Time travel online

Thailand's history is enticing as well as fascinating. Delving deep into the history will help you to understand how culture, religion, and people have evolved in Thailand over a period of time.

Due to lack of any proper written records, many contemplate on the kind of culture that was prevalent in Thailand before the Christian period. However, according to archeological evidences, there were traces of life in the north of Nakorn Ratchasima around 4000 years ago. It is said that people practicing agriculture settled in areas of southern Thailand during 6th century AD. The religion of Buddhism that is now practiced by the Thais came into the picture around 3rd century BC when missionaries from India were sent to regions like Burma and Thailand to spread the learning's of Buddha.

The 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries of Thailand were quite eventful periods. During the 11th century, came the Dvaravati period, which soon collapsed with the invasion of Khmers. Around 12th and 13th century, the Khmers toppled and the Sukhotai kingdom gained independence. The 14th and the 15th centuries were marked with the powerful emergence of the Thai kings of Ayuthaya.

A series of incidents ensued during which Burma tried to capture Thailand but the Thais were able to recover from the attacks. In 1782, Rama I became the king of Thailand and this marked the beginning of the Chakri dynasty. During his era, Bangkok was made the capital of Thailand. He was succeeded by his descendants who were largely responsible for encouraging trade relations with neighboring countries such as China. Others made progressive reforms such as modernization of the legal and administrative systems and the construction of railways. Another descendant made further reforms by making education compulsory in the country. A series of succession followed ultimately leading to the reign of the king who was the ruler of Thailand until the sudden coup occurred in September 2006.

I know what you're thinking - how many reasons could you possibly need to visit the stunning Caribbean island of Barbados? But just in case you do need a little persuading here are five of the best reasons to go.

Nightlife
Barbados is the place to be if you're looking for fantastic nightlife. The South Coast offers a variety of clubs and bars where you can party into the early hours. Alternatively, if you're looking for a more subdued night, head to the West Coast where you'll find a fabulous choice of gourmet restaurants.

Cuisine
On the subject of restaurants, Barbados has some of the finest in the West Indies. Highlights include Cobblers Cove Restaurant, which is situated at the edge of the beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and The Sunbury Plantation House, which serves traditional Barbadian lunches.

Beaches
Barbados is well known for its beautiful beaches and it will not disappoint. With its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise Caribbean waters, Barbados' beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Water Sports
The beaches may be beautiful but if you're the more active type, sunbathing all day may seem a little dull. But worry not, Barbados provides a fantastic array of water sports and activities. Try a snorkelling tour of the coral reefs, take a submarine ride or try your hand at surfing.

Sun
Of course, the best thing about Barbados is the weather. Leave the wind and rain behind and enjoy sunny days with an average temperature of 30C. With hot days and warm evenings, you can enjoy the perfect holiday without the threat of grey skies!

This article is devoted to dining in Charleston's historic downtown area, mainly because that is where I most enjoy exploring on foot the beauty and history that makes this city such an interesting locale to visit. During my last visit, The Planter's Inn on N. Market Street provided the perfect location to begin what I hope is but one of many visits. I mention the Inn because they serve up an excellent continental breakfast, offer iced tea and lemonade during the early afternoon before setting out hot tea around 4 pm and the wine and cheese in the evening. By the way, The Citadel is a must-see while visiting Charleston. It is just stunning, even on an early Sunday morning in January.

Charleston is also noted for its cuisine offered by many fine restaurants that I look forward to visiting on future trips. In the ones my wife and I were fortunate enough to dine, I hope I can do them justice in print, because we truly did not have a bad meal the whole time we were here.

Because we arrived in Charleston late at night on this trip, our first sample of the local dining scene was T-Bonz Gill and Grill, which served up a truly awesome steak sandwich in addition to offering a great selection of import and domestic beers. Over the next three days, we sampled the seafood at Hyman's Seafood Company, tried to get into 82 Queen without a reservation, and indulged ourselves at Wet Willie's, which serves up frozen daiquiris and assorted specialties while also offering a small but tasty selection of Southwestern fare that goes well with their frozen alcoholic concoctions!

I have nothing but praise for the folks at Poogan's Porch, a lovely restaurant on Queen Street named for the famous "porch pooch" who used to keep an eye on things from his spot on the restaurant's front porch. Afterwards, it's was off to Kaminsky's, a nice little café known for its outstanding desserts, coffee drinks, and other beverages. We also dined at Captain Stacks for lunch and decided to try the seafood buffet at the Palmetto Cafe in the Omni Hotel. All in all, another excellent weekend complemented by the outstanding service and accommodations at the Planter's Inn on the corner of Meeting and Market downtown.

Upon arriving in Charleston and settling in at your hotel or inn, I strongly suggest finding a copy of The Menu Book, which is free and provides an exhaustive rundown of places to eat and dine, maps to get you there, and reviews of almost every restaurant in town. I found the reviews to be accurate and the menus helpful in selecting different restaurants so as to maximize our cash outflow.

Whether you're a guy traveling to Florida for business, heading out on a boys-only weekend with friends, or taking a two-week vacation with your family, you'll want to ensure that you find some great Florida attractions to visit. From the most obvious places to visit - amusement parks, beaches, and sporting events - to the lesser known attractions - museums, battlefields, historical sites and more - there's lots for a guy to do when taking trips to Florida. Of course, these attractions have a broader appeal for both men and women young and old, so if you're looking for fun, educational, or unusual Florida attractions, take a closer look at the following ideas.

The Great Outdoors

If you like outdoor activities, there are an overwhelming number of Florida attractions for you to enjoy. Both the Florida Keys and the Panhandle offer a variety of big game fishing opportunities, which can give you a chance to just relax in the sunshine and enjoy the water. If you time your trips to Florida right, you may even be able to watch - or take part in - a tournament. Plus, Palm Beach offers the opportunity to go diving in a coral reef and explore the beautiful coral and exotic wildlife. There are also hundreds of beaches throughout Florida on which you can surf, boat, or just relax. Why spend your trips to Florida indoors when there's so much to explore?

Sports

For fans of any types of sports, there are many Florida attractions as well. If you like college football, you can't miss taking in a Gators game at the University of Florida with some of the most devoted fans in the country. Maybe you are more of a baseball fan instead? Spring training takes place every year in locations around the state. For example, you can watch the Los Angeles Dodgers play on Vero Beach, or visit Port St. Lucie to see the New York Mets. Check your individual team's website for the particulars and then plan your trips to Florida so you can catch a preseason major league game and watch the players practice.

Or are you a racing fan looking for Florida attractions? You can plan your trips to Florida to include a visit to the famed Daytona International Speedway on the Central Atlantic Coast. There, you can take in a race or even sign up for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which allows you to drive a race car - alone or with a guide - several times around the track. The track also offers daily educational tours, so you can visit even if there's not a race scheduled.

Need even more sports-oriented Florida attractions to visit? You can take in a golf game at one of the many golf courses across the state - either playing or just watching others compete. You can also check out the golf and beach resorts across the state for all sorts of fun activities to enjoy on your trips to Florida, including tennis, sailing, and fishing, all in one place.

Military History

If you are a military history buff, there are many opportunities to visit Florida attractions that include historical sites or specialized museums. Start your trips to Florida on the Central Atlantic Coast, where you have Fort Pierce and the Navy Seal Museum to visit. There, you can view all sorts of great exhibits on how this elite group trains and performs.

You can also take some time on the Panhandle to check out Florida attractions such as the Air Force Armament Museum, located just outside the gates of Eglin Air Force Base, and view an assortment of aircraft, missiles, and bombs. Your trips to Florida can also include a stop at the historic battleground of Marianna, as well as the National Museum of Aviation at the Pensacola Naval Air Station.

In addition, you can check out the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum in Titusville, near Cocoa Beach, on one of your next trips to Florida. There you can not only see actual police artifacts but also take a helicopter ride and test your skill as a marksman on the gun range. A memorial wall for fallen officers killed in the line of duty is also featured.

Theme Parks and Aquariums

Of course, Orlando offers all sorts of fun activities in which you can take part on your trips to Florida. The famous theme parks offer Florida attractions such as thrill rides galore and entertainment that can fill up days and nights, whether you have the kids with you or not. You can also take time at Sea World to catch one of their famous killer whale shows. And make sure you look into one of the behind-the-scenes tours offered at Disney for a real insider look at what goes on in the hidden tunnels beneath the Magic Kingdom.

For a more offbeat option to explore during your trips to Florida, visit nearby Kissimmee and Old Town Park, which offers retro fun for you and the rest of your family, including classic car shows, a Ferris wheel, and a go-kart track. Outside of Orlando, Florida attractions of this type include the Gulfarium on Fort Walton Beach, which is full of intricate exhibits on sea life that you will certainly enjoy.

Florida Attractions That Can't Be Categorized

Then there are the Florida attractions that defy categorization. On the North Atlantic Coast, you can take some time to tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, complete with tastings. The Panhandle offers the opportunity to go camping and sleep in a Yurt tent or to explore Florida Caverns State Park, which offers cave tours to the public. You can also visit the Museum of Florida History to gain a bit of perspective about your trips to Florida. And finally, Fort Lauderdale hosts the Greater Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show for both those that want to buy a boat and those that just want to dream about doing so.

Conclusion

So remember, guys, whether you'll be traveling with young children or with a bunch of your buddies, there are lots of intriguing Florida attractions to take in. Take some time before you leave to carefully plan your trips to Florida and you're sure to have a great time exploring!

Top Tips to impress your guests.

One key ingredient in running a successful bed and breakfast is the ability to get along with all types of people who will be staying at your B & B. When you operate a bed and breakfast, you become the host (not an owner) who greets and welcomes guests (not clients).

Hospitality is our business. A successful bed and breakfast operation builds its reputation on the hospitality it provides. Repeat business and referrals often come as a result of your interactions with the guests. Guests who frequent bed and breakfasts usually seek the enjoyment of getting to know their hosts and sometimes develop close friendships with them.

Provide a warm, friendly welcome at the front door.

Show guests to their room and give them an opportunity to settle in.

If they feel up to it, you may want to give guests a quick tour of your home soon after they arrive.
Offer a beverage and/or a light snack after guests have had some time to settle down from their trip.
Be a "fountain of information" for your guests. As hosts, you should be able to answer questions about your area and mention nearby attractions and places of interest.

Provide guests with a fact sheet listing frequently asked questions and answers about your B & B and the surrounding area.

Collect brochures and maps for the immediate area as well as other nearby areas of interest. Make these available to your guests at no cost.

Collect menus from local restaurants. You may put these in guest rooms or leave them in your lounge area.

Offer "special touches" that will appeal to a variety of guests, such as offering breakfast in bed for newlyweds or for special occasions.

Find out when guests arrive what they would prefer as a beverage in the morning, and always have coffee made early. A pot of freshly brewed coffee outside the door in the morning will be a treat for the true coffee drinker.

Be sure to provide a variety of beverages so that guests can choose from a good selection. Coffee should be of the best quality -- never instant! Experiment with different blends.

Offer -- for an extra fee -- to make special picnic baskets for lunch or dinner so that guest may enjoy a special outdoor location.

Provide an umbrella stand with loan umbrellas near the door for guests who aren't prepared for bad weather.

Set up a special corner in your public lounge area with a variety of games, cards, books and magazines. Provide a variety of reading material in each room.

Have extra sample-size toilet articles on hand for your guests, such as shampoo, hand lotion, toothbrushes, razors and toothpaste. You can order a supply of many such items imprinted with your logo to promote your bed and breakfast.

Use liquid soap or small, individually wrapped soaps in the bathroom so no guest have to use someone else's soap.

A special guest "welcome tray" in each room can include fruit, biscuits or individually wrapped chocolates. Provide disposable drinking cups in each room as well as tissues, etc.

Have an area, which is easily accessible to guests where they can always find a beverage or snack of some kind.

Keep an extra hair dryer, make-up mirror, curling iron, iron and ironing board available for guest use.
Provide a local newspaper.

Be able to provide your guests with a local map. Mark your home, restaurants and other attractions on the map.

Collect discount coupons from local restaurants, and other attractions for your guests' use.

Menengai Crater Nakuru Kenya
You'd be forgiven from yawning when looking at the gentle forested slopes of this dominant volcano from Nakuru (yes, it's that boring). However, when standing high a top a promontory on the edge of the hidden crater some 8km away , your mouth will open for completely different reasons(yes, its that jaw-droopingly gorgeous).

Striking red cliffs radiate outward and encircle a 90 sq km cauldron of convoluted black lava flows. While lush vegetation is now proliferating on the harsh crater floor, some 480m below, the violent and dramatic volcanic history is easily seen.

A grim local legend states that the plumes of steam rising from the bottom are the souls of defeated Maasai warriors, thrown into the crater after a territorial battle, trying to make their way into heaven.

While hiking to the view point from town offers great views back over the Lake Nakuru, it's rather isolated and tourists have been mugged. To be safe, the 9 km walk from town should only be done in groups of at least four or five. Alternatively, you could take a taxi up and back for Ksh 1000. There's a small group of dukas ( shops) at the main viewpoint selling drinks and trinkets.

Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site-Nakuru

This archeological site is 4km outside of Nakuru and contains a museum and the remains of three settlements excavated between 1937 and the late 1980s, the oldest being possibly being 3000 years old and the most recent only 200 to 300 years old.

The tiny museum discusses the distribution and the cultures of the Rift Valley peoples over the centuries. Try not to laugh at the plastic spitting cobra.

You are free to wander the site, but it's rather cryptic and a guide is useful- a tip of Ksh 100 is plenty. The North –East Village, which is believed to be 400 years old, sits closest to the museum and once housed 13 enclosures. Only the 1965 excavation of Pit D remains open. It was here where a great number of pottery fragments were found, some of which have been pieced tighter into complete jars and are being displayed at the museum.

From Pit D the trail climbs to the scant remains of the stone-walled hill fort near the top of Hyrax Hill itself. You can continue to the peak, from where there's a fine view of the flamingo- lined lake Nakuru in the distance.

Looking down the other side of the hill, you will see two 'C' shaped Iron Age stone hut foundations at the base. Just north of the foundations, a series of Iron Aged burial pits containing 19 skeletons was found. The majority were male and lots of them had been decapitated,, so a number of colorful explanations have been offered.

Nearby, two Neolithic burial mounds and several other Iron Age burial pits were discovered. The large collection of items found in these pits included a real puzzle- six Indian coins, one of them 500 years old, and others dating from 1918 and 1919.

On a more lively note, there's a bao (a traditional African game that played through out East Africa) board carved into a rock outcrop between the Iron Age settlements and the museum.

It's now possible to camp (per tent 500) here, though the facilities are limited. Local matatus to Naivasha or Nairobi will take you past the turn-off (about 1 km from the site), just south of Nakuru.

No trip to Denver would ever be complete without a visit to the Colorado State Capitol. It is a magnificent building that has to be seen to be appreciated. Keep reading and learn a little bit about the history of this incredible building and learn why you should add it to your must see list.

The Colorado State Capitol is an incredible building made from white granite quarried locally in Colorado. It was built in 1886 with great care and designed to stand for centuries. The dome of the capitol building is particularly fascinating and dominates the Denver skyline. It rises to a height of 272 feet and is covered in gold leaf which was also obtained in the state. Inside the building you will find murals representing the history of the state, tapestries, stained glass windows, presidential portraits and you can get a great view of the underside of the dome. It really is a magnificent piece of architecture and art that words can not do justice to. The best way to see the capitol is by taking a guided tour. Tours are available for free and they will teach you the history of Colorado, the history of the capitol construction and about the lawmaking process. Tours take only about forty five minutes so they are easy to fit into any schedule. Hopefully by know you have decided to go for a tour of the capitol. It is an experience that you are sure to enjoy.

If you would like to visit the Colorado State Capitol while you are in Denver you can find it downtown at the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and Grant Street. The capitol is open Monday through Friday but is closed on most holidays. For more information you can call the information line at 303-866-2604. Have fun.

For some countries no immunizations are necessary, but the further off the beaten track you go the more necessary it is to take precautions. Be aware that there is often a greater risk of disease with children and in pregnancy.

Leave plenty of time to get your vaccinations before you set off: some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, and some vaccinations should not be given together. It is recommended you seek medical advice at least six weeks prior to travel.

Record all vaccinations on a International Health Certificate, which is available from your physician or government health department.

Discuss your requirements with your doctor, vaccinations which may be required include:

Cholera:

Despite its poor protection, in some situations it may be wise to have the cholera vaccine eg for the trans-Africa traveler. Very occasionally travelers are asked by immigration officials to present a certificate, even though all countries and the WHO have dropped a cholera immunisation as a health requirement. You might be able to get a certificate without having the injection from a doctor or health centre sympathetic to the vagaries of travel in Africa.

Hepatitis A:

The most common travel-acquired illness after diarrhea which can put you out of action for weeks. Havrix is a vaccination which provides long term immunity (possibly more than 10 years) after an initial injection and a booster at six to 12 months. Gamma globulin is not a vaccination but is ready-made antibody collected from blood donations. It should be given close to departure because, depending on the dose, it only protects for two to six months.

Hepatitis B:

This disease is spread by blood or by sexual activity. Travelers who should consider a hepatitis B vaccination include those visiting countries where there are known to be many carriers, where blood transfusions may not be adequately screened or where sexual contact is a possibility. It involves three injections, the quickest course being over three weeks with a booster at 12 months.

Japanese B Encephalitis:

This mosquito-borne disease is not of great risk to travelers. It occurs in Asia. Consider the vaccination if spending a month or longer in a high risk area, making repeated trips to a risk area or visiting during an epidemic. It involves three injections over 30 days. The vaccine is expensive and has been associated with serious allergic reactions so the decision to have it should be balanced against the risk of contracting the illness.

Meningococcal Meningitis - Healthy people carry this disease; it is transmitted like a cold and you can die from it within a few hours. There are many carriers and vaccination is recommended for travelers to certain parts of Asia, India, Africa and South America. It is also required of all Haj pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia. A single injection will give good protection for three years. The vaccine is not recommended for children under two years because they do not develop satisfactory immunity from it.

Polio:

Polio is a serious, easily transmitted disease, still prevalent in many developing countries. Everyone should keep up to date with this vaccination. A booster every 10 years maintains immunity.

Rabies:

Vaccination should be considered by those who will spend a month or longer in a country where rabies is common, especially if they are cycling, handling animals, caving, traveling to remote areas, or for children (who may not report a bite). Pre-travel rabies vaccination involves having three injections over 21 to 28 days. If someone who has been vaccinated is bitten or scratched by an animal they will require two booster injections of vaccine, those not vaccinated require more.

Tetanus & Diphtheria:

Tetanus can be a fatal wound infection and diphtheria can be a fatal throat infection Everyone should have these vaccinations. After an initial course of three injections, boosters are necessary every 10 years.

Tuberculosis:

TB risk to travelers is usually very low. For those who will be living with or closely associated with local people in high risk areas such as Asia, Africa and some parts of the Americas and Pacific, there may be some risk. As most healthy adults do not develop symptoms, a skin test before and after travel to determine whether exposure has occurred may be considered. A vaccination is recommended for children living in these areas for three months or more.

Typhoid:

This is an important vaccination to have where hygiene is a problem. Available either as an injection or oral capsules.

Yellow Fever:

Yellow fever is now the only vaccine which is a legal requirement for entry into many countries, usually only enforced when coming from an infected area. Protection lasts 10 years and is recommended where the disease is endemic, eg Africa and South America. You usually have to go to a special yellow fever vaccination centre. Vaccination poses some risk during pregnancy but if you must travel to a high-risk area it is advisable; note that people allergic to eggs may not be able to have this vaccine.

Before you travel discuss immunizatio with your doctor.

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If you have a family you know that it can sometimes be hard to find family friendly activities. If you live in Buffalo this task is a little easier because the city is home to numerous activities that are appropriate for all ages. One such place is the Buffalo Museum of Science. Keep reading and learn what makes this museum a great family destination.

The Buffalo Museum of Science is the perfect place to take kids and those who are kids at heart because it is a place that can both entertain and educate you. It is home to a number of hands on exhibits that will both thrill and enlighten you. One of the most popular exhibits is called "Dinosaurs and Co." This exhibit is designed into four different sections: The Early Seas, Conquest of the Land, The Age of Dinosaurs and The Age of Mammals. You can see the fossils of animals that are millions of years old including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Allosaurus, Mesosaurus and Triceratops. Another exhibit is "Insects: Magnified and Magnificent." Here you can view the incredibly diverse world of insects. You can examine magnified models of different insects from around the country and around the world. The complexity and adaptations that these creatures have made will amaze you and your kids will love it. This is just the beginning of the exhibits that are featured at the Buffalo Museum of Science. There are dozens of different attractions and an ever changing rotation of other exhibits. So if you have some time to spend with your family in Buffalo, New York you need to check this place out.

If you would like to visit the museum while in Buffalo you can find it at 1020 Humboldt Parkway. For current hours and special events call the museum's information line at 716-896-5200. Have fun with your family.