Koeberg Nature Reserve Cape Town

Koeberg Nature Reserve, Cape Town
By Tracey Obery

The beautiful Koeberg Nature Reserve surrounds the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, and is situated only 30 km from Cape Town. It can be reached by taking the West Coast Road (R27) past the beach-side suburbs of Milnerton, Bloubergstrand and Melkbosstrand.

History
The Reserve measures roughly 3,000 hectares of Eskom property, and was proclaimed as a nature reserve in 1991. It was established to protect and conserve the local flora and fauna, and it also acts as an educational center for young and old.

The reserve plays a pivotal role in the conservation of the area, especially since the development of industries and residential properties along the West Coast. Within the reserve you can find a number of unique coastal land forms, wetlands and different vegetation communities protected within this area.

Trails
The reserve offers two diverse, well marked hiking trails and a mountain bike trail.

1.The Dikkop Trail (9.5km; 19,3km, or a 22.3 km trail)
The Dikkop Trail has been designed to lead the hiker through a widely varying terrain, and it is the perfect opportunity to experience the many moods of the West Coast. The trail starts at the visitor center, and follows a circular route through the nature reserve.

The Mountain Biking trail follows a similar route to the Dikkop Trail, with plenty of gradients to make it enjoyable for the seasoned cyclist and the novice, young or old.

2.Grysbok Trail (2,5km or 5,7km trails)
The Grysbok trail again starts at the visitors center covered parking and follows a circular route through the reserve. There are two alternatives for this trail, the first is a 5,7 km hike, which follows a circular walk , which includes a stroll along a private stretch of beach and offers beautiful, unobstructed views of Table Mountain. There is an abundance of plant life and fynbos to be seen and animal life, especially bird-life is abundant. Hikers will also be able to view the ruins of a historical farmhouse, a truly spectacular site in Spring, with a variety of flowers in bloom, all around.

The 2,5 km trail will take you through all of the above areas, except the wetlands, and is a pleasant way to spend a few hours.

Animal Life
The reserve has a variety of buck; Springbok, Bontebok, Eland and Impala's, they also have a small herd of Zebra, all the animals are originally indigenous to the area and have been reintroduced so that visitors can view them in their natural habitats. The park has a few small predators, such as the African Wildcat, Grey Mongoose and Genet, and if lucky visitors might be able to spot the elusive Caracal, which is the largest predator in the area. Reptiles are also abundant in the park, and if you are patient you can observe first-hand the habits of , the Cape Cobra, Mole Snake, Boomslang, Skaapsteker and the Angulated Tortoise.

For the bird-watcher there are over 172 identified bird species on the reserve, which can make for hours of uninterrupted bird watching.

During the whale season, there are viewing platforms which offer you perfect and private views of Southern Right Whales.

The reserve is continually expanding on the breeds of animal at the reserve, and now have Wildebeest on their list of wild life.

Be sure to pop in to the visitors center and ask for a map of their trails before you start to ensure that you make an informed decision.

Tracey Obery is a virtual concierge for City Guide SA - a comprehensive one-stop travel resource providing visitors to South Africa with up-to-date information on where to stay, eat and play in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and the Garden Route.

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US International Travel Restrictions

US International Travel Restrictions
By John Mehrmann

If you are planning travel between US, Canada or Mexico by air or sea, be prepared to present your passport. The same rules apply for the Caribbean and Bermuda. If you are planning business travel, a ski trip, Spring Break, family vacation or warm weather excursion, be prepared to carry a federally recognized identification to enter the US, even if you are a US citizen. The same rules will apply to roads and land border crossings in 2008.

Beginning January 8, 2007 anyone traveling by air or sea to or from the United States and Canada or Mexico must carry a passport or other federally recognized identification to return to the United States.

These new rules also apply to U.S. citizens entering from Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

On January 1, 2008 the rules will be extended to all border crossings, including those on land. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of British Overseas Territory of Bermuda and Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.

Check your passport and make sure that it is current, or get one if you do not have it already. Getting a passport takes time. The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport. A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a drivers license. This also applies if your passport has expired and is not in your possession, if it was issued more than 15 years ago, if it was issued when you were under 16 years of age, or if your passport is being replaced because it was lost or stolen.

Plan ahead and allow at least eight to ten weeks to process your request for a new Passport. All the more reason to make sure that you have a current Passport now. You may have the opportunity or need to travel, and may not have more than two months to wait for a Passport. Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required to request expedited processing.

Passports can also be used as identification for domestic travel within the US. Tired of pulling out your wallet and Drivers License every time that you approach a ticket counter, security or gate check? You can keep your wallet, credit cards and cash in your pocket or purse and present your Passport instead. Many business travelers have learned the convenience of keeping their Passport in a convenient pouch with carry-on luggage to expedite the security identification verification process.

For a convenient list of Carry-On Restrictions, go to: http://www.executiveblueprints.com/pdf/20060815TSATravelTips.pdf

For more information on obtaining a US Passport, go to: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport1738.html

Words of Wisdom

I wanna hang a map of the world in my house. Then I'm gonna put pins into all the locations that I've traveled to. But first, I'm gonna have to travel to the top two corners of the map so it won't fall down.- Mitch Hedberg

When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable. - Clifton Fadiman

A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.- George Moore

When a gentleman leaves home, he uses a lint brush to preserve his professional image. When a gentleman returns home from Las Vegas, he uses a glitter brush to preserve his professional image.- Craig Marking

About the Author:

John Mehrmann is a freelance writer and President of Executive Blueprints Inc., an organization devoted to improving business practices and developing human capital. http://www.ExecutiveBlueprints.com provides resource materials for trainers, sample Case Studies, educational articles and references to local affiliates for consulting and executive coaching. http://www.InstituteforAdvancedLeadership.com provides self-paced tutorials for personal development and tools for trainers. Presentation materials, reference guides and exercises are available for continuous development.

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10 Things To Know Before Visiting Buenos Aires Argentina

10 Things To Know Before Visiting Buenos Aires Argentina
By Tom Wick

Buenos Aires has always been a mysterious and dynamic destination and like any big city, you can have a variety of experiences.

Generally, those who visit Buenos Aires are glad they did. It is one of the most unique cities in the world and truly offers something for everyone.

However before you travel to another country, it is wise to glean information from those who have recently visited or even better, from people living there.

Here are 10 things to know before visiting Buenos Aires Argentina.

1.The Culture. They speak Spanish in Buenos Aires and the accent takes some getting used to. If you dont speak Spanish, you can still get by but you may encounter some difficulties with taxis, shopping, and menus. Most people related to tourism speak English. The people are mostly friendly and very conservative keeping old traditions alive. Argentines are hard working people and work a 9-hour day without a nap. Families are the core of the culture and every Sunday is dedicated to spending time with loved ones. Everyone is good looking, even the dogs.

2.Is it safe? Buenos Aires is safe compared to most cities of 13 million people. The most common crime is petty theft including purse snatching and pick pocketing. You will always want to be cautious of this. But the murder rate is incredibly low, the kidnappings of the past have subsided, and there are plenty of police on the main streets to keep an eye on things.

3.What is the environment like in the city? Buenos Aires is an extremely urban environment and the noise and activity is constant. The weather is mild all year round with a few weeks in February that swelter, and a few weeks in August that get chilly. Pollution does exist on weekdays and can cause breathing troubles and the throat to itch. The streets are narrow and walking can sometimes be precarious. The architecture is a treasure trove spanning the last century.

4.What is the political situation? At the moment, politics in Argentina are stable with President Kirchner at the helm for the last 3 years and leaning toward the left. Argentines are very vocal about how they feel and there are peaceful protests around the government buildings several times a week. Throughout the last 70 years, there have been dictators and democracy and a strong rally for socialism. Despite a strong distaste for President Bush, in general the people of Buenos Aires are open minded to foreigners and enjoy meeting them.

5.How is the economy doing? The economy in Buenos Aires is thriving with small businesses, global companies, huge fashion districts, endless restaurants, and a growth in tourism. The University Of Buenos Aires is excellent and keeps the work place progressive. After the devaluation in 2001, the country had some difficult years, but now unemployment and homeless statistics are low and dropping. Foreign investment is booming and creating jobs in almost every sector.

6.Where should I stay? Choices for accommodations are staggering and each neighborhood will offer a different experience. You should rent an apartment if you are planning on staying a week or more. You should try to find lodging in a central part of the city keeping transportation costs low. Recoleta is surely the best neighborhood and very central. The Microcenter is the center of the city and most hotels and hostels are located here. Wherever you stay, make sure you are a few floors up from the street noise. It can be a serious annoyance for tourists and locals alike.

7.What should I pack? All you really need is your passport, something to help you sleep on the plane, and a camera with extra batteries. Everything else is available here at bargain prices. Laptops are accepted but cyber cafes are everywhere. Anything that cant fit in 2 suitcases may be taxed heavily at the airport. Make sure to leave plenty of room in your luggage for souvenirs. And dont forget to bring a pair of comfortable shoes.

8.What about money? Bring cash and exchange it at the airport. ATMs are plentiful but have a $300 USD limit. To exchange money in the city, go to the financial district and look for signs that say cambio and bring your passport and an address of where you are staying. Currently $1 USD is worth about 3 pesos, which is good news for the tourist. Very few places accept credit cards. Only restaurants, grocery stores, and banks will break a 100peso bill. So always carry change with you. Always!

9.Transportation. Getting around Buenos Aires for a tourist will consist of 3 methods. Subways are cheap, safe, and only crowded at rush hour. (9am and 7pm). Taxis are also inexpensive but you may be taken on the scenic route if you speak English. Always have the necessary address written down so you can hand it to the driver. And finally, walking is the best way to see the city so make sure you carry a map. For locals, the bus system is the best transportation because there are so many. If you are brave, remember when you get on a bus, always tell the driver ochenta.

10.What happens after I get off the plane? When you arrive at the Buenos Aires International Airport (Ezeiza), you will first go through immigration. Before you get in line, make sure you have filled out the visa they give you on the airplane. Hand the visa and passport to the official for stamping. After that, go to baggage claim and collect your things. When you enter the terminal, go around to the right, all the way to the back to where a blue sign says Banco. Stand in this line to exchange your money for the best rate in the airport. Next, go to the center of the terminal where an indoor white taxi stand is. Tell them Capital Federal and have an address where you are staying. The cost is about 54 pesos and you will be escorted to a white taxi that will safely take you to your lodgings.

This article was written by Tom Wick who lives in Buenos Aires and writes as a travel consultant for Tango-History-Tours.com,http://www.tango-history-tours.com

For more information about visiting Buenos Aires Argentina, go to http://www.tango-history-tours.com, and for more Buenos Aires tourist tips go to http://www.tango-history-tours.com/Argentina-travel-guide.html

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How To Get The Best Scuba Diving Experience Ever!

How To Get The Best Scuba Diving Experience Ever!
By Steven Resell

Scuba diving has got to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest, outdoor water sport experience, especially when it comes to intensifying reality. It is literally like discovering a whole new planet that one may not have even known existed, unless you have scuba dived or snorkeled before. Every dive becomes a different experience as one witness the diversity and richness of the underwater world, from the different species of fish, cetaceans, and crustaceans as it gets deeper, the artifacts and little treasure one finds from sunken ships, the tiny microorganisms and corals that creates awareness of how important this undersea world is to every human being.

So how does one get the best scuba diving experience? Simple, just remember three important things, know the basics, get the right trip, and have fun. Knowing the basics of scuba diving is very essential in having the best scuba diving experience, as it will determine your safety underwater. Let's face it; it's not going to be the best experience if it's disrupted by not knowing how to handle emergency situations such as gear failure right? It does not mean years of scuba diving experience, although that is an advantage, it just means being equipped with ample knowledge and skills combined with being comfortable in the water as well as being in good shape. To make a long story short, you have to be a certified diver.

Now, considering you are already a certified diver, the next step to getting the best scuba diving experience is to get the right trip. Getting the right trip may sound simple, and it is. It just involves one thing, knowing what you want. There are several types of scuba diving adventure that one can choose from, including selecting between a reef dive and a wreck dive, and preference of living on board a ship or staying on land resorts.

Decide on what you want to see, coral formations, large animals, rare fish, or shipwrecks, and then choose the perfect destination accordingly. Always keep in mind that there is a big difference between diving and finding a great reef in Grand Turk, and wreck diving in Truk Lagoon; know the destination by heart. A quick tip, if you have the passion for history and dislike freezing waters, then a wreck dive is definitely for you; on the other hand, if you prefer witnessing gorgeous fishes, lovely corals, and lavish plant life under the sea, combined with warm tropical water, then you are seeking reef diving.

Finally, the simplest requirement for the best scuba diving experience is to have complete fun. Your scuba diving trip may not be the grandest, or the most expensive, but taking pleasure in what you are doing and being one with it, will absolutely give you the best diving experience with memories to last you a lifetime.

Steven Resell is the publisher of DiscoverSnorkeling.info He provides more scuba diving and snorkeling information and tips, and more articles on how you can have the best scuba diving experience on his website at http://www.DiscoverSnorkeling.info.

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Top Attractions in Cologne

Top Attractions in Cologne
By Gagan Makin

The Cologne Gothic Cathedral which has been given the status of UNESCO world heritage site took over 600 years to build and is a chief attraction for tourists to this city. Tourists can view the treasures placed in the historic vaulted chamber. Most tourists prefer to get a good view of Cologne by climbing the 509 steps to the observation platform. While in Cologne Germany, you can also visit the house of 4711, the Original Eau-de-Cologne. Another chief Cologne tourist attraction is Glockengasse, located in the city centre, just opposite the opera house.

Tourists are generally happy to have a drink of beer at a pub in the Altstadt (old town). The local beer called Kolcsh is a pale fermented beer that has been brewed in the Cologne Metropolitan area. An attraction worth a look is the Roman-German Museum. Here you can see some Roman antiquities belonging to the first through to the fourth century. Most visitors to the museum are quite fascinated by the 230 foot long mosaic showing Dionysus, the Roman God of wine.

The Cologne Carnival is famous world wide for its colorful, joyous celebration and attracts nearly one million visitors. Known as The Three Mad Days it marks the end and climax of Cologne Carnival. Merrymaking begins on the streets at Alter Markt on the preceding Thursday before the beginning of Lent. Huge processions pass through the streets the next Sunday, watched by thousands of people. The main highlight is on Monday known as the Rose Monday (Rosenmontag). This is the day of the big Carnival procession with the three chief Carnival figures Prince, Peasant and Maiden.

http://www.stayresgermany.com/cologne-cities.htmlhttp://www.stayresgermany.com/cologne-hotels.html

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'Simulcast' Enjoyments: Why The Bradley Teletheater Is A MustSee For Anyone Visiting Windsor Locks

'Simulcast' Enjoyments: Why The Bradley Teletheater Is A Must-See For Anyone Visiting Windsor Locks
By Andrew Regan

A trip to Windsor Locks, Connecticut simply wouldn't be complete without a stop at one of its most exciting attractions, the 'simulcast' Bradley Teletheater. A first class facility where tourists and locals can watch and bet on jai-alai, as well as thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing, The Bradley Teletheater is sure to offer a thrilling experience for fervent racing fans as well as first-time spectators. The off-track theatre, which holds 1,200 seats in grandstand arrangement, features a state-of-the-art race book and top-notch restaurants such as the Winner's Circle Lounge and the Turf Club. And, of course, the venue features 'simulcast' viewing and betting, which means that wagering is allowed at multiple sites.

The Bradley Teletheater is just across the street from the local airport in Windsor Locks; as a result, the venue makes for a particularly popular business meeting point. In fact, Bradley Teletheater hosts a number of social events - from parties to conferences; events include free parking, admission and programs, and the venue even offers a range of catering packages to accommodate any group.

While in Windsor Locks, visitors can take advantage of a number of other intriguing attractions, such as the Connecticut Convention Center in nearby Hartford; science buffs may be interested to know that the state-of-the-art convention center - which happens to be the largest venue of its kind between Boston and New York - also holds the Connecticut Center for Science and Exploration. The Noden-Reed Park Museum, a 22-acre historical park, is another area of interest in Windsor Locks, as is the New England Air Museum, the largest aviation museum in northeast United States.

As Windsor Locks is located halfway between Hartford, Connecticut and Springfield Massachusetts,an excursion to these two cities is not hard to undertake. Visit Connecticut's capital, which is also known as 'the insurance capital of the world,' then take a drive over to Springfield, which, interestingly enough, stands as the very first 'Springfield' among 34 in the United States; it is also home to the renowned Basketball Hall of Fame.

If you're planning a trip to Windsor Locks, you'll find that there are a number of fantastic hotel accommodation options to consider; Hilton Doubletree Hotel, for example, is right next to the airport - not to mention conveniently close to the Bradley Teletheater. So whether you're travelling on business or for leisure, you'll always have time to visit the teletheater; after all, a visit to Windsor Locks simply wouldn't be complete without it.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh cricket club.

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10 Things To Do While In Ireland

10 Things To Do While In Ireland
By Niall Cinneide

Ireland has become a secret hide-a-way for vacationers in the past 20 years, and there is plenty to do while in Ireland. In the early 1990’s, Ireland took an economic turn upwards, and the country began to establish itself with economic success. Since then immigration has increased from the European countries, Russia, and even Australia and the U.S. The well-hidden secret of the wealth that Ireland has to offer has begun to slip out.

Today, vacationers and those who just want a quick get-a way for a weekend or so, are coming to Ireland to experience the old town charm mixed with what the thriving metropolis has to offer. There is something to do for everyone between the ages of 1 and 101, and there’s always more to come back to.

Dublin, with almost 500,000 people, is the capital of Ireland.

Belfast, again close to 500,00 is the capital of Northern Ireland. Both of these huge cities began as shipping ports, through the Irish Sea, way back around 488AD, so they are filled with the charm and character of an old town, while being able to offer you all the comforts of a bustling city.

There are many cultural villages strewn throughout the country that offer experience, culture and very wonderful foods!

Museums, theaters, and sporting events

Plenty of shopping are available as well. And, it is some of the best that you will do anywhere.

With the mass transit system you and your family can easily reach any destination, or tour the town. The system itself is a thing to see and experience.

Restaurants and outdoor pubs spring up everywhere so you can always stop into one of these friendly taverns and get refreshment. Children are welcome almost everywhere and casual attire is accepted.

Of course, if you want to go out to a fine restaurant for dinner, and then go dancing till dawn, there is plenty of nightlife for you as well.

Ireland has the most beautiful beaches of anywhere, and Galway County on Galway Bay is a great place to enjoy some of the surf. Since Ireland is an island, there are a lot of sandy shores to see, but remember that the summer season is only from June to August, and then a light jacket might be necessary as you walk the shoreline. The waves, sun and the sand are enticing though, and the kids will just love to just go and have fun! So be certain to make at least one of your days in Ireland a beach day!

Then at the end of the day, what could be better than a fresh seafood dinner prepared specially for you, in any one of the many oceanside restaurants that line the coastal towns. You could drive from Dublin to Galway City in a matter of a couple of hours, and with the Atlantic ocean on the west side of Ireland, and the Irish Sea bordering the east side, you had better believe that the best in North Atlantic seafood is available for you!

The variety and charm of Ireland makes it the best get-a-way for your whole family, or just for two. Come and enjoy!

Niall Cinneide is a cheerleader for holidaying in Ireland. He publishes views, information and St Patricks Day News at St Patricks Information.

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright http://www.Your-Holiday.info.

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Arrival in Cuernavaca and Getting to Know My B&B Hostess Marta Elena A True Riches to Rags Story

Arrival in Cuernavaca and Getting to Know My B&B Hostess Marta Elena - A True Riches to Rags Story
By Susanne Pacher

After my arrival in Cuernavaca and the lovely dinner at Vanessa's aunt's place the whole family took me to my temporary home for the next couple of days: Villa San Marcos is a bed and breakfast located in a historic mansion in an area just south of downtown Cuernavaca. The B&B has five beautifully decorated guest bedrooms, all with private bath, and a wonderful totally private garden with tropical plants, flowers and fruit trees. Free Internet access is available as well. The owner, Marta Elena de las Fuentes, greeted me warmly and right away I was invited to join in a small private birthday celebration. After a little while I didn't even feel like a guest, I felt just like a family friend as I was included in the conversation and the festivities. (Marta Elena, an avid and very talented cook, had made this totally amazing mango birthday cake, it was absolutely delicious and would just melt in your mouth). What a great start to my stay in Cuernavaca! During my travels I often run into interesting people, and Marta Elena, as I found out tonight, is one of those. She grew up in a very wealthy family in Torren in northern Mexico and listening to Marta Elenas childhood stories brings to mind images of the glamorous 1950s and 1960s, a time of jet-setting and entertainment among the very wealthy. Even the story surrounding her infancy is very unusual: Marta Elena was adopted and her biological father was actually the nephew of her adoptive father. In her own words, she was one of the luckiest children as her father loved her so much to adopt her. At 7 years of age she finally found out about her adoption through a young friend. Everyone around her knew about it but her. Her mother denied that this adoption story was true, but her father admitted it and explained to her that she was wanted so much that she became part of his family. To illustrate her privileged upbringing, Marta Elena recounts an interesting story set against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile crisis: while she was studying at an upscale boarding school in Paris as a teenager, all the foreign students received phone calls from their parents to return home due to the political insecurity. Marta Elena didn't and decided that the world was going to end, so she figured she might as well go shopping. She had about $10,000 in a bank account and by the time she had finished her shopping spree, which included Christian Dior lingerie, designer shoes and pearls, there were only $500 left. Finally she got the much desired phone call from her parents and told them she was so sad since she was the only girl that didn't receive a concerned phone call from her parents. Her father explained that phone lines had been down and reassured her that politics would improve and asked her what she wanted to do now.

So Marta Elena said she wanted to go to Rome to study Italian. Would he let her? He said yes and sent her to the Opus Dei Residence in Rome. He told her to call him so he would wire her some money upon her arrival in Rome. Of the $500 she had left she had to buy a $250 trunk to carry all the new merchandise she had bought, as a result she only had enough money for a 2nd class train ticket. So she ended up sitting on her trunk for the whole trip from Paris to Rome in a 2nd class train. The irony of her youthful priorities isn't lost on her and she now laughs about this incident. Marta Elena loved Rome and had contact with many young people in Rome, mainly from upper-class families. She met many of her friends at a party at the Brazilian embassy. One of her friends had a boutique and this friend asked her to wear her clothes and translate for potential clients in the languages she knew: Spanish, Italian, French and English. The clothes were her reward for her effort. Marta Elenas father was a highly respected doctor and ran a medical clinic in Torren. She says she had a very sheltered and privileged childhood and grew up in a household of 3 people who had 7 servants. She went to high school in Monterrey at a nun's school. Then as a teenager she was sent to a nun's school in Burbank, California, and completed that school in 2 years. To this day she speaks English amazingly well with barely an accent. Her father gave her many opportunities, among others he sent her to European boarding schools. At 16 years of age she went to Paris to study at a very well-known boarding school called 'l'Assomption. Together with her friends, other girls from well-to-do Mexican families, they would go on different excursions around Paris on weekends and they would also explore neighbouring countries. Of her time in Paris Marta Elena says that she learned a lot, in particular from some of the older teachers, who had come from wealthy families, but had lost it all during the 2nd World War. They taught her that all the wealth you might have doesn't make you. They said It's the culture and your outlook on life who make you what you are. This message has stayed with her her entire life. Her time in Italy made her very self-assured, she became an independent young woman and was able to do and discover many things that had not been possible for her in her sheltered life in Mexico. When she returned from Europe at 19 she felt restricted and suffocated. In Mexico City she went on a blind date, and fell in love with the young man. The two young lovers were married shortly before her 21st birthday. Marta Elena has 3 children from this marriage: her oldest - a daughter, and two sons, all of whom she is very proud of. She says she wanted to be the best mother she could be.

Once the family came, the international travelling stopped, but the family did visit her father's ranch near Torren every summer. When her youngest son started going to school, she started volunteering in a hospital - the so-called ABC Hospital, the American British Cowdry, or as the Mexican's called it: El Hospital Ingls. Every Thursday she volunteered for 9 years between 9 am and 1:30 pm in different functions, including helping out with administrative duties in the operating room. She also took up gardening and cooking and took many classes in both fields and has become a real expert in these endeavours. After her divorce, Marta Elena moved back to her home town Torren as Mexico City had become very dangerous. Her daughter was married in Torren and her older son was going to university there. After her divorce, her daughter moved to Cuernavaca, and requested her mother to move close to her. To be closer to her daughter, Marta Elena gave in and moved to Cuernavaca 2.5 years ago. She purchased the B&B from a previous owner who was an American expatriate. Without any trace of self pity Marta Elena refers to her life as a from riches to rags story. After her fathers death in the mid 1970s her mother managed the finances and many of the familys assets were sold off right around the time of the devaluation of the Mexican peso, leaving the family with barely a fraction of their worth. As a result, Marta Elena, who had never worked in her life, started to go to work at age 60 and has been running her bed and breakfast for about two and a half years now. She is one of the few people in Cuernavaca who run a bed and breakfast without the daily support of a maid or a gardener. As a matter of fact, Marta Elena runs her bed and breakfast with 5 bedrooms and a large tropical garden all by herself, without any regular help from anyone.

The amazing thing that struck me so completely is that Marta Elena, who had been so used to a privileged lifestyle lived only by the upper classes, who had never held a paid job during the first 60 years of her life, has adapted so well to her new role as the owner of this beautiful bed and breakfast, working hard every day from early morning to late at night. Her smile just radiates optimism and she is one of those precious bed and breakfast owners who truly enjoys the company of her guests. Marta Elena managed to turn something that might have derailed another human being into a new challenge and an opportunity. Now she works hard every day, yet she has adapted so well to her new role, it shows in everything that she does. Marta Elena is definitely a unique and interesting individual who knows how to make her guests feel at home and I am looking forward to hearing more of her interesting stories.

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River. Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons.

The interview with photos is published at Travel and Transitions - Interviews.

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10 Reasons Why You Should Go On A Cruise

10 Reasons Why You Should Go On A Cruise
By Graham Grant

Reason #1 The Price of Cruises

Cruises are all inclusive meaning that all your traveling main meals and entertainment costs are covered. The only exceptions are alcoholic drinks and extras which you can take on board yourself to save even more money.

Reason #2 Go on a Cruise for Romance

Cruises have all the elements required if you are going on a romantic trip. You have isolated beaches, cozy dinner settings, relaxing massage and spa treatment. All things that are great if you are in the mood for love.

Reason #3 Cruise for dining and wining.

Cruises are a great way to find the best cuisine. There is something for everyone. Whether you like fast food, or more specialized gourmet dishes and more exotic cooking as well. There are also various places on board where you can eat be it the ball room and entertainment area or a more sedate cafe area.

Reason #4 Cruise for a great variety of choice

Cruise ships come in all shape and sizes offering something for everyone. Also there are well over 2000 ports of call you can visit while you cruise. In short if there is a place with a sea port you wish to visit, then you can probably go to it by cruise and then visit it when you disembark.

Reason #5 Cruise for experiencing different activities

There is always something to do on a cruise whether playing sport, listening to lectures or going on tours. Even if all you want to do is lie by the pool then you can do that. And at night you can experience the best nightlife has to offer within walking distance from your cabin.

Reason #6 Cruise for relaxation.

Once you are on a cruise you no longer have to worry about anything. Cruises are all inclusive so all your needs are catered for, so all you need to worry about is making sure you make the most of what is on offer but if all you want to do is just relax and do nothing that is good too.

Reason #7 Cruise for experiencing different locations.

Every day you will probably be in a new place without the need to pack your bags to get to the next location.

Reason #8 Cruise for great fun for all the family.

Cruises are perfect holidays that the whole family can enjoy It's something the whole family can enjoy together because every cruise will have entertainment especially laid out for kids as well as adults. And most importantly for adults the fact that children are kept well occupied means that parents can enjoy some peace and quite while the kids have fun.

Reason #9 Cruise for your health and body.

If dancing, working out or going to the spa is something you enjoy then cruises are well equipped with these amenities which are available 24 hours a day. So there is no excuse not to get fit if that is the reason you went on a cruise.

Reason #10 Cruise for feeling fulfilled and satisfied.

It is no coincidence that surveys have revealed that cruise passengers have a much higher level of satisfaction over other people who have taken other kinds of vacations.

Graham Grant is the owner of Cruises - Articles, News, Information,which specializes in providing useful information and resources forpeople who are considering a cruise for their next vacation. For more details click here: Go On A Cruise

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10 Reasons to do a Basic Boating Course!

10 Reasons to do a Basic Boating Course!
By Willie Jones

Boating is a great adventure on any type of boat and is being enjoyed by many on a daily basis, but with that comes a great responsibility. It is not mandatory to do a boating course at this time but there are some very good reasons to get your self informed about the rules of the road.

1)You will learn about safety equipment and what you are required to have on your boat before you undertake any boating excursion. This is very important because what you dont have with you could make the difference between being able to handle a situation or not. Also, that outing for the day could cost you if the sheriff stops you to spot check your boat and fines you for not having all the safety equipment required for your specific boat.

2)You will learn that driving a boat is vastly different from driving a car. You are dealing with air and water currents. If you have never docked a boat you may think that it is easy, until that is, the current is pulling you in the opposite direction that you want to go. Understanding air and water currents will help you learn how to dock your boat.

3)Knowing how to work with lines and tying knots is part of boating. You have to be able to secure a boat properly. If your boat gets away, it is amazing how quickly the current will take it out of your reach and you will probably require the assistance of another boater to help you get to it. So learn your knots.

4)You will learn what the channel markers mean. We learned the hard way the first time we went out on a boat and ran aground outside the markers. We also had no clue what the red and green markers meant on the poles. This you also learn on the course.

5)There are speed limits on certain water ways but unlike the roads, they may or may not be posted. Ignorance may not be enough to get you out of a ticket.

6)Using charts for coastal navigation can be a life saver. Its your road map that helps you stay away from the shallows and shows where all the markers and bridges are, and by using measurements you can calculate the distance and time it will take to get somewhere. It can be valuable tool for navigation.

7)Just like on the roads, there is the right of way. On a boating course you will learn who has the right of way and why.

8)Every boat should have a horn. You may hear one long toot or 2 short toot and so on, and youll learn what they mean.

9)There are boating regulations and laws that must be followed by all boaters, for example, (and I have seen this rule broken so many times) you are not allowed to sit on the bow of the boat with your feet hanging over board. There are many more regulations to learn and not knowing them can cost you.

10)Anchoring a boat is not just a matter of plopping it down to the sand. There is a mathematical technique applied to anchoring that has to do with the size and length of your boat. Knowing how to do this correctly will give you that extra insurance of knowing your boat is going nowhere until you want to move it.

There are many ways to enjoy pleasure boating, such as the fast pace of ski boating or the slow pace of a trawler, kayaking or canoeing. In whatever way you want to do it, it is a good idea to know the rules of the road. Then you can avoid potential situations and get on with the fun of being out there with all that sky, sun, water, family and friends.

Enjoy!

Willie is a freelance writer and researcher and is dedicated in bringing information on health related issues and other topics. http://www.adventure-boating.com

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Zambezi Sharks Under Threat at Protea Banks

Zambezi Sharks Under Threat at Protea Banks
By Melt Du Plooy

Sharklife.co.za has been fighting an ongoing for the protection of the Zambezi shark on Protea Banks but has been informed that a fishing charter is still trophy fishing for these sharks.

Sensational Fishing Charters is the only charter in the area to actively advertise and promote shark trophy fishing.

It takes Zambezi sharks over 20 years to reach breeding maturity. Should this slaughter be allowed to continue we fear that the entire Zambezi shark population of Protea Banks will soon be gone. Currently the only sharks seen on Protea Banks that have any form of protection, are the Great White and Spotted Ragged-tooth. Many other species, like the Zambezi, are in desperate need of protection and we need your help to get the authorities to act and get unscrupulous charters to stop their slaughter.

Local dive charter African Odyssea has witnessed the drastic decline in the Zambezi shark population on Protea Banks. One could expect to see up to 20 or more individual sharks on a single dive when diving began there in 1994 and this season 2005 there are an estimated 7 individual Zambezi's left on the reef.

Each of these 7 sharks is a national treasure attracting thousands of divers each year to Protea Banks not to mention their vital importance to the ecology of the reef.

To voice your protest or support, e-mail Sensational at fishmad@iafrica.com. Please cc SHARKLIFE at grant@sharklife.co.za. Visit the sharklife website here

South African scuba diving, marine and environmental newshttp://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com

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10 Free Things To Do In Dublin At Christmas Time

10 Free Things To Do In Dublin At Christmas Time
By Damien Moran

Sadly over the years Dublin has become a very expensive place to live and to visit. However there is good news, some of the best ways to enjoy and really get to know Dublin City are actually free. So for tourists and locals here is what the author considers to be the very best of free Dublin over the festive season.

#1 Brown Thomas shop window on Grafton street is a real treat at christmas.This theme this year is Circus ...a must see!!

#2 Check out the hustle and bustle of the many city centre markets which really come alive at Christmas time with all sorts of colourful sights, sounds and charactors.

#3 If you are feeling brave, plunge into the Irish Sea at the 40ft in Sandycove just outside the city....a tradition amongst the foolhearty on christmas day....Birrrrr!!!!

#4 Bring the kids to see the traditional nativity scene set with live animals at the Mansion House on Dawson Street.

#5 A real treat for the kids ..bring them to meet Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Dec 17, 2006 at 2pm Phoenix Park, Dublin 8: tel. 01-820 5800

#6 Go to Temple Bar Fairtrade Christmas Market Temple Bar - Dublin's Cultural Quarter

#7 At New Years eve hear the Church Bells before midnight at Christ Church Cathedral

#8 The cities Christmas trees will be adorned with the glow of silver stars from Newbridge Silverware

#9 The Irish Museum of Modern Art will be running exciting exhibitions for all the family

#10 European style traditional Christmas market at Georges Dock, IFSC, Dublin one

http://www.freedublin.com

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Ziplock Bag Ideas for Outdoor Cooking

Zip-lock Bag Ideas for Outdoor Cooking
By Scott Carey

Zip-lock bags are extremely helpful when cooking outdoors. They come in a variety of sizes from 1 pint to 2 gallons. There is no need to buy expensive ones for most uses. You should be able to find off-brands at grocery stores, discount stores, or dollar stores. Here are some ideas and tips for using zip-lock bags to make your outdoor cooking job a little bit easier.

Pre-measure ingredients and put in zip-lock bags. For example, if you know you need 2 cups of flour for a recipe, measure those 2 cups into a zip-lock bag at home, label it, and all you have to do at the campsite is dump it in. This works great for rice, pasta, sugar, flour, instant mashed potatoes, powdered drink mix, and almost any other similar ingredient.

Pre-measuring and storing in zip-lock bags also works great for seasonings. Measure all the seasonings for a particular dish into a zip-lock bag. You don't have to take all the individual seasoning containers, nor worry about leaving one behind.

Put all the zip-lock bags and other ingredients for each meal into a large zip-lock bag (1 or 2 gallon). This keeps everything for the meal in one place. Add copies of the recipes, if needed, to the bag and you are ready to go.

Pre-mix ingredients and put in zip-lock bags. Cooking pancakes for breakfast? Mix all the dry ingredients together in a zip-lock bag, label it, then add the liquid ingredients to the bag and mix up when ready to cook. No dishes to wash. No cleanup. Just toss the empty bag in the garbage.

Zip-lock bags are perfect for marinating meat before you grill. You can even freeze the meats with the marinade, which allows you to get them ready far in advance.

Use zip-lock bags for leftovers and store in cooler. One great idea is to make omelets for the last breakfast with all the saved leftovers (depending on what you have). Just add eggs the zip-lock bags and mix up.

Precook rice or pasta at home and store in zip-lock bags. This makes it much easier to cook at the campsite, because all you have to do is heat it up.

Precut meat and store in zip-lock bags. You won't have to worry in camp about the messy cleanup needed if you do it at home. If you want to really save time, you can even pre-cook the meats and store in zip-lock bags until you needat camp. Just heat up and you are ready to go.

Precut vegetables and store in zip-lock bags. Cooking while camping can be more time consuming, but this tip will save you time by allowing you to do it ahead of time at home.

Store snacks in zip-lock bags. Trail-mix, snack mix, pretzels, dried fruit, etc., store great in zip-lock bags. You can even make separate bags for each member of your family or group so there isn't any quibbling over portions.

See http://www.outdoorcookingmagic.com for more outdoor cooking tips and for a Free Dutch Oven Recipe eBook.

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10 FREE Things To Do at Disney World

10 FREE Things To Do at Disney World
By Jane Williams

10 fun activities that don't require a ticket!

1. Visit Downtown Disney.It cost nothing to visit Downtown Disney. There are lots of fun shops to stroll through and plenty of people watching oportunities. (If you visit during the day PLEASE take a hat. I think Downtown Disney has it's own micro climate - it often seems degrees hotter than the rest of Orlando.) Don't miss the snoozing man made from lego or the fabtastc magnets at Magnetron Magnetz. Stop in the Art of Disney store - They run a trivia quiz every day and give out prizes if you get them all right!

2. Watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworksfrom the beach of the Grand Floridian or Polynesian. You can park at the resorts for a short time for free. Tell the guard you are visiting the hotel coffee shop.

3 Take a free tour of Wilderness Lodge Check with guest services for times and details. There is also a hidden Mickey hunt (list available from guest services)

4. Watch the Electrical Water PageantIt takes place each night on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake - times vary. A long line of barges are transformed into a magical light show. It is short - just a few minutes long but is one of the overlooked treasures of Walt Disney World. It can be seen from the beaches of the Grand Floridian and Polynesian and the Fort Wilderness Marina and Beach

5. Nature Trails at Fort Wilderness There are many miles of trails at Fort Wilderness, through pine and cypress woods. All free. You can hire bikes but to walk costs nothing

6. Visit The BoardwalkBest in the evening. Just stroll and take in the atmosphere. There's usually lots of street entertainment

7 Visit the The petting farm at Fort Wilderness . The petting farm is open 7 am to dusk a. There is free day parking at Ft. Wilderness.

8.Take the free garden tour at the Yacht & Beach Club Resort.Call guest services for times

9.Take the free lobby tour at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

10 Campfire sing-song and a movieEach evening a campfire is held at Fort Wilderness (it is free to WDW Resort Guests) near the Meadow Trading Post. Take your own marshmallows to toast. The campfire is followed by a Disney cartoon feature shown on a large outdoor screen.

--- I know I said 10 Free things but I have included one more because #10 is only free to guests staying at a Disney World Hotel!

11 Take a boat ride from Dixie Landings to Downtown Disney - it's especially nice at night. Take a stroll round Downtown Disney and catch the boat back to your car at Dixie Landings.

Jane Williams is vice president of Florida Value. She says: we have been providing great value services to Florida vacationers for over 9 years Check out Discount Disney World tickets and Universal Studios Orlando tickets and more money saving tips

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Visiting Denver? Check Out These Great Restaurants

Visiting Denver? Check Out These Great Restaurants
By Douglas Hanna

If you're coming to Denver and not familiar with the downtown area, here's information on five great restaurants you might want to check out.

Elway's
So our Number 7 was a pretty good football player when he was with the Broncos, but surprise! He's also a pretty good restaurateur. The steaks at Elway's are first rate, the side dishes are excellent and the martinis like totally cold.

Elway's
2500 E. 1st Ave. (Cherry Creek Shopping Center)
303-399-5353

Table Six
Table Six just might be the hottest restaurant in Denver as of this writing. It's a relatively small neighborhood restaurant that's just a few minutes from the 16th St. Mall at 609 Corona. Its menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared in unusual ways. For example, you can get seafood sausage on white cabbage and broiled chicken, rabbit and Colorado lamb.

Table Six
609 Corona St.
303-831-8800

Aix
If you're in the mood for contemporary French cuisine, give Aix a try. It's menu mixes the tried and true with the newer, novelle dishes such as pomegranate risotto and mushroom-stuffed quail with cardamom lentils and orange gastrique. Aix also serves a variety of to-die-for game dishes.

Aix
719 E. 17th Ave.
303-831-1296

Restaurant Kevin Taylor
This is definitely one of Denver's most upscale and luxurious restaurants with a bumptious menu that ranges from bay scallop and squid ink ravioli to desert list that includes Hawaiian pineapple Charlotte. The wine list is 900 wines long.

Restaurant Kevin Taylor
1106 24th St.
303-820-2600

Vesta Dipping Grill
This very contemporary restaurant sports curvy walls and a curvy bar and sports a menu that serves up a few curves. It's basically a fondue restaurant where you order an entree and then choose three or more sauces from a long list of possibilities for your dipping pleasure. Featured entrees include ginger-seared Ahi tuna, pork tenderloin cubano, achiote-grilled Altantic salmon, madras coconut milk grilled venison and green chile masa gnocchi. If the idea of a customized meal fits you fancy, the Vesta Dipping Grill is your kind of place.

Vesta Dipping Grill
1822 Blake St.
303-296-1970

You can learn more than will help you enjoy your stay in Denver at my web site. Just go to http://www.best-denver-vacation.com.

Douglas Hanna has lived in the Denver metro area for more than 30 years and is an expert on both Denver and Colorado. He is also the author of more than 100 ezine articles on a variety of subjects.

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The London Eye: Getting The Best View of London

The London Eye: Getting The Best View of London
By S Wander

The London Eye, also known as the millennium wheel is the worlds tallest observation wheel, and the fourth tallest structure in London. At one hundred and thirty five meters high, a person on the London eye can see a view on London extending for over twenty-five miles.

The London Eye has been awarded a variety of different awards and achievements from Londons first Millennium ward in the year 2000, for its outstanding contribution to the capitals architecture, to the best attraction for group travel in 2003.

One of the largest of its kind, the London Eye can carry eight hundred passengers at a time, within its thirty-two different passenger pods, on a thirty-minute sight seeing journey from above. Over the course of a day, the London Eye can carry over 15,000 separate visitors, as many people as it would take to fill the Concorde one hundred and fifty times.

The London Eye is a wonderful trip for children, and adults alike, offering every passenger a fantastic view of London and a fantastic time. There are a variety of different flight options you can make for your trip on the London Eye depending on what you would like to gain out of your travel experience on the eye.

For instance, the London Eye offers Discovery Flights. A Discovery flight will be a flight just the same as any other, but a tour guide will be present to point out special landmarks to those who are on the flight. If this is your first trip to London, you may appreciate taking one of these flights and having a local point out special landmarks that you might have otherwise missed.

If you are trying to plan the perfect evening, then you might start with a private capsule on the London Eye. The London Eye will allow you to book an entire capsule for you and up to twenty-five guests on the London Eye. Those who pre-book their excursion will also enjoy priority boarding, and guest can also choose from a list of food and drink that can be served during the flight. A private capsule on the London Eye can be the perfect way to spend a special occasion, or celebrate an event with those close to you while soaring above the London skyline.

Going on a trip with your sweetie? What would an attraction with so many breathtaking views, and wonderful sights be without a romance package? The London eye offers a Cupids Capsule package, which is designed for two lovebirds to soar through the London skyline all by them. The package includes a bottle of Perrier, and a box or chocolates, as well as the couples very own pod for their trip through the London skyline. Nothing could be more romantic than floating through the stars with a loved one enjoying champagne and luxury chocolates.

If your Cupids capsule was successful, then why not try getting married on the London Eye as well. The London Eye offers reasonable priced weddings that allow the bridge, groom and guests to board a private capsule where the wedding ceremony takes place. You and your significant other are pronounced married, as the capsule reaches its highest point, and as the capsule begins its decent the party can begin complete with Perrier champagne.

The London Eye is one of the most fantastic attractions in the world. It is designed so that anyone, at any age can have a wonderful time paying the London Eye a visit, and spending a few minutes of their lives soaring above the clouds and looking out on the magnificent London skyline.

Copyright 2006 S Wander

Smooth Hound http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/london-central.html offers affordable hotel, guest house and bed & breakfast accommodation throughout the London and the rest of the world.

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Did Colorado Kill Doc Holliday?

Did Colorado Kill Doc Holliday?
By David Urmann

John Henry Doc Hollidays final words, spoken as he lay dying in the Hotel Glenwood in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, were this is funny. Well never know, of course, exactly what the Wild West legend meant by this. Perhaps he found it ironic that after a life spent tempting death in the gambling dens of the American frontier, it was at last his 15-year long battle with tuberculosis that had killed him. But while it is certainly true that TB was the ultimate cause of his death, it may have had an accomplicethe state of Colorado itself.

Doc was born in Georgia in 1851. His mother died of tuberculosis when he was only 15, and it is likely that he contracted the disease from her. It lay dormant long enough for him to complete his classical education and graduate from Dentistry school before symptoms began to appear. After his diagnosis he was told he had a few months, perhaps a year, to live. He was 20 years old.

Climate was the only treatment anyone could recommend for tuberculosis in the middle of the 19th century. Seeking drier, hotter weather, Doc went west. Dying or not, he still had to make a living. Good dental hygiene, however, was not a priority for most cowboys, so Doc decided to try his hand at gambling.

Some historians have suggested that Doc deliberately put himself in harms way over the course of his life out of a desire to die a quick, if bloody, death rather than waste away as the result of his disease. Whether or not this is true, he certainly seemed to have the Devils luck (good or bad) protecting him. Though he was sickly, scrawny, famously quarrelsome and habitually in a state if of mortal danger, he always managed to survive.

Holliday has passed into legend as one of Americas most fearsome, steely-eyed gunslingers. But though he is credited with the killing of many men, these stories have no historical evidence. In truth, the one and only documented case of Doc killing anybody was at the infamous Gunfight at the OK Corral, when he shot Tom McLaury with a double-barrel shotgun at close rangehardly a feat the required a sharpshooter. Of his numerous escapades with a pistol he displayed abysmal aim, probably as a result of the constant flow of whiskey he consumed to control his cough. He is said to have stabbed several men to death, but this seems unlikely given his frail health and wasted physique; he supposedly carried only about 120 pounds on his 510 frame when he died.

More than a decade of gambling, smoking, drinking and fighting with some of the most dangerous men in America didnt kill Doc Holliday, but it didnt slow the progression of his disease, either. As he deteriorated he once again sought out better climate. In Victorian times (and for a long time after) consumptives were encouraged to seek high altitudes. This led Doc to the state of Colorado, the place that eventually killed him.

High altitude sickness is caused when the thinner air, where there is less oxygen in the atmosphere, causes the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream to decrease, causing headaches, nausea and a host of other symptoms. For someone like Holliday, who suffered from a severe and advanced lung disease that already interfered with his ability to breath, Colorados high altitude was torturous. With his health worsening daily he decided to seek treatment in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, a town famous for the healing waters of its natural hot-springs and vaporous caves.

Visiting the hot-springs was the worst possible course of action for the tubercular Holliday. Sulfur emissions from the mineral springs and geothermal steam baths at Glenwood Springs stripped the few shreds of healthy tissue from his already ravaged lungs. After a bitter lifetime of gambling with death at the point of a blade or the barrel of a pistol, his diseased body got the better of him. After 2 racking, bedridden months in the winter of 1887 Doc Hollidays lungs gave out and he died. Tuberculosis had been the loaded gun at his temple for almost half his life, but Colorado had finally pulled the trigger.

Looking for more information on Coloradocheck out our Alabama Adventure guide at visitusa.com.

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