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It's no secret that raising a child is expensive. A 2012 U.S. Department of Agriculture report indicates that the average family spends a eye-popping $241,080 on the average child from birth to age 18.
What is perhaps more surprising is where that money goes.
"I knew it was going to cost more," says Stephanie Morgan, a mother of two from Big Rapids, Mich. "But I thought it would be day care and diapers."
Instead, she's been surprised at how much she's spent on food, medical and miscellaneous expenses in the three years since her son was born.
Here are 10 hidden costs of parenting for which prospective mothers and fathers should prepare.
1. Breast-feeding
Although definitely cheaper than feeding formula, breastfeeding isn't necessarily a freebie.
"Everyone loves to say that it's free, but it actually isn't," says Amanda, a blogger who prefers her real name not be used. "There are a ton of hidden costs like pumps, nursing covers and even extra food for the nursing mom."
Amanda, who had to pump exclusively after complications with her son, added up her expenses and found that breastfeeding cost her more than $750 in total.
2. Food
"Food is a bigger cost that I expected," says Morgan, whose oldest is only three years old.
Indeed, the USDA found there wasn't as much of a difference between the annual price of feeding a 3-year-old and the annual price of feeding 13-year-old as you might think. According to the department, food costs break down as follows for each stage of life.
- 0-2: $1,430
- 3-5: $1,530
- 6-8: $2,150
- 9-11: $2,460
- 12-14: $2,640
- 15-18: $2,630
Note that while your 2-year-old will be substantially smaller than most 18-year-olds, the corresponding break in food costs between the two ages won't be nearly as significant.
3. Home repairs
Little children can often lead to big house repairs, says Robert Nickell, a father of seven and founder of the apparel company Daddy & Co.
"Home repairs can often catch us by surprise as parents," he says. "Kids playing 'Handy Andy' with a toolbox can cause unwanted holes or gouges in walls or floors."
Then there are plumbing problems that occur when the wrong things are flushed down the toilet, not to mention stained carpets, ripped furniture and broken glass caused by wayward baseballs.
4. Impulse buys
Mindy Johnson of Grand Rapids, Mich. says impulse buys are another big expense she didn't expect. From cute clothes to the latest toys, she finds she's often spending more on her two children -- ages 1 and 3 -- than she anticipated.
"They are impulse buys," she says, adding peer pressure from other moms can sometimes lead to these purchases. "It's nothing they need, but society definitely portrays that kids should have those new outfits."
5. Medical bills
Medical bills may not be entirely unexpected, but many parents aren't ready for the number of times they find themselves opening their wallets.
Even though Morgan has health insurance, she was surprised at how quickly co-pays for office visits and prescription drugs add up.
Author and relationship expert April Masini adds that, for some couples, having kids in the first place can be expensive in and of itself.
"Let's not forget fertility treatments that can easily cost six figures," she says.
6. Holidays, parties and gifts
From an Elf on the Shelf to a first birthday extravaganza, parents today may feel pressured to provide the magical childhood they never had. Not only does that mean a lot of extra work, but it means lots of money being spent to make everything perfect. Even for families that resist the party culture, there are still birthday and holiday gifts to be purchased.
Children will also inevitably be invited to friends' parties, which means bringing the obligatory gift. If you have multiple children, expect multiple parties each year -- if not each month -- which means gift expenses can add up quickly.
7. Extracurricular activities
As children get older, their activities may evolve from playing ball in the dirt to playing ball in an actual ballpark. While most parents realize they may have to pay for sports or other activities, few are prepared for the size of the expense.
"Travel fees for sporting and related activities can make participation quite costly on top of registration fees and uniforms," says Nickell. "Dance and music-related activities can be just as costly with instrument costs, lessons and costumes."
It's not unusual for parents to spend hundreds of dollars on a single season. For children who excel and move on to more intense and competitive programs, the costs can stretch into the thousands.
8. Electronics
As Johnson has discovered, electronics are becoming the status quo at earlier and earlier ages. Both her 3-year-old and 1-year-old have their own tablet devices.
"For my daughter, we purchased it for her to work on her vision problems," Johnson explains. "For my 1-year-old, it was for educational (purposes) since the daycare he attends strongly encouraged kids have a tablet to work on."
9. College applications
Going to college isn't cheap and getting there can be expensive too, says Nickell.
"Application fees for colleges can be pricey," he notes. "Not to mention the costs to study for and take the standardized tests like the SAT and ACT."
10. Divorce
Although government data indicates that 40 to 50 percent of first marriages will end in divorce, many parents fail to consider how their divorce costs multiply with children. Not only are there added legal expenses to work out custody agreements, Masini says the overall cost of raising kids can double after a divorce.
"Divorce and custody issues are the biggest hidden cost in having children," she explains. "One household becomes two, and supporting two households where kids shuttle back and forth is twice as expensive."
While no one is suggesting that kids aren't worth the cost, parents should be prepared for their little ones' financial impact. They can start by building an emergency savings account to help them weather the costs of parenthood when -- not "if" -- they arrive.


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|classical indian dance
classical indian dance
Classical Indian dance, in particularly Bharatanatyam and Odissi, as Balasaraswati puts it, is an artistic yoga (natya yoga), for revealing the spiritual through the corporeal. Bharatanatyam is the most widely practised of Indian classical dances worldwide, as it is the style that most faithfully adheres to the Bible of the classical Indian dance, the Natya Shastra, and most comrehensively embodies it. It is also the most ancient of all the classical dance forms in India.
Gods and Godesses pleaded with Lord Brahma for another Veda to be created that would be simple for the common man to understand, which is particularly important in Kali Yuga. Granting their wish, Lord Brahma created the Panchamaveda, the Fifth Veda, or NatyaVeda, a quintessence of the main four Vedas. Brahma took pathya (words) form the Rigveda, abhinaya (communicative elements of the body movements, cf. mime) from the Yajurveda, geeth (music and chant) from Samaveda, and rasa (vital sentiment and emotional element) from Atharvaveda to form the fifth Veda, NatyaVeda. After creating this Veda, Lord Brahma handed it to sage Bharata and asked him to propagate it on earth. Obeying the fiat of Lord Brahma, sage Bharata wrote down Natyashastra. Bharata together with groups of the Gandharavas and Apsaras performed natya, nrtta and nrtya before Siva. It became the most authoritative text on the artistic technique of classical Indian dances, especially classical Indian dances of Bharatanatyam and Odissi.
|classical indian dance
indian classical dance
The Natya Shastra reads, "When the world had become steeped in greed and desire, in jealousy and anger, in pleasure and pain, the Supreme One (Brahma) was asked by the people to create an entertainment which could be seen and heard by all, for the scriptures were not enjoyed by the masses, being too learned and ambiguous." "This art is not merely for your pleasure, but exhibits cosmic expression (bhava) for all the worlds. This art has been created following the movements of the world in work and play, profit, peace, laughter, battle and slaughter, yielding the fruit of righteousness to those who follow the moral law, a restraint for the unruly, and a discipline for the followers of the rule; to create wisdom in the ignorant, learning in scholars, afford sport to kings, and endurance to the sorrow-stricken; it is replete with the diverse moods, informed with varying passions of the soul, and linked to the deeds of mankind the best, the middling and the low affording excellent counsel pastime and all else."
Bharata along with the apsaras and gandharvas demonstrated Classical Indian dance to Shiva who improved and modified the art as demonstrated by Bharata and instructed the science of dance to Thandu Maharishi. This field of dance derived the name Thandava, the Cosmic Dance of Shiva. Shiva instructed Lasya Natya to Parvathi who passed it on to Usha, the daughter of Banasura. Through Usha this art form was passed on to the Gopis of Dwaraka who in turn passed on the same to the maidens of Sowrashtra.
The Gods and the Goddesses, being dancers themselves, have been passing the art of the heavenly dance through many other human channels, whose aptitude, understanding, and personal idiosyncrasies naturally varied from person to person, and created a number of styles ranging from Odissi to Bharatanatyam. Classical Indian dance of Bharatanatyam has been undergoing a lot of change over the centuries (click here to read more). It used to be and is still mostly performed by women dancers. Centuries ago the Hindu temples in South India had dancers-priestesses called devadasis who would sing, dance Dasi Attam (old version of classical Indian dance), play many musical instruments. They were well-versed in Sanskrit and other languages as they had to adapt compositions to suit the audience. The devadasi tradition gradually degraded. Initially, devadasis lead a very strict and celibate life and were not allowed to have a family. As the dance entered the royal courts, the dancers were called Rajanartakis, who performed in the royal courts and gradually became royal concubines. The British colonial rule has completely corrupted the devadasi tradition.
|classical indian dance
indian classical dance
In the first half of the 19th century much of classical Indian dance of Bharatanatyam was redefined by the contributions of four talented brothers known today as the Tanjore Quartet: Chinniah, Sivanandam, Ponniah and Vadivelu. Styles of classical Indian dance of Bharatanatyam were preserved in practice mostly by the guru's and performers of the Isai Velalar community of Tamil Nadu. The Tanjore Quartet organized all the basic classical Indian dance of Bharatanatyam movements of pure dance into a progressive series, adavus.
Each adavu is a basic unit taught in systematic order and then combined with others to produce choreographed classical Indian dance of Bharatanatyam sequences based upon the rhythmic pattern of a musical composition. The brothers composed new music specifically for classical Indian dance of Bharatanatyam, and introduced a different sequence of items which integrated various aspects of dance and music into a carefully coordinated, aesthetically sound progression. This infusion of creative energy marks the early 19th century as one of the most innovative periods in the history of classical Indian dance. In the 20th century, such prominent personalities as Mangudi Dorairaja Iyer and Krishna Iyer made their significant contributions. The social status and image of classical Indian dance was restored by Rukminidevi Arundale, the founder of Kalakshetra, who started teaching a simplified, Kalakshetra style invented by her after having learnt some of the Pandanallur style of classical Indian dance of Bharatanatyam in a record 3 years' time. Classical Indian dance has undergone much change but is still deeply rooted in the spiritual Hindu heritage. Contemporary classical Indian dancers are both male and female artists. While most learn it as a hobby, very few make it their career and a lifestyle, as it is extremely demanding and complex in terms of dedication and daily practice. While most university degree courses offer mainly a theoretical base in classical Indian dance, there are institutions that offer certificate and diploma courses with the focus on the practical skills.
Most of the contemporary choreographers and dancers may use some of the formal classical Indian dance technique or its elements to stage ballets presenting various themes such as nationalism, unity of religions, the sanctity of the environment, the animal rights activism, the greatness of a king or a political party, or even the delightfulness of Coca-Cola. In Vande Mataram, a dance festival organised under the auspices of Natyarangam, a project of Narada Gana Sabha in 1997 in Chennai, there was a host of topics: evils of the current education system, the caste and reservation systems, threat of nuclear weapons, AIDS, the population explosion, corruption in politics, bribery, religious fanaticism, secularism, the greed for riches, the Chinese aggression, the Dandi March, literacy, agriculture, mechanisation, industrialisation. Most recently, some dancers of Nrityanjali Academy (Andhra Pradesh) managed to draw their divine inspiration even from Condom Songs.
|classical indian dance
classical indian dance
The true classical Indian dance, it has to be stated clearly, is not a vulgar form of entertainment but a sacred ritual that is supposed to bring the rasanubhava (catharsis, or spiritual upliftment) to the rasika (audience) and the dancer.
If we approach classical Indian dance with humility, learn it with dedication and practice it with devotion to God, sringara which brings out the great beauties of this dance can be portrayed with all the purity of the spirit. The flesh, which is considered to be an enemy of the spirit and the greatest obstacle to spiritual realization, has itself been made a vehicle of the divine in the discipline of the dance. Sringara thus is an instrument for uniting the dancer with Divinity. Since the dancer has universalized her experience, all that she goes through is also felt and experienced by the spectator".
Classical Indian dance classical indian dance
indian dance
Classical Indian dance comprises three aspects, Nritta, Nritya and Natya.
Nritta are rhythmical and repetitive elements, i.e. it is dance proper
Natya is the dramatic art, and is a language of gestures, poses and mime. cf. Abhinaya
Nritya is a combination of Nritta and Natya
Nritta can be broadly divided into Chari, Karana, Angahara and Mandala.
108 Karanas and
32 Angaharas are defined in Natyashatra. The 13 Nritta
Hastas (see below) are used to perform nritta. The rythmic body movements along
with hand gestures are called aduvus. A number of aduvus constitute
a jati. Jati will generally end with a Muktaya or Teermana.
There are diferent types of Aduvus: Tattaduvu, Mettaduvu, Nataduvu, Kattaduvu, Kudittamettaduvu, Maiaduvu, Mandiaduvu, Jati, Nadai, Ardi. There are 12 aduvus in each type, making it 120 aduvus in total. Only about 70-80 are generally practised by an average classical Indian dancer. Aduvus are often confused with the 108 Karanas carved in the Chidambaram Temple in Tamilnadu, India.
The entire body is divided into Anga, Pratyanga and Upaanga.
|Head, Hands, Chest, Waist,
Bottom, Legs are the Six Angas.
Some classical Indian dance experts distinguish also Neck.
Arms, Stomuch, Thighs, Knees are the Six Pratyangas.
Some classical Indian dance experts distinguish also Wrists, Elbows and Ankles .
Eyebrow, Eyelids, Eyeballs, Cheeks, Nose, Gums, Lower lip, Teeth, Tongue, Chin
and Face are the 12 Upaangas.
Some classical Indian dance experts distinguish also Heels, Fingers, Feet and Palms.
|classical indian dance
indian dance
Mandala - Standing Posture
Utplavana - Leaps
Bhramari - Circling Movement
Chari - Leg Movement
Gatibhedha - Charecteristic walks
Hastas or Mudras - Hand Movements:
Asamyuta Hasta
Samyuta Hasta
Deva Hasta
Dashavatara Hasta
Navagraha Hasta
Jaati Hasta
Bandhu Hasta
Nritta Hasta
When all Angas(main body
parts) are coordinated (along with pratyanga and upaanga), the classical Indian
dancer is said to possess Angashudhi. Anga meaning body parts, and shudhi means
perfection or purity. The Natyashastra has shlokas describing how to perform all
the above movements.
indian dance
The Dance performed by Lord Shiva is known as Tandava, virile aspect. The tandava performed with bliss is called Ananda Tandava. The tandava of the violent and destructive aspect is called Rudra Tandava. There are 7 types of Tandava in classical Indian dance of Bharatanatyam:
When the dance is performed by Goddess Parvathi, it is known as Lasya, where the movements are soft, gentle, graceful and sometimes seen as er otic. Some classical Indian dance scholars consider Lasya as the feminine version of Tandava. Lasya is of 2 kinds:
|indian classical dance
classical indian dance
The techniques of communicating a message are Abinaya. Here the emphasis is more on facial expressions and gestures. While some authentic styles of classical Indian dance, such a Melattur style, emphasise a highly expressive, spontaneous and elevated mode of abhinaya, the late Balasaraswaty tradition's abhinaya was extremely subtle and understated, while the Kalakshetra style expressions are largely theatrical. Some contemporary styles, such as the one propagated by Shobana, favour the Bollywood-type expressions.
While gestures can be seen from any distance even in a large dance hall, the subtle facial expressions can only be seen from the front rows. This is the main feature that distinguishes classical Indian dance from the western ballet. Thus, unless a classical Indian dance recital is held in a small hall, a close-up, high-resolution video is the only adequate medium of presenting the Abhinaya. Classical Indian dance is essentially ekaharya performance: a single dancer presenting various characters, regardless of their gender.The Abinaya is comprised of
|indian classical dance
classical indian dance
(parental fondling) rasa is also sometimes included as one of the stayibhava.
Vibhava (cause of emotion), Anubhava (effect of emotion) and Sanchari bhava (subordinate emotions) constitute the state of rasa.
|indian classical dance
classical indian dance
Nayika (the Heroine) and Nayaka (the Hero) bhavas:
Nayika Bhava
The shastras have classified the basic mental status of woman, the Nayika, into 8 types, Ashtanayika bhavas. These divisions portray the heroine in different situations, express different feelings, sentiments and reactions.
The Ashtanayika bhava are
Abhisarika - She is the one who
boldly goes out to meet her lover.
Kalahantarika - She is the one who is repenting her hastiness in quarrelling with her lover, which has resulted in their separation.
Khandita - She is the one who is angry with her lover for causing her dissapointment.
Proshitapathika - She is the one who is suffering and missing her beloved who is away on a long journey.
Swadheenapathika - She is the one who is proud of her husband's or beloved's love and loyalty.
Vasakasajjika - She is the one who is preparing for the arrival of her beloved, by decorating herself and her surroundings to provide a pleasent welcome for her lover.
Virahotkantita - She is the one who is seperated from her lover and is yearning for reunion.
Vipralabda - She is the one who is dissapointed that her lover has not turned up at the tryst as he promised.
|indian classical dance
classical indian dance
Sweeya - Married and faithful to her husband.
Parakeeya - Married but in love with another man.
Samanya - A free woman, who truly belongs to any man for a price.
Jyeshta - The preferred one.
Kanishta - The other woman.
Further classifications are
Uttama - Self-controlled and tolerant.
Madhyama - Literally the middle one, who gives as she gets.
Adhama - Literally the low one, who has no self restraint.
The Companion to the Nayika plays an important role in any padam, javali or Ashtapadi. This Companion is the one to whom the Nayika will convey her feelings, she is the one who will take the message,if any, from the nayika to the nayaka, she is the one who will sort out the differences between the nayika and the nayaka. This companion is usuallly a girl who is close to the Nayika. The classification of the Companion types in classical Indian dance:
|indian classical dance
classical indian dance
indian dance
Another classification is:
Further Nayaka classification:
|classical indian dance
classical indian dance
Most of the ashtanayika bhavas are experienced by the Nayaka also though the depiction of ashtanayika is more than the nayaka. Nayaka's Companion plays an important role too. This companion is categorised into
These classical Indian dance elements are also seen as the mystic symbols of Bhakti Yoga. Sringara means love, but this is not confined to rati sringara. There is bhakti sringara and vatsalya sringara besides rati sringara. Even among some of its practitioners, classical Indian dance is often misinterpreted as being limited solely to bhakti. Balasaraswati believed classical Indian dance is based on bhakti and that "it is justified in being called a yoga because it is a spiritual discipline perfecting the mind to thought-free serenity".
There are several original classical Indian dance styles that are over 150 years old:
The distinctive characteristics of the Melattur style of classical Indian dance are:
The Pandanallur style of classical Indian dance stresses:
The Vazhuvoor style of classical Indian dance includes:
|classical indian dance
classical indian dance
The modern Kalakshetra style is a simplified form based on Pandanallur and, to some extent, Thanjavoor styles.
|classical indian dance
classical indian dance
In the ancient scriptures, a professional danseuse was called "patra". The AbhinayaDarpana has a sloka that describes Patra Prana Dasha Smrutaha - the ten essential qualitiess of the professional dancer:
According to Abhinayadarpanam, one of the two most authoritative texts on Classical Indian dance, a patra must be
See more details in Natya shastra (XXVII.97-98).
The ten disqualifying criteria according to Abhinayadarpanam:
A classical format, margam (path), of a traditional Indian dance of Bharatanatyam performance, especially important in the graduation performance, or Arangetram, is rather rigidly structured, and reflects the different stages of the dancer's consciousness.
Aranga means raised stage and Etram meansclimbing in Tamil, one of the south indian languages. It is also called Rangapravesha in Kannada, another south indian language, Ranga meaning Stage and Pravesha meaning Enter. Ideally this should be the first public appearance of the classical Indian dancer. This is the occation for the guru to present his/her deciple to the public.
This is the testing time for both the guru and the shishya(deciple) as the guru's
knowledge and the deciple's talent both are judged by the public. Hence, the guru
will decide when the deciple is ready for public graduation. Usually, at least
10-12 years of training is necessary before the classical Indian dancer is
ready for Arangetram.
Arangetram was known as Gejjepooje in the old Mysore district, meaning worshiping the jingles in Kannada. For a classical Indian dancer, jingles are considered divine. Formerly, deciples were not allowed to wear jingles till their first public performance when they consecrated the jingles, wore them and then performed.
Accompaniments play a major role in the making of a memorable dance performance.Basic accompaniments comprise a singer, a mridangam player, a violin player and the Natuvanga. Veena, flute and other instruments are optional. These people sit in the corner of a stage or in a place in front of the stage which will be in a lower level than that of the stage. The classical Indian dancer wears lot of jewellery, make-up and a specially stitched dress. Jingles are a must. Usually duration of an arangetram will be 2 1/2 - 3 hours. To perform for such long hours one must have good stamina and concentration. This time is divided into two parts.
In the first half the classical Indian dance of Bharatanatyam artists generally performs
|classical indian dance
classical indian dance
|indian dance
classical indian dance
Expressions are given
foremost importance while performing these poems. Needs lot of grace. The classical Indian dancer should be mature enough to understand the lyrics and the situation to show
the rasas.
This item is a devotional piece where the lyrics are in praise of god, describing the god etc. This is a pure abhinaya item with almost no emphasis on nritta. These songs are the classical Indian dance compositions of great mystics like Purandharadaasa, Kanakadaasa, Vijayadaasa, Vyasaraaja to name a few. The classical Indian dance compositions are popularly known as Daasa Sahitya. It is a devotional literatures written in simple language understood by common man. It has made remarkable contribution to the spiritual and cultural upliftment of people by preaching phylosophy of Love, Devotion and Peaceful Co-Existance.
This is usually the last item in any classical Indian dance performance. Tillana is full of complicated movements and postures. This will also have complicated Muktayas or Sholkattu, ending of any step or aduvu. This is mainly a nritta piece which might have a charana, a meaningfull lyrics for which abinaya is shown.
Meaning ending the performance. Here the classical Indian dancer of Bharatanatyam will again salute god, guru and the audience for making the performance a success.
A classical Indian dance of Bharatanatyam recital resembles the structure of
a Hindu temple: first, one passes through the gopuram (outer gate) of alarippu,
then one crosses the ardhamandapam (midway hall) of jatiswaram, next the mandapam
(great hall of worship) of sabdam and enter the heart of the temple in the varnam.
Classical Indian dance is an attempt to embody the divine beauty, charm, rhythms and symbols that exist in heaven.
Classical Indian dance is a means of spiritual elevation both for the dancer and the audience.
|classical indian dance
classical indian dance
| classical indian dance
classical indian dance
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As 2012 comes to a close and the new year looms ahead, small business owners have a got a lot on their minds, and it isn't just their holiday sales. According to the Bank of America Small Business Owner Report put out last Thursday, the majority of the nation's small business owners are wary about the economic outlook in 2013.
Which issues were the most pressing according to the report? Here is a rundown:
1. The Effectiveness of the U.S. Government Leadership. A total of 68% of respondents reported that the ability of our leadership to, well… lead!, is a major concern heading into 2013. With all the posturing and finger pointing that we have witnessed over the past two years in particular, this is not surprising. It underscores a rising tide of apathy and a collective vote of no confidence that many Americans are holding, even across party lines.
2. The Cost of Commodities. Another major concern that affects businesses of all stripes is an impending rise of commodity prices. The commodity price charts, for products such as oil, wheat, and corn, h like a roller coaster ride this whole year. A current business owner who was in business in 2008, when the cost of commodities skyrocketed upward, would understandably be uneasy. Indeed, 66% of small business owners listed in as a primary concern in 2013.
3. The Cost of Healthcare. Even with the Making Healthcare Affordable Act set to go into affect in 2014, many owners of small companies ( a full 65% of those surveyed) are still very worried about the rising cost of healthcare, and it's little wonder why. The cost of healthcare continues to outpace wages and inflation going into 2013.
4. Consumer Spending. Whether we like it or not, in America consumer spending drives the nation's economic growth. So when consumers start restraining their spending it doesn't bode well for the businesses they frequent, nor the economy at large. According to the NFIB Small Business Optimism Survey, weak sales is still the reported as the number one business problem for 22% of owners surveyed. According to the Bank of America survey, 64% of small business owners are concerned about consumer spending, and it's a trend that will likely continue well into 2013.
5. The Strength of the Dollar. The fallout of doing business in a global economy is that profits are strongly tied to international currency exchange rates. The strength of the U.S. dollar rounds out the top five small business concerns at 63%. This is likely do to the fact that all the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. economy as well as other major global economies, such as the European Union, create volatility. For some, a weak dollar means more expensive global purchasing and outsourcing relationships. For a few businesses, a strong dollar may be a problem- especially if they rely on foreign customers ave looked.


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Over 80 people attended last night's London Financial Python User Group (LFPUG), with presentations given by Den Pilsworth of AHL/MAN, Eric Jones of Enthought, and Wes Mckinney of Pandas fame. It was an evening filled with practical content, so come on out for the next meetup if you are in town (or for drinks at the pub afterwards)!
The agenda for the evening:
1. "Moving an algo business from R and Java to Python", Dennis Pilsworth, AHL, Man Group
2. "Financial data analysis in Python with pandas", Wes McKinney
3. "Fostering Python Adoption within a Company", Eric Jones, Enthought.
Den presented a case study of how his firm introduced Python into production and ensured that "network distributed" deployment worked quickly enough to ensure good local response time with out overloading the network. He also discussed visualization and pointed out native Python tools need some work to remain competitive with the R user's sweetheart, ggplot2. He graciously acknowledged the role Enthought's training played in getting things rolling.
Wes Mckinney discussed the latest Pandas developments, particularly the Group-by function. A number of attendees were interested in potentially using this functionality to replace Excel pivot tables. Make sure to check out Wes' new book, "Python for Data Analysis."
Eric Jones discussed how to get Python adopted in the face of opposition, featuring some of the classic objections (e.g. "Python is too slow").
LFPUG meets roughly every other month, so look us up on LinkedIn and keep an eye out for the next meeting!


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2013 is definitely shaping up to be the Year of Penny.Happy Endings' unlucky-in-love single lady's dreams will finally come true on Tuesday's episode (9/8c, ABC) when Pete (Nick Zano) pops the question. No, it's not a joke. What is a joke, though, is how the engagement goes awry, and Penny (Casey Wilson) gets engaged the only way she can: in a wedding dress.Winter TV: Get the scoop on the must-see new shows"[It's] an odd engagement. ... The moment she's been waiting for her entire life is ruined by Max [Adam Pally]," Wilson tells TVGuide.com. "He's trying to get back at us for this small prank we did to him with these horrible pranks and so he manages to somehow ruin her engagement."But not even Max's antics can deter Pete. Penny says yes, which dramatically decreases the possibility of a Penny-Dave (Zachary Knighton) romance that had been hinted at since last season. That coupling was put on the backburner when Dave and Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) started things up again, but few fans could've predicted that Penny would be potentially off the market a year later."It felt important to explore and show the audience Dave and Alex together so it wasn't just theoretical. Honestly, as we went through this season, we kind of were enjoying them together," executive producer Jonathan Groff says. "So we felt we sort of needed to double-down on that and ... we didn't want to keep Penny frustrated all year pining for Dave. And also, it felt like, let's see Penny in a relationship. I think Casey, as an actor, was eager to see that, so that's why we created this Pete character."Check out all the fashion hits and misses at the SAGsBut is Pete really the one for Penny? After all, he came into the picture just a month ago. "We acknowledge that," Groff says. "For Penny, it all seems a little perfect and so Penny's instincts are to think about that and question that, especially when it's pointed out to her how fast [it is]." Nevertheless, Pete is "pretty perfect," Groff says, adding that Zano "fits right into our group."Though the sitcom's fate for the rest of the season is uncertain (Tuesday lead-out Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 has already been pulled because of low ratings), Groff and the writers are already planning Penny and Pete's wedding, which may or may not take place in the finale ("A wedding is [in] the season finale," Groff teases). "We know that she and Jane [Eliza Coupe] have planned where the flower girls come down the aisle to the strains of 'Seasons of Love' from Rent played by an all-male Hawaiian ukulele trio," he says. "There's going to be a big showtunes Broadway undercurrent to Penny's wedding as it's being planned right now." Wilson adds: "I'm sure Penny annoys everyone, like, 'I went to all your weddings. You better throw a party for me!' She's a bridezilla for sure."Photos: Stars who don't look their ageBut a wedding doesn't mean the couple will actually get married. So what are the chances that Dave will see the light and interrupt Penny and Pete's nuptials, like how skater boy did to his and Alex's?"I don't know if we've done enough Dave and Penny stuff to merit that yet," Groff says. "I would say that [hope for Penny and Dave] is not impossible. That is quite not impossible."Happy Endings airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on ABC. Watch an exclusive sneak peek from Tuesday's episode below.
Additional reporting by Natalie Abrams
View original Happy Endings: Penny's Getting Engaged! But Will She Get Married? at TVGuide.com
Related Articles on TVGuide.com
Winter TV: Get the scoop on the must-see new shows
Other Links From TVGuide.com
Elisha CuthbertNick ZanoZachary KnightonEliza CoupeHappy EndingsAdam PallyCasey WilsonDon't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23


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text: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 Call for PT Volunteers Physical therapist volunteers are needed in November to teach pharmacology and integumentary courses to physical therapy students in Suriname. Prior experience in these courses is required. Assignments are 2 weeks in duration. For more information, contact the Health Volunteer Overseas program department. Comments Are you looking for 2 different instructors or one that can teach both areas? Posted by Dr. BA Huculak PT. EdD on 6/10/2011 11:45 AM I teach Pharmacology 1 and 2 for Utica College tDPT program. Can I help? Posted by colleen spencer on 6/27/2011 6:09 PM


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It's once again become not only popular but vogue for corporations and organizations to try to market to baby boomers. I emphasize the word, "Try …," because their marketing people have tried several times in the last 15 or so years, ultimately to throw in the towel.
When one big company starts marketing to the boomer demographic, others follow, like the fabled Alaskan lemmings that swarm helter skelter. I don't have any idea what triggers the behavior but once again, baby boomers are the darlings of marketers with the perfect new car, retirement package and best motion picture.
About 75-million baby boomers … just in America.
In theory, it's smart to target baby boomers. Many of us were affluent … at least, we were a couple of stock market busts ago. Many of us are fairly well-educated. Many baby boomers – born between 1946 and 1964 – are or have been at the helms of leading organizations:
Barack Obama – President
Richard Branson – Virgin
The late Steve Jobs – Apple
Bill Gates – Microsoft
Gary Shapiro – Consumer Electronics Association
Lloyd Blankfein – Goldman Sachs
Anyway, you get the idea.
Perhaps the most common trait among baby boomers is independent thought. It's darn hard to convince us to buy something.
I have observed these periodic and unpredictable baby boomer marketing cycles ever since 1999. That's when I watched a bunch of 30-something people from AARP (and all too young to be boomers) try to launch a heavily funded attempt by AARP to connect with baby boomers. AARP spent millions on enormous banners and a slick website. It floundered and eventually sank. It was a huge flop.
Watching AARP struggle, my old friend Greg Dobbs and I got the idea for BoomerCafé as a way to authentically connect with baby boomers … because we both are members of the mob.
Today, BoomerCafé is one of the Internet's most popular online magazines. We have hundreds of baby boomers sharing stories and opinions. And, the site ranks 43,000th most popular in the U.S., according to Alexa.com. For reference, any ranking within the top 100,000 is outstanding. Along the way, Greg and I have become experts on the boomer generation, sort of by default.
I suppose what got me on this rambling essay (another boomer trait is rambling, helped by age) is the new film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It's terrific … funny, poignant, and connects with our generation. I bet we can all see ourselves in such a predicament. Heck, some of us may be looking for such an affordable place in a few years.
Only baby boomers can make a motion picture about baby boomers, in my opinion, because they get it. I also believe only marketing people who are boomers have any clue about how to reach our demographic just as I don't know what might resonate with a 23 year old. But, there's where most of the marketing initiatives crash and burn, regardless of funding.
You gotta be 55 to know what a 55 year old is going through. You gotta be in your 60s to know what it's like. Believe me … the typical PR or ad agency's 24 or 34 year old VP doesn't have any idea how to reach baby boomers … just as a baby boomer PR person probably does not know what appeals to Gen Xers.
There's never before been such a complicated and diverse generation as baby boomers. But, then, they are all complex.
Column originally posted by David Henderson at BoomerCafe.com.


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Philips told us it considers itself to be, first and foremost, a high-end audio brand. We've seen some evidence of this in its TVs, to be honest. It's one of few firms that takes TV sound seriously, and the results are always impressive. Its iPod and MP3 docks are also usually very nice-sounding devices too, so a move in to headphones seems to make sense
And headphones are very much the accessory to be making right now. Personal audio has exploded recently, and brands like Beats Audio have proved that people are prepared to spend a pretty decent amount of money on their headphones. And that's for headphones that don't boast any audiophile credentials, just enough bass to destroy the Death Star.
And, if we were sceptical, we'd say that Philips and others have noticed that people are prepared to spend silly money on headphones at the moment. This is a great time to exploit a thriving market, with decent profit margins, before the bargain-basement brands rock-up and spoil it for everyone with their ultra-low prices.
But whatever its reasons, Philips is proud of the L1 headphones, so we wanted to spend some time with them to see if the firm has come up trumps, or if these headphones are just cashing in on an expanding market.
Style and comfort
Philips has given the L1s an over-the-ear design. This is good, because it's by far the most comfortable design for any headphone. Were it not for the practicalities of taking a pair of full headphones out and about, this would be the preferred way to listen to music.
These headphones are incredibly comfortable, and we have found that - unlike most over-ear style cans - they don't really make our ears uncomfortably hot, and can be worn for extended periods of time without ever feeling like they're a drag.
They are weighty though, and a couple of times we tilted our head forward or backwards, and the headphones slipped. Keep your head level, and this isn't a problem - and it's not much of problem anyway, to be honest.
The look great too. The headband is finished in a two-tone brown and black leather that feels sturdy and well stitched. The earpads have a sort of soft faux leather covering, and beneath that are memory foam, which Philips claims is acoustically designed not to colour your music - apparently it can make a difference - and is very comfortable too.
The headphones come with two cables in the box. One straight, the other with iPod volume controls included. They connect to a drop cable which emerges from the left headphone and has a bulky silver connector. We like the fact the main cable is replaceable, but we really don't like that there is a hardwired cable in to the headphones. Why not make this replaceable, so if anything goes wrong you don't have to either send the headphones back, or throw them away?
Still, comfort-wise, the break-out cable design doesn't provide any issues, and when using the headphones we never really noticed it was there. Both cables supplied are quite short, too. This is good for portable use, out and about, but bad if you want to connect the headphones to your TV, if it's further than 1m away. You can substitute your own cable, or simply use an extension, if you're hoping to use these with your TV.
Isolation and privacy
Philips says these headphones will isolate you from external sound. We agree with this, normal room noise, like people talking and general noise, are easily excluded by these headphones and their over-ear design.
Privacy - or sound leakage - is a slightly different issue. In our tests, audio was clearly audible when they were on someone's head. It wasn't loud though, but close up, it was incredibly clear. If you put your ear to the back of one of the earphones you'll hear the music almost as clearly - but significantly more quietly - than the person actually listening to them.
We aren't too worried about this, as these headphones do leak less than most, and the sound that does escape is more complete than most headphones. While this might give away what you're listening to, it will also annoy people less than that high-frequency hissing you get from other headphones. But with that said, we don't think the leak is severe at all.
Sound quality and response
Headphones are, of course, a matter of considerable science, in the same way speakers are. One set will sound amazing to one person, while repulsing another. We can't see anyone hating these L1s, although their sound won't appeal to everyone. Philips tell us that these headphones have been designed to offer flat response, so you should hear what was originally recorded. It does seem worth pointing out, however, that a lot of things can mess about with that. Encoding to MP3 or AAC often changes the sound, so real audiophiles should listen to these headphones using lossless music from CDs or FLAC/Apple lossless files.
At times, we could get some seriously powerful low-end out of these L1s. Magnetic Man is always a good demo of bass, and the track "Mad" has plenty of low-frequency sound, but mixed with mid and high-end too. It all sounded controlled, with nothing too bright and no noticeable distortion from the original track.
Throw on some One Direction - yes, we said that out loud - and things aren't as impressive. The plucky young chaps sound like they're all being pushed in to the mid range. With virtually no interesting bass at all. Nicki Minaj, on the other hand, provided another solid performance through the Philips L1s. More than enough bass, but with good vocal clarity and no over-bright treble. "Last Chance" has especially impressive low-end, and certainly proves with a little EQ boost, the Philips cans are very capable of producing bass.
Once we'd finished listening for this review, there were very few pieces of music that we'd listened too that didn't sound brilliant.
Durability and portability
In the box, there's a carry case provided to carry the headphones around without them getting too badly damaged. The headphones also fold quite flat, allowing you to slip them in a bag without using up too much space.
The L1s also feel as though they will survive a reasonable amount of torture. They're well made, and they feel like they can go through the stress of everyday life without too much trouble. We're a bit worried about the cables that are exposed above each earpiece, and we have some worries about the break-out cable too, because things like that are harder to repair, and more likely to be a point of failure.
These headphones might not have the greatest bass response in the world, but with a bit of EQ from your device, you can almost certainly boost that. We used an iPod Touch with "bass boost" turned on for most of our listening. This is because we favour a little more than flat EQ on most music. Some tracks will be better without any boost, but that's really up to you to decide.
We find bass to be an issue that divides people. Some think a banging low-frequency track is the hallmark of quality. Some people think, in moderation, bass can be quite nice, and some utterly hate it being over-emphasised. Music choice plays a big part in this, so we'll let you decide how to set up your MP3 player.
But it's worth knowing, these headphones do have a flat output and you do have to force them to produce low-end a little.
But none of that matters, because we got them to sound magnificent with very little effort. Clarity was generally superb - although some pop tracks sounded as if they existed only in the mid-range, which is quite tedious. We adored wearing the L1s, because they are both comfortable and sound terrific. Long listening periods were no problem, and we found ourselves favouring them over speakers to listen to music.
The cost is an issue, but if you want a set of headphones to last you several years, these Philips cans are likely to fit the bill.


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Whether you're looking for Europe's most famous highlights or its undiscovered treasures, the answer lies aboard the trains running between London and Istanbul. This 25-day Rail journey allows you to check out the dramatic landscapes across Europe, as well as experiencing both medieval charm and modern cool in tiny villages and capital cities. Take in the Alpine scenery from the windows of the Glacier Express, step off to visit 'Dracula's Castle' in Transylvania and revel in as much ancient eastern European charm as you can get. Once you've seen the countryside gliding by from a comfortable train, you'll never forget it.
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Magdas Hotel, Vienna
Your Discover Moment: Paris
Your Discover Moment: Budapest. Eurostar ride through the Chunnel. Paris orientation walk. TGV train. Lausanne orientation walk. Zermatt stay. The Glacier Express train with lunch onboard. Dachau tour (Munich). Salzburg orientation walk. Vienna orientation walk. Budapest orientation walk. Romanian villages and countryside tour (half-day, from Sighisoara). 'Dracula's Castle' (Bran). Bucharest orientation tour. Hike to Arbanasi village. Sofia orientation walk. Istanbul city tour with local guide. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Travel across Europe by train, explore tiny villages and big capital cities, soak in gorgeous Alpine scenery from the window of the Glacier Express, sample cuisine across different countries, get spooked at 'Dracula's Castle'.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan in Muslim areas, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
Vegetarians should be aware that the cuisine on the eastern portion of this trip on is predominantly meat-based. Although you will be able to find and enjoy vegetarian food, please be aware that there will not be the variety or range of choices that you would find at home.
The train from Plovdiv to Istanbul will occasionally be out of service. As we can never predict exactly when this will happen, we substitute an overnight bus on that last leg when necessary.
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
Group Leader Description
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included
20 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Train, public bus, metro, walking.
About our Transportation
Intercity transport on this trip will be by train unless otherwise noted. The train systems in Europe are generally good, with seat reservations and toilet/snack facilities on longer journeys. You will notice trains run according to the schedule more stringently in some regions and not-so-stringently in others. Pack a book, some music and your sense of adventure.
Please note that you MUST be comfortable carrying your own luggage as there will be a lot of up and down stairs on this trip due to the nature of station layouts in Europe (very few are equipped with escalators or elevators). Between public transport and hotels you may be required to carry your luggage short distances (up to 15 mins walk), in larger cities you may travel by metro or city bus, and occasionally the group will take taxis to and from hotels.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Hotels/pensions (23 nts), overnight train (1 nts).
My Own Room Exceptions
Day 14 (overnight train), Day 23 (overnight train/bus).
About Accommodation
It is important to note that accommodation in Europe tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and rooms are generally old and may not have been renovated or maintained to the highest standard. Downtown hotels in Europe were not built to be hotels but houses of the rich, which have been changed into hotels. Therefore unusual room sizes are common as large rooms have been partitioned in the past, resulting in rather "thin" walls. Reception areas, rooms and bathrooms tend to be very small as they were often added into an existing room, and may have a hand nozzle rather than a conventional shower head.
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Staff can occasionally demonstrate less than perfect customer service. As accommodation is in short supply, especially during the summer months, hotels can charge a premium and there is sometimes little motivation to improve facilities.
In one or two locations on the Budapest to Istanbul portion we use accommodation with shared bathrooms.
Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
Joining Instructions
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to the city on day 1 (or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us), please make your way to the joining hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon). Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
If you have pre-arranged an arrival transfer, look for the driver holding a G Adventures sign in the arrivals hall. Please approach them, and ask them who they are supposed to be picking up (do not tell them your name, they should have this information already). Once they give you the correct name, have your passport ready to show them and you will be on your way!
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
G Adventures UK office: +447817262559
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, from calls within North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from within UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from within Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from within Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from within New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
For absolute emergencies after office hours please contact +44 7817 262559
If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, as well as on and off transportation.
Packing List
Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your CEO where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work – check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros and cards is best.
Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
For this trip you will be in regions using the British Pound (GBP), Euro (EUR), Swiss Francs (CHF), Hungarian Forint (HUF), Romanian New Leu (RON), Bulgarian Lev (BGN) and the Turkish Lira (TRY).
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2).
Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €30-40 per person, per week can be used.
Optional Activities
- Eiffel Tower Visit (16EUR per person)
- Luxembourg Garden Visit (Free)
- Walk Along the Seine River (Free)
- Champs-Élysées Visit (Free)
- The Louvre Visit (12-16EUR per person)
- Sacre Coeur Visit (Free)
- Musée Rodin Visit (7EUR per person)
- Musée d'Orsay Visit (11EUR per person)
- Napoleon's Tomb – Les Invalides Army Museum (12EUR per person)
- Monet's Giverny Gardens (10.20EUR per person)
- Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne Visit (Free)
- Cantonal Botanical Museum and Gardens (Free)
- Hiking (Free)
- Hofbräuhaus Visit (Free-30EUR per person)
- Munich Guided Walking Tour
- Bavarian National Museum (7EUR per person)
- Alte Pinakothek Art Gallery (7EUR per person)
- Neuschwanstein Castle Visit (51EUR per person)
- Füssen Visit
- Salzburg Old Town Visit (Free)
- Salzburg Salt Mines Visit (16EUR per person)
- Sound of Music Tour (40EUR per person)
- Belvedere Gallery Visit (19EUR per person)
- Vienna State Opera House Visit (8EUR per person)
- Saint Stephen's Cathedral Visit (Free)
- Schönbrunn Palace Visit/Tour (11-15EUR per person)
- Vienna Boys' Choir Visit (35EUR per person)
- View Lipizzaner Horses at Spanish Riding School of Vienna (14EUR per person)
- Hotel Sacher Visit and dessert (30-50EUR per person)
- Naschmarkt Walk
- Buda Castle Visit (1500HUF per person)
- Thermal Baths Visit (4200-5000HUF per person)
- Budapest Bike Tour (28EUR per person)
- Danube River Cruise
- Parliament Building Visit (5200HUF per person)
- Great Market Hall Visit (Free)
- Chain Bridge (Free)
- Hungarian State Opera House (2900HUF per person)
- Hungarian National Museum (1600HUF per person)
- Clock Tower Visit (Free)
- The History Museum (Muzeul de Istorie) (5RON per person)
- Casa Dracula (Vlad Dracul Restaurant) (10-50RON per person)
- The Church of the Dominican Monastery Visit (Free)
- Tampa Mountain Visit (Free-16RON per person)
- Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei) Visit
- Art Museum (Muzeul de Arta) (5-8RON per person)
- Brasov History Museum (7RON per person)
- Schei District Visit
- Black Church (Biserica Neagră) Visit (8RON per person)
- Arch of Triumph Visit (Free)
- National History Museum Visit
- National Village Museum Visit
- Palace of the Parliament Visit
Veliko Tarnovo
- Tsarevets Fortress Visit (6BGN per person)
- Mountain Biking (7EUR per person)
- Nativity Church Visit (6BGN per person)
- Ladies' Market Visit (Free)
- St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Visit (Free-6BGN per person)
- Vitosha Boulevard Visit (Free)
- Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis Visit (3BGN per person)
- Plovdiv Old Town Visit (Free)
- Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum Visit (5BGN per person)
- Aya Sofya Visit (40TRY per person)
- Spice Bazaar Visit (Free)
- Blue Mosque Visit (Free)
- Topkapi Palace Visit (40TRY per person)
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home – you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.
Trip Specific Safety
Always keep an eye on your belongings especially in major cities, bus and train terminals.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they engage in any form of paid sex work.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures' itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures' Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at email@example.com and we will send it on to you.
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/
Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Max Pax
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Day 1: London
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Day 2: London/Paris (1B)
It's hard to run out of things to do in a city like Paris. Visit the Eiffel Tower, dozens of museums, Luxembourg Garden, wander the banks of the Seine or sip wine and eat cheese at a sidewalk café like a local.
Included Activities:
Orientation Walk
Train (3.00 hour(s))
Day 3: Paris (1B)
The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Rodin Museum are all worth a visit. Stop by Notre Dame or Sacre Coeur to add some spirituality to your day. Shop on the Champs-Élysées or explore the Left Bank.
Day 4: Paris/Lausanne (1B)
Take a morning TGV train to Lausanne, Switzerland. Spend the afternoon in this charming town.
Included Activities:
Orientation Walk
Train (4.00 hour(s))
Day 5: Lausanne/Zermatt (1B)
Board another train for the journey to Zermatt, a tiny village in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy the afternoon in the car-free centre or hiking in the nearby mountains.
Train (3.00 hour(s))
Day 6: Zermatt/Chur (1B, 1L)
Board the Glacier Express for a slow and stunning ride through the Alps. Pass meadows, rushing streams, bridges, villages and massive mountains as the train heads towards Chur. Arrive in the evening after a full day of soaking in the scenery.
Board the Glacier Express and enjoy the stunning view out of the domed glass roof.
Train (5.00-6.00 hours)
Day 7: Chur/Munich (1B)
Take a full day to reach Munich, in the heart of Bavaria. Arrive in time for an optional evening out at a local brewery with a few steins of beer and some typical German fare.
Train (5.00-8.00 hours)
Day 8: Munich (1B)
Explore the city or head further afield to visit Füssen and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
Day 9: Munich/Salzburg (1B)
Visit the concentration camp of Dachau, right outside the city centre. Learn of the atrocities of war and the triumph of the human spirit.
Return to the city for a short train ride to Salzburg, Austria. This charming city is brimming with history and character. Known for the nearby salt mines, Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg has plenty to pack into a day and a half.
Included Activities:
Dachau Concentration Camp Visit
Train (1.50 hour(s))
Day 10: Salzburg (1B)
Make the most of a free day in Salzburg. Opt to visit the salt mines or take the famous Sound of Music tour.
Day 11: Salzburg/Vienna (1B)
Continue by train to Vienna. Opt to visit the famous opera house, join a city tour or visit world-class museums. Stay overnight at a G Adventures for Good supported hotel that supports migrant workers.
Included Activities:
Magdas Hotel
Train (3.00 hour(s))
Day 12: Vienna/Budapest (1B)
Journey by train to Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'. The city, split into Buda and Pest by the river, retains its eastern charm with Buda Castle and Turkish-style thermal baths.
Depending on arrival time, opt to visit some city sights or soak in one of the famous baths.
Included Activities:
Orientation Walk
Train (4.00 hour(s))
Day 13: Budapest
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Included Activities:
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
Day 14: Budapest/Sibiu
Take another free day to explore Budapest before boarding an overnight train to Sibiu.
Overnight train (beds) (12.00 hour(s))
Day 15: Sibiu/Sighișoara
Explore Sighisoara's medieval walled citadel with its cultural attractions and great restaurants and bars.
Sample some Romanian cuisine—the Casa Dracula (original home of Vlad, the model for Count Dracula) is now a restaurant specializing in hearty meat and game dishes of the region.
Local train (2.50 hour(s), 90km)
Day 16: Sighișoara/Braşov (1B)
Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Sighișoara and nearby countryside. Take in the beautiful rolling scenery and visit medieval villages and fortified churches.
In the early evening, transfer to Braşov – the best preserved medieval city in Romania.
Included Activities:
Sighișoara Region Guided Tour
Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s))
Day 17: Braşov (1B)
Impressively situated on a rock outcrop and dominating the valley, this 14th century castle is steeped in history and folklore. Soak in the gorgeous countryside as you learn about the creepier side of Romania.
Included Activities:
Bran Castle Visit
Day 18: Braşov/Bucharest (1B)
Travel to Bucharest and enjoy an orientation walk. Take time to explore the Soviet-esque architecture, the beautiful cathedral, or indulge in Bucharest's international cuisine.
Included Activities:
Orientation Walk
Train (4.00 hour(s))
Day 19: Bucharest/Veliko Tarnovo (1B)
Enjoy this charming town and opt to visit the Tsarevets Fortress just outside the city.
Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s))
Day 20: Veliko Tarnovo (1B)
Hike to the hilltop village of Arbanasi. Soak in the views over Veliko Tarnovo. Opt to go mountain biking or view the murals at the Church of the Nativity.
Included Activities:
Arbanasi Village Visit
Day 21: Veliko Tarnovo/Sofia (1B)
A mix of western grandeur and Soviet bulk, Sofia boasts a gold-domed church and delicious international dining.
Sample modern takes on Bulgarian and international food, with some great trendy dining opportunities.
Included Activities:
Orientation Walk
Local bus (3.00-4.00 hours)
Day 22: Sofia/Plovdiv (1B)
Opt to relax over coffee and a Bulgarian baklava, a specialty of the area.
Train (2.00 hour(s))
Day 23: Plovdiv/Istanbul (1B)
Spend the day exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an evening bus to Istanbul.
Local bus (7.00 hour(s))
Day 24: Istanbul
After getting the lay of the land with a local guide, spend some free time visiting all you can in this eclectic city straddling two continents.
In the evening, there are plenty of cool little bars and restaurants to celebrate the end of an amazing journey over a raki or two.
Included Activities:
Istanbul Guided Walking Tour
Day 25: Istanbul (1B)
We highly recommend you book post-accommodation to fully enjoy this vibrant city.