Traveling With Children

Tips before you reach the airport

* Please allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security - especially when traveling with younger children. Allow even additional time if you are traveling overseas.
* Call your airline or travel agent for their recommended check-in times for your departure airport.
* Talk to your children before you come to the airport and let them know that it's against the law to make threats such as, "I have a bomb in my bag." Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can delay the entire family and could result in fines.
* If you are traveling with an infant, try to book a bulkhead seat so that you can access the infant carrier that attaches to the bulkhead.

Tips at the airport

* Speak to your children again about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Remind them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
* Tell your children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them.
* Let your children know that a Security Officer may ask to see their shoes, but that they will get these back as well.
* You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.
* If you are traveling with an infant, a collapsible baby stroller is ideal.

Tips on the plane

* Have some gum or a pacifier for an infant. Chewing the gum or sucking on the pacifier will help with ears popping during take off and landing. If your child is old enough, explain what air pressure is.
* Ensure that you have toys and games for the kids to play with. The airline will have a small selection, but it is better to bring your own.
* Airplane food isn’t the best, so make sure that you have some of your children's favorite snacks handy.

Baby formula, breast milk, juice, and other liquids

Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

All items including formula, breast milk, and juice will be inspected, however, you or your baby or toddler will not be asked to test or taste breast milk, formula, or juice. Our Security Officers may test liquid exemptions (exempt items more than 3 ounces) for explosives.

Travel rules can change so make sure that you check the TSA web site before you fly. If you and your family abide by the rules, your trip will go a lot smoother.

A Closer Look at British Schools in Bahrain

British Schools in Bahrain

Bahrain is a place of culture, technology, industry and education. It is a place in the Middle East famous for its number of foreign expats living permanently with their families and because of the opportunities for them in this wealthy country. However, seeking financial wealth in this country is not the only major concern for expats and their families, but also finding educational wealth for their children.

This can be a problem for expats, especially British and Australian nationals who are not familiar with Arabic language. Finding a public or government run school that teaches in an English language is practically impossible, as many schools in Bahrain regard English as only a second language and uses Arabic as its primary language for teaching.

Fortunately, Bahrain is also home for a number of good, British style schools which will provide a good educational experience for British expat’s children. These are some of the schools in Bahrain today and what kind of curriculum they provide.

The St. Christopher’s School in Bahrain is currently one of the most famous schools in the country. It is founded almost 50 years ago and has already gained a huge reputation in the country. The school offers the English standard curriculum, which is the standard in the UK. They also include teaching children Arabic and Arabic culture for them to be more accustomed in Bahrain and can be more productive. Admission is relatively demanding, as students must take an equivalency and entrance exam. The fees may range from £3 - £10 a year, not included are extra fees for examinations, trips and such. In general, this school is one of the best in the country and many are highly recommending it to British expats living with their family in Bahrain.

Next on the list is the British School of Bahrain. It is a new school compared to the one mentioned above as it started in the 1990s. Today it is a huge school with students numbering to almost 1,500. This school also follows the English national curriculum and also provides a lot of extracurricular activities aiming to promote friendship and camaraderie. In order to be enrolled, one must first undergo evaluations and entrance tests. The fees also range from £3 - £10 a year. There are also extra charges for extracurricular activities held by the school. These are some of the British schools in Bahrain which has been popular in the country. Both are good school and it is up to the parent to decide where to enroll their children in.

Kootenai Wildlife Refuge

Ecosystem

Located within Bonners Ferry, Idaho and 30 miles south of Canada, the Selkirk Mountains on the west, and the Kootenai River along the Deep Creek in the east with state lands on its south, the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge consists of diverse wetlands and hardwood conifer forests. Its main purpose is to provide migration habitat for thousand Ms of waterfowl, which more than 300 species of vertebrates, including bald eagles, use the Refuge for migration and breeding.

Water Supply

The Refuge's main water supply comes from Myrtle Creek, where the Kootenai River and Deep Creek provides many ponds food for waterfowl during the fall. The primary goal is to provide resting and feeding for migrating waterfowl. In the spring, one can see mallards, northern pintails, American widgeons, and tundra swans. Canada geese can be seen around August and September, with white mallards in November. Some species that come in the spring are mallards, cinnamon and blue-winged teal, common golden eyes, redheads, wood ducks, and Canada geese.

Vegetation

The 800 acres of wetlands provide aquatic vegetation, invertebrates, and fish as the main food source for wildlife for species like marsh birds, waterfowl, raptors, muskrats, beaver, and moose. 200 acres of grain and other crops are planted on the Refuge to provide food source for wildlife. In January, the farm fields ate drained so they are dry enough for planting. Any crops left provide a food source for hungry waterfowl for long migration in the fall. Deer, elk, and other wildlife also use these crops to survive during the long, cold winters.

Smaller Animals

Mice and other rodents that feed on the grain become predatory food for wildlife and birds. The grain also feeds hawks, eagles, owls, and coyotes. Tall dense grasslands among the wetlands provide a nesting ground for ground-nesting birds. Large populations of mice in these grasslands become a rich source if food for hawks, eagles, owls, and coyotes. The Refuge is home to several species of animals like songbirds, raccoons, weasels, bushy-tailed wood rats, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, Cooper's hawk, ruffed grouse, and pileated woodpecker. Cottonwood trees provide s perching site for raptors and other birds. The Refuge uses several combinations if chemical, mechanical and biological control agents to control noxious weeds to protect native and indigenous plants and animals.

Reference

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Bonners Ferry, Idaho. http://www.fws.gov/refuge/kootenai/.

http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?ID=14580.

Reference

Kootenai Wildlife

Traveling & Water Safety

Traveling & Water Safety

At some parts of the world, the water level during low tide and the high tide can exceed three meters. It would be unwise to walk too far offshore during low tide because when you want to return to shore, you may have to swim instead, as by then the water level may be above your head.
You may be able to swim back but the current may be very swift. People have lost their life because when they walked offshore the tide was low. When they wanted to return the tide was high. Only those who were able to swim could make it. Again the current may be stronger than the swimmers.
You cannot expect life guards to be on all public beaches, nor can you expect warning sign boards to be erected at those dangerous spots.
The most serious drowning history ever recorded in Asia happened in the area connecting Tibet and India. In 1199 CE Muhammad Bakhtyar, after conquering India, was on his way to invade Tibet, when bad weather conditions forced him to retreat. He and his army perished while trying to cross a river because of sudden flood.
In Asia especially at the mountainous regions, the river water level may be very low. However, during the monsoon season, if you happen to be caught during a thunder storm, and torrential rains, within an hour water level can rise many meters.
Another incident I heard about drowning happened on Saturday, Oct.13, 2007. Four of the passengers were confirmed dead and three were missing. This sort of ferry accident happens every year, not just in one particular country, but global. People still don’t bother to prevent these accidents from happening.
In Malaysia, on 28th May this year, a ferry packed with people three times its capacity of 74, capsized. About 181 passengers swam to shore and twenty-three are still missing 24 hours later. Overloaded ferries are common sights in Asia.
When you must travel by ship from point A to point B, find out from the captain if there are enough life jackets to go round should there be an emergency. See the jackets for yourself, not just believe him. Many captains will tell you there are enough jackets to go round and that they are locked up at certain places. It is not true. He does not lose anything by making the jackets visible. He can promise you the moon and the planets.
Another good idea when you need to travel by sea is to buy an inflatable jacket and put it in your bag. Inflatable jacket is the best choice because it occupies little space when it is not inflated. During you next trip by ship, have a good look at the ship you are going to board. Is it well maintained? Is it too old to be safe? Decide whether or not to board by yourself.

Live the European Dream in Europa-Park

Europe is Zeus's child

The abduction of Europa, Creative Commons

Europe is a wonderful place. Europe is a big and diverse place. Europe is numerous things at the same time, as many as all of the various elements that every single country member of the European family adds to the mixture of sovereign states that we all generically call the European Union. Europe is old; it all started when the almighty King of Gods Zeus, in the form a white bull, abducted the Phoenician Queen named Europa. He then took her to Crete where she gave birth to King Minos of Crete among other children. Minos became the king of the most ancient European civilization: the Minoan Civilization. In other words, ancient Greek mythology stands at the core of the European creation. Nowadays, however, we seem to have departed far away from myths and epic stories, as Europe stands, along with the U.S. of course, at the center of the idea of progress and rationality driven science.

We are all aware that lately Europe isn’t really in its best shape. It all started with the economic crisis and the uncertainty it brought along. Painful decisions have been made, some countries got very well shook and are still trying for recovery and to find their way out of the economic troubles. Nonetheless, the European family remains bonded in many senses; trade and cultural exchanges between member states can guarantee for a good long term relationship, if we take for granted that the political decisions taken as we speak will also help towards that direction. One can only hope for the best and one can surely try to do his/her best as the responsibilities weight in all European citizens’ shoulders in one way or another.

Europe means history...

credit: IBWK, Creative Commons licensed

In order to breathe European air, to feel and to try to comprehend its long and splendid history, one has several options. Take the first plane to Athens and visit the Parthenon; it might turn out to be a most revealing and exhilarating experience, believe me! Or, choose Berlin for a city break. There you will witness modern Europe at its best and you’ll have a taste of Berlin’s vibrant and multi-cultural urban life. In Paris, well... there is where you will feel much closer to the arts and European history only by walking along the river Seine and staring at all those magnificent old buildings Paris is heavily proud of. In Spain, in Hungary and in Central Europe in general, by the Mediterranean and in Rome of course, where all roads used to lead to at some point in the past, European history will shine in front of your dazzled eyes. In case you feel fed up with monuments and museums, though, and you are searching for something lighter and much more fun, then there is an ideal option for you: the Europa-Park.

... and Europe means fun!

Credit: Oliver Mallich, Creative Commons licensed

Let’s start with some facts. Located in the south of Germany, Europa-Park is the country’s largest theme park. It is the second most visited theme park of Europe, after Disneyland in Paris. In 2011 alone it attracted 4,5 million visitors, an all time record. Finally, it was recently voted by 15.000 international visitors as the second best place to visit in Germany! In other words, this vote demonstrates that tourists occasionally want to have fun and at the Europa-Park fun and play are guaranteed. Find available tickets online at the AttractionTix and book a place for one of Europe’s most pleasurable family attractions.

Europa-Park in Germany

Credit: Oliver Mallich, Creative Commons licensed

The park is organized in 13 different sections, every each of them dedicated to a European country. Austria, England, France, Greece, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Iceland, Russia, Holland, Spain and Scandinavia await for the visitors to explore them - a joyful, pleasurable, fast-track exploration, that is! Some highlights of this amazing theme park would include: Cassandra’s Curse, inspired by Greek mythology, where visitors enter a dark and bewitched spinning- room; Euro-Mir, a roller coaster based around Russian missions to explore the universe; Eden Palladium, which is a restored carousel that dates back in 1909 (!) to be found in the Germany section; Silver Star – Hypercoaster, which is Europe’s second highest rollercoaster; and finally, Poseidon, a superb water roller coaster which takes you to a high speed journey along ancient Greece’s wonders.

Coming Soon: Arthur and the Invisibles

Europa-Park 2014: Arthur

The theme park is expected to add another mega attraction starting next year. Arthur in the Kingdom of the Invisibles will be a wondrous world inspired by Luc Besson’s Arthur and the Invisibles. A children’s book turned into a feature film (and one of France’s most expensive film productions ever), Besson’s imaginary world of the tiny Minimoys is expected to draw the attention of all children and adults who still feel young at heart, who never stopped thinking about Harry Potter and are always looking forward to discover new fairytalish worlds and products of creative imagination.

Live your European myth and dream along in Europa-Park! Enjoy!

Hotel Diva in Bahrain Today

Visit Diva Hotel in Bahrain today

Diva hotel Bahrain

The Hotel Diva Bahrain is a 4 star hotel located at Manama, the capital of Bahrain. It is a wonderful hotel which is situated near the Bahrain National Museum, the Al Fateh Mosque, which is the largest mosque in the city and the Bahrain National Theater. Anyone visiting Manama should spend the time here in the Hotel Diva and experience a beautiful stay in Bahrain’s most beautiful hotels to date.

Find what people think about The Hotel Diva Bahrain on Bahrainside forum.

The hotel features rooms with LCD Televisions with cable and satellite channels. Other amenities such as Wi-Fi and DVD players are also available. Guestrooms and VIP suites feature rooms with separate bedrooms and nice, spacious living rooms to take in guests. Their rooms and accommodations are among the best there is in Manama, Bahrain. Other room amenities provided are a small minibar for suites, Coffee or Tea makers, In-room safe to store your valuables and free Wi-Fi service.

The Hotel Diva, has 11 floors, it towers grandly near the waterfront and is a sight to behold. All sorts of restaurants, bars and other facilities such as a gym are open for tourists to visit. Once you check in the Hotel Diva, you will be greeted by a warm welcome from the welcoming staff and you immediately see the beauty of the hotel’s interiors. Aside from the restaurants, there are also steam rooms, when you like to have a nice hot and steamy baths, Swimming pool outdoors and a Sauna.

It is the best place to go when you are visiting Manama, either due to business or vacation. It is located strategically to be within reach on various landmarks in Manama. Many reviews about the hotel point out its cleanliness and the sheer size of rooms. You first night in this grandiose hotel will be filled with sounds and food to your heart’s content. Restaurants provide the one of the best places to taste authentic Arabian cuisine. They also provide Western dishes according to your preference. You will not be bored one bit on this hotel as it is designed to provide an exotic ambiance of relaxation and peace. It is a haven from the desert sun and a nice place to really wind down. When you are in Manama, Bahrain, do not forget to visit the Hotel Diva Bahrain. It is one of the must see attractions in the country and should not be left behind in any touring plans you will make.

The Many Do's Miami Offers..

Miami as it was circa 1930

in the 30's!

Miami is a city that has been celebrating itself for the past 75 years or more. It has gone from rags to riches and in the past 15 years has enjoyed a rebirthing into modern day America with all the folderol associated with this country where illusion runs amok.

Miami in the 30’s was the scene of Hollywood moguls and their dollies arriving from New York City and Los Angeles to enjoy the brilliant sun, white beaches and inland waterways along which their great mansions were built. Speed boats and yachts lined the harbours around Biscayne Bay and ordinary people would flock to see who was sunbathing, swimming in the bay or just parading around in very little!

That time also gave rise to the Mafioso for gambling was a major happening in the hotels that marched along the rolling beaches like pearls strung on a golden string. There was even a gambling ship parked offshore where adventurous gamblers would go and some never return instead perhaps making a quiet exit into the deep warm waters that lapped all around.

Miami circa 1968

Sinatra and his friends!!!!!!

When I lived in Miami in the mid 60’s, it was very different. Hollywood was beginning to be built further up the coast with its high risers sparkling in the sun. The hotels on the beach and in Miami were home to high rollers and their chickabiddies and every night entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Diana Ross played to audiences in all the hotels. After all eating, drinking and being entertained are the reasons why people visit this city built by Julia Tuttle back in the late 1800’s. I charted yachts and houseboats at the 79th Street Causeway which was a great place to be at that time. There were some fantastic night clubs along the causeway and you could rhumba the night away with cuba libras, margaritas and drinks of that ilk!

Miami Today....

Fontainbleau Hotel

Today the scenario is very different for many Cubans with their love of noise and music, great coffee and mambo have taken over much of the volatile scene starting in South Miami and gradually moving north. Of course the American flavor is still most pronounced and from all over the world visitors arrive to enjoy the pleasures that are offered; hotels, golf courses, restaurants, shopping malls, marinas, - the list goes on and on! Pleasure seekers can find whatever their hearts desire in one form or another.

One of the hotels that is a must to stay at today is the newly restored Fontainbleu with its restaurant, Scarpetta. If you are a fan of foie gras and duck ravioli your life will never be the same after sampling Chef Scott Conant’s. Of course the old classic steak tartar is on the menu at this 5 star eatery in this most epic hotel!

A restaurant to pay a visit to which was serving superb steaks back in the 60’s is the Forge. Do try the Iceberg Lettuce Wedge creamy and dreamy with bacon and Maytag…the Coffee and Eggs dish was just that rib eye steak rubbed with dark aromatic coffee and cooked to perfection!

Another hotel of note in Miami is SoHo House. With hotels of their order popping up in London, Los Angeles, New York and now Miami you can be sure to receive superb service and great food. Here a plate of spaghetti with lobster and guava salad might set you back a pretty penny but your tum will be so appreciative!
For those who like fun where swingers hang out. a visit to the Standard Hotel will not go amiss. The Bar and Lounge in this quite casual hotel is a great place to have cocktails and be entertained by such as Jimmy Nash of Cloverdale Music. You will be well pleased.

Where When What...

glories of Miami

During the days in summertime it is hot and humid and the best place to park your body is on a deckchair on the beach or round the sumptuous pools that most hotels sport. Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean is a marvelous treat for the waters are warm and blue fed by the Gulf Stream from the Florida Keys. The pristine beaches are covered with shells of every description and I spent many days walking along the water’s edge picking them up and marveling at the intricate designs.

Water skiing is a major pleasure and speed boats fly by towing young and old alike. At night the beaches are lit by bonfires as people barbecue and enjoy the balmy weather to relax, eat and drink.

Coconut Grove is reachable by car crossing the many overhead freeways that link the varied neighborhoods of Miami together. A most historic place is the Grove with narrow winding roads, parks, bohemian boutiques and wonderful gardens such as Villa Vizcaya well worth a visit for sure. The tropical climate in Miami lends itself to all kinds of outdoor activities year round. You can visit a multitude of marinas, canals and bays where snorkeling and scuba diving are enjoyed by many residents and visitors alike.

How To's....

Miami is easily reachable by plane, car and boat. The airport is quite close to the city and there are hosts of taxi cabs to take you to your destination whether it is downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, South Miami or across the causeways to North Miami Beach and Miami Beach itself. Downtown Miami also offers a selection of fine hotels, art galleries and play areas for after all the word Miami conjures up images of fun and pleasure and beauty and so it is.

credits

write for wikinut here

youtube for the video
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Andra Dalto for her assistance
My memories

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hereCopy Cats You Surely Be
hereBeautiful Malvern Countryside
hereLimp Dick of a Has been Rockstar
hereAboard the Royal Scotsman Train..part 2 (dedicated to my dear friend Fiona)

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