every September. With reasonable beer prices and free entry, this is a must for beer lovers everywhere.

Some of the different types of beers include:

Blanche Beers ? The most prolific blanche is Hoegaarden, which aside from being light in colour have a distinct citrus flavour and have a low alcohol content.

Trappist Beers ? such as Chimay go back to the Middle Ages and are strong, yeasty beers with up to 11% alcohol.

Lambic Beers ? are the most common in Brussels. Non-malted wheat beers, Lambics have around 5% alcohol strength. A derivative of Lambics are Gueuze beers which are a blend of Lambic beers. You?ll also come over Kriek beers which are Lambics that have a fruity flavour (very popular in summer).

If you?re really into your beer then consider a visit to Musee Bruxellois De La Gueuze ? one of the best breweries in Belgium. Here you can take a tour of the beer production process (and taste a pint or two on the way).

It?s not just the staggering variety and flavours of beers that?s interesting in Brussels ? equally, the ambience where you can enjoy your liquid nectar can and should be part of the whole Brussels experience. Having your pint in an old brown caf? or within one of the many historic Art Nouveau buildings is simply a joy to experience.

About the Author:

Brussels Top Free Travel Guide. Discover The Best Places To Visit On Your Brussels Holiday, Find Great Bargain Hotels & Deals & Save Money On Restaurants & Attractions.
Brussels Travel Guide - Bargain Brussels Travel Deals

Who Survived the Seventies?

It?s interesting to see what happened to the people I used to gossip about in the late Seventies. The late Zanzibar, a private membership bar in Covent Garden was always filled with famous people. In one evening alone, the following people were having a drink there, and most of them have since died or are living in obscurity. Francis Bacon, the painter and his friend Thea Porter, the dress designer who created the rich hippy look are both dead. Bobby Moore, the footballer and captain of the England football team when they won the 1966 World Cup, ?dribbled out of Zanzibar with two blondes, one of whom tried to steal the visitor?s sign-in book? has since died of cancer.

Tina Chow, the beautiful, then wife of Michael Chow the restaurateur who wafted around in Fortuny gowns later died of AIDS after trying to cure herself with crystals. Patrick Litchfield, the royal photographer, then happily married to Lady Victoria Waymouth, recently died after having a stroke. Angelica Houston used to live with Jack Nicholson, but is now married to a sculptor called Robert Graham and lives in Venice in LA. ?Sex-bomb? Sylvia Krystel, rumoured to be having a fling with actor Ian McShane at the time played the title character in the soft-core film Emmanuelle ? one of the most successful French films ever produced. She recently had cancer and lives a simple life of obscurity in Amsterdam. Phil Lynott was Thin Lizzy?s vocalist and songwriter, but died from heart failure and pneumonia after suffering a heroin overdose in 1986, aged 36. Nigel Dempster used to be a famous print journalist. In the late Seventies, he was the gossip columnist for the Daily Mail. After thirty years in the job, he was retired against his will in 2003 and suffers from Parkinson?s disease. David Hockney had just bought a book out called David Hockney by David Hockney. His boyfriend Peter Schlesinger had just left him for Eric Boman, the photographer. Now, David Hockney is still David Hockney and his recent Portraits exhibition was held at the National Portrait Gallery in the UK, in Boston and in LA. He is officially single.

Celia Birtwell opened her textiles shop in London, and is now a successful fashion designer and textile designer. Her recent collection sold out in 'Top Shop' after ten minutes. Larry Adler, the harmonica player, who insisted on telling dreadful jokes, died in 1987 aged 87. Peter Langan, who co-owned Langan?s Brasserie with Michael Caine in the late Seventies, loved drinking so much that his Harley Street doctor gave him injections enabling him to continue drinking. He died aged 48 in 1988. Germaine Greer used to be a glamour puss but recently appeared as herself in Ricky Gervais? 'Extras.' The fashion designers Ossie Clark and Bill Gibb are both dead. Ossie was murdered by his lover, and Bill Gibb expired from cancer. But, the saddest story of the lot was of Timothy Swallow, a gossip columnist who worked for Nigel Dempster. In the Seventies, he committed suicide in Australia when he was there on holiday. He obviously couldn?t handle the pressure.

Frances Lynn, copyright: 2006

Frances Lynn is a professional writer and journalist. Her two novels, Frantic and Crushed are published by Eiworth Publishing at http://yourbookstore.eiworth.se/ Her personal website is http://www.franceslynn.org

Dining In Cardiff

 



Dining In CardiffSubmitted By: Steve Kevin  

C ardiff is the largest city and capital of Wales. It is a popular vacation spot that is known for its varied culture. Apart from visiting its famous tourist attractions, another way by which you can bask in its culture is by trying out its local menu that will surely be a feast for your senses. The best way to relax and enjoy in Cardiff is to eat in a special place and have a sip of wine or beer. The Welsh, especially the residents of Cardiff, are known for their fine taste in food. Welsh chefs prepare meals with spices and other secret ingredients that make them very sumptious.

If you are in the mood for great food and drinks, then go the Brewery Quarter located in the city center of Cardiff. Here you will find many restaurants that offer both local and international cuisine. However, there are also other restaurants in the other parts of Cardiff that may suit your tastes.

A good example of a restaurant is the Armless Dragon that is located along Wyeverne Road in Cathays. It specializes in Welsh dishes and has a relaxing ambiance. If you are craving for Eastern food, then you may try Bar Oriental. This bar that?s situated in Mermaid Quay is known for its special cocktails. If you want a taste of international cuisine, then you should go to the Bali Restaurant along Caroline Street that offers Singaporean, Malaysian, and Indonesian specialties.

Some restaurants also offer entertainment. The Norwegian Church, which serves Scandinavian dishes, has an art gallery that diners can visit. Another restaurant is The Bayside Brasserie that stages a cooking show through its open kitchen. It also showcases a scenic view of the Cardiff Bay. All of their dishes consist of either seafood or meat, so it not suited for vegans and vegetarians. If you are one, you may opt for the Crumbs Salad Restaurant, whose menu is comprised of different types of salads served in large wooden bowls. Another vegan and vegetarian-friendly place is the Greenhouse Caf?, which uses organic ingredients for its dishes.

If you want a more posh restaurant, then you should visit the Elements Champagne Bar and Restaurant in Harbor Driver. Make sure to book in advance since this place is always full. But if you want simpler and budget-friendly meals such as fish and chips, then visit Harry Ramsdens situated at the heart of Cardiff Bay.

You can choose from different bars in Cardiff if you would like to go out and have a drink instead. The most number of bars and clubs are situated along the Mermaid Quay, St. Mary Street, and Mill Lane. If you want a taste of Cardiff?s most popular beer, go the Cardiff Bay so that you may have a drink of Brains Beer. Some bars that carry popular local beverage are Buff?s Wine Bar, Floyd?s Bar, Lava?s Lounge, The Wharf, and Zync Bar.

Cardiff is a city that boasts not only of great sights, but also of a delectable cuisine. When you visit the city, make sure you go on a food adventure and explore the different bars and restaurants.

About the Author:

Steve is the owner of CardiffHotels.me.uk. For more options please visit: HotelsCardiff.org.uk Hotel-Cardiff-Hotel.co.uk

Article Tags: bar, cardiff, restaurant

Swansea City Guide Including Swansea Hotels

Swansea is located in the heart of Swansea Bay, one of Wales? most beautiful regions, with landscapes incorporating sandy beaches, waterfalls, rolling countryside and deep valleys. Swansea itself is the second largest city in Wales, and a highly popular tourist destination, widely known for providing excellent shopping facilities and plenty of things to do.

Places of interest

Swansea has a diverse array of places to visit. The many attractions found in and around the city are designed to give the tourist and casual visitor a wide range of things to experience ? whether you want to get back to nature and enjoy the picturesque parks, learn more about the region?s history, or simply enjoy some of the city?s exciting culture. A small selection of places to visit includes:

Swansea Bay. This sandy beach stretches out for five full miles and is additionally within walking distance of the city centre. Choose a romantic stroll on the beach, or if you?re feeling adventurous, pick from the rollerblading and cycling activities on offer.

Swansea Museum. Over 160 years old, the museum is home to collections of art, ceramics and Egyptology, whilst the history of the city is presented in a way to engage and entertain every visitor.

The Dylan Thomas Centre. Learn about the famous Welsh poet at this permanent exhibition, which offers a yearly programme of events and a festival every year in the autumn.

Gower Heritage Centre. This rural museum offers something really special ? a working, twelfth century corn and saw mill. There are lots of activities for the kids to take part in, from craft-making and puppet theatres, to animals and play areas.

Plantasia. You?ll discover this gigantic hothouse right in the centre of Swansea ? and be prepared to undertake a voyage of discovery, as you witness exotic flora and fauna in tropical, humid conditions. A perfect place to visit, whatever the weather!

Things to do

When it comes to activities, Swansea has it covered. When you?ve finished shopping ? and with hundreds of shops to browse, it?ll take you a while ? then you can choose from lots of exciting things to do, like the following:

Rainbow Sailing School. Enjoy a taster day and sail around the Gower coast with an experienced guide.

Breakout Adventure. If outdoor adventure?s your thing, then choose from a selection including canoeing, surfing and climbing.

Clyne Gardens. If you have a love for nature then you?ll enjoy the many delights to be found in these beautiful gardens; come and see water features, the bog garden and more.

The Chocolate Factory. This working factory gives visitors a chance to take a tour and see how chocolate is produced, with sampling at every opportunity.

1940?s Swansea Bay. This recreation provides an authentic experience of life during WWII, and brings new meaning to the phrase ?living history?. Take part in an air raid; try living on rations, and more.

Food & Drink

If it?s food and drink you?re after, you?ll find that Swansea offers a selection of choice restaurants and eateries, with something provided for every taste. Both traditional Welsh fare and seafood are specialities, but the city is also home to many restaurants serving international recipes, so you have plenty to choose from. There are also dozens of cafes and takeaways if you?re not looking for the full wining-and-dining experience. Some of the finest eateries include:

Abernethy?s. Located in the Maritime Quarter, this restaurant serves up Welsh dishes as well as international favourites. There?s also a leisure area nearby which enables you to work off your food.

Bizzie Lizzie?s Bistro & Restaurant. If you?re looking for traditional Welsh meals then this is the place to come. There are many specialities and vegetarian dishes to choose from.

Bouchon de Rossi. A restaurant offering plenty of French cuisine, located right in the heart of Swansea?s city centre. Choose from salads, crepes and more.

Eleo?s Brasserie. If you?re a fan of European food then this restaurant is a great place to visit. Spanish and Portuguese meals are made on the spot, and there?s a wide variety of wine to choose from to compliment your meal.

Gallini?s. As a coastal city, Swansea is noted for its fine fish and Gallini?s is the perfect place to sample it. Italian dishes are also available, and the restaurant offers pleasing views of the Marina whilst you eat.

Hotels & Accommodations

Swansea is a popular tourist destination and there are plenty of places where you can find accommodation. Many of the hotels are on the seafront and offer a combination of great prices with friendly atmospheres. Stunning sea views are something you?ll quickly become used to during your stay. Alternatively, if you look a little further inland, you?ll find many unique family-run guesthouses and inns that offer home-cooking and comfortable rooms. Other alternatives include self-catering, including bay apartments; many campsites and caravan parks; hostels and more.

Entertainment

If you want to be entertained during your stay in Swansea, you?ll discover numerous venues all offering a diverse range of entertainments. For instance, the Swansea Grand Theatre regularly offers a programme including ballet, drama, music and opera, as well as something for the kids. If it?s nightlife you?re looking for, then you?re advised to take a trip to the Wind Street area, which is known as the liveliest in the city! Here you?ll discover numerous restaurants, pubs, clubs and bars, and plenty of live entertainment just waiting to be enjoyed.

Swansea is one of those places that people keep coming back to, time after time. The Welsh Tourist Board is keen to attract visitors and has, in recent years, spent ?30 million on developing a new attraction, the National Waterfront Museum. Meanwhile, your visit to the city would be amiss without a trip to the indoor market, where you can choose from fresh fish and local delicacies, as well as purchase all the souvenirs and unique gifts that you could ever want. With stunning scenery and lots of interesting attractions, Swansea is one place you?ll want to discover for yourself.

About the Author:

Biography Name: Maria Williams Website: http://www.sleepuk.com
Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of hotels in Swansea.