10 EXCITING WAYS TO SPEND YOUR WEEKEND
If you are feeling a bit jaded after Christmas and you need some ideas to cheer you up have a look at my list of exciting ways to spend your weekend. You might just find something to cheer you up and give you something to look forward to in the middle of a bleak winter.
1. How about hitting the January sales in New York or London. Whichever is nearest to you. The sales are a great way to cheer anyone up. There are bargains to be had especially for Europeans traveling to New York. The exchange rate is great for you and prices were already good, add sale prices and you can get some fantastic deals.
2. Try a walking weekend. It doesn’t matter if you live in the middle of the USA or on the Yorkshire Dales. Find a nice B&B near a beautiful scenic spot and get some fresh air. A good walk will help get rid of some of those excess pounds from Christmas too.
3. Spa weekends are always popular. Again a good way to refresh yourself after all the self indulgence of the holiday season.
4. If you would enjoy learning something new try a sailing weekend. You can learn the basics during a weekend and enjoy yourself at the same time. Another great way to clear your head and relax.
5. If you would rather relax and recuperate after the holidays take a weekend break by train. Relax and watch the beautiful countryside pass you by as you sit in comfort on the train.
6. If you would like to carry on eating and drinking, how about a gourmet weekend. You will learn a thing or two about fine wines and delicious food.
7. Back to a bit of exercise. Learn to ride a horse over the course of a weekend. Great fun and great exercise rolled into one. There is bound to be a beginners course near you or if you can already ride book a break at a ranch or resort and enjoy some new scenery and get well fed and looked after as well.
8. Something more relaxing would be a painting weekend. Again there are a great many beginners courses to chose from or if you are already skilled try out a different location from usual and enjoy getting to know a new place.
9. Have you ever tried bird watching. Combine this with photography and you have a great weekend and lovely photographs of all you have seen. Snuggled up in a hide is a great way to start the new year together.
10. For something considerably more exciting why not book a weekend at your local racetrack and learn to drive the way the professionals do. Not for the faint hearted but definitely exciting and something to talk about when you are back at work.
I hope there has been something here to attract your interest or even get you thinking about weekend breaks you would like to try out. You don’t need to have time off work or a holiday coming up to enjoy some time away and try out something new.
THREE WONDERFUL LOCATIONS FOR A PAINTING HOLIDAY
With thoughts already turning to a Spring break, why not consider a painting holiday. The old adage suggests that “there is a book in all of us.” Perhaps there is also a painting?
With the quality of light, so essential, we suggest three wonderful locations for a painting holiday.
Provence, in France, with its vineyards, olive groves, fortified hilltop villages and the mountains of Les Alpilles. Provence was the last home of Van Gogh.
Morocco, just 10 miles from Europe, has seen African, Arabic, Islamic and European civilizations which are all reflected in its culture, art and architecture.
Croatia and in particular the city of Dubrovnik with its 7 km of ramparts, is a living museum providing inspiration for artists of all abilities.
For those new to this type of holiday we offer some travel advice. The internet will provide detailed answers to your questions on specific locations.
The price normally includes good quality en-suite accommodation and all meals. Some hosts do not include the cost of flights to and from the holiday center.
Non-painting partners and friends are welcome and often earn a discount on the price.
Groups are usually small, up to ten persons or less, with several expert tutors available. The groups are always of mixed ability with some beginners, others with some experience and one or two who are already very proficient.
Prior to your holiday you will be advised on what you need to bring. Most companies will provide lightweight chairs and easels together with other equipment and materials. Some hosts provide a framing service for that masterpiece you have painted.
There will also be free days for exploration of the area to enable you to purchase the expected souvenirs for those back home and so you can enjoy the local culture and history.
This is a great holiday for both the proficient and budding artist to learn or improve painting skills, with the opportunity to visit interesting tourist locations. So if you are looking for something a little different for your spring break why not try one of the three wonderful locations for a painting holiday.
BUYING PROPERTY IN MALTA
If you are considering living in Malta, our travel advice would be that you first rent a property so that you can get a feel for the ‘island lifestyle’. Once your mind is made up and you decide that you would like to live here you have to consider the following before you start looking for property:
- What size of property.
- Where are you used to living or would you prefer to live? Town or country or somewhere in between.
- Services, transport and amenities. If you have children, local schools.
- How are you going to finance the purchase?
- Determine your style - a modern or character home? An apartment, town house or villa.
Once all the above criteria have been satisfied and you find the perfect home, the next steps would be the following:
- A preliminary agreement or promise of sale must be signed, against a forfeitable deposit of 10% of the value of the property.
- The term of the agreement is valid for 3 months, unless otherwise stated.
- During this period, the notary researches the property and verifies legal title, assuring himself that there are no outstanding debts, hypothecs, or loans on the property.
- The purchaser must honour all his conditions contained in the promise of sale agreement - i.e. bank loan and building permit applications, within specified time frames.
- The same goes for the vendor, who must ensure that finishing and refurbishing works are carried out according to the conditions stated in the agreement.
The expenses
- Stamp Duty - 5% of immovable property price.
- Notary Public - Approximately 1% of the immovable property price is due to the notary, who is usually chosen by the purchaser and is paid on contract.
- Acquisition of Immovable Property Permit (AIP) upon a fee of Lm100. This permit is granted within the 3 month term of the promise of sale agreement and is applied for by the notary, during his researches.
The contract
Once every condition of the promise of sale agreement is complete and all duties fulfilled, all parties get together to sign the final deed and the keys of the property are passed on to the purchaser.
10 REASONS FOR RELOCATING TO MALTA
Are you tired of the winter weather? Had enough of the cold, the rain and the snow? Are you seriously considering relocating to a warmer country? If the answer is yes to all of these questions, read my 10 reasons for relocating to Malta and see if it might just be the place for you.
1. The beautiful sunshine. Apart from the odd rainy spell, the islands are blessed with a mild climate all year round.
2. A relaxed lifestyle.
3. A high standard of living. Prices are quite reasonable considering it is an island and most things are imported. Property prices are very good.
4. You still get your pension. If you move to Malta from a country in the EU, you can have your state pension paid to your new ‘local’ bank account.
5. Travel - Malta is 27 x 14.5 km in size, you can ‘cross-country’ in just over an hour’s drive. Wherever you are, the most convenient thing is that amenities surround you. Commuting for an endless number of hours is something you can wave goodbye to.
6. The benefits of a bi-lingual society. English is the second language.
7. The people are warm, friendly and welcoming.
8. Malta has an excellent medical service which, if you are a European citizen, is free of charge.
9. Malta is just over a couple of hours away from most European countries. There is a good airport, ferries and cruise liners to take you anywhere in the world.
10. A great many Europeans have already relocated here and have been made welcome and are in their turn ready to welcome expats from around the world.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
A very Merry Christmas to everyone and all our best wishes for a happy New Year. Have a good time, take care, keep safe and see you again on the 27th of December.
From Sunny, Roy and everyone at Travel Advice Pages.
EASIER TRAVEL IN THE EU
This week sees an historic event for travelers in Europe. As Estonia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta, will lift all sea and land border controls to join the other 15 EU States, in the borderless area known
as “Schengen.” In March next year all air boundaries will also be lifted.
Persons entering the Schengen area, legally, will be allowed to cross all internal EU borders without passport checks. Non-EU citizens can travel within the whole area with one Schengen visa and and do not need separate national visas.
Another significant event takes place at the end of December when Malta and Cyprus change their national currencies and adopt the Euro.
For those of you with cash leftover from the holidays, the Maltese Liri and Cyprus Pounds will be accepted until March 2008. You will of course receive change in Euros.
Two important and historic events which will make travel across most of Europe much easier in 2008.
AIRPORT SECURITY - TRAVEL ADVICE
If you are fortunate enough to be traveling abroad for that long-awaited Christmas holiday, Travel Advice has some airport security tips to ease your way through the security checks at busy airports.
Although security has been slightly downgraded there are sure to be long lines at the security checkpoints before you reach the departure lounge.
Add extra time to that suggested by the airline if you do not wish to miss a flight. It may be worth while checking with the airline about current security issues and possible delays before you leave home.
The airline will advise you on what is now allowed in your carry–on luggage. You do not want to see those expensive toiletries dumped in the trash can. Your new manicure kit, nail file and penknife will not be allowed in your hand luggage. If you need to take medication onboard with you, check and see what is allowed or what documents are necessary so you can have it in your hand luggage.
At the screening desk you will have to remove footwear so perhaps slip on type shoes would be better than those expensive, knee high, lace up boots. Clean socks would seem essential as otherwise you will have to walk barefoot through the X-Ray machine. Baggy coats and jackets will certainly have to be removed.
At the X-Ray do not be one of those irritating passengers who sets off the alarm and requires several attempts to pass through. Better to have the keys, coins and belts in a separate plastic bag. Unfortunately, the metal plate in your head, a new hip or your pacemaker will really upset the machine and you will have to have a ready explanation – or be carrying your X Ray photographs. For ladies any metal hooks or wiring in your bra may cause embarrassment.
For the unfortunate or the unlucky, you could experience the “pat down” body search in a cubicle. By law this should always be performed by a person of the same sex.
Laptop computers will be subject to separate X-Ray and examination. If you can bear to be parted from it – leave it at home.
Remember, in all this hassle, the kiddies are not excused and baby will have to abandon his pushchair/pram/carrycot while it too is X-Rayed or searched.
Finally, all those carefully wrapped Christmas presents will not escape either and are likely to be unwrapped.
Eventually you can collapse in the comparative calm of the departure lounge; possibly with a stiff drink. Travel Advice wishes you a Merry Christmas and a safe and hassle free journey.
RELOCATING TO AUSTRALIA - HEALTH SERVICE
For those of you who are relocating to Australia you will find it has an excellent public and private health service. Medicare is the Australian Government’s health scheme and it gives you basic health cover for treatment at any public hospital and free or subsidised treatment from a GP and some specialists
If you are a permanent Australian resident you are eligible to join Medicare. In cases where your country of origin has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia you will have restricted access.
To receive your Medicare card you need to go to your nearest Medicare office with your passport or travel documents and enrol. If you qualify you will be sent your card and number. You can get further information ( in various languages) from the offices.
If you are having a baby, permanent residents must apply for Medicare. You will also need a GP. If you don’t have a recommendation from friends or relatives try the local Yellow Pages. Hospitals with a Maternity Unit can be found at:
http://www.bubhub.com.au
Australian hospitals are willing to give a tour to expectant mums so you can check it out and see if it is offering just what you want in the way of treatment both before and after the birth.
If possible bring any info from your previous Hospital or GP.
TRAVEL ADVICE - 10 PACKING TIPS
For everyone lucky enough to be packing their suitcase and heading off on holiday or business here are ten packing tips:
1. I am not going to tell you to pack tissue paper between everything, who on earth has the time for that. Just buy crease resistant clothing wherever possible or purposely creased fabric or linen.
2. Check the weather for your destination using the Internet. You can get info for a week ahead.
3. Once you have a fairly good idea of the weather you can take the appropriate clothes and not everything you possess.
4. I find white shorts, skirt and slacks mixed with a variety of colorful tops easy to pack. Everything goes together. Same for shoes white sandals, shoes or trainers. Add a white handbag. Take colorful jewelry, hat or scarf to coordinate outfits. Reverse for cold climates take basic black and liven it up with coloured accessories. You can dress an outfit up or down by adding or taking away jewelry or a good scarf.
5. If possible put anything that is liable to leak and ruin your clothes in a separate case or bag. (airline regs permitting) Make sure caps are tightly closed put in a plastic bag and then if possible in a plastic water proof toiletries bag. I usually put this in with my shoes in a small separate bag from my clothes.
6. To save space in his or her suitcase put undies and socks in shoes. This helps keep the shoes in shape and saves space.
7. If you take medication of any kind put several days supply in your hand luggage where permitted or get permission to take it on board with you. If you lose your luggage the last thing you need is the stress of being without meds. Also always take a few days more supply than you think you will need just in case of emergencies.
8. Remember bikinis can double up as underwear and tops to go with slacks etc. Go for a swim it saves washing them! Guys the same goes for you except if you wear the knee length kind but the swimming tip is still good. Not that guys usually wash anything while on holiday in my experience.
9. Do take a few basics in your toiletries bag. Plasters/Bandaids, antiseptic cream, pain killers and something for diarrhea.
10. Last but definitely not least. Put your passport where it is easy to get at and double check you have it and your tickets with you before you leave the house. Have a great holiday!!!
JAPAN - MANNERS AND ETIQUETTE FOR THE TRAVELER
For those traveling to Japan for a holiday or for business reasons we have some travel advice regarding etiquette and manners.
Every culture has its own rules regarding social manners and etiquette. To save embarrassment and possibly offending your host especially if you are in Japan to do some business, it is worth knowing some of the “rules”. In this article Travel Advice offers a few, basic suggestions to ease your visit to Japan.
In the case of Japan, some of these rules are quite straightforward; others are a little more complicated. Fortunately the Japanese are a very polite race and will not point out your errors. Making an effort to adhere to local customs will impress your hosts and save embarrassment.
Greeting
Bowing is probably the best known feature of Japanese etiquette. Japanese people bow instead of shaking hands as they find physical contact uncomfortable. For a foreigner they often combine a bow with a handshake. In this instance it is advisable to turn slightly to one side to avoid bumping heads! The etiquette of bowing, including the length and depth of bow is complex. The best advice is a bow of 15 degrees, avoiding direct eye contact and although you may feel strange, you will be considered polite.
Visiting
It is quite common to be invited to a Japanese home by someone you barely know. This is often done out of politeness and you should not turn up without prior confirmation. That said, you should always take a gift, usually an inexpensive food item such as a cake, rice crackers or packaged fruit.
On arrival you are expected to remove your shoes and replace them with slippers provided by the host. You will be well-advised to wear “slip-on” shoes for such visits. Entering a room with a Tatami Floor (matting) the slippers are always removed. Visiting the wash room, you will find special slippers outside the door, used only in the washroom. On leaving, your host will expect to accompany you all the way to your transport. Remember, there is no “Ladies First” in Japan.
Restaurants
Most restaurants provide hot or cold towels, depending on the season, to clean your hands before eating. The towel should not be used for the face and neck. Normally, napkins are not provided and most people carry handkerchiefs to place across their laps. Japanese table settings include toothpicks as it is not considered impolite to pick one’s teeth (discreetly) after a meal. Bowls containing soup or rice are normally lifted to the mouth and the rice “shoveled” in with chopsticks. It is acceptable to make slurping noises when eating broth but not when eating rice, meat and vegetables. It is polite not to waste any food and Japanese eat every grain of rice in the rice bowls. One should always pour tea or saki into the cups of others and allow them to do the same for you. Finally, unlike certain other countries, burping is considered impolite.
Chopsticks
The correct use of chopsticks deserves a separate mention. In restaurants, a rest is provided for resting the chopsticks when not in use. When serving from a common platter, the chopsticks should be turned around and food served from the end that has not been in the mouth. It is impolite to pass food between people using chopsticks, or stick them in food. They should not be used to spear food or be waved around in the air
In restaurants where disposable wooden chopsticks are provided and they have a splintered edge, a new set should be requested rather than rubbing the two edges together.
General
Try to avoid blowing your nose in public. Japanese people do not carry handkerchiefs and it is common to see packs of tissues being given out in the street for discreet use indoors. Eating on the street is also considered impolite. Also toilets frequently do not provide paper so it is best to always carry a pack of tissues as they come in handy for several uses.
Travel Advice offers these suggestions in the hope that they will prepare you for your trip to Japan. The Japanese are most tolerant of foreigners but with a few of the above rules in mind you will impress them with your courtesy and polite behaviour
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