http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/travel/living-in-and-near-heidelberg-germany.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/living-in-and-near-heidelberg-germany.html Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Having arrived in the spring, I was pleasantly surprised at the temperate climate and lush foliage. I particularly enjoyed the intermingling of fields and cities that give a feeling of cohabitation between city dwellers and the countryside (although it’s a bit less attractive when the farmers are spreading liquid manure). It’s very different in that regard than the urban sprawl that we experience in America wherein the farmers are priced out of an area and the mini-malls and subdivisions move in.

After getting somewhat acclimated to my accommodations at the edge of town and procuring some local currency I walked into town and proceeded to get to know the place. As an amateur history buff I was really enjoying the architecture, particularly the Schloss (palace) downtown. The city seems to be a suburb of the larger towns around it and boast a mellow feeling. Not at all fluent in speaking German I decided to take a chance and ventured into a restaurant where I was warmly greeted, seated and given a menu (in German of course). After perusing it for a bit I decide that schweineschnitzel means something like a pork chop so I confidently indicate to the waitress that I would like a jagerschnitzel, with water and I was quite relieved to see that “beer” was pronounced pretty much the same so I ordered one of those as well. Lo and behold, the woman came out with a pork chop smothered in my nemesis the dreaded mushroom and some foul black liquid in a glass that seemed almost to be a solid, potentially requiring me to chew it. Apparently, German "Alt" beer is not unlike a Guinness stout. I gamely ate everything on the plate sans the mushrooms and with much gesticulation complimented them on a meal that was more than satisfactory.

Further exploration in Schwetzingen yielded an Italian restaurant with lasagna served still boiling from the oven that I became addicted to. And just east of town is the Bellamar swimming complex that I came to reside at as my second home. This is a family friendly swimming complex that includes indoor/outdoor temperature controlled pools, sauna, hot tubs, sun lamps, a restaurant that allows for seated as well as outdoor and poolside dining. For the summer months and there is also an adjoining Olympic sized pool and park. What’s not to love? Swimming in the steamy indoor / outdoor pool under the crisp winter night’s sky with snow falling all around is something that stays with you. As a note, with many places in Europe, the saunas are clothing optional.

This area of Germany is very foot traffic friendly so I rode my bike along paths through fields and surrounding towns to Heidelberg to explore this scenic city nestled at the foot of the mountains. This towns most prominent landmark is the Castle that was used both as a fortress and palace located on the hill overlooking the Neckar river. As you pass through town approaching the hills you will find a street that is blocked to automotive traffic called the Hauptstrasse (hoff-straus-a) that features a plethora of stores and restaurants. At the eastern end there is a Mecca for a homesick American, a McDonalds! And even better, they serve beer! So, after an arduous ride into town one can score some fast food and a six pack of beer for a day on the northern grassy banks of the Neckar river with the picturesque view of the town and castle directly in front. Shirts seem to be optional in the park here as well.

All in all I found the German people pleasant and receptive, particularly when I made efforts to converse with them in their own language.

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David is the marketing director of Villas Majestic, LLC, the premier luxury vacation vila rental company with over nine hundred private vacation residences in twenty seven destination. Contact us seven days a week or visit our website www.villasmajestic.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/water-safety-for-tropical-beachgoers.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/water-safety-for-tropical-beachgoers.html Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Drinking:
When on vacation it’s not uncommon for travelers to consume alcoholic beverages and this can become a problem as warm weather and heat can increase the effects of alcohol, contributing to dehydration and increased fatigue during high-intensity exercise. Some physical effects of ingesting alcohol are weakening of the pumping force of the heart, decreased coordination, slowed reaction time, muscle relaxation, lack of behavioral inhibitions and impaired judgment which when lounging on a beach, might prove perfectly acceptable. However should the intrepid inebriated individual decide to participate in physical activities such as swimming after tossing down a few umbrella decorated drinks the risk of injury or death can be dramatically increased.

Rip Currents:
A rip current is a strong flow of water returning seaward from the shore. It is often called a riptide, rip current, a rip, or an undertow. Rip currents can be dangerous for both swimmers and waders by dragging one away from the beach and causing exhaustion when the swimmer fights the current. They occur most often when the tide is low and there are strong onshore winds with rough surf. Increased wind blowing shoreward combined with the pressure of incoming water pressure push more water toward the shore and create a situation wherein the returning water has to find an alternate means to flow back into the sea. Typically, this water will flow parallel to the shore until it finds an easier route away from the shore either through lessened incoming water pressure or a physical feature on the beach that lends itself to facilitating outflow such as a pier, jetty or a split in a barrier sandbar or reef. This strong outflow is usually not terribly wide but is powerful at the surface and will prevent incoming swells and waves from being too pronounced, actually creating a deceptively inviting area of calm water for swimmers.

Obviously, it is advisable to look for the existence of a rip current before heading into the water. Some indicators to look for on the beach prior to entering the water are wave actions inconsistent with the surrounding area such as unusually calm waters, discoloration caused by the strong outgoing current carrying excess debris and soil and waves that don’t wash as far up on the shore as the surrounding area. If you are caught in a riptide, DO NOT PANIC. Understanding that they are generally narrow in width and are simply an outgoing current, float do not struggle. Let the riptide carry you out beyond the breakers and it will dissipate. If you prefer, swim parallel to the beach not directly toward shore. In this way you will cross the current and are less likely to exhaust yourself.
Interestingly, rip currents are used by surfers and lifeguards as they ride the outgoing current to carry them away from shore faster than they would normally be able go to by paddling through the waves.

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David oversees the marketing of over nine hundred private residences in twenty seven destinations with Villas Majestic, LLC. The premier U.S. based luxury vacation vila rental company.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/a-travelers-guide-to-anegada-and-the-british-virgin-islands.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/a-travelers-guide-to-anegada-and-the-british-virgin-islands.html Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
With a point southeast of Loblolly Bay as the central northernmost point, the Island arcs gently northwest and southwest respectively and is protected from the Atlantic surf by the Horseshoe reef just offshore that has proven so deadly to hundreds of seafaring vessels. Due to it’s prominence of position to the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Anegada has experienced roughly 37 hurricanes and tropical storms in the last 100 years which may explain more than a few of the wrecks that abound along the reef. Perhaps not surprisingly, one of the most lucrative pastimes of the islands inhabitants in the previous centuries was liberating the wrecks of their contents whenever possible.

The swirling tides and waters of the assailing Atlantic Ocean have deposited material to the south and west of the islands providing shallows and flats for snorkeling fun as well as fishing for the elusive Permit and Bonefish. For the reef’s protection, boats cannot anchor on the reef but snorkeling and diving opportunities abound nonetheless. It’s natural to assume that there’s not much to do here and that’s exactly the point. This is the place to go that epitomizes the phrase “get away from it all” because that’s exactly what you will be doing when you sink your feet into the white sands of Loblolly Bay or Cow Wreck beach and spend the day enjoying peaceful solitude. The population here is around 200 plus permanent residents but can swell to a whopping 500 or so during the high season as intrepid adventurers travel from the neighboring islands for a day of exploration.

The British Virgin Islands has limited development on the island and has established a designated bird sanctuary which houses among the ponds, mudflats and mangrove swamps, a Flamingo colony as well as myriad’s of other bird species including Herons,Terns, Ospreys and numerous other seagoing types of birds. Anegada also host thousands of wild Cattle, Goats and Donkeys that are readily seen by hikers around the isle. Getting here is by ferry, private boat or prop plane from Tortola as there are no direct flights from the United States or Europe proper but it’s a relatively inexpensive connection and well worth it. While here you can rent a jeep to explore the island to get around or simply use a taxi if you’re here for a limited time or don’t expect to do much traveling.

To experience this serene corner of the British Virgin Islands visit Villas Majestic at http://www.villasmajestic.com/viewdest-Anegada.htm or call 1- 800-943-0489.

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As the resident marketing director David writes articles highlighting destinations and travel tips for Villas Majestic, LLC. With over 950 luxury vacation villas throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and North America, Villas Majestic is the premier vacation villa provider. Travelers can see additional information online or contact Villas Majestic at 1-800-943-0489.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/a-travelers-guide-to-key-west.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/a-travelers-guide-to-key-west.html Sat, 19 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
When you leave Florida proper through the gate of the Everglades and emerge onto Key Largo, you may notice the pace begin to slacken although perhaps not on the highway itself. As you travel southward, you will exit the northerly area’s of weekend homes and enter the middle and lower Keys where the water blends from the rich blue around Marathon to a milky and shallow appearance as you pass Big Pine Key toward Key West.

While in Key West you should park the car and rent a bicycle or scooter as to wheel around the island like a local and take in the ambiance of the place. Ready parking areas abound with these two wheeled jewels but do be sure to lock them up when you are away. I recommend spending an evening at Mallory Square enjoying the picturesque sunset, myriad’s of entertainers, and the general festive patio-like feel of the place. Just a note, the street vendors on the square may change up on the prices for their products if they think you will let them get away with it so hold them to their original price and be willing to walk away. You already knew that though didn’t you?

There is no lack of activities on this diminutive spit of land between the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. To be honest however, many people come here just for the varied nightlife and the downtown area accommodates that by being very orientated to pedestrian traffic and bar hopping visitors. A litany of things to do here might include, sightseeing, boating, sailing, flats & deep sea fishing, snorkeling, diving, skiing, parasailing, windboarding, lobster hunting, sunbathing, barhopping & partying or perhaps just being a lounge lizard.

Key West is the southern mecca for those in the Conch Republic who enjoy the city as well as the destination of choice for those who seek hedonism in the far southern US. Many of our clients traveling to Key West prefer to be near Duval street due to it’s proximity to downtown, so if you anticipate traveling there please be aware of the demand for accommodations particularly during festivals.

I really enjoy the Florida Keys as they provide a good deal of aquatic topographical variety and activities between Key Largo and Key West as well as a pretty laid back pace. There won’t be the frenetic nightlife outside of Key West for the most part but if you want a pleasant vacation with reasonable cost, I certainly encourage you to consider a week in the Conch Republic.
http://www.villasmajestic.com/viewsubdest.php?dest=Florida&id=Key%20West

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David is the markeing director for Villas Majestic, LLC, the premier luxury vacation villa rental company with over nine hundred villas in twenty seven destinations . Courtesy concierge services are included with each villa rental.
Visit our online home at www.villasmajestic.com for complete travel arrangements.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/a-brief-virgin-gorda-vacationers-guide-describing-a-few-of-the-islands-highlights.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/a-brief-virgin-gorda-vacationers-guide-describing-a-few-of-the-islands-highlights.html Wed, 16 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
A great majority of the vacationers go to the Caribbean for the beaches and on Virgin Gorda, arguably the best beach to be found is at The Baths.
Here you will find giant boulders that were once liquid deposits of magma and due to the erosion of surrounding earth are now stacked in ways to create grottos and caves providing endless entertainment for beachgoers. Some of the other beaches on Virgin Gorda are Devil's Bay National Park that is about a twenty minute walk from The Baths and is pleasantly secluded. Spring Bay, like The Baths, has large boulders scattered about and a very nice beach called The Crawl that is welcoming to families and children due to it's placidity. Not far from Spring Bay is Trunk Bay that has a great beach facing west that is accessible by water or via a path from Spring Bay. Savannah Bay provides a sandy beach north of the yacht harbor and of course, not to be neglected is Mahoe Bay with a curving beach and beautiful blue water.

The BVI is renowned for excellent sailing conditions as well as dive sites that range from 15 to 80 feet and many areas have no appreciable current and is ideal for photographers. This area of the Caribbean doesn't have any extreme drop off's but it does have plenty of coral gardens and topographical variation to include canyons, tunnels, caverns, grottos, and wrecks. With the ambient ocean temperature at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the flora and fauna is prolific to say the least and divers won't lack for activities.
The northern side of Virgin Gorda is mountainous, with Gorda Peak as the highest spot on the island reaching 1,370 feet enclosed by the Gorda Peak National Park. A lookout tower at the summit offers an excellent view of North Sound and Anegada as well as the land snaking it's way to the southern end of the isle as well as other islands with their heads above the waves. Hikers may wish to consider excursions around the northern spine of the island to enjoy the views and semi-arid terrain.

If your vacation itinerary requires a serene destination, One of our 44 luxury Virgin Gorda villas http://www.villasmajestic.com/viewdest-Virgin+Gorda.htm should be placed high on your list of considerations.

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David is the markeing director for Villas Majestic, LLC, the premier luxury vacation villa rental company with over nine hundred villas in twenty seven destinations . Courtesy concierge services are included with each villa rental.
Visit our online home at www.villasmajestic.com for complete travel arrangements.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>