Tourist to Worker
Most people nowadays were longing to go to another country to try their luck there. Economic crisis and increase rate of unemployment discourage the newly graduate. Different companies were being close and some of them terminate numerous employees to survive the crisis. People get desperate because aside from being unemployed, the prices of basic commodities increases. So, the decision of going to other countries comes with eagerness. Some people do the traditional way of applying directly to the companies or to the agencies. But there’s a difficulty in being hired because of the competition with other fellow people. So, the others decided to go there as a tourist then apply for a job there directly to the company. These people sacrifies their luck and some of them succeeded. In the foreign land with no assurance of having a good fortune, there are some people still wants to pursue. When they got hired, the legal papers for the right to work were being processed. But those who aren’t succeeded, go back to their country and face the reality how the economy really affects them.
My place of comfort
Filed under: General, Poetry, Relationships, Vacations
It’s tiring day
Anger of bosses and stress from work
Makes you exhausted
and feel terrible the whole day.
After office hours
you thought, you will be at peace at last
But this is not the case
traffic in the street gives you headache.
Finally, you are at home
you want to feel relax and at peace
Your wife prepares you a delicious dinner
and gives you a relax massage that fall you asleep.
There’s no such thing as being at home
the feeling of being belong
you can do things at your own
with special love ones who always look after you.
I have to work hard but need a break too!
I spend years of my life in studying, working and attending to client calls. Activities that exposes me to different stages of emotional condition brought by success, frustration, anxiety and problems. I don’t have regret facing those situation cause it made me a better man. Most of all, working for almost six days a week provides my family enjoyment in having a decent living condition and satisfaction to our basic needs.
I don’t mind working especially if it is for the benefits of my family. For it is my role as a father to my kids and as a husband to my wife. But sometimes, I told myself that I need a break too!
Once in a while we went out of town for a vacation. Sometimes I pamper myself by having a massage and a drink with friends. But what I enjoy most is to be in a place where I can temporary escape the reality.
Having a vacation seldom happens in my life. If this happens again, I wanted it to be a perfect one. I visualize my vacation in a beach island with my family. The place is quiet and peaceful. You can play and lay down in white sand and taking a dip in blue water. You can run and shout as long as you want. You can solemnly enjoy the sunset and witness the time wherein daylight slowly covered by darkness. Feel the importance of light when sun slowly appears to overcome the darkness. Most of all enjoy those wonderful moment with your love ones.
I’m not getting any younger so I plan to enjoy life now more than before. I know that I had to work…but I need a break too!
Going out and splurge
I want to go to a place that is relaxing. I want to escape the things that stresses me. I want to rest for a while. To be in a place that is like a paradise is my dream.
Yes, I want to have a vacation. I want to disappear for quite sometime.I want to have peace to escape all the problems that bothers me.To find a quite place, enjoy and have fun.
I’m planning to go to a beach.Any beach that are hit in the metro. Maybe three days or one week stay will be fun.
Drinking fresh fruit shakes in a sunny day beside the seashore is the first thing I will do when I got there. Feel the fresh air of the sea will soothe me.Spend time in a cozy hotel and being serve by the hospitality of the maids makes the vacation worthwhile. Involving in an activity like scuba diving,jetskiing, banana boating,and surfing makes it more adventurous. Of course, vacation is not complete without shopping! You have to buy things for your love ones and also things as souvenirs.
I am dreaming now. I have to make this plan to come true. I need to book myself first in a hotel of my chosen beach to stay. Just go there and splurge myself for relaxation.
Omni Hotel, Austin, Texas
The Omni Hotel * 700 San Jacinto at 8th Street * Austin, Texas 78701 * Phone: (512) 476-3700, Fax: (512) 397-4888
* Omni Downtown homepage
An elegant riche hotel in the heart of downtown Austin in the famous Omniplex building. Within walking distance from the convention center, 6th street, Red River, and Austin’s famous nighttime activities. The staff was friendly and eager to please. But the hotel is definitely centered around those with money. They force a concessions deposit with the room in case you get late night munchies out of the bar-fridge in the room: tiny jar of cashews for $6.50, $4 for a small bag of potato chips, $2.50 for a snickers bar. Lets not even approach the cost to the liquor or room service. They are certainly out for your money in elegance of course! Extra costs for everything - you get more bang for your buck at the Holiday Inn. No free breakfast even though you’re paying in excess of $120/night. There is a gym, swimming pool, and hot tub on the roof. Rating: 3 stars out of 5.
Aging Baby Boomers Still Cling To Their Youth
Filed under: General, Health, Retirement, Vacations, Working
The first set of baby boomers born between 1946-1964 are approaching 65 but many don’t plan to retire anytime soon. With the miracle of modern science, human beings are living longer than ever and many families are in their fourth generation all still living, if not under the same roof.
Boomers can’t see themselves sitting around a retirement home, especially when they are still so fit and healthy.
I say they shouldn’t have to. Even if you do plan to retire. Take it as a time to start traveling and having the fun you probably couldn’t have during all your years of employment.
Baby Boomers Snatch Up Real Estate
The interest rates are the lowest they have ever been and baby boomers among others are taking advantage of that when they wade into the real estate pool. Millions of baby boomers are said to be buying up homes.
For many it is used as a second home or vacationing home, but for others it is a saavy business decision. Everyone agrees though that for whatever reason it is that they are buying homes, it is the best time to do so.
The Top Ten Baby Boomer Trends
A new website called Baby Boomer Trips was created earlier this year and it was dedicated to helping seniors and baby boomers get traveling info. The owners get tons of emails and these are some examples:
1. Baby Boomers still love to find a good deal.
Baby boomers do not like being taken for granted. You’ve probably seen numerous reports regarding the monetary strength of the baby boomer generation. As a result, vacation packagers have mainly focused on high end luxury trips, with very little discounting. The baby boomers who have written in have said that they want great value for their special trips, but know when they are being taken advantage of.
2. Baby boomers are enjoying the attention.
We’ve received so many messages thanking us for putting together a resource for baby boomers. This goes against the popular theory that baby boomers are resentful of such websites. The majority of people we’ve chatted with are happy that they are being taken seriously, and that they have a place to go that is focused on their needs.
3. Baby boomers are anxious to chat with others about issues important to them.
We’ve found that baby boomers love message boards! They are very open to chatting with others in this type of format, and really like to meet friends of similar interests that they can reminisce or chat with. They also like to help others, which goes against the popular theory that baby boomers are selfish.
4. Baby boomers ARE tech savvy.
We’ve received countless emails from baby boomers that love to book travel at all hours of the night. They love the convenience of the Internet, and they love the adventure of trying to find great deals for higher end trips. A relatively high percentage had high speed Internet, and some had other devices such as Blackberrys. They are not opposed to taking on new technical challenges, as earlier generations may have been.
5. Baby boomers feel forever young.
Most boomers feel like this is the beginning of a wonderful period in their life. They are concerned about health challenges ahead, but don’t see deterioration as inevitable. We’ve talked with so many baby boomers that feel young, healthy, and vibrant.
6. Baby boomers feel that they still have a lot to offer.
We’ve talked to some baby boomers who can only think of retirement, but many others feel that now is their time to make a difference. Many are thinking of volunteering, working another job just for fun, staying on with their current employer if they’re happy, or even starting their own business. These entrepreneurs are anxious to take on projects that make a difference.
7. Baby boomers want to be treated well.
Let’s face it - you’ve worked your whole life, raised your children, and now is your time. A majority of the baby boomers we’ve heard from want to be treated well. They’re willing to pay for luxurious items, but again, they still have to be of relatively good value.
8. Baby boomers will pay for convenience.
While annoyed by ever-increasing fees and surcharges, the majority of baby boomers we heard from will generally pay them. This goes for ATM fees, and bottled water, just to name a few.
9. Boomers shy away from organized tours.
Annoyed by waiting in lines, and being on someone else’s schedule, the majority of baby boomers we heard from would like to stay far away from organized tours. They are independent people who want to explore on their own, or with friends who have similar interests.
10. Boomers like to take their time on vacation.
Via PRWeb
Travel Tips for Baby Boomers
Drury Bagwell, retired assistant vice president for student affairs at the University of Maryland, has been to 71 countries around the world. He’s got some great travel tips for baby boomers:
Before You Go
Check all the countries you even THINK that you might visit in order to see if they require a visa that you must get before you leave. In a post 9/11 world, many countries have started requiring visas. A good travel book for we baby boomers is Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door. And, there is a lot of information for just about anything on the internet that you can access before you leave. ATM machines are now commonplace, but don’t always work. I suggest that you take a credit/debit card AND traveler’s checks.
A credit card operates as a hedge against unforeseen expenses. You may want to take a couple of credit cards and carry them in different places, just in case one gets lost. All three (t.c./atm/cc) will charge some type of fee for using, and it’s about the same in the end. Don’t take a lot of cash, but what you do take, make sure it’s the “new” US money. Make photocopies of any credit cards you are taking with you, along with the toll-free number to call if lost.
Also, make a photocopy of your main passport page and any prescriptions that are essential for your health. Stick one copy of these in the bottom of your bag and leave another copy with family at home. Buy a pouch that hangs around your neck inside your clothes, for your money and passport. These are much better than fanny packs, wallets, or purses, which can be easily stolen. Crime isn’t a great problem, but don’t make it easy to get ripped off.
…And this is just the tip of the iceburg. Drury also has good advice on packing, the trip over, getting around in Europe, European trains, where to stay, how to make friends, safety, and specific locations.
Boulder, Colorado
| Boulder, Colorado http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/ The Arapaho Indians were the first inhabitants of the area who maintained a village near Haystack Mountain. The Utes, Cheyennes, Comanches, and Sioux all frequently visited the area. The first Euro-Americans to settle here came in for the Gold Rush … settling the first non-native settlement in the area on Oct 17, 1858 at Red Rocks near the entrance to Boulder Canyon. A year later, the town was organized and property became sold. Originally a supply base for gold miners, Boulder quickly grew into a stable town with restaurants, gambling, schools, and hospitals. |
Boulder, Colorado - photo by technogypsie.com © 2006 |
Mount St. Gertrude Academy was the first private school to open in the area in 1892. By 1905 tourism swept over the area and became prosperous. Between 1950-1972, Boulder grew from 20,000 inhabitants to 72,000. In 2005, the Best features of Boulder were listed as: “50 fabulous gay-friendly places to live” - book by Gregory A. Kompes, November 2005; “Top 10 cities for masters athletes” - GeezerJock Magazine, September 2005; “7th Best Running City” - Runner’s World Magazine, August 2005; “#6 in “The 100 Best Art Towns in America” by John Villani; “50 Best places to live - best overall city” - Men’s Journal, March 2005; “Going to Boulder” - The New York Times, May 2005; “#18 in the Top 25 Art Cities” - American Style Magazine, June 2005
“Top 20 greenest spots in the country” - Vegetarian Times, July/August 2005. Today its is well known as a retreat, an artist’s collective, an alternative city, inspirational, relaxing, very educated, and a city rich in culture, arts, music, education, and open spaces. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.
Monarch Mountain (Colorado)
Monarch Mountain
www.skimonarch.com
Monarch Mountain, Colorado
A beautiful powder mountain great for a Colorado hide-a-way from the crowded resorts. This mountain rocks. Plus its one of the more affordable mountains in Colorado. With typical Colorado rates at $70-100/ticket at places like Aspen and Vail, you can get tickets from $27-49 at Monarch. It’s where the locals ski. Great trails, great slopes, and good service. Highly recommended. Rating: 4 stars out of 5.
The Tribal Government of Taos Pueblo, NM
Tribal Government - The Tribal Council is composed of over 30 former tribal leaders. The Council elects and appoints the Officials of the Governors Office and the War Chiefs Office. These Officials are appointed for every new calendar year. The Governor and his 9 officials are concerned with civil and business issues within the village and the relations with the non-Indian world. The War Chief and his 11 officials deal with the protection of the tribal land outside of the village walls as well as the protection of the wildlife. Conservation and preservation of the Sacred Village and the Blue Lake Wilderness Area are of primary concern to the Taos Pueblo. The Pueblo’s goal is to maintain the area of over 100,000 acres in its most natural state - protecting trees, water, fish, wildlife, soils, and land from damage. The Taos Pueblo Wilderness Act provided the tribe with exclusive use of the area for traditional purposes and is closed to the general public. (Taos Pueblo introductory brochure)
Cimarron Canyon, New Mexico
Cimarron Canyon, New Mexico
http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/nmparks/PAGES/parks/cimarron/cimarron.htm
High in new Mexico’s High Country, set with clear running water, seasonally snow-peaked mountains, rock climbing sills, canyon niches, and gorgeous forests … Cimarron Canyon has alot to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Its part of a 33,116 acre wildlife area - the largest in New Mexico teaming with Elk, deer, bear, turkey and grouse attracting hunters in the fall and winter. Wildlife viewing is plentiful as songbirds, elk, deer, bear, turkey and grouse call the park home. “You are now at the Great Plains - Rocky Mountain boundary. The Cimarron Range, one of the easternmost ranges of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in this part of New Mexico. Elevation 6,800 feet.” State Park: “This high mountain park is part of a state wildlife area and is managed by the New Mexico State Park Division in cooperation with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Trout fishing is excellent in the Cimarron River and the park offers fine opportunities for backcountry hiking and wildlife viewing. The crenallated granite formations known as the Pallisades are popular with rock climbers.” Pallisades Sill: “These spectacular cliffs are cut by the Cimarron River through igneous rock known as a sill and composed of the rock type monzonite which was emplaced some 40 million years ago as these southern Rocky Mountains were being uplifted. Elevation 8,000 feet. “(roadside historical marker)
Alaska Airlines in Denver and Seattle
Filed under: General, Technology, Vacations, Working
Alaska Airlines
Seatac Airport (Seattle, WA) - Denver International Airport (Denver, Colorado)
1-800-ALASKAAIR
Alaskaairlines.com
A trip to Seattle and back from Denver, Colorado provided a very pleasant and easy flying experience. While I’m a big fan of Northwest Airlines, I think I’m becoming a big fan for this smaller partner airlines. Never were the check-ins consisting of long lines or any waits - smooth and streamlined … and very pleasant helpful staff at both airports and on the flight. Service was A plus. No delays in either flight, in fact, they were early on arrival in all courses. I was very pleased. No problems with luggage either. 5 stars out of 5.
Budget Car Rental - Seatac Airport, Seattle
Filed under: General, Technology, Vacations, Working
Budget Car Rental - Seatac Airport, Seattle
www.budget.com
800-527-0700
A week rental through usaa.com for $144 total price for 8 days. Sweet. Small economy car, the journey went well with it already waiting for me at the airport, and an easy check-out. However the lady at the service counter kept trying to sell me insurance and an upgrade. Hello? I reserved the car (no credit card necessary) through my insurance company. I ordered an economy car, I don’t need to pay more for a full-size (though truthfully would have been helpful with some of my move). Outside of the pushy agent, it was a very pleasant experience. The tire was low on the car, I was disappointed with that. But air-up and it was fine. Feared it might of been a flat. But it held the whole eight days so obviously not. Checkin was good, speedy, easy, and quick receipt. Rated 4 stars out of 5.