Explore the Beautiful Beaches in Cambodia

By Jimmy Bou

Despite the fact that a tourist's attention is directed towards Thailand whenever we talk about great beach resorts in Southeast Asia, Cambodia also has to offer some of the best and most beautiful beach resorts in the world. Although, Cambodia has deep cultural roots which attract archaeologists and tourists around the world to visit its spectacular temples and ancient structures, the country also has a coastline of 443 kilometers which is yet to be fully appreciated by tourists.

If you have a liking for serene and calm beach resorts where you can enjoy the sun, Cambodia has plenty to offer to you. Cambodia's Sihanoukville province also called 'Kampong Song' should be your main destination if you want to enjoy exotic beach resorts in Cambodia. While much development has been underway in these beach resorts in order to provide all the facilities required to tourists, international vacationers still haven't come to know of the beauty of this place, hence, you will not find Cambodian beach resorts over crowded.

Such is the beauty of beaches in the province of Sihanoukville that tourists journeying to Cambodia especially to see the historical Buddhist temples and buildings dating back to the Khmer Empire can't help but take out enough time to spend a day or two at the spectacular coastline resorts. If you are headed towards Sihanoukville, visiting Deum Chhrey Beach, the Occheuteal Beach, the Independence Beach and the Ream Beach should be your topmost priority. Sokha Beach Resort draws the attention of maximum number of tourists, while people looking to catch a glimpse of pure nature head towards the Koh Pors Island ,Kbal Chhay Waterfall and Phnom Leu.

If your desire to observe nature in Cambodia still persists, you can visit the quiet town of Kampot which offers you soothing natural settings. With the majestic Elephant Mountains overhanging the beach resorts in Kampot, you will get an ideal opportunity to spend some quality time close to nature. However your road trip to this small town may not be very smooth as the area still needs to be developed, but as they say, you can't have it all your way! Kampot also holds the feature of containing several French colonial structures, which is yet another reason why you should not skip your trip to this small and serene place.

You might think that you have read all that there is about Cambodian beach resorts, but that's not right as the western province of the country called Koh Kong touching the Thai border also offers you scintillating beach resorts such as La Dam Beach and Sner Beach. And to make your trip to Cambodia unforgettable you should visit Deum Dong Beach which is a breathtaking set of six beach resorts on the island of Koh Moul.

A vast majority of foreign tourists favor spending most of their time at beach resorts in Koh Kong as they can find world standard accommodation and other facilities easily. An excellent example is the Cham Yeam Resort which on top of providing you with mind blowing natural views gives you luxurious accommodation facilities. Cambodia has so many exotic beach resorts that you'll have a hard time compiling your vacations plan, but one thing is for sure, where ever you go it will be worth your money and time!

About the Author:

Learn more about Cambodian entertainment like Khmer movies and Khmer dubbed at www.KhmerAccess.com

Planning Gay Holidays to Bhutan

By Howie Holben

The nation of Bhutan is a tiny Buddhist kingdom tucked into the remote Himalayas between India and Tibet. Here, visitors will discover a rich way of life that has only recently begun to be exposed to modern mindsets and Western culture. This devoutly Buddhist country is home to a distinct culture that is based on age-old Buddhist beliefs and practices and maintains a solid footing in tradition. The government of Bhutan monitors tourism closely as national leaders work hard to protect the cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty of Bhutan, balanced with allowing the adoption of modern technologies and conveniences to enhance the lives of the Bhutanese people.

However, while Bhutanese culture may be traditional and conservative in many ways, the people of Bhutan warmly welcome tourists on gay vacations, or visiting as part of a planned gay travel tour, just as they do any other guest. The number of tour groups and tourists allowed to enter Bhutan each year is restricted by the government as part of an overall effort to preserve the cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty of this long-isolated country, so those who have the opportunity to venture into this mystical land as part of an organized tour group should take advantage of the chance to experience all that Bhutan has to offer.

Bhutan has no LGBT scene to speak of; therefore, a gay vacation planned to this magnificent mountain kingdom would certainly not be planned with the intent of experiencing a distinct LGBT community or visiting LGBT establishments. Of course, this is not to say that same-gender behaviors and relationships do not occur. These activities are actually common and accepted and there is a significant amount of bisexual sexual behavior practiced among Bhutanese men.

Most of these men are either married to women or are monastic monks and these behaviors are not considered taboo, and do not influence how one identifies. In fact, there are no words to describe sexual orientation in this regions language; sexual expression is simply part of everyday life. A law from over 100 years ago is still on the books that criminalizes same-sex sexual behavior and allows for punishments that include life imprisonment; however, there are no indications that this law has ever been enforced.

Partaking in gay travel in Bhutan is an experience that provides the opportunity to experience a community and culture that has been left relatively untouched by Western culture and offers an ideal environment for spiritual awakening or renewal. Bhutan gay vacations include opportunities to visit Buddhist temples, hike through the Himalayas and explore sacred sites.

To fully enjoy all that Bhutan offers, it is recommended that you plan your gay holidays or vacations to this majestic land through very well. This will help to ensure that you are given the opportunity to discover the beauty and spirituality of this magnificent country, while respecting Bhutans natural and cultural richness.

About the Author:

An article about spiritual gay travel to Bhutan by Howie Holben. Howie is a world traveler for over 30 years. He runs Spirit Journeys, a conscious travel organization. Spirit Journeys provides spiritually based gay holidays for many years. You can learn more at www.spiritjourneys.com.

Blue Whales - The Largest Animal That Ever Lived

By Terry Hunefeld

Blue Whales are magnificent creatures. One of the very best places to view them is on a boat from Southern California. Whale watching trips go out regularly from San Diego, Los Angeles, Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Barbara.

Blue Whales are the biggest animals that have ever lived on the face of the earth " far bigger than the largest dinosaurs. They have been weighed up to 180 tons which is 20,000 pounds heavier than a DC-10. The largest elephants only weigh a bit over five tons. Blue Whales have been measured by scientists up to 100 feet long, although today the largest average around 75 - 80 feet. They have been measured at more than 110 feet - compare that to the longest dinosaur skeleton of less than 90 feet from tail to nose.

There are many myths about these creatures, one is that the heartbeat can be heard for 20 miles which is ridiculous because nobody can even hear a Blue Whale heartbeat from ten feet away.

Interestingly, one of the smallest seabirds on earth, Cassins Auklet, and the Blue Whale, the largest animal ever to have lived on earth, both subsist primarily on the same prey: krill. Blue Whales are baleen whales. Instead of teeth, they have a series of flexible plates called baleen that they use to strain up to four tons of these tiny shrimp like crustaceans from the ocean each day.

Blue Whales have been known to interbreed occasionally with the second largest animal on earth, the Fin Whale. Four of these hybrids have been scientifically documented by DNA analysis.

Blue Whales are often found alone or with one other Blue Whale. We do not know for sure how long Blue Whale pairs might stay together because it is so difficult to track them as they cross entire oceans. Blue Whales can rarely be found in groups 45 whales if there is a lot of food (krill) in the area - however this is very rare because they do not usually form large pods like some other species of whales.

Blue Whales are fast, strong swimmers with an average speed of about 12 miles per hour with an ability when alarmed to move at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

Blue Whales are known to inhabit oceans all over the world. They are especially attracted to Pacific Ocean waters off California and Mexico which can host up to 30% of the worlds entire population during the warmer spring and summer months due to the excellent supply of food.

Blue Whales can be found in every ocean on earth, but experts still don't know where they breed or give birth. They are known to frequent feeding grounds in tropical, moderate and cold polar oceans, and it is suspected that they give birth in warmer climates.

Blue Whales once numbered in the hundreds of thousands until man developed the technology (like exploding harpoons) to exploit these magnificent creatures in the early twentieth century. For nearly 40 years they were hunted almost to extinction by whalers who destroyed 99 percent of all Blue Whales on earth. They became protected in 1966 when on the brink of extinction. Its estimated that there are only 5,000 to 10,000 Blue Whales left worldwide today.

About the Author:
Terry Hunefeld retired from a CEO career in 2007 to pursue his passion of going to sea to observe birds and marine mammals. He and his wife Ann own the beautiful Inn at Moonlight Beach on the Pacific Ocean of San Diego. If you are looking for a Del Mar Bed and Breakfast or a Carlsbad Bed and Breakfast, be sure to check out Inn at Moonlight Beach.

Islands You Should Go Visit in the

By Matthew James

Caribbean islands are one of the centers of tourism in the world. Travelers visit here for beaches, sun, and water activities. These islands are very popular with US residents. There are many small islands in the Caribbean that attract tourists in groups. These places make people think about cool breezes, swaying palms trees, white sand beaches, clear water rum and cocktails after sunset. The most popular islands in the Caribbean are Barbados, Puerto Rico, Saona Island in Dominican Republic, Haiti, St. John.

One of the best places to enjoy the sun in this part of the world is Barbados. This island is relaxing, has great food, really friendly locals who speak great English, beautiful beaches, and clear water. This is an old British colony and there is a lot history here. There are great gardens, historic churches, and a really cool museum. If you are looking to relax, you should consider Barbados.

Puerto Rico- This romantic spot is great for newly weds and couples who want to pamper themselves in luxury and comfort. The island has many great spas and resorts. Then there is the island's natural beauty. Besides surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and other water sports, the wildlife and adventure on this island is also great. Not only that, Puerto Rico has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant culture that cherishes dancing, partying, and celebrations. On this island, you can spend your days enjoying the outdoors and then spend your night celebrating with good dancing and great dining.

If you are looking for a remote destination, you should head to Saona Island. Saona Island is part of the Dominican Republic. This island is famous and has appeared in a lot of Hollywood movies. The island has great wildlife and fish around it. You can swim and scuba dive as well as take a tour of the island on a catamaran. There are a lot of things to do here besides the beach so despite the island being small, you can stay busy.

The last island that should be on your list is the island of Haiti. Haiti was one the first independent nations in the Caribbean. Founded by Christopher Columbus, this island is lush with fruits and towering mahogany trees. The island is home to a lot of bird and animal species found nowhere else in the world. Haiti also has exotic and mouth watering delicacies well known to tourists who gorge on the delicacies. Most people know Haiti from the bad press coverage it gets but there is more to the island than that and it is worth your time.

The tropical islands in this part of the world are stunning. For those in North America who can't afford an expensive holiday to Fiji or the Seychelles, this area of the world is just as good. You'll find everything you could want from a tropical island here and the beauty is that they are cheap too. When you plan your next holiday, check out this part of the world.

New York Life and Bazaars

By Mercie Hallow

There was a time when I overheard my sister in law claimed that New York was her favorite city in the world. She told me of her fun encounters in this city with jubilant eyes and enthusiastic expression. I second the motion. New York is a very charming city and is a place that is bursting with life and people. Every corner and every street in New York is a great place to be. New York is one place that spells out fun and fabulous.

New York is a city full of shops, retail outlets, malls, boutiques that cater to the tastes of people from different walks of life. The city is filled with restaurants, historical edifices, offices, theatres, apartments, churches, schools and also well, queer spaces. The list is endless. You can almost find anything during these events, be it a piece of jewelry, a yummy farms produce or a lovely hand made item. The city is also a perfect venue where crafts fairs and bazaars are usually held because of its wide population.

Creative New Yorkers are able to create a good business opportunity through crafting. They are people who successfully managed to turn their hobby to a money making opportunity. Crafts making is not a daunting task, as a matter of fact it is a piece of cake and a no-brainer for people who are naturally gifted with creativity and talent. Coupled with a good business sense and financial education, their little hobby can be a successful business.

A New York craft fair is always colorful, lively and fun. Numerous pieces for sale that is combined in different color and textures excite the buyers and give them a pleasing sight. The fair is sometimes coupled with a live band and dance performance which further enrich the experience. A New York craft fair is an event that is bursting with life.

New York bazaars fascinate me. I cannot wait to attend one and have lots of fun!

About the Author:

Mercie Hallow is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the New York craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home's borders. If youre staying in New York, the author suggests checking out the New York craft shows for entertainments to make your stay worthwhile.

Ithaa Undersea restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Ithaa Undersea restaurant sits 16 feet below sea level at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, a hotel resort in Hilton's luxury brand that occupies two islands.

Maldives is a country of almost 1,200 islands about 300 miles from the southernmost points of India and Sri Lanka.Diners eat beneath glass walls at the Ithaa Undersea restaurant. The cuisine is decribed as Maldivian-Western, and the restaurant seats about 12.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, according to the resort's website.

The hotel recommends making reservations up to 14 days in advance at the restaurant, a great place for cocktails while watching reef and marine life above.

Celebrate Earth Day

By Swift Nature Camp

Million people across America celebrated the first Earth Day in 1970. It was a bad time for the environment, their was smog and polluted rivers caught fire. Today, Earth Day is celebrated annually no longer natiionally but around the world. It was the efforts of grassroots organizations, and citizens like you, combined with the government that started this day of environmental recognition which has evolved into a worldwide campaign celebrating our environment.

The earth is in better shape than those early days yet, there is a staggering divide between children and the outdoors. Richard Louv, child advocacy expert, directly blames the lack of nature in the lives on today's wired generation. He calls this phonomenon nature-deficit order and he links it to some of the most alarming trends for our kids. Including rises in obesity, attention disorders, and depression.

Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder has spurred a national dialogue among educators, health professionals, parents, developers and conservationists. This is a book that will change the way you think about your future and the future of your children. The bottom Line we and our youth need to spend time outdoors.

Schools have realized this for some time. Teacher Judith Millar, Lucy Holman School, Jackson, NJ, more than five years ago, began an environmental project in the school's courtyard. It has become quite an undertaking--even gaining state recognition. It contains several habitat areas, including a Bird Sanctuary, a Hummingbird/ Butterfly Garden, A Woodland Area with a pond, and a Meadow. My classes have always overseen the care of this "Outdoor Classroom", but now it's practically a full time job!! My students currently maintain the Bird Sanctuary--filling seed and suet feeders, filling the birdbaths, building birdhouses, even supplying nesting materials! In addition, this spring they will be a major force in the clean up and replanting process. They always have energy and enthusiasm for anything to do with "their garden".

Despite schools doing their best to get kids to play outside, we as a nation have lost the ability to just send our kids out to play. Yet, it seems we are learning that Summer Camps help children grow into mature adults. A new British study finds that most modern parents overprotect their kids. Half of all kids have stopped climbing trees, and 17 percent have been told that they can't play tag or chase. Even hide-and-seek has been deemed dangerous. And that dreaded stick..."will put out someone's eye".

Can technology be the blamefor the decline in outdoor play? Adrian Voce says "Children are not being allowed many of the freedoms that were taken for granted when we were children," "They are not enjoying the opportunities to play outside that most people would have thought of as normal when they were growing up."

According to the Guardian, "Voce argued that it was becoming a 'social norm' for younger children to be allowed out only when accompanied by an adult. 'Logistically that is very difficult for parents to manage because of the time pressures on normal family life,' he said. 'If you don't want your children to play out alone and you have not got the time to take them out then they will spend more time on the computer.'

Many play providers see the benefits to children of taking risks. "Risk-taking increases the resilience of children," said one. "It helps them make judgments," said another. We as parents want to play it safe and we need to rethink thr benefit of adventure in a childs life.

Examples of risky play that should be encouraged include fire-building, den-making, watersports and climbing trees. These are all activities that a Summer camp can provide. At camp children to get outside take risks and play, this while being supervised by responsible young adults.

Swift Nature Camp is a Traditional OUTDOOR CAMP in Wisconsin. Where Boys and Girls Ages 6-15. enjoy Nature, Animals & Science along with Traditional camping activities. Swift is a Nature Camp that develops a childs desire to know more about nature but also on acquiring a deep respect for it. Our philosophy is to engage children in fun-filled learning through active participation and natural curiosity.

Our Noncompetive atmosphere promotes all skill levels. Swift Nature Camp provides activities that allows children to excel and enjoy thus, giving each camper the opportunity to participate and have fun, rather than worry about results.

Out-of-camp trips, such as biking, canoeing, backpacking and horse trips are a great way to get kids out in nature. Kids love to discover new worlds and learn to be comfortable in them. This is why Swift is so much more than just a SCIENCE SUMMER CAMP.

Earth day has provided so much..but their is more we can learn from nature. This summer help your child regain their appreciation for nature by sending them to Swift Nature Camp. This is an opportunity that will be treasured the rest of your child's life.

About the Author:

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional coed overnight summer camp serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Midwest. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals & science along with traditional camping activities. Swift specializes in programs for the first time camper. To learn more click Animal Camps