Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner. There really is no "best" backpacking food. There are reasons to bring certain foods, though. Here are ten foods, and the reasons you might want to consider them.1. Nuts. This is one of the most calorie-packed foods you can take. That means less weight to carry. With lots of protein and other nutritonal benefits, nuts are one of the best backpacking foods.2. Olive oil. Add a little to your soups or dip bread in it. The best of the oils health-wise, you can eat it before sleeping, to stay warm, because fats generate heat when digested.3. Trail mixes. Any mix with raisins and nuts is great for backpacking. Vitamins, minerals, protein, and the best reason - convenience.4. Corn products. Tortilla chips or corn nuts are convenient, and they don't seem to cause the tiredness that potato chips and other simple carbohydrates can cause.5. Ramen noodles. When you need a hot meal fast, there isn't much that's better.6. Instant coffee. A necessity for caffeine addicts, and it's good to have a stimulant available for emergencies.7. Wild edible berries. Learn to identify a few, and you'll have a nutricious excuse for a break along the trail.8. Instant sports drinks. Pour a little in your water bottle and shake. Replacing electrolytes doesn't get more convenient.9. Instant refried beans. When you want sustained energy, eat beans.10. Your favorites. Having your favorite foods can help salvage a rainy backpacking trip spent in the tent.Always consider the nature of the trip when you choose your backpacking food. Hot meals are much more important in cold climates, and convenience is king, if you want to make miles. A bottle of rum might even be appropriate, if it's a trip wih friends.Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com

The Royal Barge Procession in Bangkok, conducted on very
rare occasions, is a spectacular royal armada on the Chao
Phraya River. This procession is normally conducted on the
following occasions:
When the King ascends the throne.When the King goes down the Chao Phraya to present
robes to the monks during the Royal Krathin Ceremony after
the Buddhist Lent in October.When the King goes to Saraburi to pay homage to the
Buddha's footprint.When Bangkok receives important Buddha images from
other cities.When receiving foreign diplomatic dignitaries to
Bangkok.
Some of the memorable Royal Barge Processions during the
reign of King Rama IX, the present King, were:
On 14 May 1957, to commemorate the 25th century of the
Buddhist era.On 06 Apr 1982, to commemorate 200 years of the
Bangkok era on the Bangkok Bicentennial.On 05 Dec 1999, to celebrate the 72nd birthday of King
Rama IX.
The most recent Royal Barge Procession was on 20 Oct 2003
for the closing ceremony of the APEC Conference in Bangkok,
in honor of the visiting heads of state.This procession was special as this was the first time it took
place at night, amid special light and sound effects for the
stretch of the river fronting the VIP's. The guests were seated
in the Royal Thai Navy Institute across the Chao Phraya River
from the Grand Palace.At 2000 hours, 50 barges consisting of the Suphannahongse, the
Narai Song Suban King Rama IX and escort barges were
launched from the Wasukri Pier upriver.This flotilla of royal barges, when fully deployed in a sailing
formation of five columns abreast and 90 m wide, stretched 1.5
km along the Chao Phraya.Concurrently at the Royal Thai Navy Institute, a 10-minute
sight and sound presentation in six languages was made on the
history and tradition of the royal barges.The presentation was timed to end as the Royal Barge
Procession sailed into view, on waters apparently lit with gold,
as a curtain of mist fell over the river, creating an ethereal air.Two thousand men of the Royal Thai Navy in ancient
ceremonial uniforms rowed steadfastly by in perfect unison,
honed through months of intense practice. Their chants of the
ancient boat song, that dates back to the days of King Narai of
Ayutthaya, drifted across the river.Just then, the night erupted as fireworks burst, filling the sky
with the brilliant national colors of the participating nations.
The lights cascaded down illuminating the Royal Barge
Procession as it streamed past the Grand Palace, a splendid
finish to a grand event.The royal barges can be viewed at the Royal Barge Museum, Bangkok.This article by Eric Lim first appeared in Tour Bangkok Legacies, a historical travel site on people, places and events that shaped the landscape of Bangkok. Lim, a free-lance
writer, lives in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest mountain in the northeast state of New Hampshire, at 6288 feet, Mt. Washington (or Agiocochook as it was then called) was first climbed in 1642 by Darby Field and two native guides but it wasn't until 1853 that the first summit house was built. A year later, Tip Top House was built, which survies to this day. For the less hardy, the Carriage Road and a 3 mile cog railway were built; feats of engineering which would be deemed difficult even in these modern times! The cog railroad runs to the summit from the west and the road road from the east.South of the peak is the AMC's Lakes of the Clouds hut. At the base of the east side is the AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitors Center.The summit is covered with several buildings, including the Sherman Adams Visitor's Center, TV and radio antennas, the Yankee Building and the Mt Washington Observatory.The highest surface wind ever recorded on earth was at the observatory on the summit of Mt. Washington; 231 MPH on April 12, 1934. It is known for having the worst weather in the world, especially bad in the winter. There are many monuments to hikers who've died on the mountain, including one to Lizzie Bourne, who died while trying to walk up to the top, dressed in typical Victorian clothing. During the summer months, there is a cafeteria, museum, payphone, gift shop, and even a post office in operation. In winter, there is no access to any of the buildings. The Observatory is staffed year-round by weather observers.There have been several hotels on the summit. The original Tip-Top House was a simple stone building with a wooden extension. Later, a fancy wooden hotel was built, directly connected to the Railroad. It burned down and a new simpler hotel was built in the early 1900's. In recent years the wooden extension of the Tip-Top House was removed. You can tour the inside of Tip Top House during the summer months.On the east side of the mountain are three major ravines;The Great Gulf, said to be the greatest of the glacial errosion cirques in the Presidential Range, with awe inspiring cliffs!Tuckerman - which is famous for its late spring skiing.Huntington - a rock and ice climber's playground.On the west side, the Ammoonosuc Ravine dominates. Just south of
Lakes of the Clouds, is Mt Monroe, and just north is Mt Clay, with a bit further on, Mt Jefferson.Hiking trails Mt. Washington ValleyThere are many options for hiking to the summit of Mt Washington. The most popular routes start at Pinkham Notch, on the east side of the mountain. Climbing from the east means that you are sheltered from the usual strong winds out of north and west for the majority of the hike. The main route is up the Tuckerman Ravine trail (4.1 miles) which goes straight from Pinkham to the summit.On the south side of the ravine is the Boott Spur trail (5.4 miles) and the north side has the Lion Head trail (4.5 miles). Both are slightly longer than Tuckerman Ravine but also easier on the knees. The Huntington Ravine trail (5.1 miles) branches off the Tuckerman Ravine trail and climbs the bare slabs of Huntington Ravine. This is probably the most difficult trail
in the White Mountains, and should not be attempt in bad weather or used for descent. From there, people usually take the Alpine Garden trail to Tuckerman Junction and continue to the top from there.From the west side of the mountain, starting near the Marshfield Station of the Cog Railroad, there are two routes:The Ammonoosuc Ravine trail (3.9 miles) starts at a parking area just below the Cog parking lot and climbs up the Lakes of the Clouds hut. Hikers continue up on the Crawford Path to the summit.The Jewel trail (4.6 miles) leaves from the far side of the Cog Railroad parking lot (park at the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead) and climbs up to the ridge where it joins the Gulfside trail.Trailheads.Pinkham Notch Visitors Center - Take Rt 16 north from North Conway, located about 10 miles north of Jackson. Parking in the main lot does not require a WMNF parking pass, parking in the overflow lots does. There are bathrooms, coin operated showers, food, some gear, and pay phones. Lodging is available with reservations.Ammonoosuc Ravine - From Rt 302 in Bretton Woods, take the Base
Road 6 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right, just before the Cog Railroad. A WMNF Parking Pass is required.Before even starting off on your hike, I recommend you take at a look at the Mt. Washington Observatory Daily Weather report
for an up-to-date report from the top. For some simple tips on how to prepare for your trip, please visit our safety tips page below. Althought there are references to UK routes, the basic info still applies!Have fun, test your stamina but be safe!One of Mike's passions in Life is long-distance hiking, a spin-off from which is a growing interest in organic food supplements, sports nutrition, human physiology & psychology. We are what we eat!http://www.trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/Trekking-Trails-USA.htmlSafety Tips http://www.trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/article-6-Map-food-torch-compass-whistle-mobi.htmlFood for Potential Energy http://www.trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/article-3-food-for-potential-energy.html

When you think of "adventure travel," what crosses your mind?
Hiking?
White water rafting?
Scuba diving?
Something as sedentary as a cruise ship or land rover safari?
Those ideas lose their "adventure" status when you compare them to galloping on a horse in Africa with a zebra and wildebeest racing along side you, or quietly observing the elephant and giraffe.How can a traveler visit the remote parts of the world's most beautiful and interesting places while.....

Practicing a fascinating sport
Avoiding polluting
Keeping in harmony with history and nature
Being free to explore exotic locations
Making friends in remote places, and Sharing the experience with a willing animal?
Have you ever considered the tremendous advantages of adventure travel on horseback? A horse can take you to beautiful and remote places which are difficult to reach in any other way. At the same time, you can practice a challenging sport which has been a favorite of mankind for millennia.Destinations like Africa, Asia, Europe and South America offer a wonderful variety of adventure tours on horseback. Though comparatively little known to Americans, the British and particularly the French have highly developed the riding tour concept in many parts of the world. In many locations in the United States rights-of-way for horses have been lost, but many still exist in other countries.Horses and horseback riding are deeply woven into the culture and history of most cultures from Argentina to Ireland. This is how our ancestors traveled and for those with a sense of history there is no more appropriate way to go. If you arrive in a foreign place on horseback, you will most likely be enthusiastically greeted by locals with waves and smiles which greatly facilitate meaningful contacts. Those who arrive by bus, on foot or on a bicycle are usually ignored. Horses are a great introduction and ice breaker almost anywhere.If you seek a wilderness adventure, then horses are the way to go unless you want to walk and carry your equipment. Riding tours can take you from inn to inn, castle to castle, palace to palace or from one comfortable camp to another. Costs are very reasonably compared to biking or bus trips.Horseback riding adventures vary widely in the skill and experience required to handle them safely. Most of these tours move out at all paces and include some good gallops so that one can cover 15 to 35 miles in a day. Beginners need several days of instruction before attempting even an easy trip, but those who are reasonably fit, not too overweight and have open minds can catch on very quickly. A week of intensive riding with good instruction can easily prepare most people for the less demanding adventures.One of the enormous advantages of travel on horseback is that you are sharing the adventure with a willing animal who is also interested in the sights and sounds and who loves a brisk gallop on a beach or open plain as much as you do. A day in the saddle is also great exercise and riding is an excellent way to keep fit while having fun. It is far more interesting and satisfying than sitting confined in a bus or land rover all day which really isn't adventure travel at all. Another dividend is the keen appetite you develop after a day in the saddle for the delicious food you will be served.On an African ride, a good horse can outdistance an irate Cape buffalo or elephant and keep you safe. Comfortable camps are set up for you each night, the food is excellent and the service superb. Or try a horseback tour visiting the castles of the Loire Valley and ride into the courtyards on your horse like a knight of old. You can gallop along forest tracks where the French aristocracy once chased the wild stag. There is a broad spectrum of possibilities available for horseback riding vacations.If it appeals to you to travel in harmony with nature without using polluting, noisy machines or an unresponsive bicycle, then you should look into horseback riding tours.Bayard Fox has been riding for 70 years on six continents and has ridden enough miles to circle the globe several times. He is owner and founder of Equitours Worldwide Horseback Riding Vacations. He and his wife also own the Bitterroot Dude Ranch where they raise and train Arabian horses. Bayard has been leading and organizing riding tours for 35 years.Copyright 2005 Bayard Fox and Equitours, Ltd.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.5 License.

Every year around 40 million visitors come to Florida for the sun, sea and attractions. Most visit the world famous theme parks or enjoy the fabulous palm-fringed sandy beaches.However, while Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse is known the world ever, Florida is host to another mouse that is just as special and the key to exploring the real Florida.The tiny Florida mouse - only found within the State - is one of the hundreds of species of animals, birds and other creatures that live in Florida's magnificent state parks.The chain of 159 state parks is one of Florida's best kept secrets yet they offer a great day out for all the family ? and for a tiny fraction of the cost of spending a day at one of the theme parks.
Just a few miles from Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios is Wekiwa Springs State Park, an 8,000 acre natural oasis surrounded by urban build up.If you stand on the deck outside the park's nature center and look out at the spring and the lush tropical vegetation beyond, you can enjoy a landscape that is much the same as when the first Spanish explorers ventured inland almost 500 years ago and even when the first Indians arrived almost 12,000 years ago.Wekiwa is a Creek Indian word meaning 'spring of water' and today, the crystal clear spring discharges a staggering 43 million gallons of water every day into a lagoon that has a year round temperature of about 72 degrees.Wekiwa Springs State Park is one of three parks in the area that make up the Wekiva River Basin State Parks, an area covering over 40,000 acres. Wekiva is the Creek Indian word for "running water" so the spring is Wekiwa and the river is Wekiva ? just to confuse you!Admission to the park is just $5 for a car and all passengers so you can spend all day sunbathing, swimming in the lagoon, walking the trails, exploring the wildlife or renting a canoe and paddling up the quiet, winding river.Visit the nature center at the start of your visit which will give you some idea of the wealth of wildlife to be seen within the park's boundaries. You can also learn about the park's rich history.When dinosaurs roamed the rest of North America, Florida was still submerged several hundred feet below the sea. Instead of massive land animals, the warm waters above what was to become Florida were home to giant sharks ? more than 55 feet long. You can still find shark teeth and other fossils in the park although you shouldn't take them.Around 10,000 years ago mammoth, mastodon, saber tooth tiger, camel, rhinoceros, giant ground sloth and glyptodonts ? a 1,000lb ancestor of the armadillo ? roamed the Florida countryside, having been driven south by advancing Ice Age glaciers.Timucuan Indians were the first to settle the area and they established settlements throughout Florida. The Spanish arrived in the 1500s introducing horses and oranges as well as European diseases that killed most of the Indians. In the 18th century settlers began colonizing Central Florida and at the end of the Civil War a hotel was built at the springs and the first tourists arrived.Today, the tourists continue to come and many of them are visitors from outside the U.S. in search of the other Florida. There are picnic areas with grills for barbecuing, family and RV camp sites with hooks up for power and water and primitive camp sites if you want to trek into the backwoods. There are mountain bike trails, hiking trails and horse raiding trails as well as nature walks.Maps are provided free and all trails are clearly signposted so you can move from one trail to another depending on how far you want to walk or how keen you are to get back to the spring and jump in the water.If you are out on the trails, you may see black bear, white tailed deer, raccoon, bobcat, gopher, armadillo and fox squirrel, the largest member of the squirrel family. Many people mistake fox squirrels for monkeys because of their size and the way they sit in the trees. However, there are monkeys in the state park ? descendants of "extras' in a Tarzan movie that escaped during filming many years ago.The park's most famous critter is the alligator which can grow up to 14 feet and there are hundreds in the Wekiva Basin. You can usually spot them while out canoeing.Gators are fascinating creatures. Their teeth grew continuously throughout their lifetime and they exert 2-3,000 lbs of pressure per square inch when biting down ? compared to humans who exert only 5 lbs of pressure when biting down with all their force.Gators can also outswim you in the water and outrun you on land, achieving speeds of 35mph over short distances. Large gators can also jump vertically four to five feet out of the water ? a good reason not to mess with them!There are many other interesting any interesting and unusual animals, birds, reptiles and insects to see in the park.So, the next time you are planning a visit to Central Florida, say hi to Mickey and then enjoy a great and affordable family day out with Florida's other mouse and experience the delights of the real Florida.Wekiwa State Springs Park is off Wekiwa Springs Road in Apopka, about 10 miles from all the main attractions. Visit their website at www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwaspringsDon Philpott spent 20 years as a senior correspondent with Reuters/Press Association wire service traveling the world on assignments. He has had more than 5,000 articles and 56 books published on travel, security, wine, food, and diet and health.He recently completed a five year project writing a series of 22 travel guidebooks on Florida and the Caribbean. His latest book The Trailside Cookbook, was co-authoried with his wife Pam and was published by Firefly in March 05. He is host of http://www.wineinfo101.com, a wine and food appreciation website and senior editor of Florida Features which specializes in articles on Florida and the Caribbean. He is a member of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association and the North American Travel Journalists Association.

Generally speaking, Greek drivers are not the best in Europe, but they are not the worst ? those people know who they are!I have been in driving in Greece for a while now and have witnessed many examples of bad habits on the road, which have shocked my rapidly departing British sensibilities. It is not uncommon for drivers to hoot their horns at traffic lights, even when they are still on red and to fly through red lights. There is a reason of sorts for some of the occasions when the latter occurs. Traffic lights, even in the capital, are not remotely controlled at different times of the day to allow for changes in traffic flow. Therefore in rush hour, for example, there can be dozens of cars waiting to go through a traffic light, which stays green for only ten seconds or less. This results in stressed out drivers sneaking through on red because they are tired of waiting. I have also been surprised on more than one occasion when going down a one-way street, by someone coming at speed in the opposite direction towards me. I have decided that if I ever dent the front of my car, I'll head straight for the next car heading at me the wrong way up a one-way street and let the other guy's insurance company cover it. Sounds good in theory at least.The Greeks seem to have a blatant disregard for their own safety ? drivers and pedestrians alike (watch out for Greek grannies walking down the middle of the road with their shopping). Seatbelts are rarely worn and children can often be seen jumping up and down on the back seat, as though they were playing in their rooms, or wedged between two adults on a motorbike. There is very much a "it will never happen to me" mentality, but the statistics show that unfortunately it does happen. I always wear a seatbelt, whether I am driving or I am in someone elses car. It often raises a strange look from Greek taxi drivers, as though you are somehow questioning their ability to drive.A Few TipsNow for some tips. The first and most important one is to just be alert. This will keep you safe on Greek roads 99.99% of the time. I realised recently that I am now no longer just looking at the car in front of me, but I am also unconsciously looking through his windshield at the car in front of him. You will soon develop quicker reactions and a sixth sense for when someone is going to do something unorthodox. Driving in the UK would probably feel positively dull now! Care needs to be taken on roundabouts, because it often seems that the rule is the person who drives most aggressively, regardless of whether they are on the roundabout or entering it, is the one who has priority.Unlike in the UK, when another driver flashes his headlights at you, he is not letting you pass ? the opposite is true - he is warning you that he is coming. In built-up areas, go carefully through crossroads, because people do not always respect stop signs and may also have their view of you blocked by cars parked right on the street corner. In response to what I said earlier about red traffic lights, when the lights turn green do not move off without checking that there are no stragglers coming from another junction. When I first arrived in Athens, I thought that the drivers had a slow reaction time when the light turns green lights but now I think, as with driving anywhere, it is safer to take your time.About the author: Emmanuel Mendonca is the webmaster of Greece Travel Articles - a source of interesting articles and information about visiting, living and working in Greece.

Up to now the preponderant view held by many historians is that Dutch contribution to American history and particularly to that of New York has been one of irrelevancy. As we no doubt realize, the winners write history, and unfortunately, whatever the losers may have contributed, it seems to be lost or forgotten in the shuffle.Fortunately, during the past thirty years and thanks to the translation of many Dutch records that have been recently discovered pertaining to the early colony of New Netherlands, a different picture has emerged. It is this new perspective that author Russell Shorto has vividly and brilliantly captured in his latest gem of a book entitled, The Island at the Center of the World.Shorto devotes considerable ink in defending his thesis that the success of Manhattan as a commercial center, or New York, as it was renamed after the British takeover, did not begin with the English but rather had very deep roots in the early Dutch community. It was in fact in the late 1640s that the city of New Amsterdam under Dutch rule began its rise to become North American's shipping hub. Furthermore, one of the key actors who played a pivotal role in the community was, up to now, a long forgotten visionary, Adriaen van der Donck, who often found himself, locked in a power- struggle with Peter Stuyvesant. The latter has always been more recognizable than the former, particularly due to the fact that it was he who surrendered the Dutch colony to the British.What was very little publicized up to now was that van der Donck had being heavily influenced by the more progressive thinking of some of Europe's most enlightened thinkers as Descartes, Grotius, and Spinoza. It is the freedoms espoused by these thinkers that van der Donck believed in. Eventually, they would find root in the Dutch colony, ultimately becoming the foundation of many of the democratic principles forming the basis of the American cultural, economic and sociological psyche. On the other hand, Stuyvesant, who lacked the same formal education as van der Donck, was stuck in his old tyrannical concepts and narrow- minded prejudices, which effect was to stifle the aspirations of the inhabitants of the Dutch colony. It is fortunate for the USA that the theories and beliefs of van der Donck won out.As a side note and to indicate the extent of the Dutch influence on American culture, Shorto also reveals such interesting tidbits as what settlers emigrating to the Dutch colony would bring along with them, the derivation of words such as cookies, cole slaw and Santa Claus, that can all trace their roots to the Dutch colony of New Netherlands. We also have an overview and some fascinating insights as to what actually transpired between the Dutch and the English at the time the latter took possession of New Nederland.Shorto's animated characterizations of individuals and events is consistently enlightening entertaining, informative and balanced, all of which make for a powerful analysis of events that have had an unbelievable influence on American culture, political and economic institutions.The review was contributed by: NORM GOLDMAN EDITOR OF BOOKPLEASURES_______________________________________________________________Norm Goldman is editor of the book reviewing site, Bookpleasures.com and is also editor of the travel site, www.Sketchandtravel.com.Norm is a regular contributor to many book reviewing sites as well as travel sites.Norm and his wife Lily are a unique couple as they meld words with watercolors focusing on romantic and wedding destinations.They are always open to invitations to visit romantic and wedding destinations in New England, Florida and New York.

Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa? But Goa is much more. Ancient temples and old churches? Yes. Portuguese Colony? Carnival City? The original refuge of the hippies? Yes again! Beach Paradise, India's holiday capital? the list goes on.Goa, 'Pearl of the Orient', is located in South Western India on the coastal belt known as the Konkan. While naturally blessed with a fortuitous combination of vast expansive beaches, forested hills and fertile plains, Goa's potential as a holiday hotspot is the result of potent intermingling of historical occurrences and the absorption capacity of its own compelling spirit.Goa, Past and PresentIts creation divinely attributed to Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Goa's ancient rulers included the Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silahar, Chalukyas and the Bahamanis.More recently, significant from the holidaymaker's point of view, Goa became a coveted colony of the Portuguese, remaining so till liberation by the Indian Army granted it Union Territory status, later upgraded to State of the Indian Republic.It is to this fact, perhaps more than any other, that a Goa holiday owes its special appeal. For, had Goa been a British colony, history would have been written very differently. Under Portuguese domination, the Iberian culture found a ready crucible to amalgamate with the original sensuous, fun loving Goan spirit. The best of what both worlds had to offer was assimilated into one people, leading to a flowering of the aesthetic, musical, even culinary arts.The spirit of Sucegado ? carefree enjoyment and tranquil peace is probably Goa's most important, if intangible, export to the leisure holiday industry. Also reflected in his 'happy' acceptance of the Portuguese cultural invasion is the Goan's inherent adaptability and willingness to mix, qualities that hold the holiday and tourism industry in good stead.A melting pot of races and religions, the fusion of the Eastern and Western cultures into its own unique ethos of mirth and self-contentment is what attracts Indian and foreign tourists, choc-a-bloc, to holiday in Goa.Such a thriving holiday destination on the world tourism chart, Goa has many attractions to offer. Carefree beach bumming in the true spirit of Sucegado, adventure, watersports, high culture, churches and the appealing anachronism of Old Goa, wild party hopping, culinary adventures ? Goa's holiday tourist is charmingly eclectic in his calling.Beaches Holidays in GoaIndia's unchallenged beach capital, Goa's coastline is generously sprinkled with sand and surf: From popular tourist spots where one usually sees more skin than sand, to untouched havens that are worth taking that extra trouble to discover.Starting from Calangute in North Goa , clustered around Panaji, the capital of Goa, and further down, Margao in South Goa, are the most popular beaches on the tourism circuit. These are thickly surrounded by the usual agencies of tourism - hotels and facilities offering modern day luxuries, restaurants, shops, resorts, entertainment centers, spas, resorts, the works.Outside this ring, moving either North from Calangute or South of Margao the Goa's beaches become refreshingly more pristine and unpopulated. There, it's just the sea, surf washed sand, sparkling or alternatively shaded by abundant palms fronds, and you!Some of Goa's Popular Holiday BeachesVagator: 22 km from Panaji, this crescent shaped beach on the Chapora River basin, in the shadow of the Chapora Fort, is a quiet place to unwind, but during the holiday season is a scene for all night parting.Anjuna: 18 km from Panaji, nestled between the sea and hill, this is a scenic beach with superb natural beauty makes for an excellent holiday.Baga: One of Goa's northern beaches, it is comparatively emptier and surrounded by scenic beauty.Calangute: A favourite with holidaymakers, Calangute in North Goa, 15 km from Panaji, is the 'Queen of Beaches'. The down side of holiday rush means that this stretch of sand is overcrowded at any time of the year.Sinquerim: 13 km from Panaji, Sinquerim is a popular holiday beach for its water sports facilities offering water-skiing, para-sailing diving and surfing.Miramar: Located just 3 kms from Panaji, it understandably sees the tourist rush and is dotted with holiday homes of the rich and famous. However, lying along the mouth of the Mandovi River as it meets the sea, it is interesting for its view of the Aguada fort.Aguada : Famous for the17th century Portuguese fort, this has now been converted into a Hotel. Though it's grounds occupy much of the area around, the beach is open to general tourists.Agonda: Secluded, this beautiful stretch of silvery sand is refreshing - just the holiday to unwind on the sand and listen to stories of the sea. The nearby Cabo de Rama is historically interesting. Local legend has it that Lord Rama stayed here with Sita during his exile.Majorda: A local version of the 'Ramayana' has it that Ram was kidnapped as a child and brought up at Majorda. Later Jesuits discovered the best Goan toddy here and today's holiday attractions remain the bakeries, the best in Goa.Colva: 39 km from Panaji and immensely popular, Colva offers a comfortable holiday with hotels, discos, shops and restaurants. Colva is also famous for the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, which has the statue of Menino Jesus.Benaulim: Less than 2 kms from Colva, this lovely holiday destination also has thriving handicrafts center attracts tourists for its traditional rosewood furniture. The Church of St. John the Baptist on a hill is quite famous as is the monsoon feast of Sao Joao celebrated as thanksgiving.Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor: These beaches south of Benaulim are really inviting. Cleaner and less crowded than others, they are studded with some exclusive beach resorts in Goa and food shacks. A holiday here also offers opportunities for watching wild dolphins.Palolem: 70 km south of Panaji, this white sandy beach is some commercial activity, including restaurants and shops. Weekends especially tend to get crowded here.CHURCHES IN GOA- HOLIDAYSAnother contribution of the Portuguese rule to Goa's holiday potential is the occurrence of splendid churches, especially in Old Goa. Originally spread with passionate fervour by the former rulers, Goa, Rome of the East, sees the dominant influence of Christianity, both in the religious and cultural spheres. Visible expressions of this are the Churches of Old Goa. Historically, these can be classified into the following periods, reflecting changing architectural styles and iconography.Early Period: Typified by Goa's oldest surviving church, Our Lady of Rosary on Monte Santo in the 'Manueline' style named after King Emmanuel of Portual. This is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance with the motifs featuring Portuguese seamanship. The construction being unsuited to Goa's weather, very few of these can be seen by tourists today.
Baroque Period: 'Golden Goa' time of hectic missionary activity including the arrival of St. Francis Xavier, saw many grand churches in the contemporary European style built. These include the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Augustine Church of Our Lady of Grace.Indian Baroque Period: Reflecting local Goan influences in style and design, including the outer fa

If your aim is not good, or is not quite what you want it to be, there are several ways you can work to improve it. Most people can hit the target almost every time when they are not rushed in any way. If you have the time to slowly take aim and think about your shot, you may consider yourself an accurate shot. However, this is paintball. You will rarely have the opportunity to slowly take aim and think about anything. You must learn to be both fast and accurate.A common problem among paintball players is the inability to quickly raise their guns, take aim, fire, and actually hit the target. It takes practice to be able to do this in a matter of a second. Try practicing with your gun. Do not actually fire it, just simply bring it up from the down position quickly and take aim. The trick here is to be able to instantly focus on the target. Keep doing this exercise until you can bring the gun up and be instantly focused on your target. Use different targets for this practice. Once you feel like you have the hang of it, add paint. Bring the gun up quickly; focus instantly on the target, and fire. Practice this until you are hitting your target almost every time. Again, use different targets.You need to practice with moving targets as well. Team up with a friend and take turns being a moving target. Another point that you must take into consideration is distance. If you can hit your target when the target is close, but you cannot hit the target when it is farther away, you need more practice.You must also be able to hit targets while you are in motion. Moving targets, as well as targets that are not moving. Practice with your friend. Consider making an obstacle course as well. In your course, include jumps, crouches, quick turns, and any other situation you may find yourself in during an actual game. Go through the course until you can hit the targets the majority of the time, and then change the course around.Make sure that you keep practicing between games.Chirstopher Reeve is the owner and operator of PaintBall-Tips.com (http://www.paintball-tips.com) where he discusses on how to get started in playing paintball and advance strategies.

This amazing drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire has a gorgeous vista at every turn, oodles and oodles of family vacation fun, and a visit to the home of the world wind speed record. Just keep reading to discover a remarkable trip on your White Mountains vacation.The White Mountain National Forest is about a 4-hour drive north of Boston, Massachusetts. Deep in New Hampshire, the mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain system that covers the Eastern United States. Within the forest park is the White Mountains Trail, and it's a drive that's arguably the most scenic 100 miles in New England. And so you're in for a real treat. Let's get started?White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center?Most people begin the drive from the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock on route 112 and head out on route 3N to the Franconia Notch area.If you're traveling with kids then you'll want to pencil dates back in this area at the Clark's Trading Post, and The Whale's Tale attractions -- both in Lincoln on route 3N. At Clark's you can see Bears, ride a steam train, climb towers, and generally keep the young ones happy. The Whale's Tale is a water park with a wave pool, picnic areas, changing areas, and live entertainment.Back on the road head north towards Franconia Notch. This is a good stretch of road to have your camera at the ready. I can't list all the stops you can make, but I'll mention just two of my favorites in this area of the White Mountains.The Flume Gorge was formed over 200 million years ago when the White Mountains were molten rock. It just so happens in this area when it cooled quickly, softer material was forced into the fractures that formed. These fractures wore down with natural erosion much quicker that the surrounding granite rock -- leaving the gorge. And so now you get to enjoy a geological wonder at the base of beautiful Mount Liberty.The Gorge has a visitor center where your tour starts and ends. And don't forget to check out the covered bridge which crosses the Pemigewasset River -- it's one of the oldest on the White Mountains Trail.The famous attraction you can't see anymore?You're probably thinking why would I mention something you can't see anymore? Well, the truth is... you can see some of it? but you'll have to imagine the rest.The Old Man of the Mountain was a jagged rock profile formed over 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age.On May 3, 2003, admirers of the White Mountains region around the world were devastated, when this world famous monument to nature crumbled and crashed to the bottom of Cannon Mountain. How could this be everybody asked? Aren't rocks and mountains... forever? Well, this incident proves they aren't. Despite years of gargantuan efforts by many people to preserve it, centuries of the harsh winter climate found in the White Mountains, finally took its toll. It's worth a stop as you journey on the White Mountains Trail to look and wonder at what once was. To me it's a reminder that nature doesn't play favorites.Continue to head north on Route 3 until it joins Route 302 and follow 302 towards Bretton Woods. Here the mountains get taller and taller until eventually you see the grand daddy of them all -- Mount Washington at 6,288 feet.The Roof of the White Mountain National Forest?Depending on time available, you've got four options for experiencing this gift in the White Mountain National Forest. Just stare -- hey, there's nothing wrong with that. Take the Cog Railway train ride to the top. Drive the auto road to the summit -- the quickest way. And of course you can hike if you're well prepared. But just promise me you won't hike to the top unless you are in great condition and with somebody. This mountain claims lives every year as conditions in this area can deteriorate dramatically within minutes.Is it worth getting to the summit?All I'll say here is? the view is stunning. Visit the museum at the top and learn about the day in 1934 when the highest wind speed ever recorded on earth was taken -- 231 MPH. You'll learn why its unique geographic position provides the mountain with the worst weather on earth.Now get back onto Route 302 and head south to the town of North Conway.The North Conway Scenic Area?Schedule enough time to take the scenic train, which you board in North Conway. The station is an authentic Victorian style -- it's hard to miss and smack in the town center.The train rides are ambles and chugs along the scenic valleys and notches in the surrounding area. And as you wind through the rolling Mount Washington valley and squeeze through the notches under the gentle clatter of steel against steel, consider this was once the main form of transportation to the area, from Boston. Most of the trains they run are diesel locomotives now, but on special weekends and during fall they use their popular steam locomotive.The valley train is a 55-minute roundtrip, and the Notch train is 5 hours. Both have a first-class car if you want to have a different experience. The notch train has a dome car as well, where you get magnificent views of the steep ravines and sheer bluffs. I'm not sure my kids have the patience for a 5-hour train ride so we've always taken the shorter excursion. But as I love trains -- especially steam trains -- one day?The trains usually run from mid-June until mid-October. These scenic trains are very popular throughout the season and they accept advanced reservations for the Notch train and dinning cars on both trains.This area of the White Mountains is full of shopping outlets, and also has plenty for the kids to do. Story Land and Heritage-New Hampshire, are right next to each other on route 16 in Glen. You and the kids will enjoy themed rides, live shows, play areas, and meeting storyboard characters.The Kancamagus Highway?Let's finish up our White Mountains Trail tour by joining back up with route 112 at Conway and driving back to the White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center.This part of the trail is known as the Kancamagus highway. There are just numerous photo shoot opportunities along this highway. In fact, your challenge is having enough daylight left in this trip so you can take pictures.But you can always come back tomorrow, right? No prizes for doing and seeing everything in one day. You are booking your White Mountains vacation for at least a week... aren't you?Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of the New England vacations guide . You can read more about White Mountain vacations and get a free travel report at his New England vacation site.