Archive for April, 2010
Family Friendly Safari Lodge In The Eastern Cape
Do you have a family? I have and as such look for southern African safari lodges that will accommodate my children as a first base and then offer them a program focussed on what is going to rock their world along with mine. This month come with us as we bring you our findings.
My two shortattentionspan Ipod focussed sub adult sons could pose a tough ask for any selfrespecting Mother Nature focussed property. However I wish to inculcate my family to experience the inherent wonders of Mother Nature. In this quest I have come across a place in the Eastern Cape that will exceed these needs and at the same time reach into the minds of each guest in a manner and style that will have all sitting together for dinner in the evening chatting avidly about their respective interface with Mother Nature in a fascinating compilation of stories all ages will relate to.
Riverbend Lodge talks about revitalising your soul and being a personal experience dedicated to conservation and the rehabilitation of Africas natural world. Lofty words without doubt but is this reflected in the experience? Absolutely! And more much more found in both the real intrinsic value place before their fortunate guests.
Claire I hold exceptionally high standard requirements for our clients benefit. This incorporates the entire spectrum offered by our suppliers. Cuisine accommodation activities position environment corporate social responsibility and their policy on responsible tourism all impact on our evaluation and responding directive on their inclusion. These traits are fairly simple to evaluate. There is however an aspect that covers the human capital to be experienced by our clients. For us this is the key to all of the above criteria. If the team have the ability to converse with adults and not with the youngsters well it will not work. At Riverbend they not only speak to both levels no much more than this they have carved out an entire dictionary both pictorial and visual to enrich the youngster at their level of understanding.
Their family program is really excellent. A dedicated TV channel has to be one of the most unique and attractive ways to keep children in one spot for any length of time. The offering covers favourite videos listed by their guests. An absolute hit is to be found in the art of culinary prowess with the chef in his kitchen. Imagine meeting with co guests for high tea before your afternoon game drive and wondering why your little ones smile is just SO wide what have they been up to you may ponder? You are then presented with an array of home made biscuits very homemade in fact they are made in the hands of your very own offspring.
Extending the human capital angle to the game rangers at Riverbend Lodge they come to their fore in the company of children. Carefully designed game walks and interpretations of Mother Nature for their inquisitive minds captivate their attention. You will marvel at how a simple twig shrub or dung beetle can hold their focus for an eternity. An answer is to be found in the passion respect and enthusiasm their rangers hold for their charges and the manner in which each child is given the creative scope to be involved at their level of understanding.
Yes as an avid delver into the realm of Mother Nature and in the belief that all souls thrive in this environment I would consider Riverbend Lodge and their entire family program one of South Africas best ways for families to arrive with a separated mindset and yet leave in the knowledge that Dad is OK really and for Dad to know that his family have learned a little grown a little and importantly the family have lived a great deal together.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Africa Tamed is a successful tour operator based in Cape Town South Africa offering unique value added all inclusive vacation packages to Southern Africa. Contact them now to design your http://www.africatamed.co.za/Family_Vacations_Southern_Africa.php” />family vacations to Southern Africa.
http://www.africatamed.co.za
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Extreme Croatia: Snowboarding In Eastern Europe!
Extreme Nicaragua: Extreme Sport Just Got Crazier
When you think of Croatia what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many its communism and the fight for independence that dominated the political landscape in the last part of the 20th century. For others who have the inside scoop its images of romantic white sand beaches along the Dalmatian Coast or the national parks and mountain landscapes that are unmatched anywhere in the world. But did you know that Croatia is quickly becoming known as the worlds hottest extreme adventure destinations for snowboarders?
In fact snowloving adrenaline junkies from all around the globe are discovering that Croatia is home to some of the best boarding available everything from the fluffiest powder to the gnarliest jumps and natural terrain parks for freeriding fun!
Croatia is a hidden gem both when it comes to its amazing real estate market and its relatively unknown status as a snowboarding and skiing destination. But those in the know are boarding planes trains and automobiles dogsleds are optional to get to one of the premiere snowboarding locales in all the world. Theyre keeping their mouths shut sometimes not even telling their closest snowboarding cronies because the pristine mountains of Croatia are just that delicious!
With a relatively low mountain altitude throughout the country there are only a few destinations that you should concern yourself with. The following three locations are known worldwide by a select few as the best of the best in Croatian downhill for boarders.
Bjelolasica
Yes its definitely a mouthful but once you arrive you wont care if you dont know how to say it or spell it because its a boarders ultimate dream. Home of the Croatian Olympic Centre Bjelolasica is as good as place as any to strap on your board and point yourself downhill. Readily accessible from all regions of Croatia this center of winter mountain activity is a staple in the Croatian landscape. Ironically the Croatian ski team which calls this mountain home actually practice in Austria. But dont let this discourage you it just means that youll have more space to practice your powderfilled descents.
Sljeme
Sljeme found in Zagreb is located on the northern slopes of Medvednica Mountain. Home of world cup events for skiing its a relatively unknown equals great opportunity for you to cut your own line in the snowboarding world. In the worldclass resort Sljeme offers you all the amenities youve come expect but is paired with a genuine Croatian hospitality that youll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world. Whether on the mountain or in the lodge this will definitely be an experience youll never forget.
Velika
Head to Velika if youre into spicy sausage or offthebeaten path snowboarding. With a love wine and fish locals around Papuk Mountain can not only feed you well but will point you to a great snowfilled vacation. Definitely not the biggest of mountains youll ever board truth be told none of the Croatian mountains are equipped to shock you with sheer size this is definitely one of the most quaint and pristine that youll find anywhere in Europe. Remove all the glitz and glam you find throughout the Alps and replace it with a feeling of warmth and a slower pace of life and then youll start to appreciate the magic of Velika and all the Croatian winter boarding destinations.
So if youre headed to Croatia take time to enjoy the timeless romance of the Adriatic Sea or the beauty of the hinterlands. Take in the remarkable national parks and infectious warmth of the quaint towns and local folks. Check out the amazing real estate bargains that can be found in every corner of this beautiful country. But when youve had your fill of these more placid experiences grab your board head up to the mountains and even if you dont do it yourself check out the thrill seekers and action heroes who are loving the newest cold spot to tear it up Croatia!
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Originally from San Diego California Scott Taylor is a world traveler and international real estate expert and investor living and working in Panama City Panama. With years of experience investing in countries around the globe Scott has a particular affection for the land people andof coursereal estate of Croatia. Hes invested in everything from cosmopolitan apartments to beachfront property and everything in between. Scott loves helping others realize their dreams of living and investing in Croatia and has dedicated his time to creating the informational resources to allow people to discover the possibilities which can be found at his site:
http://www.LiveAndInvestInCroatia.com
Exploring The Leeds Bradford Area By Car
When you fly into Leeds Bradford airport you get a sample of the beautiful and ruggedly scenic moor land. Once you have landed though the chance to explore the amazing Yorkshire Moors with the use of a hire car should not be missed. As some of the best countryside within the UK this airport acts a brilliant gateway into this part of the country. It is easy to see the appeal of Leeds and Bradford as destinations for travel; each has its own delights including brilliant tourist attractions and fantastic nightlife but before heading into the cities it is strongly advisable to make the most of your hire car and explore rural Yorkshire.
One of the most beautiful towns that lays close to the airport is Otley. Sitting amongst some imposing hills the town offers charm and character that is hard to find anywhere else in the country. The stone built houses combined with the rural scenery make it a tourist destination in its own right. The weekly market in Otley is also worth seeing as it can be deemed an excellent way to sample the local produce.
There are many unique small towns and villages that are within a short drive from Leeds Bradford Airport. One of these is the quaint village of Esholt. The setting for the famous Emmerdale Farm television programme it is a must for soap opera fans. A hire car is however essential the village is located in a rather remote area so your own means of transport can be extremely useful.
Utilising your hire car to motor around the Yorkshire Moors can be seen as one of the simplest pleasures when visiting this part of the country. The barren moor land that is dotted with small villages offers great vistas every time you reach the summit of a hill. The area is postcard Yorkshire offering travellers a quintessential experience that is unrivalled anywhere else in the world.
Those who love to spend time in the country will love a trip around the moors. Camping is extremely popular and when combined with pursuits such as cycling and walking truly offers the chance to get back to nature. In fact Yorkshire has the largest amount of national parkland anywhere in the country; for both domestic and foreign visitors who want to see what has shaped the Yorkshire culture a tour of this area is a must.
By flying into Leeds Bradford Airport you open up the unique charm of these two major cities. Leeds is a fascinating city that always has a vibrant and energetic feel about it. It is rare to be in Leeds when there isn’t something going on; the sheer variety of entertainment such as musical performances in the city hall square makes it a city that offers entertainment at all hours of the day. The nightlife in Leeds is also worthy of note some regard it as the best night out in the north with a host of bars and clubs; be sure however to sober up before jumping in your hire car for the onward journey; drink driving is strictly enforced.
Bradford an old industrial city is rapidly regenerating with efforts to make it a cultural capital. With the new Museum of Media and an expansive new shopping development visitors are supplied with attractions that are both educational and enjoyable.
As a gateway to Yorkshire Leeds Bradford Airport is unrivalled giving visitors the perfect starting point to not only explore the two cities that give the airport its name but also to journey around the beautifully rugged moor land.
About the writer: Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks into why car hire Leeds Bradford Airport services are the perfect way to explore Yorkshire.