A Perfect Mountain Biking Holiday in Whistler

Situated about 120 km north of Vancouver on the Highway 99 is Whistler, acknowledged as the ‘Natural Year-Round Playground.’ With its soothing mountain air, pristine clear lakes, and luxuriant emerald forests, Whistler is a mecca for a host of recreational activities during both winter and summer.

During the winter, Whistler becomes a sought after destination for enjoying skiing and other activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and sleigh riding. When comes to summer activities, the activities that can be enjoyed here are endless from golf, tennis, and staking to boating, fishing, and canoeing. Aside these activities, Whistler renders world class facilities for mountain biking.

As per the level and expertise of bikers, different types of mountain biking trails are available in Whistler, such as, downhill tracks, technical single track, cross country, paved valley track, and wide single track. For novice, one of the best trails to start with would be the 35 km long Valley Trail. This trail serves as a commuter trail, and a bike riding through it leads to some of the picturesque lakes, parks, and neighborhood destinations.

Another popular biking trail in Whistler is Lost Lake Park, which is surrounded by pristine alpine lake. Located within easy reach of almost all facilities in Whistler and Blackcomb, Lost Lake Park consists of a series of mountain trails, each of them rendering single as well as wide single track with plush nettle. This trail is most suitable for beginners who want to take mountain biking lessons quite easy. However, the trails found in the park are not only for beginners but also for advanced riders. For riders seeking adventure and fun, the park offers trails such as the Frank Zappa single-track.

In Whistler, beginners can also take advantage of the Whistler Interpretive Forest’s network of trails that are exclusively designed for novices, such as Highline, Far Side Trail, Riverside Trail, and Ridge Trail. Some excellent trails are available around Cheakamus Lake, which in turn is a part of the spectacular Garibaldi Provincial Park. However, the trail is packed with hikers during the summer season.

For intermediates, Whistler has some excellent options for mountain biking in the form of Trash in Function Junction, Big Timber trail in Kadenwood, and Green Lake Loop that runs across the eastern side of the Green Lake, from Lost Lake Park to Wedgemount. There are also a couple of trails, especially for intermediates, outside the boundaries of Whistler like Brandywine Falls cross country trail that runs through the Whistler Interpretive Forest, which in turn consists of a blend of double and single tracks.

Whistler is also home to a continuum of expert trails including Industrial Disease. Also, Whistler boasts of a good number of epic trails such as the 42 km long the Flank Trail and the Rainbow Trail.

Apart from these, Whistler has to its credit some excellent parks that are exclusively designed for mountain biking. Of which, one of the most popular is the Whistler Bike Park, whose highlights, among many others, are over 200 km of lift serviced trails as well as mountainous pathways, jump park areas, access lifts including Whistler Gondola and Garbanzo Chairs, and dirt trails via canopied forests. Dirt Jump Park, within the Rebagliati Park, is also a great facility in Whistler for mountain biking. Above all, an association operates here exclusively for the development and maintenance of trails in Whistler, namely, Whistler off Road Cycling Association (WORCA.)

Despite anything, your mountain biking holidays in Whistler is not complete without taking a mountain bike riding through Comfortably Numb, which is the longest as well as most challenging single track trail in Whistler. However, a ride through this trail is recommended for technically advanced and experienced bikers. Among the highlights of the trail are long climbs, challenging rock faces, elevated bridges, and picturesque views.

There are certain prerequisites in order to make your Whistler Mountain biking holidays perfect and enjoyable. First of all, a clear plan must be devised for enjoying mountain biking in Whistler. Determination of your budget for your mountain biking holidays is another thing to take into consider for a perfect mountain biking holiday in Whistler.

Equally important for mountain biking holiday is packing, ie, you should bring all necessary equipments such as bike, helmet, knee and shoulder pads, and apparels that go with the climatic conditions of the regions. A lot number of rental shops are in the vicinity to supply necessary equipments for an enjoyable mountain biking.

A plethora of mountain bike friendly hotels and resorts can be found across Whistler and Blackcomb regions. There are also some resorts and hotels, providing excellent packages for a perfect mountain biking vacation. Packages are mostly inclusive of assistance of expert staff, guided camps, and private lessons.

I Love Touring Italy – The Alto-Adige Subregion

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy on the border of both Switzerland and Austria. Among its tourist attractions are the Dolomite Mountains, that the famous architect Le Corbusier called “The most beautiful work of architecture even seen,” glacier lakes, and Alpine forests. In fact the region is composed of two parts, Trentino in the south and Alto Adige in the north. This article presents Alto Adige; a companion article presents Trentino.

When you live in Alto Adige you have to declare your first language: choices include Italian (26.5%), German (69%), and Ladin (4%). There is a German-speaking majority in fully 103 of 116 communes, and only 5 have an Italian-speaking majority. We won’t discuss the sometimes painful history of German-Italian relations in Alto Adige but are happy to say that the relations are now fairly good. As a tourist you’ll be able to enjoy the two cultures.

We’ll start our tour of Alto Adige at Caldaro near the border with Trentino. Then we will proceed basically clockwise visiting Naturno and Bolzano (the regional capital and largest city), and then pass the following towns and ski resorts which we won’t have time to visit on this tour: Chiusa, Bressanone, Brunico, and Dobbiaco. We resume visiting at Cortina d’Ampezzo, and proceed west to Canazei and to Lago di Carezza only about 22 kilometers (14 miles) from our starting point. We’ll do something here that we haven’t done previously. In addition to the place name in Italian, we’ll supply the German name in parentheses. Don’t forget, Alto Adige, known as Sued Tyrol in German, is still heavily German speaking and retains a distinctive Germanic, or more exactly Austrian, character.

Caldaro (Kaltern) is a village of about 7500 residents that annually attracts over 400,000 tourists. So you know the basis of its economy. Its architecture is a pleasing combination of Italian Renaissance and German Gothic elements as exemplified in the historic Church of Santa Caterina in the town center. The Caldero Lake claims to be the warmest in the Alps and so is enjoyable from May to September. Visit the Museo Provinciale del Vino (Provincial Wine Museum) situated in a princely manor. Caldaro is in South Tyrol’s best wine region and you can walk from the museum to vineyards growing rare and ancient grape varieties.

The horticultural center of Naturno (Naturns) whose population is approximately five thousand, is near the westernmost point of our tour. Be sure to see the Seventh Century Church of San Procolo, in particular its ancient frescoes among the oldest in the German-speaking world. Then drive a bit west to the Thirteenth Century Castel Juval now owned by Reinhold Messner, who holds two Mount Everest firsts. He climbed it solo and he climbed it without additional oxygen. The castle now serves as an inn, a winery, and a museum devoted to mountaineering and Tibetan art.

Bolzano (Bozen) is the capital of the autonomous province of Alto Adige. Its population is approximately 100,000, and includes many German speakers. However, Bolzano does have a heavy majority of Italian speakers. In this city you can hear two languages and enjoy two cultures.

Perhaps you will start with the Museo Archeologico dell’Alto Adige (South Tyrol Archeological Museum) whose star attraction is Oetzi, the more than five thousand year old iceman discovered in Italy near the Austrian border in 1991. The museum offers many other exhibits, both predating and postdating the world’s oldest naturally preserved body.

The Gothic Duomo (Cathedral) was built from the Twelfth to Fourteenth Centuries. Of particular interest are its frescoes and stone pulpit. The Porta del Vino (Wine Gate) on the outside of the building shows peasants at work in the vineyards. Remember, this is wine country. The Fourteenth Century Chiesa dei Domenicani (Dominican Monastery) was badly damaged over the centuries including during World War II. Some of its paintings and frescoes are in bad shape, however others are magnificent.

Other churches to see include the Thirteenth Century Chiesa dei Domenicani (Dominican Church), which hosts Bolzano’s best collection of paintings and frescoes, its chapel Cappella di San Giovanni, and the Twelfth Century Vecchia Parrochiale (Old Parish Church) with a Romanesque crucifix predating the church itself and a Fifteenth Century Gothic wooden altar.

The vine covered Thirteenth Century Castel Mareccio (Mareccio Castle) is now a congress center with a courtyard that can accommodate up to two hundred people. A transparent roof ensures year round availability. The castle’s frescoes can be seen only on Tuesdays in a free guided tour, either in Italian or in German.

Make sure to see Bolzano’s two main squares. A statue of Neptune, god of the sea, overlooks the produce market in the Piazza delle Erbe. Go there before lunch and make yourself a picnic. The Piazza Walther with its Monument to Walther honors a local hero, the wandering minstrel Walther von der Vogelweide, a sort of Twelfth Century Bob Dylan.

Do you like walking? If you do, there are numerous beautiful promenades including the 8 kilometer (5 mile) Passeggiata del Guncina with its view of the city, the Passeggiata di Sant’Osvaldo (Oswald Promenade) skirting vineyards on the edge of the city, and Passeggiate del Lungotalvera (Lungotalvera Promenade) along the river in the middle of town.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a fairly exclusive, mostly Italian speaking, winter resort. Cortina was supposed to host the 1944 Winter Olympics but because of World War II had to wait until 1956. Known as “The Pearl of the Dolomites,” it sits in a meadow about 4000 feet (1.2 kilometers) above sea level, surrounded by mountains. Its great location has made Cortina the site of many popular films including The Pink Panther and For Your Eyes Only. It seems that younger Italians prefer Madonna di Campiglio, described in our companion article on Trentino.

Canazei is popular, mostly German speaking, winter resort in the Val di Fassa. Attractions include a lovely little village and slopes satisfying skiers with a wide range of abilities. Be sure to take the cable car up to Col Rodella for a truly magnificent view of the mountains.

We finish our tour of this beautiful region at the mile-high glacier lake, Lago di Carezza. In this lake you can see reflections of the surrounding forests and mountains. We’re almost back to our starting point of Caraldo. Don’t you feel like doing this circular tour again? There is so much that we have seen, but there is so much that we haven’t seen yet.

What about food? In Alto Adige the cuisine tends to be Austro-Tyrolean. Some of the most popular foods include wursts, cabbage dishes, dumplings, and potatoes. Pork is big, especially Speck, Austrian smoked ham. One local specialty that I have no intention of trying is salami made from donkey. I’ll stick with the sauerkraut.

Let’s suggest a sample menu, one of many. Start with Sauersuppe (Tyrolean Tripe Soup). Then try Zuppa al Vino Bianco (Stew with White Wine). For dessert indulge yourself with Kastanientorte (Pureed Chestnut Cake). Be sure to increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your meal.

We conclude with a quick look at Trentino-Alto Adige wine. Trentino-Alto Adige ranks number 16 among the 20 Italian regions when it comes to acreage devoted to wine grapes and number 14 for total annual wine production. The region produces about 55% red and 45% white wine. There are eight DOC wines of which three are found in Alto Adige (one DOC wine is shared with Trentino and another with Trentino and with Veneto.) DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably indicating a high-quality wine. A whopping 79.1% of Trentino-Alto Adige wine carries the DOC designation, by far the highest percentage in Italy. The Alto Adige DOC designation is divided into several subzones. The most recent Trento-Alto Adige wine that I tasted was a Vino Novello (New Wine) that probably wasn’t typical of Trento-Alto Adige wine but was typical of Vino Novello wine. The less said the better. However, there are several fine Alto Adige wines. The San Leonardo, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, is said to be quite good but is pricey. You may do well with a less expensive bottle based on the local red Lagrein grape, if you can find one.

Booking A Week In The Mountains

When booking a ski holiday a number of things should be considered. Firstly what are the needs of your party? Are you a family who go every year, a group of young adults not just looking for a good snow but a holiday with plenty of partying or a couple of proficient skiers looking for a good week on the slopes? Depending on the answers to these questions will determine what kind of trip you will embark upon. As an avid skier I have been on all types of holiday and have skied with all levels. I now offer my advice to those wishing to embark on a week in the mountains.

If booking for a family, obviously depending on the age of the children ski lessons are usually a good idea. Even if you are an expert skier teaching your own children can be frustrating, spending your entire week on the nursery slopes when you would prefer to be carving powder off piste can embitter you by the end of the holiday. Most resorts have good schools with professionals who have experience with all levels of skiers. Even as a proficient skier, remember after a year away from the slopes a lesson may also be good idea for yourself. I have known too many people who have shot off down a black run on the first day, found themselves rusty and broken bones ruining their entire holiday.

When travelling with a group of friends and looking for a party atmosphere always study the resort you are booking carefully. Make sure it will have enough to entertain you when not skiing. Finding yourself in a resort with a single bar and no club can often put a downer on your trip when you have set out to spend all week having good times. Remember variety is the spice of life and picking a resort with a full choice of entertainment will add to your experience infinitely.

Travelling as a couple can be the hardest holiday to organise for you are often looking for the middle ground. It is worth considering each of your skill levels, for if they are vastly different you will not see a lot of each other throughout the week. I remember a holiday where my girlfriend had spent the week on the nursery slopes with her teaching group and I had been racing down the mountain. We had only seen each other in the evenings. This is why picking the right resort with the right venues is especially important when planning as a couple. It is advisable to go to a resort with a nice mix of good restaurants and lively bars. You do not want to be surrounded by either large parties or families so check when booking the types of clientele who travel to the resort.

Another major aspect of booking is the accommodation. A choice usually exists between hotel, chalet and B and B. Hotels provide a good service and are good for groups wishing to have the minimum of comfort, for those planning a trip of partying this is a good idea. Chalets however offer a nice homely feel with comfortable lounges and a variety of rooms, perfect for a family Christmas and with the added bonus of being able to ski to your door. Bed and breakfasts are much like chalets except you are usually sharing with others and are the guests of the chalet owner; these can provide an added diversity to your holiday, allowing you to get to know the locals.

When you know what type of ski holiday you want, go ahead and book it. If you are a first timer remember to take it slow and be careful, it is too easy to break bones; despite how soft snow may seem. The same advice can be offered to those more experienced; overconfidence has been the downfall of many on the slopes. The most important advice however is to simply enjoy yourself, enjoy the slopes, the clean air and the fantastic views, there is not much better than being literally on top of the world.

The Routes of the Legacy of Al-Andalus

For almost eight centuries, the Iberian Peninsula lived one of its most privileged moments, not only with regard to Spain, but also to Europe as a whole: the age of Moslem Spain, which the Arabs called al-Andalus.

The mixture of races, religions and cultures gave rise to a brilliant civilisation, where both the Arts and Science flourished. Silks, objects of art produced in ivory, bronze and marble, ceramic tiling, the creation of a subtle architectural style and luminous sensual poetry all made al-Andalus the cultural focal point of Europe; a bridge between East and West, the cradle of a splendid and refined civilisation.

The Foundation the legacy of al-Andalus aims to preserve the historical, artistic and architectural heritage of al-Andalus. But also, its wish is to promote the most outstanding values of that civilisation: the people’s feeling for life, how they lived together in tolerance and harmony, their music, gastronomy, everyday life. The mark left by al-Andalus is reflected in the concept of art, in the character and in the attitude toward life of the present-day inhabitants, heirs to this legacy.

Today we can all delve into this living inheritance, thanks to projects such as the Routes of the legacy of al-Andalus, which will take us through beautiful spots, providing us with an overall vision of the culture, as well as with the chance to truly experience it. For the following routes car hire is essential. You will find many reputable car rental companies at all mayor airports like Malaga, Seville, Granada or Almeria.

Route of the Caliphate
This Route runs through lands of Cordoba, Jaen and Granada, along the N-432 and N-331 main road and covering approximately 180 km. It links two large geological depressions; that of the river Guadalquivir and that of Granada, traversing passes in the Sub-Betic mountain ranges opened by basins and river valleys. Both depressions are closed in by the Sierra Morena and Sierra Nevada massifs. This journey follows one of Andalusia’s main communications routes.

The Route is a true adventure for the spirit: from Cordoba to Granada, also crossing ancient borderlands of Jaen. It shows the two extremes of the region, revealing the magnificent cultural, religious, political and social heritage left by the Moslems on the Iberian Peninsula. Cordoba, considered the binding brilliance that made all the other western cities pale by comparison. Granada on the contrary is the refined terminal mannerism of a civilisation under threat. And, between the two, a succession of walled towns and castles perched atop strategic vantage-points. Places that were witness to the occasionally agitated military exchanges and then formed the camps and bases from which to besiege Granada.

This journey is not just a lesson in history. It is also an aesthetic delight, a joy for the senses. Refined palates will discover products and tastes with echoes of the past. Those same echoes also seem to be palpable in any of the celebrations and traditions of the towns and villages along the Route. An itinerary by car which will undoubtedly make us that little bit wiser, thanks to all that we will experience along either of its two branches: northern and southern. History, celebrations and crafts, gastronomy, all taking place in a landscape with a vegetation, agriculture and climate that are unique to these provinces of the Region of Andalucia.

A Quick Tour Of Italy – Eastern Sicily

If you are hankering for a tour of Europe, why not consider the island of Sicily, a region of southern Italy? Depending on your own particular interests, this beautiful area can be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. And many parts of Sicily haven’t yet been discovered by tourists. This short article presents eastern Sicily. A companion article presents western Sicily; another presents the capital Palermo.

Messina is Sicily’s third largest city. Founded by the Ancient Greeks it changed hands quite often over the centuries. The University of Messina started out as the world’s first Jesuit College, founded by St. Ignatius himself. In 1908 the city was virtually destroyed by an earthquake and the ensuing tsunami. Make sure to see the cathedral, the Calapaj Palace, and the Sixteenth Century lighthouse.

The walled village of Castelmola with its ancient streets and spectacular view is only a few miles from the coast. Don’t miss it. Go to the ruins of the Thirteenth Century Castello Normanno (Norman Castle). It’s more than a kilometer above sea level and you’ll have to climb the path from the parking lot below. Actually there are two paths with two different views. If you are able you should explore both, one up and one down the mountain. What’s to see when you get to the top – the city of Taormina and the Ionian Sea are to the east, the Tyrrhenian Sea is to the north, and Mount Etna is to the west. Castelmola also boasts a Cathedral and several old churches that are worth visiting.

Taormina has been discovered by tourists. What a beautiful view, especially from the funivia (gondola). The Greek theater runs in the summer and Taormina boasts two top-of-the-line hotels.

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest and highest volcano. It is still active. Depending on the weather report you may climb part of it or take the train that runs around the mountain base. The Hotel Villa Paradiso Dell’Etna started as a bohemian hangout and is now quite pricey.

Catania at the foot of Mount Etna is Sicily’s second largest city. Its volcanic soil is great for agriculture, particularly wine. Catania was buried in lava seven times; many of its buildings are constructed from lava. Visit its cathedral.

Siracusa (Syracuse) was founded by Greek colonists. Its theater was built for 15,000 spectators. It hosts Greek tragedies every May and June. Make sure not to miss the Papyrus Museum, the Archeological Museum, historic churches and palaces, and the neighboring Ortygia Island, known as Citta Vecchia (Old City) with its own cathedral.

Sicilian ices are famous even if they no longer contain snow from Mount Etna. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy – Eastern Sicily for a sample menu and more information on local wines as well as an in-depth examination of its tourist attractions. Sicily is Italy’s largest wine producer. An independent Sicily would be the world’s seventh largest wine producer.

The History and Geomorphology Of The East Devon Coast

World Heritage Sites are places of “outstanding universal value”‘ chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. The Dorset and East Devon Coast is one of the most speactacular of England’s World Heritage Sites. Known as The Jurassic Coast, this area comprises more than 90 spectacular miles of truly beautiful coast which stretches from East Devon to Dorset. The rocks along this coast encompass a period of more than 185 million years of the Earth’s history.

World Heritage status was granted because the coast offers a unique insight into a geological “time line” spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods of the Earth’s history. Very different sections of this coast formed over millions of years through massive geological events, later assisted by coastal processes which you see as you walk through this truly beautiful area.

Orcombe Point marks the west edge of the World Heritage Site, and you can start your journey by seeing the Geoneedle, unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 2002 to commemorate granting of World Heritage Status to the Devon and East Dorset coast. The Geoneedle is built from stones taken from the coast in the sequence in which the rocks were deposited along the coast during its development.

The rocks of the Dorset and East Devon Coast record the period known as the Mesozoic era – the Middle Ages of Earth’s history – which is broken down into the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods of geological time. These represent the period from 250 million years ago to 65 million years ago. All along the coast, this amazing geology is clearly exposed and easily accessible.

In Triassic times, which were between 250 and 200 million years ago, the World Heritage Site was an element of the super-continent called Pangaea, a landmass which later divided into the continents of our current world. Dorset and East Devon was somewhere in the desert-like, dry centre of this unimaginable super-continent. The Triassic was a crucial period of the evolution of life on Earth. Those sea-going animals which were able to survive a mass extinction at the end of the previous geological period evolved and developed; for example, the dinosaurs evolved around this time and later became dominant during the Mesozoic Era. By the end of the Triassic, most of the groups of four legged animals which we know today had evolved, including the first true mammals.

Pangaea started to split up during the Jurassic Period between 200 and 140 million years ago. The Atlantic Ocean formed to the west of Britain and the Americas moved away from Europe. The Earth was warm and sea levels were high, with almost no polar ice caps. The Jurassic rocks of East Devon and Dorset record these marine conditions – although the depth of the oceans varied from relatively deep seas to coastal swamps. The geology of this area indicates that sea levels rose and fell in cycles, with the deposition of deep water clays, then sandstones and last of all shallow water limestones. The oceans were relatively shallow in the middle of the Jurassic, which created a series of islands raised slightly above the shallow shoals, rather like the Caribbean of today. The oceans deepened as the Jurassic time period progressed, though they again became shallower at the end of the Jurassic. This change created a tropical-type swamp environment. Though you may find that hard to believe right now!

Jurassic animals included Ammonites, a type of mollusc related to the squid, but with hard spiral shells. These are one of the most common fossils you can find on the Dorset and East Devon Coast; and in fact, Portland and its limestone and chalk is where the giant ammonite is found. As the shallow seas expanded, there was an explosion of life during which many animals evolved rapidly. Dinosaurs were abundant on Earth and the dominant animals in the oceans included ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and crocodiles.

During the Cretaceous Period, which extended from 140 to 65 million years ago, America continued to drift away from Europe, and the Atlantic became more like it is today in form. The landscape on the World Heritage Site was somewhat like the Gulf of Arabia today, with lagoons. As the rocks under what is now south-west England tilted to the East, the warm waters of the Atlantic expanded, and sea conditions became more hospitable, allowing billions of microscopic algae to bloom in the clear waters. As their exo-skeletons sank to the sea floor, they gradually formed the pure, white chalk we see in the area today.

Right across the World Heritage Site you can see the “Great Unconformity”, a time gap between rocks of different ages. In the mid-Cretaceous the rocks tilted eastwards, and were then gradually eroded by seas and rivers, especially in the west of the area. And so, all the Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous rock history is absent from the geological timeline in this “fault”, and the Cretaceous rocks are deposited on the eroded rock surfaces of the Triassic period. As you walk along the coast, this makes interpretation of the time line more difficult, because the oldest and the youngest rocks on the coast are found near each other in East Devon.

The Cretaceous saw the largest and most fearsome dinosaurs on the Earth, but it was also the period when the first flowering plants evolved. A mass extinction took place at the end of the Cretaceous period which was critical to the form and animal population of the modern world (although this is not explicitly recorded in the World Heritage Site). Certainly it was around this time that the reign of the reptiles – including dinosaurs – as the predominant life on Earth came to an end; dinosaurs, marine reptiles and ammonites were some of the species which became extinct. After their time, the present style of life on Earth evolved, dominated by mammals, flowering plants and grasses. The earliest rocks from the Cretaceous period of the World Heritage coast are the Purbeck Beds, which coincidentally represent one of the most challenging rock sequences along this part of the Devon coast. They have given us many fossils including dinosaur footprints and the microscopic animal teeth. Chalk – calcium carbonate – is the youngest Cretaceous rock in the Heritage area of the Devon and Dorset coast – it is located all through the area, and usually has millions of fossils of animals such as the sea urchin. All in all, the varied geology of this beautiful coast has formed an amazing laboratory for geomorphology – the study of the land and the geological processes that created it. Coastal land is never stable; it changes as the sea and frost mould it, as rain and human activity subtly alters it. But geomorphology is looking at longer time periods than that which represents the hand of man, even though small changes, repeated often enough over long periods of time, can be powerful agents for change as well. In our time, landslides or storms have not only created the shape of the coast but have revealed the fossils in this natural laboratory of geomorphology!

Start Planning Now For An Unforgettable Summer Vacation

A good planning starts with a wise appraisal of the situation, with plenty of time to think where you want to go, for how long and spending how much. It might even give you time to raise some extra funds if you think your budget will be too tight. Shop around, do your math and begin to enjoy your summer vacation right now.

Get All The Family Involved

Play a game, pinpointing possible places on a map and reach an agreement. It is ideal for a cold, windy weekend in front of a fireplace or around the breakfast table. Once you know where you want to go, or can afford to go, think of the cost and do not be conservative just yet. There will be time to adjust the budget later on, if it gets too tight. So make your checklist, asking everybody to remember what you did and what expenses you had on previous vacations. This is another little game…

Three Definite Lines Of Expenses

First of all, consider traveling expenses. Whether you will be going by car or by plane there is a certain expense. Probably your air tickets for all the family can be financed with your credit card, but we do not want to overload it. There usually are installment plans given by the airline, which can be more convenient and will leave room on the card for extras and unforeseen events. Gas expenses mean you are going nearer, in your car and that will be a smaller sum, but no credit there, I am afraid.

Lodging

Unless you are planning to spend some time at a friend’s house or maybe your old folks’ place, you will have lodging expenses: Hotel, a mountain cabin, hostel, a beach condo, whatever. This will be your largest expense, naturally depending on how long you are staying, but it is normally an important sum.

Extras

Extras comprise extra meals, day tours, drinks, cocktails, evening entertainment and awanna. Awanna buy this, awanna buy that. Well, it is supposed to be fun, is not it? You do not want to start saying “no this, no that” to your kids. Sounds funny, but it is all too true.

Add Up

So, once you have got everything on your checklist, add everything up and then think where you can get the cash from. There are special loans with a grace period, so that you can start paying when you get back. You have plenty of time to start shopping around for all you need. You may want to get some new clothing or footwear for everyone and that needs time to prepare. You could even start paying now for some of the items and gain time.

Now Keep The Family Involved

Everybody should have a little chore, like making their own checklist of things they want to take, finding out the cost of entertainments, so as to help with the building of the vacation budget. It will surely be a beautiful holiday and everyone will be looking forward to it and contribute to the planning and preparations with enthusiasm. This will keep the younger ones away from too much TV or internet and make them feel they are useful to each other.

Popular Spots for Sardinia Beach Holidays

Do you want to experience Sardinia beach holidays this summer but you have no idea where to go? Here are some popular beaches in Sardinia that will surely make your summer vacation unforgettable.

• Timi Ama. This beach is situated in the province of Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, specifically in Villasimius area. The magnificent shores have very fine, crystal-like sand perfect for building sand castles and relaxing on a beach towel, and the water will truly take your breath away. Many movies and TV commercials have been shot here due to its perfect, romantic setting. If you haven’t seen any pink flamingos, check out the famous Notteri lagoon. Its sparkling and clear waters reflect the fantastic colors of these beautiful creatures. This beach offers the ideal Sardinia beach holidays for families with children because of its shallow waters, and also for surfers and people interested in underwater fishing.

• Tuarredda. Also located in the province of Caliagri, it is included in the top beaches in Sardinia because of its one of a kind beauty. The sand is the color of the snow, very white and pure, which makes a nice contrast with the water’s sparkling blue color. Mediterranean flora such as old juniper trees also added the green color to this paradise. Tuarredda is a small island which can be reached by swimming after a few minutes. The outer part of the island is known for its pristine beaches while the inner part has Mediterranean floras. This is perfect for families because water is not so deep. Swimming all day is not impossible because weather is always mild.

• Cala Goloritze. This is another good spot for your Sardinia beach holidays. One of the most visited beaches in the Sardinia island, this place is popular for the clear sparkling water naturally created by underwater springs. Aside from sand, you can also find small white stones along the beaches, one of the unique characteristics o this beach. Near the beach is the Caroddi Mountain, perfect spot for those who enjoy free climbing. Children can play along the shore without parents worrying constantly because the water is shallow. Goloritze cove also boasts one of its most popular inhabitants, the queen-hawk, a bird which lives in this area because of the lush Mediterranean vegetation.

• La Spiaggia Rosa or the Pink Beach. It got its name from the color of the sand which is always scattered with corals, shells, and small granite stones or rocks, giving it a pink tinge color. This beach is located in the province of Olbia-Tempio and is owned and operated by the Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di Maddalena or The Archipelago of La Maddalena National Park. However, this is not open to the public and you can only view this beach from the nearby Spiaggia del Cavaliere or Cavalryman Beach.

• La Pelosa. This is situated in the province of Sassari, specifically in the area of Stintino. Like most of the beache sin Sardinia, La Pelosa beach has fine snow-white sand and clear blue water. However, this one has a historical feature, the Pelosa Tower, a structure built in the seventeenth century. You can find this along the coast of La Pelosa. The beautiful view of the sea, beaches, and the island is enough to make your Sardinia beach holidays. It is also a famous spot for divers because it has attractive sights underwater. You can still be comfortable while spending nature at its finest because La Pelosa has parking, bars, and restaurants.

Skin Care Starts Now

Too many people leave the job of taking care of their skin until it is too late, speaking from a beauty standpoint. When wrinkles, age spots, irremovable eczema patches and sagging skin are staring back at you from the mirror, you have already passed the point of no return and if you want to change what you see, you will have to resort to drastic measures.

The time to begin a skin care regime is now, before those wrinkles take over, before your cheeks are sagging and before you look like you remember your grandmother looking! Putting off skin care is no better than putting off quitting smoking or exercising, so if you care about your health you need to realise that today is the day you can prevent unwanted skin conditions!

Most skin problems are rooted in one of two things: improper daily routines and poor diet. Both of these factors are easily put right, assuming that you have the willpower to succeed with your skin care plan and retain that youthful exuberance.

First, stop for a moment and consider the way you have been treating not only your skin, but your entire body. Have you been eating well, incorporating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy oils and pulses into your diet? Or have you been lazy when it comes to cooking, usually calling out for take out or heating up a packaged dinner?

What about when it comes to hygiene, are you usually structured about washing and caring for you skin? If you have not been doing your best to take care of the whole of your body, your skin will suffer in the long run. If you want to protect it from the effects of aging, you will need to make some lifestyle changes.
Foremost, your diet needs seeing to. You know full well which foods are good for you and which are not, so stop making excuses and throw out all the junk in your cupboards.

No more junk food, hydrogenated fats, processed sugars or microwave dinners for you! From now on when you go to the grocery store, head directly for the fresh produce section and stay there until you have selected as many different colours of vegetables and fruits as you can. Pigmentation represents different vitamin and mineral contents in the foods, so have fun with the shopping and be sure to load up on the fresh stuff. Next, get yourself some brown and wild rice, whole grain pastas and granary bread.

Vitamins are essential for all the chemical reactions that occur inside your body, and without them you will have a difficult time digesting your foods and extracting energy from them. Fibre is important for bodily cleansing and once you maximise your intake you will notice great improvement in the condition of your skin.

Once you have paid due attention to your diet, it is time to think about the way you topically treat your skin. Harsh soaps are to be avoided, because they strip natural oils from your skin and leave it dry, itchy and flaky. Select a PH balanced soap, and be sure to wash your face at least twice a day. Keeping your skin free of grime and bacteria will ensure that you develop fewer imperfections that can scar and look embarrassing. After cleansing, apply a rich moisturiser that will lock the water into your skin cells and stand up against sagging, wrinkling and other signs of aging.

Skin care is simple, but it starts from the inside out. Today is the day to start caring for your skin, so stop putting it off! Tomorrow may be a day too late.

Your Quick And Easy Guide To Tips About Dry Skin

Dry skin happens more often in the winter where the cold air outside and the hot air inside creates a low relative humidity. Xeroderma literally means “dry skin”. Xeroderma is a very common condition.

Skin contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels. The skin is often known as “the largest organ of the human body”. Skin is considered one of the most important parts of the body.

The outermost layer of epidermis consists of 25 to 30 layers of dead cells. Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. The epidermis contains no blood vessels, and cells in the deepest layers are nourished by diffusion from blood capillaries extending to the upper layers of the dermis.

Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition. The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin: as a result, the skin becomes dehydrated. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.

Thick, oily-type moisturizers work best the use of natural or synthetic cosmetics to treat the appearance of the face and condition of the skin (such as pore control and blackhead cleansing) is common among many cultures. Natural treatment should always be the first type of treatment to consider when you want to take the best care of your skin.

Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids. Concentrating on a diet of lots of fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement within 30 days. Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Put 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your smoothies. Good skin is often a reflection of a good digestive system.

Apply a thin layer of coconut oil and massage it deep into the skin. The best treatment I’ve found for dry skin is coconut oil. It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times daily and at bedtime to see its benefits. If you also have eczema or acne, coconut oil will treat those skin conditions too.

The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. Unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms – the dead cells that continually slough off of the epidermis mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin to form a filthy layer on its surface. Sunlight, water and air play an important role in keeping the skin healthy.

It’s time to call the doctor when all your home remedies do not relieve your dryness and itching. You should see the results with improved skin within a few days following this advice. Skin doctors are called dermatologists.