A Content Composer

Everyone is searching for the perfect gift; however, sometimes, that goes terribly, terribly wrong. Here are some of the best and worst holiday gift ideas.

Good: Giving your mother a gift certificate for a spa is a good gift idea.

Bad: A gift certificate for gym is a bad gift idea.

Ugly: Giving your mother the same crappy gift she gave you last year will get you in BIG trouble!

Reasoning: You should not recycle gifts, because at some point, you may get caught! Not only did the gift obviously lack allure or you would have used it, but you should put more effort into getting things for other people.

Good: If your husband plays golf, buying a set of clubs may be a great idea.

Bad: Buying your husband a vacuum would probably be less impressive.

Ugly: The Flat-D Underwear Fart Filter (yes, there is such a product) is a horrible gift idea, regardless of how useful it may be!

Reasoning: The holidays are not a time to address personal issues, especially not embarrassing ones. Keep your opinions to yourself. If there is a product you think your loved one should know about, mention it some other time. Likewise, hygiene products are bad gift ideas.

Good: Buying your wife a beautiful diamond ring is a wonderful idea!

Bad: Vacuum: still a bad idea, as is cookware, iron/ironing board, or any other product used in the service of others.

Ugly: Buying your wife a ring with your girlfriend’s name engraved in it will get you spending New Year’s with only half of your stuff!

Reasoning: Okay, the girlfriend thing is obvious, but people make the mistake of buying vacuums or other household paraphernalia as gifts all the time. You should give your wife something she can enjoy for herself and that lets her know that she is more than the cook or the maid.

Good: Buying your boss a gift certificate to a nice clothing store will get you another year of employment.

Bad: However, buying “Lies and the Lying Liars That Tell Them” when your boss is a conservative Republican … you should probably start printing out your resume.

Ugly: Tongue Scraper … enough said.

Reasoning: Purchasing a gift that is politically or religiously based, or that is otherwise established on a certain belief system, is a bad idea unless you know the person feels a certain way about that subject. If you are unsure, buy something else!

Good: An engagement ring for your girlfriend of 5 years that wants to get married will provide a joyous occasion.

Bad: An engagement ring for your girlfriend that does not want to get married will make for an uncomfortable Christmas dinner.

Ugly: Giving your girlfriend a McDonald’s gift certificate when she was expecting an engagement ring … you can imagine how well that will go over.

Reasoning: Do not give “obligation gifts” for Christmas, especially if you do not know if they will be a welcomed surprise.

Salim Jordan is Editor and Publisher of MoreThanlinks.com. Bringing you the best informed content on the web. Every part of your life is here, from business to entertainment, technology to relationships, travel, shopping, money, health — and all points in between. Visit www.morethanlinks.com

Comments Off

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia, and situated on the island of Java. The population is approximately 10 million. The dominant religion in Jakarta is Islam, and the currency used is the Rupiah. The climate in Jakarta is very hot and humid. For the six months from April, the temperature will hover around 30 degrees Celsius. There is a wet season from October to February when it is a little cooler and there is a lot of rain, often torrential.

The city of Jakarta was born in 1527 when a small harbour town called Sundra Kelapa was conquered by Prince Fatahillah from nearby Cirebon and he renamed his conquest Jakarta, which translates as Glorious Victory. The city was taken again in 1619 and renamed Batavia only to be fall under the control of the Japanese during World War II, who renamed it Jakarta. Martial law was declared in 1957 and a period of unrest ensued. In the late nineteen nineties, with the economy collapsing and widespread belief of governmental corruption, riots took place in Jakarta in which 500 people lost their lives and there still obtains a social and political tension in the region.

So, Jakarta may not be the first choice for the traveller, but in recent years the facilities for the visitor have improved dramatically and there is no shortage of luxury hotels, good restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Of course, there is also the diverse architecture and the traditional tourist attractions of the city and diversity is the operative word when talking about Jakarta. It is a mix of traditional and modern, rich and poor. The nations motto is Unity in Diversity and even the local language has two varieties: one spoken by older people born and bred in the city and the other by the young and the immigrants.

The National Monument, known as ‘Monas’ is a 137 metre tall obelisk which visitors can ascend for a terrific view of the city. At the bottom of the monument there is a museum telling the history ‘Monas’ and of the city itself. A more comprehensive collection of artefacts and relics can be seen at the Central Museum which houses an extensive gathering of fascinating exhibits dating back to the Stone Age. Visitors shouldn’t have any difficulty finding the Central Museum as there is a large stone elephant situated on the front lawn!

A more modern attraction is Jaya Ancol Dreamland. This is a recently developed recreation park on a vast site and offers a wealth of diverse attractions from swimming pools, boating, golf, even an artificial lagoon for fishing! There is an aquarium providing live daily shows involving dolphins and sea-lions. The complex houses numerous restaurants, nightclubs, and hotels. Also on site is Fantasy Land which is a terrific entertainment park where visitors can take a historical tour through old Jakarta, Africa, America, Europe and Asia. Jaya Ancol Dreamland is a fantastic resource. While it may not appeal to the culturally aloof, it has a great deal to offer the fun-loving visitor.

Jakarta is a fascinating mixture of the old and the new and has a lot to offer the tourist. An unusual destination, those who visit leave the city with a tale to tell and an exciting experience behind them.

Dara Ward is a travel writer for Global Hotels-24-7.com Some of his writing can be seen at Hotels in Edinburgh and Hotels in Atlanta

Comments Off

Create your own Arizona day trip experience!

Whether you wish to plan a trip to see nature and wildlife, learn about the history of the southwest or just want to get away from it all Arizona has a variety of places to see and things to do that will interest any recreational adventurer.

Day trips make a refreshing break from the chaos of the daily routine. They can also be cheap, since many of the areas are distant from the city.

Arizona features a surprising range of terrain that includes desert, grassy lowlands and vegetated mountain regions. The climate found across the state also shows much variety. And you don’t have to travel far to appreciate this assortment of scenery. In the summer you can take a break in the cool, nearby hills, while the lower lying areas are more popular in the winter months.

The Ak-Chin Indian Community was formed in 1912 and is located 23 miles south of Phoenix

The area belongs to a Reservation where over 90% of the residents are Native American.

The land has much plant life and hills gently ring the valley. The area features temperatures and sunshine levels far among the national average, while snow, humidity and rainfall are well below the national average. Most days are clear and sunny.

Major employers are Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Ak-Chin Farms and the Ak-Chin Government.

Things to see and do include, first and foremost, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. A little bit of Vegas so close to Phoenix lets everybody enjoy premium gaming and entertainment just a stone’s throw from their residence.

The Ak-Chin Community also boasts the nation’s first Eco-Museum. The traditional museum structure is replaced by the land and territory at Him-Dak Eco-Museum, and the artifacts owned by the residents are the “museum’s” inventory.

Of notable historical interest is the Casa Grande Reservation National monument. These ruminants of Hohokam Indian dwellings date from the 13th century.

See which features of this community appeal to you the most.

History, nature, and memorable experiences are all a part of what Arizona offers those who live, work, and visit. So consider the things this area has to offer the next time you take off to discover Arizona

R. Steven Thomas Yacono is a legal scholar, educator and writer who has traveled extensively over the course past decade. From Beijing to Barstow and Xiamen to Sedona, his journeys have provided a wealth of experiences about fascinating people and places to share with interested readers. You can find out more about Arizona at http://www.arizonan.com; and to plan your next trip visit http://www.on-holiday.com. Your comments are welcomed. Please direct correspondence to R. Steven Thomas Yacono at aztreking@hotmail.com.

Comments Off

Lagos is a small town in Portugal built on a large hill overlooking the Mediterranean Ocean. While its old world charm is evident during the day, it can be a real pain at night.

Upon arriving by train in Lagos, I quickly booked a bed in a private home with a local family. I was loaded in a car and driven to the home that was just over the crest of the hill on which Lagos is built. From the home, it was about a mile down to the beaches and water. Ah, good old exercise.

Being from San Diego, I immediately put on my trunks, flip flops and headed for a swim. As I came over the top of the hill, I looked around to get my bearing and admire the view of the sleepy town of Lagos. It reminded me of home and I stomped on down to the water with a smile on my face.

While swimming and catching a tan [okay, sunburn], I met some fellow travelers from London. From the beach, they took me to see cultural sites such as museums and so on. Okay, we went to a couple of bars. As evening turned into night, I endeavored to turn in early as I was burnt out from the long train ride from Lisbon. We agreed to meet the next day and I congratulated myself on my restraint as I walked out of the drinking establishment.

As I walked along, it dawned on me that I didn’t know the name of the street I lived on. No reason for alarm. I was at the bottom of the hill and a mile or so up on the top was my room. Figuring I would see something familiar, I started huffing it up the hill.

Many of us non-Europeans go to Europe for the historic effect. Tiny winding streets with cobblestones are a personal favorite, but not when you’re wearing flip flops and there is practically no lighting. I fell on my butt at least twice on dew covered cobblestones. As I neared the top of the hill, I managed to crack my right foot on one of those owe so cute half curbs that seem to appear throughout Europe.

Making matters worse, I was lost. I stopped to get my bearings and tried to avoid thinking about the sticky, wet feeling on my right flip flop. It was useless. There wasn’t enough light to make out much and what I could see was completely unfamiliar. There were people walking around, but I couldn’t ask them for help since I had been to stupid to write down the address of my host.

Being a typical male, I took the only logical option available to me. I walked up and down streets for roughly two hours, got chased by two dogs, cracked my right foot AGAIN on curb and generally developed a bad mood.

Just as I was contemplating sleeping in the bushes, I rounded the corner and there it was. The most beautiful little white house with a $6 room in Lagos. Delusional and tired, I staggered up to the door. It was locked. I gathered my wits and knocked. The lady of the house opened the door, looked me up and down and started giggling.

Like a wayward son, she took me into the kitchen and made some tea. I had scrapes on my knees and the toenail on the big toes of my right foot was an international disaster zone. She and her husband kept asking me if I had been in a fight!

Lagos is a great town if you’re looking for a little beach time. Just make absolutely sure you write down the address of where you are staying.

Rick Chapo is with www.nomadjournals.com - makers of travel journals. Writing journals are the perfect travel accessories. Visit www.nomadjournaltrips.com to read more travel articles and travelogues.

Comments Off

Out of town shopping malls may well have started the decline of the traditional British high street over the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. However whilst London doesn’t offer any of these - it doesn’t need to!

London literally has it all. From market stalls to the world’s biggest department stores, from inexpensive bric-a-brac to extortionately priced cutting edge fashion from the world’s top designers, everyone is catered for by London’s many and varied shopping areas.

As convenient as malls are, they don’t even scratch the surface of what London is able to offer the shopper in terms of diversity and wherever you are in the city, it’s all just a short tube or bus ride away. With the chance of seeing some of the world’s most famous landmarks as well, the London shopping experience cannot be beaten.

Oxford Street

Britain’s busiest high street and London’s best known shopping area is chock-a-block full of the nation’s most popular shops - over 300 in fact. Many of the biggest high street names have their flagship stores here and the street also boasts the oldest record shop in the world (HMV at number 363). Also home to the world famous Selfridges department store, Oxford Street is 1 miles of shopping utopia for those that don’t mind the experience being a little on the hectic side.
Nearest Tubes: Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road

Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge is the home of classy fashion boutiques and quality department stores - the jewels in the crown being the absolutely fabulous Harvey Nicholls and the world’s most famous corner shop, Harrods. Big name fashion designers can be found in Sloane Street and equally chic but smaller outlets at Beauchamp Place.
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge

Kensington High Street

Kensington offers a bit of everything to those shopping in London. It features all of the well known chain stores, plenty of one-offs, department stores (the main one being Barker’s), an array of antique shops (in nearby Kensington Church Street) and numerous restaurants. It’s less busy than the West End and certainly a touch classier.
Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington

Regent Street

Regent Street, running the of a mile between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, certainly provides the most visually elegant shopping experience in London as all the shops conform to the same ornate architectural style. It features department stores, fashion boutiques, restaurants and well known high street names and is also home to the world’s best known toy store, Hamley’s.
Nearest Tubes: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus

Bond Street

If you’re looking for a London shopping experience with a touch of class - and you don’t mind paying for it - then Bond Street is for you. Full of the biggest designer names including Armani, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Cartier and Tiffany & Co, the street boasts more suppliers to the royal family than anywhere else in London. A world away from the ‘every man for themselves’ experience of Oxford Street, many stores have their own doormen. The street is also home to the world famous Sotheby’s auction house.
Nearest Tube: Bond Street

Tottenham Court Road

If you’re shopping in London for electrical items or home furnishings then Tottenham Court Road is well worth a visit. The backstreets of the area offer an array of interesting pubs and specialist shops and nearby Charlotte Street features a wide variety of restaurants.
Nearest Tubes: Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street, Warren Street

Soho & Chinatown

Soho has cleaned up its act over the years and no longer has the seedy reputation it was once known for. If it’s sex shops you’re looking for in London, you’ll still be well catered for but its reputation nowadays is built just as much on the many cafes, bars and restaurants, all of which make the area an extremely popular attraction 24 hours a day. It’s an incredibly diverse area racially and culturally, has a thriving gay community and has also become the media capital over recent years. Soho is busy and untidy but well worth the experience.
Nearest Tubes: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square

Carnaby Street

London’s fashion Mecca of the swinging 60s has today become almost as famous for souvenir shops cashing in on tourists who are drawn to the street by its iconic name, however it is now starting to regain something of a cutting edge reputation, particularly at the southern end of the street. Newburgh Street (which runs across Carnaby Street) features the shops of a number of top designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and John Richmond and nearby Kingly Court has 3 floors of concept shops set around an open courtyard offering items not sold anywhere else in London.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus

King’s Road

The road gained a reputation for cutting edge fashion back in the 1960s and 70s which perhaps it doesn’t quite have nowadays, however it still features many independent clothes and shoe shops. There are also a number of contemporary furnishing stores and a huge array of bars and restaurants. The large Peter Jones department store is at the Sloane Square end of the road and opposite is the new Duke Of York shopping precinct. The road has always had something of a glamorous reputation and as well as providing a great London shopping experience, is also a top place to go celeb spotting.
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square

Fulham Road

The Fulham Road runs parallel to the King’s Road and offers an altogether more laid back London shopping experience. If it’s antiques you’re after or specialist interior furnishings then you’ll be more than ably catered for here.
Nearest Tube: South Kensington

Portobello Road

Notting Hill has become quite a fashionable area of late but long before the film and even the annual carnival - in fact ever since the 18th century - the Portobello Road market has drawn large numbers of visitors. Known predominantly for its antiques, bric-a-brac and collectables, there’s also shops and stalls selling everything from fruit and veg to trendy clothing. And if all that shopping makes you thirsty, there’s no shortage of pubs for you to choose from.
Nearest Tube: Ladbroke Grove

Islington

Another area of London that has become fashionable in recent years, Islington has a bit of everything to cater for both its inhabitants and visitors. Upper Street is the area’s ‘high street’ and features all of the familiar chain stores as well as lots of bars and restaurants. Chapel Market offers all of the usual market fare such as fruit and veg, clothes and homeware whilst Camden Passage has some nice antiques shops. Islington is not the obvious London shopping destination, but well worth a look.
Nearest Tube: Angel

Camden Town

If you’re after a more bohemian London shopping experience than that offered by Knightsbridge or Bond Street, then get yourself up to Camden. One of the city’s coolest areas has a seemingly endless array of shops and stalls selling such items as clothing (new, second hand and retro), customised Doc Martins and trainers, jewellery, bootleg CDs and DVDs and craft ware. Open daily (and very busy at weekends), it’s a multi cultural experience with some great little food outlets dotted all over.
Nearest Tube: Camden Town

Covent Garden

Formerly a fruit and vegetable market, ‘The Garden’ is now a constant and varied hive of activity. It has a hugely diverse selection of shops, eateries, bars, a market selling art, crafts, antiques and souvenirs, historic buildings, theatres, the Royal Opera House and fantastic free entertainment provided by street entertainers and musicians. If you can’t find something to capture your interest at Covent Garden then there really is no hope.
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden

Lisa Mills writes mainly for 24-7 London, however she is happy to consider writing articles for other websites for a price. http://www.24-7london.co.uk is the entertainment guide for London.

Comments Off

At the end of the movie “Braveheart,” William Wallace is tortured but refuses to cry out. Just as he is about to die, he belts out one word-

“Freedom!”

Freedom is a word and a privilege that has been easy to take for granted in America. Since Sept. 11 our sense of freedom has been challenged like never before. It seems appropriate at this time of year to discuss the many freedoms we have.

As your own personal declaration of independence, here are three things to declare freedom from and three things to declare freedom to seek.

*Freedom from too much stress: I did not say freedom from any stress. That’s not achievable because stress is a part of life. But too much stress is not a necessary part. There are times when the stress level is high by choice (deciding to work longer hours to finish a project), but it’s not good as a regular diet.

Ask yourself, “Is this something I absolutely, positively have to do?” If it’s not absolutely necessary, some stress-busting choices include dumping it altogether, delegating it to someone else, or doing it less than you are now.

*Freedom from monotony: So many people get stuck living same-same-same-same lives. They do the same things every day after work, eat the same foods, go the same places, etc.

Add some variety to your life. Try something new. Simply doing one thing different is a 100-percent improvement than the same old-same old.

*Freedom from debilitating debt: Most of us have some debt, such as a home mortgage and/or car payment. Debilitating debt is the kind that keeps you from doing what you would like to do and keeps you working not to get ahead in life, but merely pay off debt.

The first step is to stop acquiring more debt. Then create a plan to get out of the hole.

*Freedom to live fully/to risk: Again, in “Braveheart,” William Wallace says, “All men die. Few men ever really live.”

Are you really living? What steps could you begin to take today to change whatever is stopping you and move toward really living? This may involve some risk. The men who signed our country’s Declaration of Independence knew they were taking great risks, but they signed anyway.

*Freedom to do work that you love: Some of the happiest, most content people I know are those who get to do what they love for a living. If you are not doing what you love, here are two suggestions: Find something to love in what you currently do; Create a plan that will lead you to doing what you love.

*Freedom to have fun: There’s great line by Dudley Moore in the movie “Arthur” that goes something like “isn’t fun the best thing to have?”

Lots of people seem to have forgotten to have fun. When was the last time you had fun? If it’s been more than a few days, it’s time to plan for some more fun.

Jeff Herrring, MS, LMFT is a marriage and family therapist, relationship coach, speaker and nationally syndicated relationship columnist, and founder and CEO of http://www.SecretsofGreatrelationships.com

You can email Jeff at jeff@jeffherring.com and sign up for his free internet newsletter “Great Relationships Tip of the Week” on his website at http://www.SecretsofGreatRelationships.com

Comments Off

Many a gamer has asked “Why should I want this Full Tilt Poker rakeback? I just play in online poker websites if I have an inducement to play.” Even So what if you take the opportunity to play poker full time? There are many gamers who are very distressed at not getting Full Tilt Poker rakeback and nowadays the majority of them have now signed up for every major online poker site and skins. Don’t let this happen to you.

Anyone who bets below $1/$2 and then just gambles when clearing bonus payments, you should be receiving in most cases around 100% rake back considering the bonus payment on the stake. A major web site lately shut down betters that played on the website exclusively to gamble like this. It’s anyone’s guess whether this will potentially become a trend. Should this materialise then immediately a rake back offer is extremely important. Rakeback

Finally you may hit tiptop form and then discover yourself extremely lucky, that’s if it has not occurred already. I was hurt by an accident then poker came along when I was off work and I have never looked back. That’s over two years back now and believe me I haven’t required a job since then all thanks to gambling and rake back. It’s fantastic idea to look ahead. Regard it as an investment for the future, even if you don’t suppose rake back is appropriate for you at present it for sure could end up being a good deal before long, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain. Should you be looking at trying out a different room checking out a rakeback deal is a must.

The online gamblers advice site Rakeback Professionals is delighted to have such a lot of ethical affiliates. Opting in is as effortless as going to any Rakeback Professionals affiliated internet site or even as simple as sending an e-mail. Any partner will set everybody up instantly. You will be ready to begin playing directly. Sign up with a partner through Rakeback Professionals you can be confident as every affiliate has been checked out and agrees to allow The Rakeback Professionals web site to arbitrate any disagreement that may come up. Nonetheless since we screen all our affiliates, concerns have been relatively few and in addition we will invariably work instantly to remedy each problem to to look after the betters.

Comments Off

All you have to do is have an active email account and set a few minutes aside per day. The surveys will be emailed to you. Just answer the questions and email the survey back. Believe it or not, but it really is that simple. The best part is that the surveys do not take a long time to complete. You could easily complete a survey during the commercials of your favorite TV show. Getting Paid Survey Companies is simple. May be you can even make it your full time job and make great money from them if you remain focused and dedicated, read on more about Paid Survey Companies. While many will advise you not paying for taking surveys surveys membership are an exception you are not paying for taking surveys you are paying for being up to date of all the companies offering surveys plus the ones that are trusted and reliable. Also see Get Paid To Do Online Surveys. They save millions of dollars by making you part of their team.

One important thing you should keep in mind that you should sign up the legitimate paid survey sites and make sure that you are guaranteed to pay. Now, you can get started and make money by filling online surveys. Read on to find out more about Paid Survey Companies. Instead of using Google or Yahoo what you really need to be doing is diving inside of some of the bigger forums. Find out more about Paid Survey Companies and Get Paid To Do Online Surveys. Some of them pay with money others pay with points that will allow you to earn prizes.
Join for Free now at http://www.Top-PaidSurveys.org

First why would you have to pay for a job? You should never pay for leads or information about a job. More about Paid Survey Companies and Get Paid To Do Online Surveys at our website. Get all the info on Paid Survey Companies from our homepage. They will give you access to a lot of surveys where you can make some real cash. Get paid survey network list absolutely FREE from our website! Absolutely no charge for joining the industry’s TOP 7 paying survey networks from www.top-paidsurveys.org

Apply To Take Surveys (and Get Paid!)
AND to View 100% of Survey Results of Your Choice From EVERY Industry!

From personal experience, each of these consumer survey networks contains thousands of high paying multinational companies, ready to pay you $10-$300 for every survey done! Absolutely FREE to join.
Good Luck!

Comments Off

You’ve probably heard all kinds of stories about debt consolidation. Some of them portray it as the simplest and best way out of debt. Others paint a disturbing picture of escalating debt that leads inevitably to financial disaster.

The reality, of course, lies somewhere in-between. Debt consolidation may or may not be the best way for you to get out of debt. It all depends on a wide range of factors: not just how much you owe, but how much you earn and what kind of debts you’re thinking about consolidating, as well as your attitude to debt and to money in general.

There are, however, a few ‘dos and don’ts’ that should apply to just about anyone.

DO

Do talk to a professional debt adviser if you’re thinking about taking out a debt consolidation loan. You need someone who can help you explore your options, so make sure you talk to a company that doesn’t just provide consolidation loans. Maybe all you need is some advice on budgeting more effectively, so you can handle your debts yourself.

Do think carefully about the repayment term for your debt consolidation loan, if you take one. In general, the longer the repayment term, the lower your monthly payments will be, but the more you’ll pay in total, as your debt will spend longer accruing interest.

Do find out whether you’d be better off with a debt consolidation loan or a debt consolidation mortgage. A mortgage might give you a lower APR (Annual Percentage Rate) and more time to repay the debt, but you’d be putting your home at risk.

DON’T

Don’t keep on struggling if you really can’t afford your debt repayments. If it’s obvious you need help, ask for it - a debt adviser should be able to help you decide whether you need a professional debt solution, and if so, which one.

Don’t assume that the right solution for someone else is the right one for you. Just because debt consolidation worked (or didn’t work!) for someone you know doesn’t mean it will (or won’t!) work for you.

Don’t keep on using your credit cards, store cards and/or overdraft facility once you’ve taken out a debt consolidation loan. This is a real danger of consolidation - if you run up fresh debts, ‘replacing’ the ones you’ve just paid off with the consolidation loan, you’ll be in a much worse situation than you were before you took the loan out, as you’ll have to make payments to it every month as well as to your new debts! It might be a good idea to keep one credit card for emergencies, but you should never consolidate your debts without sitting down and thinking about how those debts got so high in the first place. Are there any mistakes you could avoid from now on? Is there anything about your habits you need to change?

You can read more about debt consolidation here, including advice on staying out of debt, budgeting tips & much more.

Comments Off

In the recent years, South Korea has become a popular travel destination for many Singaporeans. We decided to give Korea a try after hearing praises about this “Land of the Morning Calm”. Well, I am glad to say that we made the right choice!

Jeju Island, also known as the “Honeymoon Island”, is a must-try in South Korea. We arrived at Jeju Island in the late morning of March, after an hour’s flight from Seoul. The weather in Jeju Island is usually about one to two degree Celsius higher than Seoul. Soothing weather, if you compare with the warm and humid climate along the equator.

Three things are plentiful in Jeju Island - the wind, the women and the rocks!

– The Wind –
You will regret if you decide to tuck away those windbreakers of yours. Although the temperature is supposedly warmer, the strong wind is sure to chill you to your marrows! So, wherever you go in Jeju Island, make sure you have your warm clothing (scarves, gloves, thermal wear, etc) with you. Warm water helps to combat the chills quite effectively. A thermo flask of warm water would come in handy. Make sure you put on moisturiser (preferably one that contains UV screen) before you leave the hotel, to protect your skin against the dry weather. Lip balm is another essential item to bring along, as it provides moisture to your lips. Do not attempt to wet your lips with saliva, it will only cause the condition to get worse!

– The Women –
In the olden days, young men left their families in Jeju Island to earn a living in the cities. Women stayed behind to work in the fields and look after the young and old at home. That explains why there were many more women than men in Jeju Island during those days. If the weather is calm and you are lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the lady divers in Jeju Island. An extremely dangerous occupation, it is no longer a popular job amongst the younger Korean women. Increasingly rare, these divers consist of older women who earn a living by selling shellfish and marine products (such as clams, mussels and seaweeds) that they collect from the seabed.

– The Rocks –
It is interesting to know that Jeju Island was formed millions of years ago, as a result of volcanic eruptions. Try stamping your feet on its ground, and you will realise that it sounds hollow. Rocks in all shapes and sizes can be found everywhere in Jeju Island. The Yongdu-am (Dragon Head Rock) is a must-see in Jeju Island. The majestic rock that faces the sea can be found at the western end of Jeju Island. While most people felt that the rock resembles the head of a dragon, some people felt that it is more like the head of a horse. Well, I shall leave that to your own imagination! If you love seafood, you would be able to come across some older women selling fresh seafood around the area.

Visit South Korea, Jeju Island in particular. It is a trip that will take your breath away!

For more travel resources and information, please visit the Travel Mambo website at http://www.travelmambo.com. If you would like to share your travel experiences, please email your articles to webmaster@travel-mambo.com. We hope you enjoy this article, should you be posting it at your website, please note that you will need to include this paragraph with the hyperlink to Travel Mambo(http://www.travelmambo.com) activated.
——-

During her trip to South Korea, Geraldine, a young Singaporean, was extremely captivated by the Korean’s rich culture and beautiful sceneries. She has written to Travel Mambo (http://www.travel-mambo.com) to share her experiences with the rest of the world.

Comments Off