Knowledge Wanders
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Archive for April, 2009

26
Apr

Enjoy Your Time in the Cotswolds When You Stay in a Cotswolds Bed and Breakfast

Posted in Destinations  by robindarch on April 26th, 2009

The Cotswolds region is one of the most popular tourist destinations in England. Whether you are looking to spend a relaxing weekend or an extended holiday stay, the region is one of the best places to be. The Cotswolds can offer you warmth and the quietness of the countryside. It’s where you can relax while enjoying a different experience and a different kind of vacation. And of course, if you truly want a relaxing and English vacation, it is best to stay in one of the many Cotswolds bed and breakfasts.

Instead of staying in a hotel while you are in the area, try staying in a Cotswolds B&B for a change. Not only will you save on money, you are sure to have a more memorable vacation in England.

Your Cotswolds B&B Options

If you want to have an authentic rural English vacation, one of your options is to stay in a farm bed and breakfast. Agriculture is one of the major industries in the region so there are many farms here, and this is the main reason you will find many Cotswolds bed and breakfasts around.

A lot of the Cotswolds farm B&Bs are actual barns and farm buildings that have been converted by their owners to accommodate tourists. These farm B&Bs vary in size, and most are beautifully decorated. What sets these Cotswolds bed and breakfasts apart from hotels is their homey atmosphere. You will feel comfortable staying in a farm B&B; you could have your own garden during your stay even and get to experience firsthand how it is to live in an English farm.

Another option is one of the relatively old but beautifully maintained stone houses. These bed and breakfasts allow anyone to experience authentic English living with modern facilities. This Cotswolds B&B option is ideal if you are not quite ready to live it “roughly” in a farm B&B and if you would rather have modern amenities in your accommodations.

Then the pubs and inns are other Cotswolds bed and breakfast options. These accommodations are right within the villages themselves. This is the ideal bed and breakfast option for you if you want to meet the locals and experience village life. You can immerse yourself in the village, as well as experience how people are living there. If you prefer to be right near the markets and where the local action is, you can choose to stay in a townhouse.

Cotswolds B&Bs have a unique character and warmth. They are not like city inns where people come and go and the atmosphere is very impersonal. When you stay in a Cotswold B&B, you can expect to have a wonderful stay because of the warmth of the place and the people who run it.

Getting the Best Breakfast in Cotswolds

One of the highlights of your stay in Cotswolds is getting the best hearty breakfast every morning. Most bed and breakfasts serve fresh fruits, juices and cereal for breakfast. Main courses include local produce such as eggs and tomatoes. Sausages, bacons and baked beans are also served for breakfast. In addition, you may have a selection of cheeses and croissant. Some also serve fish for breakfast.

The great thing about staying in a Cotwolds bed and breakfast is that you will most probably get the freshest food. Since there are a lot of farms in the area, your food are fresh as can be. Of course, your breakfast could vary depending on where you are staying. If you stay in a family run bed and breakfast, home cooked meals are something you can look forward to. You may also get to experience traditional dishes.

To find out exactly the true meaning of luxury and comfort, come and enjoy your time in a Cotswolds Bed and Breakfast situated in the heart of the Cotswolds. Feel the beauty and the relaxing haven only in the Cotswolds.

26
Apr

Visit Capitola, California’s Oldest Seaside Resort

Posted in Destinations  by rentalo on April 26th, 2009

The extensive California coastline boasts a number of resort towns, with a variety of weather and water conditions. Want to know where it all started? Check out Capitola, California’s oldest seaside resort. With the whole Pacific shoreline stretching out, the founders of Capitola wisely chose this spot at the north end of Monterey Bay. Visit here yourself and you’ll soon discover why. One disadvantage earliest visitors had was that they couldn’t choose their Capitola lodging from among a listing of Capitola vacation rentals online. You, however, can, and you can accomplish it easily just looking on the Internet.

Why was this spot chosen as California’s first resort? Take one glimpse at the rocky bluffs overlooking the stretches of white sand beaches in this river valley on Monterey Bay and you’ll get an idea. Sunset Magazine readers voted Capitola one of the most beautiful in California. Plus, the waters of the bay are somewhat sheltered, making for safer swimming and calmer kayaking or canoeing. Many of the Capitola hotels overlook this natural splendor, and you might choose one just steps from the beach so you can spend day after day there.

If you’re looking for flashy city nightlife, you’ll have to choose a destination with a bigger population. Capitola has retained its quaint charm. Stroll from your Capitola lodging and you can enjoy a unique shopping experience. Admire the many huge begonias throughout town. The flower is so prevalent here that they hold an annual begonia festival. Wander among the art galleries and antique shops among the many small village shops. Stay in town for superb dining choices for dinner. Or you can pick up some incredibly fresh seafood and produce to fix yourself in your own kitchen.

Staying in one of Capitola vacation rentals will situate you near a multitude of other activities as well. You won’t want to miss a trip to the Henry Corwell Redwoods State Park. This area of California is known for its towering redwood forests, and you can hike through them, drive through them, or even take a steam train ride through the redwood forest indigenous to this area. The majesty of these huge old trees can be enjoyed and appreciated from any angle. Many outdoorsmen also enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding and golf. There is truly something for everyone here along the Monterrey Bay.

If you’re up for some water adventure, you might head from your lodging a short way along the coast to Santa Cruz, known far and wide as “Surf City.” The Pacific waves pound into the shore here, attracting surf enthusiasts from all over. Over the years, those waves have pounded through rocky outcroppings, forming a number of natural rock bridges. These can be enjoyed with a visit to the Natural Bridge State Beach. A drive there will afford you a breathtaking view of the rocky shoreline that precedes the beach in this area and bring you past the lighthouse containing the surfers’ museum.

If you’re beginning to think that it’s time to see for yourself what everyone’s talking about, start your vacation right by going online. Many websites let you arrange by price or location or lodging type. Start planning today!

For more resources regarding Capitola vacation rentals, please visit this page. You will find condos, villas and other types of accommodations that will fulfill your fabulous California vacation.

24
Apr

A Classic Is Re-Born Discover The New Spaceship Earth At Epcot

Posted in Destinations  by tollieschmidt on April 24th, 2009

Depicting the fascinating and dynamic journey man has taken in communications, Spaceship Earth debuted Oct. 1,1982.

Guests visiting the geospheric attraction in the mid-1980s were entertained by the voice of legendary CBS journalist Walter Cronkite, who narrated the attraction for nearly a decade.

The attraction was revamped in 1994 with narration by actor Jeremy Irons, along with a new show storyline theme of communication bridges the barriers between us; new musical score; show lighting upgrades; re-staging of some of the historical scenes; newly created scenes; hi-definition virtual classroom and future communications vignettes; and laser-driven special effects.

In July 2007, Walt Disney Imagineers began the third reimagining of the visual and thematic centerpiece of Epcot. Reopened this month, Spaceship Earth now gives Guests the opportunity to imagine their future and discover how each generation of mankind has shaped the future for the next generation and how the spirit of innovation has moved people from caves to the cosmos. The adventure ultimately leads to the very top of the geodesic dome, where Guests arrive at the present.

The attraction has been transformed with new show scenes, lighting effects, costumes, set decoration and a new narrator, Academy Award-winning English actress Dame Judi Dench. Also, a new musical score, conducted by Emmy award-winning composer Bruce Broughton, features a 63-piece orchestra and 24-voice choir, and infuses each scene with musical styles and instruments appropriate to the time period.

This was not an easy task, according to Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) Senior Show Producer Bob Zalk. To have the new scene music transition smoothly as vehicles travel from one time period to the next was extremely difficult, he said.

The first time we rode through the attraction accompanied by the new music, we were amazed. Bob says he was especially excited to work on the Spaceship Earth project now because the attraction was one of his first projects in 1981.

I personally feel Ive come full circle as an Imagineer because I worked on Spaceship Earth as a sound engineer with WDI in 1981, he said. Its like coming back to an old friend. On the personal side, I feel real good about facing the challenge of taking this classic iconic attraction and giving it enhancements without compromising the story and elements that made it great to begin with. Jeff Woy, a project manager with Facility Asset Management, said his group touched just about every part of the building during the project. We worked both on-scene and behind the-scenes, partnering with WDI, he said.

We installed a new system of catwalks to make it easier to fine-tune lighting, made enhancements to animation, show lighting,props, special effects and [added] new entrance lighting and landscape package. Behind the scenes, we replaced all the major components of the air-conditioning system and upgraded several facility safety systems and ride components, including the control system.

The refurbished attraction also features a new post show presented by Siemens. As Guests disembark the time travel experience, they are invited to visit Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow, where interactive exhibits bring to life the ideas and technologies Siemens is developing to help make the world a better place for the future. The space is filled with fun, interactive games and displays that showcase innovative technologies. Here Guests step into the world of tomorrow and glimpse the future of medicine, transportation and responsible energy management across the globe.

The reimagined Spaceship Earth retains the rich elements that make this iconic attraction a classic experience enjoyed by generations, said Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee. From the enhanced scenes and post-show game offerings to the interactive element that lets Guests imagine their own visions of the future, Spaceship Earth helps Epcot enthusiasts discover how one generation can influence and inspire the next.

This enhancement is another exciting opportunity for us to make Epcot an even more dynamic and family friendly park. Since Spaceship Earth opened more than 25 years ago, it is estimated that 300 million Guests have experienced the attraction.

Tollie Schmidt, who is a self proclaimed dreamer loves the dream and magic behind Walt Disney. Tollie a former WDW Cast member founded Disney Exclusive Online. A Disney Theme Park Exclusive store, Blog, news, tips.Disney Exclusive Online
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24
Apr

Berkeley - Much More Than University Town

Posted in Destinations  by rentalo on April 24th, 2009

Berkeley. Home of free speech, organized protests, and radical hotheads, right? For many folks, the name conjures images from the 1960’s, when the University of California at Berkeley was indeed all of that. But the city offers much more. In fact, visitors often say that Berkeley exudes a European feel because of its low rise buildings and support for small independent retailers. The best way to determine what it’s like is to plan a trip here yourself. And the best way to start that planning is by checking out Berkeley vacation rentals.

Located on San Francisco Bay, just east of San Francisco, Berkeley offers a multitude of options for the northern California visitor. The University of California-Berkeley (UCB) is at the hub of many of them. You can go on a walking tour of campus, or go up in the Campanile/Sather Tower. At 307 feet high, it provides 360 degree views of the Bay Area. Next to campus is the extensive Tilden Park. Lake Anza, in the park, is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking for water sports. There’s a sandy beach and areas designated for swimming or fishing. The rest of Tilden Park has hiking and cycling trails, plus miniature steam trains and an old-fashioned carousel. After all this fresh air, you’ll be delighted to return to your Berkeley lodging to relax and refresh.

Perhaps you’ll choose one of the Berkeley hotels near campus, so that you can visit more another day. On the other side of UCB campus is the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve. Designated to retain some natural outdoor areas in the middle of the city, the Preserve has woodland hiking trails of varying difficulties and steepness.

Maybe you’ll choose your Berkeley condo because of its proximity to the incredible shopping found here. The educated and activist community of Berkeley believes in supporting independent retailers, so your choices will be unparalleled. Six distinct shopping districts each boast their own personality, including Telegraph Avenue with funky, eclectic shopping and Fourth Street, with outdoor cafes and shops filled with original, one-of-a-kind items.
Of course, with it just across the bay, you ought to spend some of your time in San Francisco. You can glory in the majestic sweep of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can see it every day from some of our Berkeley hotels. Enjoy the breathtaking drive across the bridge on your way to spending a day at the Golden Gate Recreational Area. Or you might wish to visit some of the city’s 65 museums. You’ll definitely want to experience a ride on the fabled cable cars, which happen to be the only moving National Historic Landmark.

After days jam-packed with activity, you’ll appreciate the comfort of returning to Berkeley vacation rental that you chose to meet your needs. Pick out the option that fit your needs and budget, and start planning your radical getaway today! Your only regret will be that you didn’t do so sooner.

For more resources regarding Berkeley vacation rentals, please visit this page. You will find condos, villas and other types of accommodations that will fulfill your fabulous California vacation.

23
Apr

What Kind of License Do You Need to Hire a Rental Car in Australia?

Posted in Travel  by anutt on April 23rd, 2009

If you’re going to Australia for vacation it’s likely that you’ll be there for more than just a day or two, for an effective holiday halfway around the world you’ll need at least a week or more to have the full experience after you’ve recovered from the exceedingly long journey. Odds are, if you’re there for a week or ten days that you’ll have plenty of plans for fun things to do during your stay, most of which will probably require further travel of some variety.

Taxis are an expensive way to get around while you’re on vacation, especially if you’re going to be there for a while - if the event of a longer vacation it will save you a pretty substantial amount of money to rent a car and drive yourself where you need to get, but will you legally be able to rent a car in Australia, or any other country for that matter, without a valid drivers license in that country? Not many people know the answer to this question, but it could be crucial information to the overall success of your vacation to another country.

Some people think that simply having a valid driver’s license from anywhere in the US will be enough to allow them to rent a car and drive in a foreign country, but the truth is that many foreign countries don’t recognize a US driver’s license. If you thought that simply having a valid license in the US was going to be enough, don’t despair - just having a valid license in good standing may be enough to get you the documentation that you need to be able to drive and rent automobiles in Australia as well as in other countries.

In order to be able to drive in Australia you need what is known as an International Driver’s Permit, or an IDP. An IDP will give you the legal ability to operate a motor vehicle in more than one hundred and fifty foreign nations, of which Australia is one. You can get all of the information that you need regarding the application process and actually obtaining your IDP from either AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance, both of which are designated as authorized issuers by the US State Department.

Though obtaining an IDP is relatively easy, you do need to have a valid US driver’s license to obtain one and an IDP will not replace your US driver’s license - it will merely act as a supplement that allows you to operate a motor vehicle in another country.

If you are a frequent traveler or if you just want to maximize the experience you have during the times that you do travel, looking for a taxi is not always the best or most economical option. Having a rental car that you can freely and legally operate whenever you need to for whatever reason is the epitome of convenience and in many countries the only way to be able to operate a motor vehicle is by having an International Driver’s Permit.

Going through the simple process of obtaining your IDP at one of the many local offices of AAA or the American Automobile Touring alliance is much easier and more convenient than having to try and fight for a taxi every time you want to travel farther than what is considered a safe walking distance in many foreign countries. If you love to travel, it makes perfect sense to obtain an IDP before you leave on your journey - even if you aren’t sure that you’ll be renting a car when you arrive a your destination just having the security of knowing that you can if you need to will make going through the very simple process of obtaining one worth it.

Specializing in discount truck & car rentals in Australia. In our commitment to customer service we provide a free express pickup service from our many locations as Sydney airport car rental