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When visiting Tuscany, villas allow you to live the dream in its rolling, sunburnt hills. Wonderful architecture, the cobblestoned streets that were first paved during the height of the Holy Roman Empire, the idyllic trees and endless dappled landscape – what more could you want? But during your visit to this iconic region there are a few things that you shouldn’t miss.

The former cultural capital of the world has much to offer even the most jaded tourist and you are sure to fall into love with the stunning hilltop towns, the beautiful windswept coast and, of course, the food! The region is also home to a great number of beautiful museums that house classic works of art. Many of the museums here are former monasteries or great houses converted into museums by the ruling families of Tuscany. Villas are dotted around the countryside – some remote and some on the outskirts of famous cities. But always, the culture, art and history beckon.

If you are near Florence and plan to visit one of the world’s most famous museums, the Uffizi, make sure you book your tickets early. The lines are long, but every minute waiting is worth it to get a chance to see classic paintings like that of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. If sculpture is more your style, David stands, as proud as the day he was finished, in the Galleria dell’ Accademia. If art is the reason you are in Italy, then you are sure to get your money’s worth!

After a day wandering around a museum in Tuscany, villas that are a little out of town will allow you to explore the local area by bike or foot. The mild weather and beautiful scenery make this a perfect way to spend the day. Take advantage of the freedom villas afford you by bringing along some cold cuts and crisp wine for a cold picnic lunch on the side of the road. The terrain here makes a perfect set up for the amateur or professional cyclist with the rolling hills providing a moderate challenge. Or set off sans bike for a brisk hike to enjoy the countryside. Monteforato is a favorite walking destination for tourists and locals alike.

Wine tasting should be high on your list if you are near the famous winemaking region of Chianti (or in fact anywhere in Tuscany!). Villas are often located very near ancient family-owned wineries in the region, and it would seem rude not to pay a visit to your neighbour! Although the light red wine called Chianti has made this region famous, one should note that there are several different varieties and the budding sommelier would do well to taste them all! Vineyards often allow tourists to witness the winemaking process, so a winery visit would make for an educational and heady afternoon.

The adventurous gourmet may also want to spend a morning or afternoon taking a local cooking lesson. Tuscan cuisine is generally light, easy and a breeze to prepare so taking home a classic recipe or two might be better than any souvenir.

As with any foreign country, a great guidebook and a smattering of the local dialect will be a great help as you navigate the beautiful Tuscan landscape. The region provides enough activities to keep you engaged for days or even weeks.

Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect Tuscany villas in Chianti as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. All our Tuscan properties are personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.

Africa is home to some of the most beautiful and fascinating birds in the world, and Tanzania is no exception. A destination beloved by adventure enthusiasts keen to test their stamina on a Kilimanjaro trekking expedition, it is also a gem of a country for wildlife watchers, with the sweeping expanses of its nature reserves. Those wishing to combine the two are in luck, too, as trekking high above the plains is a great way to see some of the country’s finest bird life.

Mt. Meru

Before embarking on their Kilimanjaro trekking adventures and tackling the 5,896 metre high summit, many choose to acclimatise by climbing Mount Meru (4,562 metres) first. While this is a good way to physically prepare for the higher mountain, it is also a fantastic opportunity for those hoping to see plenty of bird life as they trek. Located in Arusha National Park, its slopes are home to a good deal of unspoilt bush and forest. As well as the wealth of wildlife that can be found around its base – including warthog, water buffalo and giraffes – there are plenty of beautiful birds to be seen on the ascent. Some of Mount Meru’s avian stars include the bar-tailed trogon, olive woodpecker, several species of hard-to-find warbler, and the striking crowned eagle.

Kilimanjaro: the Forest Zone

Once you begin your Kilimanjaro trekking journey, the richest wildlife is to be found around the lower slopes of the mountain, in the forest zone. Those who take the Lemosho route up the mountain will have the time to soak in the beauty of this area, so it is a good route for birders to take. The diversity of bird life is evident both in the sight of birds among the trees and in the chorus of their calls that can be heard from all corners of the forest that canopies the route. In the thickest areas, birds are more easily identified by sound than sight, so listen out for the cries of silvery-cheeked hornbills, turacos, and speckled mousebirds. For one of this region’s loveliest visual treats, sunny glades or forest edges are often home to the shimmering malachite sunbirds that feed on nectar from flowers.

Higher Up

While the higher reaches of the Kilimanjaro trekking route do not have the rich vegetation or lively biodiversity of forest zone, it brings its own rewards in the form of the impressive birds of prey that soar above the ground, keeping a sharp eye out for their next meal. A common sight above the tree line is the white-collared raven, a clever and playful bird that is often seen close to the ground and can be fun to watch, but its antics should not distract you from looking for raptors in the sky. The most frequently sighted are buzzards, while steppe eagles, crowned eagles, black-shouldered kites and lammergeyers have also been seen.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who have run Kilimanjaro trekking itineraries for over 20 years. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

The good news is that The Wreck Bar is still around after being built around the 1950s; the bad news is that there is a dwindling number of such awesome, cool bars and restaurants around right now in this modern day and age. The Wreck Bar is in Sheraton Fort Lauderdale while previously, the hotel was known as the Yankee Clipper Hotel. Being Sheraton, it means that this is a beach-side hotel, bar and restaurant so one can expect the calming and serene beach scenery to be enjoyed throughout the meal and visit.

For those who are not familiar, the hotel and bar itself is designed and shaped like a ship stopped at the beach, albeit the name Wreck Bar. Some said that the ship/hotel was inspired by a real life wrecked ship called the Spanish Galleon. It is awesome enough that the hotel and bar comes with amazingly beautiful and classic décor but on some days, like Friday and Saturday evenings, there are ‘mermaids’ swimming around in those large aquariums which they are called Aqua-dancers.

The restaurant and bar is said to be one of America’s last porthole bars, therefore, it might seem a little bit touristy. It comes out tops on search engines as a top Florida restaurant and have received much love, support and attention from not just the locals but from people from all around the world as well.

Visitors would often fall in love with the ambiance at the bar… it is designed to make one feel like one was in s sunken pirate ship and although many other bars and restaurants have attempted to create variations of the same ambiance, it would have to be said that Wreck Bar does it best. We can only assume that the hotel and designer of the place have placed a lot of thought and finances into creating the ambiance.

This would make for a great place to come to when you are tired, need a drink and you have your kids totting around with you. Just get the charter bus vehicle to drop everyone off because this saves you the trouble of trying to find a parking spot… which some said is close to impossible during nights when there is a mermaid show on. If you think that the mermaid show (think improper dressing, anyone?) is going to keep parents from bringing their kids over, you would be completely bowled over with the sheer number of happy, cheerful little ones who are there just for the show.

With reasonable pricing, an entertaining show and an incredible overall experience, we are sure that you are going to come back for more of it the next time you are around in Fort Lauderdale.

Pam is a part of US Coachways Inc., a Florida charter bus rental company serving most major cities in the United States. For example, you can easily find and book a charter bus in cities like New York, New Jersey, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Los Angeles, and many, many more! Pam would love to connect with people from all walks of life through Facebook and Twitter as well.

When it comes time to find hotels for your beach trip, look for one that is located right on the beach. No matter which beach you are heading to, this can be a big plus. It provides you with more than just access to the water and the sand. It will save you time. It could even save you money, depending on where you stay and what is included. Before you overlook the value of choosing a facility that’s right for the experience you plan to have, take a few minutes to learn what this type of hotel can offer to you.

The Amenities Are Best

One of the main reasons to plan your stay in hotels on beaches of your destination is because the amenities are simply the best here. You’ll find better features, including pools, spas, workout centers, onsite restaurants, and spacious decks for sunbathing. Some of the other hotel suites may offer this even if they are not on the water, but if you can have the sand at your door and all of these features, what more could you ask for?

The Resorts Are Worth It

Some of the best facilities on the beach are the resorts. Some may be all-inclusive, which means that your meals and other needs may be included in the price. That can definitely make investing a lot easier for you. After all, this may even save you money. You’ll find outstanding features, beautiful layouts with plush bedrooms in many of these resorts. Hotels do not have to be just a single room and bathroom setup. They can provide many more of the comforts of home if you just look for the right facility to call your home.

The Packages May Be Better

If you are still looking for more benefits about why you should stay on the beach on your next trip, think about the packages. Some hotels offer fantastic package deals. These may include your airline tickets, your rental car needs, and the hotel accommodations that you require. They wrap it into one cost for you. Why is this a good thing? It could be because it keeps costs lower and still gives you the best of the best. Find out which discounts may be available to you.

The fact is that many of the hotels right on the beach do everything they can to keep customers happy and coming back. Though it may not always be easy for them to do so, many will offer the best features at the best prices overall. Will you pay more to have the sand at your toes? Probably, but it may come with plenty more amenities and features to make it worthwhile.

Thanksgiving Day, traditionally, is a special day for showing one’s gratitude to God for providing the community with a good harvest. Food is a basic element required for sustenance, so this day allows people to appreciate it and also celebrate with unique dishes, drinks and other customs and traditions. Many cultures throughout the world have some kind of ‘Harvest Festival’ or the other. Thanksgiving Day celebrated in the USA in particular, is a well-recognized and popular holiday and is associated with spending time with the family, enjoying good food and of course relaxing and having fun.

Origin

Since time immemorial, making offerings and praying so as to appease the higher powers, in order to get a good harvest are probably some of the oldest rituals followed by different groups of people of different cultures, living in different places. Naturally, if it all paid off at the end, a celebratory ‘thanksgiving’ ceremony or festival followed.

The first celebration of Thanksgiving in the United States is believed to have been in 1621, done originally by the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony. It is said that they held a three-day feast in celebration of the ample harvest they got after settling in North America.

The festival got official recognition only on November 1941 where it was exclusively approved by a joint resolution of Congress as the fourth Thursday of November. In USA, it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year.

What do people do on Thanksgiving Day in America?

People today may not eat the exact same things that the pilgrims and the Native Americans ate together in 1621, but food remains one of the most important aspects of this festival. Families gathering to enjoy large, lavish meals are a hallmark of this holiday. Things that can be found on the dining table for the special Thanksgiving dinner include: turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, some form of corn, assorted vegetables and side dishes, and pumpkin/pecan pie as dessert.

Other things that people do include: going to church, organizing special events and competitions, watching sporting events like football, etc. Since 1924, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a popular Thanksgiving Day event.

How does the world celebrate Thanksgiving?

Harvest Festivals are common occurrences the world over.

Canada: Thanksgiving in Canada is very similar to the one celebrated in USA, with variations in the dates.

United Kingdom: Here, around late September/October, special services are held at the local churches to celebrate and honor the day of Thanksgiving.

China: Zhong Qui is China’s harvest festival, where friends and relatives gift moon cakes to each other, and celebrate a good harvest.

India: Pongal is the harvest festival, where the God Indra is given special offerings by the people, so that they get a good harvest. A special dish called sarkkarai pongal is made on the second day, and offered to the Sun god. On the third day farmers show their gratitude to their cattle by painting and decorating them.

The Chinese New Year depends on the lunar calendar and usually occurs between January-end and February. In 2013, it will be celebrated on February 10, and it will be the Year of the Snake. 2012 was the Year of the Dragon.

This is one of the most important festivals for the Chinese people, and includes a lot of celebration, merriment and rejoicing. Traditionally, festivities last up to fifteen days.

History

The origin of celebrating the coming of the New Year can be attributed to ‘Nian’- a mythical creature that liked to feast on poor innocent villagers. Legend has it that an old man advised the good village folk to scare off the evil Nian by bursting firecrackers and beating drums, along with hanging red decorations and scrolls on their doors (Nian was afraid of the color red).

The village people did as they were told, and soon enough, they triumphed over Nian. The anniversary of this day is celebrated as the Chinese New Year. Another significance of this festival is the celebration of the coming of spring, not unlike the Western tradition of celebrating Easter.

Traditions and Customs

The local sights and sounds during this festival are nothing short of mesmerizing. Red is the predominant color all around, with red paper cut outs and calligraphic scrolls that hang on the doors and red lanterns that burn bright in the night. Children are also given red envelopes with money inside. Fireworks and drumming are customary. New Year parades are common too, not just in China but in many places around the world, and there are traditional dragon and lion dances as well.

Meeting up with family members is also an important component of this festival, and during the New Year celebrations, ‘Chunyun’ happens, i.e., a migration of sorts all over China where people travel extensively to reach their hometowns.

Since the New Year in China also symbolizes the welcoming of spring, cleaning is quite an important agenda for many Chinese families. It also serves to break the monotony of the dreary, long winter months. Exchanging gifts is also a common tradition followed during this festival. Elders usually give the young ones red envelopes containing money. Other gifts that are exchanged between friends and relatives include fruits and sweets like chocolates, candies, cakes, etc.

No celebration is complete without food. Traditionally, the Chinese make ‘nian gao’ or sweet sticky rice cake and savory round dumplings – which symbolize wealth and prosperity.