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?Chocolates Beer Bikes & Barges? ? Adventures for Singles Belgium & Holland 2006

We arrived to cosmopolitan Brussels with 3 lost bags and 1 missing person. One suitcase went to Moscow but all caught up eventually. Janice and I led a perfect size group of 39, not too big to get lost in or too small for comfort.

Each July trip draws school teachers who have loyally followed me around the world and they do love Europe. We began with a light orientation tour in the historic heart of this capital, followed by a tour of the Chocolate Museum. I found this boring, but the tastings were great.

After a nap at the Sheraton, we enjoyed a welcome dinner at Chez Leon, a typical Belgium Brasserie located on the charming ?Rue de Restaurants.? You can get mussels in Brussels, but not brussel sprouts. And the french fry as it was invented here. Our menu consisted of egg puff pastry with Ardennes mouseline sauce, Flemish beef stew in Grimbergen ale and a dark chocolate mousse cake on a bed buttercream which was a culinary masterpiece never to be forgotten. I always say that a loud group is a happy group, but I think their decibel level here may have been due to their indulgence of amber ales. 428 different types are brewed in this country including a popular new blueberry beer. Later we scattered like chickens into the Grand Place which is considered by most to be the worlds most beautiful square. It comes to life at night every July with a light show and various unlicensed entertainers. One young lady is dressed in candy tempting men to buy a bite.

If it?s Tuesday, it must be Belgium. After breakfast, we began our morning walking tour of the 17th century Grand Place. It was actually 8:30 Sunday morning and I marveled that in over a dozen visits here, I?ve never seen this place so empty. It echoed in silence as tourists slept and the locals were gone for holiday. Sunlight brilliantly flooded the gothic cathedrals, classical facades and art nuveau houses. We were alone and it was breathtaking.

We then visited the famed confectioner ?Planet Chocolate? that opened especially for our group. Pedestrians peered in the windows with curiosity. A great demonstration was given by chocolatier Jon, grandson of the founder of this factory renowned for producing 67 different flavors. We learned about the history of cocoa. The ancient Mayans considered it an aphrodisiac and Montezuma consumed it in copious amounts. It was made famous in Belgium by J. Nuehus who added the praline hazelnut cream. Each cocoa fruit contains 25 beans. The best comes from Ghana, Ivory Coast and Indonesia. We learned all about the roasting and fermenting processes. Jon expounded on how healthy his dark chocolate is with more magnesium and antioxidants. He even asserts that it boosts energy and thus helps you loose weight?convoluted thinking. It was however, once sold at chemists as antidepressant medicine and unlimited amounts were given to soldiers in wartime to combat stress. At the end of the lecture, silver trays of truffles were presented along with a cup of hot ganache, which tasted like chocolate soup. I never really cared for chocolate but it was infatuation at first bite.

Our next stop was Chocolate Manon which I was told is run by a ?chocolate nazi? who will lock the doors if we?re one minute late. This small factory concentrates on quality over quantity and fancy packaging. The educational presentation was given by the owner Christian, who is both serious and hilarious. He only uses the highest quality vanilla, sugar, butter and 70% cocoa powder. This is a real factory with enormous chocolate blocks piled high and brown drippings everywhere. Sorry Hershey?s, but the cocoa here is not replaced with palm oil, chemicals, coloring, vegetable fats and lard. This is as pure as it gets and it?s better than Swiss. They sell direct to Bergoff and Neimans in NYC. There are 443 chocolate factories in Belgium all with the competitive spirit of Tour de France between them. Godiva still reigns supreme.

Christian explained that white chocolate is really an oxymoron. It contains only milk, sugar, cream and 21% white cocoa butter. As he lectured, he continually dipped his finger in to vats to taste his latest batch, while quickly running back and forth with frenetic energy from molds to freezer. He has a true passion for his product and consumes about 250 grams or a 1/2 lb a day, yet is as thin as Calista Flockhart.

I love my job, but would swap a month with him anytime.Over 1000 fillings are used inside the hollow shells. One by one, hundreds of shells are filled by hand. Each piece is a mini-sculpture. We?re invited to squeeze the ganache pastry bags, but made a terrible mess and had to eat our mistakes. Nothing is discarded here. Even table scrapings will be remelted.

Dark chocolate can be stored up to 15 years and molded into any shape. We?re shown pictures of intricate violins, a woman?s formal dress and a life size dinning room table and chairs all made of chocolate.

Monday we toured this proud and regal city that is revealed in its royal palaces, cathedrals, museums and onuments. We see the headquarters of the EU and site of the 1958 World?s Fair with the massive silver Atonium. We photograph the Mannekin Pis. [I never understood the love of this small bronze statue but it represents Brussels. Perhaps it?s found in the irreverence of the artist. Paula was our guide for several days here. Her stellar knowledge brought the history of Belgium to life, particularly the time when King Leopold purchased the Congo as his personal playground. Paula deeply cared for her work and later invited us to visit yet another chocolate factory, but fully sated, we declined. For free time we dispersed into tiny alleyways to intentionally get lost. Some searched out beer halls or hot sugar waffles, as others shopped for tapestries at give-away prices.

Things become a bit blurry from here. I?d taken some great notes on napkins throughout and managed to loose them all enroute. But memory serves well as we head to the capital of Flanders and enchanting Bruges. This town is a complete UNESCO World Heritage Site with a tranquil character that can?t be described. The people have done so much to protect its medieval feel, it provides the magical affect of stepping back into time. It is called ?Little Venice? and we enjoyed a boat cruise through the veritable maze of old canals that led to the Lake of Love. We strolled through ancient squares lined with houses of gabled rooftops and various cathedrals of holy this and holy that. Horse drawn carriages filled the cobbled streets. We entered the neo-gothic Basilica of Holy Blood and climbed 365 steps up the Belfry Tower with its carillon bells that chimed so loud it could blow an eardrum. We visited the cities finest lace shop for a demonstration on lace making, which I anticipated to be as exciting as watching paint dry. It was however, quite fascinating watching the delicate work of this 500 year old cottage industry.

We viewed an 18th century handkerchief so intricate that it took 4 ladies nearly 10 years to complete! All for a distant royal bride to blow her nose on.

I think I walked 67 kilometers that day. (Life lesson #122- NEVER wears heels on cobbled streets.) Bruges is entirely cozy and colorful, as if stepping into a postcard. At a caf?, I splurged on a waffle topped with chocolate, fruit and ice cream, so far, so good. For our entire trip we were blessed with no rain and perfect weather.

I?m a city girl at heart and was happy to depart for Holland. William of Orange is our jovial driver who just loaded our suitcases that have now swelled to 71 pieces. This is a super double-decker with plenty of room for our 150 mile journey. I joked on the mic as we crossed the border into Holland that there will be a 3 hour time change and never to drink the water. Much to my surprise my dear novice travelers actually started changing their watches! We passed many Smart Cars manufactured by Mercedes and Swatch. These toy-like hybrid two-seaters are expensive, but so adorable. On arrival, we checked into the Novotel Amsterdam for 4 days of touring pleasure.

We boarded our private glass topped boat and cruised through a labyrinth of canals. Amsterdam has 140 miles in all. Our wonderful guide Marilyn commentated on the picturesque neighborhoods and unique architecture. I photographed the world?s skinniest house, built in 1664. It was 5 stories high and only the width of the front door! Many locals live on houseboats and the area starts to resemble a floating trailer park. Holland is about 100? below sea level. Pumps are used to constantly pump out water and basements do not exist.

The beer drinkers in this group loved the ?Heineken Experience? with plenty of tastings and virtual games all over this famous brewery. The shoppers liked the Coster Diamond Factory where we learned about cutting and polishing the precious stones. They locked us in a room with guards where a gazillion euros worth of diamonds were displayed. We each had are own agenda for free time. The art lovers explored the national museums of Rembrandt and Van Gough. Many toured Ann Franks House where one can really sense the drama as she hid from the Nazi?s in the tiny attic writing her diary. Others went to Edam for cheese and Delft for porcelain. I visited friends and indulged on Dutch pancakes of every style imaginable.

One day we visited Zaanse Schans, a typical village for total Dutch immersion. We began at the Ratterman Clog Factory where 3 million pairs are produced annually. They?re used for working in the fields and are still worn today. Wooden shoes do not stretch so how can locals proclaim these to be comfortable? I prefer my Jimmy Choo?s stilettos and instead buy tulip bulbs for souvenirs. We then visit a cheese farm and watched as they separated curds from whey. Here we bought enough wheels of flavored Goudas to make Wisconsin jealous. [We never considered the weight it would add later to our carry-ons. We explored the open air museum with a backdrop of working windmills. There were also small period cast farms with curious ducks, goats and sheep.

That evening I had dinner with a friend I usually only see once every 5 years. Paul says, ?Suzy, you are like a good old book in the library of my life that I tucked away. You re-enter out of nowhere. I dust it off and the memories return.? As we catch up, I thought I had some stories to tell but his life is as captivating as a best selling novel. He is an undercover agent in the Special Forces, trains Dutch combat troops in Germany preparing for tours in Kabul, works narcotics infiltration and is a body guard for the royal family. Kind of like Jack Bauer on ?24.? Everything is ?top secret? yet he reveals that he basically gets paid by the government to work out daily. Recently he transported orangutans form the Amsterdam zoo to freedom in Borneo.

The highlight of this trip for me was our 2 hour city tour on bicycles. We looked like a motley crew as we headed out into narrow cobbled streets and over countless bridges. As I peddled, I observed my group behind me. One woman is nearing 70, two are smoking cigarettes, Janice is talking to America on her cell and one unmentionable crashes into a car! She had to pay the driver for damages on the spot. It took complete concentration to cross the busy tram tracks. That morning we rode through Vodelpark and the Red Light district. It was interesting to see the prostitutes as they just woke up to get their coffee dressed in jeans and sneakers.

Holland is the land of the free. With prostitution legal, my group is most inquisitive on this matter. We laughed as Marilyn said,? Suzy, they all ask questions on sex. Are they frustrated??

I arranged a professional guided walking tour of the Red Light district in the oldest part of Amsterdam for the world?s oldest profession. Since the 1400?s, seamen would dock here to unload. Guides Gabriel and Shuert boldly led us through alleys of half clad ladies. No photos allowed. We?re told that some fear it?ll go out on the web. Our guides explained that some women are forced here nowadays and some are simply ashamed. Ladies differ in size, shape and color as we strolled through different quarters. On one street they?re all obese. We learned to identify the transsexuals by two things surgery can?t change ? an adam's apple and a straight waist. Tastes differ; the oldest woman here is 76 and only works in summer. Only half use protection and monthly health checks are required.

There are around 1000 prostitutes working 500 windows. They pay 150? to rent a window for 6-8 hours, and can make up to 450? per day. They pay taxes and can write receipts for services rendered. If the curtain is closed they are not on break. The area is flooded with tourists. Men pay 50? for 30 minutes, yet statistics reveal the average time spent is just 6 minutes.

We crossed ?Pill Bridge? named for the drugs pushed there and then toured the Erotic Museum with photographs and ?tools of the trade? dating back to the 17th century on display. As I pondered and stared at a metal chastity belt, Gabriel said ?that blacksmiths always had a spare key which came in handy when the husbands were away at sea.? She also insisted the Dutch were far less promiscuous than Americans. I was concerned about my ultra-conservative teachers but nothing seemed to shock them. After awhile, our senses were over saturated and it became dull. The saddest sight was seeing a ?heroin hooker?. She was emaciated with glazed eyes and so many track marks that she had to shoot it now under her tongue. Police cameras were everywhere 24/7, there is little crime and we felt totally safe.

Pot and hash are legal here in over 400 ?coffee shops? that sell joints and ?ganja-space milkshakes.? Locals told me they felt Americans were oppressed by too many rules and can?t understand how our drug companies can sell meds on TV.

Enough on the wild side, this is also the art capital of Europe boasting more museums per square foot than any other city. Marilyn gave us a quick art lesson in a nutshell. She explained that this is the 400 year celebration of Rembrandt (1606-2006). He came from a family rich in windmills. As a child, he was an expert sketcher. Later in medical school, he did anatomical drawings of corpses from criminals. He studied more and soon rose above the Dutch masters with the ability to capture light and shadows in paint. He always began with a black canvas. Though blessed with enormous artistic talent, he couldn?t manage his finances. He died penniless and was entombed in a pauper?s grave.

Van Gogh grew up a lonely child and was very attached to his mother. His hyper-critical father didn?t like his artwork. He went to Paris to study the impressionists. He was schizophrenic and when he had episodes, it was seen in his paintings that grew wilder and wilder each time. He cut off his ear and later committed suicide. His paintings were discovered stored away in his family home. We learned so much here.

Many think they?ve seen Europe, but miss the countries with the most charm. Here we were enveloped by history, culture and all that the Old Continent should be. Also this wasn?t a typical EU vacation with endless museums and cathedrals, but a creative itinerary which provided large fun. Total cost was $1175 plus air (www.AdventuresForSingles.com 877-813-9421 or in GA 770-432-8225). Everyone?s favorite stop was Bruges, but for me Amsterdam was an urban masterpiece. I found the Dutch far friendlier than other Europeans. This visit rekindled my love for the Netherlands, that tiny country with 2 names. This time I looked through new eyeballs with my teachers who were experiencing their first trip abroad.

It was a wonderful group. One couple connected whom we later labeled ?The Honeymooners? and I hope they last. In flight home on Delta, I noticed among my sleepy group that some were munching on their chocolates that were meant for gifts back home. And once in line at US Customs, some were proudly wearing their new, brightly painted, uncomfortable wooden clogs. I just have to do this trip again.

7 Tips to Real Estate Agent?s Success: Tip #2 Embrace a Planning Attitude

As a real estate agent, if you don?t have a real estate business plan, then you are on some else?s plan ? usually the successful real estate agent. Most people place more value in planning a trip to the grocery store or a vacation than planning their lives either professionally or personally.

Think of a recent vacation or even a simple trip to the grocery store.

• How much time did you take to plan that special vacation?
• How much time did you spend in writing that grocery list?
• What happened when you left the grocery list at home?

Now think about taking that time and directing that time towards your real estate business.

• How much more successful could you be?
• How would you reallocate your resources if you had taken the time to adequately plan the use of those resources?

Consistent planning begins with an attitude. When individuals embrace a planning attitude, their behaviors will demonstrate the results of that attitude. Of course, attitudes begin within our belief systems ? those foundational thought processes that have evolved from all of our experiences.

Positive attitudes can be developed and maintained by understanding that we as individuals have total control over what we keep in our brains. If we think that planning is not necessary, then we will develop negative attitudes about planning and those attitudes will be demonstrated through behaviors that do not include planning. However, if we embrace positive attitudes about planning, then planning will be part of our behaviors.

Within the real estate business, planning is not new. Real estate agents enlist planning from showing homes to making offers to closing the sale. The challenge is to take those skills and integrate them into planning the business.

To infuse planning with your real estate business start with one bite instead of trying to eat the entire elephant. Begin by writing down short lists of what you what to accomplish each day and how best to use that time. Then, take the time to develop a strategic plan indicating who does what by when.

If you came into the real estate business from another profession that required you to work 40 hours, then you should be spending the same amount of time working in your business with another 5 hours per week working on your business.

The ON focuses on planning and execution with the desired results being as least as successful as you were in your previous professional life. Remember, no one plans to fail, they just fail to plan.

P.S. Read 7 Tips to Real Estate Agent?s Success: Tip #1 - First and Foremost YOU are a Business

Leanne Hoagland-Smith quickly doubles results for her clients from individuals (small businesses owners, entrepreneurs and young people) to large organizations by creating executable strategic action plans along with the necessary business skills to pull it off. By closing the gap between today's unsatisfactory performance to tomorrow's goals, limited resources are maximized with waste including time being reduced. Please feel free to contact Leanne at 219.759.5601 or visit http://www.processspecialist.com/ and explore how she can help you.

One quick question,if you could secure one new client or breakthrough that one roadbloack holding you back from success, what would that mean to you? Then, take a risk and give a call at 219.759.5601 to experience incredible results.

Mention that you read this article and receive the completed E-Book - 7 Tips to Real Estate Agent's Success

Hello From Niagara Falls ? Exploring The Clifton Hills Entertainment Area and Doing A Little Gambling

 



Hello From Niagara Falls ? Exploring The Clifton Hills Entertainment Area & Doing A Little GamblingSubmitted By: Susanne Pacher  

Yesterday morning my last full day in Niagara Falls, Ontario, had arrived. After a packed schedule the day before that had included a wonderful presentation at the Imax Theatre, my up-close encounter with the Great Falls at the Journey Behind the Falls and an entertaining show at the Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Theatre, I got ready for another full day of explorations in Niagara Falls.

I already got a great start to the day when Kevin Kilpatrick, the gourmet chef and co-owner of Kilpatrick Manor, prepared an absolutely scrumptious breakfast for me: after a delicious fresh fruit platter with yoghurt and freshly made banana bread I feasted on ?breakfast ravioli?, one of Kevin?s unique culinary inventions. This light yet tasty breakfast dish features scrambled eggs, bacon and old cheddar cheese surrounded by thinly rolled out pasta and a home made tomato sauce with garlic, white wine and leeks. Kevin, with his gregarious and outgoing manner, sat down with me and kept me entertained with stories from his international hospitality adventures in France when he and wife Nance were managing a large chalet in the French Alps.

After this great start I rushed out to take my rental vehicle back to Budget Rent-A-Car since my husband was coming in from Toronto to join me in Niagara Falls. Although I had driven only 78 kilometers in two days, my little Toyota Yaris had served me extremely well in getting around Niagara Falls at a reasonable price.

On this sunny yet very cold day we started with a nice walk at the foot of Clifton Hill, strolling westwards along the Niagara Parkway towards the Canadian Horshehoe Falls. A brilliant blue sky bathed the Niagara River in bright light, and some of the metal railings next to the walkway were covered in sparkling ice formations from the mist that is formed by the Horseshoe Falls. Dozens of other tourists were also taking a noon-time walk and were snapping pictures of their friends and families against the backdrop of the mighty Niagara Falls.

Our real destination for today was the Clifton Hill area ? Niagara Fall?s main tourist promenade. Clifton Hill, the street, extends from the Niagara Parkway next to the Niagara River to Victoria Avenue on top of the hill and features dozens of restaurants, gift shops, fast food outlets, hotels and various attractions such as haunted houses, wax museums and other tourist entertainment. This popular tourist trap is often packed to the gills with people strolling up and down, soaking in the boisterous carnival atmosphere of this area.

Clifton Hill has a long-standing history as an entertainment area: hotels have been in existence here since the late 1800s. During the 1920s this area developed into a popular tourist destination and several additional inns and tourist camps were constructed nearby over the next few decades. Since the 1960s several museums have been built, which include the Houdini Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Wax Museum, the House of Frankenstein, the Guiness World Records Museum, Ripley?s Believe It Or Not and several others.

We decided to make our first stop at the Niagara SkyWheel, a recently constructed giant ferris wheel whose 42 climate controlled gondolas provide an excellent view over all the main attractions of Niagara Falls. During the 10 minute ride on this 53 metre high ferris wheel we had a magnificent view over the Canadian and American Falls as well as over all the other attractions and the residential areas of Niagara Falls. Fortunately, the weather was perfect for this experience and our 360 degree panoramic view extended for many miles.

Because of the brisk weather we decided to duck inside and headed into the Guiness World Records Museum. Formerly called the Guiness Book of World Records, this institution has a colourful history: the managing director of the famous Guiness Brewery in Ireland happened to ask himself during a hunting party in 1951 which bird was faster ? a grouse or a golden plover? Unable to find an answer to this question in reference books, he figured that there would have to be thousands of other questions that could not be settled by consulting a reference book and decided to create a book to supply answers to these types of questions.

The book became an overnight surprise hit and eventually an updated version featuring new records was published on a yearly basis and has evolved from a text-heavy reference book into a colourful, richly illustrated publication. In recent years several small museums have been created in locations such as Tokyo, San Francisco, Hollywood, Atlantic City, Myrtle Beach and Copenhagen to showcase noteworthy, and sometimes bizarre, world records. The location in Niagara Falls features photos and descriptions of many examples of world records including such curiosities as the world?s tallest man and the world?s smallest woman.

We explored the many interactive displays that feature world records in the spheres of entertainment, art, literature and sport. Natural disasters and scientific achievements are covered as well. Some of the records on display truly boggle the mind and it makes you wonder who has the time to come up with some of these rather offbeat ideas for world records, and who might have the time to execute those ideas. Images of record holders such as the man with the world?s longest ear hairs (4 inches!) were a little scary, to be honest.

Our next destination featured similarly off-beat human feasts: Ripley?s Believe It or Not!, built to look loke a collapsed Empire State Building with King Kong standing at the top, is a true collection of human oddities. Robert LeRoy Ripley (1893 to 1949) was a cartoonist, entrepreneur and amateur anthropologist whose newspaper panel series featured odd but true facts from all over the world. Ripley travelled a lot and became a collector of unusual items from all sorts of exotic destinations around the globe. From 1929 onwards Robert Ripley fascinated readers of seventeen national newspapers with his Believe It Or Not syndicated newspaper panel series. At the height of his popularity he was said to have received more mail than the American president. Ripley became a true media giant of his time and expanded into radio and early television before his death of a heart attack in 1949.

At the Niagara Falls Ripley?s Believe It or Not! we continued our exploration of strange and exotic things and were greeted right away by a three-dimensional sculpture of the world?s largest woman. True oddities such as vampire killing kits, a collection of macabre yet funny gravestones, two-headed piglets and a variety of life-sized optical illusions transported us into the land of the surreal and bizarre. To round out the collection of oddities, Ripley?s also operates a Moving Theatre and Louis Tussaud?s Waxworks in Niagara Falls.

After these explorations of the strange and unusual we decided to head back to our cozy bed and breakfast, the Kilpatrick Manor B&B. Chilled to the bone we decided to relax on the comfortable king-size bed, turn on the fireplace, watch a bit of TV and warm up under the soft cotton covers. A luxurious shower in the multi-jet Neptune shower helped to warm up my frozen bones. Now I understood what the owner Kevin Kilpatrick was referring to when he told me that guests just like to ?nest? at their bed and breakfast. It was indeed a supremely comfortable relaxing environment that got us ready for our last evening in Niagara Falls.

We decided to have dinner at the Frontier Grillhouse which is located adjacent to the Best Western Fireside Hotel with a great view overlooking the Niagara River. This modern casual restaurant features an extensive menu with a variety of freshly prepared breakfast dishes or an all-you-can-eat breakfast. The dinner menu has a large selection of appetizers, soups and salads and a wide range of grilled dishes including prime rib, New York striploin, Filet Mignon, T-bone steaks. Pastas, seafood and desserts round out the offering at the Frontier Grillhouse. I enjoyed my piping hot French onion soup and garlicky escargots with gratinated mozzarella while my husband treated himself to a very generous plate of Fettucine Alfredo. We couldn?t have added dessert even if we had wanted to.

We could have relaxed for even longer at the Frontier Grillhouse, but one more adventure was waiting for us: a bit of gambling at the Fallsview Casino Resort. Niagara Falls has long been a popular destination for gambling. On the Ontario side there are two large casinos: Casino Niagara, located in the Clifton Hill area, and the recently opened Fallsview Casino Resort which has been enticing gamblers since 2004. As we had already explored Clifton Hill, we decided to visit the Fallsview Casino which is an impressive hotel, shopping, gaming and entertainment complex located on a hill with an amazing view of the majestic Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

The entire complex is mind-boggling ? with a 100,000 square foot gaming floor it impresses even the most experienced casino-goer. Since it was our first time here and neither one of us is a casino regular, we were astounded by the seemingly never-ending gaming floor which features 3000 slot machines and 150 table games. Everywhere lights are blinking and the chime-like sounds of the slot machines fill the air. My husband is quite a talented hobby poker player, and he checked out the amazing array of table games, which include poker games like Let It Ride and Carribean Stud. Other table games include Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Spanish 21 as well as more exotic varieties such as the ancient Chinese Sic Bo game of dice, Pai Gow Tiles ? a Chinese version of dominoes, and Pai Gow Poker which combines elements Asian Pai Gow and Western-style poker.

I decided to just watch the action and sit back as my husband tried his hand at different types of poker. Lady Luck was shining on him for a while, but as the evening progressed he gave back all his winnings and lost a bit of money. But I could see from his face that he had thoroughly enjoyed himself and had a great evening. We resolved to come to Niagara Falls again and next time we were going to bring my mother-in-law as well who loves playing the slots occasionally.

Nicely tired from a full night of entertainment we got back to our cozy B&B and just fell into bed for a great night?s sleep. This morning it was time for us to leave, but before our departure we enjoyed one more delicious breakfast at the Kilpatrick Manor B&B. Chef Kevin had prepared an absolutely scrumptious strawberry crepe with Grand Marnier sauce (absolutely heavenly!) while my husband enjoyed Kevin?s ?full-on fry?, featuring eggs any style, bacon, sausage, potatoes and toast.

We regretted to have to leave Niagara Falls, but fortunately our adventures were set to continue with a trip to Buffalo and a subsequent flight from Buffalo for a quick tropical jaunt to Puerto Rico. But this three-day adventure in Niagara Falls has been a great entertaining winter getaway from the city. Despite my tightly packed schedule in Niagara Falls I have only scratched the surface of things to see and do and I plan to come back some time in the summer to see enjoy some of the outdoor activities that Niagara Falls and the surrounding region have to offer.

About the Author:

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions. Travel and Transitions deals with travel to foreign countries and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travelers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features.

Tempe Homes: Finding the Perfect Home in the Perfect Community

Thinking about buying a home in the Tempe area? Tempe, often called The Valley, offers some of the most diverse real estate in any area.

What kind of home are you thinking about? Do you picture yourself in a neighborhood with tree-lined streets, or would you rather be in a community that requires little maintenance? Either way, you'll find it in Tempe.

Looking at the multiple listing services for Tempe, you'll see that most homes fall into one of a few categories:

Master Planned Communities

Master planned communities are especially popular throughout Tempe. They are often clustered around a geographic feature, such as in the foothills, on a mountain side, or near the desert. They are situated to take advantage of the natural views.

Several different builders usually develop homes in each neighborhood. The big advantage to the planned community is that it offers all the amenities within a compact area, schools, parks, community centers, and recreational opportunities such as golf courses and horse riding stables.

Each one uses a similar architectural theme, with a variety of different floor plans. If you are looking for a brand new home, these communities are a great choice. You can select your preferred floor plan and make the upgrades you'd like. These areas include a variety of price ranges, especially more affordable homes, and they have a great history of appreciating prices long term.

Resale Homes

Tempe is a great area for new homes, but you'll also find wonderful older houses. These properties are very distinctive, many in Mediterranean styling, with mature landscaping and large lots.

Resale homes are especially appealing for those wanting a well-established neighborhood, with its own unique culture.

Condominium Communities

Condominiums are a popular housing alternative in Tempe, but they don't merely refer to small apartment-like properties. Tempe offers luxury condominiums several thousand square feet in size and resembling world-class hotels. Of course there are also smaller units perfect for first-time buyers.

Active-Adult Communities

Tempe is a popular destination for tourists, young professionals relocating for a job, and of course, retirees. An exciting part of the real estate market is the active-adult community.

These communities offer a variety of amenities to home buyers, including golf courses and clubs, fitness centers, tennis courts and swimming pools. Homes in these communities are often patio homes, town homes, or stand-alone properties.

As the baby boom generation ages, these communities are becoming increasingly popular.

Whatever your age or style, you'll find a great variety of homes to meet your needs in Tempe.

Reg Gustin is a senior loan officer with Sun American Mortgage and specializes in helping families and their financial lending needs.

Get a FREE mortgage rate quote from a reputable Arizona mortgage company at http://www.arizona-homes-store.com/arizona-mortgages.html.

Search the Arizona MLS at http://www.arizona-homes-store.com/arizona-mls.html

Click here: http://www.arizona-homes-store.com/arizona-real-estate-appreciation-report.htmland get a FREE copy of The Greater Phoenix Area Housing Appreciation Report, as compiled by Arizona State University with your free subscription to his monthly ezine, MARKET NEWS.

How to Choose Sexy Lingerie for Christmas

Christmas is the season to rejoice and be joyful. Your man deserve an exceptional night of fun and intimacy. Re- ignite his passion and make it an unforgettable night. The secret is have confidence. You need preparation. Proper dieting and nutrition plus regular exercise is needed to firm up and tone up your body.

Consider investing in stripping class where you can learn to strut, dance and strip in style. Put him in the right mood by giving him a glass of wine. Dim the lights and turn on the soft romantic music. The sexy colors for lingerie is red and black. White, grey, purple, royal blue are also the festive season colors.There are different styles available this winter season including retro 60s look with spots and polka dots, oriental design with mandarin shapes and kimono prints and lastly, animal prints which feature animals like tiger , zebra or leopard.

You may want your man to get in on the act. Let him take charge and slowly remove the different pieces from the bra, panty to the stockings. Find out his secret fantasy and both of you can role play together.

You need the right costume to dazzle your man. There are plenty of costumes out there with different themes such as Santa's helper, French maid, Wonder Woman, Cow-girl, Devil and many others.In fact, you don't even need to take off the costume skirt when you are having sex.

Heighten his excitement and tension by having as many layers of clothing as possible. You can start off with a night robe. The next layer can be a chemise, camisole and bustier. Get a see-through chemise to bring up the temperature.

Finally, he will reach the final layer of undergarment. Wear a bra that fits you. Make sure that bra is not too big and hides your ample bosom. Push up bras do enhance the cleavage. Strapless bras turn me on too. Without doubt, lacy bras are the most ideal for a night of intimacy with your man. I also like bras with bows , ribbons and embroidery for an added touch of femminity.Silk, leather and satin are alternative lingerie material.

As I have mentioned earlier the more skin you show the better it. If you got a great body and you are not afraid to flaunt it, show off your body by wearing a thong. When passion are flaming hot and there is not a moment to spare you can leave it on during sex. To tease him further, you can wear a face mask too.

If you like skin tight lingerie to reveal your curves, you can choose from a variety of items such as a bodysuit, corset, body stocking or teddy. If you have comfort in mind, a loose fitting item such as a baby doll would be your ideal choice. I like see -through baby doll with slits in front to reveal more skin.

Check out http://www.buy-bras.net/branded-bras.htm for wide branded bras and lingerie online. You can get a sexy chemise at http://www.womanht.com/shopping/Chemise.htm

Winter Backpacking Six Lifesaving Tips

Did you check the weather report when you last went winter backpacking? You probably did, but I am sure there are some who are thinking Weather report? How about cold and snowy - it's winter! However, cold and snow are not the only aspects of the weather. You may actually be in more danger if there will be a warming trend while you are out in the wilderness.

Getting wet when the temperature is just over freezing is far more likely than when it is far below freezing. Getting wet, and then cold because of it, is one of the primary reasons people die in the wilderness in winter. A down coat might keep you warm down to zero, but it might also become almost worthless in a steady freezing rain. You need to be prepared for the specific weather you are likely to see.

More Winter Hiking Tips

Stay as dry as you can. Getting wet is what kills you in the winter wilds. Proper preparation means more than just bringing a rain jacket, though. You also have to avoid letting too much snow melt into your clothing. Jeans are the worst for this, and should never be worn when backpacking in snow. You also need to monitor your perspiration. It's easy to get wet from sweating during a hard hike. This sweat will chill you fast once you stop moving. Remove those layers as you warm up, to prevent sweating.

Have proper clothing. What should you have with you when hiking? Avoid cotton, for starters. Synthetic underwear, like polypropylene, is a great invention, in all it's newest forms. Wicking pants and tops work well. Always have a hat and gloves. Dry socks can prevent frostbitten toes, and are a good idea even for a day hike. Down coats and vests are the best - if you can keep them dry.

Bring enough water. Eating snow is an extremely inefficient way to get water into your system. Bring water and keep it from freezing. This might mean keeping your water bottle inside your coat, or next to you in your sleeping bag at night. One of the primary problems that climbers of Mount Everest have is dehydration, by the way, and it can contribute to hypothermia.

Bring a heat source. Many of us get by backpacking with no stove in the warmer months, eating cold foods only, but in winter a cooking stove is a necessity. It isn't just that you will appreciate having hot food. You will need a way to melt snow and ice for water. Always have enough matches, and a lighter too. A fire can easily be a lifesaver if you fall into a stream of lake and need to get warm and dry.

Learn some basic principles of cold weather survival. Maybe you won't remember that you can turn a light jacket into a winter coat by stuffing it full of cattail fluff from the nearest swamp. However, if you understand how dead air space insulates, it will seem obvious to you that you can use a pile of dry leaves or grass as an emergency blanket. Once, while backpacking along the Manistee River in Michigan, setting up my tent on a pile of dry bracken ferns allowed me to stay warm with no sleeping bag when it was almost freezing.

Think about these things before you are out there. Proper preparation is what will make your winter backpacking trip a safe one.

About the Author

Copyright Steve Gillman. To get the ebook Ultralight Backpacking Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips) for FREE, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, visit:
The Ultralight Backpacking Site: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com