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Christmas Photo Cards, Christmas Trees - Interesting Facts

Its Christmas time once again! The most awaiting moment of year finally arrived.  Party, exchanging gifts, singing Christmas carol and last but not the least decorating Christmas trees are the things that you must be looking forward.  Your Christmas celebration becomes more amazing if you can startle your friends and family members with some odd and unknown facts about Christmas tree. Here go some interesting facts about Christmas tree that you can share.

·         You can eat your Christmas tree! Surprised? But part of Christmas trees like spruces, pines and firs are edible. In fact needles are rich source of Vitamin C. Sounds great way for recycling.

·         Electric lights are invincible for decorating Christmas tree. The first person to give this idea a light is none other than Edward Johnson, assistant of Thomas Edison.

·         Sometimes Christmas tree farms use helicopters for lifting harvested trees.

·         A hectare of Christmas tree of Christmas tree field supplies the oxygen requirement of more than 40 people.

·         In the year 1531 the first printed reference of Christmas tree was found in Germany.

·         There are different variations of Christmas trees and some of the popular Christmas trees include Balsam fir, Virginia pine, Noble fir, Scotch pine, Fraser fir and White pine.

·         The commercial sale of Christmas tree in United States dates back about 1850. Before that all the Christmas tree sourced from forest.

·         If you reside in North Carolina, Wisconsin, California, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington, then you must feel proud as these are top Christmas tree producing states.

·         Against each harvested Christmas tree few seedlings are planted in that place.

·         Virtual world contributes in selling more than 3,00,00 real Christmas tree in a year.

·         Christmas tree decoration was once banned by the government because of environmental reasons. Tinsel, one of the lead decorating items used to have poisonous leads. But this problem was solved by using plastics.         

·         In Ukraine, fake spiders with web constitute as an important decorative items for Christmas trees! Ukrainian people believe that if spider webs are found on Christmas morning good luck will come. So, don’t be afraid of spiders any more.

·         In US, approximately 25-30 million Real Christmas Trees are sold every year.

·         The first decorated Christmas was in Riga, Latvia in 1510.

·         The popular Christmas carol Silent Night was written by an Austrian priest named Joseph Mohr in 1818 as a result of a broken church organ.

 Interesting Facts about Christmas Photo Cards

Sounds unbelievable, but Christmas is knocking at your door. So, wrap up all your work to become a part of this festive season and send your warm wishes to your near and dear ones with Christmas photo cards. In fact, there are lots of interesting facts related to Christmas photo cards. Read more to know about some interesting facts about Christmas cards and share to make your Christmas celebration enjoyable.

·         The tradition of distributing Christmas cards initiated in the year 1843. This time period is believed to be equal to publishing of Christmas seal.

·         England was the country that first produced the Christmas card and soon its popularity touched the sky as the very next year more than 30,000 cards were sold.

·         Commercial Christmas cards arrived in USA when Louis Prang became printer in 1875. The designs included winter motif and traditional Christmas themes.

·          In the year 2004, German post office distributed near about 20 million perfumed stickers for making Christmas cards. The stickers smelled like cinnamon, fir Christmas tree, honey wax candle, ginger bread and the list continues.

·         Christmas cards are used by many organizations for raising fund to various noble causes. Among the endless organizations, UNICEF Christmas card program deserves to be mentioned that initiated in 1949.

·         In an average, American households mail more than 25 Christmas cards in a year and receive the same number of Christmas cards.

·         During the Christmas buying season, Visa cards alone are used an average of 5,340 times every minute in the United States.

·         The most expensive Christmas card was an original 1843 example of the first card ever sent.  It was sent by the inventor of the Christmas card, Sir Henry Cole (first Director of the Victoria and Albert museum), to his grandmother.  It sold at auction in Devizes in 2001 for £20,000.

·         Many Americans send considerably more than twenty cards. One Werner Erhard of San Francisco sent 62,824 cards in a single year. This is believed to be the largest outpouring of Christmas card generosity in history.

With Christmas photo cards, convey your Christmas greetings in a personalized way and let the recipients know how special they are to you in this grand festive season.

About the Author

Tyler Moon is an expert in article writing and internet marketing. She regularly contributes articles on various topics like security services, birth announcements etc.
Holiday Photo Cards

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Fitted Christian Tshirts are Awesome!

Fitted Christian tshirts help men look stylish yet sacred!

If you are looking for a great gift for your husband, boyfriend, or yourself, you might find that fitted christian tshirts make an attractive choice for that special man in your life.

If you have a trim body, you can show it off to best effect by wearing fitted tshirts. Fitted tshirts are cut to your regular size but a bit snugger. This allows all your hard work at the gym in the form of sculpted biceps and triceps, pectorals and abdominals to be featured within a form-fitting tshirt.

And there are so many fitted christian clothes for men to choose from! You might select from slogans such as "Divine Intervention," "Ourapostle," "Rock's Star," "Salvation/Free" and "The Cross 2" in order to get your evangelical message across to the unsaved in your life, and look great at the same time. Music lovers will particularly like the electric guitar graphic that adorns the "Rock's Star" fitted tshirt for men. "Salvation/Free" is a catchy saying based on a verse from the Book of Ephesians that discusses the idea that salvation, while not cheap, is nonetheless freely given.

Any of these form-fitting and fashionable fitted Christian tshirts would provide a wonderful opportunity for you to share your faith with someone who might be searching for what you have: a relationship with Jesus. It is easy to take clothing for granted, but something so relatively easy as wearing a tshirt with a message that catches an unsaved person's eye might be just enough for them to comment on it, giving you a super opportunity to share what you believe in.

Sometimes people get a little shy when it comes to evangelism. You read in the Bible that you are supposed to do it, but it can be challenging going up to a complete stranger and striking up a conversation about your faith. Instead, when you wear fitted Christian tshirts, often times people will come up to you and begin a conversation simply by the virtue of what type of statement you are wearing on your clothing. And in those simple, ordinary exchanges between people, sometimes lives can be changed for the better. So it makes sense to face each day prepared to not only look great but to make a real difference in people's lives. You can do that by wearing fitted Christian tshirts to the mall shopping, out to dinner or the movies, to the gym for workouts, and anywhere else where you need a form-fitting and comfortable tshirt. Not only are these great men's fitted Christian tshirts available, but also try out other styles of Christian clothing such as hoodies and accessories like hats, cell phone covers, and necklaces.

About the Author

Susan Slobac helps promote that Christian clothing is making its way into the workplace and classrooms alike with their edgy statements and thought-provoking designs.

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Queen of the Bus

Tour buses and screaming fans are just part of a typical day in the life of traveling mom Denise Jonas. Her sons, the pop trio Jonas Brothers, are fast-rising stars among the teen/tween set, and just wrapped a two-month tour in support of their self-titled second album.

Before their sons’ band began drawing huge crowds, Jonas and her husband had a thriving Christian ministry in Wycoff, New Jersey. That background has informed their grounded, graceful approach to guiding Kevin, 20; Joe, 18; and Nick, 15, through the competitive music industry.

Jonas and her husband were always musical, and they passed that legacy on to their boys. At the age of three, Nick told his mother that he wanted to perform on Broadway. “I said, ‘I don’t know how to get you on Broadway,’” she remembers, “and I was determined not to be one of those crazy stage moms.”

But they figured out how to make it happen: Nick debuted at age eight in A Christmas Carol and starred in a total of four Broadway shows before the age of ten.“I was pregnant with Frankie, our seven-year-old, when Nick first started auditioning,” Jonas says. “Frankie doubled his age during the run of A Christmas Carol. I'd park across the street from the show and nurse him in the Garden. I can't believe I did it!”

The pace has not slowed since the Broadway years. Since forming the band three years ago, Jonas’s older sons opened for Miley Cyrus on her Best of Both Worlds tour, saw their second album hit number five in the Billboard Hot 200 chart in its first week of release, and even filmed a pilot for Disney. Jonas’s husband, Kevin Sr., co-manages the band with Phil McIntire and Johnny Wright (Justin Timberlake, NSync), and the whole family – including Frankie, whom fans have dubbed the ‘Bonus Jonas’ – will hit the road again in July to promote the siblings’ third album.

Travelingmom™ founder, Kim Orlando, caught up with Denise Jonas – who is the very definition of a traveling mom – for a behind-the-scenes look at life with the band.

TMOM: Let's just jump right into your life as a traveling mom. Tell me what it’s like going out on tour with Jonas Brothers.

DENISE JONAS: When the boys first started, it wasn't always the long road trips; it was a couple days here and there. I didn't always go because I had the little one. We started out traveling in our family van to different locations, whether it was a club, a little theatre, or whatnot. The boys would lug their own gear, set it all up, sound check themselves. Then we went to a 15-passenger van with a trailer, and after that it was a few different tour bus situations, but it was so crammed and there wasn't room with the boys, the band, the crew – everyone on the same bus. Now we're in six buses and six semis. We're just so thankful; we think, look at this, we have our own bus to ourselves as a family. Just our six people with the bus driver. It's our sanctuary.

TMOM: How does it work? Do you run out to Stop & Shop and load up the bus? It’s not like traveling in an RV.

DENISE JONAS: No it's not. On a typical day, we start out in the morning in a hotel wherever we are, because we arrived the night before. We get in our vehicle and travel to the venue; the boys get there early to do all kind of press, sound checks, meet-and-greets with over 500 people that they personally shake hands with and take pictures with and sign autographs for. Then we get back in the bus and drive to the next hotel. We'll have been asleep awhile, so we’ll have to wake everybody up to get off the bus in the middle of the night, and trek in with our stuff. The Stop & Shop question is an excellent question. We have a great a production team. We have a daily list that we send out to the production assistant that he gives to the runner to get what we need. Some days it’s toilet paper, some days it’s fruit snacks.

TMOM: Are there rules?

DENISE JONAS: Every tour, from Aerosmith to the Stones to the Jonas Brothers – every bus has rules. Keeping things orderly is very important in such a small space. For us, everyone keeps their stuff on their bunks, trash put away, don't collect too many things. It's hard living here for so long, I had to ship 10 boxes home for the holiday time.

TMOM: So you make it out to get shopping done sometimes?

DENISE JONAS: Just for things I need to take into the hotel, when I don't like spending $50 for Frankie on cold cereal, sometimes I'll just go get it.

TMOM: What about packing?

DENISE JONAS: The boys have so much to do all the time, as far as press and whatnot, and they'll accumulate clothing based on what they have to do. Their wardrobe is part of the tour. They love to shop and they love nice clothes; they've always been that way. If we need to, we’ll do charitable drops at a local Salvation Army. I'm usually shipping extra things home by the end.

TMOM: How do you get a minute alone?

DENISE JONAS: My mind is always going because there are so many demands with the boys, but we try to seize the moment. I've always found pleasure in just watching them perform. I enjoy that moment. It's worth every sacrifice we've ever made. It's worth not being at home. I work to savor this precious time. I even love the bus bunk. It sounds crazy, but you just learn to adjust. I think we're given a new measure of grace to get through each day, and that's what I rely on.

TMOM: Do you go on a family vacation after the tour?

DENISE JONAS: We have scheduled it in. We had a family vacation last year, but prior to that we didn't have one for three years because we knew the importance of what the boys were doing. They’re the drivers of this, and when your window is open, you have to go through it. In this industry, if you're out of view, you could drop that quickly.

TMOM: When you're in Europe, although you're performing and staying in all these nice places, it's really not a vacation.

DENISE JONAS: That's the thing about touring: you're in all these amazing cities, but you rarely get to enjoy the city. We have tried as much as we can to take advantage of it, have field trip time. And with the boys being high-profile, anything we do has to be advanced, with security. We're fortunate to be in places where people want to meet the boys. For instance, there were some people from NASA at our concert in Houston, and they extended an invitation. You never know, if we get back to Houston, and we have an extra day, maybe we’ll get to do that.

TMOM: I love that you still do family vacations, even with sons who are 18 and 20.

DENISE JONAS: We're not your normal, typical family – I’m not sure how we managed to make that happen! We just have strong values – we love our boys, but we respect them too. We always wanted to be a close-knit family. My husband was a pastor for so long, and we saw a lot of hurting families and a lot of people who needed help. And it's not that you can fix people's lives, but you see so many things that were sad, that broke our hearts, and that made us try to be different.

TMOM: Last question, I ask everybody this. But what is your personal must-pack item. You don't leave home without your....

DENISE JONAS: Ooh...my make-up. I always get freaked out about my make-up case. I have one bag with my make-up and toiletries. That's my sacred suitcase.

 

 

[Sidebar]

 

Touring through Adversity

Denis Jonas discusses her son’s diabetes

In 2005 – at thirteen years old – Nick Jonas was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, which affects approximately 1 in 500 children and adolescents. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, it cannot be controlled with diet and exercise. Because his body does not produce insulin naturally, Nick must wear an insulin pump to maintain his blood sugar. It hasn’t slowed him down. He and his family have established the Change for Children Foundation, which works to support program that inspire children to face adversity with confidence.

TMOM: What is it like traveling with Nick, now that he has Type 1 diabetes?

DENISE JONAS: Type 1 diabetes is often called a disease, but it's not a disease. Nick’s pancreas doesn’t work. It doesn’t produce insulin to transform the sugar from his diet into fuel, instead it just builds up in his bloodstream. It's horrible, and it could cause comatose state, losing eye sight, losing limbs. When we travel, we always have to have extra things. Sometimes Nicholas doesn't always tell me he's low on his test strips, and I have to get a prescription and find a place to refill it overnight. And if he travels out of the country, I get really concerned. I always have extra insulin, needles, test strips, and finger sticks, all the time.

TMOM: It sounds hugely challenging.

DENISE JONAS: It does sound like a lot, but we live with it and don't really notice it. At every concert, we've given a donation to the American Diabetes Association. We've asked their local branches to choose one Type 1 diabetic child or teen and give them the award; it's a gift to come to the concert as Nicholas' guest. Because it's such a bummer to have this thing in your life – we just want to give them a break. Here's a blessing for no reason, just come and enjoy the concert.

TMOM: Parents of diabetic children must see what you do, how you make this huge tour happen, and be inspired to make it work for their own families, whether that means leaving home for a vacation or even just getting a kid to basketball practice.

DENISE JONAS: A lot of parents I meet say, “How do you do this? I'm so afraid to let them go spend the night at a neighbor’s house.” I understand their concerns. Nicholas is the kind of guy where nothing holds him back. He's funny – when he was diagnosed, on the way to the hospital, he started to get so upset. He said, “Why me?” but then he said, “Why not me?” He wanted to figure out how to help other diabetics and be inspiring. The first thing he asked for was a list of who else has Type 1 diabetes. He wanted to know the celebrities or sports figures with Type 1 diabetes. He wanted to know who could inspire him. Our own weakness can always encourage somebody else.

 

 

About the Author

Liz Warren-Pederson is a writer and traveling mom living in Arizona. She’s way too old for the Jonas Brothers, but is only slightly ashamed to reveal that she listened to New Kids on the Block back in the day.

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The History of Diamonds and Their Use in Diamond Jewellery

When it comes to history, diamonds have a very long and fascinating record as one of the most intriguing gemstones on the planet. You may be familiar with the term, ‘Diamonds are Forever’, made popular by the De Beers advertising campaigns and for good reason. Forged billions of years ago, long before dinosaurs roamed the planet, they have survived the forces of nature to reach us. They have been used throughout the ages as bearers of mystic powers and incredible beauty. Through the centuries they have been revered and admired by many civilisations.

Part of the credit for the almost mythical reverence to diamonds throughout the years belongs to the fact that these beauties are quite rare in their most sought after gemstone quality form. Not only are these diamonds rare in numbers but also in the number of skilled artisans that can compliment their exquisite beauty.

Diamonds are the hardest of precious stones. The word “diamond” itself is a derivative of the Greek word adamas, which means “unconquerable”. It is the undiminished beauty of diamonds that has made them so highly prized throughout several centuries. This does not mean that a diamond cannot be damaged only that they are difficult to damage requiring a very precise strike in an exact location in order to damage the surface.

It is believed that the first diamonds were discovered nearly 3000 years ago in India. They were considered valuable because of their ability to refract light and were used as either decoration or as talismans - for protection and warding against evil.

During the Dark Ages, diamonds were believed to hold medicinal value. There were instructions that those suffering illnesses or having wounds should hold a diamond in the hand and make a sign of the cross for healing. Some even believed that ingesting diamonds could assist in recovery (and even a cure) from various illnesses.

As time progressed into the Middle Ages, diamonds were more often viewed as items of value rather than items of mystical healing powers. As a result of the growing demand and value of diamonds, mine owners began spreading rumours that diamonds were poisonous if swallowed. This prevented workers in the mines from swallowing the diamonds for the purpose of smuggling.

Today, India suffers from a relatively depleted supply of diamonds. Smaller finds have been discovered in Borneo and Brazil, though nothing as significant as those reserves once found in India.

Diamonds were discovered in South Africa by a child playing with brightly coloured stones by a river in 1866. One of the stones was recognised to be a diamond and the gem cut from it was appropriately named "Eureka". This created a massive diamond rush and the start of a new beginning for diamonds. Diamonds mined in South Africa still continue to make up a large percentage of the world’s diamond jewellery, though there are gem quality diamonds that are being discovered all the time in other countries around the world.

More recently, Australia has become a contender when it comes to the production and mining of exquisite gem quality diamonds. Other countries for diamond mining include Africa, Canada, Russia, and South America in addition to those mined in Australia.

One thing that is worth noting is that the vast majority of diamonds discovered around the world are not gem quality stones. In fact, only about one fifth of the diamonds that are mined are diamonds that are considered to be gem quality. Those that are not considered to be gem quality are used for drilling and similar applications.

Diamonds are not all clear either – the stones come in many colours; the least common of the colours red. They are very rare. Coloured diamonds command huge prices and are highly prized by collectors.

Diamond rings are today considered to be a token of love, particularly when given to one by a suitor. The tradition of diamond engagement rings being used for engagements is believed to have begun when Austria’s Archduke Maximilian made a gift of a diamond ring upon his engagement to Mary of Burgundy.

The wearing of a diamond ring on the ring finger, or fourth finger of the left hand, is derived from the ancient Egyptians. This is due to their belief that the vein that extends from this particular finger to the heart is also the “vein of love”. This tradition is still practiced today, much like the giving of a diamond ring as a symbol of engagement and true love.

Most people associate the wearing of diamonds to rings for engagement to be married. There are plenty of occasions that warrant diamonds and diamond pendants, diamond bracelets and diamond earrings make excellent choices for marking a special occasion or memorable life moment. Remember, diamonds have for quite a while been (and will certainly continue to be) a girl’s best friend. Any celebration that is cause for joy is an excellent occasion for a gift of diamonds.

Among such occasions to be considered are: a girl’s sixteenth birthday (or any other birthday that you deem to be special), the birth of a child, religious milestone events, personal achievements, holiday gifts etc. Perhaps the best reason of all to give a woman the gift of a diamond is “just because”. If you have a special person in your life, whether it’s a lover, a wife, a sister, a daughter, or a mother - you can rest fairly well assured that a diamond makes an excellent gift for almost any occasion.

Before you consider buying a diamond, it is important to understand the four “C’s”. They are excellent indicators of the value of the diamond. For those who are not familiar with the four C’s of diamonds they are: colour, clarity, cut, and carats. You will want to consider each of these when selecting a diamond to make sure your investment will stand the test of time and hopefully become more valuable over the years. The more spectacular the occasion, of course, the more stunning you will want your diamonds to be. Of course you will want to keep in mind your budget, your setting, and the metals that will be used in conjunction with the piece of jewellery you are creating or purchasing. Each of these will have an impact on the finished product. Good choices for diamonds are 18ct gold or platinum. In recent years platinum has become the choice for diamond jewellery as the metal is very hard and durable complimenting the gemstone properties.

When purchasing diamond jewellery, it pays to do your research ahead of time. Thanks to the growth of ecommerce on the internet, you will find that the prices of diamonds these days from one jeweller to the next are rather competitive. Better quality at better prices can now be found online instead of in the high street. Another thing to consider when buying your diamonds is whether or not they are conflict free. “Conflict free” diamonds are diamonds that do not lead to the funding of wars and that are not mined under conditions that are deemed unethical by the Kimberly Process. Always insist on Conflict Free diamonds from your jeweller.

Enduring, romantic, magical. Diamonds continue to captivate and enchant as symbols of hope and great expectations for the future. Enjoy.

About the Author

Daniel Jones has worked in the jewellery industry for over 30 years and currently enjoys designing contemporary jewellery with the use of gemstones.

Everyday Gold by Michael Anthony 14K Mother Mary Enamel ...

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Trave Tips Kenya

By:David Kiarie

Are your planning your nest holiday to Kenya? Then here what you need to know

INSURANCE

You are strongly advised to take out travel and medical insurance in your country of origin. However, most travel agents can arrange medical and personal insurance if required.

Within Kenya, I recommend joining the Flying Doctor's Society which, for a small membership fee, will provide an airlift free of charge from anywhere within Kenya accessible by air to Nairobi

HEALTH

Malaria is endemic to certain areas of East Africa and all visitors should begin taking their anti-malaria prophylactics two weeks before arriving, throughout their stay and for a minimum of three weeks after leaving. Pharmaceutical facilities are adequate in the big City centers. There are chemists (drug stores) in all major urban areas but any visitors requiring special and continuing medication should bring sufficient quantities. The equatorial sun is deceptive and can inflict severe burns even on overcast days. Good sun cream and lip balms, with a high degree of sun protection factor, are strongly recommended. Piped water supplies are generally safe in municipal areas but local advice should be taken particularly on safari. Bottled mineral water, both local and imported, can be purchased in hotels, sundry shops and other tourist kiosks. Filtered and safe drinking water is often provided (in thermos flasks) in hotels or lodge rooms, but it is advisable not to drink water from the taps, rivers or lakes. Do not bathe in rivers and lakes.

SECURITY

Security is really a matter of common sense, and the same precautions should be taken in our towns and cities as in any city worldwide. It is advisable not to wear jewellery (especially necklaces and expensive watches), do not carry large sums of money, and keep a close watch on handbags, wallets and camera equipment. When walking in town keep to the main thoroughfares and avoid walking at night, especially alone. Make use of hotel safe or deposit boxes and never leave valuables in hotel rooms or safari vehicles. It is a good policy to travel with photocopies of your passport, traveler’s cheques, and any other important documents.

IMMIGRATION

All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport. Visa requirements vary from time to time and are dependent on the nationality of the visitor. Valid passports and visas for everyone, with the exception of citizens of most Commonwealth and certain other countries with which East Africa has reciprocal waiver arrangements. Since it is essential that no visitor arrive without the correct documentation, visitors are strongly recommended to check the latest requirements either from Airline offices or through the nearest Tourist Office, Embassy or High Commission. Visitors with the proper documentation and holding onward return tickets may obtain "Visitor Passes" (normally valid for three months) on arrival at any Kenyan Port of Entry free of charge. Visitors who arrive without an onward ticket maybe asked to purchase one before obtaining a visitors pass. Visitors are not allowed to take up work or residence in Kenya without the authority of the Principal Immigration Office.

CUSTOMS

All reasonable volume of personal effects can be reasonably import together with cameras and any amount of film. Unused personal effects, unexposed film, cameras and accessories (except cine and slide projectors may be temporarily imported free of duty. A visitor wishing to bring home video equipment in the form of cameras and cassettes should consult the nearest Consulate or High Commission as a Customs Bond is normally required for the period such equipment is in the country. Refundable deposits may be required for the temporary import of radios, tape recorders and similar equipment including musical instruments.

DUTY FREE

Visitors are restricted to duty free items of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and one litre bottle of spirits.

MONEY

Travelers’ cheques and major credit cards are generally accepted in Kenya but the latter not all over other regional countries where you would be advised to carry travelers’ cheques and cash. Only authorized dealers and banks are allowed to change currency. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be imported. It is strongly recommended that visitors carry little cash and as much money as they wish in freely convertible travelers cheques. It is advisable for visitors to use up or convert back any local currency before leaving, as it will be difficult to change once overseas.

Please note it is an offence to destroy local currency or to deface the currency in any way.

DRIVING

Driving is on the left-hand side of the road and many of the road signs will be familiar to European drivers. Major cities are connected by roads, which for the most part are well metalled with long straight stretches. Self-hire is arranged locally but not recommended, you will need an International Driving Licence. A maximum speed limit is 100 kph.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

Safari wear should be comfortable and casual. Evenings and early mornings can be chilly so warm sweaters are recommended. Low heeled comfortable shoes are best, and suitable walking shoes should you intend joining any walking safaris.

A hat, sunglasses, flashlight and binoculars are useful accessories. Most hotels, lodges and camps have swimming pools so you are advised to bring swimsuits. Some specialist safaris, i.e. mountain climbing, require extra items of clothing and footwear - details would be provided on booking. Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.

Laundry is possible on some safaris but not all. Although many places offer `same day' service, in practice this is not always reliable. We recommend you `save' your laundry until in a city or at the coast•

PHOTOGRAPHY

Its recommend that you bring your equipment, extra batteries and all your film with you although all normal types of film can usually be bought in major towns. A telephoto lens is essential for good game pictures. Most lodges and hotels have facilities for recharging batteries for video and digital cameras.

Please respect the local people and only photograph them with their permission. Please be strongly advised never to attempt to take photos of border posts, airports, persons in uniform and military installations where photography is strictly prohibited.

ELECTRICITY

Voltage in East Africa is 220 - 240 AC. An adapter will be necessary for appliances, which operate on 110 - 120 AC.

RESTAURANTS

The major cities have restaurants offering International Cuisine, in Nairobi there are two excellent Italian and a number of Indian Restaurants. Traditional African food focuses on fish dishes.

TIPPING:

It is customary to give a tip of about 1 USD for 2 cases to your porter in the hotel. Waiters in restaurants can be tipped about 10% of the meal cost, if service has been good. Safari driver guides should be tipped at the end of the safari, at about USD 3 - 5 per day.

PUBLICK HOLIDAYS

New Year’s Day - January 1st

Good Friday

Easter Monday

Labour Day/May Day - May 1st

Madaraka Day - June 1st

Moi Day - October 10th

Kenyatta Day - October 20th

Eid ul Fitr - end of Ramadan, depending on the sighting of the Moon

Independence Day/Jamuhuri Day - December 12th

Christmas Day December - 25th

Boxing Day December - 26th

(Should a holiday

BANKING HOURS

Mon. - Fri: 0900 - 1400 hours

Sat: Some Banks 0900 - 1100 hours

On first/last Saturdays each month

NB: Banks & International Airports operate a 24 hour service

About the Author

Am a Destination Management Travel Agent and Writer

Email:dkiarie@beyondkenyasafaris.co.ke
Website:http://www.beyondkenyasafaris.co.ke

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Top 5 Easter Holidays For 2009

With the Easter holidays just around the corner it’s not too late to book a last minute break for you and the family. The recession is hurting the travel industry as well as the consumers which means, if you can afford to be a little flexible, there are some sensational deals to be found.

Below is our pick of the best Easter holidays out there, here’s the top 5 countdown:

5. Majorca, Spain

If you like holidays in Spain with sun, sangria and tapas then Majorca offers all of that, plus a little bit extra on the beautiful Balearic island. The island is usually rammed by the time it hits peak summer season, so a spring break is the perfect chance to see some of the hidden treasures of Majorca.

Take a walk in the hills and explore the rugged landscape outside of the hotels and beaches for which the island is famous. Of course, you can spend time on the beach too, and because its low season there’s even a chance of getting a sun lounger!

Palma de Majorca cathedral is well worth a visit for the culture vultures.

4. Cervinia, Italy

If you think you’ve "done" European skiing but can’t afford to get over to the States, then take a look at Cervinia. Often overlooked as skiing country, the Italian Dolomites have some sensational undiscovered resorts which are easily the equal of their French and Austrian counterparts.

Cervinia is hooked on to the back of one of Switzerland’s most famous resorts, but is considerably cheaper for skiing. Fancy skiing down the other side of the Olympic Matterhorn? Cervinia holds a 2-kilometre run down the other side of the famous Olympic downhill piste. Skiing holidays are rarely this good value for money, and you get all the bonuses of the sumptuous Italian cuisine as well.

3. Larnaca, Cyprus

Most tourists who take holidays to Cyprus will only know Larnaca for its airport before moving on to other parts of the island. However, Larnaca itself has much to offer, with gorgeous stretches of beach and the wonderful Cypriot weather. Treat yourself to a few KEO beers brewed at nearby Limassol, or an authentic brandy sour as the sun sets in paradise.

2. Crete, Greece

Easter Holidays are all about chocolate. Not so in Crete. If you want to spice your holidays with Greek culture, why not celebrate Easter with the locals? Take advantage of the delicious festive biscuits and lose yourself in the spiritually fulfilling candle-lit processions through the many Orthodox Greek churches.

The summer sun in Crete can be quite strong but an Easter break will be pleasantly warm with refreshing breezes coming in from the sea. For those slightly paler travellers this is an ideal place to enjoy your holidays without worrying about sunburn every 5 minutes.

1. Florida, United States

It’s still the best place you can go year-round, but especially if you have young kids then spending the Easter holidays with Mickey Mouse and Co. is a magical dream come true. The Walt Disney World resort is the largest and most successful theme park in the world with very good reason – they know their business and can sprinkle fairy dust on to any family holiday.

Easter is a good time to go to Florida it’s less crowded than the peak summer season and the weather is more comfortable for children, especially in the long ride queues. Outside of Disney, the rest of Florida offers some fantastic breaks, with no language barrier and a reasonable exchange rate against the dollar, Florida is the number one place to go for your Easter holidays.

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This came in my email today.

After watching sales falling off for three straight months at Kentucky Fried Chicken, the Colonel calls up the Pope and asks for a favour.

The Pope says, "What can I do? "The Colonel says, "I need you to change the daily prayer from, 'Give us this day our daily bread' to 'Give us this day our daily chicken'. If you do it, I'll donate $10 Million to the Vatican ."

The Pope replies, "I am sorry. That is the Lord's Prayer and I can't change the words."

So the Colonel hangs up. After another month of dismal sales, the Colonel panics, and calls again. "Listen your Excellency. I really need Your help. I'll donate $20 million if you change the words of the daily Prayer from 'Give us this day our daily bread' to 'Give us this day our daily chicken.'

And the Pope responds, "It is very tempting, Colonel Sanders. The church could do a lot of good with that much money. It would help us to support many charities. But, again, I must decline. It is the Lord's Prayer, and can't change the words." So the Colonel gives up again.

After two more months of terrible sales, the Colonel gets desperate. "This is my final offer, your Excellency. If you change the words of the daily prayer from, 'Give us this day our daily bread' to 'Give us this day our daily chicken' I will donate $50 million to The Vatican."

The Pope replies, "Let me get back to you." So the next day, the Pope calls together all of his bishops and he says, "I have some good news and have some bad news. The good news is that KFC is going to donate $50 million to the
Vatican ."

The bishops rejoice at the news. Then one asks about the bad news. The Pope replies, "The bad news is that we're losing the Gardenia account."