Circulating

There are numerous factors which need to be taken into consideration when choosing what type of flooring to get fitted. Getting new flooring installed in your home can breathe new life into it and can be a great way to reinvigorate your living environment. It may not be as expensive as you think either.

A big consideration on what flooring to choose is how that particular room will be used. Flooring which makes sense for the front room may not be appropriate for the kitchen or bathroom for example. Some of the more widely used types of flooring are carpet, vinyl, wood, and laminate.

Laminate flooring can be a fantastic substitute for solid wood floors if you are looking for a wood effect floor for a fraction of the price. Laminate flooring consists of a sheet of MDF with a wood-effect plastic surface fixed to it. One pitfall of laminate flooring is that whilst it is resistant to sctratches once it is damaged it is impossible to repair. Apart from that it can still be a perfect choice for a kitchen, where the plastic coating provides an easily cleanable surface. On the other hand a solid wood flooring would not be advisable in a bathroom, or indeed any room which is likely to get very humid and wet. Some woods are particularly sensitive to moisture such as beech.

If you are planning to install a wooden floor, it’s important you have a suitable surface to fit it on. Ideally your existing floor needs to be flat, and dry. There are options however to counter uneven flooring problems, such as laying ply throughout, or employing an underlay to create a ‘floating floor’.

Often laminate flooring is sold as a product you can assemble without help which is another useful way of keeping costs down. Solid wood flooring requires however a higher degree of DIY skills, so it can sometimes be advisable to get solid wooden floors fitted professionally which on the downside can add substantially to the cost.

One point to remember many people do not realise when they measure their room to calculate how much flooring they will need – is that it is crucial to include a 10mm gap around the edge of the room for the wooden flooring to expand and contract.

As a fundamental part of any interior design scheme, it is vital to choose the right flooring. Whilst wooden or laminate floors can be ideal – often for a more chic minimalist look; carpet can be a better option if you are trying to achieve a more traditional home feel. The important thing is you take into account the various factors you need to consider before ordering new flooring.

Transcontinental journeys are no mean feat, you need a sturdy; trustworthy companion. Not just any auxiliary travel buddy, but a solid, dependable vehicle. When it comes to choosing that vehicle, nothing beats an Overland Expedition Truck, Here’s why… Some of the key features of an Overland Expedition Vehicle:

Completing successful African and Middle Eastern tours in extreme conditions requires a vehicle with grit. Overland trucks provide just that. They’re built for one purpose and that’s getting you there.

Overland vehicles are not just tough – a big part of the journey is also the enjoyment provided by the truck’s large windows, helping you capture those lasting impressions of unexplored territory.

The best overland trucks always provide one unique vantage point in particular, known as “The Beach”, but that we will discuss this shortly.

Before a journey begins, it is essential that the vehicle visit the workshop every three months and go for extensive services prior to the trip. During the trip preventative maintenance also needs to be carried out by a qualified driver.

What makes overland travel in a purpose-built truck so much fun?

All trucks are equipped with:

Inward-facing coach seats with head rests that are specifically designed to provide more storage space for your souvenirs, greater luggage capacity for you and a lot of room for your legs, allowing you to stretch out on longer overland journeys.

This may mean fewer passengers on a trip than there would be with a ‘bus’ layout with narrow aisles, but the extra space is always appreciated!

The previously mentioned feature is “The Beach” and it’s the undisputed highlight of the Overland Vehicle. It enables several people to sit on the roof while giving them the thrill of a 360 panoramic view. To be up and out in the open on an African or Middle Eastern tour is the closest you’ll ever get to dreaming with your eyes wide open.

Other features you’ll notice while rambling through desert climates and over the African savannah:

The convenient under-seat storage spaces that are excellent for storing your backpack and providing easy access, even while driving.

Side and rear roll-up windows, (if you’re having a bad hair day) provide extensive views from inside the vehicle and can be rolled down for protection in case of an emergency. Holiday snaps are so much easier without a bug in your eye.

Large water, fuel and food carrying capacities (no explanation required).

Onboard truck safe and library, overhead lockers, cassette stereo and a professionally-compiled medical kit (we never lock the medical kit in the safe).

Comprehensive range of spare truck parts and tools.

Spacious two-person tents with built-in ground sheets and mosquito netting, gas cookers, cooking gear and cutlery, cooler boxes, tables, camp stools and all-weather awnings (for cooking and shade).

All overland expedition trucks for our Africa and Middle East tours are equipped with sand mats and, where necessary, tyre chains and winches (you’ll find out why, when you get there).

When you hear the word vacation, what do you see in your mind? Vacations mean assorted things to assorted individuals. Some like to sight see while many others would enjoy nothing more than to spend the whole trip kicking back at the hotel pool. If you happen to be like me, you enjoy some of both options. On the one hand, because I have journeyed someplace different, I ought to visit some interesting local fare. But then again, if I use up all my time darting around from site to site, when I come home I will want another vacation to recuperate. To get the most from your vacation time, keep the following in mind when travelling to Columbia.

The first thing you ought to do is resolve as much at the start as you can. That means things like interchanging currency when necessary, glancing at maps of the area, renting a means of transportation (did someone say Harley?), booking a flight, and selecting a hotel that fulfills your needs. The good news is, all of these jobs have become much easier and cheaper through the internet, so before contacting a travel agent, you could save some money by looking up good deals on the web.

When it comes to finding the perfect hotel, remember to look at your choices cautiously. Some items to consider would be how it is ranked; is it a two star hotel or a 4 star one? Where is it’s location? If you are going to Disneyland but the hotel you reserved is in San Francisco, you will waste quite a bit of your journey behind the wheel. How long are you planning on being at the hotel, and if you are going to be there, what sorts of conveniences do they furnish? I am sure that I will never forget the time I went out on vacation to relax by the pool, only to discover that the hotel I was at didn’t have one. I am sure that I must’ve appeared strangely out of place walking around the lobby with my inflatable ducky around my waist and no pool to be found.

A good rule to stick by when packing is not to get out of control. Keep it simple, traveler. Begin by getting familiar with the temperature so that you know what you had better pack, but avoid over-packing. Remember, if you forget something, odds are that you can purchase a replacement. As a matter of fact, take as few clothes as possible. I suggest packing older clothing which can be discarded along the way. Depending on where you are, you may discover charities that would be happy to take extra clothing off of your hands. Besides, this will make additional space for souvenirs.

When it comes to entertainment, avoid getting too out-of-control. For instance, don’t pack more than one book. If you are able to read an entire book, give that one away and go buy another one. It’s time to get out and go to the store anyway, you bookworm. Instead, bring something to take notes with and write your own book. This does not necessarily mean the company laptop. Do not use this rule as an excuse to bring your work with you. If at all possible, leave every thought of work behind when you travel. Though it might seem awkward at first, pencil and paper work fine for taking notes.

Two valuable things to think about including in what you take are Pepto-Bismol, in case something doesn’t agree with you, and hand sanitizer; the kind you don’t need water for. Please remember, no matter what situation you find yourself in, don’t let the sanitizer replace taking a shower.

When you are departing for your adventure to Columbia, you and your family will want to carry plenty of what you need for picture taking. If you are behind the times and still use film, consider moving up to a digital camera. With a digital camera, I can see what I am taking as I go along. The only things I need are batteries and memory space. Now that you can get a wonderful digital camera for under $200, your excuses are dwindling away. Various tourist destinations have stores that will transfer your pics from your memory card to a CD, allowing you to take even more pics to torment friends and family with upon your return home.

I just can’t stress enough the value in keeping things simple. Prepare wisely by taking care of everything you can ahead of time. When it comes to travel, remember, the internet is your friend. Pack, plan, and keep entertainment basic to help make sure that your vacation to Columbia is a relaxing and memorable one. I hope that this humble advice will become beneficial to you as you prepare yourself to embark on your vacation.

One of the busiest nights of the year in London is New Year’s Eve when large crowds from all over the world – tourists and Londoners – are in the centre of town, in bars, restaurants and clubs.

To watch the midnight fireworks display at The London Eye you need to get there early, which means a wait of several hours before the midnight countdown. However not everyone will be able to get into the viewing areas which will fill up quickly and will close as soon as they are full. If you are concerned about missing the fireworks and are near a television, then you can watch it on BBC One – I know it is not the same thing, but better then nothing. Visit London has a good list of things to see and cheap hotels in London where to stay.

Lots to do in London over Christmas and New Year: The New Year’s Eve fireworks display at The London Eye is only one of hundreds of events taking place in the capital throughout the Christmas and New Year time. To mention a few, the Christmas Tree and carol singing in Trafalgar Square, the ice skating at the few location all over the capital. On New Year’s Day there will be a great Parade. London is a great place to go out at any time of the year.

Welcome to Washington, DC – The nation’s capital is a city with public museums and monuments galore, but also hidden treasures that should not be overlooked. Whether you’re in Georgetown, downtown, or even in Northern Virginia, and whether you’re alone, hanging out in with friends, or planning a romantic date, we offer suggestions for restaurants, bars and activities that will suit your needs – all on a limited budget.

For starters we list restaurants that offer a great value to go with exceptional food. Then there are some bars with good specials that you’d be crazy not to try out. We share some activities that go beyond just visiting the capitol building. We also combine some of our favorite ideas to create a “cheap date” guide that will make you look anything but; ideas that will help you impress you girl (or boy) friend without emptying your wallet.

Restaurants

Miss Saigon (3057 M St NW, Georgetown) – This Vietnamese restaurant is nestled among a few others like it – but none quite as good – right as you enter Georgetown. Look around the menu and you can find a filling portion of meat, veggies and rice for between $10 and $12. Our favorite is the Caramel Chicken with Ginger in a Clay Pot, but if you want to peruse the entire menu, you can check it out here thanks to DC Menus!

Tom Sarris’ New Orleans House (1213 Wilson Blvd, Arlington) – Hop off the Metro at the Rosslyn stop and walk a block south for the best prime rib in town. Dinner entrees cost between $10-$15, depending on how much meat you want, but you also get unlimited trips to the salad bar, and it’s no ordinary salad bar. The Steamboat-shaped bar has over 30 salad toppings, 7 dressings and piles of warm bread. Be careful or you won’t be hungry when your slate of prime rib arrives. You’d really miss out on a great value for an excellent cut of meat. The atmosphere is certainly memorable as well. Inside there are no windows, which allows the ornate decor to lead you to believe you are actually on Bourbon Street in New Orleans!

Bangkok Bistro (3251 Prospect St NW, Georgetown) – Find all the classic Thai foods at this hip Georgetown joint. Start with a Thai Iced Tea for a sweeter and creamier version of the traditional (they add half ‘n’ half). Then you can choose one of multiple dinner entrees for under $10 – and they all begin with a salad and your choice of tangerine vinaigrette, peanut, or creamy garlic dressing (I suggest the peanut – you are in a Thai restaurant). If you are in the mood to splurge, try sharing the Sweet Surrender (fried coconut Shrimp). Want something that’s not too crazy? The Thai BBQ Chicken has received rave reviews. And of course if you just don’t know what to pick, you can’t go wrong with the Pad Thai.

Ollie’s Trolley (12th and E St NW, Downtown) – If you’re downtown and craving greasy goodness, Ollie’s is the place to go. Easy to pick out by the bright red and yellow décor on the windows and happy chef cutout welcoming you in, the atmosphere on the inside is just as laid-back and fun. The famous “Olliefries,” French fries with Ollie’s secret seasoning, are a sure crowd pleaser. Match them with a beefy burger and a thick milkshake, all for under $8.

Drink Specials

Rock Bottom (4238 Wilson Blvd, Ballston Mall, Arlington) – Sure it’s a chain, but their selection of microbrews and nightly specials make it quite the local hangout. Get there early on Wednesday nights to take advantage of $1 pints! But be prepared, because by 6pm, the bar will be packed. Four “usuals” and four specials provide enough selection for everyone’s palate, from the light to dark drinkers and all those in between. And odd as it may seem to drink at the mall, we can’t complain – it just makes it that much easier to get to! You can park in the Ballston Mall garage or take the metro to Ballston exit, which leads you directly into the mall.

Tom-Tom (The strip in Adams Morgan) – Adams Morgan can offer some great deals during the week, and Group Therapy is one of the best around. This Thursday night special offers four beers and four (small) shots for only $10! As an added bonus, this bar boasts several old school Nintendos and Super Nintendos for those who want to recapture a bit of their youth.

Tombs (Prospect and 36th Sts NW, Georgetown) – Located in the basement below 1789, this pub, popular with the Georgetown University crowd, offers relatively cheap beer and some great deals on food. Busch light is always $1.60 for a mug, and $7.00 for a pitcher. The drink prices rise from there. For those with more sophisticated tastes, come to Tombs on Sunday nights for half priced bottles of wine. (This special is also available at Clyde’s on M street in Georgetown, which is under the same management.) If you’re hungry, stop by from 3-5pm or after 10pm for a variety of cheap food including burgers, sandwiches, chicken fingers, and appetizers.

Morton’s (3251 Prospect St NW, Georgetown and 1050 Connecticut Ave, Downtown) – Believe it or not, everyone can afford to drink at Morton’s, if you go on the right day! Every Monday is “Mortini Night” at this world-famous steakhouse. While this place would normally blow the budget, stop by the bar from 5-7pm for $4 martinis and complimentary (but small) filet mignon sandwiches. Call (202) 342-6258 (Georgetown) or (202) 955-5997 (Downtown) for more information.

Activities

National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Woodley Park) – Home to DC’s famed giant pandas and a host of other exotic creatures, a trip to the National Zoo promises some adventure and exercise without costing you a dime. Admission to the zoo is free (or at least already paid for through your federal taxes) and parking is $4 for the first hour, $12 for two to three hours, and $16 for more than three hours. You can also take the metro: use the Cleveland Park Metro stop on your way there and Woodley Park stop when you leave so that you never have to walk uphill! April through October, the buildings are open from 10am to 6pm; November through March, they close at 430pm. The Zoo is an excellent place to enjoy the great outdoors and get a break from the hectic pace of DC.

Drug Enforcement Agency (700 Army Navy Drive at Hayes Street, across from Pentagon City Mall, Arlington) – This small museum provides a surprising amount of information about, yup, drugs. The majority of the exhibit explains the history of drugs in America, from the introduction of morphine, heroin, and cocaine in the 19th century to modern-day techniques for fighting against drug trafficking. The most intriguing part, however, is near the end, where you can learn how to make crack (a surprising tidbit I did not expect the government to be so forthcoming with)! There is no admission charge, but the museum is only open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10am – 4pm.

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Dulles Airport, Chantilly, VA) – This off-site extension of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM) offers the perks that cannot fit on the downtown mall location. See an SR-71 Blackbird, the Enterprise Space Shuttle and an Air France Concorde all in the same place. You can also ascend to the observation tower and watch the planes depart and land at Dulles Int’l Airport. Doors are open 10am to 5:30pm seven days a week. Admission is free, but it’s $12 to park. You can also take the NASM shuttle from the downtown mall museum for $12/ride (or less if you buy more tickets). The shuttle departs every 1.5 hours from 9am – 5pm.

Ice Skate on the Downtown Mall (700 Constitution Ave, in the Sculpture Garden, Downtown) – A fun activity to get outdoors on an otherwise wintry day, the National Gallery of Art maintains a skating rink off the downtown mall from November through mid-March. Skating for two hours costs $7 ($6 with a Student ID); if you don’t own ice skates, you can rent them for $3; and it is $0.50 to rent a locker for your shoes and wallets (plus a $5 deposit). The skating rink is easily accessible from the Archives-Navy Memorial and Gallery Place metro stops.

Canoe the Potomac (Jack’s Boats, 3500 K St NW under Key Bridge, Georgetown) – Take K Street until it ends, right under Key Bridge, and you will see a hut on your left called Jack’s Boats. Here you can rent a canoe or kayak, depending on your energy level, and spend a warm day floating across the Potomac. You can also paddle over to Roosevelt Island to do some exploring and get seemingly lost by venturing off the beaten paths. The prices at Jack’s Boats range from $8 for an hour to $25 for all day and make sure you bring cash because they do not take credit cards.

Bike Along the C&O Canal (Fletcher’s Boathouse, 4940 Canal Rd at Reservoir Rd, Georgetown) – If you want to get a bit off the beaten path, Fletcher’s Boathouse offers the best rates for bike rentals ($8 for 2 hours or $12 for the day) and also access to the best route – right along the C&O Canal. You and your significant other can take the path north, into the wilderness, and admire the beautiful scenery that you wouldn’t expect to find so close to the city (I suggest early fall, when the leaves are starting to change) and a history of the “locks” that guided boats through the canal; or south, into the heart of DC, and tour the monuments on bicycle and stop off on a patch of grass near the Potomac to admire the view. Not that you’d want to go in the dead of winter, but Fletchers is only open March through Fall. Get directions here.

Cheap Dates

Benihana (M Street and Wisconsin, on the bottom floor of the Georgetown Park Mall, Georgetown) – While this Hibachi restaurant is normally a place that can get pretty pricey, they offer a great early bird special before 7:30pm. Unlike most early bird specials, this one offers plenty of great food and very few senior citizens. For $12.95 you’ll have a choice of several entrees which the chef will grill right before you as well as a soup, salad, and appetizer. The tropical drinks can be on the more expensive side but can be a fun splurge. If by some chance you’re still hungry after dinner, try the tempura ice cream for dessert.

Chef Geoff’s (13th St NW between E and F Sts, Downtown or 3201 New Mexico Ave, near American University) – Another establishment with great early bird specials is Chef Geoff’s. Here you can get a 3 course “Theatre Special” at the downtown location every day from 4:00pm until 6:30pm for only $23.95; or you can get the same deal, but referred to as the “Sunset Special,” for $19.95 at the location near American University. Why the difference in price? The menu selection and atmosphere at the downtown location are slightly more upscale. Check out the possibilities for each 3 course meal here. They offer quite the variety – from pork chops and salmon to fish and chips and pizza!

Thomas Sweet’s (3214 P St NW, off Wisconsin Ave, Georgetown) – If you’re looking for a good casual or first date but don’t want to ask that someone special out for another cup of coffee, try getting some ice cream at Thomas Sweet’s in Georgetown. Their ice cream is served at the White House, making this place is a DC landmark which offers a great selection and decent prices. The lines can get long, but this can give you a perfect to spend some time talking to your date.

National Mall (Downtown) – While it may be clichéd, a trip to the National Mall and the monuments can be a great thing to do with a date. During the day, pack a picnic lunch, grab some ice cream from the numerous street vendors, enjoy throwing a Frisbee or just sit and people watch. At night, the monuments are lit up and can be a great place for a romantic stroll.

The largest real estate event in Europe, the Barcelona Meeting Point (BMP), is coming back in October, from the 25th until the 30th. It will take place in the Fira de Barcelona, one of Barcelona’s main show and exhibition grounds for the 8th time. It’s without doubt one of the best situated exhibitions in the world and the only international one in Spain. Estimated figures for 2005 and the past success of the event vouch for this.

Furthermore, 625 exhibitionist companies participated in the BMP 2004, almost 3,000 companies of the 67 different countries present were involved, and over 200,000 people visited the event.

This year, the Symposium celebrated year by year will account for the use of 104 first line speakers, and the show room will have a exposition surface of 45.000 square meters.

The Professional Exhibition will take place from the 25th until the 27th, while that dedicated to the general public will be celebrated between the 26th and the 30th.

To reach the Fira of Barcelona, the most recommended, fastest and cheaper option is to catch the green line (L3) or red (L1) of the meter until ‘Espaa’. Or you can also get to the event by train.

Florida is known as the “Sun Shine” state, and the reason is clear. People move to Florida for many reasons, but most that move there stay there. Florida is known for the warm weather year around and beautiful landscaping that surrounds its cities. Florida weather and lifestyles vary significantly depending on which side of the state you move to.

Buying a home

Relocating to Florida has many things that need to be taken into consideration. Touring the state by car is recommended for anyone considering a move to the state of Florida, as it is important to understand that not all parts of Florida are the same.

Where you choose to live will honestly influence how happy you are living in Florida. We recommend that you find a buyer’s agent, as they will serve you best. Whether you are buying a house for the first time, or if you are experienced in how to buy a house, finding the right Florida real estate agent is an important decision.

o Look at each house you are considering purchasing the same way you would if you were purchasing stocks and bonds.

o Check out the reputation of the builder if you are planning to buy a newly constructed home.

o Only make an offer after you have inspected the property or with a contingency, that the offer is made after the inspection is complete.

o Make sure the owner’s title insurance policy that covers you, not the lender, if your ownership is successfully challenged.

o Try your commute to work during rush hour, before you commit to buying a house, this will give you an opportunity to see if this will work out to an advantage for you, and if the location will be suitable.

o Check out the property to make sure it has proper drainage if it rains.

o Buy a house that is fundamentally sound even if its design is not the best. Do make sure that you will want to live there.

Have your own inspection first; this will give you an idea of the actual condition of the house. You will probably not see what the inspector will. First time buyers typically will not have an inspection completed because they figure that the government has already done it.

Selling a home

Relocating to Florida? Do you find your house is just not big enough for your family? Then it is definitely time to move. There are many properties that are available throughout Florida and some more suitable for families than others.

How much is your home worth? You will need to make sure that you get the most out of your home, and you can do this by having it appraised. Making some minor changes to the look and feel of the house. Have an open house so that prospective buyers can look around and see what they can do with the house. The value of your house with minor improvements can really raise the amount of money you make.

Note: Living along coastal lines in Florida can leave you devastated if there is a hurricane. So keep this in mind. Like any other coastal property, it has the good and the bad advantages of living there.

Despite the fact that the Property Index is seen as a pretty young syndicate, (they were incorporated only in March of 2007), they were very fast to advance to expert status. On closer scrutiny, they are a quite straightforward syndicate and focus on proposing guidance to essentially anyone looking to sell, buy, rent or let real estate in many parts of the world. They’re guaranteed to offer you assistance to locate exactly what’s required quick and, of course, easily.

Property is available for the asking anywhere in the world at present, certainly the really elite area being realty available for sale in Dubai. It’s an easy job to pinpoint all the phenomenal realty available for sale in Dubai, the argument for investigating real estate here is land available and the chance of living surrounded by this spirited and welcoming people. This is one of the most fashionable regions at present, and with the lovely landscape and great sunshine surrounding you round the clock, how can you say no. Property in Dubai is steeped in history, art and culture, this realm of the world has a long tradition as a home to quite a few indigenous civilizations.

The Property Index site has a vast range of property for sale in Dubai, view the range online.

About twenty years ago there was merely a tiny number of English people keen on realty in Dubai. Just ask any one single person who has moved to Dubai and they are certain to back it up. Many people would tend to see it as a fleeting trend and others tend to see it as a practically an infatuation… Patrons that are willing to move here extend from yuppie couples looking for an exciting challenge to elderly people who intend to slow down and enjoy themselves. Bear in mind, however, that you may well encounter a few situations when purchasing realty abroad – you’ll find there are a million steps to ponder be it when organising, popping in or actually purchasing. If you miss out on a single action it can create impassable situations not to forget, more important, a failed investment.

Naturally, as can be assumed with this popular area, realty could be dear in this region and this, of course, is clearly a result of the peaking market demand. Regardless of this the homebuyer is spoilt in a place full of warm setting. It actually has the whole shebang a buyer could possibly crave and plenty more.

The spice islands of Zanzibar refer to an archipelago of fifty or so islands with Unquia and Pemba being the largest. The main island is more commonly referred to simply as Zanzibar and to all intents and purposes Unquia is Zanzibar.

Stone Town is the capital, the port and entrance to this spiced island. Entering this small port by ferry from Dar es Salaam is certainly an unforgettable experience, never failing to make the most worn-out traveler eager to explore this ancient port.

As you step onto the wharf the smell of cloves is carried on the breeze to greet you; immediately you are aware Stone Town is out of the ordinary. Arab dhows white-sails shaped like the crescent moon, sail gently out of the harbor and pass along the miles of palm fringed beaches. Stone Town transports you into the past. The whole atmosphere is of medieval times, veiled women, their hands and feet hennaed with elaborate patterns, haggle in the markets and small shops which cluster the peripheries of the town.

Take time exploring the interweaving narrow streets, taking care not to become disorientated, passing intricately-carved wooden doors heavy with brass studs and beneath ornate balconies; allow the imagination to transport you back in time to the dark days of the lucrative slave trade and spice industry. Visit the immense House of Wonders and then the heartrending ruins of the Old Slave Market, which is dominated by the old church of Christ Anglican Cathedral, its altar on the site of the old whipping block.

Spice tours are a specialty of Zanzibar and best taken from Stone Town. On the Spice tour you will learn about fifty different spices and fruit that grow on the island, from cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cloves, to jackfruit and sugarcane. The spices together with the Indian and Arabic influences have produced a unique ‘Swahili’ cuisine.

Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. The freshest catch from game fish to giant lobster and crayfish are on offer. Dinner at the nightly fish market in the Forodhani Gardens on Stone Town’s waterfront where a collection of stalls serve up freshly cooked seafood is not to be missed. It is a giant seafood barbeque where you can eat out in the open and mix and chat with the locals.

The rest of the island is characterized by beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs, warm clear blue waters and idyllic islands. The reefs are excellent for snorkeling and diving and further out fantastic deep sea fishing is offered. There are many resorts on Zanzibar from budget beach huts to five-star resorts.

Many see the beaches around Zanzibar as split into the North and the East. This is a false dichotomy and there are excellent beaches on many areas of the Island. Tour operators have their favorite parts of the island and although many say one side is superior to the other this is not true.

Breezes Resort is on the east side of Zanzibar and is a wonderful romantic resort, especially suited to honeymooners. Matembe Bungalows in on the north-east side of the island is as first rate lodge perched on low cliffs and is close to the best diving areas. Some claim the beach here is the most beautiful and it is the most isolated beach. I normally settle in Nungwe Village on the northern most tip of the island – it is famed for its tradition of boat building and one of the most popular locations. The secret is in finding the right resort on the right beach for your particular needs; a resort for the family or maybe close to the best diving, or maybe a resort enjoying a vibrant night life; it all depends on what you prefer.

Religious and cultural traditions make the matter of dress code an important consideration. Men and women should dress appropriately when away from the beach, covering shoulders, women with sleeves preferably to the elbow and legs covered to below the knees. Try to wear loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing when in public. Zanzibar people are very warm, open and hospitable. It is considered polite and respectful to ask for permission before taking photographs or filming local people. You may see tourists dressed inappropriately in Stone Town and this can and does cause offence.

On the coast beachwear is fine, in the resort, however in the villages it is better to dress more modestly. When offering or accepting things, try and remember to offer and receive with your right hand. This is the hand which should also be used for eating.

Having said this Zanziabrian’s are warm hospitable people. Enjoy this island and remember to venture out of your resort to do some exploring and make the most of your time on this very exotic island.

Hotel Habana Libre, Thursday, April 14, 2005, 3:38 pm

During the past close to 2 weeks, I have really been trying to understand Cuba, its politics, its economy, its people, its mentality. I have been talking to as many locals as I could, and every night before I go to bed, I have been reading books about Cuba in addition to having purchased some local Cuban books which are going to give me more insight about this unique, contradictory place.

Yesterday I had a chance to talk to a TV journalist, who is a specialist in economics and he explained a few things to me. I only have a passing degree of familiarity with Communism, mostly from my time back home in Austria, when the Soviet Block still existed. It’s so hard for me to believe that virtually all business activity here is state-owned and state-run. The journalist explained to me that there are 140 occupations (e.g. private small restaurants / “Paladares”, private bed and breakfasts or “Casas Particulares”, taxi drivers, carpenters, plumbers, artisans and other tradespeople, that are allowed to practice private enterprise while all the stores, service providers and industry are nationalized.

Not surprisingly, the quality of service is very low and people steal incredible amounts of goods and merchandise from the State to resell them privately on the street. I asked the journalist what he thinks the percentage of theft is in comparison to the total gross national product, but he played pretty dumb and said he couldn’t give me an answer to that question. Apparently the huge amount of theft and resulting private enterprise is not officially discussed in Cuban political circles.

At noon today I went for a walk with a local Cuban woman from the university and we tried to grab a simple lunch. We tried 4 restaurants, all of them were closed (some apparently due to a shortage of water) and the ones that were open, only had a couple of the items that were listed on the menu. We finally ended up eating a pizza at one of the big hotels. Long lineups and shortages are a theme that repeats itself daily several times.

Earlier today my language class (the professor and 4 students) went on a field trip to the “Center Felix Varela”, a non-governmental organization, funded by Swiss, Belgian and Canadian contributors, that concerns itself with 4 main topics: sustainable development, conditions for peace, local community development and environmental education. From what I understand, they provide workshops, seminars and conference for academics and political decision makers in these 4 categories of topics and they have more than 100 volunteers who go out into society to apply some of these principles.

Again, this is one of the idiosynracies of Cuba: it’s a third world country with major economic problems, often lacking the basic necessities. But on the other hand, there are organizations that concern themselves with advanced societal issues such as sustainable development, the environment, etc.

Admittedly Cuba is not doing very well yet in these regards. Environmental conscience is in its infancy, recycling doesn’t exist and people freely toss garbage into the street or the ocean. Sewage treatment does not exist either and Havana’s waste water is apparently discharged without treatment into Havana Bay. On the other hand, there are organizations that want to promote the use of alternative energy in Cuba, particularly of solar energy.

Agriculture in itself is for the most part “organic” since Cuba doesn’t have the money for agricultural machinery, fertilizers or other chemicals. In many cases fields are still cultivated with oxens and ploughed manually, which obviously affects efficiency, but on the other hand provides a healthy natural crop. Again, one of the many idiosyncracies of this fascinating country.

I can’t help but be mesmerized by this country, which on one hand is so strangely advanced (in terms of medicine, literacy, infant mortality, life expectancy, education, etc.), but on the other it is so immensely backward. Sometimes it is truly hard to process all the various impressions that at first glance don’t make sense, but after a while you start to realize that life in Cuba has its own very very strange and unique characteristics.