The Story of the 12 Animal Zodiac in China – by: Wong Yee Lee

One day, Tian Di (The God Above) wanted to manage all animals on earth. He took out 12 chairs and told the cat to tell 11 other animals to go to the sky palace.

When the cat told the ox about it, the rat overheard the news. The rat was very angry and he ran as fast as he could to the palace. As a result he got there before the ox. Tian Di then let him sit on the first chair. The ox took the second seat. Then the tiger, the rabbit all came and settled on the chairs. From then onwards, the rat comes the first in the zodiac cycle. The cat was not in the cycle because he went to tell other animals. Ever since, the cat is not in the zodiac cycle.

The truth is that cats are not originated from China but just imported from overseas. That is another reason why cats are not included in the animals zodiac.

In fact, different countries consist of different animals. India has lions whilst Egypt has cats.

In the Chinese animal zodiac, different animals have different characteristics.

• Rat – Though it has nature of stealing. It is smart and has good
• Ox – It is hard-working and ask for little.
• Tiger – It is brave, strong, and is the king of all animals.
• Rabbit – It is cute and loved by children. It runs very fast.
• Dragon – The only imaginary animal. Only kings can be referred to as dragon. After all these years, people have come up with this description of a dragon: deer horn, fish scales, snake body, chicken feet and phoenix tail. And all Chinese people are the offspring of dragon.
• Snake – Also known as little dragon. Snakes are known to be devilish because of its poisonous nature. However, snakes are very useful, particularly its gall bladder, which is a very healthy medicine in China.
• Horse – The fastest running animal. Before people invented vehicles, horses were the only transportation tool.
• Ram – An animal symbolizes submissiveness and good luck.
• Monkey – Clever, like humans. It is often used to describe smart and clever children.
• Cock – Hens are very protective to their chicks.
• Dog – Although dogs are highly respected in the west and loyal to their masters, in China, they are rude and not respectful. Chinese consider them not a cute animal.
• Pig – The last one in the cycle. It is slow and lazy though they are clever.

It is believed that people born in different animal years would carry their characteristics and this would affect the person’s life. That is why the year of the dragon is highly favoured since people want their children to be as respectful as a dragon.

About The Author Wong Yee Lee This article was produced by Asia Dragon. Visit us at www.asiadragon.co.uk where you will find authentic oriental fashion clothing & accessories, kimonos, stylish home furnishings, furniture, beautiful ornaments, Chinese calligraphy plus much, much more! sales@asiadragon.co.uk

Carnival in Salvador – by: Jason Blynn

Deemed by some as the wildest street party on the face of the planet, Carnival in Salvador, Bahia is the place to be during those five crazy days in February or March. Different from the more spectator-oriented Carnival in Rio, Carnival in Salvador puts you in the middle of the music, the dancing, and the rhythms of the some of the most energetic bands in the world.

Once the center of sugar cane production and accompanying slave trade, Salvador, Bahia is Brazil’s capital of African culture and Religion. Carnival is the time of year when this Afro-Brazilian culture truly shines, with every music group in the city, from traditional afro-percussion groups to more contemporary axe bands (axe is a modern mix of afoxe and other contemporary rhythms), performing day and night. Bands perform on enormous trucks (loaded with thousands of watts of sound) which crawl through one of three principal Carnival Routes. The trucks are called “trios” because the first was a ´29 Ford which carried a driver and two musicians, Dodó and Osmar (today the original car is in the museum at the Lagoa da Abaeté in Itapoan). In the years following the first trio’s appearance in 1950, the bands stuck to the trio format, but have since evolved into a much more grandiose spectacle, complete with enormous bands, costumes, and dancing. All around the trucks is a roped off area called a “bloco”, a type of VIP area with security and refreshments. Outside the cord, usually deemed quite a bit more dangerous on account of the petty thieves and pickpockets, is where the “pipoca”, or popcorn (named for the synchronizing jumping of the crowd) dances and carries on. Another option is buying a ticket for one of the many “camarotes”, which are VIP lounges in hotels and restaurants along the carnival routes.

The Music

Carnival in Salvador offers so many options for different types and music, it can be a bit daunting. If axe music is what you are interested in, check out Margareth Menezes, Ivete Sangalo, Daniela Mercury, Timbalada, or Chiclete com Banana. For more traditional afro-percussion groups, Olodum, Ara Ketu, Muzenza, and Ilê Aiyê are great options. For a look at some traditional samba, check out Terra Samba, and for a not-so-surprise visit by Brazil’s Minister of Culture Gilberto Gil (also one of the most famous MPB artists and a leader in the Tropicalia movement), follow trio Expresso 2222.

Packages

DiscoverBrazil is proud to offer four different packages, each with different camarote and length of stay options. Please keep in mind that any of these packages can be customized to concord with your time and budget needs.

• 8 day/7 night or 6 day/ 5 night stay at the Tropical Hotel da Bahia – This hotel is located in Campo Grande, the Carnaval’s epicenter, and near Salvador’s best attractions – the Historic Center, the Pelourinho, churches, shopping mall, theaters, the Mercado Modelo, and Porto da Barra. 5 nights pass for the exclusive Hotel Camarote (Feb 3-8) included in both packages.
• 7 day/6 night stay at the Bahia Othon Palace Hotel. This hotel is located in Ondina, considered the best place to see the Bahian Carnaval parade. The Othon offers all the amenities of a five star hotel and an amazing ocean view. The only difference in these two packages is a choice of 4 or 6 nights in the Hotel Camarote.

An “abada”, a specific shirt needed to enter into one of the many blocos, is also available for a separate price. Please inquire. Price quoted is based on double occupancy. Flights are not included, but if you are interested in quotes for international or domestic flights, please contact one of our travel agents.

For more information and price quotes, contact one of our expert travel consultants:
From North America, call toll free: 1-800-495-8211
From all other locations: (55) (71) 3113-4206
Or, send us an email at customersupport@discoverbrazil.com
www.discoverbrazil.com

About The Author Jason is a recent graduate of Amherst College, where he received a degree in Music and Political Science. He is currently living in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, working for Discover Brazil and enjoying the wonderful music and culture Bahia and the rest of Brazil have to offer. patricia@discoverbrazil.com.br

Export of Inuit Sculpture Containing Whalebone or Ivory – by: Clint Leung

The export of certain Inuit sculpture from Canada to other parts of the world including the United States does have some restrictions. In order to reduce harvesting of marine animals such as whales and walruses, the United States Congress passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972. It was later modified in 1981 and a special section (101) of the act was developed to exclude Eskimo Inuit and other aboriginals living in the state of Alaska. Section 101 allowed Alaskan Natives to continue their traditions of hunting marine mammals for food and using parts of such animals as raw materials in the making of clothes, crafts and artwork.

The act makes it illegal for American citizens to import any ivory or whalebone from outside the United States. Therefore, American citizens would not be allowed to purchase any artwork containing ivory or whalebone from Canada and have it brought or shipped back to the United States. However, the act as it stands allows American citizens to purchase similar artwork from Alaska since it is part of the United States. The export of such artwork created from marine mammals from the United States to Canada is not allowed.

Inuit sculpture containing whalebone, walrus or narwal tusks (both considered ivory) are restricted from import and export. However, Inuit sculpture containing caribou antler is allowed since caribou is not a marine mammal and therefore does not fall under this act.

Exporting Inuit sculpture containing whalebone or ivory from Canada to other international destinations will depend on each specific country as each has its own specific regulations. Fines or penalties for importing or exporting illegal items can be very severe.

(To see this article complete with photos of Inuit art, go to http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca)

About The Author Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca), an online gallery specializing in Inuit and Northwest Native art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles on both Inuit and Native art as well as free eCards. info@FreeSpiritGallery.ca

My Introduction To Northwest Coast Native American Art – by: Clint Leung

I had lived in Vancouver very briefly as a child and it was during that time when I was first exposed to the art of the Northwest Coast Native American Indians. It was the towering colorful totem poles out in Stanley Park that everyone gazed at with wonder and appreciation. It took about 30 years later during a return trip to Vancouver when Northwest Coast Native American art caught my eyes again.

I was in Vancouver for business and landed at the city’s new airport terminal. One could not help but notice the huge native carvings near the arrivals area. Later on during my stay, I decided to wander around in the Gastown district. It was in these shops and galleries in Gastown where I fell in love with Northwest Coast Native American art. I saw many wonderful wooden plaques representing different animals. There were also art prints, paintings, masks, wooden bowls and even furnature with these animals either painted or carved right into the pieces.

The colors and designs, which might be considered a bit exaggerated to non-native eyes, were striking as well as bold. I knew at that time that I wanted to include some of this magnificent artwork on my walls back at home. So I bought two plaque carvings and carried them home like newly found treasure.

Historically, the native Indians who lived along the river valleys and coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest were all hunters and gatherers. The region was blessed with abundant resources from both the seas and forests. These people captured in their artwork the animals they hunted and observed. These included bears, killer whales, eagles, ravens, salmons, wolves, hummingbirds and even frogs. Chiefs and mythical characters important in their legends such as thunderbirds were also included as art subjects.

Northwest Coast Native American art is just only recently gaining some major attention in some galleries and museums around the world. Compared to other native arts such as Inuit (Eskimo), exposure of Northwest Coast Native American art is still rather limited to the northwest coast of Canada and the United States. This form of artwork is virtually unknown to most parts of the world including many regions of North America. This will hopefully change as more people from around the world travel to Vancouver. The future winter Olympics in 2010 up in Whistler, BC will also have a positive impact on the region’s Native Indian art. I personally believe that Northwest Coast Native American art has a lot of potential to be internationally recognized and accepted.

(To see this article complete with photos of actual carvers and their artwork, go to http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca)

About The Author Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca), an online gallery specializing in Inuit and Northwest Native art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles on both Inuit and Native art as well as free eCards. info@FreeSpiritGallery.ca

Validated Presence for Museums – by: Malcolm R. Campbell

‘Some of the most important people to your future don’t understand the value of what you are doing.’ — Richard West, “American’s Museums – Building Community”

Your museum needs validated presence with multiple individuals and groups to effectively carry out its mission, build and maintain audience and manage donor development.

* For presence, your museum (or other heritage tourism site) requires branding—a distinct and compelling identity impacting everything from image to programs and services—that allows it to position itself to appeal to prospective visitors and to differentiate itself from other local and regional venues.

* For this presence to be validated, your organization must simultaneously earn and maintain the respect of tourists, tourist/visitor bureaus and associations, educational institutions, governmental agencies, foundations, museums, and historical societies.

You must tell a consistent story through your name, site design, exhibit interpretation style and focus, events and activities, visitor guidebooks and brochures, web site, and advertising and public relations materials. While style and focus will change somewhat to meet the demands of audiences/formats, this consistent story must also be maintained in monographs, white papers, grant applications and other requests, and archival resources.

Your organization’s ability to create a validated presence with individual groups and stakeholders impacts its success with other groups and stakeholders. That is, the advertising done to attract tourists and local visitors influences foundation responses to grant requests; web site content focusing on historical information and restoration goals influences the collegial approval of professionals at other museums and museum associations. Everything relating to branding evolves, builds on itself, and has multiple non-linear effects on all stakeholders.

If you have validated presence, everyone who should know who you are does know who you are, and they believe you are presenting a quality museum experience.

About The Author Malcolm R. Campbell is the author of The Sun Singer, a quest/adventure novel available from major on-line booksellers, fine bookstores and the author’s web site at: http://www.campbelleditorial.com/sunsinger.html

The Dominican Republic The Real Truth – by: Elvis King

A carribean paradise or a haven for corruption.

White sandy shore lines and beautiful reasonably priced all-inclusive beach resorts.The Dominican Republic can offer you the best vacation of your life.

If you plan to get outside of your hotel room a good tour guide can be worth the money.

For a retirement destination it can be risky because the economy is very unstable and the dollars yo yo has left American products at about 10 times the their prices in the United States.When the dollar started going up from about 19 to 1 to 57 to 1 you could see the merchants in the stores and supermarkets raising there prices every five minutes. But when the dollar dropped from 57 back to 27 to 1 the stores owners didn’t notice and just sat in there offices and forgot to lower the prices. The Dominican people are close to starving to death because of the prices of food in the stores. Which also equates to extremely high prices for a person vacationing in dollars or living in dollars in the Dominican Republic. The tourist can get around the gastly prices by simply staying in an all-inclusive resourt. I had a stomach ache after eating my favorite peanut butter and fried banana sandwhich and went to buy a bottle of Pepto Bismol that cost $1.98 back home and I had to pay $15 dollars. That gives you an idea of how prices are set.

For a bachelor looking for a girlfriend or wife, there is no place better. The Dominican Republic has many available beautiful women. And I don’t say beautiful lightly. The Dominican Republic holds the crown for Miss Universe. Amelia Vega was crowned Miss Universe in 2003. To avoid the wrong girl again the bachelor looking for that special girl needs that special tour guide who is also a professional matchmaker. These beautiful girls are readily available but you have to know how and where to look for them. Again you have to have the right professional guide for the job. See the resource box listed below.

Getting around . You will need the military version of the Humvee. I couldn’t imagine any worse roads in the world. You can go into the most exquisite areas in the Dominican Republic where their wealthy live and you will find mud roads with deep holes in the roads. The wealthy have no respect for their communities. Trash , Dominicans aren’t happy if they don’t have some trash in the street. Even in the most exclusive areas.

The people. The nicest people in the world. They are kind, friendly and beautiful people. They seem to love Americans.They have an American raised and educated President. He was born in the Dominican Republic but raised and educated in New York.

Safety, In my opinion one of the safest countries on earth. Less violence against their own people and tourists than most places you might want to vacation or retire.

Theft issues. They will steal your shirt off your back if your not looking. However, very little armed robbery. Again it’s a very safe country if you use common sense as to where you go.

Bank safety. The government seems to be more honorable than most countries. When A local banker stole 2.5 billion dollars from a local bank the government stood behind the bank and paid back the money, but in pesos. You wouldn’t get your money back if a U.S or Western Country banker stole that much money.

Corruption. The banker stole 2.5 billion and walked away as free as a bird. He is flying around in his helicopters and cruising in one of his private yahts in the French Riviera right now. While the poor people can’t even buy a green banana to eat. Why? That’s the Dominican system. If your going to steal… steal big. You can walk away as free as a bird. Steal a Papaya and you could be gunned down in the street. Both events actually happened in the Dominican Republic. Moral of the story. Steal 2.5 billion dallars and you walk. Steal a papaya and you can be shot dead. You can buy your way out of anything in the Dominican Republic with 2.5 billion dollars. But if you don’t have 100 pesos for the papaya you could be in trouble.

Not to worry, the International Monitary Fund is repacing all of the money, no questions asked. They swept the whole scandel under the rug and have committed to return all the stolen money. You decide if the IMF is promoting corruption. The American Embassy screamed about the scandel. But the IMF is standing behind there decision to replace the stolen money and they are not demanding that the banker be held accountable for the crime.

But lets look at the over all picture. Would I recommend the Dominican Republic for retirement or a vacation . You bet your life I would. I love it. I am a 56 year old bachelor and the young women think I am Elvis Presley come back to life. Admittedly I have a stong resemblence and my name is Elvis and I was born in Mississippi and I later lived in Menphis. However, if you bachelors don’t know how and where to look for the nice girls you can and will go home empty handed without your Miss Universe. I couldn’t possibly pick one wife out of all these beautiful women so I decicided to keep just keep them all for myself. But one day my vacation will come to an end and I will take my Miss Universe bride home to live in Graceland. I’m coming home. The King. Elvis King. Since I can’t write songs any more I decided to write articles. Elvis.

Elvis King specializes in finding that special dream girl or girls for the lonely, older man. His one on one Bachelor Dream Tours are becoming so popular that soon only the wealthiest will be able to go on the Bachelor Dream Tour do to the waiting list and popular demand. Email him at loverboybachelor@yahoo.com or join the group at http://www.msnusers.com/BachelorDreamTours.

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at loverboybachelor@yahoo.com

About The Author Elvis King was born in Mississippi and grew up in Menphis, Tennesse. He is a retired actor and singer. Not to be confused with the other Elvis. Elvis Presley. loverboybachelor@yahoo.com

Professional Tips Against Jet Lag – by: Marcus Hochstadt

First of all please notice that some explanations in my article are from a “viewpoint” of European Times. You’ll know what I mean when you read my article.

AND I am German and have some misspelled words, grammar and phrases. I’m still developing my skills, but just don’t look at this, look at the content itself, and you’ll be happy.

So go ahead now, I just want you to recognize it.

The biological clock of the body needs a while after a journey into another time belt, in order to adjust itself to the new rhythm. Physical and mental symptoms can occur here such as headache, listlessness or nausea, but none jet lag must be helplessly delivered.

Daylight helps itself the cells, automatically to program on “Day”. When you fly in direction to the east, for example to Thailand, it might be harder for you – you lose several hours. In order to prepare some days in advance for the new sleep rhythm, you should spend some time in the daylight in the early evening. During the flight it is advisable to sleep in advance. Then the adjustment goes faster.

When you travel toward the west, approximately to the USA, you’ll have it easier. Nevertheless you should try to plan its arrival around noon time to get the brightest light of the day. Important appointments or activities at the arrival place you should plan at the time of day, at which you are most awake: After a flight in direction to the east in the evening, after a flight in direction to the west in the morning.

Sleep on board

Many humans have problems to fall asleep on the tiny seat in the airplane. Therefore in such a way some seizes to sleep pills or tranquilizers. This unnatural interference into the bio rhythm of the body affects negatively to your adjustment at recent time conditions.

It is healthier to create yourself in the airplane as good sleep conditions as possible: Take yourself an inflatable neck cushion and an eye mask in the airplane. Some airlines distribute themselves these implements on board, but you shouldn’t rely on it however.

Since feet often swell on a flight, it is advisable to take your shoes off and to carry yourself on a warm cosy pair of socks. Even if you feel yourself it’s not cold, you should cover yourselves before falling asleep with a light cover (you’ll get one by all long distance flights), so that you do not wake up freezing and protect yourself from a cold!

I for myself know what I’m talking about. I have seen many people who underestimated this point and had a cold at their additional days after their flight.

Never drink alcohol as your “falling-asleep-assistance”

Tiny alcohol bottles on board often used as a falling asleep assistance during the flight. In the airplane these affect however – exactly the same as tranquilizers – three times as strongly as down on the earth! If you are suffering from fear of flight you should avoid alcohol here, since psychological symptoms can occur such as aggression or depression (however, this is an extensive subject. I will post an article about this in the future. For now I focus on “jet lag”).

In addition alcohol supports the drainage of the body, which particularly begins fast on long distance flights. As consequence headache and listlessness appear. The air within an airplane is often drier than in the desert! While the air humidity of the Sahara amounts to about 20 per cent, it occurs at long distance flights that it falls below the ten-per cent border. Therefore you should drink much water during, before and after the flight.

Professionals take beverages themselves

In many cases the water on board isn’t particularly good-tasting and is served in containers by the size of an egg cup. You won’t to constantly trouble a flight attendant with your desires. Therefore take yourself also a large bottle of your preferential mineral water on board.

Last but not least: my most important advice

To the complete habituation time of your body the following rule of thumb applies:

One day per hour time lag. With a difference of six hours that would be six days, until the biological clock of the body ticks in conformity with the time belt. When you then precautionary go to bed one our earlier/later per day, your body get used to the new daytime.

Enjoy your trip to Germany!

Much admiration

Marcus
marcus@smart-travel-germany.com
http://www.smart-travel-germany.com

P.S. I’m hot to get to know your written travel experiences! Send them to me and, maybe, I’ll post them on my website!

About The Author Marcus Hochstadt has travelled extensively to countries and continents like the USA (3 times), Brazil, Thailand, Afrika and, of course, Europe. In Germany itself he knows in almost each city the points of REAL interest and gives you insider shortcuts on his daily growing website www.smart-travel-germany.com for free. Watch out for his free valuable “Help-By-Step” System and its 6 uncovered secrets. You can get it at www.smart-travel-germany.com/free.html. marcus@smart-travel-germany.com

Bachelor Dream – by: Elvis King

Step aside Hugh Hefner. Elvis King is back in the building.

Bachelors, remember the guy in high school who got all the girls. Maybe he was the home coming king or the football captain. He’s Probably not getting the girls any more. I am sure he married the home coming queen and has four kids by now. And you should see the fat little wife he has. But not you and the Loverboy Bachelor, your eternal bachelors. Why a bachelor at 56? Because I love it. There’s nothing like the thrill of a new girl. A new date every single day. I hold the world record of beautiful young girlfriends 18 to 22 years old. (Girlfriends no pros) And I have came close a few times to giving it all up and marrying one of my dream girls. I frequent a few exotic fantasy islands. One of my favorite islands holds the Miss Universe crown. I laugh at poor Donald Trump knocking himself dead to find beautiful girls and he rarely gets lucky. And I know secret bachelor hide-aways where virtually no westerner has ever walked before. And If he ever was at one of my bachelor hide-aways he is probably one of those guys who just doesn’t know how to pick up girls and went home empty handed. Wouldn’t it have been nice if you could have been the best buddy of a rock star or a movie star who gets all the girls. Well you just got lucky. No rock star or movie star has ever had more girlfriends than your buddy Elvis.

I am not anscious to share my secrets or my dream girls, but Lucky for you I ran out of cash. If I hadn’t lost all my cash no one would ever know my secret. If you have always envied the guy who gets all the girls. Nows your chance to get even and get lucky. If you are a friendly, fun loving guy with deep pockets join me on my Bachelor Dream Tour. Give Elvis an email and we can talk about it. We’re not talking about taking 1000 guys to meet 100 girls. We’re talking buddies one on one hanging out with dream girls. Just you, me and the chauffeur and your dream girl of the day. Even my chauffeur has hundreds of girlfriends. Just the luck of the draw getting the right job with the right guy. Forget online dating, dating services, singles bars, and forget the singles groups and your blue haired mommys. Give Elvis an email and we can talk about it. For a week or a lifetime you owe it to yourself to hang out with the King, Elvis King. Your buddies back home will never believe your story once you take the Bachelor Dream Tour with the Loverboy Bachelor. Truthfully you may not ever want to go back home. You don’t have to be George Clooney or the perfect male model and the older gentlemen is welcome.

Elvis King specializes in finding that special dream girl or dream girls for the lonely, older man. His one on one Bachelor Dream Tours are becoming so popular that soon only the wealthiest men will be able to take the Bachelor Dream Tour do to the waiting list and popular demand. Email him at loverboybachelor@yahoo.com or join the group at http://www.msnusers.com/BachelorDreamTours.

Please feel to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at loverboybachelor@yahoo.com

About The Author Elvis King was born in Missippi and grew up in Menphis, Tennesse. He is a retired actor and singer. Not to be confused with the other Elvis. Elvis Presley. loverboybachelor@yahoo.com

Mexico’s Mayan Riviera has something for everyone – by: Jolana Klobouk

Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera have an exceptional array of attractions and activities from the Mayan ruins at Tulum to the Playa del Carmen nightlife, you will love your Mexico vacation. Here is a listing of some of the popular ones:

Beaches and sport activities

This area has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Most of the beaches have been manicured and have fine white sand. The water is a turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea.

Scuba diving and snorkelling

Just off the coast is the world’s fifth-longest barrier reef. The reef, home to hundreds of species of marine life, is perfect for snorkelling. Scuba dive and snorkel in the magnificent Caribbean waters. Scuba lessons for beginners and diving tours for the pros are available. Most resorts offer scuba/snorkel tours and/or lessons. Most of the ecological parks have great areas for snorkelling.

For more information: www.sealifedivers.com

Cozumel

Only 45 mins from Playa del Carmen by ferry, this diver’s haven is well worth the trip across the ocean. Considered among the best snorkelling and diving spots in the world, Cozumel offers magnificent coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks sites to explore. There are over 30 kilometres of coral reef, including the world’s second largest reef called the Gama Reef.

Golf Courses

Playacar Golf Club – This is an 18 hole, par 72 championship golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge. This course is carved through the lush Mayan jungle where it awaits any golfer to come and tame it. Driving range and putting green. Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo. Tel.: +52(984)873-0624

Puerto Aventuras – Marina, Tennis / Golf Club. Features a par 36, 9 hole course designed by Thomas Leeman. Maximum length 3,236 yards. Also features a putting green. Rental clubs / carts are available. – Located on the Cancun to Chetumal highway at km. 90 Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, Q.ROO. Tel.: 52-(987) 3-5109. Puerto Aventuras also has swimming with dolphins, relax and watch the dolphin show while having lunch. Puerto Aventuras also has a marina and restaurants.

For more information: www.dolphindiscovery.com

Mayan Jungle

Take a trip out of time and trek through the wild exotic jungles of the Mexican Riviera, ATV Explorer Jungle Tours is the original Playa del Carmen jungle tour. Ride an ATV through jungle paths, swim in a clear 60 foot deep cenote, explore caves, climb ancient Mayan ruins on this 2 hour tour. Right next to Playa del Carmen and Playacar, Mexico, just an hour south of Cancun.

For more information: www.atvexplorer.com

Mayan Ruins

Tulum

The smallest Mayan ruin site among the three, Tulum only needs a ? day. These ruins overlook the ocean and are right on a beautiful beach. This is a perfect spot for a picnic, a short swim and sun bathing. Take lots of pictures.

Coba

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and prepare for an hour and a half drive into the jungle before reaching these ruins. Well worth the drive as there are beautiful temples and pyramids to see.

Chichen Itza

This is the most famous and grandiose pyramid of them all. Bring plenty of film and marvel at the beautifully kept grounds and the new restoration work on the pyramid. A must see Mayan ruin for culture enthusiasts. Restaurants, small museum, and tourist shops abound.

Eco-Parks

Xcaret

An eco-Mayan theme park for the whole family. A must see if you visit the Mayan Riviera. Prepare to spend your entire day at Xcaret as there are a million and one things to do and see. An excellent light and sound show, swim with the dolphins, snorkelling, underground river runs, sea trekking, butterfly park, a Mayan village, and much more.

For more information: www.xcaret.net

Xel-Ha

Xel Ha is a eco-park with a large lagoon for snorkelling. It is a great place for first time snorkellers. Inner tubes and life vests are free, and you can rent snorkel gear or bring your own. Amazing cave system, cenotes, lagoon and snorkelling with thousands of tropical fish.

For more information: www.xel-ha.com

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, one of Mexico’s largest parks, covers more than 1 million acres of coastal jungle or about 20 percent of the state of Quintana Roo’s land. This virgin wilderness is home and sanctuary to innumerable species of tropical flora and fauna, of which, the jaguar found here is counted as one of the many protected species. Offers eco-trekking through mangroves, lagoons and rivers. Get a close-up look of the wildlife in the reserve in their natural habitat.

Aktun Chen

Witness spectacular geological formations and swim in crystal clear fresh water in the underground caves. Spider monkeys and a serpentarium (snakes) can be seen.

For more information: www.aktunchen.com

Xaman-Ha Aviary

Located in Playacar, this exotic bird sanctuary is a wonderful natural habitat for some 60 species of tropical birds that populate the jungles of the Yucatan peninsula. Scarlet macaws, flamingos, herons and may other beautiful feathered creatures can be found here.

Jardin Botanico del Dr. Alfredo Barrera

Beautiful botanical gardens sprawling with exotic species of tropical fauna in the lush Mayan rainforest. The gardens sit on 60 hectares of jungle and mangrove. A groomed loop trail provides easy walking to various collections of plants, all beautifully displayed in their natural environment. A scenic lookout tower is a bit of a challenge to climb but rewards the brave with a panoramic view from the mangrove to the sea, and out over the jungle.

Shopping

Playa del Carmen Shopping

The pedestrian street 5th Avenida in the heart of Playa del Carmen is lined with boutiques filled with goods from all over Mexico and the world. With handicrafts such as fine silver jewellery to hammocks there are shops that cater to every budget.

The stores that cater to tourists typically carry items such as carved wood and stone, hammocks, leather goods, paintings and sculptures. However, there are also high-end galleries featuring artworks from San Cristobal and Oaxaca for the serious Mexican art collector.

If you’d prefer to venture off the main strip, there are funky little treasures to be found in the small plaza between 6th and 8th ave.

About The Author Jolana Klobouk is the webmaster of www.best-family-beach-vacations.com. A parent and former travel agent, she has travelled extensively for work and vacations with her family. Jolana@best-family-beach-vacations.com

Airfare – Not Always Fair – by: Elizabeth Wares

Need a vacation but don~t want to stay around town? Want to go somewhere exotic, somewhere different? Want to fly but worried about the airfare? Sourcing the cheapest airfare available has been made easier with competition growing between travel agencies as people realize that a vacation need not be all that expensive. Airfare can be a hindrance to the best of vacation plans but it need not be. With so many travel companies vying for your business – securing cheaper airfare is a given!

The airline companies set airfare prices, with travel agencies just higher than wholesale price. The advertised price of an airfare does not contain any government taxes or duties so extra charges such as these will need to be added into your airfare budget.

Aside from the airline companies and travel agencies setting the price, there are many things, which can affect airfare price. The most important factor that can influence price is the final destination. Another factor can also influence the ticket price but not limited to:

The kind of airline class you opt for – do you want comfort or want to go economically. The location of your seat – window or inside seat. The time and day on which you want want to travel. How near you book to your departure date – booking nearer to your departure date may boost your airfare when you secure a last minute deal. Whether your airfare is part of an all inclusive holiday package. More often than not for these all-inclusive package,s the airfare has been given with a massive discount as a contract between the resort or hotel, the airline and travel agent.

Therefore, if you want to save your money, you should consider the above points before you commence with exploring your airfares that fit within your budget. Shopping for airfare is a difficult job, especially when you are looking for cheapest rate. You can make use of the Internet, as last minute deal websites are being developed and there are some great bargains to be had, particularly in regards to airfare rates. Checking frequently and subscribing to these last minute deal websites will make sure that your vacation is long lasting, and memorable without the extra burden of supplementary expenses for airfare! So check around for last minute deals.

About The Author Elizabeth Wares is an avid traveler and has enjoyed many miles of inexpensive flying. She has created the Airfare Resource Information site Airfare X airfarex.com elizabeth@airfarex.com