text:
When I look at Bible prophecy, one thing that is of great interest to me, and of great concern, is the absence of the United States. It is interesting to note that a number of nations are mentioned in the Bible that will be active in the last days. Libya is mentioned by name. Persia, which became modern Iran and Iraq, is mentioned. Ethiopia is specifically mentioned. Quite possibly China and Russia are mentioned. And certainly Israel is mentioned. But the one nation that is strangely absent is the United States of America.
Where is the United States? Why are we not in the last-days scenario? Why is it that we can read of nations like Iraq and Iran and Libya and that we possibly can find China and Russia mentioned, but we cannot find the United States?
I would like to offer three plausible answers.
One, perhaps the United States may not be mentioned in Scripture because it might be devastated by a nuclear war. It is a horrible scenario and one that none of us would want to see, but we cannot rule it out as a possibility. There is no guarantee this could not happen. The possibilities of it have never been greater. Some would think that because the former Soviet Union dissolved, the threat is gone. But many nations have nuclear weapons. It could indeed be a rogue terrorist nation with nuclear capabilities, or even a terrorist group that could set off the dominoes falling onto each other. I hope this isn't the case, but we cannot rule it out.
Rome was once the reigning superpower on earth. They had the most powerful military anywhere. But before Rome collapsed externally, she collapsed internally. I think we would do well to look at the soul of our country right now. I am for a strong military. We need to take seriously any foreign threats. But having said that, what about an internal collapse?
The second possible reason our nation may not be mentioned in Scripture is that perhaps we will simply decline as a world power. As our country becomes more and more secular, systematically eliminating God and the Bible from our education system, courts, and the arts we will begin to reap the inevitable results of sin. We will begin to rot from the inside.
Historian Will Durant pointed out that a great nation is not destroyed from the outside until it has first fallen apart on the inside. Certainly you can see the moral decay in America today. The Bible says, "Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Proverbs 14:34 NLT). If we forget God and abandon the Bible, which is his Word, then we will reap the inevitable results of sin. I think to some degree, we already have as we have seen the breakdown of the family, rampant crime and so many other problems that have come from disobeying God.
What once was freedom of religion seems to have now become freedom from religion. We have succeeded in getting God out of our schools, out of our sporting events, out of our public places and out of our workplaces.
Christmas – which was once, at least to some degree, a celebration of the birth of Jesus – now has simply turned into Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings and for some, even winter solstice. Good Friday and Easter, which are times to remember the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, have now turned into spring break.
But here is the thing we need to remember. The freedom we enjoy is built on the foundation of absolute truth. And when you remove that foundation, this freedom actually can turn into anarchy.
But there is a third possibility, which I find a lot more hopeful: a great revival takes place in the United States. That is not to say a revival would eliminate us as a world power. But if our nation had a revival, it would affect us. Think about this. Let's say, for example, that one-fourth of all Americans are believers. This would mean that we have approximately 78 million true believers in our country today.
When the Rapture of the church takes place, don't you think there would be an impact on the United States if 78 million people disappeared? If people in every level of government, the military, the economic sector, business, agriculture, medicine and communications suddenly disappeared from the face of the earth, it undoubtedly would have a crippling effect on our infrastructure as a nation. For all practical purposes, when the Rapture takes place, it will impact every nation. It will cause the entire world to suddenly shift. This could be the scenario for the United States in the last days.
I would only hope and pray that we will have some kind of revival in America and that we would turn to God on a scale such as we have never known before. That is what we need to pray for in our country today. We need to pray for revival.
When I say that our nation needs God, I don't mean that we need whatever god everyone happens to believe in. Interfaith prayer services have become quite popular today, with clerics and ministers from various religions calling on their various gods and reading from the Bible, from the Quran and so forth. But this is not what God is looking for. He is not looking for us to just call out to whomever we perceive some supreme being to be.
The only hope for America is when we turn back to the true and living God – the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God who gave us the Bible as the revelation of who he is, the God who loved us so much that he sent his own son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in our place.
This is the God we called upon when we originally founded the United States. Don't let the revisionists throw you. Our nation was founded on biblical principles. There is no question that Christianity was a major part of the founding of the nation, and it is a major part of our heritage, evidenced by the fact of Americans turning back to God during times of crisis. We need to call upon God and get right with God. That is our only hope.
(This article is from my weekly column at Worldnetdaily.com)
Did you pray with Pastor Greg?
To help you get started, we would love to send you a free Bible and other resources to help you grow in your faith.
Get ResourcesBen Born Again's New Believer's Growth Book
Ben Born Again's New Believer's Growth Book is a time-proven resource that helps kids learn how to mature in Christ! A copy will be sent to you for a gift of any amount to Harvest Ministries this month.
Make Your Gift


text:
Plumber Marangaroo
Are You Looking For An Affordable & Reliable Marangaroo Plumber?
Baywood Plumbing are the trusted local Marangaroo plumbers with a focus on excellent timely service each and every time. We always go above and beyond to provide our customers with the best service possible. Call us today or request a quote!
Google Rating
Based on 80 reviews
Baywood Plumbing & Gas
Kaiser Bond
01:56 12 Jul 24
As usual great communication by Baywood Plumbing. Craig arrived on time and advised the price, completed the job, cleaned up and left. Thanks Phill Bond
Bernadette Doyle
06:52 01 Jul 24
I've called on Baywood Plumber a few times and have found them to be very professional and polite. Craig arrived on time, diagnosed the problem and fixed it without delay. I definitely recommend them. Thanks again for a job well doneread more
Lisa Benstead
09:19 21 Jun 24
Always great service from Baywood Plumbing. They go out of their way to fit in emergency jobs, with fast, efficient, and friendly service. I highly recommend them to anyone needing a plumber.
chong chan
13:13 13 Jun 24
Thanks Dave, just wanted to thank you for a good job well done yesterday in replacing the new HWS. Dave did an excellent job. Always nice to find a good plumber we can trust. Prompt, reliable, fairly priced and friendly - What more could we ask?We'll definitely be using you again, and will be telling our friends and our clients about you. Many thanks again.read more
Christina Lee
04:36 10 Jun 24
Dave from Baywood Plumbing & Gas was professional, efficient and friendly. He came out for a consult quickly, and was able to replace the water heater not long after. In-between, he provided a temporary fix so hot water could still be accessed. Would definitely use the services of Baywood Plumbing & Gas again. Highly recommended. Thank you!read more
Jeremy Claudius
07:48 24 May 24
Ive gone with Baywood a few times now. Each time i asked for a quote (with pictures) they responded quickly and gave good general advice about timing and cost. Plumbers were efficient and clean and got the job done. Overall happy with their serviceread more
Karl Matacz
02:37 14 Apr 24
I organised Baywood to replace a toilet and we agreed a model, Craig organised to pick it up from the supplier, agreed a time to install it and I was advised how long it would take. Everything went exactly according to plan. Craig took away the rubbish and completed the job without any fuss. Much appreciated, would definitely recommend them.read more
Sally Myers
09:41 09 Apr 24
Baywood Plumbing were so easy to deal with and turned up at the exact time they said they would. Very helpful and professional. Would definitely use them again.
Cris G.
14:49 29 Mar 24
Baywood plumbing customer service is exactly what you hope to see when calling for a service. The plumber was on time, polite, professional and got the job done very quickly. I highly recommend Baywood plumbing.read more
Erin Amato
05:31 29 Mar 24
Very polite and professional team. A pleasure to talk with on the phone and our kitchen tap was replaced so quickly! Honest, transparent service with no hidden information about the price. We will use them for the pool installation coming up too ???? Can highly recommended.read more
03:50 29 Feb 24
Highly recommend! Great and efficient service, solved my plumbing problem straight away. Also no hidden cost, gave me an upfront quote.
Beaty Mutard
02:06 29 Feb 24
I have used Baywood Plumbing & Gas a few times now. They are always obliging and come on the day if urgent, or make a time that suits us both. Very pleasant employees, who explain what they will do beforehand, and give a quote then and there. Definitely recommend.read more
Sharon Mundy
06:12 17 Feb 24
I called Baywood onTuesday and they arranged an appointment 2 days later and arrived on time and completed the job efficiently effectively and cheaper than another quote. Reliable and good I would recommend without hesitationread more
Janelle McDade
11:57 31 Jan 24
Once again, it has been a pleasure dealing with Baywood Plumbing & Gas. Craig was the ultimate professional providing great advice and handling the job efficiently and with a no problem attitude. Highly recommend Craig and Baywood Plumbing & Gas.read more
Kathryn Kenny
03:57 23 Jan 24
Great service from Baywood Plumbing. Even though fully booked they managed to have a service man come past my home and do a quick check and relight on my storage hws.Service man was polite, clean and represented Baywood Plumbing very professionally. Many thanks to office and service staff. A positive experience.read more
John Morris
02:54 17 Jan 24
Would not hesitate to recommend Baywood. Fantastic service from Craig who gave us a very cost effective solution to our hot water issue. Very helpful and left site very tidy. Thanks to all the team
adrian Zouch
00:42 12 Jan 24
Baywood plumbing and gas are a fantastic company, I highly recommend them. Booking a job is easy, the guys are always on time and the service is great. A very friendly team who go the extra mile to make sure everything is completed to a high standard.read more
R Morgan
21:36 11 Jan 24
I really appreciate how Baywood Plumbing and Gas does business. They are professional, communicate well, are conscientious in their work, and have always given me advice or guidance to benefit me, their customer. I find their pricing to be consistent and fair, regardless of which property they visit or who attends. I am very happy to recommend this business and feel confident in doing so.read more
Pam Vincent
06:04 10 Jan 24
What a pleasure to meet David from Baywood Plumbing and Gas! A real professional in every sense!Thank you for your excellent customer service, knowledge of product, timeliness of installation and quality assurance.We will recommend you to our friends and family.read more
Suzie McKenzie
08:03 09 Dec 23
Baywood's Craig did an efficient and effective once over for me. I had an extensive list of problems and Craig addressed them all with a rare professional ease. I am so pleased with the new taps and that all the various issues are well-fixed.Baywood was very quick and we're on site the day after I called. Considering none of my problems were emergencies, I thought their response time was exceptional. The quality of the work recommends itself. I would definitely recommend Baywood for your plumbing needs. I am a returning customer and will always reserve a place on my fridge for them because, of course, where else do you file your best choices? Thanks Craig and thanks Baywood Plumbing.Suzieread more
Natalie Toth
01:53 06 Dec 23
So helpful, fast and efficient. Rang first thing in the morning and had an appointment to replace our hot water system the next day. Great service and our installer was awesome. Sorted out some other issues we had as well. Definitely recommend Bayside Plumbing!!! Thanks guys, excellent job!!read more
Bernice Power
06:04 21 Nov 23
Baywood has been my very reliable plumber of choice for many years and I highly recommend them. From the first friendly phone call, setting a convenient date, a phone call when service on way to the delivery of excellent and honest service.The expertise of the tradesmen have always meant the job will be completed to my satisfaction - and gratitude. Thank you Baywoodread more
samantha Godsell
03:25 21 Nov 23
Exceptional service from first phone contact, prompt service and fixed my problem with speed and ease. Craig was polite, punctual and knowledgeable. Highly recommend Baywood Plumbing and Gas. Thankyou ????read more
Cyril Gagnaire
00:52 21 Nov 23
Craig has been very friendly and did a top job in record time. Craig showed up at the time they said they would and was able to explain to me what the faults were and what were the options before doing anything.Very professional. I would recommend them to anyone for sure.Thanks Craig.read more
Kaylor Jean-Louis
04:56 15 Nov 23
Very happy with the quality of service and workmanship provided by the team at Baywood Plumbing. Craig and Jeff were organised, efficient and just great to deal with. Would certainly recommend!
William White
01:37 15 Nov 23
You guys did a good job modifying my hot water pipes. I am happy with the job and will call Baywood Plumbing next time I need a plumber. I will recommend Baywood to my friends and family.
Taras Rudakov
01:04 13 Nov 23
I'm very happy with the job done ????.I will use your company in the future again.I would recommend this service for everyone as very professional with good quality. Thank you.Taras
Bree Wilson
07:45 12 Nov 23
Craig and the team were amazing when they assisted us to complete our kitchen renovation. They were flexible and accommodating when they had to come back after our sink was not in when expected. Cannot recommend the enough!read more
Wayne Mclauchlan
01:29 09 Nov 23
We recently called Baywood Plumbing out for several jobs. They are a first class outfit from the office to on the tools. An ol fashioned style of business that is so rare these days. Highly recommended.read more
Shane Koo
05:10 03 Nov 23
What can I say....my new regular plumber.Honest pricing, on-time and professional and most importantly good value especially right now when things are getting tough.
Josephine Chen
22:10 12 Sep 23
We noticed a burst pipe in the garden, phoned Baywood and spoke to Dave to get a quote. Accepted the quote on the spot and Craig came out to fix the issue and get us up and running in less than an hour. Super duper professional and efficient at a very reasonable price. Would definitely recommend Baywood to my families and friends. Many thanks again Dave and Craig!!read more
Norm Mitsopoulos
08:44 07 Jul 23
The service provided by Craig well and truly exceeded my expectations. He is so professional. The quality of his work was outstanding. There were some problems with the work to be done and Craig displayed exceptional problem solving skills. He was on time, friendly and explained things in easy to understand way. Also the price was very competitive and good value for money. Highly recommend Baywoods services.read more
Sean Liu
06:58 21 Apr 23
Very good experience.Call in Easter but got temp one just the second day.Craig then installed new one right after Easter.Very good attitude, even working in shower weather.Thanks a lot!
Malcolm Lambert
08:36 03 Apr 23
My sons hot water system decided to pack up on us early a couple of days ago ,so he phoned up these guys they came around to have a look he arranged for them to install a new system they came back later that day with a stand by hot water unit connected it up so we could all have a shower then came back the next day to install new unit how is that for service a big ???? from me well done guysread more
Hossein Gharemeshk Gharravi
06:17 01 Apr 23
When our hot water system was broken, they came in to inspect asap, installed a temporary unit to get us going and installed the brand new one the next morning. Top quality work, highly recommended
May Edwards
05:09 07 Mar 23
Prompt, courteous, efficient, clean, economical helpful and effective. Best tradespeople I have ever encountered. Very highly recommended.
Patrick Bartlett
06:07 24 Feb 23
My outside natural gas water heater stopped working. I phoned Baywood to see if they could determine and fix the problem.The response was very professional.They phoned me back at the time they said they would.They came and assessed the problem - old system no longer working or worth fixing.They told me how much a replacement heater would cost and were on site within 15 minutes of my accepting the quote. Quickly and very neatly they took out the old heater and replaced it. Great job. Thanks Craig at Baywoodread more
Shih Ling Yong
05:58 10 Feb 23
Craig is very honest and reliable regarding the plumbing service. He mentioned the amount and options and budget available especially for someone with budget and limited knowledge of plumbing.
08:08 03 Feb 23
Very reliable and great to work with. Had a dead hot water system and Dave came out to inspect and laid out the options. Prices were great and fixed with no bolt on costs.Called them back when I thought there was a leak in the pipes and they were prompt. found the leak in another part of the house and resolved in less than an hour. highly recommend and will definitely use in the futureread more
Cate Maguire
01:13 07 Dec 22
Baywood plumbing responded quickly to my online request and were able to fit us in within a couple of days. Very happy with the job they did!
Wayne Hollett
06:14 06 Oct 22
The Baywood team helped us with a laundry renovation and everyone was fantastic to deal with. They provided excellent service and we highly recommend them.
Pete Kirk
02:54 06 Oct 22
Couldn't fault Baywood plumbing at all.Excellent company. My gas hot water system needed to be replaced called Baywood they were there the next day to install a brand-new systemQuick prompt reliable service very professionalAnd one of the cheapest quotes I received. Would recommend to anybodyread more
gavin farr
04:39 08 Sep 22
Very efficient service with quick call out reponse. Good team to communicate with in explaining the problem and getting the right advice to address the matter with the appropriate solution. I would recommend Baywood Plumbing to anyone requiring good plumbing service.read more
Peter Ross
08:00 07 Sep 22
I had an old electric hot water system replaced with a new Rinnia B20 gas hot water system. Dave and the team did a fantastic and professional job. Highly recommended
Old Boy
00:39 03 Sep 22
Very prompt and professional. Good communication. Plumbing service is top quality
Fiona Baldacchino
05:12 02 Aug 22
Baywood have been great at detecting and fixing our ongoing underground water leak issue as the arise. Can highly recommend.
Marianne Beales
05:05 02 Aug 22
Geoff was friendly and quickly identified and fixed the problem. Would highly recommend their services and will use them again for any plumbing issues in the future.
Amy Warneke
04:48 02 Aug 22
Very happy with the plumber, quick and neat, definitely would use again and would recommend
Barry Counsel
00:28 18 May 22
We've used this business in the past and their friendly personable and professional service was remembered. I'm so glad that we requested their services again when our water heater failed. Although a replacement was not immediately available they supplied a "stop gap" remedy so that we were not without hot water. Once again friendly and on time. Highly recommended.read more
Denise 1962
22:08 05 May 22
Baywood plumbing have always been great.I have been a customer of theirs for some years and Dave along with the staff are always very helpful, friendly, professional, on time, quick and tidy. I thoroughly recommend them. Craig was my plumber this time and he was all of the above, giving me plenty of advice ?read more
Amanda Rick
22:33 04 May 22
From the beginning, friendly staff and easy to communicate with, was accomodating given the circumstances, quick and efficient:) would highly recommend!
paul siemaszko
10:02 28 Mar 22
Craig was on time,easy to deal with and just a great bloke cheers guys and would definitely recommend them
Susan Tapper
01:15 24 Mar 22
Baywood are just good. They're good at the job, their people are professional and friendly and they are focussed on the customer. Nothing was too much trouble. I would and have recommended them many times.read more
Daniel Perry
00:08 24 Mar 22
Very quick turn around time from when I called to replacing the hot water system. Very happy with over all experience using Baywood
Phillip O'Neill
06:24 16 Mar 22
Baywood have always been responsive and professional to work with, they are our first contact for all our plumbing needs.
Phillip O'Neill
01:00 16 Mar 22
Baywood have always been responsive and professional to work with, they are our first contact for all our plumbing needs.
07:49 10 Mar 22
Highly recommend Craig who came to service our Rheem Gas Heaters and also fix the air knock in pipes and taps. Quick, professional, efficient and honest about issues, charges and time required to fix. Will definitely be keeping Baywood Plumbing and Gas details for future work when required. Craig is the absolute best plumber. A total asset to Baywood. Thanks againread more
Sydney Ford
13:31 17 Feb 22
Craig did a great job with all the plumbing jobs that I needed done at my unit and I couldn't be happier. I would recommend his services without any hesitation.
Colly wobbles
00:42 09 Feb 22
On time, polite, professional, stuck to the quoted price and did a great job with no mess. Couldn't ask for anything more.
Mr Strong
12:15 30 Jan 22
The 2blokes that came and changed our hot water system were friendly and efficient also managed 2get another hot water system the same day hat off 2u boyz job well done
Margaret Collins
23:57 01 Dec 21
I was very happy with the quick and effective response from Bayswater Plumbing. Our service man was on time, told me what was needed and completed the job very efficiently. He noted some ageing in a water hose which needed replacement and checked the remaining hoses in the house for me. Bayswater guys are happy to go that step further to give you peace of mind. Honest/quality work every time.read more
Matthew Potter
23:47 25 Nov 21
Very Good Service at a reasonable price they are my go to for any plumbing issues.
Mechelle Green
01:48 09 Jun 21
This is the second time I have used this company. The first time I stumbled upon them by accident - so delighted I did. The customer service is outstanding as is the workmanship.Craig was on time, extremely clean and tidy within his workspace, and the prices are value for money. You really should not be looking any further than this company as they deliver what they say they offer (which is a rare trait).Thank you Baywood Plumbing & Gas.read more
Zag Device
13:54 01 Jun 21
Dave is very professional and provide great advice. He puts additional effort help troubleshoot my hot water system issue and resolve. I recommend to my friends and will engage him again in future.
Lyon Mcleod
08:04 26 May 21
This is the third time we have used Baywood Plumbing and Gas for a leaking water pipe and again they fixed the problem, quickly and efficiently. They also provided great advice and value for money. It feels great to know who to call with plumbing problems.read more
Ian Kline
05:50 13 May 21
We always use Baywood Plumbing. Very reliable, great service, and very easy to deal with. Any issues handled quickly and efficiently with a real care factor and attention to detail by Craig and his team. Don't waste time going anywhere else!read more
Claudia Fidock
00:08 13 May 21
Very professional services given out by friendly staff who explained thoroughly what the problem is and what your options are as a consumer. Very happy with their services
Francis Lawson
08:40 07 May 21
Dave did a top job, absolute magic, neat and tidy, replacement water heater was more than expected. I give my full endorsement perfect job..
gary edwards
08:45 25 Mar 21
Professional, Quote was accurate. Showed up on time. No call out fee. Provided me with advice to maintain good working order.
Paolo Natalotto
07:18 23 Mar 21
Hot water storage supply & installation was seamless. Good price.Free access to property, no mess, trustworthy company & third party electrician.I'm so happy. Big problems simplified by these guys. Totally recommend.read more
Meng Sum Wong
05:15 05 Feb 21
From start to finish we had an exceptional experience. Criag the tradesman attended our property on the same day to conduct works. He demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and work practices.All products installed are to the highest quality.All work areas were left extremely clean and tidy.Highly recommended.read more
Jay Brennan
07:08 02 Feb 21
We had just moved into a new home and needed the washing machine installed. This was booked and completed within a few hours and they also found a few issues we had with the plumbingand then did a check of the house. Excellent serviceread more
Wendy Hannaby
22:07 23 Dec 20
Can't recommend this company enough . Great price , on my hot water system Top professional service from start to finish.
Cheetah Michelle
05:21 23 Dec 20
Getting used to how well everything works now.. had repairs in 2 bathrooms and the laundry and very happy with the work done.. Highly Recommend them..
Carol Frances
05:06 23 Dec 20
I needed a plumber,not an emergency but quickly and Baywood were great. They were quick to solve the problem, cleaned up afterwards and the plumber was efficient and friendly.
Wayne Cox
00:15 18 Dec 20
Great professional outfit, service was exceptional went out of their way to get the job done on time and within budget even save me a few dollars with the way they worked with Alinta fully recommend.
Natasha Yann
04:39 15 Dec 20
Responsive and flexible work for a DIY kitchen renovation. Craig came out initially to disconnect gas and sink waste piping. Provided advice on how to dovetail other work with final gas cooktop and sink fit up. Came back and installed the cooktop, sink and replaced the kitchen waste external line in one day. Excellent service at a keen price.read more
Alison Turner
01:27 18 Nov 20
Excellent workmanship carried out by Craig and the team . Both professional and knowledgeable given guidance on the options available. The attention to detail resulting a Ensuite and Laundry renovation far exceeding my expections. Highly recommend there services .read more
Sharon Denham
04:42 10 Oct 20
Baywood Plumbing were accomodating, prompt and over all very happy with their service. Would recommend.
Michelle Murray
11:07 03 Oct 20
Very impressed with their professionalism and service. If you have a plumbing problem I highly recommend them.
Tommy C
08:08 25 Aug 20
Came on time and got the job done at a fair price. Thank you. Would use your service again.
Bobby Dillon
10:34 09 Aug 20
Just want to say thank you to Craig & the team at Baywood Plumbing & Gas appreciate everything you did. Craig you went above & beyond to fix all our plumbing & Gas issues, So for sure will definitely have you guys in the future for other plumbing & gas issues , for that I can't thank you enough. Bobby D.read more
Lisa Bowdin
07:11 29 Jul 20
Excellent service. Craig was very helpful, took our needs into account and gave us some advise on other issue we were having. Highly recommend.
Des Cook
05:00 21 Jul 20
We had our new filter tap over the kitchen sink fitted Friday just a few hours after I phoned Baywood Plumbing. I'd been without water since Monday waiting for the tap to come from over east. Craig made such a good job I asked him if he could look at the taps over my bathroom handbasin; they were shot; they were the originals from when the house was built 37 years ago. Craig recommended a new set and a quote. Tuesday he came back to fit all new taps in the bathrooms, handbasins, bath and showers. What a difference these have made. Graig worked nearly three hours not even stopping for a coffee. He's made an excellent job and I can't recommend him highly enough. Thanks mate.:)read more
natasha watson
09:11 18 Jul 20
I've had Baywood Plumbing out numerous times and every time I've been impressed with their service, quality of work and terrific prices. Can't recommend them highly enough. 5 stars!!
Stephen McPherson
09:02 18 Jul 20
We had a leaking toilet and broken kitchen mix master tap. Craig came in and advised us on the best course of action for resolving both. He provided me with various options and did not apply any pressure on one item or another. Then when I made my selection he replaced the tap in ten minutes. As it turned out I needed an new toilet. Craig removed the old one and replaced it with the new one in two hours and most importantly no damage to floor tiles, even after chipping away the concrete. Very professional experience and would not hesitate in recommending both Craig and Baywood Plumbing. Thank youread more
Pat Shaw
05:51 13 Jul 20
Great experience with Craig who has just installed a new beaut toilet to replace our existing one which has been leaking. He also replaced the shower head & taps in our en suite after it was found that there was water leaking between our bathroom & walk in wardrobe. Excellent service, friendly & very courteous. No mess to clean up. I would recommend Baywood Plumbing to anyone. Wouldn't go anywhere else.read more
Bridget Mcpherson
02:54 11 Jul 20
Good company to deal with, quickly and efficiently installed our new Rinnai hw system. Had a couple quotes, Baywood was great price, so together with the excellent reviews on here we went with them - good choice!read more
Chris Casey
06:46 09 Jul 20
Rarely can you get immediate, professional and well skilled services like these guys. I called on Friday night at 9pm and by 9am the next morning the job was near complete with a new hws installed in literally 2 hours maximum. Good efficient work. Absolutely cost effective. Dont go anywhere else. !! Best thing, local business... A+.read more
Caz Arbuthnot
03:27 20 Jun 20
I was able to get a new hot water unit installed the next day. The plumber was on time and professional and even saved me more money than quoted as a GPO that had been quoted for by another plumber (who'd actually been to the property!) was not required! Great, efficient service! Thank you.read more
Sue Rigby
04:04 16 Jun 20
Craig provided friendly, skilled service. Clean and professional. Would definitely use him again.
Alex Yong
11:37 15 Jun 20
Thank you Sunny, for coming around to my place today to have a look at my blocked toilet. Ultimately though, it turned out to be a strata problem, so I wasn't charged anything at all even though you had to use the camera. I will always be using Baywood Plumbing from now on and will be recommending you to all my friends.read more
Emma Lidbury
01:37 08 Jun 20
Competitive pricing, great timely service and kept us informed. We had our laundry taps altered. They are lovely on the phone when discussing too.
Imogen Johnston
09:22 02 Jun 20
I would highly recommend this company I had an emergency leak this morning and the lovely people at Baywood managed to fit me in even though they were fully booked which I was very impressed with.I came home from work to a beautiful shower head and new taps which I was not expecting at all.The service is 2nd to none and the price was unbelievable.They did not over charge me and came out exactly on time.It is lovely to deal with such a kind company.The price they charged me was extremely good and I cannot recommend this company enough.I am so happy with the service I received and will only be using them in the future.Clare Summers in Belmont.read more
Natasha Yann
07:28 18 May 20
Great response to a failed hot water unit. Installed a temporary electric one to get me across the weekend before the excellent job replacing the gas one on Monday. Good price as well.
Gordon Holmes
05:27 24 Apr 20
Craig installed 2 toilets over the past 2 days & was extremely professional in all aspects. After completing the jobs, there was absolutely zero mess left which was a bonus. Have used Rossmoyne, now Baywood Plumbing & Gas over the years & will do in the future.read more
Keryl Caird
03:42 08 Apr 20
Excellent service. Thorough and efficient. Craig was helpful and courteous and did a fantastic job. In an uncertain climate it is great to have companies you can trust. Highly recommend Baywood Plumbing & Gasread more
Carol Frances
09:07 16 Mar 20
I needed a plumber,not an emergency but quickly and Baywood were great. They were quick to respond, punctual and professional in their work. And cleaned up afterwards! Have already recommended them to neighbours.read more
Kristy Devereux
09:09 27 Feb 20
I have used Baywood twice and have been very happy with their service. Booking their attendance was easy and the person i spoke to was very helpful. They were able to attend promptly and were punctual. I will definitely use them again.read more
Sarah bailey
12:20 20 Feb 20
Extremely happy with the service provided both today and leading up to the repairs. What I liked most is the costs were outlined before going ahead with the job and options were given. Very reasonably priced too. If you're looking for a company that are honest and reliable I highly recommend them.read more
ROGER Johnstone
03:16 12 Feb 20
I have these plumbers exceptional with their work.They also fixed problems others had not and more importantly they came up with very cost effective solutions.It is easy to rate this team as 5 star in the plumbing business.read more
Sandra Keenan
10:55 29 Jan 20
I've chosen to go online to leave a positive Google review after having Baywood Plumbing on site today and leave with no call out fee after I decided not to go ahead with the reason for the callout. No pressure, just a nice guy giving his advice. A fresh change these days to the constant pressure of forking out money when not needed. I will definitely use them again. Thank you.read more
Elaine Bowdin
07:16 09 Jan 20
Great people to deal with. Prompt service and very reasonable prices. Cleaned up after themselves. Attended within 24 hours of our call. Other family members have used them on our recommendation and also found their service to be first class.read more
Facebook Rating
Based on 6 reviews
Baywood Plumbing & Gas
Tom Grieve
07:28 06 Jun 24
Great, honest and reliable. No bulls**t approach and provided genuine advice. First tradie that turned up on time!!! Well done fellas.
Rachael Davy
06:23 16 Jul 20
Awesome service again, Thank you, very good job from the guy who lives down Rockingham way, very prompt service and workmanship was brilliant, recommend for sure
Francis Bourke
20:47 25 Mar 20
Friendly pleasant staff that that stick to times given.Used there services twice now and will not hesitate to get them in again.
Ian L Mullins
04:36 24 Mar 20
Excellent service - Alistair was early (called to see if we were available), courteous, professional & fixed our issue without any hassles. Highly recommended.
Pauline Stellamans
08:57 17 Dec 19
The most professional efficent service.Alistair came today to fix up plumbing issues created by another plumber.I would highly recommend this company.Thanks heaps Alistair.
Cherie Silvestri
10:01 16 Nov 18
Awesome professional work at short notice(hot water line burst) on time and as per quote. Very impressed.
powered by Facebook

subset: commoncrawl


text:
POCAHONTAS COUNTY, WV. — People in rural areas across the country are hoping better, faster internet reaches them soon.
In much of the country, less than 15% of families in many counties have broadband access, and there is now hope that may change with the discussion of more federal funding for broadband comes with President Biden's new infrastructure plan.
Pocahontas County, West Virginia is hundreds of miles from a major city, but without reliable internet, it feels even farther.
"I'm being nice when I say it's intermittent because we get on the internet in the mornings and evenings some," said Cookie Paxton, who lives in Pocahontas County for half the year. "But during the day, if it's warm at all, it's off."
Mayor of neighboring town Marlinton, Sam Felton, said the internet is almost non-existent when you leave the town's main street.
"You pull over, you get out of the car, you stand on one leg and you hold your mouth just right and you might get connectivity," said Mayor Felton.
Felton said this hopeless hokey pokey to get directions or make a phone call is hurting his hometown's chance to grow.
"I know that we need it," he said. "If you could move out into the countryside and be assured of being able to operate your business, folks would move here. I've heard them say so, but that's one of the things that is holding them back."
For business owners already in Marlinton, West Virginia, it's keeping customers from coming in. Casey Horton is a hairstylist and runs his own business called Alpha Matter in a salon on the main street of Marlinton.
"You're missing income because you're not getting your internet turned on quick enough," said Horton. "And when you have that little bit of time to make money, that's key to have that."
Mayor Felton is part of a Broadband Enhancement Council to get better internet for his region. Only 7% of his county has access to broadband, but the solution is costly.
"Probably $25 to $50 million," Felton estimated.
That's why he's hoping President Biden's infrastructure plan will reach his small town and others like it. The consequences of not having this will hurt education, business, and family life.
"It is too big for local governments. It's too big for most, even investors. We do need the funding that we hope is coming down. We're hopeful, but until we've got the check in our hand, who knows?" said Felton.
Just a few miles up the road from Marlinton, it's even harder to get connected because of the Green Bank Observatory, home to the largest steerable telescope in the world.
No one within several miles of the telescope is allowed to have WiFi because it interferes with the telescope's operations. It's called a National Radio Quiet Zone. The telescope itself is a radio wavelength telescope that can see into the far reaches of space. It is studying planets, the galaxy and is looking for signs of life in the universe.
Families who live on the observatory itself and in surrounding neighborhoods can have wired internet connections, but WiFi and microwave signals interfere with the telescope and are not allowed.
"If we would lose that radio-quiet environment, they're going to be certain science projects that we are no longer able to study with the Green Bank Observatory, which is really one of the cleanest sites for radio emissions anywhere in the world," said Will Armentrout, an assistant scientist at the Observatory.
Felton agrees the National Radio Quiet Zone must stay in operation with the incredible work that is going on, but he said it is tough to get better service for the entire community because of it.
"It's a tremendous asset, but it is it's an obstacle in the broadband world," said Felton. "So, the quiet zone has caused another layer of pain, if you will, in trying to bring coverage about."
Armentrout said the staff at the Observatory is also pushing for better broadband. Despite having connectivity, that does not mean the connection is fast. Armentrout said the Observatory has been at the forefront of fighting for better connectivity for the whole region, as it would help their neighbors and their own work tremendously.
Donnie Ervine has lived in the quiet zone his whole life and loves the work going on at Green Bank Observatory. He said the need for a faster connection is the biggest problem, not the quiet zone. He has wired internet in his home, just no phone or WiFi service when he leaves it.
"I'm 42, so growing up in the quiet zone wasn't a whole lot different because there wasn't internet or WiFi until we were older," said Ervine, who manages a general store just feet from the entrance to the observatory.
Ervine said the lack of internet keeps his credit card machines from working and makes online business hard, but, in some ways, living without WiFi is welcome.
"We're more social," he said. "I think we get together more, but it's nice to be able to get in your vehicle and not have the phone ringing, gives you some me time."
Yet, he is hopeful the rules of the quiet zone won't keep better broadband out of the region for years to come.
Because for all the families along West Virginia's country roads, living a different lifestyle shouldn't mean living in another world.


text:
Concentration and Memory. Being around plants helps people concentrate better in the home and workplace. Studies show that tasks performed while under the calming influence of nature are performed better and with greater accuracy, yielding a higher quality result. Moreover, being outside in a natural environment can improve memory performance and attention span by twenty percent.
Keeping ornamental plants in the home and in the workplace increases memory retention and concentration. The calming influence of natural environments is conducive to positive work environments by increasing a person's ability to concentrate on the task at hand. Work performed under the natural influence of ornamental plants is normally of higher quality and completed with a much higher accuracy rate than work done in environments devoid of nature. Going outside or being under the influence of plants can increase memory retention up to twenty percent, a recent University of Michigan study showed (Sewach). The effect of nature in the home and in the workplace serves to stimulate both the senses and the mind, improving mental cognition and performance. (Bisco Werner 1996; Brethour 2007; Frank 2003; Pohmer 2008; Serwach 2008; Shibata, 2001, 2004; Yannick 2009)
Educational Programs / Special Events. Parks and botanical gardens often play host to educational programs and special events, which contribute to the cultural awareness and education of the community (children especially). This raises environmental consciousness and appreciation.
Installing a park or botanical garden in a community has many direct benefits to residents, but an auxiliary benefit of having such a naturalized landmark in the community is the special events and cultural opportunities it brings to people who might not otherwise be exposed. Botanical gardens and zoos often create educational programs for children in order to teach them how the value of being environmentally-conscious and conserving the environment. They can also impact adults in the community as well, creating a cultural awareness of the importance of natural environments. Parks and gardens foster an appreciation for nature that often instills in residents a sense of responsibility for the caring of and protection of the environment. (Appleseed, Inc. 2009, Dubey 2007, Nadel 2005, Phipps Botanical Gardens and Conservatory 2010)
Flowers Generate Happiness. Having flowers around the home and office greatly improves people's moods and reduces the likelihood of stress-related depression. Flowers and ornamental plants increase levels of positive energy and help people feel secure and relaxed.
Keeping flowers around the home and in the workplace greatly reduces a person's stress levels. Natural aesthetic beauty is soothing to people, and keeping ornamental flowers around the home environment is an excellent way to lower levels of stress and anxiety. People who keep flowers in their home feel happier, less stressed, and more relaxed. As a result of the positive energy they derive from the environment, the chances of suffering from stress-related depression are decreased as well. Overall, adding flowers to your home or work environment reduces your perceived stress levels and makes you feel more relaxed, secure, and happy. Flowers can help you achieve a more optimistic outlook on your life, bringing you both pleasing visual stimulation and helping you to increase your perceived happiness.
(Brethour 2007, Collins 2008, Dunnet 2000, Etcoff 2007, Frank 2003, Haviland-Jones 2005, Hartig 2010, McFarland 2010, Rappe 2005, Waliczek 2000)
Health and Recreation. Access to parks and recreational activities is positively correlated with rates of physical activity, which improves mood and contributes to overall healthiness. Health care costs are subsequently reduced.
Parks and urban green spaces impact people's health by providing them with an inexpensive (often free) and convenient recreational service. There is a positive correlation between the presence of a park in a neighborhood and the level of physical activity of the residents; people are much more likely to exercise when there is a no-cost, aesthetically pleasing area or facility for them to use. As a result, residents of neighborhoods with beautiful parks are much healthier; their increase in exercise makes them less susceptible to physical ailments and more resilient against minor illnesses. As a result, these residents do not spend as much each year on health care and medical treatment, because they require fewer of these services Healthy people are happier people; residents who exercise often have excellent overall health and therefore have a more positive mental outlook. The presence of parks in neighborhoods encourages residents to exercise, thus improving their physical state and enabling them to more fully enjoy their lives.
(Appleseed, Inc. 2009, Mitchell, 2008, Bisco Werner 1996, Brethour 2007, Fjeld 2000, Frank 2003, Sallis 1995, Shoemaker 2009, The Trust for Public Land 2008, Wolf 2004b)
Accelerates Healing Process. The presence of plants in hospital recovery rooms and/or views of aesthetically-pleasing gardens help patients to heal faster, due to the soothing affects of ornamental horticulture.
Shrubs, trees, and flowers have a practical application in hospitals: the presence of plants in patient recovery rooms greatly reduces the time necessary to heal. The soothing effects of ornamental flowers and plants are so great that simply having daily views of flowers and other ornamental plants in landscaped areas outside patient recovery room significantly speed up recovery time. Another technique to decrease recovery time is horticulture therapy, where patients care for and nurture plants themselves. Patients who physically interact with plants experience a significantly reduced recovery time after medical procedures. (Brethour 2007, Frank 2003, Friend 2008, Lohr 2000, Park, 2009, Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Assn. 2009, Ulrich 1984)
Improves Relationships/Compassion. Research shows that people who spend extended lengths of time around plants tend to have better relationships with others. This is due to measurable increases in feelings of compassion; another effect of exposure to ornamental plants.
Ornamental plants affect the levels of compassion that people feel for others. Studies have shown that people who spend more time around plants are much more likely to try and help others, and often have more advanced social relationships. People who care for nature are more likely to care for others, reaching out to their peers and forming shared bonds resulting from their common interests. Extended exposure to nature and wildlife increases people's compassion for each other as it increases people's compassion for the environment in which they live. In short, being around plants can help to improve relationships between people and increase their concern and empathy toward others. (Brethour 2007, Etcoff 2007, Frank 2003, Hagen 2009, Haviland-Jones 2005, Pohmer 2008, Rappe 2005)
Improved Human Performance/Energy. Spending time in natural environments makes people better at doing their jobs. It also increases energy levels and feelings of vitality.
Spending time in nature gives people an increased feeling of vitality, increasing their energy levels and making them feel more animated. Their performance levels are, in turn, increased by this improved state of mind. Natural environments induce a positive outlook on life, making people feel more alive and active. When people experience increased vigor, they put more of themselves and their energy into their work. Plants can help people to improve their performance at work and at home by increasing their perceived vitality and giving them more feelings of added energy. (Bernstein 2009, Brethour 2007, Bringslimark 2007, Dravigne 2008, Etcoff 2007, Kaplan 1995, Kuo 2001a, Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Assn. 2009, Rappe 2005, Shoemaker 1992, Univ. of Rochester 2010)
Learning. Research shows that children who spend time around plants learn better. In addition, being around natural environments improves the ability of children with Attention Deficit Disorder to focus, concentrate, and engage more with their surrounding environment.
Keeping plants in a child's learning environment enhances learning capabilities by helping them to focus and concentrate. This improves their ability to learn new things and makes it easier for them to absorb and retain information. Ornamental plants are conducive to generating a positive learning environment, reducing children's tendency towards distraction and helping them to be better able concentrate on school work. Specifically for children with problems paying attention, adding plants to the classroom can have a dramatic positive effect on the way they learn. For example, children with Attention Deficit Disorder, learning in a natural environment can help them to engage more in the classroom, improving their focus and concentration on the task at hand. The soothing effects of natural aesthetic beauty help to minimize the distractions that would otherwise occupy their minds. By altering the environment in which children learn, plants can help them to learn better. (Faber Taylor 2001a, Frank 2003, Kellert 2002, Kuo 2004, Lieberman 1998)
Medicinal Properties. Cultivating plants is beneficial to humankind because of the many medicinal properties of trees and foliage plants.
One of the more obvious benefits of plants and trees is that many of them have valuable medicinal properties. Cultivating plants helps humanity because it provides opportunities for additional scientific studies of the possible positive medicinal values of plants. Natural herbal remedies are simple and holistic methods for treating common illnesses and maladies. Some can be made in the home and are a natural way to treat minor complaints. By cultivating plants we can continue to cultivate our knowledge of the natural world and arm ourselves with more defenses against disease and infection. (Brethour 2007)
Mental Health. Studies have proven that people who spend more time outside in nature have better mental health and a more positive outlook on life.
People who spend more time outside in nature have a significantly more positive outlook on life than people who spend a great deal of time indoors. Communing with the natural world increases people's feelings of vitality and energy, and consequently has a large positive effect on their overall mental health. Being outside around trees and ornamental horticulture is proven to improve people's mental health, and give them a more positive outlook on their lives. People who spend time outside every day are less likely to be depressed or stressed, and thus have fewer burdens on their mental health. (Barnicle 2003, Faber Taylor 2001b, Grinde 2009, McFarland 2010, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens 2009, Shoemaker 2009, Wolf 2004b)
Perceived Quality of Life. People associate beautifully landscaped areas with a higher quality of life. This is important in attracting businesses and sustaining growth in the community.
Beautiful natural landscapes not only improve the aesthetics of the community, they also affect resident's perceived quality of life. People associate living in areas with a great deal of natural beauty with a higher quality of life. A high quality of life, in turn, benefits the entire community, because residents spend more money and positively affect the economy and social pulse of the town and can also attract new businesses. Thriving communities are ones in which natural beauty is appreciated as a part of an overall high quality of life, which is why installing landscaping is crucial to both the success and happiness of the individual and the public. (Brethour 2007, Bisco Werner 1996, McFarland 2010, Nadel 2005, Phipps Botanical Gardens and Conservatory 2010, Wolf 2004b, Younis 2008)
Reduce Community Crime / Community Cohesion. Neighborhoods with beautiful parks tend to have less crime. This is due in part to the effect that parks have on a community; parks give people a reason to come together and become a tight-knit community. People who care about their neighborhood parks are much more likely to get politically involved when businesses threaten to downsize them. Increasing political activism in the community is another positive outcome of cultivating a love for neighborhood parks.
Neighborhoods with beautiful parks and landscaping have reduced crime rates. This is due to the increase in community cohesion that occurs as a neighborhood rallies around a beautiful local landmark. When residents feel greater pride in the beauty of where they live, they are much less likely to detract from it (either by graffiti or endangering people within it). Communities that choose to clean up their parks and beautify crime-ridden neighborhoods have less crime and fewer criminals to deal with. Parks can positively affect the community be reducing criminal acts and bringing residents together. Cohesion in the community is critical to the success of the community as a whole, and this can be achieved through unifying people around a park or botanical garden. Parks decrease incentives for people to commit crimes in the community, and at the same time help to bring neighbors together. They can also increase local political activism. As businesses and urban expansion threatens to downsize parks in the community, more and more people are banding together in a political effort to save their parks. Parks inspire people to come together and fight for what they know is holding them together as a community. (Appleseed, Inc. 2009; Austin 2002; Bisco Werner 1996; Brethour 2007; Brown 2010; Brunson 1998; Frank 2003; Gorham 2009; Harnik 2009; Inerfield 2002; Kuo 2001b, 2001c, 2003; Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Assn. 2009; The Trust for Public Land 2008; Wolf 2004b)
Reduce Stress. Studies show that people who spend time cultivating plants have less stress in their lives. Plants soothe human beings and provide a positive way for people to channel their stress into nurturing.
Participation in gardening and landscaping activities is an effective way to reduce levels of stress. Studies have shown that people who nurture plants and garden have less mental distress than others. Gardening provides people with a positive way to channel their stress and frustration into something beautiful that provides them with comfort and joy. Part of the effects of gardening come from the satisfaction people get from nurturing and helping a living thing grow. Plants and gardening soothe people because they help them turn their stressful feelings into something positive which gives them pleasure. By helping them transform their stress into a more positive emotion, gardening also gives people an excellent coping mechanism for their daily frustrations. Nurturing plants reduces stress levels and gives people a way to cope with their negative feelings. (Mitchell, 2008, Brethour 2007, Bringslimark 2007, Frank 2003, Kohlleppel 2002, McFarland 2010, Pohmer 2008, Ulrich 1991, Waliczek 2000)
Therapeutic Effects of Gardening. Gardening can act as therapy for people who have undergone trauma. The act of nurturing something is a way for people to work through the issues surrounding traumatic events and improve their mental health.
Gardening can have therapeutic effects on people who have undergone trauma, either mental or physical. The act of nurturing a plant can provide victims with a way to work through their issues and heal their wounds, whether they are on the surface of the skin or deeper. Cultivating plants also improves their mental states and helps to put them in a better place for recovering. Gardening is a therapeutic tool that can be used to help put people in a better psychological state during recovery and help them to work past the mental barriers that could impede their healing. (Aldous 2000, Barnicle 2003, Brethour 2007, Collins 2008, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens 2009, Pohmer 2008, Rappe 2005, Stoneham 1995)
Traffic Safety / Driver Satisfaction. Beautifying road ways can have the dual effect of increasing driver satisfaction with the roadside landscape and creating a natural median. Drivers are much less likely to accidentally drive over a median if there is a landscaped area between oncoming lanes of traffic.
Beautifying traffic medians not only improves the aesthetics of the roadways, it also affects driver attitudes. Studies show that drivers are more at ease on roadways with natural landscaping, and are much more inclined to think positively about the community that they are driving through if the roadways are beautiful. Furthermore, adding trees to roadways creates a sort of natural obstruction which could reduce the likelihood of cars crossing medians into oncoming traffic lanes. This improves driver safety and makes the community a safer place for everyone to live in. Landscaped areas between oncoming lanes of traffic could decrease the number of accidents occurring due to drivers crossing the median and make the road a safer place. (Wolf, 2001b, 2001c, 2006)
Upgrade Effect. As parts of the community begin to improve their urban green spaces, other areas will be forced to stay competitive and beautify their areas as well. The upgrade effect benefits the entire community, as neighborhoods and businesses encourage each other to landscape and beautify the community.
As more businesses and neighborhoods take on the task of beautifying their surroundings, other competing areas will be forced to follow suit. In other words, as a community works to better itself, other parts of the area will be forced to upgrade as well to keep drawing people in; this phenomenon is known as the upgrade effect. The upgrade effect positively affects everyone, because it keeps communities from ignoring the benefits of landscaping and developing green spaces, it forces competition and keeps the area looking beautiful. Neighborhoods will be encouraging each other to keep beautifying the landscaping, setting off a cycle of self-improvement that has positive ripple effects outwards to all sectors of the community. (Bisco Werner 1996, Brethour 2007)


text:
Welcome to ost2rad.com, the spare parts dealer for motor bikes
Your specialist for JAWA and MZ spare parts
On ost2rad.com you can not only find original GDR spare parts, especially for the models ES, ETZ, ETS and TS, you can also get an extensive service for all MZ and JAWA (Mustang, Pionyr, 354,353, 638) bikes. In case rare MZ spare parts are not available anymore, we manufacture these parts in our workshop.
JAWA spare parts
In addition to the classic spare part range for JAWA 353, 354, 356, 360, 638, 639 and 640, JAWA friends can also find spare parts for JAWA CZ and JAWA mopeds, such as Pionýr and Mustang Type 23. Because of our extensive product range we're not able to offer all our articles online. If you can't find spare parts you need in our online shop, please feel free to contact us by e-mail.
MZ spare parts
On ost2rad.com you can obtain MZ spare parts for all models up to year 1992 including top-notch MZ spare parts for the models RT125, ES125, ES125, ES175, ES250, ES250/1, ES250/2, ETS125, ETS150, ETS250, TS125, TS150, TS250, TS250/1, ETZ125, ETZ150, ETZ250, ETZ25 and ETZ301. Beyond that, we offer replica parts from our own workshop as well as wholesale parts. Our MZ parts range from cylinders and sidecars to sealing gaskets, shafts, benches and electronics. All our MZ parts meet highest quality standards.
SIMSON spare parts
We have SIMSON parts for all models up to year 1994 including Spatz, Star, Sperber, Habicht and Schwalbe KR51 as well as the models S50, S51, S70, S53, SR50, SR80, SR1, SR2 and AWO. These parts are not included in our online shop. If you are interested in SIMSON parts, please forward an e-mail.
Delivery charges for UK are 11 Euros, for US 50 Euros. For all other countries, please ask or see "Payment & Delivery" on the left side. No minimum order quantity!


text:
Tour Highlights | |
Delhi | Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, President House, Humayun Tomb & Qutub Minar Optional Sound & Light Show at Red Fort with dinner at Chor Bizarre |
Jodhpur | Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada |
Udaipur | City Palace, Sahelion Ki Bari, Lok Kala Museum & Boat Ride at Lake Pichola Optional Sound & Light Show / Vintage Car collection |
Jaipur | Elephant ride to Amber Fort Palace , City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Observatory) & Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) Optional Cultural evening at Chokhi Dhani |
Agra | Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandara |
Fatehpur Sikri | Akbars Residential Palace, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.
Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)
Day 02 : Delhi / Jodhpur (By Flight)
Today we take a flight to Jodhpur. Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 & it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state, also known as Marwar.
Overnight hotel – Jodhpur (B)
Day 03 : Jodhpur
Half Day Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m high hill & has some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels latticed window. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (Elephant saddles), royal cradles, miniatures paintings, musical instruments, costumes & furniture.
We also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur.
Overnight Hotel – Jodhpur (B)
Day 04 : Jodhpur / Udaipur (By Flight)
Today you take the flight for Udaipur. Udaipur, was founded in the year 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh after his final unsuccessful attempt to defend the Mewar capital, Chittorgarh from the invading Mughals under Emperor Akbar. The Kingdom of Mewar was considered the most respectable among all Princely states in Rajasthan & still remembered for the courage to protect the Kingdom. The site for Udaipur was chosen for its natural beauty, abundant water & natural protection afforded by the surrounding forests & Aravali mountains. It is set on the edge of three lakes & also known as the "City of Lakes & Palaces". Undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in India, its beautiful Palaces are mirrored in the calm waters of Lake Pichola & the city is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces & temples.
Overnight Hotel - Udaipur (B)
Day 05 : Udaipur
Half Day Tour with boat ride in the evening
Today we visit the City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings contributed by various Maharanas (Kings) after Udai Singh & built in the year 1725. The magnificence of the Palace starts right from its entrance at the northern Tripolia Gate that brings us to the central courtyard, the bestplace to view the facade of filigreed balconies & ornate cupola-topped towers. Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) is an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter & the Ladies of the Queen's court. He built the garden with several fountains, pools & is decorated with chiselled pavilions & elephants. The fountains worked on the unique hydraulic technique devised in the year 1700 AD & work till today.
Later we visit Jagdish Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in the year 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images. We also enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola, the beauty of the lake is enhanced by the surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats & embankments. The Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag Mandir, the two island palaces on the lake look like pearls in the lake.
Overnight hotel – Udaipur (B)
Day 06 : Udaipur - Jaipur (By Flight)
Today we take a flight to Jaipur. Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors
Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar, the Solar Observatory, an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We now visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows).
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (B)
Day 07 : Jaipur – Agra (By Flight)
Half day Tour
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort (11 km); the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience.
Check out time from hotel is 12 noon.
Later we take a flight to Agra, , beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overnight hotel – Agra (B)
Day 08 : Agra
Today we visit Taj Mahal (Closed on fridays), symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal emperor, Shah Jehan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years.
Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.
we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water.
Overnight Hotel – Agra (B)
Day 09 : Agra – Delhi (By Flight)
Today the morning is at leisure.
Check out from hotel at 12 noon. We transfer on time to the airport to board our flight for Delhi.
Overnight hotel – Delhi (B)
Day 10 : Delhi - Depart
Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jehanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.
In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aybak. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In time transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward journey.
Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward to serve you again in near future
, www.incredible-northeastindia.com


text:
New service and logistics center in Dresden
Belimo is expanding its global network of service locations and opening a new service and logistics center in Großröhrsdorf near Dresden (Germany). This will bring Belimo even closer to its customers in Germany and northern and eastern Europe, who can expect customer-specific adaptations and an increased readiness to deliver from the new location.
By means of logistics and customizing, Belimo intends to quickly serve a broad spectrum of individual customer needs in Dresden. In addition, activities in the field of sensors, in which Belimo has been growing strongly since 2017, are also being expanded.


text: Profile Design's Aero HC Hydration System sports a sleek, aerodynamic design so you can stay hydrated and hidden from the wind. The bottle features an aerodynamic design and a removable nose so you can easily clean it.The integrated mount places your computer right where you can see it when you're in an aero tuck. With 35mm of width adjustment and independent fore/aft adjustment for the bottle cage, the Aero HC Hydration System is a key part on your aero bike.


text:
Tom Breneman with audience member. (c) LIFE
Radio entertainment was never more popular than it was in the 1940s. During this time radio stations were popping up all over Hollywood. Vine Street was a particular hub for radio. Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Edgar Bergen, and Milton Berle were some the names that ruled the air waves and their fans flocked to Hollywood, or "Radio City" as it was sometimes called, to be members of the studio audience - much the same way audiences sit in on some television shows.
Breakfast in Hollywood (1946)
One of the popular radio programs that broadcasted from Vine Street in Hollywood was Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood." This morning show was an unscripted program with much audience participation and fans lined up outside the studio as early as 5am to take part.
In 1946 Breneman and United Artists released a film called Breakfast in Hollywood as a way to promote the radio program. The film is not very good but worth watching to get an idea of how the radio program went and for some interesting cameos by Hedda Hopper and the Nat King Cole trio.
Breneman originally hosted Breakfast in Hollywood from the former Tropics nightclub on Vine but later bought the Hollywood Recreation Center next door, converting the bowling alley into a restaurant and radio studio. Most of Tom Breneman's Hollywood Restaurant is torn down, however, the facade still remains. If you look at the two photos below you can see how the streamlined facade has been incorporated into what is now a condominium and retail space.
Tom Breneman's Hollywood Restaurant on Vine Street
Vine Street, Hollywood, California
Facade of former Tom Breneman's Hollywood Restaurant
On April 28, 1948, just before the broadcast of Breakfast in Hollywood was to begin Breneman had a heart attack and died. Garry Moore took over hosting duties but the show quickly failed without Breneman. After the radio program ended Sammy Davis Jr. and investors purchased the building. The next tenant would be ABC which used the space for ABC Radio Center. Eddie Cantor and Frank Sinatra both became disc jockey's at ABC and Louella Parsons did an interview show with celebrities at the Vine Street location.
Looking Southwest down Vine at Tom Breneman's
Former location of Tom Breneman's
Your thoughts?


text:
It's Always Flue Season at A-Pro
As we enter the depths of winter, it seems a good time to talk about one of the most important but lesser-known aspects of a complete home inspection—the exhaust flue, also known as a flue vent connector. Usually made of single-wall steel or aluminum, the vent connector pipe runs from an appliance (e.g., a gas-fired furnace) to the chimney, helping to conduct combustion waste to the outside. The byproducts of combustion include carbon monoxide, lead, particulate matter, and sulfur and nitrogen oxides. These are produced in a home by gas- and oil-fired furnaces, boilers, and water heaters; wood stoves and fireplaces; portable propane, natural gas, and kerosene heaters; and other fuel-burning appliances. When not vented properly, these waste products—either appearing as smoke or invisible gas—can spill into the home and pose serious health hazards and even death. A certified home inspector will perform a visual inspection of a home's venting system, including a thorough assessment of flue vent connectors. Common problems that will be noted in the home inspection report include:- Vent connectors that do not slope up to a chimney or outdoor vent.
- Improper installation: The home inspector will indicate the presence of open seams, rusted holes, and other issues such as vent connectors that are too long to allow for exhaust gasses to easily exit the home.
- Inadequate supports can lead to a pipe no longer maintaining its proper slope or causing condensation to form rust on the pipe. Installers are encouraged to carefully follow manufacturer guidelines in regard to installing vent connector supports.
- Lack of sufficient connections or poorly installed connection screws can cause pipes to sag or leak. The inspector will examine the entirety of the connections to check for gaps, particularly where the pipe meets the furnace or chimney.
- Pipes that are too close to or touching combustible materials such as insulation can present a fire hazard. (There should be a six-inch clearance, unless the installer has used a B-Vent, which requires one inch). Further, the inspector will point out if combustible material has been used as supports for the vent connector.
- Other problems, such as a vent connector extending too far into the chimney, cannot be assessed visually and would require disassembly, which is not part of a typical home inspection. This circumstance, like a blocked flue, can result in deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Be Fanatical About Exhaust Fan Maintenance
- A properly functioning bathroom exhaust fan is a good way to remove steam and odors. When not removed, steam turns into condensation that can breed mold and mildew, warp wood trim, and cause drywall to decay. It is recommended to clean the bathroom exhaust fan at least once a year to keep it running efficiently.
- When you're taking hot showers, be sure to run the bathroom exhaust fan during and afterwards until all the steam has been removed.
- The kitchen exhaust fan—located in the range hood, or on the wall or cabinet above the stove—vents steam produced from cooking to the outside, in addition to removing smoke when you let the brats sizzle too long. Kitchen exhaust fans should also be cleaned once a year.
- Consult your user manuals for proper cleaning procedures for kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
- For the sake of saving energy, don't forget to turn off your exhaust fans.
- Bathroom and kitchen windows are helpful but shouldn't be used as a replacement for exhaust fans.
- Make sure a checkup of the bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans is part of the home inspection (a visual and operational examination of both appliances is part of an A-Pro complete 500-point inspection).
- Among other actions, the inspector will turn on and listen to the fan; make sure it exhausts to the outside (venting to the ceiling, attic or other room is a definite no); check to make sure all seals are tight and that it has been correctly installed; report on evidence of moisture or condensation associated with the fan; determine if the exhaust duct is correctly attached based on whether it is a flex or rigid type; ensure that outside dampers are working; and test the unit's flow rate.
Winter—A Good Time for a Thermal Imaging Examination
Contact your local A-Pro Home Inspection team in Greeley at 1-970-373-1005 for more information.
Real Estate Agent Question Corner
What is a Foundation Level Survey and why is it important?
Contact your local A-Pro Home Inspection team in Greeley at 1-970-373-1005 for more information.
A-Pro, since 1994
Winter Fun Facts
- There are some folks who take the phrase, "Let's build a snowman!" to extremes. Case in point, the residents of Bethel, Maine. With help from surrounding communities, they piled up 13 million pounds of snow to make a snowwoman measuring 122 feet, one inch tall—only slightly shorter than the Statue of Liberty. Built over a month in February 2008, the towering creation (a Guinness Book of World Records champ) was adorned with truck tires for buttons, eyelashes made from eight pairs of skis, and 30-foot-tall spruce tree arms.
- If you're old enough to remember ABC's Wide World of Sports, you probably became acquainted with barrel jumping, which was periodically featured on the show. As the name implies, it involves ice skaters jumping over barrels lined up side by side—a feat that would find a welcome place at today's X-Games. The record for most barrels jumped belongs to Yvon Jolin of Canada, who successfully soared 29 feet, five inches over 18 barrels.
- Brain freeze…it can happen to any of us when we gulp down a snow-cone or drink a frosty brew too fast. Scientifically, it's known as sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia. It occurs when there is a rapid change in temperature at the artery where blood feeds your brain. Drinking a cold beverage too quickly doesn't allow the mouth enough time to warm it properly. The result is a rapid onset headache caused by a dilation and contraction of associated arteries.


text:
Selling your home is a complex, multi-step process that calls for the expertise of a Real Estate Agent. There are many things you'll need to consider, and to help you through it, here's a general overview on what to expect and prepare.
Get Your Finances in Order
Don't worry if you're still paying off your mortgage, there are several options depending on what type of mortgage you have. However, you'll need to talk to your lender before you can proceed.
Meet With a Real Estate Agent
It's important to partner with a Real Estate Agent you feel completely comfortable with. Don't fall for the trap of partnering with the first Real Estate Agent who suggests the highest asking price. Shop around. A good Real Estate Agent can help you price your home to sell, answer questions like "When is a good time to sell?" and has in-depth knowledge of the market.
Start your search for a reputable Real Estate Agent, by checking if family and friends have a preferred Real Estate Agent or search online for the most visible and professional one. Visit your local real estate office; pay attention to advertisements and For Sale signs.
Listing Your Home
Pricing your home too low or too high is not an option. Setting a fair price will attract more potential buyers, and give your home more exposure. Your Real Estate Agent should be able to explain to you the multitude of factors influencing pricing, including: competitive pricing, current market stats, and of course the estimated value of your home.
Marketing And Promotion
The next step will be to sign a Listing Agreement, which gives your REALTOR® permission to post your property on MLS (Multiple Listing Service). They'll then begin marketing your home through a variety of mediums — digital and traditional — and inform other REALTORS® (representing buyers) that your property is on the market. Your REALTOR® can also help you prepare your home for staging.
After the hard work of marketing and promoting your home pays off, you'll hopefully have a few offers on the table. Once you've accepted an offer, your buyer will want to conduct a home inspection and (potentially) negotiate the cost of any repairs. Finally, your lawyer and Real Estate Agent will walk you through the paperwork and legal bits needed to close.
Congratulations! With the sale of your home complete, you can now begin looking for a new place.


text:
Prince Michael Impresses '90210' Director
Yesterday, ET's Brooke Anderson took you exclusively to the set of 90210 as Prince Michael made his acting debut. Today, we're revealing more from the budding thespian's shoot for the popular CW show!
Pics: Remembering Michael Jackson
Perhaps his lack of nerves had something to do with it, but according to episode director Harry Sinclair, Prince, 16, was praised as a natural actor on his very first day.
"I thought he was great," raved Sinclair. "He's very young but he was able to be totally relaxed and do his performance. It was very unusual and he seemed totally at ease."
Despite his praise, the teen star-in-the-making revealed he doesn't have the stomach to view himself on the small screen.
Pics: Jackson Kids Enjoy Family Fun at Legoland
'[I'm] probably my own worst critic," admitted Prince. "I don't watch myself."
Watch the video for more!
Prince's acting debut on 90210 is set to air May 15 on the CW.


text: The Color & Light Chuppah Decor is a gorgeous way to make your wedding come to life with color and floral beauty. Garlands are draped on all four sides of the chuppah consisting of lavender roses, light lavender roses, purple dendrobium orchids, purple hydrangea and lush greens. Accented at each corner with additional arrangements consisting of lavender roses, purple dendrobium orchids, lavender larkspur, light lavender roses, purple hydrangea, ivy and additional greens, this display will make your wedding a sight to behold.


text:
All eyes turn to Australian architecture
Mark Loughnan, principle architect of HASSELL says now is a great time to be in the Southern Hemisphere
"It is an exciting time" for architecture in Australia Mark Loughnan, principal architect at HASSELL tells Phaidon. The firm has ranked as Australasia's top architectural practice in Building Design's Top 100 Survey for 2012. "There is an increasing appreciation of considered design and 'design thinking' here," Loughnan continues. "People want, and also appreciate, good architecture and quality built outcomes. The profession as a whole is busy and the opportunities are creating a real buzz."
Loughnan's international design practice has offices in China, South East Asia and the United Kingdom, but it's their projects in Australia that they are most proud of. The recently completed Giant Panda Forest at the Royal Adelaide Zoo which immerses visitors into the world of the pandas. "It's wonderful to see the children engaging closely with the habitat of these animals," he tells Phaidon. "It's a building that can be experienced by the entire community in a social, engaging, learning and varied environment."
With more than 900 people part of the practice which spans 70 years it seems there is no project HASSELL cannot turn their skills in architecture, interior design and planning to. Completed in 2009, the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link which connects four new stations in Sydney is perhaps the most complex, with multiple spaces, uses and the need for passengers to move through the stations smoothly. HASSELL created cavernous spaces through which light and passengers descend into the central ticket halls. "We often work on complex projects at HASSELL and we have the skills and people to take a genuinely multidisciplinary approach and perspective. We consider a variety of conceptual approaches depending on variables such as history, specific site context, the potential occupants and users, client aspirations, program and of course, the budget."
Each of HASSELL's projects are very different. "We are interested in the client and the project and not specifically focused on any building typology," Loughnan says. One40William is a project which has set the benchmark for environmentally sustainable design in Perth. A multi-use complex with offices, retail spaces and rail station below, it takes advantage of the city's microclimate. The orientation of the building allows maximum exposure to daylight in the work environment and incorporates extensive landscaped rooftop spaces and indoor gardens.
Despite pride in his own work, Loughnan says that he wishes he had designed Herzog + de Meuron's Tate Modern in London: "The reinvigoration and rejuvenation of the historic London power station into a destination for art, culture and the general population has successfully revitalised the Southbank and further connected and defined the city. It's a project that also represents the possibilities and integrated outcomes between the old and the new, and the positive impact on the urban environment and public realm."
Loughnan hopes to continue to build HASSELL internationally in the future by growing their offices in Chine and Europe as well as maintaining their offices in Australia. "One particular project we are working on is a limited consortium competition for a large mixed use development in Melbourne. The project covers an entire block that will potentially connect and provide a new aspect and precinct to the city. Internationally, we're also working on museum buildings, law courts, urban master-planning and large scale infrastructure projects. They're all keeping our team excited and engaged."
Sign up to the Phaidon newsletter to get future updates.


text:
This listing is for five hair pins.
Length of pin: 6.5 cm
Total Length of hair decoration: 9 cm
Width of wire 'arms': 3 cm
Each hair pin is truly stunning and would add a romantic touch to any bride or bridesmaid's hair ensemble!
If you require more hair pins than are listed, please drop us a message so we can discuss making more for you – it is no problem at all.
These beautiful hair pins will come gift wrapped in a sustainably sourced glassine bag, surrounded by acid and chlorine free tissue paper. All of our packaging is 100% recyclable.
Made from rhinestones, they shimmer and catch the light beautifully, whilst remaining classy, chic and understated. These pins are extremely versatile, and the wire 'arms' can be bent to make a variety of shapes and to fit with different hair styles.
One pin can be used alone to add a flash of sparkle, or several pins could be tucked into a messy updo to give the illusion of one larger hair piece.


text:
Batik and ethnic clothes
| clothing, filipino, philippinesI love wearing ethnic clothes. Traditional outfits are hip enough to
pass off as casual but dignified enough to go formal, possible with a
little creative re-pinning. I love wearing batik-dyed or embroidered
malongs, the simple tubular skirts that can be turned into dresses and
sashes and sleeping bags depending on need. I love wearing my
butterfly-sleeved terno and wish I had one that looked less formal.
The gold-threaded cream blouse makes it too dressy, but I wear it
Of all the costumes I wear—from hacked computer T-shirts to flowing
skirts to jeans and a tee—I like the traditional ones the most.
Thanks, Mom, for sending me two more malongs and a few black tops!
Thanks to Pavel and Emily for bringing them from the Philippines!
I want more outfits…


text:
While the Sierra de Toloño offers some amazing trails and views, the most alluring sights I've seen in the Basque region are along its coastline.
The coast of northeast Spain and southwest France along the Bay of Biscay is part of the Basque heartland. Inland villages played a key role in keeping Basque culture alive, but it's the ports–Bilbao, San Sebastian, and many smaller towns–that helped the Basques make their mark on world history.
Today I'm hiking a stretch of Spanish coastline east of San Sebastian and within sight of the French border. Much of my trail today corresponds with the famous Camino de Santiago. This pilgrimage route stretching from France to Galicia on the northwest corner of the Iberian peninsula became popular in the Middle Ages. It's still one of the most popular trails in Europe, with a record 200,000+ hikers last year.
I can see why. Our route takes us past little towns where churches once offered medieval pilgrims spiritual solace, vineyards growing on steep slopes leading down to the sea, and wide views of the water. The coastline here is rugged, with jagged rocks jutting up from the foamy surf and numerous little islands, some topped by churches and homes.
%Gallery-124603%One of these islands has an important history. It makes up part of the little port of Getaria, home to Juan Sebastián Elcano, the Basque people's most famous sailor. He was one of Magellan's officers on the explorer's circumnavigation of the globe.
The journey started in 1519 with 241 men. That number quickly dropped due to malnutrition, disease, mutiny, and storms. When Magellan was killed in the Philippines in 1521, two other officers took joint command. They were killed by natives soon thereafter. Another officer took over, but he proved unpopular and when his ship sprung a leak, some men decided to follow Elcano in the only remaining vessel. They finally made it back to Spain in 1522 with only 18 of the original crew.
His hometown, shown above, isn't very big and probably wasn't much of anything 500 years ago. I can imagine Elcano climbing to the top of that little mountain on the island that dominates Getaria and looking out over the sweeping view of the Bay of Biscay. It's not surprising such a place produced one of the world's greatest sailors.
Continuing along the coast we find a slope covered in thick grass. Looking out on the sea, there's a good view of Getaria to our left and to our right, almost lost in the distance, we spot the coastline of France. It's a perfect place for a picnic and we feast on Spanish tortilla (a bit like a thick omelet with potatoes), cheese, bread, and fresh cherries. I've been on a lot of hikes in Spain and I've eaten well on all of them. This picnic takes the prize for best view, though.
This coastline made much of its wealth from whaling. Whale oil used to be the petrol of the world, lighting up the streetlamps of Paris and London and used in a variety of products. While whales enjoy some protection today, they were hunted by the thousand until early 20th century and came close to going extinct. Basque whalers were some of the most adventurous. When stocks were used up in the Bay of Biscay and other parts of the European coastline, Basque whalers went further afield to Siberia, Iceland, Greenland, and even the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. In fact, they may have arrived in the New World before Columbus!
Our hike ends when we make it to the beach at Zarautz, an old whaling port turned resort. People are surfing and swimming, the smart ones wearing wetsuits to protect them from the cold water. When whaling died and the iron industry faltered, the Basque coast reinvented itself as a northern resort paradise for rich Europeans. San Sebastian, which I'm visiting in the next installment of this series, was one of the best. When you see the photos you'll know why.
Don't miss the rest of my series: Beyond Bilbao: Hiking through the Basque region.
This trip was sponsored by Country Walkers. The views expressed in this series, however, are entirely my own.


text:
1 So have love for the Lord your God, and give him worship, and keep his laws and his decisions and his orders at all times.
2 And be certain in your minds this day; for these words are not said to your children, who have had no experience of the training of the Lord your God, and who have not seen his great power or his strong hand and his stretched-out arm,
3 Or his signs and wonders which he did in Egypt, to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and all his land;
4 And what he did to the army of Egypt, to their horses and their war-carriages; how he made the waters of the Red Sea come up over them when they went after you, and how the Lord put an end to them even to this day;
5 And what he did for you in the waste land, till you came to this place;
6 And what he did to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben; when they went down into the open mouth of the earth, with their families and their tents and every living thing which was theirs, before the eyes of all Israel:
7 But your eyes have seen all the great works of the Lord which he has done.
8 So keep all the orders which I give you today, so that you may be strong, and go in and take the land which is to be your heritage;
9 And that your days may be long in the land which the Lord gave by an oath to your fathers and to their seed after them, a land flowing with milk and honey.
10 For the land where you are going is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you put in your seeds, watering them with your foot, like a planted garden:
11 But the land where you are going is a land of hills and valleys, drinking in the rain of heaven:
12 A land cared for by the Lord your God: the eyes of the Lord your God are on it at all times from one end of the year to the other.
13 And it will be that if you truly give ear to the orders which I put before you this day, loving the Lord your God and worshipping him with all your heart and all your soul,
14 Then I will send rain on your land at the right time, the early rains and the late rains, so that you may get in your grain and your wine and your oil.
15 And I will give grass in your fields for your cattle, so that you may have food in full measure.
16 But take care that your hearts are not turned to false ways so that you become servants and worshippers of other gods;
17 For if you do so, the wrath of the Lord will be burning against you, and the heaven will be shut up so that there is no rain and the land will give no fruit; and in a very little time you will be cut off from the good land which the Lord is giving you.
18 So keep these words deep in your heart and in your soul, and have them fixed on your hand for a sign and marked on your brow;
19 Teaching them to your children, and talking of them when you are at rest in your house or walking by the way, when you go to sleep and when you get up:
20 Writing them on the pillars of your houses and over the doors of your towns:
21 So that your days, and the days of your children, may be long in the land which the Lord by his oath to your fathers said he would give them, like the days of the eternal heavens.
22 For if you take care to keep all the orders which I give you, and to do them; loving the Lord your God and walking in all his ways and being true to him:
23 Then the Lord will send these nations in flight before you, and you will take the lands of nations greater and stronger than yourselves.
24 Every place where you put your foot will be yours: from the waste land and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates as far as the Great Sea, will be the limits of your land.
25 All people will give way before you: for the Lord your God will put the fear of you on all the land through which you go, as he has said.
26 Today I put before you a blessing and a curse:
27 The blessing if you give ear to the orders of the Lord your God, which I give you this day:
28 And the curse if you do not give ear to the orders of the Lord your God, but let yourselves be turned from the way which I have put before you this day, and go after other gods which are not yours.
29 And when the Lord your God has taken you into the land of your heritage, you are to put the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal.
30 Are they not on the other side of Jordan, looking west, in the land of the Canaanites living in the Arabah, opposite Gilgal, by the holy tree of Moreh?
31 For you are about to go over Jordan to take the heritage which the Lord your God is giving you, and it will be your resting-place.
32 And you are to take care to keep all the laws and the decisions which I put before you today.