Xpat Adventures

Top Five Travel Tips in Japan

2009-03-03T19:02:00.007+08:00

By Dino Ng

Japan has always been a nice to go country, with their superb service which is well known in the world and the never-ending scenic spots found in the country. In addition, if you are a hot spring fan, Japan is one of those countries which you should not give a miss.

However, despite all its alluring attractions, Japan may prove to be a trip disaster if you are not well prepared. Check out the following 5 tips for a smooth and fruitful trip in Japan.

Tip 1
If you are planning to tour around Japan for more than 7 days and want to explore further than Tokyo, it is highly recommended that you buy a JR pass. This will enable you to hop on unlimited shinkansen (bullet train) rides and JR trains throughout your journey. Considering that a shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Osaka costs more than 10,000 yen per trip, it is definitely a good catch. Besides, one can easily move around on JR normal trains.

Tip 2
Never hop onto a taxi from the airport to your destination unless you are very rich. A taxi ride starts from around 660 yen and costs more than USD200 for you to get from the Narita Airport to Tokyo city.

Tip 3
If you are on a free and easy trip, keep your luggage light or travel with a backpack. Some train stations, especially those off city areas, only have a ascending escalator, hence you want to be sure that you can lug your luggage down and up the station stairs.

Tip 4
Carry enough yen on you for your meals and shopping sprees. Japan is still a cash dominant society though most major shopping malls and restaurants accepts credit card. If you feel insecure walking around with too much cash, try to pay your hotel bills and some shopping with your credit card and leave the rest of the cash for your meals. Some major departmental stores offer cash discount for branded goods if you pay on the spot by cash, which is another incentive to bring more cash.

Tip 5
Learning some simple Japanese will be useful for moving around Japan, though most Japanese are very helpful. For the recent years, despite mushrooming English schools in Japan, most Japanese still find it difficult to converse in English.

Check out Travel Asia for my travel experience.

Author has learnt Japanese since university days and also worked in Japan before. She is constantly trying to learn new Asian languages though at her own pace. She currently started a travel photo blog at http://travelasiaphotos.blogspot.com and is starting on writing a book.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dino_Ng

Las Vegas Airfare Hotel Package Deals

2009-03-03T18:25:00.005+08:00

By David Faulkner

Discount Airfare To Las Vegas, More Money To Play

There are many places in which to search for discount airfare to Las Vegas. The trick is not coming up with several thousand. It is best to first start out searching on Internet sites you are familiar with or have heard about. If you use the key words discount airfare: Las Vegas chances are you will have several thousand sites pop up in a search engine.

If you are familiar with some of these travel sites than you will find the ones that often have the best deals during the week, and may even provide other services. Everyone knows that you can get a better discount to Las Vegas if you combine it with a package. Airfare, hotels, and rental cars are the best way to get a package deal. Some sites or even travel agents will give you a better deal if you are traveling as a couple.

If you are looking for a great discount to Las Vegas then consider when you will be traveling. The best deals tend to be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. You may also find better deals on certain websites that offer special deals and discounts on a certain day of the week. Lastminutetraveldeals.com is a great place to start if you have to travel without much lead-time.

If you have plenty of time to choose your trip it is best to search a few months in advance. Usually the closer you get to the travel date the less rooms and flights available making the price increase.

Find The Best Deal

Most discount airfare to Las Vegas can be found on the Internet, but you might consider your local newspaper as well. Some travel agencies or travel companies often offer deals to Las Vegas for as low as $169 a person for hotel and airfare.

Once you find the perfect discount airfare to Las Vegas or package deal, you will need to invest in some travel insurance, especially if you are booking in advance. This insurance can help you if you end up having problems right before the flight so that you won't be out that money. You may also want to be aware of any hidden costs not readily seen on the travel page. The hidden fees can be taxes or service charges.

There are many things to consider when you are looking for discount airfare to Las Vegas. It is important to know what you might expect from different online sites so that you can find the best deal available. Often all it takes is a little research.

You can also find more info on Discount Airfare To Europe and Discount Airfares To Asia. Knowdiscountairfare.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Airfare.

Get Cheap Budget Deal Thrills With Last Minute Manila Hotels

2009-02-19T19:25:00.003+08:00

By Kelvin Kong

There have been many studies conducted about travel, and research shows that a good portion of the population make their travel plans on the fly, deciding at the eleventh hour where to go and what to do. If your last minute travel plans take you to the Philippines in Asia, then don't hesitate to book at Last Minute Manila Hotels: these budget hotels can provide guests with quality accommodations even moments before your flight.

Because last minute travel plans require spending less time on planning and gets travelers more concentrated on getting to their destination, it is imperative that the process of booking all of the necessities be as swift as can be. From the airline tickets to car rentals and to the hotel rooms, everything needs to be taken care of as quickly as humanly possible.

For the above purpose, the Internet is of great help. Travelers can look up sites that cater to booking last minute hotel reservations and last minute flights. Usually, such booking sites are partnered with each other, allowing the traveler to avail of special discounted packages that can cover their accommodation and transportation. The world wide web makes this kind of convenience possible.

It is, however, important for travelers to keep in mind that these last minute bookings are subject to availability, and the schedules could very well be tentative. This is why those who are traveling at the last minute should be flexible with their schedule. Their reservations could be bumped up or down by days or weeks, because rooms may not always be available due to advanced reservations by other guests.

Getting affordable last minute hotel rooms does not mean guests will have to make do with substandard accommodations. In fact, guests could be in for very surprising bargains as they can get hold of very high-quality rooms at a considerably lower price than the standard hotel rates. Such discount hotels in Manila guarantee the quality of their lodgings as well as the quality of their service.

Manila's cheap hotels have spacious and fully-furnished rooms that are sure to meet the expectations of the discerning guest. Comfortable beds, warm showers and bathtubs, and cavernous living areas await the weary traveler. To enrich one's experience, a bevy of multimedia and connectivity implements are put into place-cable television, broadband wireless internet, and international direct dial phones allow the guest to stay in touch with everyone and everything.

From the guest's hotel room, one can access the entirety of Manila and its surrounding metropolis, from Makati to Ortigas to Quezon City. Everything one needs is within reach, whether it's a restaurant, bank, shopping mall, or art gallery. These budget Manila hotels also have prime locations with convenient access to transportation and major city streets.

Last Minute Manila Hotels allow last minute travel plans leeway for improvisation without sacrificing quality and satisfaction. Nothing beats being prepared, and travelers can stay on top of their accommodations even if they so suddenly decide to leave for Manila. With quality and speedy reservations, there's no need to think twice-book now for your cheap, good and discounted Manila accommodation to experience the thrills of spontaneity.

Budget Manila Hotels provides excellent reviews of the hotels and accommodation available in Manila, Philippines. Check out the best offers, and also the excellent reviews of each of the available hotels at this fantastic site.

If you are looking for a more affordable Manila Hotel to spend your nights, do checkout our fabulous recommendations at Cheap Manila Hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelvin_Kong

Cruising 2009 - Valentine Day Packages

2009-02-10T15:16:00.003+08:00

By Michael Mize Russell

Valentine's Day is the time of year for lovers and romantics of all kinds to show that love and affection openly without ridicule. Each year we try to find the perfect gift that will show our affection. This year give that someone special, a very special gift on the occasion of the Valentine's Day: Cruising 2009 - Valentine's Day cruise Package.

What could be more romantic than be lavished upon while traveling on the open seas on a cruise holiday? Not only some time away from the daily chores of life, enjoy elegant dining rooms with mouth-watering cuisine that tempt your palette, fun filled Valentine special activities and games. Among other features of cruising are: watching the sun set into the sea; moonlit strolls on the decks; dancing into the night; and, watching the sunrise over the water.

Who wouldn't be impressed with such a gift? Besides all of the amenities on board ship, the exotic ports-of-call and the pampering service, we are also giving ourselves as we spend precious time with the ones we love.

Cruising 2009 - Valentine's Day Special Cruise Packages' Rates

I know most of us think it cannot be affordable. There are many cruise liners that are offering a special Cruising 2009 - Valentine's Day cruise packages. And due to the booming cruising fleets, there is a fierce competition in the travel industry. You can always take advantage of the deals you get under the special cruise deals.

Cruising 2009 - Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

If you follow small tips you can enjoy cruise travel to the maximum.

Planning a Valentine's Day: If you organize your trip correctly and search for the best deal, you can save a lot on your fair charges.

Web Search: One of the finest methods to locate cheap cruises is to search online. There are many travel agencies that promise if you locate a lesser price anywhere on web.

Dining Services: Cruise liners offer variety of scheduled or alternative dining services. The only thing that you require to be conscious of is that lots of vessels have unique dining quarters where you have to give additional money to eat there.

Travel Agent: Tour agents often obtain early notices of promotional cruises before they hit the common public. You can bag good deals if you are in touch with them in advance.

Seasonal Promotions and Specials: Competition exists in any industry. This means that many world cruise liners provide Valentine's Day special promotions and discounts for passengers to survive in the present market.

No matter what type of cruise you choose, it's sure to that the Cruising 2009 - Valentine's Day special cruises will be the one that your special with remember forever.

Michael Russell owns a cruising firm that offers small cruises to world cruises. In the present article, he explains cruise deals under Cruising 2009, with a focus on cruising as a Valentine's Day gift.

Travelling Alone and Loving It

2009-02-10T15:04:00.002+08:00

By Dianna Moylan

Today the High Street Travel Agent is no longer essential if you want to book a wonderful holiday at a price you can afford. And if you are single, which can prove a problem, this is probably the best way to go. You can find flights at a fraction of what might be asked for by someone getting a commission and you can seek out hotels which do not charge you extra for a single room. Most holiday firms will be able to find you someone to share with who would also prefer not to pay the enormous single supplement, and they seems more than ready to help if you contact them direct and ask them to.

Admittedly, that way you do not get a choice of room mate, and you might hate each other on sight, but it really is highly unlikely. And in this great new world where most places do not allow smoking it is very unlikely;y that you will be forced to share with a night-time cigarette addict. If they snore it won't be a problem, because you will have remembered your earplugs and won't be able to hear it (unless they snore like my friend Andy, who sounds like a chainsaw right around any house he sleeps in!).

If you are prepared to give yourself several hours to surf around finding the ideal break, and then follow it up with e-mails to the companies, you will probably be delighted at the results. Last year I contacted a small Swedish company who did not mention single supplements and asked them about them, to be told that since I had asked so nicely, no, there was not one, and I could have my own room at no extra cost at all.

There are companies which advertise holidays for singles, but they are not necessarily at single prices. If you look carefully at the on-line brochure you will see that two singles comes to a great deal more than two sharers. Of course, there are holiday companies, notable among them Saga, who offer 'No Single Supplement' and this is genuine, but then you are committed to spending your break with people who are all over 50, and, though I am, I do not seek to avoid younger people. Life is made up of people right across the age range, and I, for one, do not choose to live in an 'age ghetto' on holiday. When I was within the '18-30' age group, the idea of a holiday with only people of that age horrified me.

So you can find holidays, or hotel rooms where you are not expected to find a partner. Of course, when booking a flight this is not a problem. It is no cheaper to fly with a partner than without - and you will certainly be able to find cheaper flights than the Travel Agents offer you if you are prepared to go on line and do a bit of searching. Don't be put off by the first and second find you have proving to be far more than it said initially. It does not take long to find the site where the flights are actually how much it says, including taxes. And don't be put off by the idea of electronic tickets. They work - it saves a lot of fuss, and I have never fallen foul of one.

Some airlines allow you to book in on line too. That's great. There have been occasions when I have found a bulkhead seat with oodles of legroom for myself this way. If you are single it is no fun being trapped in the inside seat with a couple who are bulky and asleep. It pays to get an aisle seat unless you never want to leave it. It really does! And if you want to talk to your companion, and they want to talk to you, that's fine, but it is better you are not trapped next to a window, through which most of the time you can see nothing, listening to someone who could bore for their country.

If you are going to almost anywhere, the flexibility of only having to respond to your own whims can be a real advantage. You don't need to book hotels in advance. This allows you to find a place and love it and stay longer, or equally, allows you to find a place, spend one night there and know you want out of it right now! Somewhere like Australia, or the US it is great to be able to change your mind. This is where having a rail rover ticket with no restrictions as to when you move on comes in really useful. And travelling alone there will be no arguments about whether or not to go. (Except in India, where trains are so comprehensively booked up in advance, it really pays to have a good idea of when you want to move on. But then I would not recommend travelling India without a companion anyway, to be truthful. It's a wonderful but very challenging country, and when you get sick - and you will - it's essential to have someone to lean on!)

I have been travelling alone for some years now, and would recommend it wholeheartedly. You meet some lovely people, can do exactly what you like, when you like, and feel totally free. For me that's what holidays are about, freedom. Although I must confess that I have real reservations about travelling in countries where I don't speak the language all on my own. That's where the travel company comes into its own for me. But that's another story.

I am Dianna Moylan, in my mid-sixties, an ex-teacher who has been involved for many years in local amateur dramatics, I have directed, designed and made costumes, taught the songs and performed in many musicals and plays. I live in a small house which is rapidly becoming swamped with doll house stuff which I build, renovate, sell and hoard. My site, http://www.diannadollhouses.co.uk is newly launched. I also sell on eBay. In addition to loving making dolls' houses I enjoy writing a lot and welcome this opportunity to have a say.

How to Spot Suspicious Behavior When Traveling

2009-02-03T17:36:00.006+08:00

By Jennifer Jordan

Suspicious behavior can happen anywhere - malls, schools, family reunions - but it seems to happen more often in places that involve confusion. Airports, train depots, busy city sidewalks, and tourist locations are prime places for the confused, places where people are too busy trying to get from place to place to take notice of those lurking in the corner. For this reason, those of you who travel are often the victims of petty crimes. With a little vigilance, however, you might find it easier to spot the suspicious before the suspicious spot you.

Watch Out For People Who Appear Overly Helpful: Sure, not every Good Samaritan should fall under a veil of suspicion, but many con artists use a helpful appearance to get what they are after. Some may tell you that you have mustard or ketchup on your pants, stealing your wallet as they help you wipe it off. Some may tell you that you have a phone call, only to steal your things when you are occupied. Some may say that you look lost and offer to help you find your way, only to find their hands with your purse in the end. The best way to stop these kinds of people is to simply be cautious. Be careful of those offering assistance, and – if you feel they are more interested in helping themselves than helping you – politely decline.

Beware Of People Who Are Following You: In an area that is uncrowded, it’s rather easy to notice if someone is following you: you can spot them with ease. In a populated area, however, you may not notice that person who seems to be in every place you go, walking into the same coffee shop, looking inside the same book store, taking the same escalator. If you notice that someone appears to be every place you are, and this continues for a lengthy amount of time, it’s best to air on the side of caution and assume you’re being followed…and probably not for a noble reason. If you can’t lose your follower yourself, then seek out security and voice your concerns. It’s better to be safe than to be sorry…or mugged.

Be Cautious of People Who Are Acting Really Weird: Acting weird may be in the eye of the beholder. What seems weird to you could be completely normal to someone else. But, a lot of times people act weird because they are nervous, anxious, or about to engage in less than legal behavior. If you notice someone acting weird – someone who appears up to no good or gives you a “creepy” feeling – get away from them and stay away. If they are acting incredibly weird, find someone to check out the situation. It could be that they are simply weird by nature, but it could also be something much more precarious.

Be Wary of People Who Exhibit Abnormal Body Language: Body language can speak volumes, particularly when someone is purposely misleading you. If someone strikes up a conversation with you and fails to maintain eye contract, frequently changes the tone of their voice, covers their face or mouth with their hands, fidgets, or turns their body away from yours, assume they have something to hide….and hide away from them.

Look for People Who Contradict Themselves: Nothing reveals a liar quite as much as someone who contradicts themselves: a person who changes their story basically tells you they are lying. Maybe they initially told you they are catching a flight to Florida, only to say a few minutes later that they are going to visit a sick aunt in New York City, whatever they say, if their story doesn’t match up, seems rehearsed, or involves far too much detail, chances are they are using it for some sort of cover up. Instead of calling them out on it, and possibly angering them, simply do a little story telling of your own and tell them your husband – all six foot seven and three hundred pounds of him– is waiting for you near the elevator.

Suspicious behavior can be one of two things: a bad omen or a false alarm. While it’s best not to assume everyone is harmful, and find yourself pointing accusations at innocent people (The Pope, perhaps), you should use caution when someone near you appears about to engage in some wrongdoing. You may just want to remove yourself from the situation or simply take the grown up route and tattle tale.

Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://turbocellcharge.com. A professional business traveler, she aims to make business trips feel less like work. She also has a healthy collection of hotel shampoos....and a shower cap or two.

Travel and Tourism in India - A Wonderful Experience

2009-01-30T20:37:00.014+08:00

By Michael Braganza

The largest democracy in the world, India is one of the most popular travel and tourism destinations in the world. Every year a large gathering of tourists from all around the world come for experiencing the fascinating charm of travel and tourism in India. India is well-known for its oldest civilization (5000 years old civilization) and great diversity. During India tours, one can find diversity in its people, culture, tradition, landscape, climate, appearance, lifestyle, cuisine, costumes, language, religion, and others. And this is India's diversity which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations among travellers from all around the world.

India is a country where one can find a range of tourism options. And off course, India tourism never fails to enchant travellers with its various mesmerizing tourism options. Adventure, Culture, Heritage, Beaches, Monuments, Hill, lush green landscapes, mountain peaks, deserts, flora & fauna, etc are some major attractions of India tourism which are quite popular among tourists and attract them to travel in India. While you will travel to India you will find on every step something extra welcoming you. No matters, what are you interested in, the country is able to fulfill your desire. If you life adventure and sports in India, you may prefer to travel in the Himalayan region of the country where you will have a lot of tourism and adventure sport options.

During your North India travel, you will have a wonderful opportunity to explore the beautiful and snow clad Kashmir (popularly described as the Paradise on the Earth), Himachal Pradesh (blessed with natural beauty and breathtaking hill station), and Uttaranchal (widely known for superb natural beauty and Corbett National Park) at the foot of Himalayas, You will also enjoy traveling in the historic city Delhi - the capital of India, dotted with several historic monuments, life Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Old Fort, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, etc. One of the most predominant attractions of North India is Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The symbol of love - Taj Mahal is India's star attraction and considered as seventh wonder of the world.

While you will travel to the western region of India, you will have a glorious opportunity to the royal land of Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat where you will see a lot of magnificent forts, palatial palaces, stunning Havelis, terrific temples, Gurudwaras, wildlife parks & sanctuaries and other attractions. On your eastern India tours, you will have opportunities to explore beautiful landscapes of Assam, Sikkim, etc which are widely known for green tourism and Buddhist monasteries. In central India, one can explore states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra which are widely famous for temples and caves. South India travel takes you to the states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. These states are widely known for lovely beaches, beautiful hill stations, breathtaking backwaters, temples, churches, etc. Apart from above mentioned locations, don't forget to travel in Goa, the tiny but gorgeous state of India. The gorgeous land of Goa is famous for its lovely beaches, churches, and exotic culture.

Thus, traveling in any part of India provides a unique travel experience. You can get more information about India tourism from travel agents in India. If you want to travel India in more and more preferred way, an India travel agent can assist you and provide you India travel guide.

Michael Braganza is an amateur writer focusing primarily on Indian Travel related topics. For more information on India travel guide and travel to India to visit http://www.royalindiantour.com/

Scenic Wonders of Bohol Island Paradise

2008-02-22T13:38:00.000+08:00

By Elmer Anthony Olaer

A paradise in the heart of the archipelago, the island of Bohol is rich with history, hospitable people, and a culture worth knowing, beaches caves and scenic view for the nature lovers.

The island of Bohol lies in the middle of the Visayas region and is reachable by an hour's boat ride from Cebu or Mactan island.

Bohol is surrounded by islands shielding it from annual typhoon season. It is separated from the Mindanao region by Bohol Sea in the south and the Canigao channel in the east. The Camotes seas separate the island from the Camotes Island and the Bohol strait from the island of Cebu.

Bohol has a land area of 4117.3 square kilometers, making it as the tenth largest island of the Philippines.

On Bohol, most people speak Boholano which comprises one third of the population. You'll be mistaken if you think that language will be a problem since Tagalog and English is well understood by the people.

Aside from the famous chocolate hills of Bohol the island has a lot more to offer. Tourist destination includes not only the well known pristine white sand beaches that stretched the island, Bohol's tourist assets includes, caves, majestic falls, scuba diving sites whale and dolphin watching and historical landmarks.

The Chocolate hills of Bohol is probably one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. These consist of approximately 1268 hills and is uniform in shape mostly 30 to 50 meters in height. The hills are covered in grass but during the dry season it turns into brown giving the chocolate like appearance.

Chocolate hills complex is accessible by bus going to Carmen and dropping off before the town of Carmen. From there it's a 10 minute walk going to the complex and enjoys the wonder of nature.

Panglao island's beaches and resorts are a site to visit for tourist. It is located southwest of Bohol and has two municipalities. Along with the famous beaches are Alona, Dumaluan, Bikini, Momo, and Doljo.

Panglao offers cave tours like the Hinagdanan cave, dolphin watching, scuba diving sites, visita eglesia- Dauis church, Bohol's tallest hanging bridge, and an encounter with the Tarsier monkey that are only endemic in the island.

The Island resort also offers numerous restaurants, recharging body massage and unforgettable nightlife for party goers.

Bohol is also dotted with numerous majestic and refreshing waterfalls around the island. It is hidden away from the urbanization and are waiting for tourist to be discovered. A few minutes of walk from the Antequera will be the Mag Aso falls that only fro a few pesos one can enjoy the scenic view.

Also located near the town is the Inambacan falls which is the source of irrigation and drinking supply for the people of Tagbilaran. In the municipality of Dimiao, the twin falls are located that offers a good place for picnic and trekking.

Bohol is also known as the cave country of the Philippines which offers 1400 known caves and some to be discovered. It can offer adventures a place for spelunking and trekking.

Indeed the island of Bohol is a paradise that awaits every visitor to be enchanted by the God given beauty of Mother Nature.

Bohol is located in the middle of the archipelago and can be reached conveniently by Boat of by air. For tourist coming from abroad there are two options first a flight to Cebu then another going to Tagbilaran or Manila connecting to Tagbilaran. Coming from manila, air travel can take an hour and a half to Tagbilaran.

And for those travelers with small budget to spend ferry can be an option from manila that can take 25 hours of travel. Come and visit Bohol and enjoy God's gift to man.

Elmer Anthony is the webmaster of Bohol-Philippines the premier guide to Bohol Island; editor of A1 Philippine Travel Guide; and OPM Filipino Music promoter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elmer_Anthony_Olaer

Carnival Season is Here Again

2008-02-16T16:39:00.000+08:00

By Keith Sinclair

Carnival or Karnival is a festival season and occurs immediately before Lent in either February or March dependent upon the date for Easter. Typically the celebration of carnival or karnival involves public celebrations and/or parades. Carnival is a great chance for people to dress up or masquerade during these celebrations.

Carnival dates back centauries and has its foundation in the fact that during the period of Lent, many food stuffs and celebrations are forbidden. Lent itself is the period of forty days which serves to commemorate the Passion of Jesus. Given that they would be faced with a period of forty days of fasting and a more frugal lifestyle, there was a large desire to hold a celebration at the last possible opportunity.

The name Carnival or Karnival is thought to be derived from the Latin 'carnovale' meaning 'farewell to meat' which has credibility as Carnival is the traditional celebration which is held the night before the first day of Lent during which Catholics are not meant to consume meat or other animal products. The word carnovale became the name applied to the festival of using up all remaining meat and animal products before the period of fasting began. The list of food stuffs which were forbidden during the period of Lent includes eggs and it is believed to be this that is responsible for the association of eggs with Easter which is the culmination of Lent.

The first parades and mass celebration of carnival were held in Italy with the Carnival of Venice being (and remaining) the most famous. As the carnivals in Italy became more famous and knowledge of them spread, Carnival itself became more widespread. As the Spanish and Portuguese began to explore the Americas they took with them, and integrated into the indigenous population, the practise of celebrating carnival. The next major influence on carnival was the slave trade and the impact of the African culture.

African traditions of parading in circles through villages whilst wearing costumes and masks was believed to bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits returning them to the next world. Carnival has borrowed from these African traditions through the use of costumes and masks. The early costumes and masks used natural objects to create the costume/mask with each representing a spiritual force. The African influence extends to the use of drum rhythms, puppets, stilt walkers all of which are now fully integrated in Carnival.

Across the world, the celebration of Carnival is strongest where Catholic colonies were established and the slave trade entered into. It is here that carnival offered a release however fleeting. Brazil, once a Portuguese colony holds a world-renowned carnival as does Louisiana where African-Americans mixed with the French settlers and indigenous Americans. Carnival celebrations are now also integral to life across the Caribbean and this has returned to Britain by way of the world famous Notting Hill Carnival which was started by the immigrant population from the Caribbean.

The extension of carnival into a season of celebration has been mainly through Mardi-Gras. Mardi-Gras season officially starts on Twelfth Night - January 6th occurring, strangely, 12 days after Christmas with Mardi-Gras day being 46 days before Easter. Mardi-Gras is a season of parades, masquerade balls and king cake parties which begin on that date and culminate on Fat Tuesday .

This is the cross-over between Carnovale (farewell the meat) and Mardi-Gras (Fat Tuesday - from the French). Both are celebrated, in their truest sense, the day before Lent commences on Ash Wednesday. 'Fat Tuesday' and Carnovale are therefore the last opportunity to celebrate before fasting begins. Mardi-Gras and Carnovale are also known as 'Shrove Tuesday' or 'Pancake Day' (which is all that survives of Carnival following the Reformation in England).

Today the whole Carnival season is marked by celebrations, parties, dance and music. Most celebrations and parties involve the wearing of costumes usually brightly coloured.
Karnival Costumes has a fantastic range of carnival / karnival fancy dress costumes at http://www.karnival-house.co.uk/index.html which includes extensive ranges of traditional and newer style fancy dress costumes as well as a huge range of costume accessories at: http://www.karnival-house.co.uk/acatalog/Costume_Accessories_Props.html

Article submitted by: KV Sinclair. Keith Sinclair has over 35 years of business experience and in addition to being a part time University Lecturer on Business Studies, he is CEO of Cavalcade; a group of companies operating in the party sector. Cavalcade operates Karnival-House http://www.karnival-house.co.uk one of the UK's leading internet Fancy Dress Retailers. With massive stocks for immediate dispatch and an ever expanding range, Karnival-House continues to strive simply to offer outstanding service combined with outstanding value.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Sinclair

A Romantic Vacation in Cuba - The Perfect Valentine's Day Break

2008-02-13T17:16:00.000+08:00

By Emma Lelliott

Venice, Paris, Seville and Prague may have a reputation for making the best romantic breaks, but as love and romance are often supposed to be linked to the unexpected. How about choosing a more unconventional location for your Valentine's Day break this year? I speak of course of Cuba - the Caribbean's largest island. From the picturesque beaches, to the idyllic architecture and cosy restaurants, the island makes a memorable retreat sure to keep the flames of passion alive - at least until you return to rainy old England! A Valentines break, or even a honeymoon in Cuba, is something special which will stay with you for a long time.

So why Cuba? First of all, Valentine's Day is a big deal on the island. While it's easy to become jaded in a country where the celebration seems to be more about saccharine sweet greeting cards than about celebrating the love of your special one, Cubans make the day really special. To begin with, the buildings - public and private alike - are decked out with colourful lights, and some of the private homes have gifts attached to the walls too - inside and out! This combined with the usual local atmosphere of friendliness guarantees an atmosphere perfect for Valentines day holiday makers, and make the ideal setting for 'popping the question' should you feel so inclined. If you have just celebrated a February marriage, honeymoons in Cuba are especially romantic around Valentines Day, and you'll be guaranteed a friendly welcome and an enjoyable stay which will ensure you never want to leave.

In terms of specific romantic places to visit on the island, there are just too many to mention, and part of the charm of a Cuba holiday is that there are thousands of undiscovered choice spots for couples to enjoy a picnic, watch the sunset or just recline under the stars. However, there are a few places which are undisputed romantic vacation highlights of the island - Old Havana itself is very much a focal point, and allows for all tastes amidst it's 18th century colonial architecture from candlelit dinners to passionate salsa dance.

Another choice romantic vacation spot is El Salton - not a spot on the tourist trail, but wonderfully peaceful and charming. The waterfall is surrounded by vibrant cocoa plantations, cooling streams and mountain farms. If you prefer something a little more populated, then the city of Bayamo offers a cultural alternative. The city hosts the national monument, plenty of history and excellent food for that perfect candle lit dinner. Additionally, the troubadours stroll through the town, allowing the romance to overspill from the homes into the streets. Baracoa offers a romantic break somewhere between the peace of the countryside and the bustle of the city. Baracoa has historic links to Velasquez and Columbus, and is surrounded by the beauty of Cuban nature - 10 rivers, isolated beaches, small fishing settlements, UNESCO designated biospheres, mountains, and coconut plantations.

Everything is ready for the perfect romantic break in Cuba this Valentine's Day. The hotels often have special Valentines Day break packages, and the restaurants usually offer special menus, to give you a memorable occasion. With some fine food and wine, how you spend the rest of the evening is up to you - fiery Latin dance or a night out on the isolated beaches under the stars - Cuba really has something for every couple with an imagination for the romantic. Whether you're looking for a memorable Valentines Day break or to spend your honeymoon in Cuba, you'll be spoiled for choice in the romance department.

Emma Lelliott is the general manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. With offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba can help you tailor-make the dream romantic Cuban holiday.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emma_Lelliott

Sweet Romantic Valentine Gifts Ideas

2008-02-13T16:16:00.001+08:00

By Rahul D.

Every year at 14th February, across the World; flowers, gifts and other romantic gifts are exchanged between loved ones, and it’s all in the name of St. Valentine. For the years, Valentine's Day, celebrated as the anniversary of the death of St. Valentine. It has been said that St. Valentine was carrying out for secretly marrying couples in clandestine ceremonies. For this, the day has been marked as a Valentine’s Day and it is celebrated in the name of love and romance for hundreds of years.

Love is a special feeling and so it must be expressed in an extraordinary way. Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to express your feeling and to propose your loved one. Having said this, everyone knows that the perfect proposal is convoyed by the perfect gifts. So make sure that you say it in your own style. Valentine's Day gifts are most important to express your heartfelt feelings and to make your day memorable in its way.

It's now the real time to start thinking of some fresh gift ideas to make your Valentine's Day a special and memorable one. Now-a-days the traditional gifts like flowers, chocolates, and jewelry should not be mistreated, but if you really want to go all out to please your loved one, there are so many ways to express your love. Here we'll take a look at some imaginative and romantic Valentine gift ideas to get you started.

Valentine Gifts can be anything from roses and some beautiful flowers to an elegant jewelry. So then, you can never drop short of ideas when it comes to Valentine Gifts. Flowers are great gifts for Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day Gift Baskets for your sweetheart - Romantic gift baskets are the great ways to express your love. If you are creating a Valentines Day gift basket on your own, you can include Roses and beautiful Flowers, Chocolates, Perfumes, Cakes, nice Romantic book depending on your interests. Or you can always find online stores where You can find your perfect Valentines Day gift baskets. Personalizing the gift will make your sweetheart feel special.

Cakes and Chocolates on Valentine’s Day - You might be thinking that Valentine’s Day is the only day of the year; you should give sweets to your love. But the truth is that giving sweets as a gift can be quite romantic any time of year, especially on Valentine’s Day. Another reason giving sweets as a gift is a great idea because everyone loves sweets. So if you are looking for a way to make your girlfriend or boyfriend smile, buy a nice box of sweets which can be of cake, chocolates, etc. and surprise him or her on your Valentine’s Day. You will likely get a big smile and a hug in return for your nice gesture!

Put some thought into your Valentine Day gift giving this year and you could turn out to be the winner of others affections. So you can see that no matter what is your gift, it's certainly easy to find perfect Valentine gift for your special person. If you give your love a gift that fuels their passion, it's more than likely that passion will spill over to lucky you!

And also feel free to circulate and share out this Great Gift Ideas as you wish - if you can post it on your own site or email it to your friends then please do. It’s real time to reproduce the word far and wide amongst the all community across the world on this auspicious day.

Have a great Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day connotes different meanings for singles, couples and friends. This year at Allindiagifts.com, you can find other beautiful and romantic gifts with roses and chocolates which are indeed are perfect for your beloved Valentine. Wishing you a Happy Valentine Day from all of us! Allindiagifts.com is an online shopping facilitator for users in India and abroad for delivery of various products & services, mostly of Indian Origin. This shopping service is provided in partnership with eVyapar.com, which is one of India's largest online e-commerce integrator.

http://www.allindiagifts.com/

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How to Avoid a Valentine's Day Massacre - Or 5 Easy Steps to Keep Your Valentine Forever

2008-02-13T14:14:00.002+08:00

By Dr. John Curtis

Here are some little known facts about Valentine's Day:

1. Nationwide, 6,000 couples will tie the knot on Valentine's Day 2008. Even when that date does not fall upon a Saturday, February 14 is consistently one of the most popular days of the year to wed.

2. 255,000 other couples will become engaged for Cupid's favorite holiday. No wonder that date is beloved by greeting card shops, romantic restaurants and diamond jewelers.

3. Yet (and here's the sobering part) based on current trends, 118,000 of this year's Valentine-launched unions will be dissolved via divorce by Valentine's Day 2015!

Does all that mean the odds are stacked against lasting love and long-term marriage? That even the most romantic love-birds should anticipate break-up and disappointment in a few years? That there is little hope for the thousands of couples celebrating Valentine proposals and nuptials (or unions that begin on any other date) this year?

Not at all! You and your sweetheart CAN overcome the statistics, avoid break-ups, steer clear of divorce, and take simple steps that keep Valentine love flourishing forever -- whether you're newly dating, newly betrothed, newlywed or not-so-newly paired up. Use the following information to avoid a possible "Valentine's Day Massacre!"

Start by recognizing that fewer people are getting married than ever. Our nation's rate of marriage has dropped 50% in the last 40 years. In fact, for the first time in United States history, more of us are single than married! That can certainly affect our marriage numbers and success rate. But don't despair.

Next, make sure that yours is a "Built-to-Last" relationship by treating your marriage like a business. Think about it... the top objective of any business is long-term success. You can apply the same proven business strategies that make for a successful business to create a successful marriage... Built-to-Last!

To keep love alive, you'll want to:

1. Develop a "love logo" which becomes the distinctive "brand" for your one-of-a-kind relationship as you find and create an image that reminds you how great your marriage is -- just like a corporate logo reminds you of what it stands for.

2. Write his and her job descriptions. Know what it expected of each party to make this marriage business WORK. Start by pinpointing each partner's chores and responsibilities around the house. Don't risk losing that loving feeling over simple things like who takes out the trash or who walks the dog.

3. Give each other timely "Performance Appraisals" based on how well each of you is doing with your job descriptions. Be prepared to make recommendations and garner praise. Love blossoms when you're working in cooperation for success.

4. Expect an "emotional paycheck" in the marriage. Learn how and when to ask for the raise you deserve -- like more hugs, compliments or flowers.

5. Meet frequently for couple's strategy sessions, brainstorming, problem-solving and romantic retreats. These meetings represent ideal opportunities to define and re-evaluate the relationship, and to renew and refresh your bond.

Anyone can apply this business relationship model to strengthen a budding romance... to help get a new marriage off to a good start ... OR to validate and fortify a relationship that has already lasted for decades. Love IS a business! A wonderful business you'll want to reinforce and sustain for a lifetime!

Dr. John Curtis is an organizational consultant, researcher, business trainer and author. His popular books include The Business of Love! at http://www.thebusinessoflove.org and Happily Un-married: Living Together & Loving It! at http://www.cohabitating.org - Contact jcurtis@iodinccom or 828-246-0459 (NC)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._John_Curtis

Valentine's Celebrations Around the World

2008-02-12T12:03:00.000+08:00

By Terry Kaufman

No matter where in the world, love exists. Some celebrations are low-key while others are full-fledged feats. Let's look at some of these festivities.

NORTH AMERICA:

In both Canada and the United States, school-age children delight in exchanging Valentine cards with their friends. There are classroom parties with Valentine sweets and card exchanges. The students generally make fancy envelopes or boxes in which to deposit their cards. They also take great delight in creating homemade (school-made) Valentines out of red (pink, white) construction paper, other fancy papers, paper doilies (often available in a heart shape), etc. The pupils have as much fun in creating their cards as in receiving them! Teenagers may have dances or parties while everyone, from adult down, gives flowers, candy, or some other gift to their spouses or significant others. Valentine candy is generally packaged in heart-shaped boxes sometimes decorated with lace and such.

Mexicans celebrate Valentine's Day but the day goes by another name; "Dia de San Valentin" or "Dia del amor y la armistad" is a day of love and friendship.

EUROPE:

People living in Austria and Germany share with Americans the tradition of bestowing upon their wives presents of roses or chocolates.

In Denmark, Valentine's Day is celebrated with enthusiasm. Early Valentine cards were transparent and when held up to the light, a picture of a man handing a woman a present would be projected. Another popular gift is to give pressed white flowers known as Snowdrops (one source identifies Snowdrops as candy). A "gaekkebrev" or joking letter, sent by men, has a romantic verse in it but is not signed. Instead, the man signs his name with a number of dots that correlate with the number of letters in his name. If the object of his affection guesses his identity, she receives an Egg on Easter.

In England, Valentine's Day is celebrated in various ways. On Valentine's Day Eve, women used to practice rather strange customs. They would take their pillow and pin a bay leaf on each of the four corners and consume eggs where the removed yolks were replaced with salt! (My mouth puckers at the mere thought.) After doing this, they were confident they would dream of their future husbands. In another custom, women would write the names of their lovers on paper. These papers were put on clay balls which were dropped into water. Whichever paper surfaced first would bear the name of their future husband.

In the present, some unmarried women arise from bed before daybreak on Valentine's Day. They wait by the window, searching for a man to pass by. They feel the first man they see, or someone with a close resemblance to him, will become, within the year, their bridegroom.

Children in England sing special Valentine's songs and receive candy, fruit, or money. In some regions of England, people bake special Valentine's buns adorned with caraway seeds, plums, or raisins.

It is traditional to get engaged on Valentine's Day in Italy. Popular gifts are china baskets and cups that have been filled with Valentine's candies. Women in Italy practice the same fortune telling custom of watching for their future husbands as is done in England.

In Scotland, Valentine's Day is traditionally celebrated with a festival where unmarried males and females gather together. Each individual writes their name (or a fictitious one) on a piece of paper which is folded and then put into a hat, one for the women and a separate one for the men.

The ladies draw first and the process is repeated by the men. When the two drawn names do not match, the man is expected to pair up with the lady who had drawn his name. The man presents a gift to the lady on his paper. The women pin the name of their partner on their sleeves or over their hearts. Is this the origin of wearing one's heart on their sleeve?

In Spain, women give gifts to their husbands; men give flowers to their wives.

ASIA:

In China, Valentine's Day is not normally celebrated on February 14th. Rather, according to the Chinese calendar. it is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. On this day, lovers crowd the Temple of Matchmaker to pray for love and happiness. Singles can also come to pray. One traditional practice involves girls putting a needle on the surface of the water when the star Vega can be found high in the sky. It is time then for the girl to search for a husband. Also, this day is set aside for girls to make any wish at all.

Modern China puts a new spin on this holiday when hotels give Valentine discounts for couples. Not only is the room rate discounted but also on this day the hotels will not ask and check for marriage certificates. However, any other day of the year Chinese law requires hotels to verify marriage certificates before allowing couples to check in.

In Israel, Valentine's Day is a popular time for marriage proposals to be made. Gifts are also exchanged.

In Japan, chocolates play an important role. Women give a box of chocolates ("Giri-choko") as a token of friendship or gratitude to her boss, colleagues, and male friends. Giri-choko" translates as "obligatory chocolate."

Going a step further, a woman can express her love for that special man in her life by giving small gifts plus a box of chocolates known as "Honmei-choko" or "prospective chocolate."

In a month's time, men who have received the gift of chocolate presents the women with a box of chocolates on White Day, March 14th. These chocolates are generally either white chocolate or the candy is wrapped in white boxes. Japanese men often give gifts of lingerie or jewelry to their special women.

In Korea, Valentine's Day is celebrated much the same as it is in Japan. However, men who were not recipients of chocolates celebrate together on April 14th, or Black Day, whereupon they eat black noodles called "Jajangmyun."

Thousands of couples celebrate Valentine's Day in the Philippines by gathering together for the world record of the most couples kissing at one time. This festivity is called Lovapalooza. That's a lot of chapped lips!

Taiwan observes two Valentine's Day celebrations, one on February 14th and the other on July 7th. On these days, it is traditional to exchange roses; the color and number of roses determine the message. For example, one rose is "only love," eleven roses mean "a favorite," "forever" is the message coming with ninety-nine roses, and one hundred and eight roses signify "marry me."

In Thailand, Valentine's Day is celebrated in unique ways. Among these ways is the joining of two elephants as the world's largest bride and groom. Also included is the world's largest mass-wedding and the world's largest underwater wedding.

Love is forever, wherever you look.

See more on holidays at Niftykitchen.com Food and Cooking Tips. Terry Kaufman also writes for Niftyhomebar.com and Niftygarden.com

©2008 Terry Kaufman

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Kaufman

Tourism Industry in Dubai

2008-02-08T14:07:00.000+08:00

By Jasdeep Kaur

Dubai has always been a focus of attraction due to the festivals, shopping, tourism, horse-racing and many real estate projects. It is a link to the east and west of the world. It connects between Europe and the Indian subcontinent, the Far East and Africa since time immemorial. The Gulf region is still playing intermediary role between different cultures and trade routes. The tourism industry is getting plenty of revenue for the country and the nearby regions also. This has also helped the hospitality, travel industry in turn. With many mega-projects being toured in the region, tourism is likely to be a key revenue earner for Dubai.

Every year the number of visitors entering Dubai is increasing. Hence the city has turned into a center of tourism. The traditional Arab hospitality can be experienced with the delightful winter climate. There is a sophisticated infrastructure and crime-free environment. It has also contributed in creating an ideal atmosphere for the development of tourism industry. Dubai is now seen as an international meetings or venue for events. Cruises, Parks, Cinemas, Heritage Tours, Desert Safaris, sports, skyscrapers, business and other leisure outlets augment the tourism experience. All this adds to a unique experience so quintessential to the city. The world media describe the growth of Dubai tourism.

In the year 2002, the World Tourism Organization praised Dubai for having 31 % growth in tourist arrivals. No country has registered this rate in that year. Initially Dubai was a global travel and business destination but after the successful Dubai International Film Festival and the Shopping Festival, Dubai attracted nearly 5.4 million tourists in 2004. The visitors loved the flashy resorts, modern convention centers and sport events. Now Dubai's tourism industry has got a fillip. The manicured golf courses provide the true sportspersons a luxury feeling for the sport. In addition to tourism, the country's deep-rooted cultural heritage is a major draw. There are accessible cultural centers and traditional sports like falconry, camel- racing and horse-racing. They have there share of magnetism for visitors. The UAE has also become pivotal for conferences, regional and international exhibitions and major sports events. The Dubai World Cup, the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament and polo and cricket competitions are prestigious events.

In recent years, Dubai has emerged as a regional tourism hub as visitors are attracted year-round and from all over the planet. Dubai offers the guests a fascinating kaleidoscope of contrasts, beach, a distinctive blend of east with west, modern city and timeless desert dunes, Arab tradition, old world charm and a new word of comfort and convenience. The magnificent beaches, hotels, sightseeing places, festivals of the region rank amongst the best in the world. The unique and varied leisure, sporting facilities, world-class shopping malls, cultural attractions and a friendly welcoming society gives all the positive appeal too. Leisure has exceeded the excuse of business as the primary reason for the people to visit Dubai. This Arab city reflects a right blend of orthodoxy, modernism and futuristic vision.

To explore real estate in Dubai, go to Real Estate Dubai.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jasdeep_Kaur

Discount Flights China

2008-02-07T17:56:00.000+08:00

By Mandy Chagger

More people are becoming interested in travelling to China, either in search of spiritualism, or just to get a taste of the unique culture that places like China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and others can offer.

China travel is particularly interesting because of the variety of interesting places and cultural hot spots that can be found. Another very important factor is that a holiday to China is very easy on your budget. The accommodation facilities are cheap, yet comfortable and tasteful, and there are several places to visit which tourists can easily avail of either through a holiday tour guide, or simply by getting a map and a backpack and setting off in search of adventure.

China is a country that has the largest population statistics, yet other than the cities, large portions of rural China are full of scenic beauty and tranquil settings and will give you the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday activities if that is what you are looking for.

China holidays are becoming increasingly popular with student groups as well. The advent of globalisation has resulted in airfare prices being reduced, and as a result, there are several cheap flights to China, whether you are looking to take a flight from the UK to China between semesters and go on a sightseeing trip, or if you are interested in the Beijing Olympics of 2008. Accommodation is cheap and the food is inexpensive and available on every street corner from small eateries to roadside stalls to high-end restaurants.

One of the must-see places in China is the Great Wall. This remarkable manmade structure can even be seen from the moon and has been listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Wall is said to be over 6000 kilometres long and was built to defend China from the Huns. It is certainly worth going to China just to see this one part of history, if not for anything else. Even if you take a flight to Beijing, the Great Wall is at good proximity to the city so you could easily pay a visit there.

Another great place to visit in China is Shanghai. This is an ultra modern city full of skyscrapers and steel and glass buildings located near the Yangtze River delta. The Oriental Pearl TV tower will offer you a breathtaking view of the entire city and make for some wonderful photographs and memories.

Shanghai is known as the "Oriental Paris" and makes for excellent cheap shopping. The prices are affordable and almost everyone who visits China takes a flight to Shanghai, China because this is the country's most important city, second to Hong Kong. Shanghai also draws tourists to places like Mt. Sheshan, Chongming Island, Dingshan Lake, and the shopping malls of Xujiahui, Yuyuan Shopping City, and Jiali Sleepless City.

If you are on a China holiday to Shanghai, then make sure to take in the sights of the Donghai Bridge, which is the world's longest bridge across the sea, the Jing'an Temple, and the beautiful Xujiahui Cathedral.

There are many cheap flights to China, if you are planning to go over and see the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. You can take a cheap flight to Beijing from London or any other place in the United Kingdom. Besides the Olympics, the Forbidden City is the greatest tourist destination in Beijing. Having been declared a world heritage site, the Forbidden City will give you an understanding of China's history, ancient culture, and traditions.

Honk Kong has many cheap flights that shuttle to and fro straight from the UK as well as from other parts of the world, so making your way to this exquisite city will be fast and convenient, not to mention gentle on your budget. Hong Kong will offer you a chance to experience a blending of Chinese culture, as well as see firsthand the strong influences of the West, whether it is a traditional Catholic church or an English pub where ale is served. Victoria Peak draws several thousand tourists, being the highest mountain in Hong Kong and the best place for a panoramic view of the city. The view of Hong Kong at night from atop Victoria Peak is said to be one of the most incredible sights in China.

Since China is such a large country, it is almost impossible to experience all that it has to offer on a single trip to the country. However, no matter which places you visit on your China travel holiday, you are guaranteed to come away enriched, especially if you include the Great Wall of China on your list and make a stop at Shanghai.

It doesn't matter whether you are backpacking your way from one place to another, or are on a luxury sightseeing trip, China will give everyone who visits an unforgettable holiday.

Cheap Flight To China Tel: 08700 490002 or +44 (0)1780 484824 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm or Sat - Sun 10am - 4pm or visit or for general travel enquiries visit Business Travel Agents Our staff are multilingual and very friendly with many years of experience.

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Is It Time to Invest in REITs in Japan and China?

2008-02-07T15:55:00.000+08:00

By J.S. Kim

When an asset class has been downtrodden for a long period of time, I tend to look at it and assess whether conditions have changed that now favor an awakening from long periods of hibernation. Japanese REITs, or J-REITs as they are better known, may just be one of those opportunities, specifically apartment/residential REITs in Tokyo. On the flip side are REITs that are emerging and poised for rapid growth. Hotel and resort REITs in Shanghai and Beijing fit this bill.

Even though most J-REITs seem fairly valued right now, there are other cautionary factors that must be considered. Because the Bank of Japan had kept their interest rate at zero for so long to stimulate the Japanese economy and just raised interest rates several months ago for the first time, as the Japanese economy strengthens, interest rates are likely to rise further. Although the average dividend yield for J-REITs is currently 4.6%, to offset an interest rate increase of 1%, in order for yields to also rise another 1%, it is estimated that concurrent rents would have to rise 13.5%.

However, many properties owned by JREITs have extremely high occupancy rates, so tenant income flow is consistent and reliable, offsetting some of the other risks of JREITs such as bureaucratic REIT laws that currently make independent management and M&A of the J-REIT industry difficult. For this reason, JREITs have some of the largest yield gaps (as compared to 10-year bonds) of any developed country.

However, there are still many positive things to like about J-REITs and many reasons to consider scouring residential/ apartment J-REITs in Tokyo now rather than later. Number one, although the average J-REIT NAV (net asset value) premium is 12%, there are actually some J-REITs now with grade A properties that trade at a discount to their NAV. That is not a misprint. The combined book (appraisal) value of properties held in some J-REITs is actually more than the NAV of the offered JREIT shares. These undervalued J-REITs are the ones that I believe merit the most attention due to the compelling risk-reward setups they offer. What better value can you get than buying properties at costs less than their appraised values?

Furthermore, as some of the regulatory issues governing J-REITs become sorted out, and the entire legal system becomes less bureaucratic and cumbersome, some of these J-REITs that sell at less than book value now will become promising acquisition targets for larger J-REITs and thus could experience a rapid appreciation in share price upon acquisition. However, a word of warning. These issues could very well become more bureaucratic before they become less so as growing pains will undoubtedly happen in the attempt to become more streamlined.

Therefore, I foresee the reward in J-REITs as a long-term outlook. Thirdly, the valuation of some J-REITs became depressed as foreign money left the Japanese stock market, and not due to fundamental flaws in the J-REITs themselves. As foreign money re-enters the Japanese markets as I expect in 2007, which also would make the Japan i-shares a possibly compelling buy in 2007, this influx of foreign money should also provide a boost to the J-REIT industry.

I know many people will disagree with me about Japan’s economy but anytime a long recession has plagued a country, investors, both domestic and foreign, remain understandably gun-shy and momentum will take some time to build. For example, a stronger employment environment and stronger wages have yet to show up in the Japanese economy through increased spending patterns. But it will. And for this reason, the Japanese finance sector is another area to take a peek at, for the financial industry always leads the way in stronger growth economies.

For a shorter-term return on REIT investments in Asia, China may be the place to look. Starwood Asia-Pacific president, Mr. Miguel Ko, stated in the Shanghai Daily that his hope is that China will contribute 50 per cent of their total profits from the Asia-Pacific region in the next three to five years as opposed to their current 20% contribution. Part of these lofty estimated increases is undoubtedly due to the hotel and resort construction boom that is occurring in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The director of Beijing Tourism Bureau, Du Jiang, recently stated that there are over 110 hotels being constructed in Beijing alone in preparation for the 2008 Olympics, “with a majority of them targeting high-end guests.” Beijing hotels are expected to accommodate about 550,000 guests per day during the Olympics. Therefore, Beijing and Shanghai REITs that hold high-end hotels and resort properties may offer some nice investment opportunities now.

In June 2005, Hong Kong regulations were amended to allow HK REITs to invest overseas, including in properties in mainland China. So for now, HK REITs invested in Beijing and Shanghai properties may be the way to go.

This article may be freely reprinted on another website as long as it is not modified, changed, or altered in any way and as long as the below author byline is included along with the active hyperlink exactly as is.

J.S. Kim is the Managing Director of SmartKnowledgeU™. He has over thirteen years of experience in finance and financial services, and has earned a BA in Neurobiology from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MBA with a concentration in finance from the McCombs Business School, University of Texas at Austin. He is the inventor of the revolutionary MoneyPing™ investment strategies, a novel approach to learn advanced wealth planning techniques and how to build wealth, not dreams.

To learn more at J.S. Kim's blog "The Zen of Investing", click the following link, Advanced Wealth Planning Techniques and Achieve Financial Freedom Ideas

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Investing In Chinese Real Estate Investment Trusts

2008-02-07T14:31:00.000+08:00

By Altaf Sahibzada

One of the investment instruments is a Real Estate Investment Trust or REIT. One can control real estate through these. Thus is one does not have a large amount of money, he or she can still participate in the ownership of real estate through REITs. These can generate income and capital appreciation over a period of time.

Due to the ensuing Olympics in Beijing, China, there is an excellent opportunity to invest in China REITs for a short period and quick profits.

Till very recently China was quite a closed economy. Investment in Chinese real estate possible was possible only through Hong Kong companies. GZI REIT operating from Hong Kong was the first successful REIT to have established control over REITs in mainland China. Now others have followed.

There is a great demand for real estate in China and will be strong during coming years, more so during 2008. Moreover, China is opening up and its economy is booming. Chi8nese middle class is also on swelling. All this bodes well for real estate in China.

Two major areas where REITs are going to be lucrative are hotels and resorts. So investors may do well investing in these REITs. According to Beijing Tourism Bureau, there will be 110 new hotels coming up for accommodating about 550,000 guests during Beijing Olympics.

Beijing and Shanghai REITs may provide opportunities for quick bucks. One can do good even in the long run.

One needs to be clear about investment objectives in China REITs. For short run profits, Beijing Olympics provides a good outlet for excellent returns. These may continue to be so even in the long run though at a reduced rate.

While investing in Chinese markets, one has to be careful about certain conditions which are peculiar to China only. For example it is still not considered a transparent country. Its laws are obscure and complex. There are many language and cultural barriers. In view of these problems, it might be advisable to invest in Hong Kong or Singapore REITs which have a stake in real estate of mainland China. These are more open and subject to international law.

International investing provides a mechanism for diversification and a hedge against US recession. Therefore, China and other Asian countries need to be given serious attention. All of these markets need to be researched and explored.

The author has background in business, economics and finance. He is presently researching in finding ways to make money and working on the following website and blogs:

http://www.businesses-jobs-careers.com
http://makemoneyplans.blogspot.com/
http://www.ReviewAnythingOnline.blogspot.com

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Beijing 2008 - Human Rights Are A Propaganda Game

2008-02-06T11:18:00.000+08:00

By James W Smith

Beijing's loss of the 2000 Olympics Games to Sydney, Australia was attributed mainly to it's poor human rights record. After sitting out the bidding for the 2004 Olympic events, China made a promise of improving it's human rights record as the centerpiece of it's successful bid for the 2008 Olympics.

In fact, prior to launching it's bid for the 2008 Games, China voluntarily signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which declares: "Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice."

On September 27, 2006, Liu Qi, the President of the Beijing Olympics Organizing Committee and a Politburo member of China's Communist party reassured the world: "China will live up to it's words and will turn it's words into deeds... The government will honor the promises and commitments made during our bid to host the Games."

So is China living up to the human rights promises that allowed it to win it's bid for the Olympic games in 2008? Sadly the human rights assurances it made to the international community now look dubious indeed. Consider that on December 27 , 2007 China's police arrested Hu Jia at his home in Beijing. While the focus of the world's news media was in Pakistan, police arrested China's leading human rights activist. "Reporters Without Borders" described the arrest as follows : "The political police have taken advantage of the international community's focus on Pakistan to arrest one of the foremost representatives of the peaceful struggle for free expression in China."

Hu Jia was last seen by the international community through his participation (via a web camera) in a parliamentary hearing in Brussels in November 2007. The topic of the hearing was human rights in China. At the hearing Jia said: "It is ironic that one of the people in charge of organizing the Olympic Games is the head of the Bureau of Public Security, which is responsible for so many human rights violations. It is very serious that the official promises are not being kept before the games".

Hu Jia is married to Zeng Jinyan. Zeng was named one of the world's 100 most influential people by Time Magazine in 2007. In 2007, Time Magazine (Arianna Huffington) describes her as follows: "When Zeng's husband, (Hu Jia) was detained by the Chinese government without any legal proceedings last year, Zeng, now 22, started a blog detailing her experiences and the oppressive activities of the country's secret police. Since then, her blog has been blocked in China, and she and her husband have been harassed, intimidated and subjected to round-the-clock surveillance. But she has steadfastly continued to blog, attracting an international audience with her sardonic style-and her courage".

On December 13, 2007 Chinese writer Wang Dejia was arrested and charged with "subverting state authority". He had just written a blog entitled, " The Olympic Games in Handcuffs Will Just Bring Misfortune on the Population". Wang had criticized the government's human rights situation as it prepares for the 2008 Olympic Games and had met with U.S. Embassy officials to discuss human rights in China in October 2007.

Larry Siems, Director of the Freedom to Write and International Programs at PEN American Center commented on the arrest of Wang Dejia as follows: "With the arrest of Wang Dejia (pen name Jing Chu), the total number of writers PEN believes are unjustly imprisoned in China has risen to forty one. It is certainly disconcerting that despite it's promises of press freedom, the Chinese government is instead continuing to tighten it's control over the media. As the Games approach, the number of writers in prison should be dwindling, not rising. We fear that Wang Dejia's arrest may be the first of many in a final push to clamp down on dissent within China before August 8, 2008."

It is clear that the promises of improving the country's human rights that China made to win the 2008 Olympic Games have not being realized. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) needs to become more critical of China's broken promises and ongoing human rights injustices.

This year's Olympic slogan is "One World, One Dream". That Olympic slogan certainly rings hollow as China continues to suppress basic human rights. Indeed, the recent suppression of free speech combined with the silence of the IOC means that improving human rights are just a Beijing propaganda game.

James William Smith has worked in Senior management positions for some of the largest Financial Services firms in the United States for the last twenty five years. He has also provided business consulting support for insurance organizations and start up businesses. He has always been interested in writing and listening to different viewpoints on interesting topics.
Visit his website at http://www.eworldvu.com

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Beijing Olympics - Marathons Start Early!

2008-02-06T11:04:00.000+08:00

By Fred Tittle

The city looks like it is just recovering from a major catastrophe. There are collapsed building everywhere that stretch for whole city blocks, and others are closed with obvious signs of damage, with many people working furiously to get the building ready to reopened. You see many road closures and detours. The streets look like the opening scene to the Terminator with large machines rumbling through the streets at all hours of the day and the night, and you see platoons of men moving forward with determination, carrying the tools of their trade, with smiles on their faces, in anticipation of their daily marathon efforts to get Beijing ready for her Olympics only 500 days away.

The Beijing Olympics 2008 are getting close and you can feel the that the pageantry is all ready starting to build for what is sure to be China coming out party here at the beginning of the 21st century, China’s century according to the sages of our times.

Beijing is getting a make over, and in addition it is getting some fantastic new buildings for all to marvel at, like the water cube, built for the swimming and diving competitions, and the birds nest, the major stadium of the games. Most of the competition will take place at the north end of the city between the 4 and 5th rings, with the first ring being the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Mao’s mausoleum.

In addition to the new stadiums, they are moving fast with a major reworking of the central core in anticipation of the crowds that will be here for the Olympics. After the Olympics the buzz will sure to be go to China and Beijing which is a fascinating city with many different things to see besides the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

Fred Tittle has lived and worked in holiday vacation resorts his entire life, from Lake Geneva’s Playboy Club, as a rock jock for KSPN FM in Aspen Colorado, he became a PADI Pro Scuba Diver in Hawaii, diving on Maui, Kauai, Kona on the big island, and Waikiki on Oahu. He now owns EcoSea Dive in Sihanoukville Cambodia where he teaches SSI and PADI scuba diving courses and runs liveaboards in the gulf of Thailand and Asia adventure tours, http://www.ecosea.com

Fred’s new project http://www.CheapCharliesHotels.com where he reviews cheap hotels, budget guesthouses, discount accommodations and cheap international flights, but is really an excuse to go scuba diving on vacation more, Fred is in Beijing China with Xiamen China the next stop.

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Olympics 2008 - Beijing Gaining Glamour

2008-02-06T10:51:00.000+08:00

By Antony Innocent

Beijing the capital of China has always been a busy center for trade and commerce, educational endeavors and tourism. Recently there has been extra attention given to this city and to China on the whole. China will be hosting Olympics 2008 in Beijing.

Beijing is gaining glamour with its newly found glory after being chosen to host Olympics 2008. We can see added pride in the guileless smiles of the people. They say that it has added extra flavor to their lives and they are eagerly looking forward for the world to turn its attention to their busy city.

Preparations at all levels are already underway in full swing. Entertainment committees are in place to take care of the programs in the opening and closing ceremonies. Preparation of the Olympics grounds and other renovation work are in full swing too. Many brands are already competing for their place in the center stage to advertise.

Olympics and Sports fans are already making their travel plans to witness the grand opening and to stay to witness their favorite sport. If you intend to visit China you can plan your trip during these days, you will see China and Beijing in particular in their full glory. To avoid disappointments book your tickets and accommodation well in advance. If you are looking for cheap deals and low fares for tickets to Beijing you might check out at www.lowfaresbeijing.com. You certainly do not want to visit just Beijing when you are in China, you would also like to visit other places of interest in China. You need to plan for a trip not less than 15 days to enjoy your trip to China.

Wish you a happy planning and a glorious trip to Beijing.

Analytical Thinker! http://www.cashyourcontent.com
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Top 5 Reasons Why Team USA is Finally Going to Reign Supreme Once Again

2008-02-02T18:08:00.000+08:00

By Nishan Wilde

I don't know about you, but I have been absolutely disgusted with USA basketball over the past few years. Ever since professional players were allowed to play in international competitions, Americans have been used to seeing the NBA's perennial all-stars dominate the competition. However, that has all come to a grinding halt. Starting in 2000, the United States began an international free fall that has continued up until the present time. In 2002, the USA took a lousy 6th place in Indianapolis. Then, in 2004, America's finest could only bring home a bronze medal, losing in the semi-finals. But, that is all going to end next year in Beijing. The following are the top 5 reasons (in no particular order) why the Men's National Basketball can expect nothing but success in the upcoming Olympic Games.

1. Team USA finally has a true point guard - In the past, subpar ball handling has led to costly turnovers in key situations for team USA. Yes, Team USA is more talented and more athletic than any other team around. But that can take you only so far. Once the threshold of talent is met, execution comes into play, something that has escaped Team USA over the past few years. This time around, though, Jason Kidd is leading the team. With Kidd's amazing vision and speed, Team USA should be running on all cylinders in Beijing.

2. Shooting - With the closer 3-point line and a wider lane, the international game is taylor-made for teams with good shooting. In the past, Team USA has fallen short because of mediocre shooting, despite its overwhelming edge over the competition in athleticism. This year, though, Team USA can flat out shoot. Thus far in the preliminary rounds of qualifying, it seems as if Michael Redd and Mike Miller just can't miss. They can hit from anywhere. Also, not only are these guys a threat themselves, but as the they continue to light it up from beyond the arc, their counterparts are forced to honor their shooting ability which leaves the big men room to operate inside, scoring and grabbing rebounds. Compile that with the shooting threat of Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony and you can see why Team USA is going to put up a lot of points come 2008.

3. Defense - Because of the fact that the international game is geared towards more of a free-flowing game, in order for a team to be successful, it has to have big men who can cover a lot of ground. This year the USA has just that. Tyson Chandler, Amare Stoudemire and Dwight Howard are all big men who can move. Not only do they have the ability to block shots near the hoop, they can close out 3-point shooting as easily as some guards. Furthermore, in the front court Team USA has players like Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Tayshaun Prince, whose quickness and length is more than most shooters can handle. This has become very apparent in the preliminaries as team USA has utterly destroyed the competition.

4. Time - In the past, Team USA has hashed out a makeshift roster a few weeks before big tournaments. But not this time. It seems as if Mike and Mike (Krzyzewski and D'Antoni) have learned their lesson. Now, Team USA is preparing for the subtleties and rigors of the international game. As evident from recent performances, the US has become adept at running the zone defense, something that is very important in the international game. Also, the time that Team USA has taken to get to know each other is paying off, as the players just seem to know the ins and outs of each others game. This kind of intimate knowledge has served as a definite advantage for other teams in the past. But in Beijing, Team USA will be on an even playing field in terms of team cohesiveness.

5. Scoring Depth - The simple fact of the matter is that other international teams just don't have enough depth or talent to cover all of the Americans. Look at this list of scorers: Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Michael Redd, Lebron James, Mike Miller, Amare Stoudemire, Chancey Billups and Dwight Howard. Almost every single one of the aforementioned players is the leading scorer on his respective team. When Lebron James is the 4th option, you have a scary team on your hands. What is the opposition going to do? Double Kobe and Carmelo and leave the rest of them open for easy jumpers and monster dunks or guard them one on one and get torn apart? It just doesn't look too promising for opposing defenses in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

My picks for Beijing: Gold - USA, Silver - Serbia, Bronze - Argentina

Nishan Wilde is VP of Sales at RobbinsSports.com, an online resource for Gym Bags and Portable Scoreboards

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Unrestrained Globalization Will Defeat The American Athlete

2008-02-02T16:56:00.000+08:00

By Diane M. Grassi

”I’m surprised at the number of elite athletes from around the world who are in the NBA as of 2006.” National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner David Stern made this comment when asked about the future of the NBA. For the 2006-2007 NBA season, approximately 100 of the NBA’s 450 players will be from countries outside of the United States. But David Stern’s surprise is rather disingenuous, as he readily admits the NBA’s commitments to investing in Europe, South America, Africa and China, to name a few, over the past decade.

“The China market is our most important and largest market outside the United States. China is clearly priority No. 1,” Stern said, as he was interviewed from Guangzhou, China in early August 2006, where the U.S. National Basketball Team was playing in exhibition games prior to the World Championships in Japan. He went on to say that the NBA’s business holdings in China are growing by 30% each year.

Stern hopes to double the NBA’s staff from 50 to 100 at its three China offices in time for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Stern has structured a marketing engine in China, ready to sell more NBA merchandise and apparel, expanding its online presence, offering live streaming of NBA games online and hopes to double its broadcasts of NBA games to 50 in the next few years. Stern has set his sights on the NBA playing regular season games in China as well.

Although NBA.com/China was launched by the NBA in November 2002 and has had limited TV broadcasts since 1991, it currently has programming on 24 television outlets including on national TV station China Central Television, which broadcasts NBA games for free. NBA merchandise is sold in over 20,000 retail outlets throughout China and in 2005-2006 the NBA signed on with five new Chinese marketing partners. Recruitment of new talent cannot be overlooked either, with the NBA’s appetite to diversify its player personnel. But one can only wonder how much benefit NBA players will realize from such investments.

But this is only part of the story, as there are many problems which still remain such as the rampant counterfeiting of NBA merchandise in China, which exists in every sector of marketed goods there, costing U.S. firms billions of dollars in lost revenues each year. In addition, censorship of broadcasts and limited internet access by the Chinese people is controlled by the Communist Chinese Party. China’s persistent human rights and labor abuses are never discussed in a perfect NBA world either and why should they be? After all, the U.S. government pays but lip service to a trade partner and major creditor in China, which the U.S. economy is virtually dependent upon.

Prior to Stern’s recent visit to China, back in the U.S. in June 2006, United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Chairman, Peter Ueberroth, signed a bilateral agreement with the China Olympic Committee. Titled the Memorandum of Intentions for Sport Exchanges Between the Chinese Olympic Committee and the United States Olympic Committee, it is designed to promote friendship and understanding between the two nations. According to Ueberroth, “We clearly need to reach out to every nation, no exception, and envelop friendship through sport,” supposedly to give other countries a different perception of Americans.

But the agreement in friendship goes far beyond a mere symbolic gesture, just two years before the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It will provide the Chinese with the U.S. sharing of its expertise in coaching, its sports facilities, inroads in science and medicine, management and marketing, among other things. It is arguable about how much the U.S will gain from China’s implied reciprocity.

What is clear, is that China looks at sports far differently than the U.S. does. Sports are not just games or a business or sheer entertainment for the Chinese. Elite athletes in China are trained to project national ambition. China’s main intent is not to develop NBA stars but for their athletes to be representative of the nation and that international competition is far more important than lending a few players to the NBA. But yet the Chinese are also smart in business and will suffer allowing a little entertainment for its people, on its own terms of course, while at the same time benefiting from millions of dollars in American business ventures.

And while the Chinese have different cultural objectives than the western world, other countries are about the individual. The NBA, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, (NCAA) in addition to Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Football League, (NFL) are about packaging those individuals in order to market the whole of their sports. And as all of the aforementioned are businesses, they look at the bottom line, even at the sake of opportunities for American athletes.

While the NBA has been successful in creating a myth that European players have better fundamental skills than American players, yet are inferior overall to the American NBA player, it all comes down to economics. Since the U.S. uses the NCAA primarily as its developmental league, and Europeans can sign professional contracts at age 16, the NBA signs European players and waits now until they are 19 years of age and drafts them directly into the NBA. But the NBA does not get the full scope of the player’s skills, as they remain secluded in another country during development. The NBA however takes a gamble and figures that buying out a less than lucrative contract for a potential superstar is a better bet than having patience with an American who may have had a marginal NCAA career and may demand an overpriced contract.

Meanwhile, NCAA Basketball is rabidly recruiting those foreign players who do not sign professional contracts abroad, or those who may have fraudulently made their way into the American collegiate system, which has been fully documented. It includes players from as far away as Australia, as in Andrew Bogut, the first overall NBA draft pick of 2005. Players are also brought in from Argentina, Brazil, Africa, all of Europe, Russia and the West Indies, among others. However, the signing of such foreign students means less opportunity for American students, and some of whom who just wish to finance an education while at the same time doing so by playing basketball.

Yet, the majority of Europeans playing college basketball are not NBA material. And instead of playing in their home countries for a minimal salary they instead get the good fortune of a free college education. According to Andrew Bogut, “Once you’re here, you’re kind of taken care of. A job isn’t necessary if you’re on a full scholarship.” “With a free education, three meals a day and a nice dormitory, rather than complain about college cafeteria food, they think its Morton’s Steakhouse,” says Fran Fraschilla, former St. John’s University and University of New Mexico basketball coach, speaking of the foreign student athletes.

Think it is only basketball where Americans are losing ground? Aquatic athletes are coming to U.S. college campuses in droves. Since the modern Olympic Games, the U.S. has dominated in international aquatic competition. Australia has recently closed the gap. And the women’s German swim team no longer dominates as it once did with the use of anabolic steroids, which existed in the pre-testing era when there was an East German team. China’s use of steroids was also deterred upon testing positive in past Olympics with several of its women swimmers.

But now athletes are welcomed with opened arms to experience the best training in the world, only to go home and compete against the U.S. on the world’s stage. Countries such as Germany, Malaysia, Finland, Sweden, Hungary, Italy, Estonia, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Great Britain, Australia, Canada, Hungary, Kazakstan and of course China, among many other countries, send their athletes to enroll in U.S. schools with the best swimming and diving programs. Such schools offer excellent academics as well including the University of California at Los Angeles, (UCLA) the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Southern California, the University of Minnesota, the University of Florida and the University of Arizona.

And we cannot forget about the recent flood of professional tennis players and professional golfers making homes in the U.S. while seeking out U.S. trainers and coaches in order to increase their winning potential on the world circuits. Primarily among them are Russian women tennis players and Korean women golfers.

And while individual professional athletes are received differently than professional teams or college athletes in the U.S., the sports industry including the USOC wishes to change its image from that of competitor to that of being inclusive and politically correct. Should that come at the expense of funding Americans preparing for the Olympics or deprives American students from college educations all in the name of globalism, so be it. Yet, it will eventually defeat the U.S. athlete and impact morale and America’s sense of competition.

And finally, the idea that white American players are not equipped to play in the NBA but white European players are, including those who are not professionals and go through the same NCAA experience, is but a fallacy and has been perpetuated for far too long. The few exceptions to this myth are the newly drafted Adam Morrison and J.J. Reddick, and past players John Stockton, Christian Laettner, and Chris Mullin along with the great Larry Bird. It is simply wrong. Were Europeans the best players, it might be more acceptable.

But the increase of insourcing foreign players in the U.S. will become the new norm and the best athletes now, who are predominantly African Americans, will be sacrificed. As aptly put by Kenny Smith, former NBA world champion and now TNT studio analyst for NBA games, “Something deeper and more complex than “poor fundamentals” is at play here and young NBA players had better check it out.”

The USOC, the NBA, the NCAA, MLB, including the NFL, simply cannot continue to dilute the American pool of athletes while at the same time expect Americans to dominate in their respective sports. Such hypocrisy is no better exhibited than by the NBA and the USOC, fearful that America no longer dominates basketball internationally as it once did, while the NBA in 2006 devotes 25% of its spots to foreign players.

It remains unfair and unrealistic for those Americans who aspire in the future to become college, Olympic or professional athletes and eventual champions. For without America’s resources and its full support they will simply lose.

Diane M. Grassi is a freelance columnist, reporting and writing commentary on current events of the day providing honest and often politically incorrect assessments. From U.S. public policy to Major League Baseball, she is an eclectic thinker, and demanding of her readers to reflect on their own thinking patterns from an alternative perspective. Whether you agree with her or not, Diane M. Grassi will have you coming back to note her opinions, and if at best she wakes you up, then her goal will have been accomplished.

Ms. Grassi is featured with the online publications: New Media Journal.us; American Chronicle; Mich News.com; Opinions Editorials; the Conservative Voice; Liberty Watch Magazine as well as many others. She also writes regular columns on Major League Baseball where she is a featured online columnist with The Diamond Angle Baseball Ezine and Sports-Central.org. Ms. Grassi may contacted at: dgrassi@cox.net

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Cebu City, Philippines - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

2008-02-02T16:14:00.000+08:00

By Patrick Mcgrain

A tourist visiting Cebu City for the first time may well be turned off by some of the city sites. The city has several world class resorts, hotels, beaches and dive sites. It also has some areas of the world's most devastating poverty. Cebu City is the capital city of the Cebu Province and it is the second largest city in the Philippines following Manila. I always feel at home in the city and lived in the city before building my home in the rural Cebu Province of Camotes Islands. Cebu City is a mix of the old and new, rich and poor, good and bad and pretty and ugly. There is also the mix of clean and really dirty or filthy. The rule for anyone going to Cebu for the first time is to not make a snap judgment.

My first trip to Cebu City was in February 2004. I went to the Philippines to meet a girl (Judith) now my wife. I flew into the Cebu-Mactan Airport and was met by Judith and one of here sisters. My flight started in Florida and the last leg of the flight was from Hong Kong. The Cebu International airport is just a little outdated, but very functional. Once outside of the airport doors I saw waves of people waiting to meet people coming off of the flight from Hong Kong. The airport was not all that busy when I arrived and I think my plane was the only arriving flight at the time. As people from my flight walk outside of the airport door they were bombarded with shuttle, taxi and V-hire greeters, all trying to get a fare. I met Judith just outside the airport doors. She, her sister and I all jumped into an old Kia Taxi and we were off to my hotel.

The taxi was old and not very well maintained. The Air conditioner didn't work and the window wouldn't go down. Of course that didn't matter as I couldn't close the door because the door latch was broken. So, I got lots of air. The hotel was about a 30 minute drive from the airport. As we traveled the city streets I saw crowded sidewalks made even more crowded by the many sidewalk vendors and street vendors. Some of the roads we traveled were moderately maintained while others were in very poor condition. The roads were crowded with many types of cars, but mostly Kia's and Hyundais. There were also a lot of Jeepneys, a Philippine traditional method of travel. A jeepney looks like a stretched army jeep with a hardtop and a large cargo area used for two benches for passenger seating. Jeepneys are normally painted with several different colors and lots of chrome. Many of the jeepneys are poorly maintained and most have bald tires and the braking systems may be questionable. Also, there were lots of small motorcycles.

After traveling just a few minutes I decided that the most dangerous vehicle in Cebu was the Jeepney, the Taxi and finally the motorcycle. The jeepney drivers tend to rule the road and stop on either side of the road to pick up or drop off passengers. I saw many jeepneys cut both lanes of traffic off just to drop off people and then saw others swerve quickly to the side of the road cutting off traffic so the driver could jump out of the jeepney to urinate along the side of the road. Taxis are no better, but pose a slightly smaller threat because the vehicles are smaller than a jeepney Motorcycles seem to be a danger only to the motorcycle driver and passengers and anyone walking along side the road or on the sidewalk. Motorcycles make their own traffic lanes on whatever little shoulder the road may have to offer or sometimes drive on the painted divider line as a narrow roadway to make an extra traffic lane for themselves. At other times I saw motorcycles throttle down sidewalks weaving around pedestrians. Yet, the pedestrians seemed little concerned of the carelessness and just continued on their way.

As we continued on our way to the hotel we drove through many different areas of the city. Some areas were very old and the buildings looked as though they were ready for demolition years ago. Many buildings and store fronts are concrete with plywood or corrugated steel sheets added to broken windows and steel bars cover the window or plywood. I can't imagine what would be worth the cost of the steel bars as the buildings were so poor. I was sure the contents within were no better. I noticed several small store fronts with one big open widow covered with chicken wire. These little stores are about the size of a small closet and there are dozen of these little stores on every street. They are called sari-sari stores and sell just a very few items such as canned fish, rice, snacks, cigarettes and so on. Most of these little stores are attached to the front of private houses and are crudely constructed of unpainted plywood and tin roofs. Most of the Sari-sari stores block the sidewalk, forcing people to walk on the road to get around the protruding plywood box. Other Sari-sari stores have a small table or tables along the narrow sidewalks for their rum buying customers and a karaoke machine assist in blocking the sidewalks.

In many of the old areas the sidewalks are filled with vendor's shacks, tents or some other type of hurried shelter to sell goods. The sidewalks belong to the vendors and the pedestrian is left to find his own way around the ugly obstructions. These small vendor shacks on the sidewalks block the store buildings behind and I still wonder why the store owners allow the vendors to block their stores. The old neighborhood streets and sidewalks in most areas are filthy. Trash is all over the streets, chickens are tied to utility poles or street signs as well as dogs. Many of the old homes along the city's commercial streets may or may not have running water and a sewer system. Many people use the streets and sidewalks as their bathroom and even bath on the sidewalks. The infrastructure of the old neighborhoods is almost non-existent. There is poor drainage, poor sewer systems, and electric lines hang low to the ground with hundreds of wires attached carelessly to a single wimpy pole. I often wonder how trucks make it under these wires without hitting the wire. In many cases the bigger trucks do indeed hit the wires and knock out power to large section of the city.

The one thing that stood out for me as we past by all these areas in the taxi was the people all seemed happy. Despite, what I saw as great poverty and terrible living conditions, these people, or least many people were happy. Although, most of the people I saw were rushing down the sidewalks going about their daily routine. I thought these people are doing the same thing as other people do in any major city around the world. Yet, my first visit in Cebu City opened my eyes to the fact that at the very least, the city was poverty stricken or had a large population that lived in poverty.

After about 30 minutes riding in the taxi we came into a much nicer area of the city and there like an oasis in the middle of all the poverty was this beautiful Hotel and a large modern shopping mall next to it, as well as several large modern well maintain high rise buildings. The scene was a stark difference to the old areas of the city. This area could be found in any modern US city and looked very much like a commercial area of a US city. The area is called the Ayala Business Park and the Ayala Mall. This is modern Cebu City and it is everything you would find in any modern city.

Once at the Hotel, the Marriott, I checked into a very nice room and we all went to the dinning room for a pleasant lunch. Soon after that it was just Judith and I as her sister went home. Judith then took me across the park to the Ayala Mall, just a five minute walk and once inside the mall I was amazed. The stores were the same as in the US, Ace Hardware, Levi, MacDonald's and so on. Plus, several Philippine Department stores and many different types of restaurants and coffee shops. All the store clerks and sale people spoke English and most all the Filipinos walking through the stores were speaking English. Others used a mix of English and their native Cebuano. All the store signs are written in English and the restaurant menus are written in English. In many ways I felt as if I just traveled 20 plus hours from Florida to be in a US city.

Although there were many other foreigners in the mall many Filipinos walking by asked where I was from and in general everyone was very friendly to me. While at the mall I bought a few souvenir type things to take home and Judith and I just did a lot of window shopping. I was happy to see the prices of most things in the stores were very cheap compared to the US. At that time one US dollar bought 56.00 pesos. Today it's one dollar to about 44.00 Pesos. Still a good deal, but today I'm careful in my spending. By the middle of the afternoon I was ready for some sleep after my long flight to Cebu. Judith went home and I retired to my hotel room.

The next morning Judith was at the hotel bright and early and we had breakfast at the hotel and then off to see the city and some of the beach resorts. Cebu has wonderful and beautiful resorts and all very affordable. The resorts are all well maintained and modern. The biggest population of customers at the resorts are foreigners and the staff Filipino. I quickly change my opinion of the city from a poverty stricken third world to a modern commercial and tourist city with a few old areas that needed a lot of help.

During my trip to Cebu we went into the old area of Colon. Colon is the oldest street in the country and has several landmarks. However, Colon is a dirty area of very old and poorly maintained buildings. Prostitution is a major problem in the Colon area as is street crime. There are some wonderful markets and great bargains to be found in Colon, but not an area for the new tourist to wander alone. Hotels can be had for a really cheap price in Colon. Some just $20.00 a night, but these hotels cater to those picking up street girls and both the girls and the rooms are really dirty. Last year Judith and I stayed at two different Colon Hotels. We went into the city for our monthly shopping trip from Camotes Islands. We decided to try the hotels as they are cheap and close to many of the outside markets. I would never stay at either of these hotels again. The best words to describe them is old, filthy, rat infested and full of prostitutes. Both of these hotels seem to cater to single foreign men and any girls the men may find at the Colon bars or on the streets. The area has several little Bikini type bars with Bar Girls (Prostitutes) also called GRO's. Unless you are looking for a prostitute there is little reason to go to Colon after dark and even then one needs to be very careful. This is not intended to say that all of Colon is bad. There are some nice stores and restaurants in Colon. I enjoy shopping in the Colon area, but one needs to use caution in Colon.

During my first visit I saw most all the areas of Cebu City and felt safe at all times. Of course we didn't go into the old parts of the city after dark. Rather we were at the resorts or around Ayala Park and these are all very safe and enjoyable areas.I would recommend Cebu City to anyone that wants to go to a great resort and spend time on a beautiful beach, go diving, take a boat tour of the outer islands and not spend a lot of money. There is just so much to do in Cebu City and so many great things to see. Staying at any of the resorts is very affordable just about $60.00 per night and some as high as $250.00. Dinner at restaurants is also very cheap. Meals at nice restaurants can cost just $10.00 to $20.00 for two people, I had a wonderful time during my first visit. However, I had Judith as my tour guide and as my girlfriend. I'm not sure I would have liked Cebu City as much as I did if Judith wasn't with me during the first trip.

Soon after my first visit to Cebu City I moved from Florida to Cebu City in 2004. By this time Judith and I were engaged to marry and I wanted to live in Camotes Islands. However, we decided to live in the city while looking for land to build a house in Camotes. Camotes Islands are a rural province of Cebu and just two hours from the city by boat. We rented a brand new two bedroom house in the Lahug area of Cebu City. The monthly rent was just $125.00 plus our TV cable for about $15.00 a month. The house was located on a hillside overlooking the city and close to everything we needed. Lahug is a very nice area and now there are many new housing sub-divisions built in the area. Our monthly budget while living in Lahug was approximately $700.00 and that included the rent, utilities, food, taxi cabs and even lots of dinners at restaurants and entertainment. I assume if we still lived in Lahug the budget would be just a few more dollars a month.

Within just a couple of weeks after moving into the Lahug house I felt as if Cebu was my city and I really enjoyed the city life. The city has many things to offer the foreigner and the city is always trying to attract more foreign retirees. It truly is a foreign (expat) friendly city. The largest group of foreigners in Cebu is Korean then Americans, Australians, British and Japanese. There are no racial tensions or problems in the city that I am aware of and the city is very safe. However, like any major world city there is crime, but using common safeguards and precautions one can have a happy life in Cebu City. Driving in the city is something I have never attempted and I don't think I ever will drive in the city. The taxi cabs can get you almost anywhere in the city for $1.00 to $2.00 and that's fine for me.

Shopping in the city is great and there are products from all over the world in Filipino stores. Many food stores stock western brands so you will never get homesick for your favorite foods from home. The outside markets, located all over the city offer great bargains and it's always fun to negotiate prices with the vendors. Cable TV is available in the city and it offers many American shows and news programs. You can go to the movie cinemas and see a new release movie for about $1.00 and the popcorn is just a few pennies. The city has grown since I moved to the Philippines. There are many new gated housing Sub-Divisions that cater to foreign buyers, new high rise condo buildings and the resorts all continue to attract foreigners. The two major malls in the city, Ayala and SM are both expanding. Many of the roads have been upgraded as well as the infrastructure in many areas. The city is a major draw for tourism and is always attempting to bring in more tourist and more foreign retirees.

Any expat on a monthly pension of about $1,000.00 can live like a king in Cebu City. You can live on less than $1,000.00 but I think $1,000.00 is the right figure if you include saving a little each month for emergencies, trips back home and medical needs. The city has very good hospitals and medical cost are much less in the Philippines. Good dental care at very reasonable rates is also available in the Philippines. Many people go to Cebu for medical or dental vacations. Just remember, if you think you want to move to Cebu City do your homework. Do you want to live in a new country? do you want to be separated from your family and grandchildren?, if you are married how does your wife feel about living in Cebu? If you have young children do you want them to live in a new country and what about their education? Do you have the patience and understanding to learn and live in a new culture? Do you have the money to live a good life in Cebu without the need to find work? Do you have enough money to cover any type of emergency that may require five to ten thousand dollars? Finally, what is your reason for wanting to live in a new country? If you can be honest with yourself and have a positive answer for the above questions, then maybe Cebu City is for you?

Remember too, The Philippine economy is struggling. Filipinos with four and six year college degrees are driving taxi cabs or working as store clerks. Unemployment in the country is through the roof. Poverty is a major issue in the country. For all the beauty of the Philippines Poverty continues to destroy many Filipinos and their futures and creates an ugly face to an otherwise beautiful country. Just this week on November 8, 2007 an 11 year old girl in Manila living with her mother, father and little brother in a shanty town hung herself. The reason left in a note from the little girl was because of the poverty she and her family lived. The father not able to find work for months and the mother working for just $1.00 a day. The little girl had just the night before asked her father for P200.00 for a school project. The father did not have the money, just under $4.00. All the girl wanted was to finish school and buy a new bike. A simple dream complicated by severe poverty in a country struggling to overcome political corruption and theft. Please remember, what you may spend in just one day in the Philippines is what a Filipino may have to live on for a month. Poverty does indeed take lives.

I truly love my lifestyle in the Philippines, but it took some time, patience, understanding and a few sacrifices to live in the Philippines. I made several mistakes before coming here and a few since living here. I didn't have enough money when I came here in 2004. I've made a few trips back to Florida to do some contract work and then returned to my beloved Camotes Islands. I'm currently away from home on a teaching contract. However, for me, it's worth the price to have just a few months a year in my paradise called Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines. I think anyone looking for a great vacation will enjoy Cebu City. Those looking to retire on a modest pension can live well here, but just be sure living in a new country is right for you. Before making a decision to move here it's wise to come on a vacation first and see the city for yourself. Then you can decide if this is the life you want. Once again, for me this is paradise.

Patrick McGrain is the owner of http://www.philippine-islands-living.com Patrick has lived in in Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines for over three years with his Filipna wife.

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Iran & Indonesia Documentaries, Film-Maker Seeks Investors

2007-09-16T14:08:00.000+08:00

By Paul Davis

On my way back from a two week trip to glorious Indonesia, I was jet lagged, weary, and ready to come home. As I proceeded to the Air Tran ticket check in counter in Los Angeles, I saw a tall, handsome chap who kindly checked in my bags and gave me my air ticket.

The wait and queue was quite long, which made customers in line a bit irritable. It got a bit tense, but nevertheless I patiently had a brief conversation with this intellectual gentleman who was serving me. He told me he was from Iran, which immediately interested me further.

I told him that I was particularly interested in producing a documentary film on this country and traveling through it to see what life and sentiments are really like toward the western world. I care not to believe all American media propaganda, neither to be governed by fear.

My parents were greatly fearful about me going to Indonesia and acted as if I was going to die there. It was nothing of the sort as the Indonesian people greatly embraced and welcomed me. I even made friends with an entire company of army police who happily were snapping photographs with me. Veiled Muslim women in Java were doing the same at Borobudur Temple.

So you can't believe everything you hear in the media. Fear is self-centered and never a great way to live your life. People are people everywhere, all having similar needs and desires. We all have dreams and aspirations. We all want to be recognized, respected, and loved.

Therefore I always endeavor to leave my comfort zone and truly engage people worldwide. Having traveled now to over 50 countries and 6 continents, I am continually looking for opportunities to capture culture and people as it truly is abroad.

My Iranian friend (Davood) has since emailed me often and told me his friends back home in Iran are involved in filmmaking. His father is a historian and very intelligent man about Iran. Davood has invited me to go with him to Iran and film the documentary we discussed.

I am very excited and expectant about doing this. It will be a token of peace and international dialogue for the world to watch and behold. I already have all of the video equipment to make the production. I now only need to gather some noble investors to help us with our travel expenses and finance the promotion of the documentary.

These are the occurrences that serendipity can bring to you to have meaningful relationships and live a purposeful life when you remain open. Though I was coming home jet lagged and weary to Florida, I got some fresh fire and desire for my next project at the least likely time. Indeed sweet serendipity is most sublime and can occur suddenly any time.

Paul Davis is a motivational speaker, life purpose coach, worldwide minister, change master, creative consultant, and turnaround specialist.

Paul is the author of several books including Breakthrough for a Broken Heart; Adultery: 101 Reasons Not to Cheat; Are You Ready for True Love; Stop Lusting &; Start Living; Waves of God; Supernatural Fire; Poems that Propel the Planet; and God vs. Religion.

Paul's compassion for people & passion to travel has taken him to over 50 countries of the world where he has had a tremendous impact. Paul has served in many war-torn, impoverished and tsunami stricken regions of the earth. His Dream-Maker Inc. is building dreams, breaking limitations & reviving nations.

Paul's Seminars inspire, revive, awaken, impregnate with purpose, impart the fire of desire, catapult people into a new level of self-awareness, facilitate destiny discovery and dream fulfillment.

Contact Paul to minister, speak at your event or for life coaching:
RevivingNations@yahoo.com
407-284-1705
www.DreamMakerMinistries.com
http://www.CreativeCommunications.TV

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The Happiest Country in Asia

2007-09-16T14:02:00.000+08:00

By Richard Chapo

Given the recent history of Cambodia, you might wonder why I refer to it as the happiest place on earth. Well, there is a real reason if you understand what happy means in Cambodian slang.Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Thailand to the west, Laos to the north and Vietnam to the east. As you may know, some very nasty things happened in Cambodia in the 1970s and 1980s.

During this period, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge ruled the country or werefighting to do so.Reign of terror is a phrase often over used, but not when it comes to the Khmer Rouge. The group implemented what can only be called bizarre policies and managed to starve and murder roughly twenty percent of the total population of Cambodia. The reign of terror was eventually ended when the Vietnamese invaded and pushed the Khmer into a small, isolated
pocket of land in the far north.

A few years back, I had the urge to travel. I get it every two or three years. I get it bad. I usually sell off whatever I have and travel for as long as I can. In this case, I flew into Thailand because I didn’t have a lot of money and the flight from Los Angeles was cheap, cheap, cheap! Thailand was pretty touristy, so off to the wilds of Cambodia I went.

To be honest, Cambodia is not as wild a place as you might think given its recent history. These are some seriously strong people from a mental perspective. If you walk around the major city, Phnom Phen, it looks like nothing happened. In fact, you keep seeing signs for happy this

and happy that just about everywhere. I am not kidding. The signs literally say “happy dinner”, “happy pizza” and so on. Gee, these people are happy.

As you might imagine, happy has a particular connotation in Cambodia. Do I even need to tell you? Yep, it refers to that funny tobacco that so many in the hippie generation liked to enjoy. Simply put, the Cambodians mix marijuana with just about any type of food stuff – pizza,
cake, shakes, tacos. It is used like a spice, to wit, it isn’t obvious it is in the food. If you don’t know what happy means, you can be in for a BIG surprise an hour or so after eating! It was not uncommon to see tourists giggling and staggering around the sidewalks.

At the end of the day, I found Cambodia to be a great place to enjoy notwithstanding its past and the happy food. Angkar Wat and the surrounding Khmer structures are stunning and definitely should be on your list of things to see. So go ahead and take off to Cambodia, but make amental note regarding the happy food!

Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of journals that are great travel gifts.
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