The Top 5 Things You Must Know About South African Food This World Cup?

by: Sean Farrell

The 2010 Football World Cup is kicking off in South Africa, bringing the world's most watched tournament to Africa for the 1st time ever. For all those lucky enough to be in South Africa watching some of the games or just to absorb the festive atmosphere, there are a few facts you should know about specific South African food and drink - to experience the country and culture to the full.

While for those enjoying the world cup from their sofas in their home countries, wherever that may be, you may want to impress your friends or possibly South African colleagues with some food facts that most South Africans take for granted. So from the land of long white sandy beaches, wild animals, picturesque landscapes, breathtaking vistas and awe inspiring mountain ranges - here are some foods you definitely should not miss out on.

Biltong: Ask any South African abroad what he misses most and 9 times out of 10, biltong will feature in the top 3 most missed South African treats. Similar to 'beef jerky' in the USA, in that both are cured and dried meat, but the production processes are quite different. Biltong can be made from a variety of meat, including: wild game, ostrich or more commercially available beef.

Biltong is a long standing Afrikaner tradition evolved from the dried meat carried by the wagon-travelling Voortrekkers. The Voortrekkers were early settlers to the Cape Colony who ventured north into the interior of Southern Africa away from British rule during the Great Trek in the early 1800's. With no cold refrigeration and being constantly on the move they dried and cured the meat preserving it from decay and insects.

There are many herb and spice combinations, with each town or city having their own famous biltong supplier. For the best biltong its best to ask the locals or alternatively you can just try them all and decide for yourself.

Rooibos Tea: Grown only in the Cederberg mountains in the semi-desert Western Cape of South Africa, Rooibos (pronounce 'roy-bos' - Afrikaans for 'red bush') - is a naturally green shrub but gets its deep red colour and rich flavour from fermentation similar to that of black tea.

Although in 1772 botanist Carl Thunberg was the first Westerner to mention this wild shrub, the indigenous Khoisan were well aware of Rooibos' remarkable health benefits and had been brewing it for centuries. The Cape colony's early Dutch settlers adopted Rooibos instead of expensive black tea from Europe. In 1904 Russian immigrant Benjamin Ginsberg, recognising its potential, became the first to trade it from the Bushmen and pioneered its cultivation. More recently, Rooibos has become famous for being the favourite drink of Precious Ramotswe of 'The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency' novels.

Rooibos tea is full of natural powerful antioxidants and key minerals, and unlike green tea it has no caffeine and is very low in tannins, so all round a very healthy beverage - so much so that it is often bottle fed to babies, which explains why many South Africans are so addicted to it!

In South Africa it is common to drink Rooibos tea with milk, prepared similar to black tea in England, but to fully appreciate the tea it is best drunk black. The tea has a unique taste experience: an inviting vanilla aroma, woody flavours and a sweet, mild, fruity taste.

Rusks: With your cup of Rooibos why not try a rusk. Rusks are hard, dry biscuits (also known as 'beskuit' in Afrikaans) eaten dunked in cup of coffee, tea, or Rooibos. Historically, rusks evolved (along with biltong) during the country's early pioneering days as a way to preserve bread in the dry climate.

Traditionally baked at home using recipes handed down through the generations, the most famous commercially produced rusk brand is Ouma (grandmother in Afrikaans) Rusks. In addition to plain and buttermilk flavours, look out for homemade varieties made with amongst others aniseed, whole-wheat, condensed milk, muesli, and lemon poppy seed. Impress your South African friends; ask for an Ouma rusk with your cup of Rooibos!

Naartjies: Its winter in South Africa and Naartjies (or nartjie) like other citurs fruits are in season. A soft loose-skinned citrus fruit, Naartjies are similar to mandarins, satsumas or tangerines.

The name is Afrikaans and is originally from the Tamil word nartei meaning citrus. The word has been used in South Africa since 1790, but the first written recorded English use is by Lawrence Green in the Tavern of the Seas 1947.

Naartjies are very popular at sporting events and can often find street vendors selling bags of the fruit outside football stadiums. So if you feeling like you missing out on your 5 a day fruits/vegetables and need a healthy snack in between your Castle beer (most popular South African beer) and biltong, get yourself a bag of Naartjies.

Babotie: Babotie is possibly the one truly South African dish that you can't find anywhere else. Like rusks there are numerous varieties and every South African will swear to his mother making the best Babotie using a recipe handed down through the generations. Babotie is a spiced minced meat baked dish with an egg-based topping and includes dried fruit like raisins or sultanas. Served with rice it is normally garnished with walnuts, chutney (ask for 'Mrs Balls Chutney' - the most well known brand) and bananas. Although not noticeably spicy, the dish incorporates a variety of flavours that can add complexity, like for example dried fruit (usually apricots and raisins/sultanas), curry spices and milk.

South Africa has a very rich history and diverse cultural background, evidenced by the now 11 official languages and countless nationalities living in this naturally rich and beautiful country at the tip of Africa. Hopefully you have a few more facts of food info to not only impress your friends with but the truly appreciate and enjoy the country during this the first world cup hosted in Africa.

Sean Farrell is the founder of Chateau Rouge food and drink. A passionate foodie, having grown up in South Africa, he loves Rooibos tea. Would you like to discover more about gourmet food and drink? Or discover some lesser known tea varieties, sign up for FREE newsletter updates: =>

http://www.chateaurouge.co.uk/

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Top 10 Male Enhancement Herbs

by: Serj Sagan

Last time I was at a local Walgreens I noticed that they carry hundreds of different herbs that claim to do amazing things. If I was to take all of them, not only would I be super smart, but I would also have sexy skin, a six pack stomach, great hair, be an amazing lover, and all of the women would want me just by smelling my “pheromones.” I doubt that I can have all of that just by taking some pills, but as amazing and unrealistic as the claims are, there are definite benefits to certain herbs. We all know that Ginkgo is for mental alertness and Echinacea is for immunity strength, but what herbs are best for male sexual performance? We will discuss the top ten male enhancement herbs here and finish with a few to avoid.

1. GINKGO BILOBA LEAF – I wanted to start with ginkgo because it is commonly thought of as an herb to help with memory and brain function. This is in fact correct, however only covers one scope of the herb's benefits. Ginkgo works by expanding the capacity of blood flow through your veins and arteries therefore that effect benefits many parts of the body from the increased oxygen supply to the brain, which allows better brain function, to fuller and harder erections as more blood is supplied to the penis.

A few concerns with ginkgo are, because of the increased blood flow, those with bleeding disorders, especially those whose blood fails to coagulate on a wound, should take more precaution as more blood flow will slow the coagulation process. The second concern is for those who prefer ginkgo biloba seeds over the leaf. Uncooked ginkgo biloba seeds have shown some small levels of toxins, so if you prefer the seeds it is advised to cook them prior to ingestion. Finally, as with any new addition to your diet, some people have claimed a minor upset stomach and diarrhea.

The recommended concentration is 24% flavones and 6% terpene lactones. The usual dosage is 120mg to 160mg per day.

2. EPIMEDIUM LEAF EXTRACT – The next herb is epimedium leaf or commonly known as horny goat weed. The origins of epimedium is from goat herders who noticed that when their flock ate the weed their sexual activity was noticeably increased, thus the name. Discovery Channel did a study on horny goat weed. They found that it is the number one most prescribed solution to sexual dysfunction by professional doctors in China. Although little is known about how horny goat weed actually works, it has shown significant increases in libido and vitality in both men and women, restore sexual function in men, and help with discomfort during menopause in women.

To this day there have not been any known side effects with horny goat weed, other than the typical minor upset stomach and diarrhea when something new is added to your diet.

It is recommended that your intake of horny goat weed is concentrated enough to have at least 10% icariin. Generally 1000MG to 2000MG is a sufficient daily dosage.

3. HAWTHORN BERRY – The hawthorn berry is another herb that is generally used to treat one concern, yet its benefits extend further. The hawthorn berry is primarily used to treat heart problems. It strengthens the heart allowing it to pump more blood. This, of course, translates into more blood flowing into your penis. Thus allowing for harder, fuller erections and increased pleasure from orgasm.

A few concerns with the hawthorn berry are that studies show that it does lower blood pressure a little bit so if you have very low blood pressure you may need to consult with a physician. And as usual some have reported a minor upset stomach and diarrhea.

The daily recommended dosage for the hawthorn berry is 160mg to 900mg concentrated to 2% to 3% flavonoids or 18% to 20% oligomeric procyanidins.

4. SAW PALMETTO BERRY – The saw palmetto berry is a berry that is commonly used for urological problems. The most common use for it is to bring an enlarged prostate back to regular size. However most studies indicate that long term use (12 months or more) of saw palmetto also eased urination and increased sexual function significantly.

One of the few things about saw palmetto berries is that although there have been many studies done on saw palmetto, there have not been any reported side effects, none even complained about upset stomach or diarrhea.

320mg per day standardized to not less than 85% fatty acids is the recommended dosage for saw palmetto berries.

5. CATUABA BARK EXTRACT – The catuaba is a Brazilian, primarily in the Amazon rainforest, tree whose bark has been used for thousands of years as an all around nervous system revitalizer. It restores your nervous system function bringing about increased brain function, reduced nervousness, better sleep and improved sexual function. This is the herb that has helped the 60, 70, 80 even 90 year olds in Brazil have a healthy sex life naturally.

There are no known side effects with catuaba except the occasional upset stomach and diarrhea when it is first introduced to the diet. The main concern is that you are actually purchasing real catuaba bark, as there are several exporters who export the bark as catuaba, but it is in fact from the wrong tree. There are 2 forms of catuaba tree that supplies the actual bark that is medicinally known for its benefits and the scientific names for these two is Erythroxylum catuaba and Trichilia catigua.

The standard daily dose is 1000mg to 2000mg. There has not been any standardization of the extract’s concentration.

6. MUIRA PAUMA BARK EXTRACT – The muira pauma is another rainforest tree found in South America and Africa. This plant’s benefits also focus on the nervous system to treat various ailments such as paralysis, beri-beri, rheumatism, grippe, and cardiac and gastrointestinal weakness, baldness and sexual dysfunction, such as impotence, infertility and menstrual disturbances.

There are no reported side effects from muira pauma except the occasional upset stomach and diarrhea when it is first introduced to the diet. It is also commonly exported as muira pauma bark extract from a similar tree whose bark does not have the same medical benefits, the scientific name for it is Liriosma ovate, so be sure that before you purchase muira pauma that it does not come from this tree.

The recommended dosage is 1500mg daily and there are no concentration standards for the muira pauma bark extract.

7. CUSCUTA SEED EXTRACT – The cuscata is commonly known as dodder plant and it is commonly used to increase sperm production and its fertility. New research has shown that it helps with treating impotence.

There are rumors that cuscuta seed extract, when ingested in high quantities, caused lack of sleep. There are no case studies showing this effect as the studies done use standard dosages when administering it. There have also never been any claims of upset stomach or diarrhea with cuscuta seed extract.

The recommended dosage is 10g to 15g boiled in 3 cups of water for 20 minutes, some have said to increase that dosage up to 25 grams of cuscuta seed extract in 3 cups of water each day. It is standardized to 2.5% flavonoids.

8. ASIAN GINSENG – There are several kinds of ginseng available on the market today, but the one that shows the most sexual function benefit is the asian ginseng. It is commonly used to restore energy both physically and mentally and in sexual function it has a significant benefit in preventing premature ejaculation.

Asian ginseng has similar side effects as other forms of ginseng which include difficulty falling asleep when taken in large quantities and an upset stomach when it is first introduced to the diet.

A daily dosage is 200mg to 600mg, standardized to contain 4% to 5% ginsenosides.

9. TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS – The tribulus terrestris is a plant native to the warm climates of southern Europe and Asia, throughout Africa and in northern Australia, although it is found in North and South America as well now. Its primary use is for the purpose of increased sex drive by restoring hormone levels to normal range, primarily testosterone.

There are no reported side effects from tribulus terrestris except the occasional upset stomach when it is first introduced to your diet.

750mg per day is the recommended dosage of tribulus terrestris, standardized for at least 30% to 45% steroidal saponins (furostanol).

10. DAMIANA – Damiana is found primarily in Central and South America. It is recorded being used as early back as the ancient Mayan civilization to prepare for lovemaking. Today it is used to relieve headaches, control bed wetting, better control of the muscles in the urinary tract, as an aphrodisiac and to enhance orgasms.

There are no known side effects of damiana even the upset stomach that is common to new ingredients being added to your diet is unheard of.

The recommended dosage is 750mg to 1000mg per day. There is no standardization for damiana.

All of the above herbs have been listed as Class 1 safe on the US government website when taken in recommended dosages. However I wanted to make you aware of an herb that is very popular for male enhancement, but it has a serious side effect. The bark of the Yohimbe (aka Yohimbine) tree is known for its potency in increasing sexual function however it can and very often does cause very serious damage to the liver. In fact it is banned for import in several different countries. Please use caution when taking this herb, especially if already have liver problems.

You will find that all of the above herbs when taken alone will improve your sexual functionality, but when they are combined the effects are compounded. So next time you walk into Walgreens, or who ever your supplier is, you will be able to better distinguish between at least a small section of the natural supplements isle and enhance your love life considerably.

Sources:
National Institute of Health
http://nccam.nih.gov
University of Maryland Medical Center
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hawthorn-000256.htm
Discovery Health
http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/libido/goat_03.html
David Mendosa
http://www.mendosa.com/sawpalm.htm
Raintree Nutrition
http://www.rain-tree.com/muirapuama.htm
MDidea
http://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new017.html

Serj Sagan is the CEO and owner of the male enhancement company that is dedicated to find the real truth about male enhancement products and its manufacturers and expose that truth to the consumer. Copyright 2008 Serj Sagan of Male Enhancement Research. This article may be freely distributed as long as this resource box stays attached.

http://www.enhancementresearch.com/

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Who Are The Top Springer Spaniels Breeders?

by: Phil Marks

If you want to find the top springer spaniels breeders then you first need to find out about the top springer spaniels, and in what line. Welsh or English Springer? English springer spaniels have two distinct lines - the working ('Field') dog and the Show dog types - they are slightly different in build. Welsh springer spaniels have only one line. We will use the English springer as an example. In the United States, the Show dogs are known as Bench dogs.

To Find Show or Bench English Springer Spaniels Breeders:

The top show dogs will have been show champions (in the UK Crufts is the foremost show, and has a website). You can easily check online for the champions. For Crufts 2010, in the Gundog Group, the Brest of Breed (Spaniel, English Springer) was:

SH CH TRIMERE TALKING POINT OF ALLENIE JW

["e;]Trimere["e;] is the affix of the breeder (it identitifies the breeder), and a search online for ["e;]Trimere spaniel["e;] will locate the breeder for you. Not all breeders have a website with contact details - some top breeders do not feel they need to advertise their litters - they are well known with Show circles and the pups sell readily.

Then, if there are no contact details available, a search on the Kennel Club website will usually uncover the breeder's name and address details.

In the USA, the National Championship run by the American Kennel Club is one of the top shows. For the 2009 National Championship, the Best in Breed was:

CH SPRINGWEST AMAZING GRACE

Again, just use the affix 'Springwest' to search online for the Breeder.

The author has no connection with any of the breeders mentioned here - they were at the top the prizewinners lists.

Of course, there will have been runners up too, and other prize categories, so you should be able to locate at least half a dozen champion breeders. And, you can check through a couple of preceding years' results.

To Find Field or Working English Springer Spaniels Breeders:

These trials are organised by Field Trials Associations or Clubs, such as:

In the USA: English Springer Spaniel Field Trail Association

In Britain: List of Field Trial Societies on the Kennel Club website

Australia and South Africa: There is less information available online, and the sites are mainly commercial, though links to breeders can be found. Part of the reason for this is that these countries use hunting dogs which are more specialised to their environments and their game.

In the US and UK there is more English springer spaniels field trial activity, and top breeders are more easily found.

The great thing about field trials is that the springers are doing what they are bred to do - flush and retrieve - and it is much more fun for both owners and dogs. Most field trials involve live shooting.

Why do you want a Champion's offspring? The main reason has to be that you want to own a champion, and that means show the dog or field-trial him. This will involve a very high degree of commitment to do the dog justice.

There are plenty of second- and third-tier English springer spaniels breeders who have perfectly good pups. With a well chosen pup from a local prize-winning bloodline, you can still have a great deal of fun and win a few prizes, whether it is in the show-ring or out in the country at field trials.

A final note - with a Welsh Springer you can both show and field-trail the same dog; with the English Springer you make the commitment one way or the other when you buy a pup from either the show dog line or the field line.

Written by a long term English Springer Spaniel owner. Find out much more about springer spaniel breeders at => http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/english-springer-spaniel-breeder/ and discover a whole lot more about this fantastic breed at => http://www.springerspanieladvice.com and get yourself a 10 part mini course about them, at no charge.

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The Basics of Ecotourism: Support Sustainability and Local Economies with Your Travel Dollars

by: Jamie Jefferson

Traveling is one of life's greatest pleasures, but you might not have considered whether your style of tourism could actually be a drain on your destination's resources.

The good news: today, it's easier than ever to find alternatives to traditional tourism practices. By going on an eco tour, you're helping to preserve the area that you are visiting and to minimize your environmental impact as a tourist.

Eco-tourism is different from traditional tourism in a lot of ways. It's also significantly different from nature tourism. With nature tourism, you are simply enjoying the natural areas that you are visiting. For example, a safari in Africa could be considered a form of nature tourism. But a safari that uses electric vehicles, a local guide and an environmentally-friendly hotel would be considered part of eco-tourism.

Some of the key features of eco-tourism is the respect of the natural areas of the country and an emphasis on sustainability. Eco tours seek to create a positive relationship between the visitors and the people who live in the tourist destination.

Instead of the tourist attractions draining an area of its natural vitality, eco tourism aims to boost the local economy and respects nature. Often environmentally friendly practices are part of eco-tourism, such as using natural sources of energy or using recycled materials, but the main emphasis is on preserving what is already there at the location.

Contrary to popular belief, an eco tour doesn't have to be a trek to the middle of nowhere or an exotic locale. As long as the accommodations you are staying in emphasize respecting and preserving natural resources, it can be considered an eco tour.

Eco-tourism activities run the gamut from high adventure activities, such as deep sea diving and mountain climbing, to more gentle adventures, such as horse back riding or photography. If you're ready to experience all that eco-tourism has to offer, here are some of the most popular destinations:

1. Key West, Florida: This tiny island is becoming a hot eco-tourism spot. You can take a kayaking trip around the exotic mangrove forests, view nocturnal ocean creatures and get hands on experience with local environmental scientists.

2. Alaska: Some consider this to be America's last frontier, and its thousands of acres of natural lands are being preserved with eco-tourism. Grizzlies, salmon, eagles and sea otter are just a few of the animals that you can visit in their natural habitat.

3. Belize: This country of thick jungles is a great place to stay in an ecological cabin. You can ride horses through jungle paths, view spider monkeys swinging through trees and take a dip in tranquil pools.

With some research, you can find eco-tourism popping up in many different areas around the globe. As long as you are vigilant about finding an eco-friendly option, you can find tourist destinations that don't hurt the local areas you are visiting.

Jamie Jefferson writes for http://www.susies-travel-coupons.com, where you can find Travelocity Coupons: http://www.susies-travel-coupons.com/travel.htm as well as promotions and discounts on adventure travel: http://www.susies-travel-coupons.com/adventure.htm

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Volunteering in Cusco, Peru

by: Gary Sargent

Volunteering in Peru is a unique experience and an interchange between the volunteer and members of Peruvian society which is greatly advantagous to both. There are many direct and indirect advantages of volunteering in Peru, or anywhere else in Latin America for that matter. Peruvian people are generally friendly and open people and the country is relatively cheap to live and travel in plus it is also very safe compared to many other developing countries, much safer than most in Africa it is said.

Not only do volunteers have the opportunity to practice their language skills during the day in a practical manner without studying (which is often the best and fastest way to learn), but volunteering is an exchange where volunteers learn from the Peruvians and Peruvians in need get the help they need an gather information about the countries of the volunteers.

Volunteers can gain very helpful life and work experiences that they probably would not find in their own country, bolster their CVs and get to discover more about the rich Peruvian culture in a way that is very different than that learned in a classroom. Anyone of almost any age can participate in a volunteer program but they should obviously be interested and motivated to help the less fortunate of Peru. No previous experience is necessary but a level of Spanish that enables holding a basic conversation would be very useful. Typically, volunteers would take classes in Spanish while volunteering to help them communicate, probably at a local school which may also arrange the volunteering program.

There are many volunteering programs in Peru. A program typically consists of a four-week long study and working period, the study period being one that assists the volunteers in the projects on which they will be working, as we have mentioned. A work permit is not needed to volunteer or study in Peru as technically visitors will be tourists and be given between 60 and 90 days free stay upon entering the country.

There are some medical volunteering opportunities in hospitals but these are only for qualified nurses or medical students undergoing training in their home countries. There are many volunteering projects in centers for children whose goal is to improve nutrition as well as the education level of mainly rural children on a daily basis. There are many projects of this type in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, just a short drive from Cusco. Children will attend community centers during the morning and have a good meal, which may be the only one they have all day. Volunteers then play with the children, teach them English, organize outdoor activities and help with other projects organized by the center that facilitate the local community, such as building clay ovens, walls, drainage ditches etc.

Sometimes social projects aim to teach children specific life or technical skills so they have a better start when they look for work. Craft workshops are set up for sewing, knitting, weaving, ceramics and other craftwork and children learn these skills and then are able to sell their work to tourists. Children in this type of program go to school in the morning and then work on crafts in the afternoons.

Teaching English in a primary school is another popular volunteering project involving children. Volunteers normally create their own lesson plans for the classes that are 45 minutes long and typically have about 40 students per class. Volunteers have always said that this type of work is extremely stimulating and rewarding as the students are usually fairly well behaved and eager to learn, maybe even more so that western children of the same age!

There are many other social projects aimed at helping older people who are forced to live in poorly funded care homes in Cusco. In one such project there are about 250 people living in the center which is divided into two parts, one for men and the other for women. These elderly people either do not have a family or have been abandoned and have medical or language difficulties, being mostly native Quechua speakers. Activities that the volunteer may be involved in include helping elderly people at meal times, organizing amusements and helping with government funded health initiatives.

Whatever kind of volunteering you decide to do you will be helping the less fortunate, you will advance your Spanish and learn more about other people and yourself, and carry away experiences and skills that will stay with you the rest of your life.

Gary Sargent is the Managing Director of the tour companies Escaped to Peru and has lived in South America since 1998. Gary is passionate about life here, the people, customs and places. Visit Gary's website at http://www.escapedtoperu.com for more Peru travel advice or to book your next Peru vacation.

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10 Ways To Explore The Grand Canyon

by: Cecilia Valenzuela

Are you planning a trip to the Grand Canyon but don't know what kind of activities there are to see and do once you reach the Grand Canyon?

If you are planning to visit the Grand Canyon either as a 1-Day-Activity or if you wish to make a week of it, there are plenty of options.

Here are 10 ways to explore the Grand Canyon. Many people could easily spend all day just looking at this magical wonder, but there are other ways you can enjoy the mighty Grand Canyon.

If you are pressed for time, it is certainly still feasible to enjoy the Grand Canyon as a 1-Day activity; you may just feel a little rushed. If you leave early and prepare yourself for a long day, it can be done.

If you are a traveler who has a little extra time, you would likely appreciate taking that extra day or two and view the other sightseeing attractions as you make your way to the Grand Canyon.

Many visitors spend the night in another town, such as Sedona, Arizona, where the beauty of the red-rock will astound you. If you choose to drive from the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, plan on about 4.5 hours of travel time to get to the Grand Canyon.

If you decide to stay in Flagstaff before traveling to Grand Canyon National Park, it is approximately 80 miles away, which should take about an hour and a half to drive there. If you stay in Sedona, the Canyon is about a two-hour drive.

The Grand Canyon National Park offers a free shuttle at the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village, along Hermit Road. Note that these shuttles provide transportation only and are not considered tour buses. (Bus Tours are available, however.)

You are required to exit the bus to view the Canyon. It is important to note that if you or someone in your group has a physical challenge, most shuttles are inaccessible to wheelchairs.

Here are 10 excellent ways to explore the Grand Canyon.

1. Go boating or rafting. There are plenty of companies who are willing to take you on a very specialized tour-guided river experience inside the Grand Canyon. If you choose to go rafting, though, keep in mind that the water can get a little rough at times, but you will certainly be in good hands with your tour guide and required life jacket.

If you are timid about water, consider the fact that the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is said to be one of the wildest stretches of white water in the United States.

2. Go hiking. Many hiking trails exist throughout the area. The South Rim is where the most popular hike is. The name of this trail on the South Rim is named Bright Angel Trail, located near Grand Canyon Village.

On the North Rim, the most popular hiking trail is North Kaibab. (No permit is required here.)

No permit is needed for day hiking, but you will need a permit if you choose to camp inside the Grand Canyon, as dictated by the National Park Service.

The most popular backpacking site is the Bright Angel Campground. Bright Angel Campground is located at the end of Bright Angel Trail.

3. If you are not afraid of heights, you can always try out the new Grand Canyon Skywalk which recently opened this past spring! The Skywalk is officially open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. It first opened March 28, 2007, and from all accounts, is something very special and exciting.

4. Take a helicopter or a mule ride inside the Canyon. You will find several companies who will give you a bird's eye view down inside the Canyon.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is the first walkway to suspend more than 4,000 feet above the Canyon floor. It extends 70 feet from the rim and is located at Grand Canyon West's Eagle Point.

5. Take a helicopter ride. Tours originate at either the Grand Canyon Airport, five miles south of the park entrance or in Sedona.

6. Drive to the South Rim and park your car and walk to the edge of the Grand Canyon. If you don't like large groups, or if you just prefer doing things on your own time, you certainly have this option.

7. You can access the Grand Canyon Railway train for some fun, too. Sit back and relax! Jump the train in Williams, Arizona, where it will escort you precisely to Grand Canyon Village.

8. Take a bus tour. Many tour companies are available for your tour to the Grand Canyon.

9. Take a Jeep Tour. If you like the wilderness, you will find that these Jeep tours are a great way to take in limitless nature along with Native American Indian history, culture and more.

10. Settle for an Audio Tour. You can also opt for your own personal guide on a CD. These are also available to visitors and provide a learning experience at every listeners own pace.

Cecilia Valenzuela is a full-time small business entrepreneur who resides in Arizona. Cecilia Valenzuels works alongside other small business owners who are also working online in their quest to become successful. For more information on the Grand Canyon along with history, facts, tips, and more about living in the desert southwest, you can find out more at http://www.My-Arizona-Desert-Living.com

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Hell's Gate National Park Kenya

by: John Schuff

HELL'S GATE NATIONAL PARK IN KENYA.

While planning your Kenya safari, try and include Hell's Gate National park in Naivasha. I went there with my family 2 years ago and i have decided to tell everybody about this wonerful place in Kenya. We went on a 8 days safari including Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha (Hell's gate) and finished our safari in Samburu National park. Our agent "Inside Africa Budget Safaris" told us that Hells gate was part of the itinerary, we didnt say no since she was the expert. Let me tell you more about this wonerful place called Hells Gate and the history which we gathered from the locals there.

Hell's Gate National Park is a tiny park located between Naivasha Lake and Longonot and Suswa volcanoes and it is an ideal venue for a weekend retreat far from the urban life of Nairobi.The park provides a variety of wildlife, unusual flora and many species of birds and is one of the two only kenyan parks where climbing, walking and biking are allowed.Hell's Gate in Naivasha is an ideal getaway place enroute to Lake Nakuru or the Masai Mara.Visitors here have the choice of driving while game vieing, camping, cycling and rock climbing. Naivasha town is the second coast and to the majority who can not make it or afford the beaches and the white sand, this is the place to be.Hell's Gate National Park is a beautiful park that has bufalloes, gazelles, zebras, giraffe and ostrich among others. The park got its name after a narrow break in the cliffs, once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley.Despite its name, Hell's Gate, given by the explorer!

s Fisher and Thomson (1883) after their defeat against the hostile Maasai warriors, the park is a peaceful area where you can walk or do biking alongside towering cliffs and wild animals.

Hell's Gate stand in a class of its own, visitors here have the choice of driving, walking, camping, cycling and rock - climbing within the park while horseback safaris can also be arranged.For nature lovers, the entrance to the gorge is a perfect place for breakfast before descending for a gorgeous walk in this old canyon.Some of the spectacular scenerary in the park includes the towering cliffs water - gouged gorges, stark of rock towers, scrub-clad volcanoes and the rising plumes of geothermal stream.

On entering the the park, one is welcomed by the 25m high Fischers tower that rise high in the sky and which is used by novices in rock climbing to the highest point of the tower with the help of trained guides. The jugged volcanic plug is all that remains of an ancient volcano and its named after the German explorer Gustav Fischer.According to the Maasai who claim that the park was their ancestral land, the rock is petrified figure of a chief's daughter. The story goes that the girl was on her way to get married and was warned against looking behind lest she would turn into a rock. And just like the story of Sodom and Gomorah, she went against the instruction and took one last glance at her home and the tower is a reminder of what happened to her, she turned into a rock.

According to palmeris, the rock offers excellent climbing and is a home to a colony of rock hyrax among other small animals. The towering cliffs and undulating grasslands provide one of the few remaining places where one can walk alongside herds of bufallo, zebra and giraffes.Deeper into the lodge is the lower gorge that offers an opportunity to explore the long, winding, deeper curves of the Ol Njorowe Gorge. In here water hot water springs which some claims are medicinal for those with skin diseases can be found and the tour for the strong hearted is breathtaking. The rising steam from various parts of the park is a clear indication of the geothermal power.

For bird lovers, this is just the perfect place for you, an incredible 103 species of birds have been recorded in the park. The massive cliff in the park provide a home for thousands of swift birds as well as unique breeding ground for vulture, augur buzzard, verreaux eagle and the rare Lamergeyer vulture. There is the Mervyn carnelly raptor hide, which is a unique bird viewing hide that incorporates a one way window. This allows visitors to view and photograph the raptors, which are birds of prey at exceptionally close range.

Discover this wonderful place while in Kenya.

John Schuff is a traveler. For more info about this visit http://www.insideafricaholidays.com

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Arowana Care - A Brief Introduction To Arowanas

by: Robert Khaw

Arowanas, also known as "dragon fish", from the family Osteoglossidae, are magnificent freshwater fish that somehow look prehistoric. They have a bony protrusion inside their large mouth which is why they are also known as "bone-tongues". This bone tongue is used by the fish to further emaciate its food by grinding the tongue against the teeth that are in the roof of the fish's mouth. Arowanas usually grow to around 3 to 4 feet in length in captivity but there are reports that they can grow up to 8 feet or 2m in the wild. There are only six known species of Arowana in the world, mainly found in South America, Australia, Africa and Asia.

Another interesting fact about the Arowana is that it's a part-time air breather, meaning it can absorb oxygen from the air if the water has low levels of oxygen. The fish does this by sucking air into its swim bladder, which is full of capillaries much like the lung tissue of mammals.

Arowana fish have a rapid growth cycle, often reaching lengths of 17-23 inches by the time they are 3 or 4 years old. By this time the fish may be a bit mature already so the differences in gender may be obvious. The males have a shallower body, larger head and mouth, and a longer tail than the female Arowana. Males are also more brightly colored than the females and are also more competitive when it comes to food and territory.

Being a natural predator, the Arowana generally eats any living thing that can fit into its large mouth. The Arowana feeding habit is usually constituted of small fish, frogs, and insects. But there are reports that the Arowanas can leap clean out of the water and devour perched birds and even the occasional bat or two, this is an easy feat for this very powerful fish.

The Arowana is a very popular fish among aquarium enthusiasts, especially the Asian variety. The Asian species of Arowanas have the brightest coloration of all the known species. The most popular is the Golden Arowana, which has shimmering scales that look like they might actually be made of gold. But the rarest, and most expensive, is the Super Red Arowana, which has a deep, blood-red color.

The Arowana is prized not only for its beauty, but also for their believed mystical attributes as well. In most parts of Asia it is believed that the Arowana carries good fortune, due to its resemblance with the mythical dragon.

The Arowana truly is a remarkable fish, truly deserving the title of "King of the Aquarium".

The Arowana fish is easy to keep, but hard to master when it comes to bringing out its best colors. Expose your Arowana's true colors using the simplest, laziest but most effective Arowana care techniques from http://www.arowanasecrets.com.

If you are starting out on rearing an Arowana, don't forget to grab the "5 Steps to Setting Up Your Arowana Tank - Keeping It Simple, Clean and Quick" *FREE* report at http://www.arowanasecrets.com that is usually priced at $17.

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Get Kids Excited About a Disney World Vacation

by: Allison Jones

Go on...I know you want to yell it, "We're Going to Disney World!" So, you booked your trip and now you wait until it is time to go on your vacation. Why not make the waiting fun, too! You can get the kids involved at home and have some fun while you countdown your trip to Disney World. Here are some of our favorite family activities to help countdown to your Disney World vacation:

Have a movie night - Find your favorite Disney Classic movie or Disney-Pixar movie, pop some popcorn, and have a Disney Movie Night. Just calling it Disney Movie Night will get everyone excited!

Plan you Theme Park days - Pull out the guide maps to the Disney Theme Parks and have each family member pick out their favorite 3 rides to enjoy during your vacation. This will help maximize your time at the parks by hitting only the family's favorites and will get everyone excited about your trip.

Have a Themed Dinner - My youngest loves Alice in Wonderland! We will often have a night that we call the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party. We make sandwiches, fruit, and tea punch. We find out favorite hats and all join in on the fun!

Decorate your Car - If you are driving, go buy some shoe polish (the stick kind) and let the kids decorate your windows with fun sayings like "Mickey Mouse here we come" or "Running on Tinkerbell Dust". The kids will love decorating your car and it will wash right off with the rain or water.

Planning a Disney World vacation can be as much fun as visiting Disney World. Plan some fun activities at home to get the whole family ready for a Walt Disney World vacation. For more tips, contact our Disney World Specialists at Destinations in Florida Travel at http://www.destinationsinflorida.com.

As an Orlando local, Allison has watched Orlando grow from orange groves to the popular tourist destination it is today. She has spent her life either playing or working at Disney World. She graduated from the Disney College Program, College of Knowledge Program and College of Knowledge Graduate Program. Her experience expands to other Orlando destinations including Universal Studios and Sea World.

She is a travel agent at Destinations in Florida Travel, specializing in Disney World & Orlando vacations. This agency is recognized by Disney as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. To ask Allison a question about your Disney or Orlando vacation, contact her at http://www.destinationsinflorida.com.

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Discover the Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine

by: Mike Andrews

If there's an espresso machine that's a perennial favorite, and a real workhorse, it would have to be the Gaggia Classic. This is one of Gaggia's all-time greatest selling models, and they just keep making it much better. This extremely affordably priced machine creates superb espresso shots and deserves every bit of its top ranking.

This really is an ideal entry level machine if you're looking to buy your very first real home espresso maker. The Gaggia Classic is a "semi-automatic espresso machine". With this class of espresso machine you have control over grinding, dosing, tamping, and timing. If the coffee was ground correctly and also the grounds were tamped using the right amount of pressure, the brew time ought to be close to 28 seconds. The brewing process starts with the simple flip of a switch and then you choose to end the extraction by turning the switch in the opposite direction. When you've mastered this process you'll consistently turn out ideal shots of espresso which are capped by a thick, rich crema. Don't feel badly if your first several attempts at producing an espresso leave you less than impressed. You'll eventually get the hang of it, and whenever you do your espresso drinks will be perfect.

A notable feature of the Classic is that the portafilter and brew group on this device are impressively substantial and well-made, and are nearly as heavy as those on large commercial machines that cost multiple-thousands of dollars. The heavy, long lasting chrome plated brass portafilter helps stabilize the temperature during brewing.

This is a very well designed and well built machine, does a great job of producing espresso drinks, and is really a pleasure to make use of. It's durable stainless steel construction give it a industrial feel. The water reservoir is simple to fill, even while the machine is in use, and also the toggle switches are simple to use. Other excellent features, usually found only on commercial-grade machines, is a 3-way solenoid valve that automatically releases the pressure from the brew group, a really quick and efficient boiler, and a strong pump capable of producing up to 17 bars of pressure. It feels and acts industrial grade, but still looks excellent in the kitchen. It's simple to set up, easy to use, and simple to clean. It consistently produces aromatic espresso shots that are topped with perfect crema. The machine includes a very good frother even though the frother does receive some complaints, primarily because it works so nicely at foaming milk when occasionally all you need to do is heat the milk by steaming it.

It is very easy to fall in love with the Gaggia Classic simply because it's so simple to make your favorite espresso drinks. The Gaggia Classic delivers espresso as good or better than those more costly manual lever and piston machines, or even the super automated machines. And this machine does this flawlessly.

Pay careful attention to the instructions which correctly emphasize the importance of getting the best grind and using correct tamping technique for making a superior espresso drink. Brewing consistently perfect espresso shots is just a matter of mastering the variables of grinding, dosing, tamping, and timing, all critical elements in producing a perfect shot. When you do it will deliver an espresso drink that's every bit as great as what you will pay $5 for at Starbucks.

There are plenty of manufacturers of espresso machines in the "semi-automatic" class, but dollar-for-dollar and pound-for-pound you won't find another machine that offers the well-built sturdiness, the ease of operation, the clean lines, and most importantly the quality of the espresso that the Classic does. And, as a bonus, the machine should last forever.

What better way is there to start your day than by enjoying a rich, creamy latte or cappuccino that you created yourself? Treat yourself to a Gaggia Classic.

Say "so long" to Starbucks and the $5 latte. In case you are going broke feeding your addiction then get your own Gaggia Classic espresso machine at http://espressomachinereviewsblogsite.com/gaggia-classic/ and save a ton of money.

Find out about all the many different types of espresso and latte makers at http://espressomachinereviewsblogsite.com

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