Useful Blog From Liza

The most important thing about finding Key West vacation homes is to know when they are most likely to be available. The peak demand for Key West vacation home is between the mid-December and Easter, and if those wanting Key West vacation homes during that period will have to commit to renting them for a week at a time.
Key West vacation rentals will place their occupants at the southernmost tip of the United States, and they will be able to choose from among condominiums, elegant villas, fully equipped family homes, and Key West "cottages." Many Key West vacation homes are architectural gems, reflective of Key West's multi-cultural history. That history was shared by such notables as Ernest Hemingway, John James Audubon, and Thomas Edison; but Key West vacation homes are also perfect for those whose tastes run to outdoor adventure.
Visitors to Key West can leave their Key West vacation homes and head for the Bight to arrange a day of fishing, swimming, diving, or snorkeling. Returning in the afternoon, they can wait for the spontaneous sunset celebration which erupts at Mallory Dock. The Key West sun is, oddly, at its brightest when it sets, and is put to bed by the antics of jugglers, street musicians, and mimes.
The Key West nightlife awaits those who take the time to freshen up from their day out at their Key West vacation homes, and offers everything from gourmet meals at world-class restaurants to night beat to tropically-themed drinks served at open-air bars. The Key West theatrical culture is a vibrant one, with dramatic, comedic, and musical offerings to suit any sort of audience.
Those who are enjoying a stay in Key West vacation homes can look forward to a variety of public celebrations which vary with the seasons, from the Florida Keys Seafood festival in January, to the Halloween Fantasy Fest, to the Duval Street and Seaport New Year's Eve Celebrations to close out the year. For more info see http://www.vacationhomeshelp.com/Hawaii_Vacation_Homes on Hawaii Vacation Homes.
Key West vacation homes are especially popular among gays and lesbians, who were a big part of Key West's renaissance in the 1980s. And many Key West vacation homes have owners who are willing to accommodate pets, so that every member of your family can spend a bit of time in this little strip of Paradise.
Each of the Key West vacation homes, like Key West itself, will be awash in color and personality. Many of them will be equipped with every high-end amenity from in-ground swimming pools and hot tubs to high-speed Internet access. With a little research and careful planning, you should be able to find the Key West vacation home which will provide you with the sun-drenched vacation of your dreams!

Key West Bike Tour Island Bike Adventure!
Bring your t-shirt, shorts, sneakers and a camera . . . and take home memories!
The Bike Tour of Key West, www.keywestbikeecotour.com, takes guests into the Key West of yesteryear - the 19th Century village at the edge of the tropics.
Guests bicycle from one side of this lush, green, tropical island to the other. Bicycle along the beach; through tree-shrouded streets and shady, hidden lanes; through the "Presidential Gate" in the Old Navy Base, along the old waterfront - and into history. They will discover the Key West of the natives!
Christian Rieger, president of the parent corporation, The Bike Tour of Key West Z, Inc., says, "Our team of professional guides wend and wind guests through the nooks and crannies of this sea-faring town at the edge of a continent. They see small cottages and grand old mansions amidst stately palms and lofty mahogany trees. They get the full gamut of this city of 19th century ship salvagers, cigar-makers, and spongers."
The island's association with American history started in 1821 with a merchant by the name of John Simonton. This well-heeled, New Jersey-born man had been treasurer of that state's first chartered bank. He had a few bucks in his pocket and appreciated the strategic value of Key West.
He sailed to Havana and bought it from Juan P. Salas for 2,000 cash. 2,000 was then like a couple of million dollars is today. All things considered, it was quite a deal because as a local once said, "You can't hardly buy a tree for that."
Soon after the purchase, New England seafarers, Bahamians, and Cubans settled on the island. Back then it was then v-e-r-y isolated from the rest of America. It was at the end of a string of small islands extending down from the vast semi-tropical wilderness of the Everglades.
The two closest Floridian cities were Panama City on the west coast, and St. Augustine on the east coast. No cars, no planes, no trains, and no Miami. Just boats, mosquitos, and lots of distance between here and anywhere else. These were less hurried times. "Although busier today," says Rieger, "The bike tour takes guests as if through a time warp to those simpler, easier-paced times."
Along the way, participants see quaint old cottages and grand old Victorian mansions that hail from a century and a half ago. Guests visit a place visitors to Key West rarely get to see - what Key West looked like before human settlement.
"We visit a one-acre, Private Rain Forest Preserve replete with parrots, orchids, bamboos, stately palms and majestic mahogany trees. Most participants think this is the highlight of the tour. It is part of someone's home, and travelers rarely get to visit the grounds of a private residence - even more so one looks like a rain forest.
"We also bicycle along a beach with Cuba 90 miles to our south. There is a stop with a photo op at the Southernmost Point. Just before the end of end of the tour, we visit a Key Lime bakery for a complimentary piece of Key West's favorite dessert - Key Lime Pie. This is made the classical way with real Key Limes, sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks and graham cracker crust."
Join the Key West Bike eco Tour - smell the tropical air, the salt sea and witness the history of Key West in what one newspaper said "has the most unique history in the United States."

Thinking about visiting Key Largo, but you are not too sure what all the enthusiasm is with people when they hear the words Key Largo. Well after reading this, you might want to start planning your vacation in a flash.
Key Largo is part of the Florida Keys and is a beautiful place filled with romance, wild fun, and relaxing enjoyment. There are so many different things to enjoy in Key Largo that you will not get to experience anywhere else. One of the best things is seeing the sunset and rise over the beautiful waters of Key Largo.
Ever dream about swimming with the dolphins? Well in Key Largo, you get the wonderful chance of getting up close and personal with the wonderful bottled nosed dolphin. Not only can you touch the dolphins, but you can also get that once in a lifetime chance to swim with them. There are a few different places where you can do this is Key Largo. So make sure to put this on your list of things to do on your vacation.
One of the other great things with Key Largo is the many different Tours of the scenery and the wildlife. You can take a tour to see all the exotic wildlife or take a tour to watch the beautiful sunset and see all the beautiful, breath-taking scenery. You could even take that special someone for a romantic cruise and watch the sunset over the ocean and share this moment in the only place on earth with this sunset. If you are on a family vacation then you might want to go with the tours of the wildlife and watch your kids have a blast watching animals they have never seen before in their home environment.
The best thing to experience while in Key Largo is diving and snorkeling. Key Largo has been known for their waters that are protected from spear fishing, hook and line fishing. All their under water creatures are very friendly and very well protected from being killed. Here are a few things you will find besides sea creatures under the water:
- Statue of Christ of the Abyss: A statue that can be seen by anyone.
- Benwood Wreck: A World War II ship that is home to herds of different fish.
- The Elbow: A Shipwreck that is home to the Barracuda and Eels.
These are just a few of the different things that await you besides the sea creatures that live in these underwater wrecks. So make sure to take a dive and remember your underwater camera so you can take great underwater pictures.
Key Largo is not only full of wildlife and underwater creatures, but there are tons of different shopping places to find some great souvenirs to take home and show your friends and family. Key Largo also holds some of the best hotels and restaurants for families or for romance. If you are more into the wild side of life and having fun, there are also many clubs and bars that you can go to so you cut loose and have fun with your friends. Therefore, if any of these awesome adventures is you are looking for to do, then make sure to visit Key Largo for the time of your life.

According to the Eastman Kodak Co., the flowers and ornate concrete water fountains at Keukenhof in the Netherlands are the second most photographed place in the world, after the Taj Mahal in Aga, India. Keukenhof's history is almost as colorful as its famous Dutch gardens.
Keukenhof Has a Colorful History - Just Like its Dutch Gardens
When the fair Jacoba van Beieren (1401-1436) wasn't in the throes of planning her next wedding, the thrice-married countess spent much of her time riding through the estate's 70 acres in pursuit of deer and other royal game. Much of the grounds were also devoted to raising vegetables and herbs to feed the Countess van Beieren's large and hungry court. (The name Keukenhof means "kitchen garden" in Dutch). There were no formal gardens with concrete water fountains during her time.
Little now remains of her palace but a few brick walls. The countess would be hard-pressed to find a sprig of sage to flavor her venison stew in the garden that exists here today. The gardens today include miles of flowerbeds, wall water fountains and concrete water fountains. To learn more about the basics of wall and concrete water fountains visit http://www.garden-fountains.com/articles/basics-of-water-fountains.html.
Bulbs and Concrete Water Fountains are Everywhere in the Dutch Garden's of Keukenhof
Tulips have replaced turnips, and herbs have given way to hyacinths, much to the delight of the million or so tourists who flock here each spring to what has become the world's largest flower garden and the most photographed concrete water fountains since they are surrounded by dazzling color.
Since 1949, Dutch bulb growers have used this park to show off the splendor of Holland's bulb industry. Each autumn, a staggering 7 million bulbs are planted by some 30 gardeners to guarantee a breathtaking spring show. Each year the old bulbs are dug up and tossed away. The concrete water fountains accentuate the display of bulbs each year.
To ensure constant color in the same beds, bulbs are planted in layers: Late-blooming tulips are planted deepest, above them midseason tulips, then hyacinths, and finally the earliest blooms, such as crocuses.
Waves of brilliant, tall cottage tulips and fragrant Dutch hyacinths spill down gentle slopes toward a lake where white swans glide across still water. Concrete water fountains and small brooks break the silence with refreshing splashes of water. One visitor observed: "If heaven doesn't look just like this place, I'm moving." For more ideas on concrete water fountains check out http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Garden+Fountains.
In another area, formal rectangular beds of tulips and daffodils grace the shade-dappled walkways under a stand of towering 150-year-old beech trees.
The Themes in Keukenhof Tied Together With Concrete Water Fountains
There are also theme gardens, including Japanese, music, historical, and meadow gardens. Some 30 sculptures, objects d'art and concrete water gardens that grace the lawns. And what would a tourist attraction in Holland be without the signature windmill? There's even a maze where you can lose the kids for a few minutes.
Keukenhof also boasts several informal restaurants and indoor exhibits, including an orchid pavilion. Peacocks stroll the grounds, while some 30 species of wild birds nest among the thousands of trees and shrubs.
Keukenhof is 11 miles southwest of Amsterdam. While you are in Amsterdam, you should stop and visit the historic garden. You will probably see artists from all over the world sitting beside the concrete water gardens while busy sketching some of the antique tulips. If it is your first visit, feel forewarned that the beauty of the place might overcome you. It almost makes some visitors dizzy due to the incredible beauty in every direction. It's almost too much for the eye to take in.
If she were still around, the Countess van Beieren might not be able to feed her court from the kitchen garden at Keukenhof, but she certainly could dazzle guests with magnificent floral arrangements and concrete water fountains.
The Keukenhof's spring show for the Dutch Garden runs from March 21 to May 18. Further information is available at http://www.keukenhof.com

As a child, Africa fascinated me - a land where the wild and exotic animals of storybooks and zoos roamed free on the plains. And where Kenya was always the quintessential home of the safari.
Many visits later I'm no less enthralled by this region of dramatic contrasts, and remarkable wildlife amid stunningly beautiful and varied landscapes that are still unencumbered by the trappings of man. And little compares to nights filled with the primal sounds of the bush - the hoots and laughs of hyenas, the grumble of distant lions and the snorts of a hippo.
Kenya, the land where safari was born, is also known as the cradle of mankind - evidence of some of the earliest human settlements has been found here, suggesting that it was the birthplace of humanity from which descendents moved out to populate the world. However, it's the boundless wilderness and big game of this region that has long attracted adventure seekers from all over the globe. No other African country can boast such an incredible range of scenery, unique geographical features and species.
A safari in Kenya is an extraordinary holiday for any wildlife lover, no matter your budget or the level of adventure you're looking for. There's no end of things to explore; from the highlands of central Kenya to the great Rift valley; from the elephants of Amboseli wallowing in a small watering hole, to the vast shores of Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world; and from the spectacular views of Africa's highest point, Mount Kilimanjaro, down to a coast of shimmering white sands along the Indian Ocean.
Soak up the wonders of nature while camping under the stars out in the bush, hundreds of miles away from civilization, or relax in luxury at one of the lodges scattered throughout the many game reserves and national parks of this magical country.
Whether you're walking, driving, or even bobbing your way across the plains atop a camel, you'll discover the scents, sounds, and footprints of the bush, as you enjoy the sight of a hyena at full gallop, weaving behind the adrenaline-powered run of a gazelle, or a mighty battle as buffalo bulls fight over territory.
If you venture on a Kenyan safari during July or August, perhaps the best way to check out the wildlife is by hot air balloon. Few places offer a better vantage point from which to witness the amazing phenomenon that is the annual wildebeest migration across the plains of the Maasai Mara, when millions of hooves thunder northwards in search of sweeter grazing during the drier months in the south.
The Maasai Mara Reserve, 200 sq miles of rolling hills, woods and acacia trees watered by the Mara and Talek rivers, opens onto the Serengeti plains of Tanzania. Home to the famously independent and traditional herdsmen, no trip to Kenya would be complete without a visit to Masai Mara. They regard themselves not just as residents of this area but as much a part of the life of the land, as the land is part of their lives.
A visit to Kenya is a veritable life-changing experience filled with an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, zebras, black rhino, lions, leopards and various antelope. One visit alone will be enough to make you understand Earnest Hemmingway's words, "unknowable, unimaginable, unbelievable... and completely unforgettable."

Calgary is currently experiencing a major boom and one of the most dynamic and fastest growing cities in Canada. It is truly the gateway to Canada's West. During a our trip this spring to Banff and Lake Louise we had a chance to get to get a sneak peek at Alberta's capital and one of the areas I explored is called Kensington, a lively neighborhood featuring a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and specialty retailers that has received awards for its shopping opportunities over the last few years.
I had a brief stroll through this neighborhood and a chance to meet one of the local restaurant entrepreneurs, Kevin Nguyen from Indochine Bistro, who shared his interesting personal story and entrepreneurial background with me. Here is Annie MacInnis from Visit Kensington to tell us more about this historic neighborhood in Calgary:
1. Please give us a general overview of Calgary's Kensington area, its location and its history. Please tell us about the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community that surrounds Kensington.
Kensington, and the neighborhood of Hillhurst-Sunnyside is one of Calgary's oldest neighborhoods, datig from the early 1900s. It has retained much of the small town flavor of those early days and still goes by the moniker of "Village in the City." Just across the Louise Bridge from downtown is the intersection of Kensington Road and 10th Street NW, the two main roads that comprise the Kensington Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ).
Kensington is one of the most walker friendly neighborhoods in the city. Numerous bus routes, an LRT station, and bicycle pathways all pass through Kensington. With reputably the most coffee shops of any such area in the city, Kensington is a great spot to meet friends and/or people watch on your coffee break.
Kensington is also easily reachable by car. In fact, from Toronto, get on the Trans Canada Highway and head west. When you reach the outskirts of Calgary watch for a sign reading 10th Street NW. Hang a left. Kensington begins about five blocks south!
2 . Please tell us about the variety of culinary experiences that are available in the Kensington Area.
Kensington boasts more than 50 coffee shops and tea houses, homemade chocolates stores, a store that sells only cupcakes, delicatessens, health food stores, bakeries, pubs and all manner of restaurants.
3. What types of services are available in the Kensington Area?
You can get spa services, new glasses, dental work, get your bike or your shoes repaired, furnish your house, buy your groceries, get something special for the one you love, enjoy a hot drink or something a little stronger, have a great meal, buy books, see a movie, work out at one of several fitness clubs, buy trendy new clothes, consign your old clothes, go to a hardware store, buy art supplies, get a tattoo or an exotic piercing, get a custom made t shirt or pillow, book a vacation and then relax over a delicious meal, all in Kensington, all in walking distance of where you parked your car or the nearest public transit stop.
4. What type of retail and shopping opportunities can be found in the area?
Kensington has been voted the Calgary Herald's Reader's Choice Gold Award for Calgary favorite shopping district for the past five years. Kensington offers an eclectic mix of shops ranging from coffee and tea houses, a wide variety of restaurants, day spas, unique bookstores and gift shops, a shop that sells only cupcakes, a shop that sells old fashioned children's toys, high end lingerie stores with custom fittings, Bernard Callebaut chocolates, menswear, trendy consignments stores, a hardware store that's been in the neighborhood for generations, an old fashioned movie theater with velvet seats and much, much more.
5. There are also a number of nightlife opportunities in the Kensington Area. Please tell us about those.
Kensington has a wonderful, diverse selection of restaurants ranging from high end elegant dining through numerous ethnic choices to excellent small casual dining. Kensington also boasts many good bars and regular midnight film showings at the Plaza theatre.
6. Please tell us about the Sun & Salsa event.
Sun and Salsa is Kensington's biggest annual event. On a Sunday every July, Kensington plays host to at least 60,000 people who wander the district sampling salsas made by local businesses.. While indulging their taste buds, festival goers are entertained by live Latin music at three sound stages placed throughout the district. The streets are closed to traffic and filled with vendors, beer gardens, salsa samples, families and dogs. There is a Miss Sun and Salsa contest and prizes for most popular salsas. This annual event held by the business community of Kensington is also a charity fundraiser with the proceeds from the sale of salsa dipping chips donated to a local charity.
7. What is "Christmas in Kensington"?
On every Saturday in December, Kensington transforms into a reasonable facsimile of a snow globe. With twinkling lights in trees and on storefronts, strolling Edwardian carolers, elves handing out Christmas wishes, candy canes and topping up parking meters, only Scrooge would resist feeling Christmasy.
8. What is the "Kensington Bizarre Bikes & Bazaar"?
Bizarre Bikes and Bazaar is one our annual special events. Anyone can decorate their bike and join in the Bicycle Parade. There is also a display of Calgary's most unusual bikes, a Bicycle Trivia contest, slide shows, and a sidewalk sale.
9. What other special events are held throughout the year in Kensington?
On the Saturday before Easter, local teenagers dressed as Easter Bunnies walk the streets of Kensington handing out chocolate Easter eggs and paying for shopper's parking. On a Sunday in September, Kensington has an annual event called Poet's Stroll. Throughout the day, poet's, bards and storytellers strut their stuff in bookstores, coffee shops, and tea houses. This free event culminates in a grand finale performance in the carpenter's union hall that evening.
Thank you, Annie, for your overview of the Kensington area and all the best for your many special events!

The Ajman Kempinski Hotel is a superb hotel on the beach in the United Arab Emirates, but far enough away from the building site that used to be Dubai, not to be affected by it.
The reason we chose the Ajman Kempinski Hotel was we saw it in a top class holiday brochure, and whilst we had wanted to visit Dubai, we had heard horror stories that the hotels there were now in the middle of building sites. Peace and quiet is important to us.
It was hot on arrival which we expected but cold drinks and even coder towels were exactly what we needed.
Our Executive Club Room was a good size, with a nice bathroom and had a king sized bed. The air conditioning worked well, an important consideration in the summer heat.
We were on a half board arrangement and this meant being given tickets which we could use in any Restaurant as payment or part payment for a meal, which could either be lunch or dinner.
We ate in all the Restaurants and they were all good, but the Italian and Chinese were our favourites.
Outside the hotel grounds were immaculate, the pool was warm, and the pool bar well run, and very necessary in the heat!!
The Beach was cleaned at least twice a day, and all the rubbish removed.
There was bar service on the beach, supplied by a beach buggy all you needed to do was to put up a flag.
It came as quite a shock one day to see what seemed like a large ship seemingly about to run aground on the beach, but thankfully it was arriving at the very close by port, although the water cleanliness gave no indication of that.
We had a restful and enjoyable few days, fortunately we don't mind the heat, because 46degreesC was not uncommon, and this is low season because of it, and we were able to negotiate a good deal.
If you want to see a photograph then go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/articles/3/1/Kempinski-Hotel-Ajman/Page1.html
The Ajman Kempinski Hotel is a very good five star beach hotel and resort, and gave us a great holiday, and is certainly worth a return trip.

An article describing my hometown Keighley with details about living and working in the town and tourism.
'The dark satanic mill town of Keighley' I have never forgotten that headline from a national newspaper in the late 60s. The article was about the Keighley rugby league team who are now called Keighley Cougars.
Back then wherever you looked on the horizon you could see mill chimneys towering over the rest of the town. The mill chimneys were gradually demolished and now as Keighley sits in a valley you can see fields and trees in the distance from almost any viewpoint.
Keighley in the West Riding of Yorkshire was a huge manufacturer of textiles, but now the mill buildings that have not burnt down or been vandalised have been converted into smaller units offering a wide variety of businesses or homes.
The population was over 51,000 at the 2001 census and apparently is the third largest civil parish in England. Approximately 18% of the population are of ethnic minorities, adding a multi cultural aspect to the town and some fine Indian, Italian and Chinese restaurants. Keighley is pronounced 'Keeth lee' but to the inhabitants annoyance many people outside Keighley insist on calling the town Keeley.
Transport
Travelling to and around Keighley is not difficult. We have a train station and an award winning new closed in bus station in the town centre with regular transport in and around the area and easy access to many cities. Bradford is just 10 miles away and Leeds 20 miles away and of course the Leeds/Bradford airport is easily accessible.
There are lots of reliable taxi firms in Keighley and I have found that with using a combination of different transport facilities and on foot I really do not need my own transport because everything is within easy reach. It also works out cheaper than having my own petrol guzzling transport.
Shopping
We have a modern shopping centre and several industrial estates offering just about everything that you might want to buy. If I want to buy some new clothes that are a little bit different I make a day out of it and take a 20 minute train journey to Leeds and either shop in the city centre or visit the White Rose Centre.
Keighley has a permanent closed in market and quite regularly we have visiting continental markets offering a wider range of goods.
Leisure
We have several parks in the area with lots of green space for children to run about on and safe fenced off playgrounds, bowling greens etc. We have a leisure centre in Victoria Park where you will find a modern swimming pool with slide and a fitness centre. Victoria Park hosts our yearly gala during the summer and occasional visiting circuses and fairs. Within the park you will find Victoria Hall where functions and gigs are often held.
There is a museum at Cliff Hall in the grounds of Cliff Castle where exhibitions are often held. For families there is a fenced off playground and a cafй. Picnic tables are provided for those like my grandchildren who prefer to picnic in between running around. There was a small zoo with guinea pigs and a few different birds the last time I went in the summer. Years ago there were monkeys, but now all of the monkeys in the area seem to reside at a house next door to my mother. Over 50 would you believe!
In Lund park you will find 2 playgrounds, one for older children and a fenced off area for the younger ones. There is a bowling green and a putting green and a bicycle track with gradients which my 4 year old grandson loves to skateboard on.
Nights Out
There has always been a lot of pubs in the area, maybe because we have an award winning brewery in the town. If you want to eat out there are many restaurants offering different cultural meals. Nightclubs are a bit thin on the ground with just 2 catering for different age ranges and they aren't that good. However there are plenty of good clubs within travelling distance in Bradford, Leeds and even further afield at Wakefield.
Tourism
Keighley is part of Bronte Country, only a couple of miles from Haworth where the famous Bronte literature family lived. Apart from traditional means, you can travel to Oxenhope via Haworth on the Keighley and Worth Valley Line from the Keighley station on a steam train in the summer. It is a heritage line and has been used for several film locations that include the Railway Children, Yanks and the film of Pink Floyds 'The Wall' musical.
At the first stop 300 yards from where I live in Ingrow there is a Museum of Rail Travel. It is also the starting place for Thomas the Tank Engine days out.
I took my grandchildren last summer and they could clamber on board Thomas and pull the whistle. There was a show performed several times during the day for the children and several stalls. After the show we were able to travel on steam trains all day for one low cost fee. At each stop there were more shows and stalls making it a very good day out. Towards Christmas there is a Santa Special steam train day.
Haworth attracts a lot of American and Japanese tourists who want to steep themselves in the history of the Brontes. There is a Bronte museum up a steep cobbled street, the Bronte Waterfall and of course the moors where the fictional Cathy and Heathcliffe roamed. There are lots of antique shops and tea rooms and some good hotels.
Skipton, 'The Gateway To The Dales' is 10 miles away. A good starting point for hiking holidays for those who want to enjoy the beautiful countryside. Skipton also has one of the most complete medieval castles in the country and is over 900 years old. Historical re-enactment events, archery and jousting are often hosted at Skipton Castle.
10 miles in the other direction is the city of Bradford where you will find the National Media Museum, which is the most visited museum outside London. Bradford hosts several festivals, including the Bradford Festival in June and the Bradford Mela which is the largest festival of its type outside Asia. There are 4 theatres in Bradford and for those who enjoy plays it isn't difficult to get to Harrogate and their playhouse.
Living In Keighley
Although Keighley has often been knocked in the press and by some inhabitants I do not think that it is a bad place to live. I feel safe in my home and walking around the streets and I have easy access to everything that I want. Housing is inexpensive compared to many other places in the UK. You can still get a 2 bedroom terrace for less than J100,000 or any other type of dwelling at comparatively low prices.
I have never found it difficult to get employment in or around Keighley and the employment opportunities are diverse. The inhabitants are friendly and very much down to earth. We speak with a Yorkshire accent that is not as broad as some of the surrounding rural areas, I certainly do not say 'ee bah gum' on a regular basis!
The area in and around Keighley offers much more than I have mentioned but hopefully this article gives you a good idea of my hometown.

Mountainous Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian group of islands, is a justifiably popular beach holiday destination. Although the island is dominated by Mount Ainos, and pine-clad hills that run down to the sea, it's the sandy beach coves lapped by the turquoise waters that draw the most visitors. The best way to enjoy the top beaches on Kefalonia is to book your accommodation so that some of the many enchanting beaches are within easy reach.
If you arrive by ferry at the capital, Argostoli, head south for the nearby beaches of Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos, which end at the tiny islet of Tourkopodaro. Makris Gialos has an area of sun lounges ideal for soaking up the sun, but there is jetski hire if you feel like being more active. The smaller Platis Gialos is quieter and less developed than its neighbour. Both beaches have bars and you will find a choice of excellent villa accommodation at nearby Lassi.
Just a few kilometres further south, the tavernas and fine red sand bring visitors to Avithos. Naturists will find a clothing optional beach at adjoining Ligia. From the shore, you'll see the tiny islet of Dias with its small church. It's possible to take a short boat trip to the island and, depending on the season, the beaches could be deserted. The nearby village of Svoronata offers villa lodgings, tavernas and cafes. Backed by steep, white cliffs, the isolated beach at nearby Spartia is less developed and there is good accommodation. Trapezaki has another inviting beach and here you'll find a choice of villas and hotels. Some of the best beaches for marine life are found in the southeast of Kefalonia, at Skala, where loggerhead turtles nest.
Myrtos, 30km north of Argostoli, lays a claim to having one of Greece's most famous beaches, with its white-sand backed by vertical rock cliffs. Although very popular and crowded in summer, the beach is large enough for you to find a spot and the seas here are generally calm. Nearby, the village of Zola has good villa accommodation. The fishing village of Fiskardo, in the far north, retains much of its Venetian-style architecture and is set around a small tree-lined bay. Nearby Emblisi Beach, edged by interesting rock formations, is composed of small white pebbles, so be sure to bring a mat.
Sami, the main tourist port on the east of the island, was used as the main location for the film that popularised Kefalonia, Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Like many of the east coast beaches it consists of pebbles, but there is a taverna-lined waterfront with numerous shops and cafes. And from Sami, you could hire a car and drive down the coast to Antisamos, one of the more dramatic of Kefalonia's beaches.

For many who live in areas that see a lot of snow in the wintertime, it is a time of year that they try to stay inside as much as possible and avoid the elements. However, what if the elements were not so cold? Just because it is winter in one region does not mean it is winter everywhere else! While your home may be frozen, there are plenty of places that are warm enough for a relaxing outdoor vacation.
One of the best vacations to take to escape the cold north is a cruising tour further south. Imagine - instead of shivering in your home, you could be seeing the wonders of Egypt in beautiful weather.
You could take advantage of a cruise that takes you all through this history-rich land, seeing Luxor and other cities along the Nile River. Some of the nearly weeklong cruises to this region offer tours to wonders such as the Temple of Luxor.
One of the more fun ways to see a region such as this would be on a smaller cruise vessel. Ships such as the Oberoi Shehrazad offer a quaint and personal experience. This ship only sleeps 80 travelers on vacation. Even though it is smaller than the mega cruise ships it does have some great features including a pool, a sun deck and a library.
Another nice outdoor vacation destination to escape the cold is in the Virgin Islands. With a dozen islands to experience along this cruising tour, you will never be at a loss for new things to see and new beaches to experience. While some cruises to this area are a little more expensive, many of them also offer some extras such as snorkeling or scuba dives at the reefs.
Again, if you want a special experience that is much more personal, you should consider a smaller ship. Those like the 66-passenger SV Flying Cloud can take you closer and into more secluded places than a larger cruise ship, and imagine sitting on the deck of that smaller, private ship while sipping a cocktail and watching the sun set on the water.
Had enough of the tropics? How about trying one of many vacations to the Orient? Available are week or longer trips through Ko Khai Nok, Phi Phi, and other islands of Thailand and Malaysia.
One of the smaller ships that travels this itinerary is the 170 passenger Star Flyer. It's fancier than you would expect with two swimming pools, an Edwardian library, and decks made of teak
When it comes to being warm, it doesn't get much warmer than the equator. If this is your cup of tea, you may want to take a trip to Ecuador. Here you can cruise the Amazon River, experiencing the kind of wildlife you see in a National Geographic magazine and getting up close and personal to the rainforest.
The important thing to remember is there is no reason to spend the winter shivering. Your escape from the ice, snow and cold is as easy as booking a cruise somewhere in warmer waters.