Your Guide to the World



So much has been written and published about the Great Wall of China but one thing is certain, if you travel to China without visiting this world renowned landmark, then your trip is incomplete. The history of the great wall is one which is difficult to comprehend, although it is said the construction of the wall began in the warring states period in the early seventh century BC. The Great Wall of China is the one the artificial wonders of the world which symbolizes the greatness of China.

With a functionality of over a thousand years, the great wall was built to protect the villages from the invasion of the northern tribes providing a stable life, culture and government. The history of this wall is what contributed to the growth of China in terms of political, economy, culture and tourism.

The length of the Great wall extends approximately 6700 kilometers across deserts, and plateaus from the border of China to the Hun territories in the north. The beauty of the great wall is such that you cannot appreciate its beauty except you climb it step by step. It is better seen from an aerial perspective if you are on the plane or a helicopter.

In the ancient times, it was called the Wall of ten thousand li (a li is one third of a mile) and its construction started as earth works built for the protection of the different kingdoms. Each kingdom had its own section of wall; like in the east, the wall was built out of stones and bricks, while the section on the western part of China was built with less durable materials. The individual sections of the wall was later renovated and connected to one another during the time of the Qin dynasty (221 – 206 BC) when Emperor Qin recruited peasants, soldiers and farmers to work on the wall. This tradition continued for centuries until each dynasty added to the height, length and design of the wall through forced labor. The wall has now become a major landmark for tourists visiting China.

The Great Wall of China can be climbed from different sections all of which serve different purposes. The four main sections best suited for climbing and sightseeing are the Badaling section, Mutianyu section, Simatai section and the Shixiaguan section.

The great wall at Badaling became a strategic point of the wall since the Warring states period when it was built. Being the very first section of the wall to be opened to tourists, it has recorded a statistics of about 140 million visitors who have climbed successively. This section was built with huge bar stones which weighed hundreds of kilograms with watch towers at every distance. These watch towers were used as the deployment points for the military during the olden days. This section of the wall is very crowded being that it is the most visited section.

The Simatai Great Wall is located in the northeast of Beijing. Its construction started in the Ming dynasty and measures around 5.4 kilometers with 35 watch towers. This section of the wall retained its original feature and has earned the reputation of being the most beautiful section of the wall. Unlike the other sections, Simatai section of the great wall is very quiet and remote and this has challenged many hikers to climb this section in quest of adventure.

The Mutianyu section of the great wall is the most preserved section of the great wall which is very important in Chinese military history. This section has cable cars installed allowing tourists to move from end to the other. It is slightly rugged and full of green plans making it the greenest part of the wall. The Mutianyu section is noted as the essence of the great wall because of the distinct style and construction of this part. Shixiaguan Great Wall is the most part of the great wall to be opened to visitors and still shows the ruins of some of the old construction from the ancient times.

In conclusion, the great of china is definitely a must see on your next trip to china. In order for you to enjoy your tour around the wall, it is advisable to consult the services of a tour operator in China to assist you with the itinerary.

For comments and inquiries about this article, visit Great Wall of China tours.



Rental homes or home for rent will have new flavour both for the property owner and the guest.

The rental market in India is acquiring a new face as the real estate touches unprecedented heights and the demand for A-class accommodation, for instance in Five Star properties falls awfully short.

According to the ministry of tourism figures India has only 110,000 first class hotel rooms where as the demand as of now is more than five times.

Hence, the various international hotel groups including Hilton plan their new businesses in India through setting up a chain of hotels running into as many as 200. Coming to the new rental paradigm that is being laid by the ministry of tourism. The latter has started a scheme whereby anyone who has some spare rooms can book with the ministry for a nominal sum for renting out space to international tourists who would like to stay with Indian families for experiencing their lifestyle and food while they pay far lesser compared to a five star or any star accommodation in a hotel.

The room rents offered are in the range of Rs 1000-4000 a day. The property owner has to organise minimum facilities like furnishing, an air-conditioner, a television, attached toilet with hot and cold water. Providing food from the Indian platter will be payable extra. Other services like laundry, taxi etc too could be provided at cost. In the new scenario of accommodation wanted letting one’s flat or apartment or house may not be as lucrative, and on the contrary it will be quite hassle some given the rental laws being in favour of the tenant and high possibility of losing one’s property to the tenant in the bargain.

“I had three rooms lying vacant and I had no clue what to do with them especially when I did not want to give them away for rent; this opportunity from the ministry of tourism has come about as a windfall; I am able to earn as much as Rs 110,000 a month after having been into it for the last six months now,” says Anupama. Hence rental homes or home for rent will have new flavour both for the property owner and the guest.

Once in a while, you might get the urge to escape from your busy and stressful life and plan on having the perfect getaway with family and friends. Consider a camping or fishing trip in travel trailers - it’s a fun and rewarding recreational activity. Traveling in small trailers is very practical, as it saves you accommodation expenses.

Small travel trailers are designed to be lightweight and usually weigh barely 2,000 pounds and stand at 10-feet long. A small truck or just about any kind of family vehicle can easily tow them. In addition, the aerodynamic design that most of these trailers possess makes them very fuel efficient.

In transportation and temporary living accommodations for travel, recreation, and camping, small travel trailers are the best option to meet the level of comfort and convenience needed by small families or even older couples who are enjoying their retirement. You can still feel as if you are in the comforts of your home; these trailers also come equipped with the necessary amenities such as a small kitchen area, a bathroom, comfortable sleeping and dining areas, and even entertainment facilities.

Though simple and engineered to be lightweight, small trailers are also loaded with cooking facilities as well as a refrigerator, heating, air conditioning, a self-contained toilet, a shower, water tanks, and a separate electrical system. These trailers also feature slide-out rooms so you can enjoy additional space.

Whether for weekend camping trips or a cross-country sojourn, this kind of vehicle will surely go places easily as compared to its larger counterparts, as it can easily travel within tight campsites or constricted pathways.

If you are interested in owning one of these vehicles, you can visit and consult various manufacturers. But if you are not sure whether to opt for the hefty and more luxurious RVs, then you can select a smaller one in a price that won’t disrupt your budget. They come in various styles to suit your taste and lifestyle.



Messinia

Messinia lays on the southern part of mainland Greece, now divided from the mainland by the Corinth Canal. The peninsula hosts some of the most important and impressive ancient sites in Greece. It has a warm winter, it’s not too hot in summer and boasts some of the best and cleanest beaches in the whole of Greece. Even in the height of the summer holiday season there are no more than a handful of people to be seen on them.

The mountain landscape of the Messinian Mani is simple stunning and is dominated by Taygetos, one of the largest mountain ranges in the Peloponnese. Whereas the Messinian peninsular has rolling hills and fertile valleys considered to be the market garden and wine centre of Greece.

It is an ideal place to relax and go for walks. Wander off the beaten track into the old hill towns and discover the true beauty of the region. A world apart from the islands, the beautiful and sparsely populated the Peloponnese is a bastion of disappearing Greek village life. The rural villages in this area are beautifully authentic, traditional and spread out. The local villagers are friendly and welcoming, often plying new tourists with gifts of wine and oranges.

The city of Kalamata with all its facilities nestles at the head of the Messini Bay in between the two peninsulas, thus making it an ideal location for a dream holiday.

Kalamata

The capital and chief port of Messinia, Kalamata is the land of the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief. Of succulent black olives, honeyed figs and the sesame-covered sweet called pastelli. The town is dominated by the 13th century fortress above it built by Geoffrey de Villehardouin. On the north side of the citadel there is a small Byzantine church, dedicated to the Virgin of Kalomata (of the good eye), from which the town may have acquired its name.

From the fortress you can survey the expanse of sea below with its sandy and pebbly shores or turn your gaze upon the deep green plain, the “happy land” of the ancients.

The old city is reaches out underneath the fortress. This is where the Byzantine church of the Virgin Ypapanti and the convent of the Kalograies, where the nuns weave the famous Kalamata silk, are situated.

There are many churches in town, the oldest being the historic church of Agii Apostoli (13th c.), where the Greek Revolution against the Turks was formally declared on March 23, 1821. Kalamata has an archaeological and folklore museum, a fine arts museum and a library containing 60.000 volumes.

Every summer cultural events like concerts and plays put on by the Kalamata theatre are held in the amphitheatre of the fortress. In the evening, the town comes alive, especially along the waterfront which is lined with tavernas, seafood restaurants and rotisseries serving local dishes and drinks, fresh fish, roast suckling pig and chicken, sausages, cheese, olives, retsina and ralki.

Methoni

The small town of Methoni is on the south western tip of the Peloponnese. It is dominated by its impressive fortress stretching into the sea separated from the town by a wide (and now dry) moat. Methoni fortress joins those in Crete and Cyprus as a stepping stone on the pilgrim route to the holy land. The pretty town with its pleasant old houses with wrought-iron balconies shelters behind the fortress and has a delightfully lazy Greek air.

Homer called Methoni “rich in vines” and tradition maintains that the town is so called because the donkeys (oni) carrying its wine used to get drunk (metho) from the heavy aroma.

Methoni beach lies below the fortress and is well known for its magnificent, uncrowded, long stretch of sand and shallow sea. It was awarded a blue flag in 2001 and is ideal for families. In season there is a good selection of traditional Greek tavernas, restaurants, bars, banks. and supermarkets.

The Fortress of Methoni

The fortress is the best preserved in the entire Mediterranean. Evidence of past visitors includes the remnants of a Venetian cathedral and a Turkish bath within the fortress walls. In the town are some enormous Venetian wells whose marble rims are furrowed by the pressure of huge ropes over the centuries. Inside the fortress is an entire medieval town and you can literally spend hours wandering around.

The site was fortified as early as the 7th century B.C., and in the period between 395 A.D. and 1204 A.D. was used as a Byzantine fortress. The area was dominated by the Franks for a very short period and in 1206 was captured by the Venetians who strengthened the fortification, incorporating the pre-Christian defensive structures. In 1500 Methoni was captured by the Turk Bayazit Pasha, again came under Venetian occupation from 1685 until 1715, and was for a second time dominated by the Turks who kept it under their control until 1829, when it was liberated by the French general Maison, along with other towns of the Peloponnese.

For many years the buildings of the fortress have been restored by the Archaeological Service. The most important monuments of the site are:

The fortress and remains of a secular, religious buildings inside the fortified area.

The Byzantine church of Aghia Sophia (Holy Wisdom).

The remains of Turkish Baths.

The ruins of a house which was used as the residence of Ibrahim Pasha in 1826, and of General Maison after the liberation.

The church of the Metamorphosis (Transfiguration). A single-aisled church built in 1833 by the French liberation army.

The remains of structures from the Second World War. The Cisterns and remains of the cemetery of the British prisoners.

“Bourtzi”. A fortified islet at the south end of the fortress, occupied by an octagonal tower with isodomic wall masonry

Pylos

The town of Pylos is undoubtedly one of the most attractive coastal villages in Greece. It is built on a hill side on the south coast of the bay of Navarino. Snow-white two-storey houses with courtyards drenched in flowers. The arcaded streets make you think you’ve been transported to an island. The main square is situated on the water front. It’s ringed with pastry shops and sheltered by enormous, centuries-old plane trees.

The TurkoVenetian fortress, known as Neokastro, dominates the west side of town. One of the most attractive in the Peloponnese, it is called that to distinguish it from the ancient fortress to the southwest, named Paliokastro or Palionavarino. The bay of Voidokilia with its sandy beach extends from the base of the old castle. A tranquil, carefree sanctuary, the floor of the bay is covered with a thick layer of sand. There are two castles; one on each side of the bay and nearby is the Mycenean Palace of Nestor one of the best preserved of all Mycenean palaces. Many of the frescos and artifacts found here are now in the archeological museum in nearby Chora.

The Battle of Navarino Bay

Pylso was the site of the battle of Navarino which was not even supposed to be a battle but became the turning point in Greece’s War of Independence when the British, French and Russian fleets under Admiral Codrington ‘accidentally’ sank 53 ships of Ibraham Pashas combined Turkish, Egyptian and Tunisian fleets.

Though meant to be a warning for the Turkish ships to leave the bay the end result is that those ships are still there to this day and can be seen in the clear waters. Though an embarrassment for Britain, the end result of this misunderstanding was that the Peloponessos was liberated and the Peleponisos became the nation of modern Greece.

Gargaliani

Gargaliani nestles on a lush green hillside. It’s worth going up to the town just to see the view that unfolds beneath it. There a magical carpet of olive trees and vines that stretches to the sea. Marathoupoli and the islet of Proti and the site of a ruined Mycenaean acropolis form the backdrop. Hora is built on a hilltop behind and has preserved its old-fashioned appearance — stone houses with tiled roofs and narrow lanes. Filiatra is not far off. The whole district is dotted with churches, Byzantine and Frankish, of a venerable age.

Kiparissia

The town is position as if it were wedged into the base of its fortress. The lower districts reaching as far as the sandy shore lapped by the lonian sea. Beyond the fortress lays a beautiful plain planted with olive trees and grapevines which give way to open seas with an infinite expanse of cobalt blue. It is said that the view of the sunset from the fortress is one of the most superb in the world. Everything here is instil with history and a fascinating light. Everywhere you look you can see ancient, Byzantine and Frankish monuments. Peristera is a place a little past the village of Raches (approx 5 km. from Kiparissia), where three beehive tombs have been excavated.

Finikounda

Finikounda is a picturesque fishing village at the back of a bay. Caiques and fishing boats are drawn up all along its sandy shore, while its taverns serve their fresh catch to little tables at the water’s edge. Koroni

The road coils like a gigantic serpent slowly amidst lush green fields to arrive at Koroni. Its medieval atmosphere is embossed in its old mansions, its churches and its fortress. Its surrounded by still, sheer water, sandy beaches and opposite the little island of Venetiko with its delightful beach. From its hilltop site the Venetian citadel crowns the town. A proper eagle’s nest, with thick walls and colossal gates, it cuts a powerful and glorious figure. Below the fortress in a small palm grove is a little building housing Koroni’s collection of historical and archaeological artefacts. The outstanding beauty of the area is unimpeded and uninterrupted, therefore, provides continuous surprises.

Fortress of Koroni

The fortress occupies the headland to the east of the modern town and is built on the ruins of the ancient Messenian town of Asine. It was constructed in the 6th or 7th century A.D., and was used all through the Byzantine period. Koroni was captured by the Venetians in 1206 and was used as a supplying centre. In 1500 the fortress was occupied by the Turk Bayazit Pasha and remained under Turkish control until 1686 when it was recaptured by the Venetians. In 1715, when the Venetians left the Peloponnese, the fortress was again dominated by the Turks who kept it until 1828, when it was liberated by the French general Maison.

For many years, the Archaeological Service has been carrying out restoration work on many of the fortresses buildings. The most important monuments of the site are:

The Byzantine Castle.
In the 13th century it was fortified by the Venetians who were responsible for the construction of towers and machicolations.

Byzantine church of Aghia Sophia (Holy Wisdom).
Three-aisled basilica with colonnades. A second church was built over the prothesis, also dedicated to Aghia Sophia and was reconstructed at the beginning of the century.

Church of St. Charalambos.
A spacious, single-aisled, wooden-roofed church built at the beginning of the second Venetian occupation. It was originally dedicated to St. Rocco.

Church of Panaghia Eleistria.
A spacious, single-aisled, wooden-roofed church, dating back to the end of the 19th or the beginning of the 20th century.

Petalidi
Petalidi protrudes out from the head of a little bay. The sandy or pebbly beaches around the town are shallow and sheltered from the wind and are lined with banana trees. The beautiful main square is surrounded by souvenir shops, café tarvernas, and restaurants.

Central Messinia

Driving through central Messinia you come across beautiful authentic, traditional Greek villages. Peloponnese is a bastion of disappearing rural Greek village life. You will discover mini natural paradises harbouring ruins of prehistoric settlements, ancient temples, medieval castles and Byzantine churches. No doubt you will find yourself relaxing in one of the friendly cafes for a cup of coffee and a “kalimera” (good morning).

Ancient Messene

Mavromati-lthomi

Mavromati (32 km. from Kalamata) is a small village built like an amphitheatre up the foothills of the sacred mountain of Ithomi. Today it’s called Voulkano and is where the sanctuary of Zeus Ithomatos was located.

One of the legends upheld that Zeus was born not in Crete or on Olympus, but here at Ithomi, where he was brought up by two nymphs, Ithomi and Neda. Water flows from the heart of the mountain to splash out of a black hole in the rock face in the centre of the village. This is where Mavromati gets its name from. Mavromati means black eye.

Archaeological Site

Aesklepieion complex: The Temple of Asklepios and Hygeia. It’s a peripteros, doric temple. It was destroyed by an unidentified reason and it was rebuilt of a local though stone.

A small theatre-odeion belongs to the Asklepieion complex. An inscription was found which informs us that the building was found and called “Decterion”. It was a room for rhetorical displays and assemblies.

Bouleuterion: A rectangular almost square room which also belongs to the Asklepieion complex. Its dimensions are: 19×18.30m. There are two entrances at the west side of the building.

The wall which dates back to the 3rd century B.C. is one of the most important achievements of the ancient military architecture. Arcadic gate which is at the north side of the wall is still very impressive. It was the main gate of Messene and was the way to Arcadic Megalopolis which started from its external “door”. Temple of Artemis Limniatis or Lafria. It’s a small temple of the Ionic style. It’s dates back to the middle of the 3rd century B.C.

Sanctuary of Zeus Ithomatas. The statue of Zeus, designed by the Argive Sculptor named Ageladas, was here. This type of statue, which represented Zeus as a child, isn’t known to us.

Theatre-Stadium: There are only remains of the walls which supported the concave of the theatre. The lower seats of the stadium and especially those of the section of the sphendone have survived better than others.

Messinia – A Dream holiday destination

Messinia is a brilliant Greek destination that’s high on history, has stunning scenery, a fabulous climate, but is low on tourists, packed restaurants, noisy discos and is family-oriented. Messinia is as popular with Greek tourists as those from further afield and makes a good base for island hopping to Agistri, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses.

Other Useful Information

Tourist office in Southern Peloponnese 9699500

Main language/s Greek

To dial from Southern Peloponnese call 00

To call to Southern Peloponnese dial 30

Emergency phone number/s

British Embassy: (1) 723 6211 Police: 100 Fire: 199 Tourist Police: 171 Auto road assistance - ELPA: 104 Auto road assistance - Express

Lost travellers cheques: Thomas Cook: 00-800-4412-8366

Lost credit cards: Mastercard freephone number: 00-800-11-887-0303 VISA: call collect 24 hours a day 410 581 9994

Electricity supply 220V, 50Hz

Food: There’s a predictably wide choice of seafood and the ouzo is cheap and very good.

Nightlife: The nightlife in Peloponnese resorts tends to be low key and centered around a few bars and clubs, though some tavernas have live music. The emphasis in this area is concentrated on good company and wine.

Shopping: Local arts and crafts, wine and clothes are good buys.

Days out: Hire a boat for a trip around the Messinian Gulf, or rent a car and travel around the Messinia peninsular

Events: Arrange to watch a show at the internationally acclaimed Kalamata Dance Festival, held every summer at the Kalamata Castle, above the town. Check local tourist information. Or for further information call (UK) +44 (020) 7734 5997.

Travel Information

How to get to Messinia
Kalamata airport is served by charter flights from the UK, currently on Sundays, from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and East Midlands. Alternatively you can fly to Athens and take an air-conditioned coach to Kalamata (four hours).

The drive from the south of England to here takes about four days with ferry from Ancona to Patras being the easiest. A great drive!

Travel Suggestions
There are many different website and discount travel companies who offer cheap charter flights. You can simply type “charter flights to Kalamata” into a search engine on the website or try some of the sites or companies listed below. The charter flights run from beginning of May to mid October and go from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and East Midlands.

Scheduled flights to Athens go mainly from Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton although there are flights from many regional airports (mainly with British Airways). You can book online at their website www.ba.com and they often have competitive fares. www.easyjet.com is also often very competitive with fares from Luton and Gatwick. Olympic airlines are also very good and you can book direct with them at ww.olympicairlines.com

To give you an idea of cost for travel midsummer, a return charter flight from Gatwick to Kalamata averages £230. A return flight on Easyjet to Athens is around £140. A scheduled return flight to Athens on British Airways averages £170. Prices do vary, dependent on how much in advance you book and the time of year you travel. Bargains are often available!

Buses
Buses from Athens to Kalamata run every hour in the mornings and every 2 hours in the afternoon, costing approx. €15 one way.

Car Hire
It is possible to book car hire in advance which may be collected at either Kalamata airport or Athens airport.

Taxis
There are always numerous taxis waiting at Kalamata airport and Athens airport to take you to your holiday accommodation. Taxis from Athens cost approx. €70 from Athens to Kalamata (although you may have to share with other people).

Companies to try for competitive priced flights:

www.flycheapuk.com
www.go-nowtravel.com
www.wecanbookit.com
www.greektourismtravel.co.uk
www.mytravellite.com
www.lastminute.com
www.cheapflights.co.uk
www.charterflights.co.uk
www.skydeals.co.uk (tel: 0800 298 0912)
Argo Holidays 0870 0667070

The Greek National Tourism Organisation has a website with useful information: www.gnto.gr

New England is one of the most beautiful regions of the country. I have been there many times, mainly with my family. My parents used to rent a house up at Cape Cod every summer, where my sister and I would stay with them. I have also been to Boston many times. Some other fun places to visit in New England are the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard as well as Acadia National Park in Maine.

Cape Cod is beautiful, especially in the fall when all the trees change color. I have never been there in the fall but I’ve been there many times in the summer with my family, when it’s also quite pleasant. The cape runs about 30 miles north along the Atlantic coast and has some nice beaches. Provincetown is right on the tip of the cape. This is a fun town with lots of hip youngsters and some fun shops.

Boston is one of my favorite cities in the United States. I have been on the Freedom Trail twice, which passes by several important buildings pertaining to the American Revolution, including Fanneuil Hall, an old market, as well as the North Church, where Paul Revere began his famous ride. Fanneuil Hall contains Durgin Park, one of my favorite restaurants, with superb prime rib as well as some exquisite clam chowder.

A trip to New England would not be complete without visiting Maine. I was in Maine with my family for a week and ate lobster every day. Lobster is so cheap in Maine that you see hamburger stands which also sell lobster. Acadia National Park is a beautiful spot in Maine, well worth the trip up there.

Work hard, party harder is the modern mantra for living life with luxury. And the ultimate symbol of luxurious living is a modern-day ultra-luxurious condominium be it an apartment condo or a stand-alone condo.

It is difficult to quantify luxury, but a luxurious condominium has all the ingredients a seven-star luxurious hotel would provide. The ultimate in comfort and services that money can buy spas, club houses, parking, shopping malls, recreation areas, and round-the-clock electronic surveillance are some of the basic amenities.

Most of the time people buy or lease a luxury condo, not just for their residential living, but also as a source of income by renting it out. The hospitality and tourism industry worldwide has seen tremendous growth in the last two decades, and the modern tourist is educated, discerning and very hard to please. For both the budget-conscious and the rich tourist alike, seeking a change from the normally available packages is important. And for the hospitality industry, delivering what the customers want is critical. Luxury condos play a vital role in attracting tourists to destinations, which have supposedly lost their charm. Wherever you go, from Singapore to the Bahamas to the United Arab Emirates, the best tour operators will advise you to check into a luxury condo rather than a hotel. Vacation directories and holiday club directories are full of luxury condo addresses.

The luxury condo prices starts at USD 600,000 and there is no upper limit. The tallest building, holding about 472 luxury condominiums, a five-star hotel and 286 luxury condominium guest rooms, is the 97-floor Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago, which is a clear indicator that, for luxury condominiums, even the sky is not the limit.

The fast paced lifestyle of the boroughs of New York City, characterized by a sea of Yellow taxicabs and more than eight million residents, offers a large leap in lifestyle for people planning on relocating to New York City.

New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in It is one of the world’s reigning fashion capitals. New York City housing for a family starts at an average of one thousand dollars per month. But one of the top complaints plaguing the New York City housing industry centers around size. New York apartment are generally very small. New York City newbies often opt for housing in the family-friendly outer boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens.

New York is the Safest Big City in America, particularly in comparison to the nation’s other leading large cities like Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. So, if you are looking forward to your move to New York, specifically a move right into the city that never sleeps, there’s a few things that you should keep in mind before making that final decision. The most densely populated city in America has witnessed an influx of “West Coasters” relocating to New York City. The search for new careers and the prospect of landing a new job are some of the leading reason for making the big move to the city that doesn’t sleep. Top notch school are another attraction. New York City hosts a number of Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, like Stuyvesant High School, Bronx Science High School, and Hunter Elementary.

Folks relocating to New York City find that there are a variety of ways for getting around. New York’s sports the largest transportation system in the United States- the world-famous mass transit system is the oldest in the United States. The New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Thruway Authority oversee the highway systems that connect New York City with neighboring Westchester County and beyond. Many of these roads are accompanied by tolls.

When it comes to relocating to New York City, money matters. Finding a local bank should be the first order business following relocation. Commerce Bank and Washington Mutual Bank are two of New York City’s leading financial institutions. Chase Bank also features headquarters nestled in the heart of New York City. Service industry employees are an essential part of New York City’s tourism industry and learning who to tip is an intricate part of Big Apple Relocating money matters. New York City service staff who thrive through tipping include taxi drivers, delivery personnel, restaurant servers, street performers and bathroom attendants.

Relocating to New York City requires sophisticated knowledge of the subway and taxi system and boots that are made for walking. Traveling around New York City’s five boroughs is all about knowing how to hail a tax and always keeping an additional seventy dollars lying around for an Unlimited Monthly Metro Card.

If you are considering relocating to New York, you need to give some thought to the specific part of the city. Each area is unique, so focus on that area versus the city as a whole.

It was reassuring to read recently that a prominent developer at the south end of our village’s shopping strip has promised not to turn North Conway into another Portland. That’s fine, but I wonder what impact Borders, Barnes and Noble, or Starbucks might have on some of our local independent merchants who have worked so hard to bring money into the town rather than send it out. I wonder what Home Depot and Lowe’s and the latest new big box (which is one box too many) will do to some of our local businesses and to our new and scenic North-South Road.

Make no mistake, owning a business is essentially about making money. That’s the name of the game. Everyone has a right to do it, regardless of size. Indeed, my own business interests and holdings are about making money, but the money comes to me; it does not go to corporate headquarters in Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, Natick or Newton, Mass. And I spend a lot of that money at the local book shops and cigar store and at the local hardware and paint stores in the greater Conway area. I strongly suspect the money at the independent book stores in town goes to the local owners, as does the money at the many coffee shops. These are local businesses serving the interests of the greater Conway area. They operate with a long-term focus and, I believe, with a goal of improving our collective quality of life. While they serve tourist as well as locals, their revenue churns within and throughout the valley; it does not flow to some out-of-state corporate headquarters. They are part and parcel of and contiguous with the beautiful fabric of the valley. And they, like so many others, have more reason to care about retaining what’s left of that fabric. That, and their entrepreneurial spirit, is what sets them apart.

Can the same be said of the many large companies and chain hotels that are on the way? Does the Hampton Inn have the same interests as the local bed and breakfasts? Do they have the best long-range interests of Conway in their peripheral vision or are they looking through fiscal periscopes? Do the owners and directors of Lowe’s, Home Depot, the Hampton Inn, et cetera, reside here? Are their representatives who come before the planning board people who have a sense of what the local nature of our town is all about, or are they corporate site selection specialists who couldn’t care less about what all this may be doing to the natural beauty of our town? Do they care about green space or will murals on walls or green roofs do? Will roundabouts, traffic circles, or rotaries solve the problem they will have caused? Would they even consider green space if they were not forced to do so by the planning board? Just what are their objectives? Do they really care? Maybe they do. Time will tell.

Now then, if some of our local merchants are forced to shut down (and hopefully this will not be the case), the likelihood they will be replaced by others is slim, since the national chain stores will likely continue to be the negative competing force that makes this happen. One can only speculate as to what will be left but whatever it is, it will be different from what it is today. The developer of Home Depot says he welcomes competition from Lowe’s ( kind of like the battle of titans), but what about the smaller stores that sell lumber, paint, hardware, appliances, et cetera?

Within this context, what can be done? For starters, we need to start attending meetings and ask tough and provocative questions. We need to begin acting on the answers. We need to walk the talk. For example, why are we not at least discussing controls, restraints or temporary moratoriums such as those implemented by many other New Hampshire towns? Has anyone looked into the admittedly controversial subject of impact fees? When are we going to get serious about the concept of planned and managed growth? Is it in the town’s Master Plan? Has the Master Plan been given a recent reality check?

Above all, where is our Capital Improvement Plan? Where is our Capital Improvement Committee? Has the advent of the so-called Infrastructure Committee (whose members apparently are appointed) become a reason for not having a CIP? Can we slow down the waiver process, use them as negotiating tools, and get a lot tougher about granting them? Can we start at least thinking about saying no? One can only speculate as to what would have happened had the planning board recently called Lowe’s bluff on the parking waiver.

When the Master Plan was put together awhile back, few could have envisioned the explosion of commercial and residential growth that is now taking place, particularly at the southern end of the strip. Something needs to be done or the Master Plan simply will become two dimensional, and a drive south on the strip may well become an exemplar of what inrushing money can do. New construction project after new construction project, new hotel after new hotel, big box stores, fast food, strip malls, an abandoned service station? Can the ugly billboards be far behind? Perhaps a drive through Windham, Maine, on 302 might provide a glimpse of what could occur.

If those who live and own businesses here fail to act, don’t expect those who represent the big boxes to do it unless, of course, you believe they really care. If those who love our natural environment, our lakes, mountains, and forests fail to act, don’t expect those who represent the chains to do it unless, of course, you believe they really care. Perhaps they do care. But if you don’t act, it will be what it will be.

“He who speaks the truth should have one foot in the stirrup.” ?old Appalachian saying

What makes a vacation romantic? Let’s start with examples before definitions. Here are a few romantic vacation ideas.

An ocean cruise is certainly a classic romantic vacation. Why not escape it all - even the sight of land. Isolated together out at sea, in the comfort of a cruise ship - that can be very romantic. There are a couple things to consider, though, if you want to keep the romance going.

First, thoroughly investigate and talk about your options. Perhaps you both were assuming the other wanted a traditional warm-water cruise, when in reality you both would love to watch whales and glaciers on an Alaskan cruise. It’s not just about the many possible destinations, either. There are different styles of cruises, from pure sightseeing ones to more active ones to “party boats.” Be sure the cruise has activities that you’ll enjoy participating in together.

You also need to be sure you budget enough so money worries don’t steal the romance from the vacation. Think about what you’ll be doing, both on and off the ship. It isn’t romantic to run out of money on a vacation, and cruise ship bars are notoriously expensive.

Romantic vacations might include train rides, if you both like to relax and take in the scenery. The Royal Gorge Train, here in Canon City, Colorado, for example, takes you for a stunning ride through the gorge and along the Arkansas river. The dining cars serve great meals and the windows on some cars co overhead, so you can easily take in the view above.

Budget Romantic Vacation Ideas

The sun, sand, and the sound of the waves can relax you and take away the stress and worry of “everyday life,” but beach vacations can get pricey. If money is tight, you can do like we did in northern Florida. We camped in our conversion van at a state campground on the beach. Our days were spent collecting shells together, swimming, and flying a kite. One evening we took our chairs down by the water to watch the sunset. The beaches of the Great Lakes are another great place for a romantic vacation, and are even more affordable.

Another low-cost romantic vacation idea is to rent the little cabins that can be found in many state parks. Wilderness State Park in northern Michigan, for example, has cabins that are closer to the beach, and those that require you to hike into the woods a few miles. They are reasonable, and you can pack in good food and a bottle of wine to add to the romance.

It can be very affordable and romantic to spend some time together in a small town that is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Some of our favorites include Lone Pine, California, Anaconda, Montana, Silverton, Colorado, and Marquette, Michigan. Try wandering the streets of walkable small towns, exploring the woods and fields around them, eating in local cafes and going to classic small-town theaters. For my wife and I, this is one of our favorite romantic vacation ideas.



Beautiful Napa Valley is in northern California, about an hour’s drive north of San Francisco. You can easily reach the valley from one of three airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and Sacramento Airport (SAC). The valley is home to more than 260 wineries, and is about 30 miles long and ranges from one to five miles wide.

There are many romantic honeymoon packages available to newlyweds coming to Napa Valley. These include winery tours, hot air balloon rides, train, boat, bike and golf packages. The least expensive tour that we found on line was the Flora Springs Cave Tour and Lunch at $45 per person, which includes a 90 minute winery and cave tour. Barrel-tasting and a picnic lunch on the vineyard patio are included in the price.

For $130 per person, you can board the world-famous Napa Valley Wine Train, eat a gourmet 4-course meal and enjoy a two hour, guided river cruise on the Napa River. A hot air balloon flight above Napa Valley will cost $220 per person and includes preflight coffee, juice and pastries as well as a post-flight champagne breakfast. And for those who want to see and do it all, there is the Balloon and Train Package that starts at $320 each. It includes all of the amenities of the $220 package in addition to the train ride, gourmet meal and complimentary wine tasting.

The Napa Valley Conference and Visitors Bureau is located in Napa, California and is open Monday-Sunday from 9am-5pm. Most tourists come during the summer or in the “crush” of harvest (September and October). There are far fewer people in the late fall, winter and spring. The valley is beautiful all year long and if you plan your honeymoon in the off-season, you will have much more time to chat with the winery staff.