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High Tail It To A Mountain Retreat
Dec 3rd
People who feel that they have reached a time in their lives that they are lost with their sense of self need to be able to just calm down and think about their life. Some people opt to go on a spiritual retreat and possibly join other people who might be going through similar things. There are also those who go on to spiritual retreats to far, far away places. A mountain retreat is a good place not just for those people who are seeking the calming effects of nature but as well as those who are in desperate need of a change of pace in their lives. A mountain retreat can give them all that and more.
1 What’s So Special About A Mountain Retreat?
You will be far away from the bustling city and all kinds of smog and pollution. The calming effect can do wonders for people and boost how they treat others and themselves. No matter how many luxuries that we may seem to be able to afford, a person cannot be fully happy when he or she is not at peace with themselves.
2. See The Big Picture
The great thing about a mountain retreat is that people will finally have the chance to step back and think about what they have been doing as well as how they have been spending their days and nights and if all those things are the ones that should matter to them. Being away from it all through a mountain retreat will give them the chance to totally forget about earthly possessions that once has people enslaved. With all the consumerism going about in the city, especially in the big cosmopolitans that they’re main priorities in life is to just earn more and more and more money so that they could go on spending it all on themselves, life could be confussing.
3. De-Stress Yourself
Really, the nature of people nowadays are so limited and so shallow to material possessions and other wants that it is quite frustrating to some . A good mountain retreat will able to refresh your mind from all those stress inducing thoughts as well as all the stress inducing activities that you through your office and with whatever job that you may have.
4. Long Distance Travel Options
When it comes to going to a mountain retreat, you need not go all the way to Tibet to be able to find the newfound spirituality that you are looking for. However, if you want to and you can afford it, Tibet is a good place for you to not just be able to calm your senses as well as to be able to renew your faith in God but a total change in scenery could help you go back into the things that should be important to you. Seeing other people who are living totally different lives from you should have a humbling effect and can most probably make you less focused on the material aspects of life. This is exactly what a mountain retreat aims to achieve with each and every person.
High Gas Prices Got You Down? Fun things to do
Dec 2nd
High Gas Prices Got You Down? Fun things to do Close to Home this Summer!
Summer Fun – Beat the High Cost of Gas and Stay Close to Home
I love Springtime; its my favorite time of the year. Its fun just to sit on the porch and drink a glass of fresh lemonade and listen to the birds sing. Nature seems to bounce into new life as it beacons us all to a new beginning. But soon it is over and then comes Summer. Yea for summer! School is out and there are lots of things to do. What may be fun for some might not be fun for others. But let me give you some ideas on those long summer days when the sun is scorching and a glass of lemonade is just not going to be enough to do the trick.
Although my favorite part of nature is the ocean, and I often hear it calling me in a soft voice, calling C-i-n-d-yeeeee, C-i-n-d-y—-eeeeeeee, I know that because of the high price of gas, many people will be looking for alternatives closer to home if they dont live close to the ocean. I have to go to Daytona Beach, Florida, however. at least once or maybe even Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Anyway, since I live on the outskirts of Chattanooga, Tennessee here are some of the things I suggest:
1. Take a walk along the Riverwalk or along the levee.
2. Take a trip to the aquarium.
3. Go to a great restaurant and we have quite a few (whether it be great southern B-B-Q or fried catfish and hushpuppies or a buffet with everything at Golden Corral). Think about that last option several times if you plan on looking good in a bathing suit, however. Ask me–I know.
4. If you drive to our part of the country, bring your bikes as its a lot of fun to go to Chickamauga Battlefield and ride, especially if you have a family and picnic areas are available.
5. Go to the movie matinee and then a trip to the mall–whether it be to buy something new to add to your wardrobe or just window shopping.
6. Join a health club with a steam room, sauna and outdoor swimming pool — I just did and Im really looking forward to getting myself in shape. Im turning in to my mother more and more each day; since she take over 8 types of medication, I had no alternative.
7. Go looking at new houses or open houses and just dream again. Even if you plan on staying in the one you presently live in, it will either make you glad you live there or even give you new decorating ideas.
8. Go to the flea market.
9. Learn a new skill–whether it be marketing on the internet or playing the guitar.
10. Visit a new church or go to church activities outside of what you are normally accustomed to, even if it is outside your realm of normality–experience the other side of life.
11. Volunteer–whether it be at a hospital or non-profit agency or maybe go on a mission trip with your church or other organization and utilize your skills or just be of service.
12. Have a block party and invite all your neighbors.
13. Have your toes done–with the little painted on designs.
14. If you have an elderly parent who lives alone, visit and stay for the day.
15. Work on a family tree and trace your roots; interview other family members and trace back as far as you can.
16. Buy your dogs a new collar and take them for a walk after getting
them groomed with a new summer hairdo. When your pets feel good, it makes you feel good.
17. Go to an outdoor sporting event like drag racing or baseball.
18. Dye your hair a different color, just for the heck of it.
19. Enroll in a yoga class.
20. Go away to the mountains; here we are close to the Smokey Mountains and Gatlinburg–there are always fun family things to do there; you dont even have to think.
21. Take a trip to Whitewater Outdoor Water Park in Atlanta.
22. Get around people who make you laugh. My favorite person to make me laugh is my Dad.
Yes, summer can be fun, but it does take a little planning, and if the high price of gas has you under the weather, just use your imagination when trying to find activities closer to home. Even a picnic at the park can be fun. Make a vow that this summer you will build on your family life and make memories. You will be glad you did. If you do come to Chattanooga, look me up and give me a call.
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Cindy Brooks lives in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee with Rod and her two dogs (Bandit and Chancey). If the high price of gas has you down, I have the solution. For more information, go to
Health Advice For A Healthy Vacation
Dec 2nd
We dont like to think about getting injured or sick when traveling, but when it happens, being prepared can save your vacation.
It is time to take your family vacation. Your bags are packed, your hotel reservations are confirmed, and the taxi to the airport is waiting, but are you really prepared? Inside your bags do you have all the medications you might need and received the proper inoculations for this trip?
Firstly consider some basic preventative measures. Before going to any destination, the first thing you should do is consult a physician to find out if any inoculations are advised? Malaria stays with you your whole life, and Cholera might kill you, dont make the mistake in believing you are immune to the bugs that inhabit this world. When planning your trip always assume the best and prepare for the worse. Get those shots, buy your medications and be aware of health warnings in every country you visit.
In some countries immunization is required before you arrive and in such instances, make sure you have your International Certificate of Vaccination. You can get this certificate from your local health department although many physicians can also provide you this form.
But even if you take all the immunization and recommended drugs before and during your travel, keep in mind that you may still become ill if exposed to contaminated water, food or insects. Bugs do mutate so regardless how prepared you became stateside, when visiting your travel location, you must still keep your guard up. Experienced travelers know this and take the trouble to boil water or buy trusted bottled water. They prepare many of their own meals, washing their foods carefully and making sure everything is well cooked. Mosquito netting is a must, preferably a full net for a bed, and a net-hat that covers you head and neck.
But in case you do become ill, make sure you have packed sufficient medical supplies. If you are in need of medications, bring a full supply that will last the entire trip. Medications overseas cannot always be depended on, either because the medication does not exist in that country or because the quality may be significantly different than what you are expecting.
The standards of medicine vary county to county but keep in mind that medical practitioners overseas sometimes dont need a license and certainly dont have insurance. Oops is not an uncommon word in medical facilities in even many of the developing countries I have visited.
In short, here is my advice. Do your research, get those shots, pack all your medications and by all means, use your intelligence, keep aware, and have a safe and good trip.
Having a Good Time in the City-States of Early Greece
Dec 1st
Having a Good Time in the City-States of Early Greece
The city-states of early Greece are generally considered together as one of the first great civilizations. This doesnt mean they werent up for a little fun.
Having a Good Time in the City-States of Early Greece
People in Greece had a remarkable veneration for their gods and goddesses. As a result, most of the early group activities focused on the deities and, in particular, praising them. This was accomplished through a bevy of religious festivals held throughout the year. In truth, there is a bit of a question as to whether these festivals were more for political aims than fun and worship. Given this fact, we will leave it at that.
Sports played a large role in the city-states. To this end, the modern Olympics were founded during the time. Any real comparison, however, ends there. Unlike modern times, the ancient Olympics were mostly about showing up and/or killing rivals as political statements. The battles and events often replaced war between two city-states and it was not uncommon for the loser to die in his efforts. While we hold the modern Olympics as two separate events, summer and winter, the city-states called for four different Olympics each and every year. No, they did not hand out gold medals and certainly not bronze medals.
One area of the popular activities of the city-states that lives on today can be seen in most major cities. In this case, we are talking about street artists. In the city-states of ancient Greece, it was popular to come upon street poets and singers of all variety and ability. This form of artistry was translated to the future through bards and on to street mimes and such. If you visit Europe today, you can still find street artists in many cities with Venice, Vienna, and Paris having a vast array of talented people plying their trade.
In ancient Greece, the public performers served a unique function when compared to modern street artists. The Greek public entertainers were itinerant artists traveling from one place to another. This made them an excellent resource for news from far away locations. Keep in mind there was no Internet or newspapers during those times. In there stead, traveling street artists delivered the news even if it was a little out of date and you thought dial up was slow!
Having a good time in the city-states of Greece was both mild in the form of street artists and vicious in the form of the Olympics. Nonetheless, it is interesting that many these events and practices have survived to these modern times, some 2,500 years later.
Have You Arranged Where You Are Going To Stay In
Dec 1st
Have You Arranged Where You Are Going To Stay In Cologne For The World Cup
As the FIFA World Cup 2006 descends upon the 12 host cities of Germany, some of the most prominent cities such as Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt will barely bat an eyelid seasoned as they are to staging events on a world stage. For other cities, this is the culmination of arduous preparation and planning and for one or two the month in the spotlight might just be enough to propel them into the league of internationally renowned cities.
Cologne is Germanys longest established cities. It is a city of deep historical ties and cultural depth. The spires of the cathedral are the symbol of Cologne and one of the most recognised landmarks in Germany. As Germanys fourth largest city, Cologne is ready to promote itself on an international stage and attract some of the long weekend tourism that the aforementioned cities receive. Tourism is alive and kicking in Cologne and peaks in the winter as bus loads from the UK, France and Scandanavia visit the citys Christmas markets. There is a feeling in Cologne that it is just perhaps not at the same level as its counterparts and that a spectacle such as the World Cup might just prove to be a tipping point in the fortunes of Cologne.
Cologne will play host to 5 World Cup matches and will derive its share of the anticipated 3-4 million fans set to descend on Germany this summer. Cologne is a pleasant, attractive city with much to offer even the most casual or distracted of visitor and is well geared for tourism. With over 250 hotels in the city and additional accommodation added in preparation for the tournament the infrastructure for tourism in Cologne is on a par with any major city in Europe. Accommodation will be stretched in and around the time of the World Cup and late bookers and prospective visitors would be well advised to check out major hotel resellers (/resorts/CG-hotels.htm ) and the Cologne city authority site (/aspx/car-hire/location/GermanyAirports.aspx/EN ) and this may be a good option for those traversing the nation to follow their teams fortunes.
