CTOKOS Blog

Fresh precise GPS readings carried out on the 17-18th August have registered that Mount Blanc amounts to 4810.7 m. Mont-Blanc is smothered by a heavy icecap which has grown bigger by 2 metres in only 2 yrs moreover more surprising the bulk of the ice has all but grown twofold . Leastwise that’s as reported by the professionals.

The volume of ice was measured for the inaugural time in 2003. It was measured at 14300 cubic metres higher up than 4770 metres. It was only 13900 metres cubed in 2002 potentially owing to the heat with positive temperature even at 5000 metres elevation. Yet the ice has virtually doubled since then and at present amounts to 25000 cubic meters.

Chamonix village’s valued local weather man Virginia Stancil stated the development in the size of the ice cap is among the contrary consequences of climate change: Snowfall has not accumulated generally in the French Alps merely with climate change we’re having a lot of hotter prevailing westerly air currents that bring in rain at lower altitudes however in summer this results in significant snowfall that falls above 3700 meters height thus the amount of the ice-cap is rising. Compare that to the state of affairs in winter time when snow crystals are exceedingly cold and are transferred by the wind and so don’t settle down on the summit.

Chamonix ski resort is not just well known for Mont Blanc it is also a well renowned ski area and climbing mecca with many ski deals and self catering chalets to be hired. And at merely 1 hr from Geneva Switzerland it is unbeatable for a short break.

We’ve gone to some mountain ski hang outs for instance Le Tour, Montroc, Brevent and Les Menuires, however altogether in all the family’s ski holidays Chamonix France is certainly our most loved resort to go for ski holidays in France.

The birthplace of alpine history and dwelling to the astounding Monte Bianco - at 4807m the EU’s greatest peak - Chamonix village boasts a superior snow register, a lengthy winter season (November-May), matchless extreme snowboarding, and perspectives to die for. Not withstanding Chamonix has an international repute as having a lot of the most striking, stimulating, and invigorating telemarking procurable anyplace in the world.

Chamonix town is extensive in addition to being puzzling, and this is before one view the near resorts; for example Alpe d’Huez, Les Grands Montets, La Chavanette, Les Arcs and Hautacam.

The Monte Bianco ski lift pass covers nine Chamonix town, and 13 territorial snowboarding towns; on pistes equal to 3840 metres, upwards of 280 button lifts, and 790 kilometers of skiing tracks - with the absolute majority of the ski resorts higher up than 2020 metres. They caters for every level from starters including experienced skiers. See the snowboarding fields section for up to date look at each of the major fields: Les Trois Vallees, Plateau de Beille, Montgenevre, Gourette, La Mongie and La Rosiere.

The B&B rises in the heart of the historical center in Trapani in a typical and ancient courtyard of the old city; its strategic position allows to reach the buses (Airport Trapani-Birgi) and trains stations in less than 5 minutes on foot. It is possible to use a free Internet point and to rent bike

To few footsteps from the pedestrian zone, from the gardens, from pubs and from the most ancient buildings and churches our structure offers a good level of comfort to the clientele with an exceptional relationship quality price. All the rooms are furnished with Sicilian typical taste and they are endowed with en-suite bathroom, air conditioning/ heating, TV, included breakfast at a café.
It is possible to use a free Internet point and to rent bike.

Rooms include:
Exclusive bathroom en-suite
Heating and air conditioning
TV
Internet free
Breakfast included

PLEASE ALWAYS CONTACT US EITHER VIA EMAIL OR VIA TELEPHONE (SMS) AT LEAST 1 DAY BEFORE ARRIVAL TO ADVISE OF YOUR ARRIVAL TIME. YOU WILL FIND ALL THE CONTACT DETAILS OF THE HOSTEL ON YOUR BOOKING CONFIRMATION.

Other than Cortile di Venere, you can browse our offers for other in Trapani, pls visit our catalogue of hotels in Trapani, from cheap to luxury, togheter with Tours in Italy

The All Comfort Astoria Palace guest house in Rome is located on the top floor of a very elegant Palazzo, with access by elevator.
The whole floor was totally renovated in January of 2004 and occupies 300 square meters of the building.
There is a 360 degrees view of Rome from our guest house, which is located close to the centre of Rome, its main university ‘La Sapienza’ and the main line train station for Rome ‘Termini’.
We are easily accessible by Bus, Tram or Underground (Line B Station Policlinico).
We offer a true ‘First Class’ service to all our customers, with attention to every detail and all of your needs.
Together with the elegant and ambient surroundings, we offer all the comforts with a price that will please.
All our suites are Non Smoking however we do allow smoking in certain designated areas.
Circling the guest house are several sun terraces (200 square meters) were you can enjoy our hospitality and socialise with other guests.
For the perfect start to your day Breakfast can be served either in our dining room or on the terrace in the sun with fantastic views of Rome.
For Lunch and Dinner we have a special link with the ‘Restaurant Peppino e Carlo’ downstairs from our accommodation in Rome.

In our hotel we have a internet wireless.
Here you can enjoy some of Italy ’s best cuisine.
With very low prices for our guests.

For those that have never before accomplished a walking safari in South Africa will probably find it hard to imagine the superb wildlife you might often come up close with. The individuals who come to a walking safari are regular people like you and me, some are into taking wildlife photos, some tourists are into Africa as a country but all of them are interested in a new spectacular experience. Ring Kaingo for a Safari Holiday, and get the information you need.

The unbelievable thing about a safari is the fact it is so different from the usual holiday to Germany, there are very little kids. Each corporation will provide an English speaking tourist guide to take you through the marvellous areas of Southern Africa. The most popular animals you may see are wolves. The aforementioned stunning animals are not tame and of course don?t feed them. If you are interested in taking photographs of the lions you should make sure you turn off the flash as you do not want to scare them. The astonishing animals in Southern Africa might well put a smile on your face.

If you would love to identify more about unbelievable safaris in Southern Africa you might well use the search engine like Google to notice a company that offers safaris from the UK, the prices should range from two hundred pounds to 800 pounds.

The phenomenal location of Africa called South Luangwa has been called the greatest place to safari in Africa. The area has been acclaimed in numerous years by the worlds most credible wildlife experts. Couples might often be able to watch huge groups of wild cats as well as lovely birds. Try Africa safari holidays from Kaingo and explore your wild side.

The park is well regarded for its marvellous walking safaris and is a big seller with all UK folk. The changing seasons makes the safari region irrestible with a dry season during winter and a green beautiful jungle feel over the summer months. During the changes in season the wildlife animals will probably change giving british tourists a different aspect.

Identify the appeal of South Africa with a photographic safari vacation and be at one with the beautiful wildlife. The astonishing rivers and hippos and lions might make people feel alive with energy. Couples will be able to take large volumes of photos and take back the greatest memories.

South Africa has lots of animals in its regions and tourists can easily see the perfect photograph of a zebra. If you are not used to a walking holiday you will often go on a driving safari and admire large amounts of the country within a short amount of time. When you have concluded your driving safari by day you might then go back to your resort to have dinner. Innumerable hotels are 4 star and stunning.

All aboard!

The USA has much more to offer the tourist than guaranteed sunshine and bargain shopping, and there’s a relatively unknown way to discover what this country is really all about. Most people think of travelling by car or plane but you should certainly investigate America’s wonderful trains - perhaps the last means of luxury transport available to everyone. The 25,000 mile Amtrak rail network takes in almost all states, giving a choice of 500 destinations and access to such tourist essentials as San Francisco, the Rocky Mountains and the Grand Canyon.

The Iron Horse

Railroads opened up America more than a century ago and some of today’s long-distance trains still follow the original pioneering routes. They also use many of the great stations built during the golden age of passenger travel. An impressive example stands in Washington, DC, decorated in gold leaf and restored to its original grandeur with dozens of shops, restaurants and a multi-screen cinema. Chicago’s Union Station features a marble and brass waiting room as large as many a cathedral. It’s said that Al Capone used to stop by for his daily shoeshine in the shower room below.

Hotels on wheels

US trains are like mobile hotels, boasting gleaming aluminium twin-decked coaches, air-conditioning, observation cars and uniformed attendants who make you feel you have stepped into a 1930s Hollywood movie. Reclining seats are thick and soft, with comfortable leg-rests so that you can snooze after a meal or sleep through the night (a good way to save on hotel bills). Pillows and subdued lighting are provided by the attendant.
Trains also have traditional sleeping cars with cosy bedrooms ranging from single ‘roomettes’ to family size affairs for those travelling with children. Accommodation includes breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining car, as well as complimentary tea or coffee and a newspaper delivered each morning. Meals are of a high standard, including regional specials such as freshly caught trout or barbecued spare ribs. Video films of recent vintage are shown in the lounge bar during the evenings, when the place becomes lively with impromptu parties and poker games.

Time to unwind

The atmosphere on board is invariably relaxed and the modest speed perfect for sightseeing, so this is a great way to explore the landscape and meet the natives. You have room to stretch out or walk around and instead of racing above the clouds you can watch an entire continent unroll outside the wraparound windows. Even occasional glimpses of city backyards can be fascinating, although trains are scheduled to pass through the less prepossessing areas by night. Children are particularly well catered for with games and other amusements and rarely become bored with the thrill of riding the tracks and making new friends.

Chance encounters are a vital part of what makes American train journeys such a rewarding experience. One day it may be a group of Italian schoolgirls heading for Niagara Falls, the next it is Australian backpackers in Texas. US trains are friendly places and you’re sure to run into someone interesting. You can learn a lot by sitting next to a Kansas City mortician or a drag artist on her way to entertain the troops in San Diego. Between small towns and big cities you also experience the country’s sheer size and variety, getting a feel for what this land must have been like before the days of McDonalds and Coca Cola.

Low prices

Best of all, ticket prices are amazingly low and visitors from overseas benefit from an array of passes that make this one of the world’s great travel bargains. You can stop off en route as often as you wish and for any length of time, so given a little planning you should find a train to take you almost everywhere you want to go, and perhaps to a few places you hadn’t expected. It’s easy to work out an itinerary that lets you see more of this diverse country in a short time than is possible any other way. And as the bell clangs and the conductor calls out ‘All aboard!’ you soon discover why the railroad experience is so delightfully addictive.

John Pitt is author of USA by Rail, the definitive guide book to the USA and Canada http://www.usa-by-rail.com

New Classics for free CDs & DVDs http://www.new-classics.co.uk

Puerto Banus in Marbella, Southern Spain is one of the most exclusive resorts in the world but there are only five Hotels that are actually in Puerto Banus itself.

Fair enough, there are plenty of Hotels throughout Marbella to cater for all tastes and budgets but if you want to stay in Puerto Banus, right in the heart of the place, what choices do you have and what are the names of the Hotels?

First of a brief description of Puerto Banus, Puerto Banus is all about the Marina which contains yachts and motor boats, large and small. The Marina in Puerto Banus is lined with pavement cafes and restaurants that serve a mixture of traditional Spanish food and the more typical modern cuisine that we are now used to and expect.

Until ten years ago that was basically it but now the resort stretches back from “the port” and engulfs 2 large shopping squares, Marina Banus indoor shopping complex and the five storey department store, El Corte Ingles.

You can also find shops such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Luis Vuitton, Hermes and Dior all within this small but select area.

So where to stay…

The 3 star Benabola Hotel in Puerto Banus is actually an Aparthotel where you can rent self contained apartments, studios, one bed, 2 bed and 3 bedrooms but with all the facilities of a Hotel, such as daily sheet changes etc. Each apartment comes with a small kitchenette. The Benabola is in an ideal location between one end of the port and the popular Plaza Beach.

The Pyr Hotel in Puerto Banus is another Aparthotel offering a selection of Studio and 1 bedroom apartments with their own kitchenette. The Hotel offers all the usual things, Pool, café etc and is in a good location, just back from the Port and right by the shops, but if you are unlucky you could end up with a room that has road noise from the main N340 that runs behind the hotel. Make sure you book your room with this in mind.

The largest Hotel is the 4 star Andalucia Plaza Hotel, a 390 room residence with both an indoor and outdoor pool that is great for the summer and winter. Together with a gym and one of only 3 Casinos on the whole Costa del Sol. Again you could get a room with a bit of road noise but the Hotel is in an ideal location just on the edge of town. It’s around a 7 minute walk to the port and under 5 minutes to the beach.

Located directly next to the beach is the 4 Star Hotel Dinamar in Puerto Banus, like the Andalucia Plaza this hotel is on the edge of town but close enough to be within walking distance of everything. The Dinamar Hotel offers excellent facilities and is adjacent to the main sea front promenade that connects Puerto Banus to Marbella.

The only remaining Hotel is the 4 star Park Plaza Suites. Located overlooking both the Port and Plaza Beach this Hotel is ideal for those who literally want everything on their doorstep. Plaza Beach is also on your doorstep and over the peak summer season Plaza Beach has lively beach parties with top DJs and Dancers on a Sunday afternoon and Thursday evening.

For many people looking to book their Holidays the Hotels in Puerto Banus seem like an expensive option when you can find slightly cheaper Hotels within a fifteen minute drive but please bear in mind that as most people spend every evening in the Port area the costs of Car Hire, parking and or Taxis every night could exceed the extra that one might pay to stay right in the heart of Puerto Banus.

Gary Ingram lives in Marbella on the Costa del Sol and is the webmaster for Malaga Airport Guide that has over 300 pages of travel information about the Costa del Sol and Puerto Banus Hotels

The region in Southeast of U.S. is among a favorite for people who fantasize being surrounded by water. Since the location is fairly near to equator weather in these parts of U.S. is warm. Also large water bodies influence to make the climate moderate. Due to this there are very few frozen beaches in Southeast; most of seaside is operational all year round. Southeast is emerging fast as an ideal holiday destination for enthusiastic tourists. All states in southeast are magnificent attractions on their own and together they present excellent opportunities for an exciting vacation.

Alabama offers variety prospects ranging from white beaches near the Gulf Coast to highest mountains that are picture perfect and in compliance with ones imagination. Its beaches are spread to about 32 miles and both business opportunities and fun activities are abundantly found here. The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a must visit for the place of the area consisting of dramatic collection of flowers and pasture covered lavishly with grasses. There is also a gleaming pool and a garden having aquatic perpetual exhibits all year round. Alabama Music Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to achievers in music from all fields of music relating to Alabama. Casino lovers can find enough opportunities for their recreation in this city.

Florida is an ultimate destination of family or a romantic vacation. It offers best in both spheres, the lavish outlay by resorts and hotels, eye catching beaches and world class golf courses everything is an exotic treat for vacationers. Florida portrays prospects for mountain escapes of varied choices consisting of camping, hiking, amazing natural wonders and vast parks spread to many acres of land. A special attraction of Florida is the Fort Lauderdale or the Hollywood International Airport that makes Hollywood easily accessible. The beaches here are perfect for family and children as they offer fabulous attractions for all.

Georgia is a state with rich cultural heritage relating to literature and music. Even amazing landmarks from past are a bonanza of the place. Both mountains and seasides present splendid views and excellent tourism possibilities. This city offers glimpses of stylish southern culture and a feel of modern times consecutively. There are admirable dining options and presentable downtown views that can entertain a traveler who would just pass through its streets. Local galleries exhibit traveling art and official art collections. There is a masterpiece for everything in the state whether it is nature, entertainment, shopping, history or sports.

Virginia is rightly called a city for lovers. It is located at southern most part of Middle Atlantic States. It is roughly triangular in shape and has numerous must visit national parks each known for its unique characteristics. Virginia is a city with diversity and offers something for everyone. Its enriched historical background is an added attraction for the place. Among many tourist spots of the area is the famous Colonial Williamsburg history museum. The museum exhibits political and cultural world of 1700s and enjoys a status of largest living-history museum in America. Virginia is also the best place to visit during festivals as all events are celebrated with great zeal and zest here.

Mansi aggarwal writes about southeast vacations. Learn more at http://www.southeastvacationspots.com

The traditional feast in Hawaii was once referred to as the ‘aha ‘aina and was used to celebrate many events including coming of age and visitors. The modern term Luau may have originated from the great coed feasts of the Hawaiian King Kamehameha II. In traditional Hawaii men and women were not allowed to eat together and all women were forbidden to eat certain kinds of foods in Hawaii.

King Kamehameha II abolished these laws and many other religious laws in the year 1819. He validated this change in tradition by having a symbolic feast with women invited. At this feast one of the main dishes involved the wrapping of chicken in the young leaves of the Taro plant and baking it in coconut milk. This dish was called ‘Luau’ and as a result of its being one of the main courses of these feasts the feasts themselves came to be called ‘Luaus.’

Traditional Luaus are eaten on the ground, with food place on Ti Leaves that cover a type of woven mat called the ‘Lauhala’ mats. Guests at Luau’s receive Leis as they arrive on the scene. The Lei is a necklace or headdress of woven flowers or shells and is given as a display of affection. Also when dressing up for the Luau women can place a flower behind their right or left ear. Placing a flower over the left ear indicates that one is taken or in a relationship and placing a flower over the right ear indicates that one is available.

Hawaii is a melting pot of Asian and Polynesian cultures so Luaus are often sprinkled with influences from other cultures. For example Rice has become a popular side dish to include at the luau party and many Hawaiians are fond of Spam and spend time looking for ways to create interesting recipes with it. Elvis and Don Ho both created albums with songs about Hawaii that are popular to play at Luaus. And the dangerous, yet thrilling, fire dance often seen at professional Luaus is really of Samoan origin.

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Luau Party Shop has luau party supplies to help complete your Hawaiian themed event.