Calm Waters • 01.31.08
Calm Waters
This is actually my favorite shot in this bikini. It was at sunset, in the pool of a gorgeous, huge villa, just outside Montego Bay.
Archive for January, 2008
Cancun Catamaran • 01.27.08
Discovering Belize Life
By Jim Kesel
Belize is a unique and beautiful Central America country that some call a tropical paradise. The people of Belize live a very easy going lifestyle that is envy of many people and cultures. To lead a genuine Belize life, you must know the bit and pieces of information about the country. Belize is does wonders in calming your nerves and easing your blood pressure! First off, it is important to know the major towns of the country. The capital city is Belmopan but their largest city is Belize City. Other cities have interesting names like Crooked Tree, Orange Walk, and Big Creek. There is also the metropolis of Corozal, Dangriga, Placencia, Punta Gorda, San Ignacio which is also known as Cayo to Belizean, and San Pedro which is located on Ambergris Caye.
To get a good idea of Belize’s geography, take note that there are approximately 8 chief regions in the country. There is Ambergris Caye which is the large barrier island and there is also Caye Caulker which is the smaller barrier island. Both of them are located along the North coast. Cayo is the central region of Belize; while Toledo is the southern coastal or inland region. Belize district is the home of the largest city which has Stann Creek on the south and jutting off it is Placencia, a long island-like peninsula. Northern Belize has the coastal district of Corozal and the inland district of Orange walk.
The currency of Belize is called Belizean Dollar (BZD) and is approximately worth a half of US Dollar, depending on the inflation. It comes in denominations of 2 dollars, 5 dollars, 10 dollars, 20 dollars, 50 dollars, and 100 dollars. One Belizean dollar is coins and a 25 centavo coin is called a shilling.
The laid back atmosphere of Belize actually comes from a unique blend of nationalities. They have influences from races of Maya, Kriol, Spain, India, Chinese, Lebanon, and even Mennonites who are originally of German descent. The official language is English but there are also a lot of natives who can speak Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib) and Creole.
Belize enjoys a nice tropical weather. It rains a lot during the months of May to November, while dry season is on February to May. From June to November, a number of hurricanes visit the country and be prepared for a bit of coastal flooding, especially in the south. Spirituality Belize life is diverse in a way that it will suit many nationalities. Majority of the citizens are Catholics while a fourth of the population are Protestant (Pentecostal, Anglican, Seventh – day Adventist, Mennonite, Methodist, and Jehovah’s Witnesses). Other religions present are Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.
Crime and stress are low in Belize which also allows its people to live a very care free lifestyle. Government influence is also very low key. If you are a type A personality you probably will find Belize too laid back for your taste. The best way to enjoy Belize life is to take a vacation in Belize and discover all the benefits of Belize life.
James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Moving to Belize website at http://www.moving-to-belize-info.com
Providing great information on Belize Life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Kesel
http://EzineArticles.com/?Discovering-Belize-Life&id=946966
Honolulu Sealife compared little Mountain • 01.23.08
Cruise To Hawaii – Islands Of Enchantment
By Ellen Gentry
If you’re getting ready to tie the knot, you might be trying to decide where to go for your honeymoon. There are so many options available that you may be feeling bewildered. But not to worry! We’ve done the work of finding the best honeymoon destinations for you – from a romantic cruise to Hawaii to an excitement packed theme park vacation in Florida. We polled over 300 newlyweds and found out where they went, what they did, and what they liked and disliked so that we could present to you our top five honeymoon destinations.
1. Cruise to Hawaii: It’s pretty obvious that even more romantic and wonderful than a trip to Hawaii is a Hawaiian cruise! Most of the newlyweds loved their cruise to Hawaii, citing the following as the best features of their Hawaiian honeymoon cruises: the reasonable price, the vast array of activities to participate in aboard a cruise, and of course, the romance.
2. All-inclusive Hawaii resorts: This is now a better option than ever because the cost of all-inclusive tropical resorts has fallen to be lower than ever before. A survey of newlyweds raved about the service, food, and many different activities on their recent Hawaii honeymoon to such resorts in Hawaii. The newlyweds also responded positively to the fact that they had pre-paid for the entire Hawaii vacation and didn’t have to spend anything at all once they were there.
3. Florida: Perhaps Florida isn’t the first place that comes to mind when considering the perfect honeymoon vacation destination, but many newlyweds have chosen it because it’s so affordable, often due to package deals, and it also has excellent dining choices. There are wonderful opportunities for a fun honeymoon at one of the theme park property resorts where luxury, activity and fun are all in one place.
4. Paris: For honeymooners with a bit more to spend, why not tour romantic Paris? Several of our newlyweds gushed about how much they enjoyed the sightseeing, eating in sidewalk cafes, visiting the Eiffel tower, and touring the French countryside. Since Paris is alive with excitement night and day, active honeymooners particularly enjoyed their vacation destination.
5. Mexico: Honeymooning in Mexico in a cabin on the beach is very affordable, and newlyweds can enjoy telling memories of peaceful relaxation in the sand, gorgeous scenery and fantastic meals and shopping, all enjoyed without breaking the bank.
There are hundreds of potential destinations, and deciding between them can leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed. Have no fear – we’re ready to help you narrow down your honeymoon choices. A cruise to Hawaii is a no-brainer. If there is anything more fantastic and romantic than a trip to Hawaii, it would be a Hawaiian cruise! All-inclusive Hawaii resorts are now a better option than ever because the cost of all-inclusive tropical resorts has fallen to be lower than ever before. Hawaiian honeymoon cruises are the best way to spend your honeymoon.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Gentry
http://EzineArticles.com/?Cruise-To-Hawaii—Islands-Of-Enchantment&id=906032
Chicago – Red Red Trolley Bus! • 01.17.08
This is a red, red trolley bus, turning a corner in downtown Chicago, Illinois. This is the free trolley bus that you can ride during the summer, in downtown Chicago. As you can see, this bus has a name and a number: this is “Polly”, also known as number 704. If you view this “large”, and peek inside, you will see people peeking out! The glazed decorations on top of the windows are nice when viewed large, too!
Cupid, pull back your bow… • 01.04.08
Using Aromatherapy Essential Oils to Cleanse the Aura – Negative Energy Clearing
By KG Stiles
To a 2 ounce colored glass misting bottle filled with pure, fresh water add 30 drops each of the following pure essential oils (240 drops total):
30 drops – PEPPERMINT ( Mentha piperita ) Powerful astringent action.
30 drops -CYPRESS ( Cupressus sempervirens ) Most powerful astringent action in aromatherapy. Cypress oil strengthens the Heart energies and has been used for ritual cleansing and to promote health since ancient times.
30 drops JUNIPERBERRY ( Juniperis communis ) A powerful detoxifier Juniper berry astringent action uplifts and strengthens the spirit during times of low energy and weakness.
30 drops LEMON ( Citrus limonum ) Its powerful astringent action enlivens your brain and uplifts your spirit.
30 drops MYSORE SANDALWOOD ( Santalum album ) The aroma readily clears any atmosphere of negativity, restores harmony and brings life sustaining positive vibrations!
30 drops MYRRH ( Commiphora myrrha ) Its astringent and fortifying properties are effective for clearing and balancing energies.
30 drops FRANKINCENSE ( Boswelia fereana ) Its calming, rejuvenating and empowering influence makes Frankincense especially useful for treating post traumatic stress syndrome.
30 drops CINNAMON LEAF ( Cinnamomum zeylanicum ) Research shows that virus, bacteria, and fungus cannot survive in the presence of Cinnamon Leaf oil.
Aromatherapy is Nature’s Medicine in its purest and most essential form. Aromatic Oils are the very soul of a plant. Even a drop or two can produce significant results for your body, mind and spirit. Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and may produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.
PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use organically grown or wild crafted essential oils that have been tested for purity and are pesticide free.
You receive five FREE aromatherapy publications as a gift when you purchase PurePlant Essentials Energy Clearing Oil.
Click to purchase Energy Clearing: http://www.kgstiles.com/energyclearingmoreinfo.htm
Click to learn about KG’s Aromatherapy Home Study Courses: http://www.kgstiles.com/consulting&tutorials.htm
Click for PurePlant Essentials Complete Guide to Organic Aromatherapy: http://www.pureplantessentials.com
KG Stiles is the Director of PurePlant Essentials Organic Fair Trade Aromatherapy and a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, Oregon, USA. She has utilized essential oils in her professional practice for more than 30 years. KG is a specialist in formulating aromatic blends for healthy living, and formulates blends for colds & flu, allergy, insomnia, skin care and more. KG can formulate the aromatherapy blend that’s just right for you! More Info? Cotact: KG Springhill Wellness Center, Ashland, OR (541) 941-7315. Mahalo!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KG_Stiles
http://EzineArticles.com/?Using-Aromatherapy-Essential-Oils-to-Cleanse-the-Aura—Negative-Energy-Clearing&id=909217
01 01 08 • 01.04.08
JCI (Joint Commission International) – What Does It Tell About A Medical Tourism Hospital?
By Deepak Datta
Joint Commission international (JCI) is a not-for-profit corporation based in the USA whose mission is to improve the quality and safety of overseas health care services(international hospitals, clinics and surgery centers abroad). It is a division of Joint Commission Resources (JCR) which is the largest accreditor of health care organizations in the USA. With Medical Tourism growth, the importance of such accreditations for hospitals has increased.
JCI surveyors visit accredited health care organizations to evaluate standards compliance. Starting in 2006, all regular Joint Commission accreditation surveys are unannounced. The surveyors are highly trained certified experts who are doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, laboratory medical technologists, and other health care professionals.The surveyors select random patients and use their medical records, patient personal experience, and medical staff interviews to evaluate standards compliance. With Medical Tourism growth, the importance of such accreditations for hospitals has increased.
The standards do not address billing, insurance payment, or labor relations. The accreditation process is designed to accommodate specific legal, religious and cultural factors within a country. Joint commission management & consultants consists of health care experts & leaders in management, nursing, medicine, environment of care, quality improvement and measurement, strategic planning, competency assessment, peer review and information management.
Having an accreditation, an organization demonstrates high quality of patient care & also a desire for continuous improvement.
At Medical Tourism Corporation one of the things that we consider when adding a network hospital is if they are JCI accredited. Although any standard or accreditation for that matter for a hospital cannot guarantee a perfect medical result, but it ensures that we are dealing with high quality medical institution.
Hospital Clinica Biblica in Costa Rica is one such hospital. Hospital Angeles, in Tijuana Mexico is also in the process of being JCI accredited. Both these international hospitals are popular medical Tourism destinations.
Medical Tourism Corporation – Facilitates low cost medical treatment and surgery at international hospitals, clinics & surgery centers. Also, provides access to network of global board certified doctors, surgeons and medical specialist. Work with top international hospitals having JCI and ISO Hospital Quality accreditations.
http://www.medicaltourismco.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deepak_Datta
http://EzineArticles.com/?JCI-(Joint-Commission-International)—What-Does-It-Tell-About-A-Medical-Tourism-Hospital?&id=906863
