:Forest Folk

Relais Amore is ideal for guests looking for a friendly atmosphere, and wanting to spend their holiday in the centre of town, but at the same time enjoying the tranquillity of a quiet residential area. The Relais is ten minutes from the main square, Piazza Tasso, and is also very near the ferry boat harbour and the railway station. There is a bus stop nearby, ideal for guests who wish to avoid traffic and parking problems. The comfort and elegance of Relais Amore will make your stay thoroughly enjoyable!
Staff will be on hand to give any local information regarding daily excursions by hydrofoil to Capri, Ischia and Procida, train services to Pompei, Herculaneum and Naples and bus services along the Amalfi coast.

Relais Amore is located in Sorrento in an apartment complex, with swimming pool and tennis court, surrounded by lemon and orange groves, and a garden full of lush vegetation.
All rooms are very tastefully furnished!
It is situated 300 metres from the railway station to Naples and Pompei, 50 metres from the bus stop to Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Marina della Lobra and Marina del Cantone. Only 500 metres separate the Relais from the ferry boat harbour that connects Sorrento to Ischia, Capri, Naples and Positano. Also to be found nearby are shops, supermarkets, banks, restaurants, bars, boutiques - all located on the main street (Corso Italia), and craft shops in the historical centre called the “Schizzariello”.

Rooms
Spacious double rooms with an optional extra bed, or single rooms. These are all with air conditioning and TV. Some have Jacuzzi, kitchenette, terrace…
Services
Breakfast, daily cleaning, linen and towels changed every two days.
Internet point at 200 metres.
Car Parking 50 metres (15,00 € a day)
Laundrette150 metres.
Breakfast included in the price
Swimming pool opens during the summer

Planning a trip to Italy? The top 3 destinations in Italy are Rome, Venice and Florence; for example, in order to make it easy to find an hotel in Rome, you can have a look at our advanced search. Simple as 1-2-3, the same method can be applied to find guided tours in Naples, or to compare price for different hotels in Palermo, from bed and breakfast to Hotels.

Comments Off

Chamonix Haute Savoie is a prestigious ski resort with the infamous Monte Bianco and tumbling glaciers. Everyone like to go snowboarding or sometimes wandering around. I usually get a flight from Granby and stay at a Chamonix lodge during my holiday.

My family and I previously visited Doubletree Hotel and Executive Meeting Center Berkeley Marina unfortunately it never matched its its advert: With panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline, the Doubletree is approximately 10 miles from Oakland International Airport. This property is located right on the Berkeley Marina with full access to jogging trails, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and other water activities. Hotel amenities include the two indoor swimming pools, two hot tubs, sauna, complimentary fitness center, gift shop, and room service. In addition, the Bay Grille and Bay Lounge sit on the water with views of the bay.

However in Chamonix town the luxury catered chalet is nearly always good. Also dining in our groups number one bar, Beef Chop Suey, munching oyster stew is a pleasure. Chamonix France is a big enough village to insure that there is lots of things for the visitor to do. Including a sports and swimming complex and a plethora of shops, Chamonix provides a combination of skiing, French alpine charm and tourist attractions which few resorts can hope to rival.

Comments Off

A new BBC site has launched a new fantastic green domain. It focuses on combating climate change & looks into organic skincare. Sales of organic soups are really booming on the backend of supposed benefits to the nations health and the global environment. Organic pears are produced according to a harsh production standard. Traditionally organic farms have been comparably small family run farms- that is why organic salads was once only for sale in tiny organic retailers and markets. New Cross Market in North London is one of the leading farmers markets around. On a Wednesday dinner time there is an enormous queue at the organic salad bar. Currently you yourself will probably find organic onions from a plentiful range of retailers.

Since the early 1990’s organic chillis has had growth rates of around 17 percent a year, somewhat ahead of the rest of the food industry, in the developed & developing countries. For tonnes of customers there is an understanding that eating organic oranges can only improve your health, different people have differing opinions on that. One reality that can be proved is that organic farming utilises far fewer pesticides than conventional agriculture. Acquiring organic pasta aint just about health, for various folks it’s about helping to save the planet. Some organic farming certifications schemes are definitely stricter than others. The Soil Association are definitely most rigours, particularly for turkey & pigs. Soil Association certifies chickens are kept in smaller flocks, & appreciate more space indoors & out than others. The greater part of the other organic poultry standards are closer to free- range.

Organic face washes is now something that is popularly used. With organic it means it is all naturally organic ingredients. Organic beauty products are much further beloved and more effective than some ingredients reflected in normal day to day skin care. With naturally organic ingredients they will work in harmony with your body & skin to enhance your body’s natural healing and regenerative capabilities. Just like when you feed your body fast food, it will let you know its not happy- your skin is not that different. BBC Green explore the organic industry including Organic and Natural Foods .

Comments Off

Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family resorts that have fun sports and activities for the whole family, all inclusive resorts where meals are included and kid clubs? Here are some of the most popular beach destinations for families to unwind and relax:

Mexico

Mexico, especially the Cancun area, and Mayan Riviera, an hour’s drive south of Cancun, is a popular place for family beach vacations. The Mayan Riviera is one of the regions of Mexico - and the world- which offers the richest variety of landscapes and archaeological treasures including Mayan ruins, coral reef, snorkelling lagoons, and eco-theme parks such as Xcaret. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and attractions throughout Mexico welcome families with open arms.

Jamaica

Jamaica is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Caribbean Islands and is one of the top family-vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Many of Jamaica’s resorts offer supervised children’s activities, babysitters, family discounts, and kid’s meals. Jamaica has an abundance of top all-inclusive chains including: Sandals Beaches, SuperClubs Breezes resorts and Club Med. There are also many other family vacation options such as the Franklyn D. Resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, where families have their own vacation nanny during their stay.

Turks and Caicos

On a 12-mile stretch of satiny white-sand, Beaches Turks & Caicos is one of the premier family resorts on the island.With separate programs for infants, toddlers and teens, each is designed to give each age the activities they love. So when you’re off doing your thing, they’re off doing theirs. There are many other resorts to stay at this idyllic family beach destination

Bahamas

Home to the Atlantis Bahamas resort and many other excellent family resorts, there will not be a dull moment on your Bahamas family vacation. Blessed with the perfect location-less than 100 miles off the coast of Florida, the perfect climate- averaging a little over 75 degrees, and the perfect surroundings-crystal clear turquoise blue waters and pearly white beaches, the Islands of the Bahamas is the perfect destination for your next family beach vacation.

Hawaii
A Family Hawaii Vacation has it all. Beautiful beaches, world-class golf, surfing, shopping, swimming, top notch hotels, condominiums, eco tours, national parks, warm weather, and cool ocean breezes. The four islands that are popular for a family Hawaii Vacation are Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.

Florida

Florida is a popular family beach destination because the climate is warm year round, it is easy to get to, it offers good value for your money, there are endless options for sightseeing and attractions for you family depending on what area you are in, and the beaches in Florida are numerous. In addition to beach destinations and of course Walt Disney World, there are tons of other family outings including Universal Studios, Sea World, Bush Gardens and many more.

Don’t forget about kid cruises

This is a very popular family vacation option and my personal favorite. Cruises with kids offer great value, choice and freedom! There are a lot of misconceptions about cruising such as it is only for older people and not suited for families, it is too rigid, there is nothing to do, you’ll feel trapped, you’ll get seasick, it’s too expensive! All is these statements are false and could not be further from the truth. Bring your kids along on almost any cruise and they’ll have the time of their lives.

Jolana Klobouk is a former travel agent who has traveled extensively for work and vacations with her family. For more travel information, visit her travel websites: http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com and http://www.FlyFromCanada.com

Comments Off

The old goat herder stands before his flock. Stick in hand, he bears the look of experience. His beaten old hat keeps the sun off his unshaven face.

His weathered trousers have seen better days and wear a belt, crudely tied around his waist. His braces are actually two of the elastic straps you use to tie your luggage to the car’s roof rack.

As the sun beats down on the plains of Agia Marina he herds his goats to pastures new and another day of contentment.

When your country has suffered 9000 years of constant invasion, any break in hostilities is greeted with appreciation.

Cyprus is a blend of many influences. Turkish, Greek, Muslim and Christian invaders have all set foot upon this hallowed land and made their mark.

Mosques and Christian churches stand side by side as a reminder of the often turbulent and violent past of Cyprus.

But when free of the shackles of conflict, Cyprus is a place of beauty and discovery. The Byzantine churches amongst the Troodos Mountains are an essential experience.

The sense of history and culture is overwhelming as you journey through mountain passes and wonder at the ancient architecture.

For a genuine sense of solitude try cycling through the barren land of the Karpas Peninsula or hiking the well-trodden trails of Mount Olympus.

The blue crystal waters of Cape Greco provide a wealth of opportunity for swimming and diving.

When the sun goes down, the Cypriot nightlife will have you dancing into the early hours. Youngsters tend to make their way towards the large contingent of British pubs in Agia Napa.

The more cultured make their way to the traditional Cypriot cafes and bars. Here you can drink raki, the local firewater made from distilled grapes.

If you’re peckish, try the baked lamb dish of kleftiko, or another local favourite mezedes.

Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit www.sargas.co.uk

Comments Off

Ukrainians love their numerous holidays and love to “celebrate”
those holidays in grandeous fashion. It’s not uncommon for
Westerners to be taken aback at just how many “days of note”
they observe, and the amount of fireworks and revelry that goes
along with them, not to mention the vast amount of spirits
consumed. Ukraines history that included Paganism and later
Christianity can be attributed to the evolution of many of her
current holidays and festivities.

1 January - New Year’s Day is one the most favorite of
all holidays in Ukraine. As in Western countries on Christmas
Eve, Ukrainians give “New Year” presents, Children receive their
presents under the New Year Tree on the morning of the 1st of
January. Traditionally just prior to midnight there’s a
Presidential speech broadcast nationally. When the clock strikes
Midnight, people pop open thier champaign bottles and raise a
toast. With the first glass they congratulate each other as the
clock strikes 12 times and fireworks fill the sky. The week
before the New Year is a busy one with shopping, parties at
work, decorating pine and fir-trees, and cooking the years most
delicious meals. The main folk heroes of this holiday are Father
Frost (Did Moroz) and his grand-daughter “Sniguron’ka” (The Snow
Girl). The tradition of predicting fortunes on this night is
very popular among young people.

A peculiar tradition includes writing down on a piece of paper
your wish for the coming year, then dropping it in to your
champagne and drinking it as the clock stikes twelve times.
Another “fun” folk tradition pacticed mainly in the villages on
New Year night is for the unmarried girls to go outside and
throw one of thier boots over the Hosts’ fence. Whichever way
the toe of the boot ends up pointing indicates where the future
husband will come from. Nearly all businesses remain closed from
December 31st to January 8th.

7 January - Orthodox Christmas The period from the 7th
until the 14th of January is Saint Christmas week. During this
week people go from one house to another, singing songs and
wishing good wishes to health, prosperity, etc. and just having
a good time. Most usually are dressed in folksy or carnival type
costumes. Such activity is called “Kolyaduvannya” and
“Schedruvannya”. The songs are called “kolyadky” and
“schedrivky”. When somebody is singing these songs and greeting
you, as a rule you should give them sweets or food or drinks or
whatever you have as a token of appreciation. . It is believed
that everything that the people have sung in their Kolyadka and
Schedrivka will come true.

Also during the new year holidays, up to the 14th of January it
is common for kids (and sometimes adults-in the villages) to go
from one house to another wishing the owner of the house new
year wishes, new happiness, health, etc. All those wishes are
usually said in rhymes and with the spreading of seeds, such as
wheat or other grains. This shows a wish of prosperity for the
house. This practice is called “Posivannya”. Some token, usualy
food, drink, sweets, or money, is usualy given in return.

14 January - Old Calendar New Year celebrated as a family
holiday. See more above under 7 January - Orthodox Christmas.

22 January - Ukrainian Unity Day (Den Sobornosti) is an
important historical event in Ukraine. It goes back to the date
when Eastern and Western Ukraine were united. On this day in
1919 the “Treaty of Unity” between Ukrainians was signed and the
unity of all Ukrainian lands previously belonging to the Russian
Empire (UNR) and the Austro-Hungarian Empire was solemnly
proclaimed on Sofijivska Square in Kyiv. “Den Sobornosti” is the
symbol of territorial and spiritual unity of Ukraine as a
unified sovereign state.

Comments Off