…Detroit..?
Why are people too panic of Detroit??? – I’m not anxious of Detroit. People in the suburbs are becoming smaller quantity scared. Downtown Detroit is becoming somewhat of an entertainment and business nouns. Lots of young populace are living in lofts down here. I love Motown Because many population rely on the media and imprecise statistics to make decision for them. Its all the medium,…
..New York ..?
I never been surrounded by New York because it’s so far away from me (i live in Italy) can someone convey me what is it? how much is it beautiful?? please.explain to me about it – its exciting over the top and diverse thats what makes it so interesting everything but boring it is truly the city that never sleeps i own…
.Will I find it difficult to get hold of into bar and clubs within Orlando as I am one and only 18?
I am going there on holidays subsequent week. – yes you are under 21. florida regulation is over 21 Yes, noticeably you will face some difficulty as you will be a newbe among other bpeople enjoy there but a short time bit of eagerness…
: San Quinton meberaria.com?
looking for someone who can help beside art from prison?? – Do you mean San Quentin? In California, offering fine-arts instruction inside every state prison is the mission of a program call Arts-in-Corrections. A professional artist fills a civil-service position at respectively state prison; his or her job is to put together an arts program for that institution. http://www.alarmpress.com/978/art-interv…
:How past due surrounded by the year can I give MT drive to AK and not verbs too much nearly the weather or road conditions?
is that Montana to Arkansas? Now would be a good time, or you could dawdle another month just to be sure but I infer the weather has be pretty mild this year so you should have nought to…
KA or O ?
I’m going to Vegas over the summer. I am supposed to choose 1 to go to. I checked out their sites and i can’t prefer. HELP! I need answers from relatives who heard from friend and especially peole who enjoy seen 1 or both of these shows. Thank you to adjectives who answer. – O O O…
for the RV Community.?
I am about to start work at a primary rv store, and I will be in the parts department. Could anyone hand over me any advice on things I should know, or parts I should become decipherable with or parts most commonly needed, etc. Any tip help… – I have found out that every comany have it’s own ploicys and…
!! FAmily Fun ( WITH A teenager) !??!?
what can me n my family do tomorrow? one 14 year prehistoric and two adults…that is it no issue parks or movies…somthing different.we used to go drive out and tramp…but …ay teenager is not too fond of that anymore. any concept? give me a broad idea…resembling mall…or movie…but not those lol Buffalo, NY …
Arrive SLC July 12- Depart PHX July 19 OR MAYBE LAS VEGAS & finish contained by PHX, Help-CONFUSED ??!!/?
My husband, 2 sons(16&12), & myself will rent a 4 wheel drive and travel from SLC to PHX OR should we could do LAS VEGAS to PHX?? We would similar to to stay in cabin as close to the national parks as possible. If it’s possible…
LA dark Club that’s stale d fasten??
Im hoping sum1 can help. So me & my grls love goin2 LA for d dark life, age group between 21-25…we live within Ventura county & need sumthing different. A club that plays really moral hip hop, regetton music…{0N A FRIDAY}maybe same vibe as club 740, Tatou, The Mayan, Century club..just something that’s desperate a**!! Any suggestions anyone?? …
do you return with excited?
I,m going to vegas .Vegas in it,s own right is axciting but im going beside my wife who kick my adrenaline into touch approaching a south african try. – live here and very excited I dislike Vegas. I am the type whose just the thing vacation is getting support to nature–no noise or distractions. But,hey–we are adjectives different! Have fun:-)…
Locations for gun turn-ins planned for 072102 surrounded by Chicago nouns?
Provide locations on the South east and west side of the City of Chicago for the scheduled GUN turn-in program. – You necessitate to call. On Saturday, July 21, 23 faith-based institutions will hold gun turn-ins, adjectives over the city. People can call 311 to find the nearest location. I hope the answer is…
Los Angeles weather, the deep, sun within eastern break mid March?
I want to be in Los Angeles this spring break and I’m wondering how is gonna be LA mid convoy?? – I would say March is our most unpredictable month. Average temps are contained by the mid 60’s, and night time it’s something like 50. However, that’s when we can get closely of rain. It…
‘s give or take a few first trip Disney World?
Is it cheaper to book thru website/calling or with a travel agency? Does Disney hold a payment plan? We want to run to Disney early 2009 using our export tax rebate but i’m concerned about trying to book everything later minute. We don’t have credit cards so that is to say not…
[[ wh0 3ls3 think nic0l3 sch3rzing3r fr0m th3 pussycat d0lls is h0tt? ]]?
Not me!! I don’t. Your pic looks cute but the typing of the press is wayyy annoying. Why are you typing like that? This isn’t a course book, sweetie. If you want a serious answer, type in a serious sound out. FOR REAL…how long did it take you to numeral…
[LIRR] What is that class within vertebrae of the Metrocard that society flash at the ticket collectors?
I buy a monthly metrocard and use the LIRR sometimes (for school). was wondering what those things are down the metrocard. thanks – On the backbone of the metrocard are instructions on how to use it. I have no theory why they would show that. I do know that…
[Projekt Revolution] Phoenix, AZ Who’s Going And For Who?
I’m mainly, as expected, going to see [Linkin Park] for the second time. I hope to see them in adjectives concert events. Any one else? POST AN ANSWER IF YOU ARE GOING OR IF YOU PLAN OR WISH TO GO! NOT IF YOUR NOT GOING CAUSE THEN ITS A USELESS ANSWER {HIM & My Chemical Romance Suck}…
[Vancouver Washington/ Portland OR. ] please relieve.?
i want to help nation whats something i can do in vancouver WA. or Portland OR. that can children, girls, homeless kids anything similar to that i just want to sustain i just dont know how. please hand over ALOT of ideas appreciation you so much =] – Hi, You can procure very adjectives info related…
^ FLORiDA PARTiERS HELP!!?
so i want to spend New Year’s Eve in FLORiDA! =] adjectives of my friends are 21 and up but I’m 18 & i know there is places where on earth is 21+ for guys and 18+ for girls. so i’m looking for ::: –A BiG DJ EVENT –i LOVE BiG PLACES w/BiG CROWDS –HOUSE / TRANCE / TECHNO…
~good place to steal kids for fun surrounded by houston~?
Main Events; Schlitterbahn in Galveston; Kemah Boardwalk, Dave & Busters; Galleria rime skating; Local skating rinks I don’t believe I could take my kids anywhere here if it’s for fun. Maybe try somewhere surrounded by another town. Plenty of neighborhood parks in the suburbs, splash town within the warmer months, the children’s museum, the zoo,…
~Were is the Potomac River Located~?
It separates Virginia & West Virginia from Maryland & DC It starts near the WV/MD border close to backbone mountain. It flows into the chesapeake bay at point lookout The Potomac River separates Virginia and West Virginia from Maryland and Washington, DC, forming part of the borders of these states and district. There are two branches; the north…
+How far is Chinatown from 55th and 7th?
Very. It’s about
60 blocks depending on where on earth in Chinatown. Use www.mapquest.com for driving distance/directions, www.hopstop.com for public transit time/directions. only roughly 15-20 minutes by subway. take any downtown train from 57th Street / 7th Avenue station and go and get off at Canal Street. an express train will collectively be faster, but any train…
01/19/08 New Balance Games New York?
Anyone who can give me information almost the New Balance Games in New York and what it is going to be close to? Anything special? – they got the date wrong, but here’s some info http://www.nyc.gov/html/sports/html/new_… here’s a photo of the track and sitting room. http://www.armorytrack.com/nb_track_fiel… here’s the calendar for that particular track http://www.armorytrack.com/indoor_2008_s… and sports word…
07/07 Issue of Portland Monthly Features…a STRIP BAR??
Interested in seeing what other ethnic group feel roughly speaking this. If you’re familiar near Portland Monthly you may be interested to know that their July issue has several page dedicated to a strip club. The article is call Theres something about Mary. Do you consistency that this should be in a Monthly Magazine that shows the…
1 cistern trips within So. Cal?
I have a couple days past its sell-by date next week and want to do something fun and conceivably even touristy in So. Cal. I’ve lived surrounded by the area just about 6 months but haven’t done much. Any suggestions? And not Disneyland. I don’t want to spend a fortune, I don’t have greatly of cash to blow, I’ve be…
1 hours of daylight outing (offsite) within san francisco ?
Hi there, I am organize an offsite for my team. We are located surrounded by San Francisco. It has to be a 1 daylight event with maximum fun and minimum work. Any suggestions ? Few more info: squad size: 20-25. budget: per head- $500 – lots of gays contained by sanfran Pt. Reyes…
1 morning contained by Vegas, what to do?
Hi there, I’m going to LAs Vegas for sooner or later and I have no hypothesis what to do, the thing is that it can’t be anything wild/crazy ’cause I’m going next to my parents, aunt and g’ma so it has to be something for everyody to soak up.. what kind of shows should I shift? what…
1 piece you close to going on for New Orleans?
Gumbo, Jambalya, Jazz, Skyline, French Quarter, Leave a answer. 10 points for the original, best answer. – Well, it sure isn’t the weather! If I have to pin it down to just one entry, it would be the attitudes of the people here. Laissez le bon temps rouller! Everyone’s nice…
1 sunshine trip to Las Vegas during christmas?
I am planing to visit Las Vegas on the weekend beforehand Christmas for a day. I will be disappearing LA to LV that morning and planing to leave LV the subsequent day morning as we would want to see places surrounded by LA. I have a total of 3 days for my trip. So planing on spending 1…
1 week at Disneyland where on earth are we best to chomp through?
We are staying at a resort near Disneyland for 7 night in Jan 08. We are from Australia and would similar to to know what we should do as far as food that is a well brought-up price but also relatively healthy and innards. Please help? – When you get here, look…
More Travel questions please visit : TravelFreeFAQ.com

Inside modern society, it appears apparent, certainly to me, that we are generally residing in a self obsessed society. We want the very best for ourselves, and forget about everybody else. This is never more apparent than on public transport. I reside in London, and for work, have to travel into central London on the London underground train network, and also London busses. This journey lasts roughly sixty minutes, so a couple of hours to my job and back every day. Daily, I’ll see people who have very little regard for others, only doing what suits themselves best, and I believe it’s a shame folks have this attitude. In this article, I’d like to put forward ideas relating to the correct etiquette when using trains and buses, that ought to make the journey and experience a pleasure to every one who make use of it.
Firstly, I’d want to mention the beginning of the journey, as starting well, will put you off on a good foot. When boarding a train or bus, it’s kind and considerate to stand around the side of the doors while they open, so that it will allow those coming off the train or bus adequate space in which to do so. It’s not a good idea to stand directly infront of the opening door, as the person getting off is going to squeeze past you, and most likely might come barging into you with their body or their possessions.
For everyone travelling with luggage that can take up lots of room, or perhaps with babies or young children, it’s recommended that you travel during off peak hours when possible. I wouldn’t recommend travelling along with your suitcase at 8am on a weekday within rush hour, as those around you are in a rush, and possess little patience, and are often in a poor mind set already at the prospect of going to work, so don’t tip them over the edge. Travelling with big luggage uses up a lot of room, that’s much needed during busy periods, plus holds back those surrounding you as you move it. Another good idea when carrying big luggage is to try and get on the train or bus last out of those getting on. You’ll discover, if you get on the train or bus first along with your suitcase, and the transport then fills out and you need to get off, how hard is it likely to be trying to squeeze that suitcase past everyone so you can get off? It’s far easier to stand nearby the door, out of the way, to ensure people can simply get on / off around you, and so that you disturb few individuals when exiting yourself. Obviously, possibly you have a strict schedule where you can’t get rid of travelling during busy periods, but if you do, try and be considerate and see things from the point of view of the other passengers.
When on the train, don’t be someone who has their mp3 music player or personal stereo on at a ridiculous volume, effecting those around you. Also, on a similar note, it’s no fun if someone next to you is eating take out, or some other food with a strong smell, particularly when they discard of the leftovers in a casual manner, leaving the box on a seat or on the ground.
This brings me onto another point, litter. Whatever you bring onto the train or bus, should go with you once you leave. Don’t dump stuff behind you, as your making the transport method a less enjoyable experience to the individuals that need to make use of it.
If your seated and see an old person, or someone with a disability, or a person with a child, please surrender your seat for that person, particularly when your in good health yourself, as I’m sure that person needs the seat much more than you.
This is the end of this article, and I hope you found it an enjoyable read, and gained something from it. I’d like to thank you for reading.

The county historical museum of Morgan displays authentic work of art by Howard Christy, a boy from local region who made his well known Christy girls gracing the covers of all the most popular magazines in the early 1900?s.  Museum also exposes the artifacts of Mc Donald Birch. You will see farm machinery, antique household machines, Victorian furnishing and much more.

The museum also has a very extensive civil war collection, as well as artifacts from the Mexican war, form the American Revolution, and World wars first and second. This amazing ability will carry you to explain the ages and an inclusive exposition of life in the valley of Muskingum River region form the Stone Age through World war second. Built in 1904, the building housing the museum was originally a produce store, then a market and later a feed store. Over the years everything from tractors and farm equipment to greeting cards has been sold from this lovely building.

Button house

Evelyn true button house transport you back in time. The stylish home was built in 1836 and is crafted with period pieces dating from the 1830?s to the 1890?s. The house features 12 Victorian rooms that are absolutely authentic.

You can go through and adore the cupboard, inspect the artwork that adorns the walls and the summer kitchen. Furnished with original lines and quilts, it may be the most exact Victorian home you will ever seen, local artwork, period clothing and dishes. Most of the furniture was donated by the Mc Connel and True families.

The doll house

The doll house features the society?s collection of over 2500 dolls. The dolls are of all types-and from many different eras of history. The collection include Native American dolls, ethnic dolls, movie star dolls, character dolls, designer dolls, teddy bears, handmade dolls, rag dolls, Barbie dolls,  Eganbee dolls, Madame Alexander dolls, antique china dolls, antique leather dolls, just about every type of doll you can imagine.

The building was furnished in 1870 and cared as the medical offices of Dr. Hiram L. True.

The carriage house

While touring the Evelyn true button house, take a walk out back and discover how the Victorians made their way about town. The authentic era fire engine is ready just waiting for the volunteers to hook up the team. And the horse drawn hearse awaits as well, ready to take unfortunate souls to their eternal slumber. There are tools of every type, shape and size hand crafted and elegant.

Rock hollow schoolhouse

This authentic one room school was moved from Union Township in Morgan County to Malta by the Morgan county Historical society.

Visiting Morgan county historical museum

These museums and homes may be visited combined or separately as a package tour. Group tours are available by calling the Morgan county historical society. In addition to the published times hours for group tours are flexible.

It is also understandable why the green lobby and the tourism industry has brought into question the justification for volunteering abroad and why volunteers sometimes feel like they are caught in a conundrum.

Global warming is one of the most serious threats facing the world and some of the leading campaign groups have stated that the most ethical thing we can do for the environment is to stay at home. Whilst we can all agree that the best form of travel is to avoid flying, we should not stop flying altogether. That would send us back to the dark ages with massive unemployment (1 in 10 people work in the tourism sector), business recession, and increased poverty (deepening recession, increased unemployment and worsening poverty is not conducive to creating new lower carbon technologies and lifestyles).

There are many people who rely on tourism for their livelihoods and many natural habitats depend on visitors for their survival. If you want evidence of this you should look no further than Latin America. Tourism is a big contributor to the economy of many Latin American countries and the industry generated nearly US$2 billion in Costa Rica alone in 2007 (three-fifths of GNP). Tourism helps support some of Latin America’s most fragile natural habitats and if we stopped flying there many national parks and private reserves will lose their incomes, deforestation will increase and global warming will accelerate. Unless we support the people and communities now making money through ecotourism they have no other choice but to exploit natural resources.

Similarly, it is worth noting the importance of international volunteers to conservation efforts in the region. Without the commitment and financial support of international volunteers, many organizations would be unable to carry out their vital work. This is because there is generally very little governmental or outside support for these organisations and the projects which they manage. Your contribution as a volunteer could help ensure the long-term survival of a tropical forest or an endangered species. This is because you are actively participating in the conservation of that habitat or species. The participation of international volunteers also enables money to reach grassroots level of society and this can change a small communities perception of their environment or an endangered species.

The question of whether it is possible to be an ethical volunteer seems to largely rest on the ability to make informed choices before and during your trip. If you choose the right project, minimise the impact of your travel, maximise the benefits for local economies, and stay for a considerable period of time, then you can most definitely volunteer abroad with a clean conscience.

It is worth mentioning the importance of choosing the right project before setting off and the key message is ? do your research if you want to so some really valuable work. Prospective volunteers must examine the work they will be doing and how it affects local people and the natural environment. Although there are some good placement companies out there, a do-it-yourself placement is the most ethical form of volunteering as you work directly with the host organization. You also have the assurance that all your money goes to the cause rather than paying for the marketing and administration expenses of a volunteer placement (sending) agency. If you opt to work through an agency please be aware that some of these agencies offer little more than glorified holidays and others are more interested in making money than helping the environment or providing sustainable and well-targeted help for local communities. No one benefits from these placements apart from the companies that organise them. An ethical volunteer ensures that as much of their money as possible reaches the grassroots level of society. Eco-conscious travellers should consider contributing to a project that helps reduce the impact of climate change and/or provides a hands-on approach to offsetting their own carbon emissions.

It is also worth mentioning the length of time volunteers spend overseas. You are clearly going to do more harm than good if you travel all the way to Costa Rica from the UK (a carbon-heavy 8,700km flight) to rescue sea turtles and stay for only a few weeks. To maximise the benefits for local communities and negate the environmental impact of your flight you need to contribute to a project for a much longer period of time. A long stay is more sustainable if travelling long distances as this will enable you to minimise the impact of your flight. The time spent as a volunteer is time not spent contributing to carbon emissions in your home country (i.e. non use of home appliances, zero emissions form you car, etc). A long stay also eliminates the need to take several shorter holidays throughout the year.

In reality, the dramatic growth in short breaks and cheap flights is a more pressing issue than questioning the justification for volunteering abroad, particularly if volunteers wish to devote their time and energy to do something positive for the environment. Those who want to stop us flying should focus more on the business and the leisure side of flying rather people wanting to make a difference (e.g. those that fly with a purpose). The destruction of the Amazon and other tropical forests around the world should also be a priority for campaign groups (e.g. air travel accounts for less than 5% of carbon dioxide emissions, clearing tropical forests for agriculture is estimated to produce 18% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions ? more than the entire global transport system).

Guaranteed sunshine and swimming temperatures – with round-the-clock fun, relaxation and endless activities on a bleach white beach— are the main reasons Canadians continue to accept the deeply discounted deals offered on Mexico’s Yucatan, Baja and Pacific coastlines. But that’s just the beach.

Inland, the intriguing colonial cities of Guadalajara, Magdalena, Tequila, Morelia, and Oaxaca are eye-popping delightful, with the vibrancy of more than 60 indigenous cultures. According to the media members in the Canadian chapter of SATW (Society of American Travel Writers) this winter Mexico is hot, it’s cheap, and fascinating. Information is online at www.visitmexico.com, highlighted with a snapshot like this:

• Sunwing specializes in Mexico with flights from 18 Canadian gateways to the beaches of Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Huatulco, Ixtapa, Acapulco and Riviera Nayarit, with each of these destinations giving you an all-inclusive vacation. More information is available online at www.sunwing.ca.

• Intrepid Travel takes you to Mexico in quite a different way. Intrepid has a total of 15 itineraries, many in combination with the neighbouring countries of Central America. Durations are 10 to 46 days. Most exciting is the 15-day “Mexico Unplugged” itinerary where you will travel overland from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen taking in exotic Oaxaca and Palenque. This experiential combination is ideal for the curious traveler as it delivers a taste of timeless culture and history with snorkeling, beach, cuisine, tequila and cervesa. More information is available online at www.intrepidtravel.com.  

• Barcel? Hotels & Resorts are located in beach settings, but right next door to the original home of Aztec and Maya. Opt for an all-inclusive stay with experts in this aspect of Mexican culture and get to know the modern touches alongside ancient civilizations that have left us with a beguiling legacy. Look for Barcel? properties in Cancun, Cuernavaca, Huatulco, Ixtapa, Los Cabos, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, and Riviera Maya. More information is available online at www.barcelo.com.

With the current status of the economy many people feel that finding cheap holiday deals to Spain is simply a pipe dream and not something that is truly possible. Now, more than ever, it is possible to enjoy cheap holidays to Costa Dorada with your family. The trick lies in knowing where to find these incredible bargains and how to make them work best for you.

When traveling with children it is important to take advantage of all free child places in Costa Dorada. Whether you will be staying, eating, or playing in these places, free child tickets can cut a significant portion of your holiday travel expenses. When visiting Spain there will be no need to worry about where to go in Costa Dorada. There are plenty of exciting places to visit, things to do, and activities to enjoy.

Golf excursions in Costa Dorada are infinitely attractive to travelers young and old alike. You will often find excellent package holiday deals to Costa Dorada that are designed specifically for golf lovers. You may even be able to find all inclusive holidays to Spain that include golf outings as part of the package. This can save you a great deal of money.

Beach holidays to Spain are ever popular and Costa Dorada delivers nicely for these as well. You will find quite a few nice beach options and many hotels offer beaches that are reserved solely for their guests. Be sure to check out the beach front real estate offered by your resort when booking. You may even be fortunate enough to have a room with a view of the beautiful water.

Other attractions you might enjoy while taking cheap holidays to Costa Dorada are the following: the Museum National Archaelogic, The Tomb of Joan d’Arago, The Devil’s Bridge (which is an aqueduct that has outlasted many more modern buildings), and plenty of Roman ruins to explore. One of the most prominent Roman ruins in Costa Dorada is the Amfitheatre Roma. This is the location where many of the famed battles of old took place and is an important reminder of the society we do not wish to return to.

If you aren’t traveling with family you might be interested in sampling the local nightlife. There are few things that you can explore while on holiday to Costa Dorada that will compete with the nightlife in the area. You will find that things start heating up rather early –around 9:00 local time. You should be glad to know that there is a wide range of options available that should accommodate most tastes for an exciting evening.

Cheap holiday deals to Costa Dorada are not that difficult to find. If you are truly interested in finding cheap holiday deals to Costa Dorada it is best to book early and ask for add ons that interest you. Right now, hotels are eager to please guests and are generally offering attractive packages. Make your plans today so that you can enjoy your exciting family holiday to Spain.

To the East is Florida’s state capital, Tallahassee, with its streets of graceful old Southern mansions. To the far west lies Pensacola, which it is said, is the country’s oldest settlement, dating from 1559. Between these towns, is the potential for a whole range of different holidays.

Tallahassee was named by the Apalachee Indians.

It is best enjoyed by traversing along the Canopy Roads. Which as the name suggests, are thoroughfares in the middle of town, where Spanish-moss-dripping-oaks connect above the streets forming a lush tunnel-like canopy.

Visit the New Capitol Building and go to the 22nd floor observation level. There you can see magnificent views of the city and beyond. You can also still see the Old Capitol building with its red and white awnings. Many thousands of students bring a real buzz to Tallahassee, culminating at night, when the live music scene caters for a young crowd.

Pensacola is found in the far western tip of the Florida Panhandle.

Pensacola spent centuries changing hands between the French, Spanish and Britain, before being relinquished to the United States in 1821.

Most who visit go straight to the superb beaches. But it the city’s architecture makes for a great day of sightseeing.

There are three distinct areas to explore. All grouped around a simple grid of roads backboned by Palafox Street.

The North Hill district is where Pensacola’s high society resided during the late 19th century until the 1930s. Their housing architecture ranged from neoclassical porticoed mansions to black-and-white neo-Tudor cottages and Queen Anne villas.

The Palafox district to the south of North Hill is full of turn of the century elegance such as fluted columns and elaborate balustrades.

The Sevilla district, fronting onto Pensacola Bay, forms a wonderful mixture of restored old homes and great museums.

Around Memorial Day weekend, the city is teeming with the biggest lesbian and gay party of up to 100,000 attendants, on the streets and on Navarre Beach in a whirl of reveling.

Harrogate is a lovely bustling town situated in North Yorkshire, England and is renowned for its healing springs of rejuvenation. In the 17th century, people discovered that water in Harrogate had medicinal powers. The water contained a high amount of iron, sulphur and common salt, which made it a popular health treatment. Ever since then, many visitors travelled to Harrogate for this purpose, contributing to the popularity and wealth of the town. Owing to its popularity, Harrogate is now a very prosperous region and has some of the highest property prices in England. Harrogate boasts a wealth of features – a stunning countryside, bustling market town, a rich history and culture, ample attractions and accommodation – making it a popular tourist destination. Here are a few reason why you should visit Harrogate.

Good transport – Lying adjacent to Knaresborough, Harrogate is in the Nidd valley and is split into two settlements – High Harrogate and Low Harrogate. The town is ideally located to explore several visitor attractions and has ample transportation means. The Harrogate railway station and bus station in the town centre provide the main connections. Leeds Bradford International Airport is situation about 16 kilometres south west of Harrogate.

Parks and Gardens – Harrogate boasts the Royal Horticultural Society’s Harlow Carr gardens – where you can stroll through numerous displays and gardens, such as Scented, Foliage and Winter Gardens. Located near Harrogate is the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which hosts major tourist destinations such as waterfalls (Aysgarth Falls), natural caves (Gaping Gill) and castles (Bolton Castles). ‘The Stray’ is a popular spot, spanning 200 acres, for kite-flying, outdoor games and picnicking in Harrogate.

Museums and Galleries – Take a trip down memory lane and find out the history of Harrogate at the Royal Pump Room Museum. Here you can sample some of the spa water from the Old Sulphur Well and find out more about spa treatment in the past. Enjoy 2000 works of art from the 19th and 20th centuries at the Mercer Art Gallery.

Festivals and Events – For a true taste of Harrogate, try out the many events throughout the year such as the Aldborough Festival, Harrogate International Festival and the Nidderdale Festival.

Shopping, Leisure and Spa Treatment – Harrogate’s has a range of high street shops, boutique shops and designer shops available spruced within the main streets. There are many independent and chain restaurants as well, serving local and foreign dishes – there is something for everyone here and you will be spoiled for choice. If you feel like a spa treatment, then make your way to The Turkish Baths, for a whole range of pampering.

Accommodation – With several B&Bs, hotels, self catering apartments and camping facilities, there are many options for Harrogate visitors. Hotels in Harrogate are eye-catching and offer the best accommodation, with standard single rooms to luxurious suites. Most hotels offer spa treatment, gyms and are conveniently located for you to enjoy all that Harrogate has to offer.

Not quite long this July, 2008 I set out on a journey to Republic De Benin to satisfy my curiosity because so many interesting things have been said about the country particularly on how organized that society is and how sweet roads in Benin are compared to what exists in our sleeping giant of Africa called Nigeria. I had been motivated by the saying by my father which that “if a child decides to remain in his farm he would think his father’s farm is the biggest of all farms in existence”.

By the way, Benin officially referred to, as “Republic De Benin” is a country in West Africa. This country is bordered to the west by Togo, to the east by Nigeria, to the north by Burkina Faso and Niger while the seat of government of this country is cotonou, its capital is Porto Novo. Until recently (in 1975) Benin was officially known as Dahomey. Part of the official history of Benin claims that the name ‘Benin’ has no proper connection to Benin City or Benin Empire now situated in modern day Nigeria, still certain aspects of the history of the old Benin Empire asserts or seeks to establish that the modern name of the country owes its origin to this once great empire because the influence of the empire extended to country (Benin).

Perhaps someday Historians may have to work towards this aspect of African history to establish the claim and counter claim to help us gain more insightful knowledge on how the people of these two countries related much beyond biases as each aspect of the history of these two countries are trying to justify its own. History can never be rewritten. Any attempt to do this will therefore amount to an attempt adjust the hand of clock either by trying to move it forward or backward. History remains history having been occasioned by either the activities of man or nature itself. We are told the name ‘Benin’ was picked as a neutral name in replacement of ‘Dahomey’ but where the origin of the name or word derives should also be of essence to historians who will now seek to establish whether a link exists with the Benin of Nigeria or not.

Anyway this article will work outside the history of Benin instead will dwell on the social organization of this very society. In other words, how the people of this country do things compared to other bigger countries such as Nigeria with all our revenues derived from our much-publicized oil will be discussed here. Oil may not be all that a country needs to better the lives of its citizens after all. This is what the present situation of Nigeria tells us judging from our experiences in the country today. Only a Nigerian living in the country and not a wealthy politician or government contractor will adequately understand the real situation of the country and what the common man is going through.

Once I set out to discover Republic De Benin like Mongo Park and Lander Brothers in July 2008, the road leading to this country from Nigeria was indeed a rough one with very serious traffic jam. At Okomaiko bus stop, passengers awaiting vehicle stood in the rain waiting with utmost patience to board a vehicle. Nothing would have deterred us not even the rain because we are all used to it. There was simply no cover at these bus stop. Buses attempting to stop and convey these teeming passengers were often scared away by the presence of the law enforcement engagements most of whom were also threateningly running in pursuit of these commercial vehicles even in the rain. Some of these vehicles could even render one’s ‘Christmas clothes’ torn. We soon managed to catch a bus after standing in the rain for about 45 minutes without any visible shades at the bus stop.

The journey though was a quiet and peaceful one with only the police occasionally stopping us to exchange the usual ‘Nigerian greetings’ with the driver of our bus whom seemed to understand every intricacy connected with driving to this country. He must be an experienced man indeed. We soon arrived Benin after about two hours drive. After the usual procedures at the Seme Border between these two countries, we caught another bus heading for Missebo. Much to my surprise, the people of this country working at the border could communicate in both French and English, and I thought it a deliberate action from the government of Benin to ensure that communication was readily available to the citizens of both countries. Even the commercial motor drivers, petty traders, and money exchangers were not left out.

This is a gain over their Nigerian counterparts whose citizens have never in any way been encouraged to understand or learn French by the Nigerian education system to become advantageously armed their citizens with the two international languages. It was also amazing to discover that road and notice boards in the country also existed in French and English languages, a development I very much admired because it gave us the English speakers unlimited knowledge of activities in that country. Excitingly too some of the citizens of this country could at least passably communicate in English and I started to wonder if the knowledge was gained from the education sector in that country or as result of the relationship with Nigerians in the country majority of whom were Ibo. There was really no time to ascertain from any of them how they are able to do this.

At first sight, you are complimented with ‘bonjour’ but when you respond with ‘good morning or good afternoon’ in English you have set off a conversation with them in English. One Nigerian was at business center to make a call, when she attempted to correct the telephone attendant grammatically the response of the attendant was that she should try and understand French too. We all reasoned with her.

If the education sector of this country achieved this then it’s so surprising because it is easier for camel to pass the eye of a needle than for a Nigerian student to speak French because he/she learnt it Nigerian school. Benin must have some wonderful schools too.  

Benin I must comment presents some of the finest roads in West Africa and Nigeria cannot in anyway rank with this country. Road signs were completely visible starting from Seme border. Streetlights were never missing. At my age I cannot remember the last time I saw the streets of Lagos lit up with streetlights much less other parts of the country like Aiyetoro, Ogun state, Ibusa, Delta state, Etinan, Akwa-Ibom state, Ihievbe, Edo state, Obiangwu, Imo state, Ihiala, Anambra state and indeed other parts of northern Nigeria. Nigeria’s stranger (traffic lights) were also on mounted in all parts of Benin instead of the regular traffic wardens usually accosting us on Nigerian roads. It is unnecessary to state here that motorists and cyclists diligently complied with the instructions of these traffic lights. The last time I saw a functional traffic lights in Nigeria was in 1981 in Festac town. Though I have been told that there are about two or so at Marina Road of Lagos Island, in Lagos.

Have you ever seen a kind of vehicles responsible for the cleaning of roads? If you are a Nigerian in Nigeria and have not, you need to take a quick trip to Republic De Benin and see one before it is too late to do so. I cannot tell how often these vehicles clean these fine roads but these roads present mats or sorts of beds to lie. If these kinds of vehicles exist in Nigeria, will Lagos and some other Nigerians have to carry out the monthly environmental sanitation exercise? Again which particular ministry in Nigeria is responsible for this exercise? Why will an oil rich Nigeria expect its citizens to come out en masse on monthly basis for cleaning exercise when certain vehicles can do it? The last time I saw these vehicles at work in Nigeria was also in Festac town, Lagos and in 1979. Again I bet that a Nigerian living in the rural Jesse, delta state would argue that no such vehicle exists.

My enquiry at the Immigration office of that country in Cotonou showed that the staff go on break at 11.30 am during which nobody is ever attended to not even the bigwig politicians only to resume around 3.00pm. Bribes (‘settlements’) are never obtained to encourage private attendance to anyone. We have a lot to learn from these people of Benin.

On our way back to Nigeria at about 5.15 pm, we had an easy ride all through the territory of Benin and received warmth farewell from the security operatives in that country with very easy passage made possible by good roads and free flow of traffic encouraged by the police who were always by the side of the roads observing developments on the roads with their whistles intact in their mouths with absolute readiness to carry out their duties. At Seme border, the Benin side of the border absolute orderliness allowed us free departure from this beautiful and well-organized country into our own very ‘Naija’ (Nigeria)

The first enquiry I received from my Nigerian security man at the border was whether I was a Nigerian which though was not a bad one because I assumed he actually wanted to determine my identity which he was ignorant of but when after every proof I presented to him failed to properly identify me as a Nigerian I knew there was much more to it than met the eyes. The Beninese cyclist trying to convey me across, a little inside Nigerian side of the border became enraged and in an emotional outburst told the security man that I was his brother. By the way I could not determine whether this man was a policeman, immigration officer, customs officer, road safety official or even Agbero (tout) because he was appeared in musty. I was soon angered when he responded to the Beninese cyclist that I was not his brother.

“So you would deny me, a Nigerian for no good reasons? I queried. “If you desire some money tell me and I will readily grant your request but not to deny me your Nigerian brother” After I tipped him with some money he became apologetic. I had told him that he had no reason to deny me completely in the presence of a foreigner. “What if I were in danger would you have readily denied me giving away to my predators just because of money? He pleaded more and more with me and I soon left him alone.

Back in Nigeria, I was woken from my sleep inside the vehicle I boarded by profuse heat occasioned by the heavy traffic jam that welcomed us back into the country but some for patriotic reasons I too would have denied the country as my own but I soon accepted it as a fate presented to me against my personal wishes and will by my leaders in the country. Amazingly, we counted up to 22 police, customs and immigration check points from the border to Badagry, not to mention many more existing after Badagry with stern looking security men armed to the teeth all of who frequently halted our vehicle and doing their usual Nigerian businesses much to our discomfort. One Cameroonian sitting by me inside the vehicle inquired from me if Nigeria was under war and I laughed aloud not knowing what to answer but another Nigerian passenger who all along had appeared more patriotic than the rest us but with occasional criticism of our leaders was to tell him that it was the culture in the country.

This impediment to our movement continued until I set down at Agboju and the mother of all battles being power failure welcomed us. The whole city was in darkness and no one recognized the other in darkness. As I hoped to hear children scream  ‘up NEPA’ I soon fell asleep still worried in my sleep as I wondered on when things will take shape in Nigeria and when the country will compare with other tinier countries in the same region.

Defined by Jorge Luis Borges as: “… the most outspread Argentinean production, which has insolently proclaimed the Argentinean name across the face of the Earth. It is evident that we must find out about its origins and prescribe a genealogy where neither the deified legend nor the definite truth be missing.”

Tango is the dance of the flesh, of the desire, of the embraced bodies. It is a new dialogue, the seduction made movement, the coming and going, encounter of two worlds. It is an exhibitionist dance, aesthetically pleasant and fearlessly teasing. The dancing couple slightly touches each other’s shoes among sensual caresses, while the stunned occasional spectator –an eternal voyeur- is fascinated and astonished by the fervor of the tacit romance between the dancers in turn…

Tango is a cultural phenomenon developed in the kernel of a specific society, as a consequence of an amalgamation of experiences and ideologies intertwined in two cities at the banks of the River Plate, Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

It is the social fusion of what is “criollo” together with the new colonists: the immigrants, who helped to our own idiosyncrasy and ideology as much -or perhaps more- as the Spanish colonization.

Nowadays, tango is more alive then ever. Although it is not a massive phenomenon as in its early years, it is still the best way to penetrate the Buenos Aires soul and will always stand as its most genuine symbol.

Many places in Buenos Aires invite you to enjoy tango dinner shows. Along with a national and international gastronomic proposal they introduce dancers, singers and orchestras displaying the grace and the glamour of this musical genre from the Rio de la Plata area. Here, tango shows off to who come to appreciate its charm. And, of course, it gets all the applause.