Albert River Wines: Located in the historic property at Mundoolun Connection Road, Tamborine Village, the winery is one of the most successful wineries. It won the best tourism winery award 2003. The winery opens from 10am to 4pm seven days
except Christmas and Good Friday. It offers a Verandah Restaurant that is open for full a la carte lunch dining on Friday Saturday, & Sunday. The winery produces a number of table wines including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Viognier, Chardonnay, Sparkling Shiraz, and Sparkling Semillon.
Canungra Valley Vineyards: Situated in peaceful Canungra Valley in the Gold Coast Hinterland, just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane, O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards is a wonderful vineyard dedicated to the enjoyment of fine food & wine. The winery is famous for good wine, good food, good friends and generous hospitality. O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards produces some of the finest wines including Sparkling White, Sparkling Red, Dry White, Dry Reds, Medium Whites, Fruity White and Red, and Liqueurs and Port. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Guesthouse is nice place to relax and get close to nature. The winery also offers a verandah restaurant that opens on Sundays 12 noon. It opens 10am to 5pm everyday.
The Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery: Placed at 104 Hartley Road, Mt Tamborine, The Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery is known for its fine wines and tourist attractions. The winery features ‘Wild Duck Lake,’ a sanctuary for wildlife in the area, and an environment park. The lake offers you many varieties of native fish – Silver Perch, yellow Belly, Murray Cod, Bass and Dew fish. The environmental park features Poplars, Liquid Ambers, Swamp Cyrus, Flame Trees, Japanese Cedars, flowering Pears, Cherry and Plum Trees. The Winery has finely developed picnic areas have been established. It produces several fine White Wines, Red Wines, and Fortified/Dessert Wines. It opens for seven days from 10 am to 5pm. Its restaurant opens 11am to 3pm weekdays, 10am to 4pm weekends.
Heritage Wines of Mt Tamborine: Settled at Cnr Bartle Road and the Shelf Road Mount Tamborine, Heritage Wines of Mt Tamborine is one of the Gold Coast Hinterland’s most elegant wineries. It’s a perfect place for wine and dining. The winery produces several opulent Heritage Estate wines. It specializes in oak aged reds and barrel fermented white wines as well as fortified wines. It opens from 10am to 4pm daily. Its restaurant opens 10am to 4pm.
Tamborine Estate: Set in fine setting at 32 Hartley Road, North Tamborine, the Tamborine Estate is one of the most celebrated and fast growing wineries in Queensland. Tamborine Mountain is an ecological wonderland, a sanctuary for some of the most magnificent birds and wildlife. The winery is surrounded by subtropical rainforest, waterfalls and nine National Parks. The winery is known for several fines Tamborine Estate wines including Reserve Black Shiraz, Reserve Chardonnay, Verdelho Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz Cabernet, Rose, Unwooded Chardonnay, Rosso Dolce, Cabernet Merlot, Sparkling Cuvee, Sparkling Shiraz, Botrytis, and Hinterland Mist and Hinterland Port. It opens from 10am to 4pm daily.
Mount Nathan Winery: Nestled in the Clagiraba Valley in the picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland, at 220 Clagiraba Road, Mt. Nathan, the Mount Nathan Winery is known for tourist attractions and classy wines. The winery specializes in honey wines. It produces several Mt Nathan Wines and Bee Stinga Honey Series in Sparkling White and Red wines, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Ridgeway Red, Merlot, Ports, and Creams and Mixer Drinks. It opens from 10.00am to 5.00pm daily.
Thumm Estate: Located at 87 Kriedeman Road, Upper Coomera in a magnificent majestic valley at the base of the Gold Coast’s Mount Tambourine, Thumm Estate offers a perfect setting for picnics and walking, surrounded by handcrafted gardens and lakes. The winery is known for producing several excellent Thumm Estate wines. The winery opens from 10.00am – 4.30pm daily for wine tasting and alfresco light refreshments.
]]>Today Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan city and is regarded as the economic powerhouse of mainland China. Shanghai will be hosting the World Trade Expo in 2010, which will showcase famous landmarks such as the Pearl Tower, the world’s tallest hotel and the world’s longest arch bridge.
Initially, most newcomers are struck by the city’s vastness, the pace of development, the population density and the chaos and energy of the city. There is a feeling that Shanghai is a city on the move, developing at a fast pace. It is more modern than imagined. Skyscrapers stand in stark contrast next to old communist dwellings, giving the city a sense of time and change.
The look and feel of the city can be quite deceptive. Many things do not get done as quickly or work as reliably as in a western country. The “bright lights, big city” image of Shanghai tends to give a much better surface impression than the reality of daily life. However, Shanghai is constantly changing and improving its modern facilities. Western interests are catered to more and more.
Natives to the city speak Shanghainese, the local dialect. Everyone understands and nearly all speak standard Mandarin – as required by the government for state employees. English competency is probably the best in mainland China. The employees in most hotels speak English very well. Most other non-English speakers such as taxi drivers are getting used to visitors, but most are still only able to understand “yes,” “no,” “hello” and “good-bye.” Learning a few key Mandarin phrases definitely helps.
To obtain an “L,” “F” or “Z” Visa, a transferee must provide a copy of his/her passport, ten passport-sized photographs and a copy of his/her resume. If accompanied by a spouse, a copy of the marriage certificate needs to be provided. If accompanied by children, a copy of each child’s birth certificate needs to be provided. For de-facto spouses, a visit to the local consulate is necessary to obtain a relationship certificate so that the non-working partner may apply for a residence visa. Spouses are not allowed to work with a visitor’s visa. However, if they find a job, they can apply for a work permit before starting the job. Teaching English is an occupation that is high in demand and little or no experience is required.
Cash is the most common form of payment used although larger supermarket chains and upscale stores will accept local ATM/debit cards. Hotels catering to foreigners will accept international credit cards. Restaurants and major shopping chains often accept credit cards as well, but it is still advisable to keep cash on hand at all times.
Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River. To the west of the river is Puxi and includes the Luwan, Changning, Xujiahui, Hongqiao and Minhang districts. The latter two are the most popular living areas for expats with children due to a good supply of housing compounds and community facilities. These areas are also closer to international schools with campuses in Puxi.
To the east of the river is Pudong. The suburban districts (Jinqiao, Kangqiao, Nanhui) in this area are newer than Hongqiao and due to the ever increasing presence of companies in this part of the city; many spacious housing compound and schools as well as community facilities are available. Inner city living (Luwan in Puxi and Lujiazui in Pudong) is usually a popular choice for most couples or singles allowing them close proximity to shops, restaurants and nightlife.
Almost all expats rent their homes. If budgets allow, it is better to rent from a developer. Private landlords can be unreliable by comparison. If you’re from the US, UK or Australia, the housing you’ll find will often not be of the quality you’re used to.
It’s advisable to finalize permanent accommodation two months before the actual relocation. Most landlords are not willing to wait more than two months before actual lease start date. They would prefer to rent out to another tenant who can begin the lease earlier. Before signing the lease agreement, do ensure that all agreed-to additional requirements (including accurate furniture list) have been accounted for. It’s next to impossible to ask for anything after lease has been signed.
Shanghai is regarded as a safe city. You are unlikely to hear about or experience violent crime. However, just to be safe, most housing compounds for expats are guarded. The most common form of crime in Shanghai is pickpocketing in crowded places.
Expats tend to send their children to one of the many international schools in Shanghai. Compared to other countries, the international schools in Shanghai are relatively young. Nevertheless, these schools are first-rate with very qualified teachers. For those with children under 10 years of age, spaces are at a premium. It is recommended that you submit your child’s application as early as possible. School typically starts during the last week of August or the first week of September. The school year ends in mid- to late June.
Driving your own vehicle is not necessary. In fact, driving in Shanghai is rather difficult and dangerous – as the roads are packed with aggressive drivers. If you already have a driver’s license from your home country, you can obtain a Chinese driver’s license by taking a series of tests (which do not actually involve driving).
An alternative is the Metro (subway system), which is clean, fast and well-run. Since crossing the river by car can leave you stuck in traffic jams, the Metro is a good way of avoiding this – especially if taxis are scarce (when it’s raining and during rush hours, for example). Expats should be wary of traffic conditions-especially during the first few weeks of the assignment. When walking, driving, or riding a bicycle, it is important to never assume that someone has seen you and will take action to avoid colliding with you.
Most expats are put off by the crowded nature of public transport and the fact that many passengers tend to push. Taxis, therefore, are the overall favorite for expats. Fortunately, they are relatively inexpensive and make it easy to get around.
While on assignment in Shanghai, it would be advisable to steer clear of talking about certain political issues. When handing over a name card, do so using both hands at the same time. This is a sign of respect. If you find yourself in a conflict situation, a better way to get what you want is not to raise your voice but to calmly persist. Local residents tend to react to another’s anger equally or more strongly. Loud voices are used quite frequently and often what sounds like an argument is just a lively discussion – for example, when bargaining for goods at a local market.
Relative to other parts of mainland China, Shanghai is known for having the most liberal and forward-thinking residents. They welcome foreigners living in their city and are eager to learn more about international cultures. Shanghaineses are also renowned for their business acumen and their negotiating skills. They are quite western in their fashion, pursuit of material items and monumental drive for success.
Chris Draeger, Group Vice President, Crown Relocations
Crown Relocations has been providing international moving and relocation services since 1965. With 200 offices in 50 countries, Crown has “people on the ground” in all the major Expat communities around the world. Crown provides a range of services to help Expats and their families move and settle into their new home ranging from Orientation Tours, Home finding, School Search and more. Crown also organizes Expat Clubs with regular events to help people meet and socialize with other Expats.
We also serve corporate clients as they develop and manage the relocation policies and employee benefit programs for the staff moving overseas. Services include expense management, program development, policy counseling, customized online reporting and full departure and destination services for the employees.
Crown is a private organization headquartered in Hong Kong, with European HQ in London and Americas HQ in Los Angeles California.
Crown provides free moving quotations on its website at http://www.crownrelo.com and http://www.wellconnectedinchina.com
]]>This package is designed for CCIE Routing and Switching Lab exam candidates who have extremely busy schedule and need to focus on weakness areas before attempting the exam. You will be required to complete several most updated scenarios which are developed specialized on your weakness areas.
You will study with your instructor one-on-one during the CCIE training. Our highly skilled instructors will step-by-step show you the best way to configure each scenario and strengthen your weakness areas in the meanwhile. http://www.cathayschool.com/
Before you finish this course, you will be provided a full set of our full-scale lab materials which highly reflect the most current lab exam. The materials contain CCIE R&S questions, requirements and solutions, which can be comfortably studied and practiced during the gap between your course finishing date and the lab exam date.
Location: Guangzhou, China
Price: $6,000.00 USD
What is included:
5 days’ one-on-one classroom study
Day 1 ~ Day 4:
Complete several advanced, technology-focused scenarios accompanied by your personal CCIE instructors. These scenarios cover most lab exam content and are especially focused on your weakness areas. In addition, a detailed explanation will be provided about the technologies covered, interpretations of the questions, and common mistakes that students have made with relation to each topic.
Day 5:
Complete an eight hour full-scale lab. The exam is then graded and reviewed, step-by-step by your instructor. In addition, the instructors will review your performance for the entire class and give recommendations to take and pass the CCIE lab exam, along with suggestions of what topics to focus on during further preparation.
1 month after class support (could be upgraded to 3 months)
On the last date of your course, you will be provided with the study materials which contain the most updated full-scale labs which have not been practiced during the course. These materials reflect the latest update of the real lab exam and come with complete solutions.
Along with this, we will update your study materials free of charge and provide email support (48 hours response guarantee) for 1 month. Not enough? You can buy our Material update and technical support extension service (E-MUTS) at an affordable price. For detailed information, please check with your training advisor.
FREE 100 hours remote rack access
After the course, you will be provided FREE 100 hours remote access time so that you can practice the labs by connecting to our rack. Simply drop an email to rackschedule@cathayschool.com to reserve your rack and we will make necessary arrangement.
Location
This boot camp is held in Guangzhou, which is the biggest and the most developed city in South China. Learn more about Guangzhou
Traval & Transportation
It is very convenient to travel to Guangzhou.
You can either fly into Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) or Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). There are direct flights from the following major cities to Guangzhou every week: Europe: Frankfurt, Helsinki, Paris North America: Los Angles, San Francisco, New York, Toronto Australia: Sydney, Melbourne Asia: Tokyo, Seoul, Dubai, Singapore
Also, there are over a hundred international flights to Hong Kong. You can fly to Hong Kong first and then transfer to Guangzhou by train (duration: 2 hours and the expense is covered by CathaySchool).
Our friendly staff will meet you at the airport or train station when you arrive and then transfer you to the hotel. This is free of charge.
Hotels
Students will be accommodated at the 4-star luxury hotel (President Hotel or same grade hotel), which is across the road from our training center. Each hotel room has king-size bed, air condition, internet access (free of charge), tub, flat screen television, 24-hour room service and more. You also have the option to upgrade to a 5-star hotel (Royal Mediterranean Hotel, The Westin Guangzhou or Shangri-La Hotel GuangZhou). All these hotels are within 10 minutes driving distance from the school.
Meals
All meals are included.
Breakfast is provided in the hotel restaurant. For lunch and dinner, you will receive cash to be used at the wide variety of sit-down restaurants, cafes and buffets. MacDonald, KFC, PizzaHut and StarBuck are all within walking distance.
Drinks and snacks through out the date are also included.
After class activites
You will never feel boring in Guangzhou. After class, we can arrange the following activities at a reasonable cost:
Culture tour, Shopping tour, Zoo, Fun park, Hot springs, Disco bar, Show bar, B.Y.O party, Chinese traditional massage, etc.
You can choose all these options when you are signing up with us.
Advanced Upgrade Package
Training PLUS:
6 hours (per day) one-on- one guaranteed
Two month after training support (Materials update + Email support by instructor)
Accommodation & Meals PLUS:
Hotel accommodation (5 stars premium room)
Lunch and Dinner standard – 150 RMB / per day
Free unlimited laundry service
Unlimited access to the gym in the hotel
Add-on Service (complimentary) PLUS:
Chinese traditional massage/spa at one of the biggest spa in Asia (1 time)
A big entertainment show, including Chinese dancing, magic show and acrobatics (3 hours)
Car hire with driver (4 hours)
Price: $2,200.00 USD
Deluxe Upgrade Package
Training PLUS:
8 hours (per day) one-on- one guaranteed
Three month after training support (Materials update + Email support by instructor)
Accommodation & Meals PLUS:
Hotel accommodation (5 stars executive room)
Lunch and Dinner standard – 200 RMB / per day
Free unlimited laundry service
Unlimited access to the gym in the hotel
Add-on Service (complimentary) PLUS:
Airport pick up and drop off by Mercedes-Benz
Chinese traditional massage/spa at one of the biggest spa in Asia (2 times)
A big entertainment show, including Chinese dancing, magic show and acrobatics (3 hours)
Car hire with driver (8 hours)
Price: $3,800.00 USD
I. Bridging and Switching
A. Frame relay
B. Catalyst configuration: VLANs, VTP, STP, MSTP, RSTP, Trunk, Etherchannel, management, features, advanced configuration, Layer 3
C. Tunneling
II. IP IGP Routing
A. OSPF
B. EIGRP
C. RIPv2
D. IPv6: Addressing, RIPng, OSPFv3
E. GRE
F. ODR
G. Filtering, redistribution, summarization and other advanced features
III. BGP
A. IBGP
B. EBGP
C. Filtering, redistribution, summarization, synchronization, attributes and other advanced features
IV. IP and IOS Features
A. IP addressing
B. DHCP
C. HSRP
D. IP services
E. IOS user interfaces
F. System management
G. NAT
H. NTP
I. SNMP
J. RMON
K. Accounting
L. SLA
V. IP Multicast
A. PIM-SM, bi-directional PIM
B. MSDP
C. Multicast tools, source specific multicast
D. DVMRP
E. Anycast
VI. QoS
A. Quality of service solutions
B. Classification
C. Congestion management, congestion avoidance
D. Policing and shaping
E. Signaling
F. Link efficiency mechanisms
G. Modular QoS command line
VII. Security
A. AAA
B. Security server protocols
C. Traffic filtering and firewalls
D. Access lists
E. Routing protocols security, catalyst security
F. CBAC
G. Other security features
R&S Equipment List: and IOS Version:
The lab exam tests any feature that can be configured on the equipment and the IOS versions indicated below. You may see more recent IOS versions installed in the lab, but you will not be tested on the new features of a release unless indicated below.
3725 series routers – IOS 12.4 mainline – Advanced Enterprise Services
3825 series routers – IOS 12.4 mainline – Advanced Enterprise Services
Catalyst 3550 series switches running IOS version 12.2 – IP Services
Catalyst 3560 Series switches running IOS version 12.2 – Advanced IP Services
Our one-on-one CCIE boot camp produces the No.1 one time passing rate in the industry. In the last 3 years, 90% of our international students pass the lab exam at the first attempt. At CathaySchool, We help you secure your investment by providing each student the unbeatable and practical triple insurance:
First guarantee – What happen if I am not satisfied with your training?
Each student has 2 days to evaluate our course. If you find our boot camp is not the one which will definitely help you pass your lab exam at first attempt, simply notify your instructor before the 3rd day to withdraw from the course and get your money back.
* For more information, please refer to our course cancellation policy.
Second guarantee – What happen if I failed the lab exam at the 1st attempt?
You will be provided an extended 2 months material update (including the lab questions, requirements and solutions), 2 months technical email support (guarantee 48 hours response) and 150 hours rack access time.
Third guarantee – What happened if I fail the lab exam again?
Come back and re-attend our one-on-one course again. This is free of charge, including 4-star hotel accommodation and meals (this definitely beats all our competitors again!!!). At CathaySchool, we believe that there is no reason to have students pay for anything when they need to re-take the course.
We want you to pass… so we are committed more than others
Comparing training vendors? Nobody is committed to your success like CathaySchool. Ask the other companies…
Do they have a similar pass guarantee program?
How long are you covered by it?
When you retake their class, do you get full access to a dedicated rack of equipment again?
Are the materials updates offered at no charge?
Do you have to pay for your meals, hotel and rack access when you re-take the course?
Do they provide one-on-one training?
1. We accept bank wire transfer, Western Union and major credit cards (1) .
2. To make a reservation, you are required to send a $1,000 USD deposit (2) (3).
3. The balance needs to be paid in full one week before your course starting date (4).
(1) Credit card payment will incur a surcharge of 8%.
(2) Deposit amount may be subject to change without notice.
(3) Your deposit is refundable. Cancel the course 60 days prior to the starting date will receive 100% of your deposit; A $500 administration fee will apply if you cancel the course within 30 – 59 days before the course starting date; Deposit is non-refundable if you cancel the course within 30 days before the course starting date.
(4) Balance is preferred to be paid by bank wire transfer. For credit card payment, you will need to afford 8% processing fee and provide all necessary prove per the card processing company request, which will include scanned copies of both sides of your credit card, passport photo page and hotel bill with signature..
Considered as one of Sydney’s favorite buildings and built on a 19th century market place, this quintessential shopping doesn’t give you a claustrophobic feel that big malls have. Standing gracefully at George Street its Romanesque architecture on its façade as well as inside, you’ll be sure to find shopping pleasurable. Whether window shopping or serious shopping, the art galleries or antique shops will not intimidate you. Shops selling unique jewellery and fashion are a must visit. So special is this unique mall, it has guided tours to give you an insight on its history. Just visit the concierge desk for more information.
Whilst still along George Street, drop by The Strand, a Sydney landmark dating from the late 19th Century. Visit shops specialized in Australia’s natural gemstone, Opal and be truly mesmerized by the cleverness of its craftsmanship. Craving for some chocolate, head for Haigh’s Chocolates store and better yet, they make excellent gifts. Blending old and new, you will find contemporary fashion housed in many shops here. Budding Australian fashion designers get a chance to display their labels at The Graduate Store. Drop by this store for some local support and there may be something there for you too.
Fancy shopping with a difference? Visit The Galleries Victoria for a unique shopping experience. Housing four floors of shopping area, you will mesmerized by beautifully displayed works of work. Incorporating the Sydney School of the Arts, the Arthouse Hotel boasts a bohemian feel for those interested in something unusual. Browse through the vast selection of books at the Kinokuniya Book Store or step into the shops of modern street-wear or formal wear, the offerings are aplenty. If you are here during lunch, why not stop by the Verge & Gallery Bars for lunch and ask for their specials.
For the ultimate fashion conscious but non-monetary conscious, visit the MLC Centre which is located at the corner of King and Castlereagh Streets. Whether looking for Gucci handbags, Ferragamo shoes or Lanvin ties, shopping cant be more luxurious anywhere else in Sydney. What more can a true-blue shopper desire than modern day shopping with a craving for both old and new. This is truly Sydney.
]]>The owners of the Gallery have earned their enviable reputation in the art world, through specialist showings of the very best in Australian and overseas modern art.
The invitation for the 22nd of July would be exceptional from the start. Secret rare art from the tiny South Pacific tropical island archipelago nation of Vanuatu would be revealed for the first time outside of its native home.
Dressed in full custom regalia, a group of nine Ni-Vanuatu artists would perform a sacred ceremonial dance from the island of Ambrym, at the opening.
Bethany arranged for two of her friends to join her for the opening, before they headed off to one of the fine restaurants around Darling Harbour, for dinner. To avoid the problem of trying to work their way through Sydney traffic, plus find parking for the Mercedes-Benz, the ladies opted for one of their husbands to drop them off. It all sounded rather mysterious and lots of fun.
“Arriving a little later than we expected because of the Sydney traffic, we were greeted by the lovely sounds of a string band playing island music as we approached the doorway to the Gallery,” Bethany told me. “It sounded as if the South Seas had come to town. Made one think of swaying palms and blue green tropical oceans. It is inviting to dream of taking that South Pacific cruise my husband and I have been promising ourselves,” she mused
Sipping a glass of icy cold French Champagne, Bethany and her friends joined the other guests. The air buzzed with excitement, as they admired the beautifully carved wooden figures and masks. A four metre wooden drum, (tam-tam,) one of the world’s largest free standing musical instruments, towered over their heads.
“We understood the art to be very ancient and rare, yet it could mistaken for any modern artwork,” the Gallery’s curator, David Baker said. “There is only one other piece similar to it in a British museum.”
A scarcely clad figure stepped up to the large tam-tam and began methodically beating on the lip of the wooden gong’s face. A face which had been stylized in the form of an ancestor. The long slit in the front of the drum, giving the ancestor a voice once more.
Four dancers, dressed in what looked like a head-to-toe tent made of dried leaves, with brightly painted masks, topped with chicken feathers, covering their faces entered, the gallery.
In a slow rhythmical, yet dreamlike shuffle, they began making their way to the center of the room. Their voices filled the gallery in a monotonal chant. Another five, dressed in the full regalia of their secret society, moved in the centre of the first four dancers. Stomping their feet and clapping their hands, they also lifted their voices in a monotonal chant.
Shock registered on the Sydney matron’s faces as they watched the five mature men from Ambrym concentrating on their sacred dance, totally unaware of the stir they were causing. The men were dressed only with a wide bark belt slung low over their hips. A Namba penis sheath barely covering the essential part of their manhood. A bright red hibiscus flower was perched jauntily over one ear, their gleaming, well formed buttocks jiggling in time to the beat of the tam-tam.
“When the dancers first entered the room it was rather difficult to know where to put one’s eyes. I haven’t seen that much bare bottom since my four children were tiny,” laughed Bethany.
It is one thing to imagine these men dancing in the soft lighting of a tropical island forest, bare feet pounding out the ceremonial rhythm on a dirt floor, but to think of them as having just come from a modern hotel room, braving the Sydney traffic, and Australian winter, was a mind bending thought.
“We were told these men are taboo and no woman is permitted to touch them, even today,” laughed Bethany. “In fact, if any female accidentally saw them performing the dance they had to be killed.”
In the beautiful tropical islands of Vanuatu, voted the Happiest Country on Earth in 2006, life moves at a different pace. Education is an oral tradition and many villagers still live as their ancestors have done for generations. Tradition and culture is handed down from Father to son through dance, song, sand drawings and carvings.
The Chiefs of Vanuatu are beginning to recognize the educational needs of these remote islands. Many of the younger generation have lost the ability to understand the mystic language of the carved gongs. The decision was made to share the secrets of their society and release some of their sacred rare art, setting the art world on its ear. The aim of the chiefs was to inspire their young people and make them more aware of their ancient culture.
Most people were unaware that the tiny archipelago nation, a neighbor of Australia, still had such wonderful secrets tucked away, in the ‘Must See’ Travel Adventure Destination of the South Pacific.
The benefits of modern society though, are being reached for by this ancient people. The children have dreams of being pilots, teachers, and doctors. Many of the villagers live on under $1 per day. School fees are often unachievable, in a nation where there is no free education.
Education needs beyond the main islands goes to the bottom of the list of priorities. The government in 2007 admitted they do not have the resources to meet the educational needs of the nation.
YouMe Support Foundation, with its Child Trust Fund, is one of the few charities who are assisting these children. Kids who without outside help, will never see the inside of a high school classroom.
YouMe Support Foundation is offering a unique once in a lifetime Blue Moon Opportunity. It could change your life as well as the lives of these great kids. This is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss. You can make a difference in the lives of these children who will not be afraid to wholeheartedly reach out and embrace the head on collision of two societies in the 21st century.
]]>Its exports are plywood, timber copra, coffee, rubber and gold. Saw milling, brewing, tobacco processing, and the manufacture of handicrafts and concrete are the principal industries, and fishing is important.
Much drier than the rest of the country, it often suffers from extended droughts. Annual events that take place in Port Moresby are the Hiri Moale and the Agricultural Show.
You would arriving in Papua New Guinea from Australia by the capital city of Port Moresby.
The waters surrounding the capital are also ideal for several water sports. Idler’s Beach is a popular swimming spot just east of Port Moresby. Sinasi Reefand Daugo Island is a beautiful reef and white, sandy beaches and are popular excursions from Port Moresby.
The city has half a dozen large markets where fresh produce is sold, and large supermarkets which sell local and imported goods. Every street corner has a small kiosk or canteen where basic necessities are sold. Betel nuts and cigarettes are sold on the side of the road just about every where. Gordons Market is one of the largest and busiest in the country.
Boroko is an important shopping centre and includes several restaurants and bars, banks and department stores. The best places to buy handicrafts in Port Moresby are off the handicraft street stalls.
The nightlife is limited to the capital of Port Moresby. Some of the restaurants in the capital also provides for live music.
The Moitaka Wild life Farm carries out research on crocodiles and also has on display a few other animals and birds native to PNG. It is open every Friday.
The Varirata National Park, is the first national park of the country. You can explore the bounties of this park through the clearly marked walking trails.
This park provides an excellent introduction to birding in New Guinea, with good trails and open forest allowing us to see such specialities as Brown-headed Kingfisher and Raggiana Bird-of-paradise.
National Museum and Art Gallery is located on the slopes of Independence Hill, this traditionally designed museum houses an excellent collection of New Guinea art and cultural artefact.
]]>Changes at the Australian Museum
The ensuing century-and-a-half has seen the Australian Museum transformed from a warehouse for scientific and cultural artifacts to a modern sandstone complex housing research, administrative, and educational facilities. The collections are still there, of course; they are growing every year, and even better, are now accompanied by temporary exhibitions and educational programs.
What Will You Find at the Australian Museum?
The permanent displays at the Museum include the Indigenous Australian exhibit, which preserves a record of the many native Australian tribes; the Birds exhibit, with its examples of Australian avians of every shape, size, and plumage colour; and the Skeletons: Framework for Survival exhibit, covering every life form from insects to mammals.
The self-explanatory Insect exhibit, is a great favorite with the Sydney schoolboys, as is the “More Than Dinosaurs” collection of giant reptiles and megafauna, among which were giant kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian Devils.
The Biodiversity: Life Supporting Life, display shows the interconnectedness of the tremendous variety of Australian life forms
The permanent exhibits take up three entire floor of the Museum, and are expansive enough that the Highlights Self-Guided Tour Brochure is recommended. And while you probably won’t have time to give each exhibit the attention it deserves, make sure you find a way to stop in at the Search and Discovery Room, where you’ll be able to put your hands on some CR-ROMs, magazines, and books, as well as live exhibits. There’s even something for the pre-school set at Kid’s Island, where youngsters up to five years of age are free to explore.
Recommended Hotels near Australian Museum
For visitors to Sydney who want to take a fascinating look at the natural and cultural history of Australia, from prehistory to today, a visit to the Australian Museum is a must. And the Sydney Marriot, at 36 College Street, will provide them with five-star accommodations just a short walk away!
]]>Just a six hour drive from Sydney, the Snowies are easily accessible and the drive is a pleasant and picturesque one. Most people wil travel to Jindabyne first and perhaps organise accommodation there. It is just a half hour drive to either of the main ski resorts, Thredbo or Perisher Blue, from here. Thredbo is probably the favourite resort in the Snowies. It is a grouping of hotels and accommodation that closely resembles the stereotype of an Alpine village in Europe. Quaint and picturesque, it almost looks like something out of a story book, and it has all the facilities and amenities you would expect in a modern village.
Thredbo also has the slopes to back up its high status as a ski resort. The longest ski run in Australia, the Funnelweb, is located here and stands at over three kilometres in length. The quality of its slopes attracts international events here every winter, and there is an FIS approved downhill racecourse. Over seventy kilometres of trails are accessed by seventeen ski lifts, and the slopes and the ski instructors cater to beginner level skiers and boarders. Thredbo is a hive of activity during the day, but at night time it really buzzes. The bars and nightclubs fill with holiday makers satisfied after a day on the slopes and keen to party the night away. Of course if your partying days are behind you then just enjoy a quiet meal in one of the restaurants and resort to your hotel room. Everybody is catered for in Thredbo.
Perisher Blue is Australia’s biggest ski resort, consisting of four villages which house countless hotels and other accommodation options. It has a unique underground train system that runs between the villages, and means you can move around whatever the weather. Due to its size it has more facilities and resources than Thredbo, but doesn’t have the cosy alpine feel of the smaller town. The slopes are great though, with kilometres and kilometres of groomed trails to keep you occupied.
When the winter months pass and the snow melts then the Snowies take on a different form, although one no less beautiful or enticing. The sun comes out and the wildflowers bloom, and Kosciuszcko National Park turns into a sea of colour. The slopes people skied on are used by mountain bikers, and white water rafters cruise down the rivers that are bursting at the seams with the melted snow. Seeing the amazing views and sights of the Snowies on horseback is another favourite pastime, and kodak moments are guaranteed. The streams and lakes turn into an anglers dream, as the trout begin breeding and their stocks increase. Lake Jindabyne is renowned for its fishing, and also offers great opportunities for watersports such as skiing or kayaking.
A visit to the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme is also highly recommended. Situated near the town of Cooma, it took over twenty five years to complete and is an impressive tribute to human engineering capabilities. Cooma is the gateway to the Snowies from Sydney, so its impossible to miss if you are coming from that direction. From here its just a short drive to the rest of the attractions in the Snowies, including Mt Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia.
For an all year round holiday destination, you just can’t beat the Snowy Mountains. The extreme changes between the seasons make this an invigorating and interesting place to visit whatever the month, and there will always be an endless amount of outdoor activities to keep you and your family occupied. A hire car will give you the freedom to explore the region to your hearts content, so why not hop online and start planning your holiday right away!
]]>There are a plethora of splendid hotels spread across the country each offering excellent accommodation. Almost all of them are within close proximity of shopping malls and facing exotic waterfronts. These magnificent and luxurious Dubai hotels provide exceptional services to the tourists visiting Dubai. They cater their guests with the best of hospitality and recreational services. You can choose from 3-Star, 4-Star and 5-Star Dubai hotels depending upon your budget. Some popular Dubai hotels are listed below:
The magnificent and eye-catching tall building of this hotel is constructed from steel and glass and was designed by the eminent architect Carlos Ott. It has in all 154 deluxe guest rooms which include executive rooms and lounges. It has a gym to help you stay fit, a rooftop swimming pool to chill out and including other basic amenities, such as high speed internet access, business meeting rooms, tea and coffee maker, audio visual equipment, etc. Experience a European cuisine in the hotels finest dining restaurant Verre which is the first restaurant of world renowned chef Gordon Ramsay outside UK.
Spend an enchanting vacation in Dubai with your family and friends and enjoy a memorable stay in one of the Dubai hotels. Browse through www.dubaifurnishedapartments.com
for more information on Dubai hotels and Dubai furnished apartments.
Bareboat charters are available Worldwide. Once reserved, you will be welcomed in the base by a fully professional team who will do the handover of the boat. You’ll need either to go shpooing for your provisions or order them in advance. And then you’ll be ready to sail out to the sea and start enjoy the breeze and soak the warmth of the sun. Bareboat charters give you the unique opportunity to discover the costal seaside, combining historical visits and cruising, or the quietness of a bay at night. However for some of you enjoying nightlife and crowd, a lot of places would attract you, such as Ibiza in the Balearics, St Tropez on the French Riviera, Saint Martin in the Caribbean etc… You can enjoy a variety of cruising activities from your yacht. You can enjoy diving, fishing, windsurfing, kite boarding or simply enjoy the comfort of your yacht. You can go sailing into secluded bays or lovely beaches avoiding the crowded ones. And why not discover remote destination such as French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Australia and a lot more?
Boats sizes vary from a 2 double cabins to a lot more. According to your crew, you may choose to embark up to 10 or 12 persons on large catamarans, still enjoying the space on board. You can plan a short and easy sail for your first day to give you and your crews some time to unwind and get adjusted in the yacht. All sailing levels exist and we are here to help you in choosing the best one for you. Before you take a bare boat for charter you must find out all the information about the destination and the type of boat you need. You will find a wide variety of bare boat to suit your budget. If you are going on a vacation in peak season do not forget to book your charter in advance.
Once you go on a cruise in charter bare boat you can be sure to come back for more. You will treasure a memorable experience once you are out in the sea sailing. You can choose your boat as per your requirement and level of comfort. There are different kinds of bare boats, which you can choose from like mono hull sailing yachts, catamarans, motor yachts and trawlers from all sizes and all prices. Going on a bare boat sailing is the ultimate way of exploring some of the world’s most stunning views.