Luxury trains in India take tourism to the next level. After all, guests coming from all the over world can surely take delight in exploring the country from an altogether new perspective. The various trains in this genre take guests on pleasure holiday, across the various destinations. While some of them have been designed to take guests across north India, some others take guests on a luxury sojourn across the southern part of the country. One of the options that come to mind at the very mention of a luxury train journey in India is that of the Golden Chariot. Not just the name, it actually is a golden chariot that carries its passengers on a trail across the heritages sites of the place, seated atop a luxury chair.
The heritage sites of South India are very different to those found in the other parts of the country. Mostly belonging to the medieval era, these destinations enable one to comprehend the societies and ways of living of the people of those times. These places take one across a fascinating journey and almost transform one to that era. Yes! Some of the most spectacular destinations of Karnataka including Hampi and Bangalore can also be explored onboard this train. However, what is the highlight of this trip is perhaps the blend, the mix of ideas and tastes that have been incorporated in a single journey of this luxury train in India.
With this article let us talk about the essence of all the 3 distinct trips, aboard the Golden Chariot.
Well, firstly the train is a joint venture of the Ministry of Railways and the State Government of Karnataka. Therefore utmost importance has been given to the overall package of the tour, thereby giving equal weight age to the tastes of the heritage, culture, history as well as wildlife lovers. Therefore where on one hand the trips take one across Bangalore and Mysore (heritage sites), it also takes one through the alleys of Kabini and Bandipur (wildlife sites) and also through Hassan and Hampi (culture sites). Moreover, it also takes one to Goa - the Paradise of India, especially for guests looking forward to beach holidays.
Secondly, the 3 trips have been designed in a way to enable guests to explore the first and the last junction of the tour, in a better manner. Therefore while 2 trips begin in Bangalore, one of them begins and ends in Goa. In this way guests can comfortably stay behind in these places and discover the facets that were left behind as a part of the itinerary of the luxury train. Or better still gauge the spirit of the place before embarking on the luxury journey.
Thirdly and importantly, the Golden Chariot offers guests - dining, conferencing as well as recreational facilities in order to offer them a complete package. No wonder, it is increasingly becoming one of the most fondly opted for luxury trains in India
http://ezinearticles.com/?Captivating-Journeys-Are-What-Luxury-Trains-in-India-Offer&id=2426335
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Seattle Top Attractions
Visiting Seattle's top attractions is one way to learn the city's history, culture, industries and unique beauty and character. Seattle is beyond the ordinary. The creative vitality of the city is felt in the diversity of its regional cuisine and industries such as its Boeing planes and state-of-the-art infrastructures.
Feel the richness of its landscape by visiting Seattle's zoos and marine parks. Get a crash course about the city's interesting past by visiting historical sites such as Pioneer Square and the Klondike National Historic Park. Seattle attractions simply abound in the city, so visitors have plenty of options to suit their time, budget and interests. Here are some of the top attractions in Seattle worth including in your itinerary.
PIKE PLACE MARKET
Pike Place Market receives an average of 9 million visitors each year. Established in 1907 as the local farmers' response against high cost of produce, Pike Place Market is the oldest farmer's market in the U.S. It features 600 shops and stalls of farm produce, specialty foods, antiques, crafts, collectibles and international groceries. Visitors will also find 60 restaurants and take-out counters at Pike Place Market.
PIONEER SQUARE
Pioneer Square is Seattle's oldest neighborhood. Pioneer Square consists of 17 blocks of century-old, red brick buildings that have been restored into art galleries, offices, cafes and shops. After dark, the historic Pioneer Square becomes an entertainment district when nightspots, sports bars and hard rock taverns come alive.
SEATTLE AQUARIUM
Get to view octopus, otters and other Pacific Northwest marine creatures at the Seattle Aquarium. More than that, get to touch and explore their aquatic world through the facility's touch tank and underwater dome. Three dive shows are featured each day.
WOODLAND PARK ZOO
Woodland Park Zoo is second only to New York's Bronx Zoo in terms of the number of Best National Exhibit awards won from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The 65-acre zoo is home to 300 animal species, 35 endangered and 5 threatened animal species, and 1090 animal specimens. Exhibits include Bug World, African Savannah, Australasia and Temperate Forest.
BOEING TOUR
The Boeing Tour brings visitors to a 98.7- acre facility, the largest building in the world by volume. The building contains Boeing 747, 767 and 767 in their various states of assembly and flight test. The tour takes more than an hour to complete. Visitors should be ready to walk for approximately one-third of a mile, take 21 steep stairs and one elevator ride.
KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
Klondike National Historic Park features exhibits and audiovisual programs that portray the 1897 Klondike gold rush in the Yukon Territory and how Seattle served as a gateway and transportation center for miners rushing north. Two historical trails, the White Pass Trail and Chilkoot Trail, are well-preserved here.
SEATTLE SPACE NEEDLE
The Seattle Space Needle is one of Pacific Northwest's major landmarks and Seattle's symbol. This tower reaches 605 feet into the sky. Built in 1962, the Space Needle observation deck provides a 360-degree view of the downtown Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains and surrounding islands. Visit the SkyCity Restaurant inside the tower at a height of 500 feet and experience unique dining on Pacific Northwest cuisine. The restaurant even rotates!
SEATTLE CENTER
The Seattle Center is 74-acre complex that holds the Seattle Opera, Seattle Repertory, Pacific Northwest Center, Pacific Science Center and the Key Arena. In the middle of the campus is the International Fountain, a modernist water sculpture with 20 spouts, different water shooting patterns, and accompanying world music that is changed monthly. Other attractions include the Kobe Bell (a city landmark), the Fisher Pavilion, and the Fun Forest Amusement Park. In 1962, the campus was the site of the Century 21 Exposition.
HIRAM M. CHITTENDEN LOCKS & CARL ENGLISH BOTANICAL GARDENS
The third most popular of Seattle's top attractions, Chittenden Locks was built in 1917 by the Army Corps of Engineers. This complex of locks is located in the middle of Salmon Bay, allowing passage of vessels from Lake Washington to Puget Sound. Also known as Ballard Locks, Chittenden Locks draws tourists who love watching a parade of sailboats, barges, yacht and motorboats. Located on the grounds of Chittenden Lcoks is the Carl English Botanical Gardens; it grows more than 1500 flower varieties and 500 species.
MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
The Mt. Rainier National Park features an active volcano coated with 35 square miles of snow and ice. Surrounding the peak are valleys, waterfalls, wildflower meadows and old growth forest. Of the 10,000 climbing attempts made each year, only 25% of all people make it to the peak of Mt. Rainer successfully. The national park draws approximately 2 million visits annually.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Seattle-Top-Attractions&id=2284323
Feel the richness of its landscape by visiting Seattle's zoos and marine parks. Get a crash course about the city's interesting past by visiting historical sites such as Pioneer Square and the Klondike National Historic Park. Seattle attractions simply abound in the city, so visitors have plenty of options to suit their time, budget and interests. Here are some of the top attractions in Seattle worth including in your itinerary.
PIKE PLACE MARKET
Pike Place Market receives an average of 9 million visitors each year. Established in 1907 as the local farmers' response against high cost of produce, Pike Place Market is the oldest farmer's market in the U.S. It features 600 shops and stalls of farm produce, specialty foods, antiques, crafts, collectibles and international groceries. Visitors will also find 60 restaurants and take-out counters at Pike Place Market.
PIONEER SQUARE
Pioneer Square is Seattle's oldest neighborhood. Pioneer Square consists of 17 blocks of century-old, red brick buildings that have been restored into art galleries, offices, cafes and shops. After dark, the historic Pioneer Square becomes an entertainment district when nightspots, sports bars and hard rock taverns come alive.
SEATTLE AQUARIUM
Get to view octopus, otters and other Pacific Northwest marine creatures at the Seattle Aquarium. More than that, get to touch and explore their aquatic world through the facility's touch tank and underwater dome. Three dive shows are featured each day.
WOODLAND PARK ZOO
Woodland Park Zoo is second only to New York's Bronx Zoo in terms of the number of Best National Exhibit awards won from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The 65-acre zoo is home to 300 animal species, 35 endangered and 5 threatened animal species, and 1090 animal specimens. Exhibits include Bug World, African Savannah, Australasia and Temperate Forest.
BOEING TOUR
The Boeing Tour brings visitors to a 98.7- acre facility, the largest building in the world by volume. The building contains Boeing 747, 767 and 767 in their various states of assembly and flight test. The tour takes more than an hour to complete. Visitors should be ready to walk for approximately one-third of a mile, take 21 steep stairs and one elevator ride.
KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
Klondike National Historic Park features exhibits and audiovisual programs that portray the 1897 Klondike gold rush in the Yukon Territory and how Seattle served as a gateway and transportation center for miners rushing north. Two historical trails, the White Pass Trail and Chilkoot Trail, are well-preserved here.
SEATTLE SPACE NEEDLE
The Seattle Space Needle is one of Pacific Northwest's major landmarks and Seattle's symbol. This tower reaches 605 feet into the sky. Built in 1962, the Space Needle observation deck provides a 360-degree view of the downtown Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains and surrounding islands. Visit the SkyCity Restaurant inside the tower at a height of 500 feet and experience unique dining on Pacific Northwest cuisine. The restaurant even rotates!
SEATTLE CENTER
The Seattle Center is 74-acre complex that holds the Seattle Opera, Seattle Repertory, Pacific Northwest Center, Pacific Science Center and the Key Arena. In the middle of the campus is the International Fountain, a modernist water sculpture with 20 spouts, different water shooting patterns, and accompanying world music that is changed monthly. Other attractions include the Kobe Bell (a city landmark), the Fisher Pavilion, and the Fun Forest Amusement Park. In 1962, the campus was the site of the Century 21 Exposition.
HIRAM M. CHITTENDEN LOCKS & CARL ENGLISH BOTANICAL GARDENS
The third most popular of Seattle's top attractions, Chittenden Locks was built in 1917 by the Army Corps of Engineers. This complex of locks is located in the middle of Salmon Bay, allowing passage of vessels from Lake Washington to Puget Sound. Also known as Ballard Locks, Chittenden Locks draws tourists who love watching a parade of sailboats, barges, yacht and motorboats. Located on the grounds of Chittenden Lcoks is the Carl English Botanical Gardens; it grows more than 1500 flower varieties and 500 species.
MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
The Mt. Rainier National Park features an active volcano coated with 35 square miles of snow and ice. Surrounding the peak are valleys, waterfalls, wildflower meadows and old growth forest. Of the 10,000 climbing attempts made each year, only 25% of all people make it to the peak of Mt. Rainer successfully. The national park draws approximately 2 million visits annually.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Seattle-Top-Attractions&id=2284323
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Udaipur Great Lakes
Udaipur is the city of lakes and sometimes referred to as the Venice of East. This is an exotic city that provides a lot of tourist activities options to all its visitors. It has lovely blend of water, green lush hills that make poet bring the best of their passion to be able to write something based on what they see. The palace structures are very much like the complex and grand palaces we read in storybooks. The Udaipur is also known as the city of Dawn.
The Udaipur has forts, temples, mountains, gardens and narrow lanes. All these things reveals the heroic past of the place. It has so many stories that talk about valor and chivalry. All painters, poets and even writers would love to see this city because it has so many thing that any writer could write. You may call this place as a fairy tale place because you can find all kinds of fairy tales in here.
Udaipur has six famous lakes, namely the Pichhola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, Jaisamand Lake, Badi Lake and Rajsamand Lake.
The Pichhola Lake is located at the very core of Rajasthan City. This is the oldest and largest lake in Udaipur, built in 1362 by Pichhu Banjara. This was during Maharan Lakha's ruling period. It was expanded in 1560. As of now, it has been the number one attraction of Udaipur. The Gangaur Festival was celebrated in an old town near the place. And this festival is always made livelier with many fireworks and other light works. People from all over the world always look forward to this event.
The Fateh Sagar Lake is another artificial lake found in Udaipur. This is the second artificial lake with three islands gracing it. Nahru Park has been the largest among the islands that graces the lake. As of now this has been a part of a public park. It has water jet fountain that adds up to its beauty.
In 1559, Maharana Udai Singh built the Udai Sagar Lake. It took six years for the artificial lake to be finished. It saw its completion in 1565. It was built primarily to ensure the kingdom of Maharana Udai Singh had enough water supplies all the time.
In 1573, there was a Maharana Pratap Singh that was invented in the banks of the river. This invention was once a big issue because many were against the conditions that Mughal Emperor Akbar offered. It eventually led to a battle, a bloody way to settle the dispute.
People who visit Udai Sagar Lake nowadays are enjoying the serene effects and calming view of the water.
The Jaisamand Lake belongs to the second largest artificial lake in the whole Asia. It is sometimes also called Dhebar. This lake is very near the natural habitat of animals. There are panthers, birds, deer, leopards, crocodiles and wild boars living there. This was once a hunting ground for the rulers back then.
The Badi Lake was made to fight the effect of famine which was very devastating. This lake is graced by three pavilions. It has a total land area of 155 sq km.
The Rajsamand Lake was built in 1660. This was intended to give relief from Maharana Raj Singh. This is to provide jobs for all the victims of drought and famine. This also provides irrigation in the places of drought.
Udaipur is definitely a must to see for nature lovers.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Udaipur-Great-Lakes&id=2192034
The Udaipur has forts, temples, mountains, gardens and narrow lanes. All these things reveals the heroic past of the place. It has so many stories that talk about valor and chivalry. All painters, poets and even writers would love to see this city because it has so many thing that any writer could write. You may call this place as a fairy tale place because you can find all kinds of fairy tales in here.
Udaipur has six famous lakes, namely the Pichhola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, Jaisamand Lake, Badi Lake and Rajsamand Lake.
The Pichhola Lake is located at the very core of Rajasthan City. This is the oldest and largest lake in Udaipur, built in 1362 by Pichhu Banjara. This was during Maharan Lakha's ruling period. It was expanded in 1560. As of now, it has been the number one attraction of Udaipur. The Gangaur Festival was celebrated in an old town near the place. And this festival is always made livelier with many fireworks and other light works. People from all over the world always look forward to this event.
The Fateh Sagar Lake is another artificial lake found in Udaipur. This is the second artificial lake with three islands gracing it. Nahru Park has been the largest among the islands that graces the lake. As of now this has been a part of a public park. It has water jet fountain that adds up to its beauty.
In 1559, Maharana Udai Singh built the Udai Sagar Lake. It took six years for the artificial lake to be finished. It saw its completion in 1565. It was built primarily to ensure the kingdom of Maharana Udai Singh had enough water supplies all the time.
In 1573, there was a Maharana Pratap Singh that was invented in the banks of the river. This invention was once a big issue because many were against the conditions that Mughal Emperor Akbar offered. It eventually led to a battle, a bloody way to settle the dispute.
People who visit Udai Sagar Lake nowadays are enjoying the serene effects and calming view of the water.
The Jaisamand Lake belongs to the second largest artificial lake in the whole Asia. It is sometimes also called Dhebar. This lake is very near the natural habitat of animals. There are panthers, birds, deer, leopards, crocodiles and wild boars living there. This was once a hunting ground for the rulers back then.
The Badi Lake was made to fight the effect of famine which was very devastating. This lake is graced by three pavilions. It has a total land area of 155 sq km.
The Rajsamand Lake was built in 1660. This was intended to give relief from Maharana Raj Singh. This is to provide jobs for all the victims of drought and famine. This also provides irrigation in the places of drought.
Udaipur is definitely a must to see for nature lovers.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Udaipur-Great-Lakes&id=2192034
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Florida Vacation Rental Solutions For Large Groups
As families are spread out all across the country, it's becoming more common for large groups to meet at a popular vacation destination like Orlando. Instead of trying to book multiple hotel rooms, large groups can simply book a villa rental in Orlando so everyone can stay in one place. Doing this means it's easy to get everyone together before heading out to the area attractions. Additionally, many of these vacation rental homes in Orlando offer a private pool and have a full kitchen, which means you don't have to face the long restaurant waits while the staff prepares a meal for a large table.
Staying In A Villa Rental In Orlando Means Easy Organizing
If you're trying to organize a vacation for a large group of family or friends, staying in one of the many Disney vacation rentals means it'll be easier to get everyone going. Instead of spending hours on your cell phones trying to figure out the best time to meet, you'll have everyone in one place, making organizing easy. Having everyone together also means families can split up if they want to because everyone ends up at the same villa rental in Orlando.
Staying In Vacation Rental Homes In Orlando Is Less Expensive
Staying in a hotel with a large group means you'll need many different hotel rooms. The cost can quickly add up, especially if you're taking a longer vacation. It's possible to find a villa rental in Orlando that can sleep up to 14 people, which can really help spread out the cost. Even small families can benefit from renting a villa rental in Orlando. Oftentimes, families with young children need to stick to strict bedtime routines. If the family has rented a small hotel room, the parents are forced inside early or need to find a babysitter to watch over their children. Staying in Disney vacation rentals means parents will be able to put the children to bed and enjoy themselves in another room of the home.
Many of these Disney vacation rentals come with private pools so you can have the option of spending a couple days relaxing by your own pool. The cost of the pool is included in your villa rental in Orlando, making a day at the pool an inexpensive, but still fun day.
Disney Vacation Rentals Mean Meals Are Easy
Planning and coordinating a meal out with a large group can be a complete nightmare, especially if you're traveling with young children. By staying in one of the Disney vacation rentals, you'll be able to plan meals at home - saving you from the headache of waiting for a large table. Additionally, you'll be able to save money by not eating out every meal.
The available kitchens in the Disney vacation rentals are also ideal for families dealing with food allergies. Because families can cook with known ingredients, there's less of a chance that food can become contaminated with an allergen.
Disney vacation rentals are the ideal situation for large groups visiting Orlando. Groups will be able to easily organize day trips, while saving money on lodging and food. Once you stay in a villa rental in Orlando, you may never want to stay in a traditional hotel ever again!
http://ezinearticles.com/?Florida-Vacation-Rental-Solutions-For-Large-Groups&id=2121741
Staying In A Villa Rental In Orlando Means Easy Organizing
If you're trying to organize a vacation for a large group of family or friends, staying in one of the many Disney vacation rentals means it'll be easier to get everyone going. Instead of spending hours on your cell phones trying to figure out the best time to meet, you'll have everyone in one place, making organizing easy. Having everyone together also means families can split up if they want to because everyone ends up at the same villa rental in Orlando.
Staying In Vacation Rental Homes In Orlando Is Less Expensive
Staying in a hotel with a large group means you'll need many different hotel rooms. The cost can quickly add up, especially if you're taking a longer vacation. It's possible to find a villa rental in Orlando that can sleep up to 14 people, which can really help spread out the cost. Even small families can benefit from renting a villa rental in Orlando. Oftentimes, families with young children need to stick to strict bedtime routines. If the family has rented a small hotel room, the parents are forced inside early or need to find a babysitter to watch over their children. Staying in Disney vacation rentals means parents will be able to put the children to bed and enjoy themselves in another room of the home.
Many of these Disney vacation rentals come with private pools so you can have the option of spending a couple days relaxing by your own pool. The cost of the pool is included in your villa rental in Orlando, making a day at the pool an inexpensive, but still fun day.
Disney Vacation Rentals Mean Meals Are Easy
Planning and coordinating a meal out with a large group can be a complete nightmare, especially if you're traveling with young children. By staying in one of the Disney vacation rentals, you'll be able to plan meals at home - saving you from the headache of waiting for a large table. Additionally, you'll be able to save money by not eating out every meal.
The available kitchens in the Disney vacation rentals are also ideal for families dealing with food allergies. Because families can cook with known ingredients, there's less of a chance that food can become contaminated with an allergen.
Disney vacation rentals are the ideal situation for large groups visiting Orlando. Groups will be able to easily organize day trips, while saving money on lodging and food. Once you stay in a villa rental in Orlando, you may never want to stay in a traditional hotel ever again!
http://ezinearticles.com/?Florida-Vacation-Rental-Solutions-For-Large-Groups&id=2121741
Friday, February 27, 2009
Cruising the Philippine seas
STEVE Tajanlangit was 12 years old the first time he set foot on the powder-fine white sands of Boracay. He went there with friends and had intended to stay only for a day or two. Well, he ended up staying for two weeks! Years later, in the ’80s, Steve returned to Boracay as an entrepreneur and put up his own hotel, the Boracay Terraces.
Nowadays, Steve’s newest baby keeps him busy: The 7107 Islands Cruise, a four-story, floating resort/hotel that has been traversing the Philippine waters since last year, from Manila Bay to Boracay, and as far as Coron and the Calamianes group of islands in northern Palawan.
Tourism triangle
He envisions the Manila-Boracay-Coron tourism triangle, which includes the islands of Mindoro, Batangas, Romblon and Palawan, as the “Bahamas of the East.” He stresses: “Our islands have so much more to offer than those visited by other cruises abroad.”
Today, the cruise ship will pay tribute to historic Corregidor Island, and on March 5-9, it travels again to Coron. The vessel has 137 cabins, a swimming pool, a sun deck spa, a videoke bar, a gym and a piano bar cum restaurant, which is transformed into a ballroom with a live band in the evening.
On the ground, its package includes such activities as trekking, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, boat paddling or sailing. Call (632) 887-7107 or 752-8255 to 57, or visit www.7107islandscruise.net.
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090228-191513/Cruising-the-Philippine-seas
Nowadays, Steve’s newest baby keeps him busy: The 7107 Islands Cruise, a four-story, floating resort/hotel that has been traversing the Philippine waters since last year, from Manila Bay to Boracay, and as far as Coron and the Calamianes group of islands in northern Palawan.
Tourism triangle
He envisions the Manila-Boracay-Coron tourism triangle, which includes the islands of Mindoro, Batangas, Romblon and Palawan, as the “Bahamas of the East.” He stresses: “Our islands have so much more to offer than those visited by other cruises abroad.”
Today, the cruise ship will pay tribute to historic Corregidor Island, and on March 5-9, it travels again to Coron. The vessel has 137 cabins, a swimming pool, a sun deck spa, a videoke bar, a gym and a piano bar cum restaurant, which is transformed into a ballroom with a live band in the evening.
On the ground, its package includes such activities as trekking, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, boat paddling or sailing. Call (632) 887-7107 or 752-8255 to 57, or visit www.7107islandscruise.net.
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090228-191513/Cruising-the-Philippine-seas
Monday, February 2, 2009
Harrisburg outdoor show has it all
The granddaddy of outdoors shows is upon us, and if you think you have a good reason why you should get a pair of free tickets, read on.
I remember the first time I walked into Cabelas in Hamburg, on media day a few years back. The words "I think I'm at Disney World" spilled from my lips. One of the corporate gentlemen at the door chuckled and shook my hand.
Well, if you've never been to the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, you might say the same thing when you get there.
It's simply the biggest collection of all things outdoors on the planet. When you consider the billions of dollars Pennsylvania hunters, fishing fanatics, campers, kayak/canoeists, ATV riders, bird dog enthusiasts, bass masters, trout fanatics, turkey callers, long range shooters, coyote chasers, RVers, boaters and just about every other outdoors activity participant put into the economy, it's no wonder why we are home to this show.
The daily schedule alone would take a full page to list. From shooting skills to casting seminars, fishing tips to habitat knowledge, deer butchering to fly tying, dog training to jerk baits, venison sausage making to turkey calling, raptor/falcon demonstrations to a trout pond and more boats, ATVs and RVs than you've ever seen in one place.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex will be busting at the seams with something for every member of the family.
In this miserable economy, I was curious if the show would be affected by the pull-back that most of us have been doing when it comes to spending. Deb Tressler, who organizes the show, told me ticket sales are brisk.
"Ticket sales on-line are actually ahead of last year," Tressler said.
A lot has been written and said about American families staying closer to home these days in an effort to save on expenses. My bet is this is a great place for close to home vacation and adventure ideas. For example, last year some of the outfitters offering everything from guided hunts to dude ranch excursions were talking discounts because of the ridiculous fuel prices.
One of the most popular sections of the show (it occupies an entire building bigger than a Wal-Mart) is the one dedicated only to outfitters.
Tressler and the good folks that work all year round to put all the million and one details together for this show gave me a few tickets that I'd like to give away. All you have to do is e-mail me or write a note and tell me why you want to go. I'll draw a name or two out of a hat.
Maybe you like the idea of gator hunting in Florida or spending a long weekend on a houseboat in a Pennsylvania state park is more your speed. Would you like to meet one of the stars of just about any of the outdoors shows on TV? If you fantasize of owning a boat or RV or ATV, you can compare every make and model at this show. And you can make deals. Many of the dealers at the show have leftovers and discounted models for you to haggle over.
There will be full-size log cabins erected for you to check out and maybe buy and build on your lot in the mountains.
Every outdoors organization in this hemisphere that exists for the enhancement of wildlife, hunting, fishing and every other activity outside your four walls will be there. The bottom line is if you want to make one trek to one show in any given year, this is it. It's huge and it's got everything imaginable. There's lots of food and drink and treats (ever wanted to try a real mountain oyster?) for you to try.
My advice is for you to get there very early and plan to stay very late. You can see it all in one day, but it takes the full day. Most area hotels are booked full either due to all the vendors or from those that choose to use two days to absorb the whole thing.
If you've ever been to the Farm Show Complex, you know it's cavernous. This show fills not just every room and arena but every nook, cranny and hallway in between is filled to capacity - over a million square feet. I like the show and go every year because it's a place to daydream while you take in all the sights and sounds. Last year, my brother and I took my son and his best friend. I don't know who had more fun, the kids or us, but we laughed all day.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/117/2009/february/02/harrisburg-outdoor-show-has-it-all.html
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Some officials question aviation training center
WICHITA, Kan. — A couple of Sedgwick County commissioners are wondering if there's still a need to build a $54 million aviation training center at a time when so many workers in the industry are being laid off.
Commissioner Gwen Welshimer questions if students will enroll and if they'll get jobs after. She said the project, largely funded by Sedgwick County, might need to be broadened to include other areas, such as health care.
"In the past, workers have been able to go to other aircraft companies," she said. "But now, we've got all of them losing contracts. I don't think the county should sit idly by and just go on with business as usual."
Commissioner Kelly Parks wants information on where costs could be trimmed.
But aviation leaders and another commissioner say they are building for the future, not the present.
Pete Gustaf, president of Wichita Area Technical College, says the industry is in much better shape than after Sept. 11, 2001.
"We did not have the infrastructure after 9/11 to be able to retrain these people who needed retraining," said Gustaf, also chief executive of the Sedgwick County Technical Education and Training Authority. "We react to the way the businesses are operating. We know that there are going to be cycles."
Commissioner Dave Unruh said demand for training will increase, despite the slowing economy.
"The issue is what is the right thing to do in making sure that our aviation cluster stays healthy and stays in south-central Kansas," Unruh said. "The aviation companies say we need two things: We need research, and we need a trained work force."
The center will offer several training programs and is expected to have about 1,500 full-time students.
The slumping economy has affected orders for planes. Layoff announcements at Wichita plants began in November and the number of jobs to be cut now stands at more than 3,500.
Jim Walters, senior vice president for human resources at Cessna Aircraft, said the near-term job outlook is fuzzy.
"Unfortunately, we're not seeing any bright spots yet," he said. "The markets are continuing to deteriorate for every industry. We will get through this. It will cycle."
The center could also lose $2.5 million in state funding for the center through cuts.
Last session, state lawmakers approved $5 million each in spending for the Jabara campus and the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University.
The two institutions had hoped for the same amount in 2010, but the state is coping with a budget shortfall.
http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/434269.html
Commissioner Gwen Welshimer questions if students will enroll and if they'll get jobs after. She said the project, largely funded by Sedgwick County, might need to be broadened to include other areas, such as health care.
"In the past, workers have been able to go to other aircraft companies," she said. "But now, we've got all of them losing contracts. I don't think the county should sit idly by and just go on with business as usual."
Commissioner Kelly Parks wants information on where costs could be trimmed.
But aviation leaders and another commissioner say they are building for the future, not the present.
Pete Gustaf, president of Wichita Area Technical College, says the industry is in much better shape than after Sept. 11, 2001.
"We did not have the infrastructure after 9/11 to be able to retrain these people who needed retraining," said Gustaf, also chief executive of the Sedgwick County Technical Education and Training Authority. "We react to the way the businesses are operating. We know that there are going to be cycles."
Commissioner Dave Unruh said demand for training will increase, despite the slowing economy.
"The issue is what is the right thing to do in making sure that our aviation cluster stays healthy and stays in south-central Kansas," Unruh said. "The aviation companies say we need two things: We need research, and we need a trained work force."
The center will offer several training programs and is expected to have about 1,500 full-time students.
The slumping economy has affected orders for planes. Layoff announcements at Wichita plants began in November and the number of jobs to be cut now stands at more than 3,500.
Jim Walters, senior vice president for human resources at Cessna Aircraft, said the near-term job outlook is fuzzy.
"Unfortunately, we're not seeing any bright spots yet," he said. "The markets are continuing to deteriorate for every industry. We will get through this. It will cycle."
The center could also lose $2.5 million in state funding for the center through cuts.
Last session, state lawmakers approved $5 million each in spending for the Jabara campus and the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University.
The two institutions had hoped for the same amount in 2010, but the state is coping with a budget shortfall.
http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/434269.html
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