Destinations like Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas and the Bahamas have an infrastructure that is well suited to all-inclusive and non-all-inclusive resorts because there is a wide variety of restaurants and amenities for tourism. Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, on the other hand, do not have the tourist infrastructure and are best suited for an all-inclusive vacation.

You will need to consider this carefully before choosing an all-inclusive resort. The resorts vary: some are designed for couples, some for singles, some for gays, and some for families. Some cater to a younger or older audience. There are also some that offer clothing optional activities. For obvious reasons, most of them do not allow children under the age of 18.

Resorts come in all shapes and sizes. Some include airfare and hotel. Some include airfare, hotel, transfers and some meals. Others include all meals and activities, but not airfare. Often times, buying airfare as part of the package can be a better deal than buying it separately, unless you’re using frequent flyer miles.

Many all-inclusives have, as part of their program, child care facilities that are often a resort within the resort for children, a “day camp” that is special and that children look forward to attending. And many all-inclusive resorts offer incredible discounts to kids (they don’t drink liquor after all), while some even don’t charge for kids 17 and under who share their parents’ room.

What are the benefits of all-inclusive resorts?

The security of knowing that one price covers everything, without any of those nasty surprises that can put a hole in any family’s travel budget. All meals, entertainment, activities and sports, as well as airfare and accommodation, are generally included in one price. You can forget about the worries about carrying a lot of extra spending money and just sit back and enjoy your vacation.

Who should take a look at an all-inclusive?

Travelers who are: on a tight budget, traveling with the kids, receiving the trip as a wedding gift, or getting married on the honeymoon.

So is an all-inclusive resort right for you?

If you are the type of traveler who enjoys trying all the local fare, then spending all your time at an all-inclusive resort is probably not for you. If you like to go somewhere just to relax and not worry about pulling out your wallet every couple of hours to pay for food, drinks, or activities, then there is probably an all-inclusive resort that is right for you.

If you like staying up all night partying and drinking, if you want to take advantage of all the activities and water sports included, if you want to have food and snacks available all day and if you don’t want to have to worry about the final bill when you leave, a all inclusive is definitely a viable option. Some resorts even have 24-hour room service.

All-inclusive resorts can be expensive. On the other hand, they can also add great value. If you’re going to a destination where the cost of meals, snacks, liquor, and activities are expensive, and your hotel or resort is high-end with an expensive nightly rate, an all-inclusive could end up saving you money.

If, on the other hand, you don’t drink much, enjoy lazing on the beach and sleeping early at night, are on a diet, and choose simple salads for your meals, you’d probably spend too much at an all-inclusive resort. Note that the drinks are only cheap locals that are not very strong.

On the downside of an all-inclusive vacation, some people get a bit tired of dining at the same restaurant night after night. Resort rooms may be smaller than standard hotel rooms. Some, not all all-inclusive resorts, offer shows. And some of them have a different show every night.

Some resorts have kids’ clubs for the little ones. Kids clubs start at any hotel at 4 years of age. Babysitters or babysitters are additional costs that are not included in the all-inclusive package. Almost everyone included has activities from beach volleyball to bingo and other games.

It is a good idea if you want a cashless holiday in a safe environment, if you are satisfied that the dining options on offer will suit your tastes, if you take advantage of water sports, nursery and bars.

If you are adventurous and want to spend your days exploring the country you are visiting and your afternoons trying out gastronomic options in the city, you would be better off choosing a resort that offers that kind of flexibility rather than an all-inclusive.

What is normally included in the all-inclusive vacation package?

All food and beverages, beer, wine, spirits and premium tips, government taxes, tips, entertainment, activities and sports, as well as airfare and lodging, are generally included in one price.

Airfare and hotel transfers are optional when purchasing the all-inclusive package. Tips are not allowed. One of the benefits of the all-inclusive resort is that the one-time upfront price covers unlimited activities.

Phone calls and items purchased from the gift shop are included. The pricier all-inclusive resorts will have good sit-down restaurants. The next step down will have all the buffet meals.

Tennis and squash courts can be free and often night lit courts free of charge, but bring your rackets as you will likely have to pay to rent them. Most packages do not include golf fees. In most cases, you must rent a golf cart, but compared to the price of the game on most courses, that cost is negligible. Sailing boats are free most of the time. Snorkels, masks, and fins are usually free, but may have a time limit (note: bring masks from home if you can, keeping in mind that the one-size-fits-all variety is often useless on small faces, so that leaves the kids snorkeling). miserably with a face full of salt water). Snorkeling on the property is free, but the most interesting underwater views are often elsewhere. The latter will cost you, if not for the snorkeling itself, then for the round trip transportation. With motorsports, costs can run up to more than $ 60 an hour. Parasailing is another expensive adventure. Several may also find all-inclusive profitable. Tanks must be paid for separately, but dive excursions are included at some of these resorts. If you are not certified, most resorts offer a “resort certification” that will allow you to take closely supervised guided dives. A resort certification is an excellent introduction to the sport. However, if you are already a certified diver, some resorts, such as Sandals, Beaches, and Gala Resorts, offer one or two tank dives per day in their all-inclusive packages.

Many all-inclusive resorts offer spa treatments as part of their packages, with the option to pay for more intensive therapies.

Don’t forget to budget extra money for some excursions that were not included in the all-inclusive package. A swim with dolphins, for example, costs around $ 100 per person, more than a small change if you are traveling with a family of four.

Consider these additional factors carefully before purchasing an all-inclusive vacation package.

Price is usually related to quality. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. However, sometimes it is possible to get an amazing, legitimate deal, as long as you look in the right places: Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, TNT Vacations, and numerous smaller wholesalers.

Look for deals. Check the websites for details. Check what is included in the price, so you do not incur additional costs that you are not willing to pay.

Organize visas and travel insurance policies well in advance. Your tour operator and travel agent should advise you on all of this, but you should also contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting for visa information.

It is important that you speak with your doctor about the necessary vaccinations for the areas you are traveling to. When traveling to Mexico, you should be especially careful with drinking water or cool drinks to which tap water can be added. Also check the ice – ask if it was made with tap water – it is unlikely that your ice was made with tap water; but it is worth asking in more rustic establishments and rural areas. Salads can also be dangerous if rinsed with tap water. The rule is: if in doubt, ask first! All the major hotels and good restaurants use purified water everywhere.

To be eligible for special honeymoon deals and discounts, it is advisable to bring a copy of your marriage certificate as proof that you are on honeymoon.

If you are a single parent, or if your partner will not be traveling with you and your children for any reason, you must obtain a notarized letter from the absent parent, giving your consent for the child or children to travel with one of the absent parents.

If you are separated from your partner and are the legal guardian of your child / children, you can take a copy of the court order (note: only the original, no copies!) And this will be enough to take your child or children with you.

If you are a widower or widower, you will need to write a letter to explain this and obtain it, and a copy of the death certificate, notarized and take both documents with you when you travel.

If you are under 18 years of age and wish to travel without your parents, you will need to carry a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents.

If you are a single parent or are traveling with your children but without your partner, or if you are under 18 years of age traveling alone, obtain the required documentation before leaving. Airlines are now refusing to board single parents and children and children traveling alone without this notarized letter of consent.

Many hotels in Mexico establish age restrictions during spring break. Here’s an example of the spring break policy for many hotels:

The hotel will accept individual and group bookings of students.

A refundable deposit of $ 200 per person and credit card is required at check in.

All credit cards used must be in the guest’s name.

Guests may be required to sign an agreement / list of rules upon check-in.

At least one person per room must meet the minimum age requirement to register for individual student bookings.

At least one adult for every 20 students is required for student group bookings.

If you or someone in your group is confined to a wheelchair, you will want to explore accessibility issues very carefully. Ask your travel agent specific questions that may concern you.

Always have a way out. Ask about cancellation policies and look for travel insurance, especially if you are booking through an online agency. Choose wisely and make sure the resort’s amenities and programs fit your lifestyle and character, and you’ll have the time of your life!

As the temperature rises, the mind drifts to thoughts of relaxing days by the ocean: white sand between the toes, a soothing lullaby created by the gentle surf and calm azure water that seems to stretch out infinitely before you. The allure of the ocean is universal and beach vacations have been a traveler favorite for generations. As pristine beaches become harder to find, St. Augustine remains absolutely loved by travelers for a very simple reason: a sense of renewal and peace is felt here that cannot be found anywhere else.

Saint Augustine was discovered in 1513 when Juan Ponce de León, sailing along the Atlantic coast in search of the legendary fountain of youth, landed somewhere nearby and claimed the mainland for Spain. Nicknamed “The Old City,” it is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United States; That’s right, it was established before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, and it’s still one of America’s most charming and picturesque seaside towns. In addition to its historical ties to the Spanish Empire, the city also boasts many vestiges of the Flagler Era, when Henry Flagler’s vision of a luxury resort community added marinas, golf courses and luxury hotels to the landscape in the late 19th century. XIX century.

Every day, the area’s charming historic district, with its cobbled streets and quaint cafes, bars, unique shops, and bed and breakfast inns, comes to life with locals and tourists alike who set out on foot to explore the many sights located. in St. Augustine. Five you won’t want to miss are:

* The Castillo de San Marcos, a national monument with an elaborate double drawbridge entrance, has been both a fort fort and a fearsome prison. An outstanding reminder of the power and strength of the early Spanish empire in the New World, it is commonly known as “El Fuerte.” Castillo de San Marcos is made entirely of coquina, a virtually indestructible limestone made up of seashells and coral, and took more than 23 years to complete. Since its completion in 1695, the monument has remained impenetrable to both enemy fire and the violent blows of hurricanes.

* La Casa Mónica is once again a luxurious flagship hotel that combines contemporary pleasures with a legendary past. Built in 1888 and restored in 1999, the hotel offers visitors a Spanish inspired décor. Elegant and opulent, the hotel surrounds guests with jewel-toned velvet, elaborate tapestries, and luminous chandeliers.

* Colonial Spanish Quarter, a living museum where costumed performers relive a time when St. Augustine was a remote outpost in the Spanish Empire, will appeal to young and old alike. Visitors experience how families lived, how they grew and cooked their food, and how they tended their livestock in 1740 St. Augustine.

* The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, built in 1874 and still in use by the United States Coast Guard, preserves the history of the St. Augustine Light Station and its associated maritime, coastal, and social history. Those who dare to climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse are rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of downtown St. Augustine and the beach areas.

* The Fountain of Youth, where Ponce de León used stone markers to draw a cross whose center marked what he believed to be its exact location. The spring is still flowing, and whether seeking relief from the Florida heat or the secret of eternal youth, visitors are invited to sample the cool waters. The grounds also include a town that was home to the Timucua Indians for more than 1,500 years, a planetarium where visitors travel through the night sky, and trails that visitors can idly wander while examining native plants and plants. historical artifacts along the way.

In addition to the charming boardwalk that reflects the glories of Imperial Spain, St. Augustine has something for every member of your family. Children will enjoy the San Agustín Alligator Farm, the only place in the world where 23 species of crocodiles can be observed. Historical tours of the Old City are available in a wide variety of forms. Visitors can choose to watch the world go by from a helicopter, open cart, or horse-drawn carriage. If you’re looking for something unique, those interested in the paranormal can even take a ghost tour of the city’s historic attractions and cemeteries in an authentic hearse.

For help planning a vacation to the St. Augustine area, contact the St. Augustine Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 653-2489 or visit them on the web at http://www.visitoldcity.com.

The karaoke mania is taking the world by storm! Have you gone on stage yet to sing your favorite song to the ones you know and love? If not, you’ll soon find yourself at the singing end of your nearest karaoke system! So what is this karaoke, anyway? What’s the buzz about the newest karaoke player? What do you need to know to be “aware” of this latest trend? Here are some facts, figures, karaoke lingo, and trivia you might want to know.

Karaoke is a Japanese word, made up of abbreviations of two other Japanese words. “Kara” comes from the word “karappo”, which means void. “Oke” comes from the word “okesutura”, which means orchestra. So “Karaoke” literally means empty orchestra. Karaoke players play the music of the songs, without the lead vocal. So the empty orchestra means you get the music without the vocals.

The first karaoke system was invented in the 1970s in Kobe, Japan, by Daisuk Inoue, a musician. He rented his karaoke player for 100 yen, and karaoke soon became fun.

Unfortunately, he did not obtain a patent for his invention, and someone else went on to patent it under a different name, “Minus-One.” As you can see, their Minus-One system was not as popular as the catchy “Karaoke”, which is why Daisuk still achieved his fame. Word of Daisuk’s new machine spread, and from Japan it has now become wildly popular throughout Asia, Europe and the United States.

Karaoke players are perhaps the most popular in Finland. Finland holds several world records for karaoke. They have more karaoke bars per capita than anywhere else in the world. They hold the world record for the most people singing the same karaoke song at the same time – 80,000 people! What song were they singing? Hard Rock Hallelujah! Finland also holds the world record for the longest round of non-stop karaoke singing – 240 hours!

Imagine that! Now you can use your karaoke system to create new world records!

Karaoke Lingo:

What’s a new fad without its own specialized vocabulary to go with it? Here are some karaoke words you should know:

Karaoke Player – This is the karaoke machine itself. Play karaoke songs or music without words. The lyrics are displayed on a monitor so that people can sing the song even if they don’t know the lyrics.

Spinning Karaoke – This is riding a bike on stationary bikes while singing karaoke. What exercise!

KJ: this is the Karaoke DJ. He runs the karaoke system and gets everyone involved. Adjust the karaoke player to alter the key or pitch to better match the singer’s voice range and add some echo, to make everyone sound more professional.

Kamikaze Karaoke: In Kamikaze Karaoke, the KJ will choose a key number for you, and you should try to sing the song in that key.

Hitokara: means that you should sing the song alone.

Karamovie – movie clips where voices are left out

Karaoke Health Benefits:

And here’s great news: singing karaoke releases endorphins! Those are the “happy hormones” that make us feel good!

In addition, singing karaoke releases stress and tension and helps exercise the lungs. So next time you want to go to your local karaoke bar, you can feel good!

New types of karaoke player:

Now you can get karaoke iPods, karaoke cell phones, and DVD player / karaoke system combinations. China has a Karaoke car. Japan, and now it is spreading to other countries, has Karaoke Boxes: karaoke system / soundproof rooms.

Latest karaoke news:

Jackie Chan will sing the opening song of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics – KARAOKE STYLE!

Go figure. Maybe there is something to this karaoke after all. You should try it!

After years of dedicating myself to photography as an avid amateur photographer, I finally decided to take the plunge and become a professional. I already owned all the necessary camera bodies, lenses, flashes, and other assorted equipment, and running my own business meant that future photo purchases would be tax deductible. A smart move, right?

The short answer, for me at least, was “yes.” The long answer, however, was: “It depends on how much time you want to spend running and researching the requirements.”

Fortunately for you, I already did it in North Carolina and am willing to share the results (for this state, at least!).

For the purposes of this article, I assume that the following things are true:

1. You will be operating this business in the state of North Carolina.

2. You already have the photography experience to qualify as a professional photographer (that’s another article in itself).

3. You have done the necessary research to determine if you have the time, energy, lead base, and business plan to ensure your new venture is successful (again, this topic is another article in itself).

The first step was to determine what type of business entity it would be. After doing a lot of research online, I was a bit confused, until a CPA explained it to me: there is a difference between your LEGAL status and your TAX status. She recommended that my photography business be an LLC (Limited Liability Company), but file taxes as a sole proprietor.

As with all the different options, each option has positive and negative aspects. LLC status would protect me from personal liability in the event of a lawsuit, which was important to me. The paperwork is very easy to prepare and submit, which is also good because I wanted to take care of everything myself.

Filing taxes as a sole proprietor would be very simple – just attach a Schedule C to my personal tax return each year. Although this filing status is fairly easy, sole proprietors pay a slightly higher tax rate than S corporations.

Filing as an S-Corp, however, means more paperwork and quarterly tax filing rather than a Schedule C with my annual return. I wasn’t interested in that much paperwork, so sole proprietorship is fine with me. If my business starts making so much money that I am interested in a lower tax rate, I can always change my status to S-Corp.

Now that I have determined my legal status and tax status, I had to file my LLC in the state of North Carolina. This involves sending a check for $ 125 to the Secretary of State, along with the Articles of Organization, which can be downloaded and completed from their website.

It takes 7-10 days for your status to get confirmed, but if you include a note and your email address, it will be emailed to you, saving you a few days.

Photographers are considered by the state of North Carolina to be one of those fortunate professions that require a state privilege license. This is an annual license granted to the person, not the company, so if you end up working for a different photography business in the future, you don’t need to get a second license that year. A privilege license is $ 200, from the North Carolina Revenue Office. This must be done in person, but the Department of Revenue has offices throughout the state, so there is probably one in a nearby city.

While I was there, I also received a state tax ID. This is (thankfully) free and will come in handy because armed with this important number, I will no longer have to pay sales tax when purchasing items for my business (assuming I am purchasing from a North Carolina vendor – obviously you do not pay tax on sales when buying from an out-of-state supplier, such as when buying glasses online).

The friendly and helpful North Carolina Revenue Clerk explained to me that two forms must be submitted to the NC Revenue Office each quarter. One is a form that explains what your income was for the quarter and how much tax you charged your customers. You will need to include a check for the amount of the tax. The other form shows what equipment you bought for your business that quarter and paid no taxes. You’ll need to include a check for 1% of the total (well, at least that’s lower than paying full retail tax on your purchases). This includes everything from cameras and lenses to printers, computers, paper, ink cartridges, etc.

Collecting sales tax from my clients is a bit confusing in North Carolina. The law is not clear and lawsuits that have been filed in state court have conflicting results. It seems there is no need to charge sales tax in services such as session fees, UNLESS the customer ends up purchasing session impressions. Of course, you always wait and assume that the customer will buy prints, but you never know for sure. To be on the safe side, you should go ahead and charge them sales tax on session fees up front, assuming they will buy prints.

Your forever need to collect sales tax on tangible goods sold. Therefore, any print, album, or other product that you sell to your customers must always include sales tax.

The tax rate that is applied depends on where the customer took possession of the merchandise. If the client lives in Gaston County and asks me to mail the prints to them, the Gaston County rate applies. If the bride decides to stop by my home in Charlotte to pick them up in person, the Mecklenburg County rate applies.

Taxes were by far the most complicated part of the business formation process. Fortunately, the employees at the North Carolina Revenue Office were very helpful and gave me several “reference sheets”, sample forms, and (best of all) their phone numbers to call if I have questions.

If you want your North Carolina state tax identification number to be in your business name, rather than your own name, you will need an IRS employer identification number. At first I was confused by this, because I was not planning to hire anyone but myself, but it turns out that the employer identification number has nothing to do with employing anyone. Fortunately, it was free and easily handled over the phone while you waited in the lobby of the state tax office.

Now there is the question of where you live. I am a Charlotte resident so I am in Mecklenburg County. Fortunately, Mecklenburg County recognizes the state privilege license, so I was not required to obtain an additional business license from the county.

However, I was asked to obtain a Permit for Habitual Occupancy at Home from the Zoning Office. This is a one-time permit that allows me to work from home. This is a lifetime permit; however, it only applies to this particular address. If I decide to move to a different house in a few years, I will have to obtain a new permit. It costs $ 125.

Next, I needed a business checking account. I went straight to Wachovia as they already handle our personal bank accounts and I wanted everything in one place for convenience. Wachovia needed copies of my privilege license, my EIN, and my state tax ID, as well as the normal documents for a new account like my driver’s license. In about a week, I had received my check card and account checks. This is highly recommended by the CPA I visited, to keep business and personal expenses separate.

The last thing he needed was business insurance. This is recommended in addition to any general or owner’s liability coverage you already have. It is not too expensive (less than $ 200 per year) so go ahead and get it. Any insurance agent will be able to go over the options with you. Not only will business insurance cover your equipment in the event that any of those expensive lenses or cameras get damaged, but it will also help in the event that a guest trips over one of your light stands at a wedding, for example.

A few side notes: If your business is an LLC, you must legally have the initials “LLC” or the words “Limited Liability Company” in your business name. This makes it clear to all potential customers and clients that you are an LLC. Also, if you don’t keep your business and personal expenses separate, you lose the protection of an LLC (which means your personal assets are vulnerable in the event of a lawsuit). DON’T RISK THIS – keep everything well documented and separate!

Good luck with your new company! I recommend visiting the North Carolina state business development website and calling their hotline; They gave me a lot of advice that the CPA didn’t mention, and it was free! Fortunately, there is a lot of support for people starting their own businesses. It’s free, and these folks know what they’re talking about, take advantage of it!

Every union in the world should have the opportunity to see and feel the attractions of Disney World. People of full maturity and from all over the world would probably walk through your door. Disney attractions are world famous for all the many attractions and entertainment that the whole family is sure to enjoy. Disney attractions don’t just offer what theme parks regularly offer, their own water parks. Therefore, not only the many attractions, the food and the entertainment are enough to make the best theme park in the world.

The best way to save money when buying Disney attraction tickets is to know which drop you use at any of these sites. In fact, Disney gave Flex tickets and park admission tickets. These two tickets are the best options for buying Disney attraction tickets. These tickets allow you to have more visits to various amusement parks, without having to buy different tickets. This is a multiple access ticket for your interest in various theme parks.

If you were trying to buy discounted Disney World tickets, you’ve probably known someone who sells partially used used passes. A lot of people are selling discounted Disney tickets and attracting a fair amount of Disney vacation tickets that are too good to be true. Almost everything in life seems too good to be correct, not only is there no way to tell if a Disney park pass is actually a number of days. Until you get a valid park card by using discount tickets, you can get some discount. In addition to tickets, discounted tickets to Disney parks around the world are not transferable. This implies that all people of middle age have a biometric scan when they use their discounted Disney World tickets. Only singles can use the flag. Finally, and possibly more especially, in Florida, it is illegal to resell partially used Discount Tickets, and Disney is not enforceable.

If you are considering a beach vacation in sunny Southern California, you should consider Huntington Beach. It is quite possibly one of the best vacation spots in the world. There are so many activities that you will have a fun-filled vacation. You can easily surf, golf, tennis, skateboard or beach volleyball. There really is something for all sports enthusiasts.

If you don’t like the sports mentioned above and want a slightly more relaxing vacation or need a break from the big surf, why not try some of the activities and places below.

Inside Huntington Beach

Within the city or very close to Huntington Beach there are tons of great sports to visit. There’s the Huntington Beach Art Center and the International Surf Museum, as well as the Surfing Hall of Fame. Both are fun activities that can take an afternoon. You may also want to visit the excellent shops in the city center, where you are sure to find some new flip flops or a new bathing suit. There are also great restaurants in downtown Main Street.

If you are a shopaholic, you might want to try Fashion Island or South Coast Plaza. These two malls are home to some of the best stores in the world. South Coast Plaza, in particular, has plenty of great high-end fashion and clothing stores and a great bookstore to boot. If you’re hungry and need a break from shopping, there are great restaurants around the mall and even in the mall. Why not try something different at California Pizza Kitchen or Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant?

With children

Bring your children with you on vacation as there are many activities in and around the area where they can have a lot of fun. For example, there is the Huntington Beach Central Park, which is the largest park in Southern California. You can easily burn off some of that childish energy in this park. They will have plenty of open space to run, scream, and be kids. There are restaurants, picnic tables, and even an adventure play area that is sure to pique the interest of adults.

Nearby destinations

If you still can’t find anything to do, you can always venture a little further than Huntington Beach, where you’ll quickly find a ton of great activities. For example, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Wild Rivers, and Aquarium of the Pacific are all within a 30-minute drive and can offer many fun activities to do. Then, after a full day of fun at the attractions or watching the beautiful fish, return to the pleasant and quiet resort-style life of Huntington Beach.

As you can see, this is almost the most perfect vacation spot in the world. In fact, once you stay for a week on vacation, you will never want to leave. It has perfect year-round temperatures, great waves, great shopping, and great food – what more could you ask for?

The Colorado Plateau is a region of the United States that includes parts of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. This region is centered around the area known as the four corners, which is the point where the four states meet in one location. It is the only place in the United States where a citizen can be in four states at the same time, hence the name Four Corners.

What makes this region so fascinating to geologists and visitors are the many natural wonders that can be found in this area. In fact, this region of the United States contains the largest number of national parks and protected lands than any other part of this country. It would be a monumental task to describe all the features and landscapes that can be seen in this part of the country. Even with that full talk, one would never fully understand how amazing this area of ​​the country is. You have to see it with your own eyes. For my part I will describe the places I visited on my trip to this area. Please note that we are not limited to the Colorado Plateau region. In fact, despite all that can be seen in this area, there are also equally astonishing landscapes nearby.

Petrified Forrest National Park

I’ll start by saying that collecting any kind of samples from this region is illegal and for very good reasons. When the park opened, it used to be common practice for visitors to leave with a sample of petrified wood. It wasn’t long before park managers began to realize they were letting this national treasure be taken away, one tourist at a time. And yet the place is still amazing to see. Everywhere he looked there was a petrified tree lying on the ground nearby. A whole forest made of rocks. The rich colors depicted on these rocks seemed to be unique to each tree. I must say that the patterns were unique, not the colors. We took the traditional photo of us lying on one of the petrified logs.

Bring lots of film or an extra memory card for digital, because you will find yourself taking a lot of photos. As I looked around at this incredible landscape, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would look like at first. Over the years, many samples of the park were lost, so one can imagine how much more astonishing the site must have been back then. Driving in and out of this area, it becomes clear how much was lost over time. I remember passing by a store that had hundreds of large samples of petrified trees outside. Of course, all these samples were for sale, if I had a few thousand dollars. The gift shop in the park has small samples for sale, collected in the park. This is the way to manage the resource. The area is closed to collection, but you can still leave with a souvenir.

Meteor crater

Located between Flagstaff and Winslow Arizona is the geological feature known as the Meteor Crater. It is the result of the impact of a 150 foot meteor approximately fifty thousand years ago. This was the second most impressive site of my trip, but the most interesting site to visit. Although the Grand Canyon is larger, the meteor crater caught my eye for what it represented. What happened on this site was a devastating event, and this was on a small scale. An object from space, traveling at over 25,000 miles per hour, and crashing into the earth takes the cake in my book. I guess that’s why this site is still my favorite. Get off to a slow start by resting in the visitor center. Take a look at the largest fragment recovered from the meteor. It looks a lot like what you would expect. It is an iron-nickel meteor, pitted, very smooth and silver in color. There are all kinds of things to see here, but the meteorite fragment is the main attraction.

They also have a really cool video tour. Once you’ve grown the anticipation, it’s time to get out there and see this wonderful structure for yourself. The crater is more than two miles in circumference, almost a mile wide, and more than five hundred feet deep. While there, a small plane could be seen that had crashed there sometime in the past. It should still be there today. If it is this object, it is very useful to measure the real scale of this characteristic. Around the edge you will notice layers of rock. If you pay close enough attention, you can see how the rock layers bent from the impact. Beyond this, it is difficult to put into words. You just have to stay there and take it all in. You can stand there outside the visitor center on the platform, or you can be more daring and take a ride around the edge. Walking through it is fascinating. I highly recommend a trip to this area if you are in this part of Arizona.

Grand Canyon

No more has been written about any other geological feature than that of the Grand Canyon. I don’t know what else I can offer about this place besides my own personal feelings about my visit. Everyone is quite familiar with the Grand Canyon through the media. Dozens of movies and television shows have been filmed in this region. Still, they don’t do it justice. Seeing it on television and seeing it in person are two totally different things. It is truly a sight to behold. I spent my time there sitting on a bench at the top and just gazing at the view. The magnitude of it is beyond words. You are looking into the canyon, and if you’re at the right angle, you may be able to see the canyon floor. Many times you will think that you see the bottom, when in reality it is still lower. You can walk the curves into the canyon, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re in good shape and can handle the heat.

At nine in the morning of the day I was there, the temperature in the canyon was over a hundred degrees. I think the canyon temperature that day was over 120 degrees. Good physical condition and plenty of water is what is needed to make that trip. Not to mention the wildlife you might encounter on the way down. Some friends of mine had the pleasure of encountering a rattlesnake on their journey down the canyon. Of course, there are other options to get a good view of the canyon. They have mule rides there that you can go down to the canyon. This takes a lot of courage, because they go down, two at a time, along the curves. They look wide enough until you see two mules standing on the road. Once you are on one of them, you will be sitting high up, on the brink of a very long drop.

You don’t have to worry about the mules, they are very strong and sure-footed. You have to worry more about your nerves. If you fall, it won’t be nice. Okay, it’s not a simple fall. In reality, the canyon walls gradually taper towards the bottom. They fall thirty meters or more to a ledge. Go back to another ledge, and so it is all the way to the river basin. Thousands of trails run the entire rim too, for those of you who prefer to hike to the top. I never went down to the bottom while I was there so I can’t tell what it looked like. I can imagine how big everything would look and how small you would feel. I can only say that nothing you will ever see can compare to the view of the grand canyon. The magnitude of it is unmatched. Makes me wish I could go to Mars and see Marineris Canyon.

These were the three great features that we saw on our trip. There is, of course; much more to see. Monument Valley, Arches National Park, Glen Canyon, and Great Sand Dunes National Park can be visited nearby. Just by driving on the highway, you can look out the window and see an amazing site. I had never seen a decent dust devil in my life until I did this trip. I was able to see a really good one while standing on the edge of the Meteor crater. The landscape itself always has something for the eyes to see.

All the butes and plateaus, valleys and rivers, lava flows, volcanic plugs, the list goes on and on. We visited two remote extinct volcanoes in this area, both were next to each other and yet both were very different types of volcanoes. One was an explosive volcano that left a huge crater with a gently sloping edge. The other had a very steep lava dome with lava flows that stretched for miles. We also visit what used to be a lake, in what used to be a volcano. This area contained layers of rock that contained fish fossils. Cliff Palace was also a sight to see. Let’s put it this way, I could go on forever and still miss my list of something of importance.

There is so much to see on a trip to and around the Colorado Plateau. Even when you are not in one of the many national parks in the area, you are still seeing incredible scenery. I would also recommend spending the night at Goosenecks State Park. There is no shortage of campsites and lodges, so finding a place to say shouldn’t be a problem. Also note that there are numerous gift shops, general stores, and markets along the way. Finding interesting souvenirs and gifts shouldn’t be a problem.

Mineral collectors will also find many mineral / jewelry stores in the area. This area also has a strong Native American culture. Their stores contain unique, handcrafted gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. If you are planning, or have ever planned a trip to this destination, I highly recommend that you go. It will be everything you imagined it would be and more.

Q: We have three dogs that are inside and outside dogs. During the day, we have them outside playing while we are at work. The problem we have is not with the dogs, but with the utility company that came to work in my backyard last week. Two of my dogs are very friendly, but one is very bad (Teaky). The utility man approached without warning, ducked into the backyard, and was trapped because Teaky would not allow him to move from the gas meter. I was sick at home and had to rescue the worker. He threatened my dog ​​and said that if he got close he would hit him with the wrench. How do I keep utility people off my property? Who should I report him for his threat? I think he should lose his job since he was trespassing. Lori in Oklahoma City, OK.

A: Lori – Lori – Lori … The truth is, your utility worker wasn’t really trespassing. Most states have passed laws to protect public workers who, by definition of their jobs, need to enter your backyard or walk through your front yard, etc. The truth is that dogs assault them on a daily basis and they need to be protected just as much as you do. His dog was doing his job, as was the utility person. Good combination!

Since you are in Oklahoma, you should know that your state passed HB2813 in 2006, which protects these professionals against dog attacks and provides a punishment for the dog owner who allows their dog to assault these employees (this bill talks about fines and possible jail time for dog owners). So, let’s make it up to the cute utility guy, as he has a tough job. I suggest you call the utility company and ask when they should routinely enter your property, so you can keep Brutus in a safe place. Utilities welcome these calls and will work with you to set up a safe time for your employees to visit.

This is not a battle you will win, so let’s be ALL friends … Good luck, DogMan.

Breast reduction surgery is also known as mammoplasty reduction, it is a process to reduce the abnormal breast of the patient. People who have macromastia may experience physical discomfort. Pain will challenge people to do physical activities. Most people will have neck pain, back pain, or some other physical problem. People who have a mental problem or a stressful mind can result in large breasts. This surgery will help people reduce the size of the breast, glandular tissue, and skin. Most women who undergo breast reduction will be satisfied with the result. This surgery is also applicable to men who have abnormal breast size (gynecomastia).

Profits:

This surgery will help the person to reduce back pain, have a good posture and the body will look more proportionate.

Ability to participate in physical activities: When people have abnormal breast size, one cannot do physical work, they feel a lot of stress to do. After surgery you can do all kinds of sports and physical activities.

Shopping will be so flexible and satisfied: there is no need to worry about the size of the clothes once the chest returns to normal. Well, you can choose the dress you want and wear the one you like the most.

Stretch Mark Reduction and Younger Appearance: Once the body size is extended, a stretch mark can be seen. This surgery will make you not worry about stretch marks and you will feel much younger.

The process of surgery.

Plastic surgeons refer to breast reductions as “happy surgery.” Many people who have done it and say they are so happy after surgery that their life changed. In this surgery, two incisions will be made, one is “anchor shape” and “lollipop shape.” The anchor is a standard technique in which incisions are made around the areola, down the middle and across the bottom. The lollipop is another technique that is done only around the areola, in the middle of the breast. For each large breast, it is common to reduce 500 or 600 g. Lollipop is a small breast reduction of between 300 and 500 g. Most of the complications that occur with breast reduction will result in low risk; will take you to the hospital. Having a larger chest will lead to physically damaging the body. Many people are very happy after surgery. They get proportional body weight, a beautiful appearance, and a confident appearance.

Results:

Breast reduction surgery removes glandular tissues, fat, and skin from the breasts, resulting in a smaller, lighter, and more proportionate body. Breast reduction will not only give the smallest breast but also the body proportion. Women will be confident in physical activities.

When people ask me to think of my favorite restaurant, for whatever reason, I inevitably think of Gardens of Taxco first. I don’t go very often, really just for special meals, but my memory just doesn’t miss all the colors and flavors that this amazing West Hollywood spot has to offer.

Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who loves the Gardens of Taxco, so parking can be a bit of a hassle. There is a small lot in front of the restaurant that is almost always full and street parking can be tricky in this neighborhood. Your best bet is to go ahead and pay the $ 4 for valet parking. I promise you, it’s worth it.

Gardens of Taxco serves the most amazing and hearty five-course traditional Mexican food you will ever taste. The flavors are so delicate and unusual that they look nothing like the watered-down greasy nonsense found on popular, flavorless chains. Even before your entrée, they bring appetizers of spicy pickled vegetables and fresh tortilla chips with homemade salsa, a quesadilla with Oaxacan cheese and homemade guacamole, a tempting enchilada, and a spicy soup. And the dessert (cherry banana cream pudding and a complimentary glass of sherry) is so rich that even if it’s full, it will leave you room.

While every offering at Gardens of Taxco is wonderfully seasoned and authentic in flavor, what is not to be missed is any plate with mole. The mole served in this excellent restaurant is unlike anything you have ever dreamed of and, as the human menu narrates, it is “the best mole in town.”

Gardens of Taxco offers a variety of wines and beers to pair with a Mexican palette and sangria daiquiris by the pitcher to keep the party going.

The atmosphere here is difficult to define. Small tables and booths scattered throughout the restaurant in low light, with capacity for large parties and intimate dates.

You will feel transported to a strange and resplendent land with a fusion of Spanish and Mexican decoration. The atmosphere is lively

without being too loud or boisterous and the traveling mariachi softly playing his guitar makes Gardens of Taxco a romantic place to bring a date. There are no menus, there is simply a man, who has been there since the opening day, who recites the menu like an epic poem and designs the dinner delicacies around his personal tastes.

You won’t know what to expect when you walk through the door – the atmosphere is whimsical, yet gloomy, lively, and refined. Just know that you will be treated like a VIP and savor every bite of the delicate and unique cuisine.

Gardens of Taxco

1113 North Harper Ave.

West Hollywood, CA 90046

(323) 654-1746

Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday: 4:30 pm to 11 pm

Friday / Saturday: 4:30 pm-midnight (reservations recommended on weekends)

PS Since I’m always one of those looking for a discount, I’m not ashamed to promote Garden’s version of an “Early Bird” special. If you go Tuesday through Friday before 7pm, you can have this amazing five-course meal at half price. Visit their website for details on the coupons they offer.