There once was a bunch of tiny frogs,...
...who arranged a running competition.
The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.
A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants...
The race began...
Honestly
No one in crowd really believed that, the tiny frogs would really reach the top of the tower...
You heard statements such as : "Oh, WAY too difficult!! They will NEVER make it to the top."
or
"Not a chance that they will succeed . The tower is too high!".
The tiny frogs began collapsing. one by one...
...Except for those who in a fresh tempo were climbing higher and higher...
The crowd continued to yell "It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!"
More tiny frogs got tired and gave up...
But ONE continued higher and higher and higher...
This one wouldn't gave up!
At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower.
Except for the one tiny frog who after a big effort was the only one who reached the top!
THEN all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it?
A contestant asked the tiny frog how the one who succeeded had found the strength to reach the goal?
It turned out...
That the winner was
DEAF!!!
The wisdom of this story is "Never listen to other people's tendencies to be negative or pessimistic...
...cause, they take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you. The ones you have in your heart!"
Always think of the power which words have.
Because everything you hear and read will affect your actions!
Therefore...
ALWAYS be...
POSITIVE
And above all:
Be DEAF when people tell YOU that YOU can not fulfill YOUR dreams!
Always think:
I can do this!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Tips to Find the Cheapest Airfare
by: James Tutten
Everyone wants to save money when they're booking flights for their upcoming trip. Here are several ways to find cheap airfare that you might not have considered.
Often the best seats and the best discounts are given to those who book their flights months or weeks in advance. But sometimes it is not possible to book a flight in advance, because a trip may be last minute. When that is the case, you have to get a little more creative to get discounted tickets at good rates.
There are several ways to get around the high cost of flying and take advantage of discounted tickets. Sometimes taking a flight during the week can save you a quite a bit of money. Tuesday and Wednesday are often the cheapest days to book a flight. Weekend days can also be cheaper, such as Saturdays, depending on your destination. International and domestic flights vary as to which days are less expensive, so ask about the cheapest days to fly on when you call about booking your flight.
Many people realize that airfare may be cheaper on certain days of the week, or during different times of year, depending on the destination. But many people don't realize how important the time of day can be. The time of your flight can make a large difference in the amount of money that you pay for your plane ticket.
In most cases, only the day of the trip is important to the traveler. Vacations can often be scheduled around the cheapest flights available. Business people typically travel the day before rather than the day of a business meeting. Taking the time of your flight into consideration can save you a lot of money on your plane tickets without causing you any frustration or scheduling issues.
Some of the cheapest flights are in the late night and early morning hours, between midnight and four o’clock in the morning on what are called red-eye flights. Most people are sleeping during these times, and do not want to take a flight in the middle of the night. You can usually find cheap or discounted flights during these off peak travel times. The best rule of thumb is to find the latest flight available, or the earliest flight available. These flights will have the cheapest airfare..
If your vacation itinerary is not dependent on arrival time or you are crossing several time zones, take a late night flight and arrive during the day when checking into a hotel will be much easier. If your business meeting isn’t until the afternoon, take an early morning flight, and take a short nap at the hotel to freshen up before the meeting. In most cases, late night or early morning flights will not interfere with your plans.
Remember that to find the cheapest airfare, you may need to fly on off peak days, or off peak times. Be creative, and enjoy cheap airfare.
Everyone wants to save money when they're booking flights for their upcoming trip. Here are several ways to find cheap airfare that you might not have considered.
Often the best seats and the best discounts are given to those who book their flights months or weeks in advance. But sometimes it is not possible to book a flight in advance, because a trip may be last minute. When that is the case, you have to get a little more creative to get discounted tickets at good rates.
There are several ways to get around the high cost of flying and take advantage of discounted tickets. Sometimes taking a flight during the week can save you a quite a bit of money. Tuesday and Wednesday are often the cheapest days to book a flight. Weekend days can also be cheaper, such as Saturdays, depending on your destination. International and domestic flights vary as to which days are less expensive, so ask about the cheapest days to fly on when you call about booking your flight.
Many people realize that airfare may be cheaper on certain days of the week, or during different times of year, depending on the destination. But many people don't realize how important the time of day can be. The time of your flight can make a large difference in the amount of money that you pay for your plane ticket.
In most cases, only the day of the trip is important to the traveler. Vacations can often be scheduled around the cheapest flights available. Business people typically travel the day before rather than the day of a business meeting. Taking the time of your flight into consideration can save you a lot of money on your plane tickets without causing you any frustration or scheduling issues.
Some of the cheapest flights are in the late night and early morning hours, between midnight and four o’clock in the morning on what are called red-eye flights. Most people are sleeping during these times, and do not want to take a flight in the middle of the night. You can usually find cheap or discounted flights during these off peak travel times. The best rule of thumb is to find the latest flight available, or the earliest flight available. These flights will have the cheapest airfare..
If your vacation itinerary is not dependent on arrival time or you are crossing several time zones, take a late night flight and arrive during the day when checking into a hotel will be much easier. If your business meeting isn’t until the afternoon, take an early morning flight, and take a short nap at the hotel to freshen up before the meeting. In most cases, late night or early morning flights will not interfere with your plans.
Remember that to find the cheapest airfare, you may need to fly on off peak days, or off peak times. Be creative, and enjoy cheap airfare.
About The Author
James Tutten is a professional photographer and graphic artist. He and his wife Terri are passionate about travel, and share their adventures at http://www.travelingtuttens.com For budget travel tips, and to see some award winning photography of their world adventures be sure to visit http://www.travelingtuttens.comCanadain Immigration Documents (part 2)
by: Alex Berezovsky
Submit you Application
Before September 1st 2006, the Canadian immigration process was much more difficult. The way it worked was that you had to send your application forms to the Visa Office WITH all your supporting documents attached!
Sounds simple???
Well, trust me: it wasn’t! Normally it takes a couple of months to get all your documents together. Just imagine what would happen if the Pass-Mark was 67 when you began gathering your documents and it changed to75 two months later!
However, after September 2006 the process was simplified. Now, if you meet the Pass-Mark (first section), you only have to send a Simplified Application Form to the Visa Office.
The Visa Officer responsible for reviewing your file will evaluate your application. A few months later, if he or she considers that you are eligible for the Canadian visa, you will be asked for all the supporting documentation.
But here is the best part: If the Pass-Mark changes, your application will no longer be affected!
If the Pass-Mark changes for example, from 67 to 75 points, your application would be evaluated with a 67 points Pass-Mark if your application was received before the date of the changes.
Based on my experience, I can tell you that the Simplified Application
Form will make your process MUCH easier!
Bottom line: It has never been so easy to apply for the Canadian
Permanent Residence Visa!
But remember, gathering your documents to the Visa Office is a very important part of the process. The way in which you organize and present the information will have a great impact on the final decision. So, even if the application process has been simplified, you will have to gather your supporting documents the right way. But don’t worry; in the third section of the book I will explain exactly how to prepare your documentation.
Now, let me explain how to send your Simplified Application FORM. First of all, you have to download the forms, save them in your computer and print several copies of each form.
To send your application to the Visa Office, you must follow these steps:
Download Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 0008SW) – The purpose of this form is to let the Canadian Government know about yourself. This form is crucial during the process, since the Visa Officer will have a general idea of who you are, what your academic and work experience background are, and several other important factors about yourself. I strongly recommend printing out several copies of the form just in case you have to fill them out again if you make any mistakes.
Also, in case you need more space to answer the questions, I recommend using additional sheets of paper. If so, you must add Indicate your name, the form’s title and the number or letter of the question you are answering to the separate sheet of paper. Also, if any of the questions does not apply to your particular situation, you must answer “N/A”, which means Not Applicable.
Download Use Of A Representative Form (IMM 5476)- If you decide to hire an immigration representative, you will also have to complete this form. Remember, you can also apply independently (you don’t HAVE TO hire an immigration consultant or lawyer). However, if you still decide to hire one, send this form attached to your Permanent Residence application.
Paying the Fees
When you apply for Permanent Residence under Skilled Worker scheme, you have to pay the following fees:
a) Legal fees (only if you decide to hire an Immigration Representative)
b) Application Fee (not refundable) Right to Permanent Residence Fee
a) Legal fees
As mentioned previously, the legal fees refer to the amount that you have to pay the Immigration Representative in exchange for his / her services. Normally, the fees are two / three times the Government fees and sometimes they can be paid in separate payments. Many Immigration Representatives offer a 100% Money Back guarantee, in case your visa is not approved.
b) Application fee (non refundable)
The Application fee must be paid for the principal applicant and his accompanying family members (spouse, common-law partner, and dependant children). This fee is not refundable, and it should be paid when you apply.
c) Right to Permanent Residence Fee
You do not have to pay this fee until you receive a request from the Visa Office. This fee must be paid for the principal applicant and accompanying spouse (or common law partner). It can be paid while the application is being processed. The Right to Permanent Residence Fee is refundable if the application is cancelled, if the visa is not issued or if the visa is not used. At the time this guide was published, the Right to Permanent Residence Fee was $490 (Canadian dollars).
In addition to these fees, you will have to pay the fees for your medical examination (and your dependants’), police certificates and the language tests (if applicable). I recommend using a MONEY ORDER to pay your fees. You should send the money order attached to your application.
Sending Your Application
Before sending your applications and payment to the Visa Office, I strongly recommend making several copies of each document that you will include in the envelope. In case something happens, it will always be better to have copies of the documents you sent.
Submit you Application
Before September 1st 2006, the Canadian immigration process was much more difficult. The way it worked was that you had to send your application forms to the Visa Office WITH all your supporting documents attached!
Sounds simple???
Well, trust me: it wasn’t! Normally it takes a couple of months to get all your documents together. Just imagine what would happen if the Pass-Mark was 67 when you began gathering your documents and it changed to75 two months later!
However, after September 2006 the process was simplified. Now, if you meet the Pass-Mark (first section), you only have to send a Simplified Application Form to the Visa Office.
The Visa Officer responsible for reviewing your file will evaluate your application. A few months later, if he or she considers that you are eligible for the Canadian visa, you will be asked for all the supporting documentation.
But here is the best part: If the Pass-Mark changes, your application will no longer be affected!
If the Pass-Mark changes for example, from 67 to 75 points, your application would be evaluated with a 67 points Pass-Mark if your application was received before the date of the changes.
Based on my experience, I can tell you that the Simplified Application
Form will make your process MUCH easier!
Bottom line: It has never been so easy to apply for the Canadian
Permanent Residence Visa!
But remember, gathering your documents to the Visa Office is a very important part of the process. The way in which you organize and present the information will have a great impact on the final decision. So, even if the application process has been simplified, you will have to gather your supporting documents the right way. But don’t worry; in the third section of the book I will explain exactly how to prepare your documentation.
Now, let me explain how to send your Simplified Application FORM. First of all, you have to download the forms, save them in your computer and print several copies of each form.
To send your application to the Visa Office, you must follow these steps:
Download Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 0008SW) – The purpose of this form is to let the Canadian Government know about yourself. This form is crucial during the process, since the Visa Officer will have a general idea of who you are, what your academic and work experience background are, and several other important factors about yourself. I strongly recommend printing out several copies of the form just in case you have to fill them out again if you make any mistakes.
Also, in case you need more space to answer the questions, I recommend using additional sheets of paper. If so, you must add Indicate your name, the form’s title and the number or letter of the question you are answering to the separate sheet of paper. Also, if any of the questions does not apply to your particular situation, you must answer “N/A”, which means Not Applicable.
Download Use Of A Representative Form (IMM 5476)- If you decide to hire an immigration representative, you will also have to complete this form. Remember, you can also apply independently (you don’t HAVE TO hire an immigration consultant or lawyer). However, if you still decide to hire one, send this form attached to your Permanent Residence application.
Paying the Fees
When you apply for Permanent Residence under Skilled Worker scheme, you have to pay the following fees:
a) Legal fees (only if you decide to hire an Immigration Representative)
b) Application Fee (not refundable) Right to Permanent Residence Fee
a) Legal fees
As mentioned previously, the legal fees refer to the amount that you have to pay the Immigration Representative in exchange for his / her services. Normally, the fees are two / three times the Government fees and sometimes they can be paid in separate payments. Many Immigration Representatives offer a 100% Money Back guarantee, in case your visa is not approved.
b) Application fee (non refundable)
The Application fee must be paid for the principal applicant and his accompanying family members (spouse, common-law partner, and dependant children). This fee is not refundable, and it should be paid when you apply.
c) Right to Permanent Residence Fee
You do not have to pay this fee until you receive a request from the Visa Office. This fee must be paid for the principal applicant and accompanying spouse (or common law partner). It can be paid while the application is being processed. The Right to Permanent Residence Fee is refundable if the application is cancelled, if the visa is not issued or if the visa is not used. At the time this guide was published, the Right to Permanent Residence Fee was $490 (Canadian dollars).
In addition to these fees, you will have to pay the fees for your medical examination (and your dependants’), police certificates and the language tests (if applicable). I recommend using a MONEY ORDER to pay your fees. You should send the money order attached to your application.
Sending Your Application
Before sending your applications and payment to the Visa Office, I strongly recommend making several copies of each document that you will include in the envelope. In case something happens, it will always be better to have copies of the documents you sent.
About The Author
Alex Berezovsky is founder of a successful Canadian Immigration website, and author of the now-famous book Step-by-Step Canadian Immigration. A book that helps potential immigrants apply for Canadian visa on their own. For more information, go to: http://www.stepbystepimmigrationcanada.com/inside2.htmlLouisville Waterfront Park In Kentucky - A Great Vacation And Travel Destination
by: Robert Benjamin
The Louisville Waterfront Park in Kentucky is a beautiful patch of green in a very urban atmosphere. The park is located in an area where there are a lot of scrap yards, sand and gravel plants, old rail beds, petroleum and asphalt terminals, and an interstate highway that makes it practically impossible to publicly access the river. The Waterfront Park worked to connect the city and the river again and it has returned to a beautiful place where the community can gather and enjoy a beautiful space. The park offers a 12 acre Great Lawn that slopes smoothly down to the river and it is a great place for families to get together and picnic, play, or do anything else. The Lawn is also a fun gathering place to watch fireworks, play football games, listen to concerts, fly a kite, or just hanging out with friends catching some rays and listening to the river gurgle by.
The Belle of Louisville steamboat lives permanently at the wharf and it also has enough space for visiting riverboats and other boaters in and out of the area. At the festival plaza there are water hook ups and built in utilities so it is easy for festivals, fairs, concerts, and other fun activities. There are even pools of water that run down to the river and water cannons that shoot to the pools. There is a fountain at the entry called Dancing Waters that is a lot of fun to jump in on a hot day to cool off. There is a great place for kids to play including picnic areas, hills and meadows, and even tree groves.
Waterfront Park has a second phase that will consist of 30 acres and is currently under construction. When it is completed it will offer residents and tourists and even bigger oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. If you happen to be in Kentucky in the Louisville area and want a great day of fun and relaxation that doesn't cost a lot then you should definitely check out the Louisville Waterfront Park.
There is a website that has great information on USA Vacations and Unique Travel Spots Listed State By State and Season, the website is called: Seasonal Vacation Spots, and can be found at this url:
http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com
By Robert W. Benjamin
Copyright © 2007
You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.
Get a Credit Card or Fast Cash Loan!
http://www.rb59.com
The Louisville Waterfront Park in Kentucky is a beautiful patch of green in a very urban atmosphere. The park is located in an area where there are a lot of scrap yards, sand and gravel plants, old rail beds, petroleum and asphalt terminals, and an interstate highway that makes it practically impossible to publicly access the river. The Waterfront Park worked to connect the city and the river again and it has returned to a beautiful place where the community can gather and enjoy a beautiful space. The park offers a 12 acre Great Lawn that slopes smoothly down to the river and it is a great place for families to get together and picnic, play, or do anything else. The Lawn is also a fun gathering place to watch fireworks, play football games, listen to concerts, fly a kite, or just hanging out with friends catching some rays and listening to the river gurgle by.
The Belle of Louisville steamboat lives permanently at the wharf and it also has enough space for visiting riverboats and other boaters in and out of the area. At the festival plaza there are water hook ups and built in utilities so it is easy for festivals, fairs, concerts, and other fun activities. There are even pools of water that run down to the river and water cannons that shoot to the pools. There is a fountain at the entry called Dancing Waters that is a lot of fun to jump in on a hot day to cool off. There is a great place for kids to play including picnic areas, hills and meadows, and even tree groves.
Waterfront Park has a second phase that will consist of 30 acres and is currently under construction. When it is completed it will offer residents and tourists and even bigger oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. If you happen to be in Kentucky in the Louisville area and want a great day of fun and relaxation that doesn't cost a lot then you should definitely check out the Louisville Waterfront Park.
There is a website that has great information on USA Vacations and Unique Travel Spots Listed State By State and Season, the website is called: Seasonal Vacation Spots, and can be found at this url:
http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com
By Robert W. Benjamin
Copyright © 2007
You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.
About The Author
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 6 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years.Get a Credit Card or Fast Cash Loan!
http://www.rb59.com
Hello From Orlando: Golf In Orlando - Playing Links-style At The Royal St. Cloud - Unpretentious Golf At Its Best
by: Susanne Pacher
For a real links-style golf experience we discovered the Royal St. Cloud Golf Links, located in St. Cloud, about 25 minutes southeast of the Orlando airport or the Disney area. The Royal St. Cloud Links greet you with a rolling layout of links-style fairways, punctuated by classic links bunkers that feature names such as Hell, Spectacles, Devil's Pocket and Hoofprint. True to its link heritage, every club in the bag will be utilized as the terrain is naturally varied.
Unlike other Orlando golf courses, the Royal St. Cloud is free of any residential developments and offers a pure golf experience. The design features four sets of tees and from the blue tee offers a championship length of 7,111 yards and a 74.6 rating, all on flawless fairways and silky-smooth Tifeagle greens.
Its motto, as printed above the entrance to the club house is "Original Golf Played Here", and indeed the Royal St. Cloud features original style golf at its unpretentious best. I had a chance to talk to Bill Filson, the Director of Golf and since 2002 co-owner of this facility.
Bill has an extensive teaching background. He has personally studied under some of the top-ranked teaching professionals and brings 12 years of teaching experience that featured beginners to PGA tour professionals. Bill has consistently been a top-ranked PGA Professional. The Royal St. Cloud's teaching staff is complemented by Dave Rummels who brings 17 years of valuable PGA Tour experience with him and can share advice from the “Tour” with the students. Associate Professional, Doug Holloway, has 16 years coaching experience.
At the Royal St. Cloud Golf Links the commitment to teaching the game of golf commitment includes state-of-the art video equipment and even a teaching tent for inclement weather. Lessons, programs, and clinics are offered for every skill level and requirement. Bill explained that they run very reasonably priced children's clinics at $7.00 per clinic and the club has 120 members in their junior program. Ladies can also learn the sport without embarrassment in a relaxed, comfortable environment. And with every family membership at the club kids play for free.
Bill prides himself on offering one of the greatest values in golf in the Orlando area. For the 2005-2006 season rates vary from $46 to $48 from November 1 to January 10, and $64 from January 11 to April 30, 2006. Discounted tee time rates are available after 11 am or 12 pm respectively, 7 days/week. Bill went on to say that the fees at the Royal St. Cloud are always reasonable, and that he aims not to oversell his course, but to exceed the visitors' expectations.
In addition, he offers a very unique proposition: a 100% money-back guarantee with no conditions if you didn't enjoy your playing experience at the Royal St. Clouds. He said in the almost three years since he has run this course only 2 people ever asked for a refund; a phenomenal achievement, considering that several tens of thousands of rounds are played here every year.
One of the very unique features of this course is the handcrafted stonework which is evident in four bridges found throughout the course that have been hand-built by one individual brick by brick. Bill said that some of the bridges are even a little bit crooked, just to give them more character. The most famous stone bridge can be found on the 5th hole and many of the British visitors to this golf course come here specifically for this unique feature.
Bill explained that his golf course serves a value-based market that is composed of local residents, snowbirds escaping the cold northern winters, and British golfers, a very loyal crowd who refer this facility to many of their friends back home.
The Royal St. Cloud Golf Links have been rated as one of the Top 5 Most Underrated Golf Courses in the Orlando area and they have hosted the 2004 and 2005 British Junior Amateur. With its wide-open fairways the course looks deceptively simple, however, I experienced very quickly the unique challenges offered by the Royal St. Cloud. Traditional links golf is played on the ground, unfortunately I still managed to find water several times, despite the generously open fairways.
The other feature I really enjoyed were a number of the ponds on the back nine of the course that were playing host to a variety of local wildlife and water birds. I particularly enjoyed watching a very rare specimen of wood stork stalking the edges of a pond for food, and a crane standing upright with stretched out wings. The course had a very relaxed, casual and friendly feel to it and we enjoyed a tasty hot dog after our game on the beautiful patio outside the clubhouse as a way to cap off a very enjoyable golf experience on a gorgeous day.
Driving Directions from the Disney Area:
Royal St. Cloud Golf Links is an easy 25 miles from the Disney area.
(25-35 minute approximate drive time)
* Take Osceola Parkway to the Florida Turnpike
* Take Exit 244 to Hwy 192, turn left.
* Go 4.6 miles to Vermont Ave, turn right.
* Take Vermont 2.1 miles to Creek Woods Road, take a left.
* Go only .7 miles to Michigan Ave, take a right directly into the Golf Club.
Statistics
Par 72 Yards Rating Slope
Blue 7111 74.6 128
Gold 6680 72.2 125
Green 6083 69.2 115
Citrus 5531 66.6 111
For more information please visit Royal St. Cloud Golf website or call them at (407) 891-7010.
This entire article including photos is located at http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_royal_stcloud_golf.htm
For a real links-style golf experience we discovered the Royal St. Cloud Golf Links, located in St. Cloud, about 25 minutes southeast of the Orlando airport or the Disney area. The Royal St. Cloud Links greet you with a rolling layout of links-style fairways, punctuated by classic links bunkers that feature names such as Hell, Spectacles, Devil's Pocket and Hoofprint. True to its link heritage, every club in the bag will be utilized as the terrain is naturally varied.
Unlike other Orlando golf courses, the Royal St. Cloud is free of any residential developments and offers a pure golf experience. The design features four sets of tees and from the blue tee offers a championship length of 7,111 yards and a 74.6 rating, all on flawless fairways and silky-smooth Tifeagle greens.
Its motto, as printed above the entrance to the club house is "Original Golf Played Here", and indeed the Royal St. Cloud features original style golf at its unpretentious best. I had a chance to talk to Bill Filson, the Director of Golf and since 2002 co-owner of this facility.
Bill has an extensive teaching background. He has personally studied under some of the top-ranked teaching professionals and brings 12 years of teaching experience that featured beginners to PGA tour professionals. Bill has consistently been a top-ranked PGA Professional. The Royal St. Cloud's teaching staff is complemented by Dave Rummels who brings 17 years of valuable PGA Tour experience with him and can share advice from the “Tour” with the students. Associate Professional, Doug Holloway, has 16 years coaching experience.
At the Royal St. Cloud Golf Links the commitment to teaching the game of golf commitment includes state-of-the art video equipment and even a teaching tent for inclement weather. Lessons, programs, and clinics are offered for every skill level and requirement. Bill explained that they run very reasonably priced children's clinics at $7.00 per clinic and the club has 120 members in their junior program. Ladies can also learn the sport without embarrassment in a relaxed, comfortable environment. And with every family membership at the club kids play for free.
Bill prides himself on offering one of the greatest values in golf in the Orlando area. For the 2005-2006 season rates vary from $46 to $48 from November 1 to January 10, and $64 from January 11 to April 30, 2006. Discounted tee time rates are available after 11 am or 12 pm respectively, 7 days/week. Bill went on to say that the fees at the Royal St. Cloud are always reasonable, and that he aims not to oversell his course, but to exceed the visitors' expectations.
In addition, he offers a very unique proposition: a 100% money-back guarantee with no conditions if you didn't enjoy your playing experience at the Royal St. Clouds. He said in the almost three years since he has run this course only 2 people ever asked for a refund; a phenomenal achievement, considering that several tens of thousands of rounds are played here every year.
One of the very unique features of this course is the handcrafted stonework which is evident in four bridges found throughout the course that have been hand-built by one individual brick by brick. Bill said that some of the bridges are even a little bit crooked, just to give them more character. The most famous stone bridge can be found on the 5th hole and many of the British visitors to this golf course come here specifically for this unique feature.
Bill explained that his golf course serves a value-based market that is composed of local residents, snowbirds escaping the cold northern winters, and British golfers, a very loyal crowd who refer this facility to many of their friends back home.
The Royal St. Cloud Golf Links have been rated as one of the Top 5 Most Underrated Golf Courses in the Orlando area and they have hosted the 2004 and 2005 British Junior Amateur. With its wide-open fairways the course looks deceptively simple, however, I experienced very quickly the unique challenges offered by the Royal St. Cloud. Traditional links golf is played on the ground, unfortunately I still managed to find water several times, despite the generously open fairways.
The other feature I really enjoyed were a number of the ponds on the back nine of the course that were playing host to a variety of local wildlife and water birds. I particularly enjoyed watching a very rare specimen of wood stork stalking the edges of a pond for food, and a crane standing upright with stretched out wings. The course had a very relaxed, casual and friendly feel to it and we enjoyed a tasty hot dog after our game on the beautiful patio outside the clubhouse as a way to cap off a very enjoyable golf experience on a gorgeous day.
Driving Directions from the Disney Area:
Royal St. Cloud Golf Links is an easy 25 miles from the Disney area.
(25-35 minute approximate drive time)
* Take Osceola Parkway to the Florida Turnpike
* Take Exit 244 to Hwy 192, turn left.
* Go 4.6 miles to Vermont Ave, turn right.
* Take Vermont 2.1 miles to Creek Woods Road, take a left.
* Go only .7 miles to Michigan Ave, take a right directly into the Golf Club.
Statistics
Par 72 Yards Rating Slope
Blue 7111 74.6 128
Gold 6680 72.2 125
Green 6083 69.2 115
Citrus 5531 66.6 111
For more information please visit Royal St. Cloud Golf website or call them at (407) 891-7010.
This entire article including photos is located at http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_royal_stcloud_golf.htm
About The Author
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of http://www.travelandtransitions.com, a web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new http://www.travelandtransitions.com/ebooks.html FREE ebooks about travel.Amsterdam - Enjoy Treasures Of Art And History In A Bicycle Ride
by: Laurent Fabier
The early days
Amsterdam was founded as a fishing village around the thirteenth century. During the 14th, but especially the 15th century, Amsterdam underwent a rapid development, which laid the foundation for the Golden Age, when the city became the staple market of the world. The year 1672 was a year of disaster for the Dutch Republic with the French and English attacking simultaneously. Nevertheless, Amsterdam managed to consolidate its prosperity during the period 1672-1795 and managed to retain its position as the financial center of Europe. During the French occupation (1795-1813), Amsterdam suffered badly from the economic recession, a state of affairs reflected by the stagnation of the demographic development. The period 1813-1940 is marked by economic recovery and, from 1870 onwards, by expansion and a rapid population growth, as result of the Industrial Revolution which triggered off a New Golden Age. Shortly before the First World War the city began expanding and new suburbs were built, but in 1940 Germans installed a Nazi civilian government in Amsterdam that cooperated in the persecution of Jews, throwing again the country in misery.
Any time can be the best time to visit Amsterdam. The peak of the tourist season is around Easter and July-August, when the weather is the finest. Weather, however, is never really extreme, and if you're one of the growing numbers who favor off-season travel, you'll find the city every bit as attractive during these months. Not only are airlines, hotels, and restaurants cheaper and less crowded during this time, but there are also some very appealing events going on. Winters are rarely extremely cold, and sheltering in the cosy pubs will give you a chance to meet “real” Dutch. The cultural season is in full swing between September and May.
Streets breathing history and culture
Amsterdam has a broad spectrum of recreational and cultural sights that range from fascinating old buildings, but of all this mosaic, museums are the main tourist attraction. Everyone knows the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, but there is much, much more.
The pinnacle of sophistication and home to the three major and most important museums in Amsterdam is the Museum quarter (Museumplein), an art lover’s paradise which boasts the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art and the Van Gogh Museum. Without doubt, any culture vulture will be in their element in this recently renovated quarter. Also, in amongst the stylish hotels and cafés, lays the majestic Concertgebouw, renowned the world over for its breathtaking acoustics and locally, for its free lunch time classical concerts. The Museum quarter is arguably the cultural hub of the city, offering a kaleidoscope of activities and attractions. A stroll down the exclusive P.C. Hooftstraat, Pieter Cornelisz or Van Baerlestraat will take the you into some of the world’s most chic couture houses.
If you seek the natural beauties of Amsterdam, this botanical garden will surely reveal them to you - Amsterdam’s Hortus has from way back been known as “the town’s pride and joy”, an oasis of peace and beauty at the very centre of the bustling city. Established in 1638 as a herb garden for Amsterdam’s doctors and pharmacists, the garden is almost 400 years old and it has more than 6000 plants, some of them really unique, as 2000 years old agave cactus. The Museum of Life (“Museum van het Leven”) will tell you the history of life on Earth by very attractive means, and after visiting the zoo, the Geological Museum, the Zoological Museum, the Plant Houses, the Aquarium or the Planetarium are ready to reveal you ancient secrets.
As for the events you should not miss if you get to Amsterdam this summer, the 10th annual edition of the “Comedytrain International Festival” features the very finest in English language stand-up comedy, for six weeks in July and August. With the likes of Adam Hills (Australia), Eddie Bannon (Ireland), Adam Bloom (UK), Paul Provenza (US) and Ron Vaudry (Canada), you will leave Toomler in stitches, guaranteed. Beginning with the 11 of August, for five days, special locations in the heart of Amsterdam form the backdrop for more than 80 classical concerts, as the “Grachtenfestival” catches the public attention. The concerts can be enjoyed in houses and gardens of hospitable local inhabitants and in concert halls, historic buildings, museums and out of doors in the area around Prinsengracht.
A hippie heaven
And because shopping is one of the tourists favorite ways of discovering the city, you will find that there are several “shopping corridors” in the city and each one has it’s own charms and specialties. The first one is Nieuwedijk-Kalverstraat, a 1km pedestrian area full of shops, with no traffic other than a constant stream of tourists, students, scholars, excursionists and locals. On the other side of the square you will enter the Kalverstraat, the place where all mainstream brand names have one or more stores. In addition to this, flower markets, bicycles, restaurants, everywhere. If you like a little more luxury, the Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat is where you can do some serious damage to your credit card. As the evening falls, Amsterdam starts to sparkle, especially on the nice spring and summer days. While all cinemas and theaters are busy, city clubs, cafés and restaurants are full of joyful, friendly crowd. Between dips into artistic and historical treasures, be sure to take time out to absorb the freewheeling spirit of Europe's most vibrant city.
Laurent Fabier is well known as a partner editor for online hotel reservation services like PlaniGo, economic and marketing sites. His experience ranges from important contributions in written media to news and online travel magazines
The early days
Amsterdam was founded as a fishing village around the thirteenth century. During the 14th, but especially the 15th century, Amsterdam underwent a rapid development, which laid the foundation for the Golden Age, when the city became the staple market of the world. The year 1672 was a year of disaster for the Dutch Republic with the French and English attacking simultaneously. Nevertheless, Amsterdam managed to consolidate its prosperity during the period 1672-1795 and managed to retain its position as the financial center of Europe. During the French occupation (1795-1813), Amsterdam suffered badly from the economic recession, a state of affairs reflected by the stagnation of the demographic development. The period 1813-1940 is marked by economic recovery and, from 1870 onwards, by expansion and a rapid population growth, as result of the Industrial Revolution which triggered off a New Golden Age. Shortly before the First World War the city began expanding and new suburbs were built, but in 1940 Germans installed a Nazi civilian government in Amsterdam that cooperated in the persecution of Jews, throwing again the country in misery.
Any time can be the best time to visit Amsterdam. The peak of the tourist season is around Easter and July-August, when the weather is the finest. Weather, however, is never really extreme, and if you're one of the growing numbers who favor off-season travel, you'll find the city every bit as attractive during these months. Not only are airlines, hotels, and restaurants cheaper and less crowded during this time, but there are also some very appealing events going on. Winters are rarely extremely cold, and sheltering in the cosy pubs will give you a chance to meet “real” Dutch. The cultural season is in full swing between September and May.
Streets breathing history and culture
Amsterdam has a broad spectrum of recreational and cultural sights that range from fascinating old buildings, but of all this mosaic, museums are the main tourist attraction. Everyone knows the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, but there is much, much more.
The pinnacle of sophistication and home to the three major and most important museums in Amsterdam is the Museum quarter (Museumplein), an art lover’s paradise which boasts the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art and the Van Gogh Museum. Without doubt, any culture vulture will be in their element in this recently renovated quarter. Also, in amongst the stylish hotels and cafés, lays the majestic Concertgebouw, renowned the world over for its breathtaking acoustics and locally, for its free lunch time classical concerts. The Museum quarter is arguably the cultural hub of the city, offering a kaleidoscope of activities and attractions. A stroll down the exclusive P.C. Hooftstraat, Pieter Cornelisz or Van Baerlestraat will take the you into some of the world’s most chic couture houses.
If you seek the natural beauties of Amsterdam, this botanical garden will surely reveal them to you - Amsterdam’s Hortus has from way back been known as “the town’s pride and joy”, an oasis of peace and beauty at the very centre of the bustling city. Established in 1638 as a herb garden for Amsterdam’s doctors and pharmacists, the garden is almost 400 years old and it has more than 6000 plants, some of them really unique, as 2000 years old agave cactus. The Museum of Life (“Museum van het Leven”) will tell you the history of life on Earth by very attractive means, and after visiting the zoo, the Geological Museum, the Zoological Museum, the Plant Houses, the Aquarium or the Planetarium are ready to reveal you ancient secrets.
As for the events you should not miss if you get to Amsterdam this summer, the 10th annual edition of the “Comedytrain International Festival” features the very finest in English language stand-up comedy, for six weeks in July and August. With the likes of Adam Hills (Australia), Eddie Bannon (Ireland), Adam Bloom (UK), Paul Provenza (US) and Ron Vaudry (Canada), you will leave Toomler in stitches, guaranteed. Beginning with the 11 of August, for five days, special locations in the heart of Amsterdam form the backdrop for more than 80 classical concerts, as the “Grachtenfestival” catches the public attention. The concerts can be enjoyed in houses and gardens of hospitable local inhabitants and in concert halls, historic buildings, museums and out of doors in the area around Prinsengracht.
A hippie heaven
And because shopping is one of the tourists favorite ways of discovering the city, you will find that there are several “shopping corridors” in the city and each one has it’s own charms and specialties. The first one is Nieuwedijk-Kalverstraat, a 1km pedestrian area full of shops, with no traffic other than a constant stream of tourists, students, scholars, excursionists and locals. On the other side of the square you will enter the Kalverstraat, the place where all mainstream brand names have one or more stores. In addition to this, flower markets, bicycles, restaurants, everywhere. If you like a little more luxury, the Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat is where you can do some serious damage to your credit card. As the evening falls, Amsterdam starts to sparkle, especially on the nice spring and summer days. While all cinemas and theaters are busy, city clubs, cafés and restaurants are full of joyful, friendly crowd. Between dips into artistic and historical treasures, be sure to take time out to absorb the freewheeling spirit of Europe's most vibrant city.
Laurent Fabier is well known as a partner editor for online hotel reservation services like PlaniGo, economic and marketing sites. His experience ranges from important contributions in written media to news and online travel magazines
About The Author
Laurent Fabier is well known as a partner editor for online hotel reservation services like PlaniGo (http://www.planigo.com/destinations.html) , economic and marketing sites. His experience ranges from important contributions in written media to news and online travel magazines (http://www.magvoyage.com).Hello From Orlando: Golf In Orlando - The Links-style International Course At Championsgate
by: Susanne Pacher
Several days after attending the Father-Son-Challenge at ChampionsGate we actually got out and played the International Course ourselves. It was an exciting experience to play a championship golf course just shortly after a major tournament, when it was still in tournament condition with just a few extra degrees of difficulty. The open wind-swept design features a multitude of bunkers and a variety of water hazards, and with a difficulty rating of 76.3, one of the highest ratings in the state, we were duly humbled by the challenges that this course threw at us.
ChampionsGate is an impressive facility with 36 holes designed by famous golf legend Greg Norman. What sets ChampionsGate apart is that its International layout and the National course have totally different designs. The hard, fast fairways of the International course are reminiscent of the great old Scottish and Irish links, while the more modern American-style National course winds through citrus groves and stands of pines, emphasizing challenging shot-making choices and a range of memorable par-3s.
Golfers who want to improve their game can do so at the world-famous David Leadbetter Golf Academy which offers two or three-day mini-schools or retreats, private sessions or David's "Beginner to Winner" program. David Leadbetter even offers video lessons via the Internet, providing access to his teaching expertise to golf students all over the world. The Callaway practice facility consists of an expansive practice area, putting green and short game area and is always complimentary with a round of golf.
As you come off exit 58 on the I-4, ChampionsGate greets you right away with imposing gates. The road takes you past the luxurious Omni Orlando Resort and Spa which has been welcoming resort golfers since 2004 in 730 premier rooms, including 25 guest suites. In conjunction with the Omni Resort, ChampionsGate now offers an upscale resort golf experience, complete with a European-style spa, state-of-the-art conference facilities and a 15-acre tropically landscaped recreational area featuring an 850 ft "lazy river". The Champions 9 Golf Experience, the resort's lighted 9-hole, par 3 golf course, adds to the recreational opportunities.
The resort will be complemented by a master-planned community including villas and condominiums. The 59-unit phase 1 of the Villas is set to open in the summer of 2006, which will be followed by groundbreaking for the 110 units of Phase 2.
The 30,000 square foot clubhouse at ChampionsGate with its enormous wrap-around veranda features a panoramic view of both golf courses and a unique menu that is split right down the middle, featuring international cuisine on the left, and American fare on the right. ChampionsGate specializes in hospitality and customer service, and last year the club hosted more than 340 business or charity outings. After our challenging round we enjoyed a tasty lunch and were joined by Alan Findley, the General Manager of ChampionsGate, who gave us a better overview of this facility.
Alan is particularly proud of hosting the Father-Son-Challenge, a nationally televised golf event that features many present and past legends of golf, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Vijay Singh, to mention just a few. The Father-Son-Challenge is a veritable "Walking Hall of Fame". What makes this tournament really special is its relaxed family atmosphere and the opportunity to see different generations of golf icons playing with their sons, daughters and even grandchildren. It's an opportunity to see these famous golf legends from a human side and we indeed enjoyed watching Vijay Singh relax with a cup of coffee on the 18th hole, awaiting the arrival of his son Qass, hoping for a great final score.
In our conversation Alan also indicated that at the David Leadbetter Academy you never know what golf celebrity you are going to run into. Michelle Wie is a famous Leadbetter student, Charles Howell III was practicing while we were there, and Greg Norman helicoptered in for a lesson last week. Alan also pointed out Michelle Wie's favourite spot in the clubhouse: the table right in front of the big screen TV.
Alan also made us aware of the unique wildlife inhabiting this golf course: two American bald eagles have made the course their permanent home, and on any given day you could see whooping cranes, gannets, alligators or armadillos. For a special glimpse of ChampionsGate's atmosphere come here at the end of the day, when you could see bald eagles perched on a tree in the sunset right in front of the clubhouse, while listening to a Scottish bagpiper, a feature Allen himself has introduced to the club.
Driving Directions:
ChampionsGate is located 10 Minutes from Disney World at Exit 58 on Interstate 4, just minutes away from International Drive and area attractions.
Statistics for ChampionsGate International
Par 72 Yards Rating Slope
Black 7363 76.8 143
Blue 6792 74.1 137
White (M) 6239 71.5 132
White (L) 6239 75.7 134
Statistics for ChampionsGate National
Par 72 Yards Rating Slope
Black 7128 75.2 138
Blue 6427 71.9 133
White (M) 5937 69.1 124
White (L) 5937 74.7 125
For more information please visit the ChampionsGate website or call them at (407) 787-GOLF (4653) or toll free at 1-888-558-9301.
This entire article including photos is located at http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_champions_gate_golf.htm
Several days after attending the Father-Son-Challenge at ChampionsGate we actually got out and played the International Course ourselves. It was an exciting experience to play a championship golf course just shortly after a major tournament, when it was still in tournament condition with just a few extra degrees of difficulty. The open wind-swept design features a multitude of bunkers and a variety of water hazards, and with a difficulty rating of 76.3, one of the highest ratings in the state, we were duly humbled by the challenges that this course threw at us.
ChampionsGate is an impressive facility with 36 holes designed by famous golf legend Greg Norman. What sets ChampionsGate apart is that its International layout and the National course have totally different designs. The hard, fast fairways of the International course are reminiscent of the great old Scottish and Irish links, while the more modern American-style National course winds through citrus groves and stands of pines, emphasizing challenging shot-making choices and a range of memorable par-3s.
Golfers who want to improve their game can do so at the world-famous David Leadbetter Golf Academy which offers two or three-day mini-schools or retreats, private sessions or David's "Beginner to Winner" program. David Leadbetter even offers video lessons via the Internet, providing access to his teaching expertise to golf students all over the world. The Callaway practice facility consists of an expansive practice area, putting green and short game area and is always complimentary with a round of golf.
As you come off exit 58 on the I-4, ChampionsGate greets you right away with imposing gates. The road takes you past the luxurious Omni Orlando Resort and Spa which has been welcoming resort golfers since 2004 in 730 premier rooms, including 25 guest suites. In conjunction with the Omni Resort, ChampionsGate now offers an upscale resort golf experience, complete with a European-style spa, state-of-the-art conference facilities and a 15-acre tropically landscaped recreational area featuring an 850 ft "lazy river". The Champions 9 Golf Experience, the resort's lighted 9-hole, par 3 golf course, adds to the recreational opportunities.
The resort will be complemented by a master-planned community including villas and condominiums. The 59-unit phase 1 of the Villas is set to open in the summer of 2006, which will be followed by groundbreaking for the 110 units of Phase 2.
The 30,000 square foot clubhouse at ChampionsGate with its enormous wrap-around veranda features a panoramic view of both golf courses and a unique menu that is split right down the middle, featuring international cuisine on the left, and American fare on the right. ChampionsGate specializes in hospitality and customer service, and last year the club hosted more than 340 business or charity outings. After our challenging round we enjoyed a tasty lunch and were joined by Alan Findley, the General Manager of ChampionsGate, who gave us a better overview of this facility.
Alan is particularly proud of hosting the Father-Son-Challenge, a nationally televised golf event that features many present and past legends of golf, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Vijay Singh, to mention just a few. The Father-Son-Challenge is a veritable "Walking Hall of Fame". What makes this tournament really special is its relaxed family atmosphere and the opportunity to see different generations of golf icons playing with their sons, daughters and even grandchildren. It's an opportunity to see these famous golf legends from a human side and we indeed enjoyed watching Vijay Singh relax with a cup of coffee on the 18th hole, awaiting the arrival of his son Qass, hoping for a great final score.
In our conversation Alan also indicated that at the David Leadbetter Academy you never know what golf celebrity you are going to run into. Michelle Wie is a famous Leadbetter student, Charles Howell III was practicing while we were there, and Greg Norman helicoptered in for a lesson last week. Alan also pointed out Michelle Wie's favourite spot in the clubhouse: the table right in front of the big screen TV.
Alan also made us aware of the unique wildlife inhabiting this golf course: two American bald eagles have made the course their permanent home, and on any given day you could see whooping cranes, gannets, alligators or armadillos. For a special glimpse of ChampionsGate's atmosphere come here at the end of the day, when you could see bald eagles perched on a tree in the sunset right in front of the clubhouse, while listening to a Scottish bagpiper, a feature Allen himself has introduced to the club.
Driving Directions:
ChampionsGate is located 10 Minutes from Disney World at Exit 58 on Interstate 4, just minutes away from International Drive and area attractions.
Statistics for ChampionsGate International
Par 72 Yards Rating Slope
Black 7363 76.8 143
Blue 6792 74.1 137
White (M) 6239 71.5 132
White (L) 6239 75.7 134
Statistics for ChampionsGate National
Par 72 Yards Rating Slope
Black 7128 75.2 138
Blue 6427 71.9 133
White (M) 5937 69.1 124
White (L) 5937 74.7 125
For more information please visit the ChampionsGate website or call them at (407) 787-GOLF (4653) or toll free at 1-888-558-9301.
This entire article including photos is located at http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_champions_gate_golf.htm
About The Author
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of http://www.travelandtransitions.com, a web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new http://www.travelandtransitions.com/ebooks.html FREE ebooks about travel.
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