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“I’m too young to be collecting dishes!” Yes, these famous last words came out of my mouth shortly after moving to Germany. I’d see the stuff everywhere ? decorating the walls at a friend’s house, overflowing with food at a potluck gathering, being sold by at a booth outside the post store. And don’t forget each and every shopping bazaar ? the table surrounded by a frenzy of ladies was sure to have a well-stocked selection from Poland or Italy.

I resisted its tempting allu…

Keywords:
travel, Europe, Poland, Polish pottery, USO, day trips, sightseeing, writing

Article Body:
“I’m too young to be collecting dishes!” Yes, these famous last words came out of my mouth shortly after moving to Germany. I’d see the stuff everywhere ? decorating the walls at a friend’s house, overflowing with food at a potluck gathering, being sold by at a booth outside the post store. And don’t forget each and every shopping bazaar ? the table surrounded by a frenzy of ladies was sure to have a well-stocked selection from Poland or Italy.

I resisted its tempting allure for the first couple of years and believe it or not, my husband caved first. I was engrossed in a pile of carved wooden boxes as my husband explored the pottery table nearby. Then, he uttered those nine little words that he’s probably regretted ever since, “what do you think about buying some Polish Pottery?” It was all over. We went home with five different pieces that afternoon but it was just the beginning – countless patterns, every color imaginable, and plenty of shapes and sizes ? it turned out that not only was I not too young, I needed it all.

I took my first Polish Pottery shopping trip a few months later with the USO ? you know, the one that you spend an insane 30 hours in a state of pottery-induced, it-doesn’t-matter-how-much-I-spend euphoria. Everyone loads on a big touring bus at 9 pm on a Friday night and at around 4:30 am, the shopping madness begins. Shop owners know when the busses arrive and put themselves out of bed early to make that extra money. Each shop is a race ? not only against your new friends on your bus but against that next tour bus you HAVE to stay in front of. Dinner plates, dessert plates, coffee cups and saucers, serving dishes, baking dishes, tea sets, salt and pepper shakers ? anything you need for the kitchen or dining room. Recently, I’ve seen pottery items that you can use outside the kitchen such as wall decorations, planters, and some rude ones I won’t mention ? Some people have their one, beloved pattern while others, such as myself, mix and match for an eclectic look (they are also easier to replace if, heaven forbid, something breaks). Stop only for a short lunch of goulash to keep your energy level up and keep going.

The trip is also a learning experience, not just a chance to lose control. When looking at the pottery, try and purchase only ‘category 1′ items. The category indicates level of flaws so the higher the better. Category 1 pottery is oven safe for up to 425 degrees F and dishwasher safe (although I don’t trust it ? I don’t even trust my husband to hand wash it ? if you saw my collection of crystal glasses, you’d understand). Category 2 is oven safe for up to 325 degrees F and ‘probably’ dishwasher safe. Category 3 and higher should only be used for serving. Also, if you find the label ‘unikat’ on the bottom, the pattern is original to the store you purchased it from. The Golden Rule of Polish Pottery Shopping in Poland is: if you find a piece/pattern you like, purchase it there! You probably won’t be able to find the exact same piece anywhere else so if you can stand the idea of potentially losing a couple dollars vs. getting that special piece, do it!

At about 5 pm, it’s time to head back. The bus is crammed, the luggage spaces underneath the bus are as full as they can be, and every bump in the road you hit produces a worried ‘gasp’ from the exhausted shoppers. The Stuttgart USO automatically gives everyone two seats and by this time, you are saying a silent prayer for that ingenious perk. You get back to post around the wee hours of 3 am and barely have the energy to conjure up that little white lie to your spouse on how much you *actually* spent. Your body is screaming with a mixture of exhaustion and cramps from the bus but it was worth it! Especially when you move back to the states – watch QVC and you’ll see what I mean. The other day, those silly, smiling ladies were selling one dessert plate for $42!

On a final note, I recommend going with a group to Poland as opposed to just you and the family. Bus trips, although tight and you have to concede to the groups schedule, it’s better than getting your car stolen (which happens quite a bit ? and how easy do you think it will be to track it in a former Eastern Block country??). I’ve heard so many of these car jacking stories ? one woman brought her husband along to watch the car ? he did ? watched it get driven right out of the parking lot. I had a friend tell me that she’ll only drive her car to Poland if her husband goes AND he drives the car in circles in the parking lot while she shops. I’ve also seen small groups, whether friends or organized by a resourceful military spouse, hire a chartered bus and driver. Each pitches in for a portion of the bill. Not only are they leaving the driving to someone else, they are buying themselves peace of mind. Better safe than sorry!

Ready to go?

USO dot com ? Those affiliated with the military have this resource. Check your local USO’s page for a schedule of tours.

Enjoy Tours dot com ? this company does plenty of trips to great destinations, but they don’t have that ‘2-seats-per-person’ policy that the USO does.

Four shops in the area of Boleslawiec, Poland and American-friendly:

* Pol Card
Karty Platnicze w Polsce
Pawie Oczko sklep Firmony
Ul. Masarska 1, 59-700
Boleslawiec

* Ceramika Art Wiklina
“Cerwik” K. Roznicki, A. Mazur
59-731 Zebrzydowa
Zebrzydowa 62

* Kufel Sklep II
Ul II Armii Wojska Polskiego
59-700

* Makaba
Boleslawiec

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549

Summary:
Formal night on your cruise can be agonizing or make you absolutely ecstatic.

Keywords:
formal cruise wear

Article Body:
Formal night on the cruise – The agony and the ecstasy! How better to describe the romantic night when cruise passengers don their best formal cruise wear and strut their stuff?

For some men, it’s the agony of picking out your finest formal cruise wear, carefully packing them in your suitcase, unpacking and un-wrinkling them, and then, worst of all?.. having to put the threads on. For other men, it’s the romantic ecstasy of seeing your dazzling beauty dressed in her finest, and walking arm-in-arm through the elegant dining room.

For some women, it’s the agony of deciding what to pack for the formal cruise wear night. Should it be black or brightly colored? Long or short? Or should it be slacks or a gown? For other women it’s the ecstasy of a wonderful romantic night of elegance.

Formal wear is somewhat subjective when it comes to cruises. Most often for men, it will mean wearing a dark suit or jacket and a tie. Tuxedos on some cruises are more common. In fact, many cruise ships will have tuxedos and formal cruise wear available for rent – in advance from the cruise line. You will however want to pre-plan and book your rental as soon as possible before you sail so you won’t be disappointed.

That was easy for the men. There is formal cruise wear available for rent for women as well. The same early planning and booking applies as for men. For many women however, the task of preparing formal cruise wear can be much more exciting or much more daunting. Formal evening gowns are elegant and can be show-stoppers. But pant suits and slacks or skirts and tops can be glamorous as well! In fact a very practical article for any woman to pack is a pair of black silky “cocktail” type slacks. They take up very little room in the luggage and resist wrinkling! Matched them with a couple of tops, and you have formal cruise wear ensembles with very little fuss. And, most have stretchy waistbands so you can enjoy the wonderful culinary masterpieces in comfort! Flat or low heeled shoes make navigating onboard much easier and more comfortable.

These formal nights can make your cruise a wonderful romantic getaway! Exquisite cuisine, elegant dining rooms, intimate lounges, stage shows and reviews all lend themselves to enhance romance on board. Imagine a nightclub filled with tuxedoed men and sequin covered dresses on women. And everyone is basking in the radiant delight of the evening.

Some of the cruise lines request that you remain in your formal cruise wear for the entire evening. Others are more relaxed about the attire. And some, like Norwegian cruise lines operate on a relaxed “Freestyle” cruising atmosphere.

For those of you who absolutely despise getting all gussied up, most cruise ships have dining areas that always allow casual cruise wear. Remember however that most reservation only dining restaurants require formal or informal dress attire as well.

It’s always best, if you have any concerns about what constitutes formal cruise wear on your chosen ship, to check with the cruise line in advance.

So?..now you can relax. The tough formal cruise wear packing has been taken care of! Check out some of the other informative pages.

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551

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Top 5 places to visit when staying in Paphos, Cyprus on your off season holidays. A mixture of history and pure leisure pleasure. Escape the cold of home and enjoy some Paphos sunshine during Spring, Autumn and Winter holidays in Cyprus.

Keywords:
Cyprus, Paphos, Cyprus history, holidays in Cyprus, Aphrodite

Article Body:
Top 5 places to visit when staying in Paphos, Cyprus on your off season holidays. A mixture of history and pure leisure pleasure. Places normally too hot and busy to visit in the summer heat open themselves up at these perfect times of the year. Escape the cold of home and enjoy some Paphos sunshine during spring, autumn and winter holidays in Cyprus.

Paphos, Cyprus – Top 5 Places to Visit

1. Tomb of The Kings

Spread over a vast area, these impressive subterranean burial chambers were built in Paphos from 3rd Century BC to the 3rd Century AD. They are carved out of solid rock with some being decorated with Doric pillars. Put on your walking shoes and climbing pants and don’t be afraid to get yourself a little dirty at this site. Fun to explore and full of some very atmospheric places.

2. Paphos Mosaics

Cyprus history proclaims Aion as the Greek God of eternity. The house of Aion has an amazing five-paneled mosaic which shows the Greek God in the unenviable position of having to judge what appears to be a beauty contest.
‘Unenviable?!’, I hear our modern day Gods proclaim.
The difference in this beauty contest is that his choice lies between the ordinary and smug looking Queen Cassiopeia and a number of much prettier, but unhappy looking Nereides water nymphs.
I’m sure that all of you will be able to guess who the eventual winner is!!

3. Aphrodites Rock

The most awe inspiring piece of coastline to be seen in Cyprus, when the sun is out, and I defy any couple, regardless of how young or old, to not be bewitched by it’s spell. Of all ancient Greek myths, the story of Aphrodite’s creation will bring water to your eyes, but the story lives on as one of the well known legends surrounding this stunning rock formation.
Cronos was begged by his mother Gaia to be released from the embraces of her husband Uranus. In order to assist his mother in her plight, Cronos castrated his father with a sickle and threw his genitals into the sea. The foam gathered around them and the Goddess rose from the sea as a fully grown woman.

4. St George Fishing Harbour

I recommend that you visit this memorable place in Paphos with someone very special to you and a camera. Arrive late afternoon and watch the fishing boats come in with their daily catch. Have a drink or two at the beach side bar but don’t stay too long before securing yourself a spot on the harbour wall. Take along the camera or video and make sure you have plenty of film as this is one of those special places to catch the most romantic of sunsets in Cyprus. Enjoy!

5. Sterna Winery

Located on the outskirts of the village of Kathiskas, 15 mins drive from Paphos. Be entertained by the charismatic Cypriot owner who will treat you to free wine tasting and a tour of this very small winery. Do not miss out on their own peach schnapps – powerful enough to blow your head off and must be thrown back in one go. If you make a purchase of their very fine wines you will probably find that a complimentary bottle of schnapps is thrown in. Not recommended to light the Xmas pud with!

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As a New England vacation travel writer I’ve always considered Connecticut an overlooked state when people choose destinations and attractions for a New England vacation. As you’ll discover here a Connecticut vacation offers plenty of excitement and relaxation.

Keywords:
connecticut vacation, connecticut vacations

Article Body:
As a New England vacation travel writer I’ve always considered Connecticut an overlooked state when people choose destinations and attractions for a New England vacation. As you’ll discover here a Connecticut vacation offers excitement… or peace and quiet, depending on your mood.

Let’s take a quick look at seven reasons why you should consider a Connecticut vacation for your next New England trip.

THE MUSEUMS OF CONNECTICUT

With more than 14 diverse theme museums in Connecticut, there’s bound to be something to suit your taste. Here’s a quick rundown…

Bridgeport is home to The Barnum Museum and Discover Museum, and at Danbury you’ll find the Military Museum of Southern New England and the Danbury Railway Museum. Keeping with a train theme Thomaston hosts the Railroad Museum of New England and Naugatuck Railroad.

In Bristol you can find The New England Carousel Museum and period time pieces at the American Clock and Watch Museum. Just a little south in Waterbury is Time Expo, and a chance to celebrate the heritage of the Litchfield region at the Mattatuck Museum. At the Connecticut Antique Machinery Museum in Kent experience machinery that once drove commerce in the area.

Windsor Locks is not just home to Bradley International Airport but also to the New England Air Museum and south in East Haven experience another form of transportation at the Shore Line Trolley Museum.

And rounding out our must-see list is Mystic’s Museum of America and the Sea, and the fabulous Mashantucket Pequot Museum in nearby Mashantucket.

THE CONNECTICUT WINE TRAIL

Wineries in Connecticut? Yes, in fact there’s 16 of them scattered throughout the state, and they make a perfect basis for a Connecticut Vacation. The climate in Connecticut is mild compared to the rest of New England and wines produced include: Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, and Riesling. While Connecticut wines have only been produced since 1978, many farms where the grapes are grown are hundreds of years old. The wine tasting room will usually be open but call ahead for a tour time. You’ll find these wineries not geared for large bus loads, but on the plus much more intermit than wineries in Northern California.

The wine trail is split into two major regions and it’s suggested your tour is split up over three to four days. But because the trail takes you near so many other destinations and attractions in Connecticut let yourself be distracted and enjoy the jaunt through scenic and historic New England towns.

FOXWOODS AND MOHEGAN SUN

Combined Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun make the largest casino complex in the world. Foxwoods in owned and run by Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, and Mohegan Sun by Mohegan Tribe on lands they own in Uncasville. These are sophisticated high-style experiences with shopping complexes, hotels, high profile entertainment acts, and top-rated restaurants. They are both close to each other and located in the eastern region of Connecticut, and close to museums, scenic drives, and the Connecticut vacation attractions in Mystic.

HISTORIC HOMES OF CONNECTICUT

Perhaps the most famous home to see on your Connecticut vacation is Mark Twain’s in Hartford, which is now a museum as well full of many artifacts he accumulated in the 17 years he lived there. Also in Hartford is Harriet Beecher Stowe home of Uncle Tom’s Cabin fame. Another famous woman’s home is the academy run by Prudence Crandall in Canterbury – it’s the site of the first academy for black women in New England. Your trip to Connecticut should include the town of Litchfield where you can view museum quality preserved colonial homes, and the Litchfield History Museum and Tapping Reeve House and Law School.

Connecticut includes many historic homes that played an important role in the Underground Railroad and the African-American journey from slavery to freedom.

ESSEX STEAM TRAIN AND THE CONNECTICUT RIVER

The historic 1892 Essex station is your kick-off point for a unique combined 21/2 hour vintage Steam Train and Riverboat Cruise along the Connecticut River. In the summer it’s cooling, and in the fall stunning with the turning of the leaves. The Connecticut River Museum is also in Essex and vividly brings to life the river’s history as told through paintings, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.

THE TOWN OF MYSTIC

Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium are magnets for visitors to Connecticut. The seaport is billed as The Museum of America and the Sea and depicts an authentic 19th century seafaring village, tall ships to tour, and a Preservation Yard where master shipbuilding skills are still practiced. The Mystic Aquarium includes a delightful array of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including Beluga whales, and a stunning display and model of the Titanic.

THE ANTIQUE RUNS

Connecticut is famous for its concentration of antique shops, and draws thousands of treasure hunters each year who take a Connecticut vacation just to stock up on bargains and specimens to collect and decorate their homes. The village of Woodbury is known as the “Antiques Capital of Connecticut” and has over 45 dealers, but the fact is you’re never too far from that special purchase no matter where you are in the state. Just sometimes its nice to take the time to follow your nose along a scenic New England road and see where it takes you… you can bet if it’s in Connecticut, it’ll take you close to an antique shop.

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• An essential gift

Word Count:
516

Summary:
A diamond anniversary band celebrates the everlasting nature of love and is a beautiful reminder of long cherished memories. Beautifully crafted and well-designed unique diamond anniversary bands make for the perfect gift to express your love for each other. Whether you buy a pair of anniversary bands or buy an individual band, these rings celebrate those years of togetherness and the moments spent together.

Keywords:
wedding bands, affordable jewelry, diamond anniversary bands

Article Body:
A diamond anniversary band celebrates the everlasting nature of love and is a beautiful reminder of long cherished memories.

Beautifully crafted and well-designed unique diamond anniversary bands make for the perfect gift to express your love for each other. Whether you buy a pair of anniversary bands or buy an individual band, these rings celebrate those years of togetherness and the moments spent together.

Have you given your wife or your husband a ring ever since you exchanged wedding bands so many years ago? Why not show her/him your true feelings and buy for them a high quality, affordable jewelry piece such as an anniversary ring? The diamond anniversary band will be much more than a piece of jewelry. It will be a special and cherished token of your love, appreciation, thoughtfulness, and everlasting commitment to your partner.

Diamonds are a woman’s best friend and that’s an open secret. Only women really know what they want, which is exactly why the diamond anniversary bands available at Affinity Jewelers have been hand-crafted by a team of extremely talented and experienced designers in modern and sleek designs. Each diamond-studded band reflects timeless beauty, magnificence, elegance, and grace. Our diamond anniversary bands and wedding bands are made from precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum adding a touch of exclusivity to each piece of jewelry.

Diamond anniversary bands come in a range of designs and options and have small diamonds that run along around the entire band symbolizing the ‘forever’ commitment in your marriage. Moreover, your choice is not limited to diamonds for anniversary bands. You can have a band studded with the stone of your choice to symbolize any particular anniversary or anniversary milestone.

Affinity Jewelers can even customize the diamond anniversary bands. You can use any number of diamonds or any other gemstone of your choice to make this occasion more special in your and your partner’s life. And that’s not all you can get creative by engraving the inside of the anniversary band with a meaningful message that will serve as a reminder of your love.

At affinityjewelers.com, you can browse through an ever growing collection of rings, weddings bands, diamond anniversary bands, earrings, pendants, watches and many more affordable jewelry items to choose the one that’s ideal for your partner, and one she can be proud of. Affinity Jewelers’ strives to define what good jewelry should be like and aim to make even well-crafted diamond jewelry affordable. Their rings and bands are available for as low as $350 and come with a 20-day return back policy.

Affinity Jeweler’s range of jewelry is not limited to women. They design for men as well. Charismatic, bold, and masculine all the way, their diamond anniversary bands for men are excellently crafted and designed.

So whether it’s your 1st, 10th or 50th anniversary, make it a special anniversary by gifting any one of the many exclusive diamond anniversary bands available at Affinity Jewelers and see the sparkle of happiness in her eye as you recommit to your love for her!

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Hello from Vancouver (5): Gastown and My Final Explorations

After my extremely interesting walking tour of the Downtown East Side I decided to round out my exploration of the city with another bicycling trip. In my mind, bicycling is just the perfect way to discover a city, it gives you greater range than walking, you don’t need to wait around for buses, and you get exercise at the same time -bonus!

I realized that I had not even seen Gastown yet, which gave me a perfec…

Keywords:
Vancouver, Stanley Park, The Sun Tower,Gastown

Article Body:
Hello from Vancouver (5): Gastown and My Final Explorations

After my extremely interesting walking tour of the Downtown East Side I decided to round out my exploration of the city with another bicycling trip. In my mind, bicycling is just the perfect way to discover a city, it gives you greater range than walking, you don’t need to wait around for buses, and you get exercise at the same time -bonus!

I realized that I had not even seen Gastown yet, which gave me a perfect excuse for another round of exploring. I went to Spokes Bicycle Rentals again, talked to Phil who had been so helpful to me on Saturday in my exploration of Stanley Park and off I went for another few hours, to see just a bit more of Vancouver before I had to leave. I decided to ride back to the Downtown East Side since I wasn’t able to take any photos during the walking tour. I rode along the waterfront trail past Canada Place and the Harbour Centre to the east side of town.

I closely retraced my steps from this morning’s walking tour on the bicycle and took some pictures of some of the buildings along the way. One place that definitely stood out was the Sun Tower, a building created between 1911 and 1912 that used to be the headquarters of the Vancouver Sun. I rode through Chinatown again, which still had such an unusually orderly and organized feel to it.

Then I explored Gastown, one of Vancouver’s most historic areas. Its founding father was a loquacious saloon owner: John “Gassy Jack” Deighton, who, in 1867, built a saloon near the corner of Carrall and Water Streets to profit from the local lumber mill workers and gold prospectors on their way to the Yukon. By the 1870s, Gastown was a multicultural community, complete with saloons, hotels and grocery stores, brought into town because Vancouver had been chosen as the Canadian Pacific Railroad terminus.

By 1886 it had 1,000 buildings and 3,000 residents. Then, in 1886, a blaze broke out and burned the town to the ground. Although destroying the town, this fire started the biggest building boom in West Coast history. After an economic decline in the early part of the 20th century, Gastown became a virtual backwater from the 1930s to 1950s until a group of local merchants and property owners put it back on the map in the 1960s by renovating the historic buildings and turning them into one of the city’s top tourist attractions.

One of the biggest draws Gastown is the steam-powered clock, the world’s first, created by Raymond Saunders who has a small shop nearby. Live steam, pumped from a plant that heats more than 100 downtown buildings, operates the mechanism of the clocks and blows the whistles. At each quarter hour the clock sounds the Westminster Chimes while the large whistle announces the hours. Gastown’s Steam Clock is one of the favourite photography spots for tourists. Gastown also houses another major Vancouver attraction: an innovative educational and cultural experience called Storeyum: it’s 100,000 square foot indoor venue showcases the colourful history of Canada’s West Coast in live reenactments.

Of course I didn’t have time to explore Gastown and all its stores and restaurants in detail since my plane would be leaving in a few hours and I still wanted to head back to Stanley Park one more time to catch another glimpse of this most gorgeous urban greenspace. So back I cycled past construction of the new convention centre and back on the waterfront into Stanley Park. Since this was my second time in the park I caught a few things I missed the first time around: I saw the Girl in a Wetsuit sculpture, created in 1972, which is a life-size bronze statue of a woman in a wetsuit, with flippers on her feet and her mask pushed up on her forehead, and sits on a large intertidal boulder just offshore of Stanley Park.

I didn’t go all around the park but cut across it after a nice little icecream break at the Lumberman’s Arch concession stand and I rode through the beautiful Rose Garden and Shakespeare Garden which form the backbone of the perennial flower beds and ornamental trees and shrubs. Stanley Park is really a sight to behold, and it offers so many recreational and relaxation opportunities. The park also holds a children’s farmyard and miniature train.

My final stop in the park was the Lost Lagoon, a large pond, featuring a fountain at its centre, set against a gorgeous backdrop of forests, flowering shrubs, with the mountains towering in the background. The amount of visual beauty of this area is virtually overwhelming and I was starting to feel a little sad that I had to end my visit since I had to make it back to UBC on the other side of town to retrieve my luggage and head off to the airport.

I had originally planned to go biking until 5:30 pm, considering that my flight wouldn’t leave until almost 9 pm, but then I realized it’s Monday and rush hour would be setting in soon. So I took my bike back early, said my goodbyes to Phil, who’s been so helpful all along, and he gave me a few more words of local advice as to which bus routes to take and off I went to catch a bus to Burrard Street. The intersection of Burrard and Georgia was totally nuts, since the city was repaving and police were directing traffic manually. I was glad I had taken my bike back early, at least I would make it back to the university in time for my departure to the airport. Finally the #44 bus came and I could relax. Actually I was surprised that it only took me 25 minutes to get back to the University which left me extra time to complete some travel reports over the Internet.

All in all, Victoria and Vancouver have been an awesome experience. I had absolutely perfect weather: 25 degrees with beaming sunshine and absolutely no humidity. I had a fabulous reunion in Victoria with my co-worker Clare, two and a half very interesting days at the Canada-US Servas Conference where I got to know some of the most generous and dedicated individuals I have ever had a chance to meet, and in the time in between I had an opportunity to explore Vancouver, a vibrant and exciting city full of contrasts, set in one of the most physically stunning locations anywhere on the planet.

It’s been a very short trip, and all I can say – I’ll be back…..

For the entire article including photos please visit
http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/hello_vancouver_5.htm

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One of the wonderful things about Walt Disney World is that there truly is something for everyone. Even for those who just wish to lay back and be pampered. After a long day in the parks, walking for miles and staying in line to ride your favourite rollercoasters, it is nice to be able to relax at one of the spas at Walt Disney World.

Keywords:
grand floridian resort and spa, saratoga springs spa, disney world spa, mandara spa

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A great way to get rejuvenated and re-energized for the next busy day at the Walt Disney World is to take advantage of one of the luxurious spas that are located at the deluxe resorts from Walt Disney World. Each spa has unique and special features but all of them provide a relaxing environment to unwind and lay back.

Grand Floridian Spa

Walt Disney World’s top spa, the Grand Floridian Spa, is located in the Magic Kingdom. Guests at the Grand Floridian resort have direct access to the spa. If you’re not staying at the Grand Floridian you can get there by monorail, boat and bus. The great thing about the spa is that it encourages parents and children to relax together, side by side. They even have a special program for the children that features a class on skin care and good health and also a mini facial, pedicure and manicure.

The pampering at the Grand Floridian Spa is over the top as you have so many choices that you don’t even know what to start with. However, one of the staff members will help you decide on your treatment program based on your individual needs and prefferences. You can start by enjoying a massage to release the tension and stress in the muscles you have accumulated during a day full of events in the parks. There is a wide range of massage therapies to choose from: swedish, shiatsu, reflexology, a special soothing massage for future mothers and also the Floridian signature citrus zest massage.

After relieving the stress in muscles, the next step is taking care of face and body skin. What woman can say no to a facial that rejuvenates and revitalizes the skin and soothes the senses? Men can also enjoy this part as the spa offers facial treatments for men that provide deep cleaning and conditioning. For the body you can choose body wraps to detoxify and relax, paraffin and OPC body masques and also a sugar scrub.

If you came to spend your honeymoon at the Walt Disney World, you can’t miss the special program for couples at the Grand Floridian Spa – a couples massage in a romantic environment with scented candles and everything. Couples can take home a part of the magic by attending a massage class where they can learn more about different massage techniques they can use after leaving Disney World.

The Grand Floridian Spa has a boutique that allows you to purchase many of the treatments used in the spa to be used at home. They have their own line of bath and body care products that are sold exclusively at the boutique.

Saratoga Springs Spa

The Saratoga Springs Spa is located in the downtown Disney area. It recreates the relaxing atmosphere of the healing spas of Saratoga Springs, New York. Its signature program is the Adirondack Stone therapy that uses heated stones to relax tense muscles and soothe nerves. As you would expect from Saratoga springs, the spa is famous for its hydro massage therapy. You can also get swedish, aromatherapy, motherhood, reflexology and shiatsu massages as at the Grand Foridian Spa but you will certainly be interested in the forest inspired massage that combines reflexology and Swedish massage.

Skin care treatments include facials for ladies, men and also teenagers, body wraps and masks. If you want to feel special you can choose the maple sugar treatment or the seaweed wrap that will certainly give you a glowing look.

Mandara Spa

The Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin brings a more exotic touch as it is modeled after a Balinese style retreat and features the relaxing customs and rituals of the East. The spa focuses on both physical and mental feeling of wellbeing. It features two asian interior gardens that set the mood the moment you enter the spa. You’re welcomed to visit the tea garden, a replica of a traditional Balinese pavilion used for relaxation, and meditate in the Meru temple before you enjoy the treatments that the spa has to offer.

As expected, all the treatments are inspired by Asian traditions. The signature programs include Bali inspired rituals like the traditional cleansing ceremony practiced in the palaces of Java since the 17th century or a Balinese massage, a combination of stretching, elements of shiatsu, accupressure and Swedish massage. Lime and ginger treatments, coconut rubs, milk ritual wraps or seaweed wraps complete the ultimate sensory experience.

Other specials include tooth whitening, hair and nail treatments and a makeup and styling session for the brides who plan to hold their wedding at the Walt Disney World.

You can also find the Zahanati Spa at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the BoardWalk Inn, the Contemporary, the Wilderness Lodge and the Yacht Club also offer spa services. Regardless of which spa you decide upon you will leave the Walt Disney World feeling relaxed and refreshed.

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Summary:
After a day packed with explorations and a lovely dinner at the Garrison House I was ready for my final discovery of the day: the famous Annapolis Royal Graveyard Tour. Punctually at 9:15 pm I showed up across the road from the my bed and breakfast at the south entrance of Fort Anne where local historian and expert guide Alan Melanson was ready to give his performance. About 15 people, hailing from places such as North Carolina, California and Saskatchewan, were equipped with…

Keywords:
Nova Scotia, Halifax, Acadian history, Lunenburg, Yarmouth, Annapolis Royal, Peggy\\\’s Cove

Article Body:
After a day packed with explorations and a lovely dinner at the Garrison House I was ready for my final discovery of the day: the famous Annapolis Royal Graveyard Tour. Punctually at 9:15 pm I showed up across the road from the my bed and breakfast at the south entrance of Fort Anne where local historian and expert guide Alan Melanson was ready to give his performance. About 15 people, hailing from places such as North Carolina, California and Saskatchewan, were equipped with candle-lit lanterns and after a brief introduction we were ready to head out.

Alan enlightened us that his outfit was an authentic funeral suit, the black sash and the black scarf tied around the hat were symbols of mourning. We learned that when children died the scarf on the hat would be white. Alan told the group that he has been doing this tour four nights a week, every week from June to October for 15 years and he has only missed one evening. The $7 donation for the tour goes to the Historical Society of Annapolis Royal, and over the years Alan has collected about $60,000 for this non-profit organization. Alan has been a park ranger and guide at the Fort Anne National Historic Site for about 27 years now and in addition to historical interpretation he also does outreach to bring history into local classrooms.

We started walking towards the cemetery, up and down through Fort Anne’s “earthworks”, fortifications constructed from mounds of earth which were intended to protect Annapolis Royal from potential intruders. The cemetery is just a few steps away from Fort Anne, and Alan collected the group at the largest gravestone, an obelisk and started the official tour.

Our first stop was the oldest gravestone in the cemetery, dating back to 1720, which belonged to a 37 year old woman. Alan explained that gravestones feature a lot of symbolism: death was represented for example by a winged skull, young children and babies who passed away would be symbolized by pictures of flowers, lambs or rose buds. Weeping willows were often used to represent death and mourning. Alan also educated us that different types of stone were used as gravestones over the centuries: slate, sandstone, granite and marble were all used to immortalize the dead.

Many of the residents of the graveyard had interesting stories: an 83-year old woman got cheated out of her fortune by a bad husband. Some soldiers were also buried here and Alan shed light on life in the army in the 18th century: out of 100 soldiers only six were allowed to bring their wives with them during deployments from England in the colonies. The wives and children who were allowed to come did not fare well either as they had to share bunk beds with their husbands. Conditions for soldiers only changed during the Crimean War when press coverage made the general public aware of the poor living conditions of soldiers, resulting in general outrage. The power of the press was already in evidence in the 1850s?

We also learned that large groups of volunteers regularly clean the gravestones, carefully using wooden tools and soap to scrape off the moss and then finishing the job with a solution made of vinegar and water. Alan reported that very little vandalism happens here in this historic graveyard since the local residents are extremely proud of their heritage. As a ninth generation Acadian, as a historic interpreter at Fort Anne and as the President of the Annapolis Royal Historical Society, Alan Melanson can personally attest to the importance and appreciation of history that characterizes this area. Annapolis Royal has the biggest National Heritage District consisting of 135 heritage buildings, it features the oldest gravestone and the oldest National Historic Site in Canada.

The pride in local history also includes reenactments of historic events and lifestyles. Alan told us about various historical reenactments which served moose nose soup and smoked beaver tail, dishes very similar to those that would have been savoured in the early 1600s by the settlers of the Port-Royal Habitation, incidentally the place where Wayne Melanson, Alan’s identical twin brother, introduced me to early French history this afternoon.

Annapolis Royal is one of the most historic towns on the east coast and the oldest house in town, just east of the Historic Gardens, dates back to 1708. Alan explained the town’s history was based around shipbuilding and of 13 wharfs only one is still in existence. The Garrison Graveyard houses 234 gravestones and more than 2000 people are buried here. Early Acadian settlers are also interred here, but their graves did not have gravestones ? their wooden crosses have long since rotted away.

Our local expert also informed us that a soldier dating back to the 1780s was found buried in the riverbed. Based on historical accounts and the burial technique, this person must have been a criminal which is the reason why he was buried in the river. Alan Melanson, himself a ninth generation Acadian who can trace his own lineage back to a certain Charles Melanson who arrived in this area in 1664, certainly has a passion for history and it shows. His theatrical voice conveys enthusiasm for the history of this town and he injects his presentation with humour and wittiness. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin also enjoyed his Garrison Graveyard Tour with Alan Melanson.

After the tour was over I returned the lantern and received a certificate attesting that I had attended the Annapolis Royal Graveyard Tour. I came back to the Garrison House B&B and peeked out into the dark cemetery, wondering what life must have been like in this town in the 1700 and 1800s. I laid down to rest up for another full day of explorations tomorrow which would include the Tidal Power Generating Plant, the Bear River Heritage and Cultural Centre and a coastal drive down to Yarmouth on the western tip of this province. Nova Scotia sure has a lot of history, interesting personalities and many fascinating human stories?

For the entire article including photos please visit
http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/annapolis_royal_graveyard_tour.htm

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