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Posts Tagged 'rents'
Superior provides scaffold to move 3,000-year-old, 25,000 lb. Sphinx at Penn Museum
Superior Scaffold provided the intricate scaffolding ramp at the Penn Museum to get the priceless, 3,000-year-old, 25,000 pound Sphinx of Ramses II to its new location 250 feet away.
It's not everyday that you get a call to construct a ramp to move one of the world's rarest objects 250 feet to its new exhibit location. And it's even rarer when you have to take that 25,000 pound statue outside, through a window, across a courtyard and then back in through another window.
Quite the challenge if I may say so myself. But the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology has used us on some other very delicate items (read about it here) so they had the confidence that we could deliver the goods.
This is the anatomy of that once in a lifetime move.
Each piece of scaffold equipment had to be walked in because there was very little access to the courtyard.
Our crew shored up the floor beneath the giant Sphinx with hi-load frames and post shores, just as security measure, in preparation for the move to the exit ramp.
We then built an exit ramp out of system scaffold because we had height restrictions to elevate the Sphinx enough to get it through the window.
Concurrently, they removed a large window and opened the wall a bit so it would fit through the opening.
The outside ramp was constructed using hi-load shoring frames to hold the weight of the stone beast.
We started with wood sills on the entire run over the dirt/grass followed by steel beams and then a variety of hi-load shoring frames down the entire 250ft run.
Those frames had U-heads and steel beams crossed with aluminum beams then topped with solid plank and then ¾" plywood.
The plywood was then covered by a special surface that would help the air dollies float beneath the Sphinx. We also installed an elaborate maze of guardrails or stanchions along the entire route.
It took some creative layout to position our shoring frames around several pipes at the back end of the ramp.
Another window was removed to get the Sphinx into its new resting place.
And finally, we built another deck or loading platform out of system scaffold on the inside at the other end of the long ramp to receive the giant stone carving.
Here is a series of photos as the priceless stone object made its way across the courtyard to its new resting place.
The Sphinx was first hoisted onto our ramp using a hydraulic lift and placed onto 4 air dollies that used compressed air and essentially floated it off the ground allowing crews to push it the entire distance.
Here is the Sphinx on its way out.
You can see the air dollies under the corners in this photo – as well as the intricate carvings on the side of the Sphinx.
This is the first time it had seen light since it was moved into the museum back in 1926, when the gallery was built around it. (see the pic from the museum's website by clicking here).
The red granite, or stone of kings, as it was called, sparkled in the sunlight.
The Sphinx is a lion with a human head and represents the power of the Egyptian king. It is carved out of a single block of red granite.
Alternate Design Solutions did the engineering on this job and they did magnificent work. John at ADS was given the weight and dimensions of the Sphinx and used soil compression test measurements to calculate the size and weight of the platform/ramp needed to make the move. The resulting platform is something to behold.
It moved at a slow pace while hundreds of spectators watched the event.
It took between 4 and 8 people to move the behemoth along the route.
Once to the other side of courtyard, there was only 1.5 inches of clearance on either side of the new opening for the stone statue to slide in between onto our second loading platform.
As a precaution we shored up the floor beneath the entry point as well using 20 kip shores. Penn Museum had a new floor designed and poured just to accommodate the weight of the ancient object in its new display.
A hydraulic lift removed the Sphinx from our platform and onto the concrete where it would be moved to its final resting spot.
The entire move went off as planned and it was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. We are thankful that the Penn Museum trusted Superior Scaffold with this priceless object.
The satisfaction of everyone involved was evident in this screen grab of our estimator, Pat McAndrew, just as the Sphinx passed the The Philadelphia Inquirer video camera.
Be sure to watch this incredible time-lapse video Penn Museum put together.
They also have great links to the history of the Sphinx and how it got here in their blog.
Click on the image above from 1916 to read the history and explore their website.
And below are some other video links for you to check out.
If you need scaffolding, shoring or access trust the best, Superior Scaffold. Call (215) 743-2200 today or visit www.superiorscaffold.com to see how we can help you.
It just makes sense to play this for today's musical selection.
Pat suggested "You Belong to Me" from The Duprees – and what a nice track. Enjoy.
#scaffold #scaffolding #rental #rent #superiorscaffold #restoration #inspection #construction #facade #masonry #canopy #protection #howto #erection #install #emergencyservices #masonry #suspendedscaffold #mastclimber #canopy #philly #philadelphia #pa #electrical #pa #de #nj #ny #md #hoist #buckhoist #lift #saia #excellenceisbuilding #sphinx #pennmuseum
Transport Platform for interior renovation at Rodney Court, Wilmington, DE
Superior Scaffold provided our TP-2500 transport platform to crews at the historic Rodney Court apartment building (now Birchwood at Rodney Court) for a complete interior restoration.
This is a pretty cool job for lots of reasons. We had to use system scaffold to reach each level of this six-story building and then deck it in as a sort of landing platform for crews to get their materials in through windows on each floor.
To make it just a little more challenging, we mounted the mast for the transport platform directly to the building on one side and in between the scaffold to the building on the other!
It was a super creative solution to get the best use out of the large car size so sheets of drywall could be transported easily. It also allowed for access to all 3 doors on the transport platform. In this configuration, 3,300 lbs of material or 7 men can be transported.
Crews are doing a total remodel of the inside units (kitchens, bathrooms, etc) and needed a way to get material inside the building at each floor.
This was once one of the premiere apartment buildings built before the great depression. Constructed in 1928 this six-story, L- shaped steel frame building is sheathed in cinder block and faced with light tapestry bricks. It features cast stone trimmings with a classically styled parapet.
It once had a large social hall adjoining a roof-top dance floor and garden. How cool must that have been?
Tony P took things a step further by building an elevated landing platform so equipment could be loaded on and off at two elevations and then he netted the lower level so it would be safer for everyone on the job.
He also put up netting on the surrounding fence to keep this project as non-invasive as possible for the day care next door.
He went even further by mounting the power box on the adjacent wall and then using a piece of scaffold to carry the power cable up and over the walkway keeping it safe and out of the way.
"What an incredible piece of equipment. It worked like a dream and saved us time and money on this resto," said foreman, Hank Newburn of Ingerman Construction. "And Tony P went above and beyond to accommodate us." We love to hear that at Superior. Glad we could be of service.
We also installed a debris chute with access ports at every level and then netted it as well.
The old Rodney Court Cooperative apartment complex should be looking good when it gets new life as the Birchwood at Rodney Court senior rental community.
If you need access for your men or material call Tony P today at 215 743-2200 or visit www.superiorscaffold.com.
Today's musical selection comes from a Delaware native and his song seems to fit Tony P and Superior. Enjoy.
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Multiple access units at Parkway Condominium Complex, 2601 Pennsylvania Ave.
Like many of the older buildings in Philadelphia this one needed a total masonry restoration. After years of being exposed to the elements parts of the masonry needed to be cleaned, repaired and even replaced.
You've seen many of the before and after photos on our blog and it's just truly amazing what these crews can do to revitalize and preserve an old building. Sometimes they make it look better than brand new. Joseph Dugan, Inc is one of the finest in the business and we are always proud to provide them with the equipment necessary to revitalize these older structures.
When it opened in 1939, 2601 Parkway was a premier place to live. Archtectural Forum Magazine reported that with over 500 units, it was the third-largest apartment building in the United States and the first large residence of this scale in Philadelphia. The thirteen-story, three-tiered building featured an elegant restaurant, a beauty parlor, a florist, and other hotel amenities. It was one of the first multi-use buildings in Philadelphia.
In order to get masonry crews safely to the entire façade of this interestingly shaped building, Superior Scaffold had to provide a combination of scaffold, suspended scaffold and mast climber units. Let's talk about the Fraco mast climbing units first.
The old building's power grid couldn't provide enough electricity for a standard mast climber units so estimator Tony P recommended these gas powered Fraco units instead. Not only were they wide and stable enough to handle the crew and material to do a full masonry restoration but they also came with a crane arm that allowed material to be hoisted directly onto the unit itself.
The suspended scaffold or swing stages were the perfect choice to get crews into the recessed areas of the façade.
They are adaptable and easy to move around the hard to reach areas of the building.
System scaffold was used to create an overhead protection system or canopy for the safety of everyone passing beneath – especially the occupants of the building.
Walkways and openings had to remain open and accessible while the restoration work went on overhead.
We also used our system scaffold to build a platform and stair tower to access the Fraco mast climbing unit.
It's great to see how our estimator can address a client's needs and provide a combination or variety of access equipment to get the job done.
The finished building is going to look fantastic.
If you need access or scaffolding or mast climbers or Fracos or suspended scaffold – call Tony P today at Superior Scaffold, (215) 743-2200 or visit www.superiorscaffold.com.
And for today's musical selection is to show just how far we will go for our clients. Enjoy.
More information on the Parkway Condos.
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#debrischute #chutes #transportplatform #buckhoist #fraco
Scaffold & Access Magazine features Superior Scaffold Mast Climber Job
Thanks to SA Magazine and SAIA for publishing an article about our mast climbers at 2300 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA. Click on any of the photos or right here to read the article in full resolution.
And if it's in the cards for you to need scaffolding, mast climbers, swings or shoring call Superior Scaffold today at (215) 743-2200 or visit www.superiorscaffold.com.
And who better to sing about knights and horses and tarot cards than Mr. Ronnie James Dio. (RIP). Enjoy.
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Transport Platform at Broad and Walnut, University of the Arts
This is one of those serendipitous situations where everything just falls into place. Our estimator, Tony P, was talking to C. Erickson & Sons about a job and they asked if we had an elevator, like a Buck Hoist, for their project at Broad and Walnut. They needed a way to get men and material in and out without using the interior elevators.
"Well, actually we have something better," said Superior's Tony P. "We've got a TP-2500 transport platform that will let you bring personnel and material up and down without the need of a professional operator. It's perfect for this type of multipurpose project. The rental is less than an elevator and it's easier to install."
He explained how it would work, how much time and money it would save them and just like that, it was done. Up it went at 211 S. Broad St., in Center City.
"It was an absolute job saver," said Scott Kahan, Project Manager for Erickson. "Everything was great. It was a pleasure working with the entire Superior Scaffold team from the salesman to the installers."
The car on the platform itself has a modular design that allows it to be adapted to customer's needs with a variety of car sizes and Erickson chose the largest configuration with almost 13 feet in length and the ability to hold roughly 3300 lbs of material or up to 7 people. It also has three access doors, one in the center and one on either end. The 8' long version of this platform can carry over 5,000 lbs.
But let's take a minute to address a couple of unique challenges this job presented us before we even started. First, how do you fit a transport platform that's 14 feet long on a 10-foot wide sidewalk? That was easy, turn the unit sideways. Which led us to our next big challenge.
How do you rotate a cart, loaded with 12 foot sheets of drywall 90 degrees, 100 feet in the air to push it through a window?
You erect two 15' run-back platforms literally out over Walnut Street, one hundred feet in the air. That is really pretty cool.
Originally, they only wanted it for two levels but it worked so well they recently added a third.
Because of the architectural design elements, we used system scaffold to build out and away from the building and allowed us to deck in the levels where debris and material needed to be taken in and out. Then we mounted the transport platform directly to the building for a super secure structure.
We also built a loading dock at the bottom with a ramp and cordoned off the sidewalk below at that busy intersection. We added an overhead protection system so the WaWa on the southeast corner could remain open for business while work went on overhead.
We love it when a job just works. And of course there are always a few issues but at Superior we pride ourselves on being ready to solve any problem. Just ask Scott at Erickson. It was a pleasure working with him on this job and helping them bring their project in on time and on budget.
If you need access, man/material transport platforms or anything scaffold related call Tony P today at (215) 743-2200 and he will take care of you. Or you can visit www.superiorscaffold.com for more information.
And since this job involved the renovating floors at University of the Arts, Terra Hall, today's musical number is fitting.
A little more about the job: University of the Arts
3½ floors of Terra Hall at Broad and Walnut are currently being renovated with a $1 million recording studio and space to accommodate music school functions.
#facade #masonry#canopy#protection#howto#erection#install#emergencyservices#masonry
#2157432200#pa#de#nj#ny#md#rents#sales#design#erection#dismantle#deliver#swingstaging#swings #stages #shoring #USA #nationwide#national #excellenceisbuilding
Superior Scaffold tackles difficult Christiana Hospital Expansion in Newark, DE
Anyone who has been through an injury or watched a loved one struggle through a disease knows the incredible patience, love and support everyone must have. And this is especially true when trying to diagnose and treat someone. It takes patience as doctors experiment with treatments they have used in the past and patients see how their bodies react to those medications or modalities.
Hospitals are an interesting mix of emotions for me. You see I've spent a fair amount of time in them. On one hand you have the very western medicine approach to saving, preserving, longing a life or repairing a body – albeit sometimes in a very clinically carbon copy, practicing medicine approach but at the same time you have these amazingly smart doctors and nurses who, when pushed, all want the same thing: a cure, a solution, a better way to help their patients.
I think that like all of us we can settle into a routine and just do our job without searching out the best alternative, the best methodology for the patient. And thus we get what I call repetitive or insane healthcare where the cookie cutter solution doesn't work (for everyone). So every now and then someone needs to come shake the box, turn it upside-down, inside out, rip it apart to get everyone to rethink the obvious, then and only then can real change happen. Actually listening to the patient is key. And if that person is tuned into their body they will help give the doctor the solution that is optimal for them.
In essence, this is what we offer our clients. We aren't saving lives like doctors or actors (for Guy – ha) but we do keep people alive when we erect scaffold projects that have hundreds of people, trades, and equipment on them. They have to meet the strictest safety guidelines to protect everyone on the job.
And just like a doctor seeing a patient – we have to look at each job individually and come up with the best solution for our client (patient). If you were to look at this job on the outside it might appear standard fair but that's not the case. You can see how awesome it looks with our red frame scaffold… But why use that and not the standard system scaffold?
And digging deeper would also reveal the massive challenge on this job…
That's the elaborate shoring system below the surface that is holding up the weight of the entire scaffold above.
When Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE decided to expand their South wing they called on trusted masonry experts, Joseph Rizzo & Sons. But Mark Rizzo, being a good production manager, took one look at this patient and realized that it was a little out of their normal scope – so he called Tony P at Superior Scaffold for assistance.
Superior had to design and build a heavy duty, elaborate shoring system below the main level to hold the load of the entire frame scaffold, all the equipment and crews above it.
Mark Rizzo, Tony P, and the engineers at Alternate Design Solutions put their heads together and came up with an answer. They took long steel beams and spanned the structural steel of the building so the entire load above would be dissipated through the columns of the building and not the roof below. They then used hi-load shoring frames to add support to the beams. It's really quite an engineering feat.
It allowed crews to load men and material onto multiple levels of scaffold at the same time while also giving them complete access to the entire façade. This in turn saved time and money for the GC and the hospital.
They also realized that frames were the perfect solution because the base was really flat and the height of each deck level worked perfectly to give crews access to every inch of the façade. They erected a 300' long X 90' high X 5' wide frame scaffold that was decked in at every level. It also included a 2000 pound material hoist and 3 stair towers so crews could get access from the sides or center.
The second biggest challenge was the scheduling and timing for everything to happen. Like a good doctor we listened to the patient, anticipated their needs and took action to get the job erected on-time and within budget.
So remember, when you need access to a what might seem like an easy job call the experts at Superior Scaffold today at (215) 743-2200 and they will come out and turn the box upside down and inside out and give you the best solution for the project. For more information you can also visit www.superiorscaffold.com.
And today's musical selection actually started the ball rolling on this article. It's The Patient, by Tool.
And then the boss added another dimension with Parabola. Enjoy both.
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Scaffolding Firestone Library Lobby, Princeton University, NJ
We have been all over the exterior of the Firestone Library, on the Princeton campus, doing renovations so this time I thought I'd take you inside.
Just like our work on the outside, Superior Scaffold was brought in by GC, Massimino Building Corp. to give access to the entire ceiling area at the entrance of the library.
Crews needed to demo the old ceiling to replace and upgrade ductwork directly above the entryway and lobby.
The biggest challenge was that the ceiling encompassed the entire entrance/exit of the library and it had to remain open for students the entire time work was being done.
The other challenge was that our work deck also needed to be outside of the entryway with as few legs as a possible so people could get through the doors easily.
How did our guys accomplish this? By erecting a work deck in two sections roughly 40' wide by 56' long with long trusses spread between system scaffold legs to distribute the weight.
This allowed the legs to be put strategically for the least bit of interference with pedestrian traffic.
The work deck was skip plank and plywood and allowed crews to get to every inch of the ceiling for work.
Here you can see the new ceiling going up. It's a super sturdy and enclosed work space.
We are proud of the work we've done in and around the Firestone Library and for Princeton University. This was another job that went off on time and on budget. If you are in the area, I urge you to stop by and check out this historic building. It's really quite something to see.
And as always, if you need access, scaffolding, scaffold call Tommy at 215 743-2200 today and he'll educate you on the possibilities. Or log on to www.superiorscaffold.com to see more work.
And I couldn't resist today's musical number. It's from Animal House and has more to do with college than a library but it's classic.
And since we are talking about a library – how about this classic clip from Star Trek.
#scaffold #scaffolding #rental #rent #superiorscaffold #restoration #inspection #contstruction
#facade #masonry #canopy #protection #erection #install #emergencyservices #masonry
#suspendedscaffold #mastclimber #workplatform #canopy #philly #philadelphia #pa #electrical
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#firestonelibrary #superiorscaff #
Higher ground, Penn Medicine Canopy, 34th & Convention Center Blvd
We've been all over this project and most of our work has seemed to come in and around the giant hole where Penn Tower once stood (and is now the home of the massive Penn Medicine Pavilion).
But this bridge column canopy or overhead protection system at 34th and Convention Center Blvd really stood out. First, because it was on higher ground and second because it was a beautiful piece of work.
Stretching 135' long by 8' wide with a 300 lb. per sq/ft rating this canopy ran parallel to Convention Center Boulevard and beneath the pedestrian walkway and new steel for the Pavilion. We first erected 100′ of canopy and then were called back to add another 35′.
We used bridge columns here to match the giant walkway and overhead protection system we built next to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology building. You can read about that here.
We also installed 4 foot debris panels and lighting. Client, LF Driscoll, used interlocking Jersey barriers for extra protection on the side facing the street.
We love working with LF Driscoll and the University of Penn. If you should need access, scaffolding or scaffold, call Pat at Superior Scaffold today (215) 743-2200 and he'll keep you elevated.
Our musical number is from the one and only, Mr. Stevie Wonder… enjoy
#scaffold #scaffolding #rental #rent #superiorscaffold #restoration #inspection #construction #facade #masonry #canopy #protection #howto #erection #install #emergencyservices #masonry #suspendedscaffold #mastclimber #canopy #philly #philadelphia #pa #electrical #pa #de #nj #ny #md #hoist #buckhoist #lift #pennmedicine
Take me to Funky Town, Canopy & Suspended Scaffold, 25 S. Stockton St., Trenton, NJ
This funky building sits on the corner of S. Stockton and E. Front St. I liked how symmetrical it looked. I'm not sure what's inside but just from the outside it reminded me of one of the old radio buildings from the thirties.
Check out the crazy radio tower on the top. RKO came immediately to mind but I know that this is modern.
So what was Superior Scaffold doing there? We provided roughly 150 feet of canopy or overhead protection on each side and a swing stage (suspended scaffold) so masonry restoration crews could get to every inch of the façade. They were brick pointing, caulking, cleaning and doing brick replacement.
We used our largest walk-through scaffold frames with steel beams, corrugated aluminum roofing, debris panels, lighting and capped it off with our lovely fluorescent warning banners on both ends.
It's nothing fancy but I just liked the way it laid out around the building.
If you need overhead protection, canopy or access, call Bob "King of Swing" Sarkisian at 215 743-2200 today or visit www.superiorscaffold.com for more info.
And our musical number today is for Pat who not only dances into work just like this but surprisingly still wears many of the clothes you will see here.
#scaffold #scaffolding #rental #rent #superiorscaffold #restoration #inspection #construction
#facade #masonry #canopy #protection #howto #erection #install #emergencyservices #masonry #suspendedscaffold #mastclimber #canopy #philly #philadelphia #pa #electrical #pa #de #nj #ny #md #hoist #buckhoist #lift #newjersey #trenton
Judgement Day, Scaffolding 402 E. State St., Trenton, NJ
"I won't run the guilt is mine.
Too long denying all my crimes.
Face what I deserve.
Here comes Judgement Day!" (song below)
Lots of indictments lately so I thought this post and song would be fitting. Seems that nobody wants to admit guilt in anything anymore no matter how complicit. What happened to honesty, honor and integrity? Instead, it's all about how can I cover my own butt and not spend one single day in jail.
Now, we could have a huge philosophical discussion about how wealth and influence tends to sway the judicial system but I won't go there. Let's just hope that all of these people who "did absolutely nothing wrong" get their comeuppance from the big fella.
The reason we are talking about this job is because Superior Scaffold was brought in by Mara Restoration to provide access to the entire façade of the Clarkson S. Fisher Federal Building and Courthouse for exterior restoration and window refurbishing.
It's a great looking job. I have to hand it to the crew who erected a gorgeous system scaffold, decked it in at every level, added debris netting, a Maxial track material hoist, and built a beautiful canopy and stair tower.
But like any good court case, it's the challenges they had to overcome to get a conviction or an acquittal. These challenges are why we are writing today. You see, we weren't able to store any excess material anywhere on the site so the crew had to calculate the exact amount of equipment needed to have a full day's work and no more. That is no easy feat given the size and scope of the job.
Just calculating the exact material for the canopy around the front door alone took some mighty fine estimation. And it was the same for the dismantle. Any material taken down needed to be removed off site by days end.
It's these small details that make me appreciate the talent and skill of our crew. Kudos guys. It's part of the reason we have cool jobs to write about. Superior is always proud to help in the restoration of these older, classic buildings.
So if you need scaffolding, scaffold, or access and need the precision of an Audi mechanic then call Bob "The king of Swing" Sarkisian at Superior Scaffold today – (215) 743-2200.
The lyrics at the top are from our musical number today – fitting. Enjoy.
In case the video link gets stripped: https://youtu.be/datRikK2DTY
Here is some information of the building.
#scaffold #scaffolding #rental #rent #superiorscaffold #restoration #inspection #construction #facade #masonry #canopy #protection #howto #erection #install #emergencyservices #masonry #suspendedscaffold #mastclimber #canopy #philly #philadelphia #pa #electrical #pa #de #nj #ny #md #hoist #buckhoist #lift #church


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e-learning induction / onboarding - email e-learning WMB or +44 (0)1628 947 927
Contact e-Learning WMB
e-start is a branded produce from e-learning WMB. The company has a UK national and global presence, doing business in the US and UK markets and beyond.
Call us for a free consultation or a comparative quote ...
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subset: commoncrawl


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A RESIDENT VISA HOLDER STAYING OUTSIDE U.A.E. FOR MORE THAN 180 DAYS has to obtain a Re Entry Residence Permit in Dubai.
As per the new immigration law a resident visa holder staying outside the U.A.E. for more than 180 days has to complete some procedures before re-entering into Dubai.
He/she can staying outside U.A.E. for more than 180 days is considered on some conditions and the procedure has to be completed by the sponsor for re-entering of sponsored person into Dubai.
In case the holder of Dubai resident visa stayed outside UAE for more than 180 days his visa will be blocked. Some persons are exempted from visa block. The details of exemption are given in the re-entry exempted list.
For example, If the exit from U.A.E. was on 03-Jul-2011 and intend to come back on 28-Feb-2012 (6 months + extra 2 months) sponsor has to complete the below mentioned procedures for unblocking the residence visa.
The sponsor has to obtain the following documents and attend at GDRFA to apply for a re-entry permit since he is the sponsor & the sponsored person exceeded 180 days outside UAE:
- Application form from typing center.
- A certificate for the case reason attested from UAE Embassy + Ministry of Foreign Affairs "within the same country" + Ministry of Foreign Affairs inside UAE approves the reason of staying that whole period outside UAE.
- The person passport copy along with the sponsor passport copy.
- AED 130 fees for that service.
- AED 100 for each month exceeding the 180 days.
- The sponsored UAE Residence Visa should be valid.
- The matter is subject to approval from GDRFA.
You may contact General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs-Dubai for more information.
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Photography Classes in Big Wells TX
Interested in learning about photography in Big Wells TX? Whether you are a professional, beginner, or hobbyist, the best approach to improving your photography technique is through hands-on classes with professional instructors.
There are numerous accredited photography schools in Texas. Photography classes cover subjects such as lighting, exposure and composition, posing and unposing, portrait capture, and other photography fundamentals. Growing into an expert photographer can pave the road to a lifelong hobby or a booming professional career.
There are numerous Photography Classes in Big Wells TX:
- Big Wells Studio Photography Classes
- Big Wells Photography 101
- Big Wells Digital Photography Classes
- Big Wells Nature Photography Classes
- Big Wells Editorial Photography Classes
Big Wells TX Photography Classes
San Antonio College
1300 San Pedro Ave
San Antonio, Texas 78212-4299
Phone: (210) 486-0000
88.65 miles away
St Philip's College
1801 Martin Luther King Dr
San Antonio, Texas 78203-2098
Phone: (210) 486-2000
89.17 miles away
The Art Institute of San Antonio
10000 IH-10 W Ste 200
San Antonio, Texas 78230
Phone: (210) 338-7320
90.14 miles away
Texas State University-San Marcos
601 University Dr
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Phone: (512) 245-2111
134.22 miles away
Saint Edward's University
3001 S Congress Ave
Austin, Texas 78704-6489
Phone: (512) 448-8400
158.44 miles away
Austin Community College District
5930 Middle Fiskville Rd
Austin, Texas 78752
Phone: (512) 223-7000
164.89 miles away
The Art Institute of Austin
101 W. Louis Henna Blvd Suite 100
Austin, Texas 78728
Phone: (512) 691-1707
174.32 miles away


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Review Details
You and Me Forever
- Product Review (submitted on March 26, 2017):
- Instead of being a book focussed on couples, my eyes were drawn upward. I learned that I could not love my husband properly without loving my Lord with all of me. I thought I loved Him already, but this book taught me about how much He actually loved me causing me to fall in love with Him in a new way.


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'The Tiny Tim, the early years of Tim Enthoven, 1994 - 2003'
'The Tiny Tim' is the first publication of the works the tiny Tim created as he grew up. Through the medium of the catalogue it shows and tells the coming of age of the tiny Tim, and how he developed as an artist. A selection of drawings and installations, created between the age of 9 and 17, is presented in 4 booklets and 7 miniature reproductions.
Cover 18 cm x 24 cm cardboard, 7 booklets + introduction, different dimensions
Drawings: Tim Enthoven
Text: Jan van Tienen and Julia Veldman c
Design: HeyHeyHey
Photography: Boudewijn Bollmann and Fieke van Berkom
Editor: Angelique Spaninks
Publisher: MU
Printer: Drukkerij Hub Tonnaer


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How do I care for my Phalaenopsis orchid?
While still flowering, keep the sphagnum moss mostly moist by soaking but allow it dry between waterings. Fully bloomed plants only need water every 10 to 14 days.
These indoor plants need bright light while avoiding direct sun. The temperature should be between 55°F and 85°F. We do not recommend watering orchids with ice.
Do you sell wholesale?
Yes. Please contact staff for wholesale prices & requirements.
Do you deliver?
At this time, we do not do retail delivery with the exception of large orders. Call us at (914) 948-2064 for more details.
I want to purchase orchids for a present. Do you sell gift accessories?
Yes, we have a selection of pots, wrapping paper, ribbons, etc. for arrangements. We also have bamboo stakes and decorative moss (see the photos on our blog/gallery for examples). Our staff can help you put together the perfect arrangement.
Can I get my plants repotted at White Plains Orchids?
Please note that the greenhouse is a high maintenance environment. We do not allow outside plants or potting media. No returns or exchanges.


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Additionally, paste this code immediately after the opening
About H&O
Introduction of H&O
H&O, one of the largest and dominant fashion-retail chains in Israel, employs more than 1200 people and operates 46 stores countrywide (total of 40,000 sqm/430,000 sqft), and active in the Israeli market since 1994. H&O operates stores from 40 sqm (430 sqft) up to 1600 sqm (17,222 sqft) with an average store size of 1000 sqm (10,764 sqft). H&O stores are located both in big centric shopping malls and shopping centres/parks in prime locations.
H&O positioned itself as a VFM retail chain with a vision to offer its customers a full range of fashion solutions: clothing for the entire family: men, women, youth, kids & babies, accessories, cosmetics, sporting fashion and equipment, home fashion and textiles.
In order to approach our customers with a full offer in the above mentioned segments, H&O not only designs and manufactures, but also sells a full range of international brands exclusively such as: Carter`s, OshKosh, Nike SB, Jordan, Converse, Dex etc.
Along to leading international brands such as: Nike, Adidas, , Levi`s, Lee, Wrangler, Triumph, L`Oreal etc.
H&O imports and manufactures its merchandise from the Far East, Europe and Israel via variety of suppliers, and enjoys full logistics support by the largest logistics group in Israel.
Loyalty program
In an effort to meet its customers` needs, H&O has also established a customer loyalty program. This program has more than 390,000 members and growing rapidly every month – with a strategic loyalty club partnership with Visa–Cal Group (one of the largest credit card groups in Israel). This partnership with Visa-Cal enables H&O to broaden its customer base, reaching more households in Israel with better value for money offers (VFM).
Strategic alliances
Two of H&O`s dominant customer groups are the Israeli Police and Army Forces. The Israeli police department has selected H&O for providing its officers and their families with special benefits toward exclusive purchases of clothing and footwear at H&O stores. The IDF and the Ministry of Defence have also chosen H&O to provide the standing army with benefits toward the purchases of clothing, equipment and footwear.
H&O is a privately owned company, fully controlled by Avraham Livnat Ltd. – a private family holding and investment group owned by the Livnat family. Amongst the Livnat family holdings are: Taavura group - Israel's largest road haulage and logistics company; financial investment in the IDB group – Israel`s largest holding enterprise and additional privately owned companies in the following sectors: retail, agriculture, logistics, gas and oil, real estate, cosmetics and more.


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Latest News
CharterCARE hospitals awarded Blue Distinction Center status for hip, knee & spine surgery programs
Added: 03.23.2016
The hip, knee, and spine surgery programs at both Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital have been awarded Blue Distinction Center status by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island for demonstrating better overall quality of care and patient results in these specialties.
The two CharterCARE hospitals were chosen for the designations following a comprehensive review of each facility's spine surgery and knee and hip replacement programs.
"Patients need to know that their surgery is performed in a hospital focused on the highest quality outcomes," said Lester P. Schindel, CEO of CharterCARE Health Partners. "This important designation from Blue Cross Blue Shield recognizes the quality care provided through our hip, knee and spine surgery programs. This distinction was made possible because of our extraordinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, physicians, nurses and support staff."
Roger Williams received initial designation in these specialties in 2011 and was re-designated in 2013. Fatima was designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery in 2013 and is receiving the hip and knee designation for the first time.
Since 2006, the Blue Distinction program has recognized facilities that meet objective, evidence-based thresholds for clinical quality, developed in collaboration with expert physicians and medical organizations. The program provides BCBSRI members with a credible means of identifying hospitals that meet their individual healthcare needs for select procedures and conditions.
The Blue Distinction Center program was developed with input from the medical community and evaluates hospitals on their ability to deliver high quality and safe specialty care based on criteria -- like surgical team expertise and a history of better patient outcomes -- that directly impact patient results.
Blue Distinction Centers have a proven track-record for delivering better results—such as fewer complications and readmissions—than facilities without these recognitions.
To be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery or a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, hospitals are evaluated on the following criteria:
- Established acute care inpatient facility, including intensive care, emergency care, and a full range of patient support services with full accreditation by a CMS-deemed national accreditation organization
- Experience and training of program surgeons, including case volume.
- Quality management programs, including surgical checklists as well as tracking and evaluation of clinical outcomes and process of care.
- Multi-disciplinary clinical pathways and teams to coordinate and streamline care, including transitions of care.
- Shared decision making and preoperative patient education.
|Orthopaedic Physicians
|Arcand, Michael A., MD
1524 Atwood Avenue
|Austin, Gregory J., MD
|725 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02910
|Belanger, Michael J., MD
|1524 Atwood Avenue, Ste. 140, Johnston, RI 02919
|Buonanno, A. Robert, MD
|1524 Atwood Avenue, Ste. 140, Johnston, RI 02919
|Buonanno, William S., MD
35 Sockanossett Crossroad, Suite 7, Cranston, RI 02920
|Catallozzi, Kenneth R., MD
|2138 Mendon Road, Ste. 302, Cumberland, RI 02864
|Czerwein, Jr., John K., MD
|1524 Atwood Avenue
Johnston, RI 02919
|Fortuna, Robert J., MD
|2138 Mendon Road, Ste. 302, Cumberland, RI 02864
|Hubbard, Leonard, MD
|1150 Reservoir Avenue, Ste. 301, Cranston, RI 02920
|Izzi, Jr., Joseph A., MD
|1351 Smith Street
North Providence, RI 02911
|Mariorenzi, Louis J., MD
|725 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02910
|Mariorenzi, Michael P., MD
|725 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02910
|Mirrer, Franklin, MD
|215 Toll Gate Road, Ste. 206, Warwick, RI 02886
|Morrissey, Kenneth J., MD
|1150 Reservoir Avenue, Ste. 200, Cranston, RI 02920
|Moss, David A., MD
|1524 Atwood Avenue, Ste. 140, Johnston, RI 02919
|Pizzarello, Jr., Peter A., MD
|868 Admiral Street
Providence, RI 02904
|Singer, Ira J., MD
|725 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02910
|Neurosurgeon Physicians
Das, Sumit K., MD
1526 Atwood Avenue, Ste. 200, Johnston, RI 02919
Guglielmo, Maria A., MD
120 Centerville Road
Kanaly, Charles W., MD
277 Pleasant Street, Ste. 302 Fall River, MA 02721
Sampath, Prakash, MD
118 Dudley Street
Saris, Stephen C., MD
1 Davol Sq, Ste. 302


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Caribbean Reef Buddy is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and understanding of our unique marine life. Throughout our work our aim is to enhance conservation and scientific knowledge, while inspire people and lead by example, encourage environmental awareness and individual development.
Join our Caribbean Reef Buddy team by volunteering or participating in our academic programs, and take an active role in our marine conservation projects. Conservation with us is all about having fun while learning to appreciate the marine environment and getting actively involved in activities that will help preserve our oceans, promote environmental awareness while improve your scientific and diving skills. We are proud that people who come to volunteer with us leave as friends!
Pelagic marine predators face unprecedented challenges and uncertain futures. Overexploitation and climate variability impact the abundance and distribution of top predators in our oceans. As a Reef Buddy volunteer you will help monitor local predator behaviour and distribution using BRUVs.
This project aims to assess the diversity of sea slugs of Cariaccou and collaborate with global biogeographic studies of this group. Learn about nudibranch & sea slug taxonomy and ecology, and help in the search for potentially new and under-reported species. Read more...
July 2018 saw the establishment of Caribbean Reef Buddy's new elkhorn coral nursery. Volunteer help is needed to clean & maintain the coral nursery tables, check on coral fragment health, and help with the eventual coral outplanting on Carriacou's reefs.
Reef survey dives provide continuous data on biodiversity and the long term health of the reefs thus helping inform decision making in regards to how reef areas are used and protected. Volunteers help to gather and submit data using ReefCheck methods. Read more...
To date the Carriacou Lionfish Containment Program has helped to remove over 2500 lbs of invasive lionfish from local reefs. The Invasive Lionfish Containment Program is an ongoing, all year round activity supported by our volunteers, local fishermen and restaurants. Read more...
As dive tourism grows worldwide, diver interaction with marine organisms and habitats increases. This project aims to gather data to help implement steps to encourage responsible diving techniques. You will help with monitoring diver habits and impacts on Carriacou's dive sites.
I spent 8 weeks improving my diving skills from Open water all the way through to Divemaster whilst completing a plethora of specialties on the side (Fish I.D., Nitrox, Deep, Lionfish Containment and Coral Watch). The easygoing yet experienced staff made adapting the program to my personal preferences incredibly easy and their good sense of humour and banter made for a very pleasant and fun experience. I found the accommodation to be perfectly fine and all meals provided were more than enough to satisfy a hungry diver! On top of all of this the incredible diving experience. is underscored by a strong and coherent environmental effort by the entire team, doing their utmost to protect the wildlife they love so much! Overall I would thoroughly recommend this program to those who are looking for a bit of an adventure within the relaxed comfortable lifestyle of a Caribbean island; utter paradise!
I cannot express how much I loved my time during the Caribbean Reef Buddy Program! I came into the program with no experience with being under water and in no time I was diving alongside the other volunteers without any trouble. Within my four weeks, I gained a number of certifications from PADI Advanced Open Water to Caribbean Lionfish Containment. The staff is extremely experienced in diving and their dedication towards marine conservation is amazing.
The island itself is quite literally paradise. From beautiful beaches to stunning dive sites, every moment feels like a picture from a postcard. The locals are extremely welcoming, making the island feel like home.
I could keep raving about this program but I'll keep it simple by saying that the only downside of my experience is that I was not able to stay longer. If you are looking for a program to begin diving, learn more about marine conservation or make amazing memories then this is the program for you!
The Divemaster course that CRB offer is undeniably an extraordinary experience. From gaining multiple PADI qualifications to helping take care of the delicate ecosystem myself, it was a truly unique and rewarding experience. As well as being under the water, there are plenty of other activities offered above it, climbing the highest peak on the island, having a beach BBQ, or heading up to Tobago Cays (where we found Baby Blacktip Reef Sharks!). The Divemaster course is spread out over a very manageable 3 weeks, so there is room to change plans around if need be, and the tuition received from all of the team at CRB has made me a far far better diver. Inevitably, the island got under my skin and it didn't take long for me to extend my stay to 3 months. Carriacou - a true tropical paradise, is free of chainstores, huge supermarkets or any urbanisation. The locals (known as Kayak's) encourage a safe and friendly atmosphere, making your stay more relaxing and even more enjoyable.
The program was remarkable. Not only is the island peaceful and remote but very welcoming with outstanding weather--a true paradise. The wildlife is spectacular and everywhere for you to see. The crew is more than helpful with any questions, problems or accommodations that you might have as well.
At first when I selected the 8 week divemaster program I thought it might be a little too long of a stay but after the first week of staying at the magnificent John's Unique Resort and getting comfortable with the island, I knew 8 weeks was not going to be enough! The people, wildlife and geography is truly what makes Carriacou such a wonderful place to visit. I look forward to coming back in the future!
I did a ten week internship at Caribbean Reef Buddy. I learnt a lot about reef monitoring, fisheries, the island life and ofcourse diving.
During my internship I did the 8 week program for my dive master certificate. The staff is very friendly and skilled. They make you feel at home which makes the course more fun. It doesn't matter if your a confident diver or a bit unsure, they can help you step by step.
I had a lot of fun with the other volunteers. We did fun stuff after the dives like going to nice beaches and in the evening going out for drinks and playing pool.
I can't wait to go back for some diving, fun and maybe an instructor course!
During the month of June 2016, I spent my time on the most incredible island, Carriacou, volunteering with Caribbean Reef Buddy. Having never dived before, I was petrified when we took to the clear and warm Caribbean ocean and I had my first breath underwater. However, with CRB, I was so secure and comfortable that my confidence with diving increased minute by minute. Gary and Katlynd (who trained us to become Advanced divers) were so amazing to work with, as they were patient, trustworthy and so enthusiastic, making every activity as enjoyable as the last. Throughout my time with CRB we had the opportunity to gain several certifications, from the Open Water Advanced PADI to the Lionfish Containment Diver. Each day presented itself with something new and exciting, as each dive was different and so unique. The sights I have seen and the experiences I have had are incomparable to anything I have ever done before, and I am so glad I was able to share that with so many great people. Matt, Katlynd, Gary, Alex, Josh and Andre were so welcoming and were like a family, who created a very special dynamic between the group, that I miss so much but will treasure forever. CRB is, without doubt, the best volunteering program out there and I would recommend it to everyone!
Genuinely, the only bad thing is that I couldn't stay forever!


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Drummer Allison Miller performed at the City of Angels Festival in LA in September 2014 and put on a performance that reminded the audience that there is more than one outstanding female jazz drummer. Mostly unknown to casual jazz fans, she is often overshadowed by the more popular, Grammy-winning drummer, Teri Lynn Carrington.
Miller began her career in Washington DC in the early 90's where she was a local favorite. By the end of the decade she had moved on to New York where she established herself as a serious part of the cities jazz scene. Miller is a talented and skillful drummer who brings joy to the audience.
– Her latest CD is called "No Morophine, No Lilies."


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7th & 8th Grade Feasibility Study
April 24, 2017 7th and 8th Grade Feasibility Study
As you probably recall, last Fall I asked the diocese to help us undertake a feasibility study about the possibility of adding a seventh and eighth grade to our school. The more we looked into this idea and what it would require to do this correctly, the more improbable it became from a financial standpoint. The cost to build new facilities and operate them on an annual basis would be overwhelming.
It would likely take a couple million dollars to add sufficient classroom space as well as a new gymnasium. Our current gym is not official size for a Middle School gymnasium. At least three additional classrooms and new restrooms would need to be added on. We would need new locker rooms. Parts of the media center, the library and the technology department would need to be expanded.
At least two teachers with dual middle school licenses would be needed to teach the seventh and eighth grade students the core subjects. Finding those teachers would probably be very hard to find even in a big city, and even more difficult here in Warsaw. If teachers with dual middle school licenses could not be found, then we would have to hire additional teachers for the core subjects. Along with building more classrooms, it costs some $35,000 or so per teacher in our diocesan scale of teacher salaries. Additional hours would be needed for the specials teachers: art, gym, music -- to teach their classes. Additional administrative staffing would also be needed to cover everyday paperwork, the Choice Scholarship program and state reports.
Warsaw Middle Schools offer many electives from which a student can choose. Some of these electives are: band, choir, orchestra, computer science, to name a few. Utilities, water, electricity and so on would also increase costs.
In order to offer the best educational opportunity available, the cost of building new facilities and operating costs on an annual basis would be too much for us to undertake. Keep in mind that we operated at a deficit in the last two fiscal years. These deficits were not large; but they were deficits, nonetheless. Only about a third of our parish households give regular financial support to our parish! If more of our households were financially generous to the church and school, then perhaps someday adding a seventh and eighth grade to our school might become more feasible.
In Christ,
Fr. Phil


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Its stylish and elegant, its serves as a travel companion that keeps your work essentials organized, the interior is kitted with a padded laptop compartment, tablet sleeve, slip pockets to ensure your phone and business card are in place.
It also comes with a detachable shoulder strap that can be adjustable to any length.
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Brian Finnegan recalled going into a gay bar in Dublin 15 years ago. He had to knock on the door to get in. A man on the other side pushed a peephole door to the side and made sure he belonged there before opening the door to let him inside.
It was like Prohibition, said Finnegan who now is an editor of Ireland?s gay news magazine, Gay Community News.
But almost overnight, things changed, Finnegan said. That change coincided with the so-called Celtic tiger high tech industry boom in the mid-1990?s that propelled Ireland from one of the poorest countries in Europe to one of its wealthiest. In the early nineties more people were moving out of Ireland than moving in. By the late nineties, however, the trend had dramatically reversed.
The unemployment rate plunged from 15% to less than 5% with jobs attracting immigrants, primarily from Eastern Europe. Nowadays about ten-percent of the four million residents of Ireland are now foreign born, whereas a little over a decade ago that figure was a little over one percent. Further evidencing the country?s recent changes, in 2007, Rotimi Adebari, a man from Nigeria, became the country's first black mayor in Portlaoise, a city that is about 55 miles southwest of Dublin.
You will notice that immigration boom soon after arriving in Dublin. You will be more likely met with a hotel or restaurant worker from Eastern Europe than you will one from Ireland. While the faces of Ireland may look a little different, the Irish spirit of hospitality is not lacking in the Emerald Isle. What?s the gay scene like in Dublin? While you won?t be greeted at a gay bar in Dublin by someone peering at you through a slit in the door these day , you may notice a small vestige from the underground days.
Unless you are very obviously gay or a familiar face, you will probably be asked by a doorman if you were aware that you were entering a gay bar. Irish people are known for their gift of gab which you are certain to notice if you strike up a conversation with a local They love to chat with strangers. There is seldom a hidden agenda, just a natural curiosity about other people. By the way, despite its reputation for hard drinking and smoking, Ireland banned smoking in bars in 2004. Bars usually close during the week at 12:30 a.m. but most stay open later on weekends.
Notwithstanding subtle reminders of its recent underground past, the gay scene in Dublin is open and concentrated. All the city?s gay bars and nightclubs are in short walking distance of one another in a section of downtown near the Liffey River, adjacent to the trendy Temple Bar area.
The newest gay bar in Dublin just opened in November 2007 and is already drawing big crowds even on the weekdays. It?s called PantiBar. It is owned by Rory O?Neill, more commonly known as Panti, one of Ireland?s best-known drag queens. It?s gay/lesbian mixed crowd but mostly gay men.
The George is Dublin?s oldest and best known gay bar. It?s on the other side of the Liffey River from the PantiBar, closer to where many of the other gay bars are clustered. When it first opened in 1985, it was a small traditional looking Irish bar. Today, the old bar is still there and known to locals affectionately as ?Jurassic Park.? But now it is attached to a cavernous two-level nightclub that features dancing and entertainment. The George nightclub is also very popular with lesbians at night, although the crowd is mostly gay male.
Just down South George?s Street from The George, is the Dragon nightclub. It?s owned by Capital Bars, the same company that owns The George. The Dragon is the largest gay club in the city, and the second newest, after PantiBar. Unlike The George, they don?t charge a cover to get in the Dragon, so that has helped give it a big boost by drumming up business among locals.
The Front Lounge on Parliament Street is a bar and popular lunch spot. The front of the Front Lounge tends to be more popular with lesbians and the back with gay men. As its name implies, the Front Lounge is a lounge type bar, with sofas and easy chairs throughout. It is a popular place for gay people to bring their non-gay friends after work or after dinner.
Dublin has two gay saunas, the large and modern Boilerhouse, on the edge of the Temple Bar area and just behind The Clarence hotel, and the Dock Sauna, about a five minute walk from the Boilerhouse on the other side of the River Liffey.
The Sights
The River Liffey cuts through the heart of downtown. Several charming pedestrian and vehicle bridges span the river, the most famous of which is the pedestrian-only Ha? Penny Bridge, so named because it once charged a half-penny toll. Now it?s free.
The best known gay sight is the statue of Oscar Wilde. He sits reclining on a rock in Merrion Square near Trinity College where he was educated. Reflecting his colorful life, the statue shows him off in a vibrant green jacket with red trim. He sits on a perch overlooking the home where he grew up. Wilde was known for his wit and some of his best-known quotations are inscribed on stone columns in front of the statue.
There are a wealth of museums, parks and even a castle within easy walking distance in downtown Dublin. The city offers a number of walking and bus tours that allow vistors to take it all in without getting lost. I took the City Tour Hop On- Hop Off bus which runs every ten minutes allowing tourists to hop on and off at a sight of interest.
Dubliners love their parks and the city is home to Phoenix Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world. It is a little more than 10 times the size of Johannesburg's Zoo Lake. Pope John Paul II celebrated mass before more than a million people there in 1979. A papal cross marks that spot. Not very pretty I know but hey, Ireland is still a predominantly Catholic country.
The park is also home to the Dublin Zoo and the Irish President?s residence, which looks a lot like the American White House.
There are reminders throughout Dublin of Ireland?s struggle for independence from Great Britain. The best known symbol of that fight is a jail, the Kilmainham Gaol, where Ireland?s political prisoners were held. It was also where 14 rebels were executed following the 1916 Easter Rising rebellion. Ireland finally gained its independence in 1921 under an agreement that allowed the UK to carve out Northern Ireland.
The Guinness Storehouse is a must-stop. It has been called a Disneyland for beer lovers. It is a museum that uses high-tech multimedia to tell the history of Ireland?s most-revered export. It sits in a converted old grain warehouse opposite the Guinness brewery. The top floor features one of the best views of the city from the Gravity Bar. A free glass of Guinness in the Gravity Bar is included in the admission price. If you ask, they will artfully carve out a shamrock in the foam.
A gay friendly hotel is more the rule rather than the exception in Dublin. The staff of the Gay Community News met with little resistance when they distributed the paper?s gay map of Dublin to the city?s hotels.
That said, some hotels are better than others in making gay customers feel especially welcome. By the way, prices in Ireland, including hotel rates, almost always include its hefty sales tax. Best that you know, so you won?t be in for added shock when you check out.
If you want to visit Dublin in style, you would be hard-pressed to do better than The Clarence. U2 band mates, Bono and Edge, bought the then-two star hotel in 1992. Millions of dollars later, they transformed it into a luxury 5-star property. It is perfectly situated on the River Liffey, on the edge of the Temple Bar area and within a short walk to all the gay clubs of Dublin. It has 49 rooms now, including a spectacular penthouse suite. Plans are in the works to nearly triple its capacity when it expands to a building next door around 2010. The Clarence is Travel Alternative Group (TAG) approved which means that the hotel does not discriminate, actively outreaches to the gay and lesbian community, and strives to create a gay-friendly experience for their guests. Room rates start around R2500 but you can often get a room much cheaper through the hotel?s website.
Across the River Liffey from The Clarence and on the opposite end of the luxury scale, is the 11-room gay B&B, the Inn on the Liffey. Rates start around R770. Breakfast in its charming riverfront room is included. I heard a couple of negative comments about Inn on the Liffey from locals, but when I showed up unannounced for a tour, I found the staff very friendly and the rooms clean and quaint. The front rooms have a nice view of the river but if you?re sensitive to traffic noise you should ask for a back room. As a guest of the B&B, you are granted free admission to the gay sauna, the Dock Sauna, which is housed in same building as the B&B. Thought, women are very welcome to stay in the B&B the sauna is for men only.
If you prefer to stay at a gay B&B that is more upscale, the Nua Haven is a great option. The four-room property is run by a gay couple who live on premises. Nua Haven?s clientele is mixed, gay men and women, and is straight friendly. The owners maintain a family atmosphere and breakfast is served until midday.
If you are traveling alone, unlike many mainstream bed and breakfasts, no one will look at you funny for having an overnight guest of the same sex stay with you. In fact, they will be graciously welcomed for breakfast. Nua Haven is located in an upper middle class section of Dublin, in the Harold?s Cross area, about a ten minute taxi ride from downtown. The property is also serviced by two public bus routes that service the city. Rates are about R1150 year round, but check the hotel website for specials, especially if you are traveling outside of the busy summer months.
The gay owned Mermaid and Gruel restaurants are right next to each other on Dame Street, at Sycamore Street, in the middle of the gayest part of Dublin. You?ll pass by them on your way between the Front Room and The George. Mermaid is upscale and expensive. Entrees start at R200.
Gruel is a more informal deli-like setting and its prices are more down to earth. An entrée there will run you less than R160.
Juice on 73-83 South Great Georges Street, near The George, bills itself as Dublin?s only sit-down vegetarian restaurant. Although it?s not gay-owned, it?s very gay popular in the middle of Dublin?s gay nightclub area. An entrée costs R120 -R150.
The Boulevard Café on 27 Exchequer Street features a mixture of Mediterranean and Asian food. The staff is mostly gay, and the menu features a mixture of Mediterranean and Asian food. The lunch special there will run you about R130.
If you like Indian food, Diwali?s Indian Restaurant is on South Great George?s street, near The George. Lunch runs about R120. Dinner is about R170.
If you are in the mood to splurge, the Tea Room Restaurant at the Clarence Hotel is a good bet. It is set in a spacious room with double high windows facing south, bathing the room in sunlight for lunch and summer dinners. A three course gourmet meal goes for about R650.
On the other end of the budget scale, you can have a light meal at the gay-popular Lemon Jelly restaurant for about R80. Lemon Jelly is in the heart of the Temple Bar area on 10-11B East Essex Street.
Tipping at restaurants is not as generous in Ireland as it is in South Africa. AND you get good service too. A 10 to 15 percent tip is standard unless the bill specifically includes a service charge. Tax is already included.
Tipping of bartenders is not customary in Ireland.


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Why a good base is so important
Everything needs a strong and solid foundation; without one, things would not be the same. Just like towers have foundations and steel structures, a good base for your makeup is essential. Imagine creating the perfect cut crease or a dazzling going-out look and then not showcasing it with a great flawless base.
Perfecting your base makeup may take time but is well worth the effort. I often look back at pictures of when I first rediscovered makeup and cringe at how uneven my base makeup was.
My base routine has come a long way since then and I thought I would share it with you. However, this routine works for me personally and might not be everyone's cup of tea so feel free to make your own decisions on what works best.
Skin care is essential
I said this in my post 'Letter to My 18-Year-Old Self', a good skincare routine is of the highest importance. Since I have implemented a skincare routine, my skin has improved tremendously and that has meant I do not need as heavy a coverage. I have redness on my cheeks and dry, sensitive skin which is under control skin now I am looking after my face, this means my makeup goes on smoother and dry patches have reduced.
Primed and ready
As well as good skin care, a good primer helps when it comes to setting your makeup in place and correcting certain problem areas. I have tried a great deal of primers and I do see the difference with them. Finding primer that helps correct your skin can up your makeup game instantly; whether it is colour correcting, pore filling, mattifying or hydrating, there is a primer to suit everyone.
I have tried most types of primers apart from the mattifying ones and found that hydrating primers work best for my skin type. I use the Illamasqua Satin Primer which I got on sale at half price. I had a nightmare with Illamasqua customer services but after some perseverance I finally got my hands on it and I discovered pure luxury in a tube.
This primer helps my makeup stay on all day long, it hydrates my skin and gives my skin a lovely glow. Since I have been using this primer I have noticed how amazing my foundation applies and how flawless my makeup has been. Next time I hope to try the Illamasqua Hydro veil as so many people rave about this primer.
I always apply my primer with clean hands rather than a brush and massage into the skin in circular motions and apply to the neck as well.
The right foundation
Foundation is such a personal thing; what works for one does not work for another and navigating shade ranges can also be enough to give anyone a headache. Foundation again depends on many things; skin type, desired effect and coverage. I have gone through many foundations recommended by other people that I have hated and I have recommended foundations that have not worked for my friends.
I have tremondously pale, dry, sensitive skin which is prone to redness. A hydrating and dewy foundation is a must for me so foundations like the Revlon Colourstay are out, as it clings to dry patches. I prefer a light or medium coverage that I can build up where I need to; I used to love the Rimmel Lasting Perfection Foundation but I will not be buying it again as I move to cruelty-free products.
At present I use the Primark My Perfect Colour Foundation in Porcelain; it has a medium coverage but can be built up to a full coverage foundation which is the reason I love it. This foundation is perfect for my skin; it hydrates and has Vitamin E within it, it is a good shade match for the winter months when I am extremely pale and it can be built up to cover my redness without looking cakey.
Tools of the trade
I apply my foundation with a damp beauty sponge, I use the Primark ones at the moment. I spray my beauty sponge with setting spray and this helps the foundation go on and stay throughout the day. I bounce the blender on my face, focusing on covering the centre of my face and cheeks first and then bringing it out to the sides. I also sometimes rub the blender into the skin to help blend things out, especially on my forehead.
A healthy glow
I have only started doing this in the past year but quite often I put some liquid highlighter into my foundation. I do not do this every day as it is an extra step I usually skip for workdays but when it comes to my weekend/going out base I am all for some illumination.
I just add a small drop or two of the Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlight Drops in Starlight into my foundation as it is on my beauty sponge. I then use a clean finger to mix it into the foundation as I have found that if I do not do this, I end up with patches that look texturised. I feel like this step gives my skin a radiant and 'lit from within' look.
Conceal and brighten
If I was to forego my base for something more simple; concealer would still feature heavily. I could not live without concealer on account of my dark circles under my eyes. I am lucky that I do not have many spots or problems with pigmentation so a good underage concealer is my essential.
I also use concealer to brighten my face and highlight; I take my concealer onto the top of my cheeks, on the middle of my forehead, down the nose, on the cupids bow and on the chin. These are the areas I want to lighten and draw attention to so it slims my face once I have added bronzer/contour.
All set
Once all my cream products are done, I can now move on to the powder products. I never used to set my face with powder as I figured it dried my skin out more. I have realised that not all powder looks cakey and applied in the rightplaces, does work.
I always use the pointed end of the beauty blender to apply loose powder. I take a good amount and swipe it underneath the point where I would contour to create an instant contour line which works great for my pale skin. I leave the line to 'bake' until I apply bronzer. I then apply the excess powder to my under eyes and pat it in gently. I do not bake my under-eyes as it emphasises my wrinkles but that is an option if you do not crease easily under the eyes.
I use the Freedom HD loose powder in white which sets my makeup nicely and does not give that white cast that can happen with some white setting powders.
Bronze, blush and highlight
I was not sure whether to include these parts as it is not strictly base makeup related. Once I have done my base I will:
Bronze: I apply my bronzer around the contour points. I prefer to bronze rather than contour as it warms up my face and stops me from looking like a ghost. I start just above the line that I created with my loose powder and I blend the bronzer in circular motions and them work my way around the face in a three shape. I bronze under my chin, along with my jawline and blend down the neck. I then take the bronzer up towards the temple and around the hairline on my forehead. I use the Betty Loumanizer bronzer; it is not my preferred bronzer as it is too warm but I am trying to use it up.
Blush: I take a big fluffy blush brush from Real Techniques and apply the blush above where I have bronzed and work it in with circular motions. I prefer blush over bronzer as I love the flush of healthy colour it gives. I am using up my Cindy Loumanizer from my Project Pan.
Highlight: I'm currently trying to use up my Mary Loumanizer from my project pan so this has been my go-to highlight. I usually use a tulip-shaped brush to swipe the highlighter on the top of my cheeks, in the middle of my forehead, down my nose, on my cupid's bow and on my chin. I used to go all out with the highlighter, the shinier the better but recently I have been preferring a more subtle highlight as my skin is changing. Often these shiny highlighters exaggerate pores and wrinkles so I'm now preferring highlights that just give a radiant glow.
Set your face
This is my favourite step in my makeup routine. I love the feeling of spraying setting spray on my face and feeling accomplished that I have finished my makeup. If you are after a super long wearing look then I would suggest you spray with setting spray after every step; I do this for a night-out look. On my regular makeup days, I prefer to just spray once all my makeup is on, I use the Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day setting spray in Lavender. I mentioned in my ride or die makeup products that I adore this product. I have the Lavender scent which is lovely, but the peach scent is my favourite.
What is your base Make up routine? What tips do you have for a great base, let me know in the comments?


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Pitt's Collection of European Union Documents to Be Named in Honor of Retired EU Librarian Barbara Sloan
PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh's library collection relating to the origins and present-day affairs of the European Union—the most extensive collection of public EU documents and publications in North America—will be formally named in honor of retired EU librarian Barbara Sloan.
The collection will be officially designated the Barbara Sloan European Union Document Collection at a public ceremony to be held at 2 p.m. March 6 in the Thornburgh Room of Pitt's Hillman Library.
Remarks will be delivered by Ambassador João Vale de Almeida, head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United States; Rush Miller, Hillman University Librarian and director of the University Library System; and political science professor Alberta Sbragia, vice provost for graduate studies and past director of the European Union Center of Excellence and European Studies Center, who was heavily involved in a 2007 bid that brought the EU collection to Pitt.
Granted to Pitt's University Library System in 2007, the collection dating from the early 1950s is an invaluable resource to scholars of recent European history. It includes a virtually complete set of all official publications and documents produced by the European Union along with those produced by the European Economic Community and European Community, international organizations that preceded the 1993 establishment of the European Union.
The naming of the collection recognizes Barbara Sloan's 45 years of service to the collection, which was first housed in Washington, D.C., in the library of the Delegation of the European Commission—now the European Union—from the mid-1950s until the collection's transfer to Pitt. Sloan worked in the Delegation library for 35 years, 22 of them as Head of Public Enquiries, until her retirement in 2004.
Sloan also played a major role in designing the structure and content of Pitt's Archive of European Integration, a digital version of the EU collection. It is currently the largest non-European Union depository of documents online, containing more than 24,000 European Union documents and nearly 6,000 documents from private organizations.
"Barbara Sloan was largely responsible for compiling the collection—over 16 million unique pages—from 1969 to 2004," said Phil Wilkin, social sciences bibliographer in the University Library System. "In 2007, she helped administer moving the collection to Hillman Library. Since 2007, she has played a vital role in the growth of the Archive of European Integration. During this period, she became the most knowledgeable person on European Union documentation in the Western Hemisphere. It is fitting that the collection bear her name."
Scholars from across the United States and abroad have visited Pitt to conduct research in the collection. The European Union Center of Excellence and European Studies Center offers a Summer Scholar Research Program designed for scholars to come to Pittsburgh and use the European Union Delegation Collection. In both 2012 and 2013, there were at least 25 applicants, a majority from Europe. For one of the scholars, Alex Grigorescu of the University of Loyola, Pitt staff located a secret memo written by Alain Peyrefitte, one of French statesman Charles de Gaulle's aides, in the early 1960s. The citations he found led Grigorescu to believe that no one had read this memo since the 1960s.
Prior to speaking at the naming ceremony for the Barbara Sloan European Union Document Collection, Ambassador Vale de Almeida will deliver a lecture at 1:15 p.m. during an invitation-only luncheon at the University Club hosted by Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg and Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Patricia E. Beeson.
João Vale de Almeida was appointed Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United States in 2010. He has also served as the Director General for External Relations at the European Commission, the European Union's executive body. From 2004 to 2009, Vale de Almeida was the Head of Cabinet for European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, acting as Barroso's personal representative for the negotiations on the Treaty of Lisbon and assisting in the launch of several G-20 summits, including the 2009 summit held in Pittsburgh. Vale de Almeida, who is Portuguese, joined the European Commission in 1982 at its delegation in Lisbon after spending seven years as a journalist.
The ambassador's visit is hosted by Pitt's European Union Center of Excellence and European Studies Center within the University Center for International Studies. One of only 10 centers in the United States to be designated a Center of Excellence and receive funding from the European Union, the European Union Center of Excellence and European Studies Center are directed by Ronald Linden, professor of political science.
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I had brought a great deal of negativity into Vietnam. Despite hearing great things about the country, I had focused on the bad. Listening to horror stories about being harassed or ripped off, and reports that Vietnamese food is better outside the country with questions over hygiene. I had myself believing I might not like it here.
As it was, we found ourselves in the middle of the Mekong Delta with a smile as wide as Saturn smugly drawn across our faces. We had fallen head over heels in love with the place.
We had just sat down to dinner with our guide Ha, our driver and the grandpa Muoi No of the home-stay, having moments earlier helped prepare some of the delicious Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour with pork, shrimp, green onion and bean-sprouts) and Lotus Salad, among other things, now laid out before us.
With a couple of 333 beers to hand we tucked in before Muoi No fetched what looked to be a very reused plastic bottle, proceeding to pour out 5 shot glasses and handing one to each of us.
"Rice Wine", Ha said as he passed over mine.
"Great", I replied, relieved that it wasn't of the snake variety we had seen brewing in a plastic container earlier that day.
A few glasses later, I gave up trying to keep track of the conversation our guide, driver and Muoi No were having in Vietnamese. Instead I started to notice the smiling.
I noticed the smiling not because we were having a great time. It was because, I realized, I had been seeing it all day. I had seen it in the children as they left school, each one waving enthusiastically, shouting "hello" several times and responding with sheer joy when I returned the favor of simply saying "hello" back. On the faces at the market town we had passed through that morning, whether we were buying fruit from one of the stalls or simply taking a picture of their colorful displays. The boat driver who led us on our first voyage through the lush tributaries of the Mekong Delta and also the workers in the rice fields we passed through on bike. And now here.
The wonderful family who had greeted us into their home that afternoon had been smiling all day. Every time I looked around it was written into their faces as if the muscles naturally retracted that way. It seemed happiness was second nature to the people of the Mekong. That happiness, it seemed, was infectious…
This article outlines the overriding picture I obtained of Vietnam during our busy one-week tour. From the chaos in Saigon and the warm people of the mighty Mekong to the atmospheric town of Hoi An, not to mention the exceptional food found everywhere, I have made a list of the events and things that stood out. Not just the great and the good, but the bad and downright ugly as well. This is a list that ultimately explains why we fell in love with this country. This most beautiful Vietnam.
I have outlined the various events and things I liked and disliked during my time in Vietnam in order of the effect they had on me. For those who are interested in the chronology of our trip (how we planned it) I have attached an itinerary at the bottom. Links are included to layover escapades city guides on both Saigon and Hoi An.
I should point out one week is far from an adequate amount of time to truly get to know a place and I would hasten to think my views and observations are far from the reality of the whole country, or even the regions within Vietnam we explored. However, these are just that. My views and observations from a weeks exploration of southern Vietnam. I hope you enjoy…
The Vietnamese are some of the warmest, friendliest people I have ever come across. They were always smiling. It was this, more than anything, that struck me during our time here. We had seen it everywhere, but particularly so during our time in the Mekong Delta. What made this all the more remarkable were the general hardships these people faced on daily basis.
We came to this conclusion shortly after exploring one of the larger brick factory's located on the stunning Ben Tre River bank during our second day touring the Mekong Delta.
Having witnessed some workers (mainly female), lifting large quantities of clay bricks on to wheel barrels before transporting then stacking them inside giant furnaces, all for just US$3 a day in typically hot and humid conditions, we found it astonishing they still found it in them to wear a smile on their face. Like this was some sort of acceptable return for their efforts!
I had asked Ha what the value of those bricks were worth. I can't remember the values now but for the number they produce daily, 3 dollars was a gross underpayment.
At any rate you had to admire their spirit. It really put things into perspective. If they could remain happy on 3 dollars a day doing such hard labour, I had no right to be anything other than extremely happy and thankful myself. It made me realise the problems I frequently create inside my own mind aren't problems at all.
We had the most perfect weekend. Exploring market towns and chili farms; cycling through rice fields and quaint villages; sampan rides through lush tributaries of the Mekong; sumptuous food including a seafood lunch and home-cooked meals at a local home-stay; not to mention the culmination of our 3 day tour – a visit to the remarkable Cai Rang floating market!
Our tour of the Mekong delta was truly one to remember. We booked our trip through Water Buffalo Tours and needless to say I can't recommend them enough (you can find some more online reviews here). Our local guide 'Ha' made it extremely memorable answering any and every question we had, while providing a great insight into all things Vietnam. Usually I would steer clear of such tours fearing that much of it might be geared toward tourist magnets, however I got no such feeling touring with Water Buffalo. It was as authentic as any tour I have any undertaken. They gave a very good glimpse at the real, everyday, Vietnam. Our home-stay experience was the highlight of our entire trip! Anyway, without going on, here are a few more pics…
This trip was ultimately about two things: the warm people – forever smiling – and the fresh, fragrant Vietnamese cuisine.
Perhaps because I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did, the food, particularly the street food, took me by surprise. I couldn't get over it and I'm not talking about the obligatory Pho Bo or Banh Mi. I'm talking about everything from Banh Da Xuc Oc (baby clams cooked in lemongrass, chilli, ginger and white pepper) and Bun Cha Ha Noi (grilled pork patties served in fish sauce with papaya, bun noodles and herbs) to Com Suon (rice with grilled pork chop) and Che Ba Mau (3 layered che, with beans, tapioca and coconut milk). Simply simple and simply stunning, Vietnamese food must one of the most underrated cuisines in the world.
As for the markets, Vietnam didn't disappoint. The colorful displays of fruit and vegetable vendors interspersed between a variety of spice, meat and seafood retailers provided a feast for the senses. Once you had exhausted your camera memory card the enticing aromas led those adventurous enough to follow on a mouthwatering foodie crawl.
For more info on eating please follow the links to both my Saigon and Hoi An city guides listed at the bottom.
We spent our last day taking a cooking class with the Green Bamboo Cooking School. Eleven of us, each picked up from our respective hotels, were taken to Hoi An's central market to pick up the ingredients of our individually chosen meals. Following this we were driven to our gracious host's (Van) beautiful home where she proceeded to help us cook our chosen dish. We started by prepping our dishes as a group then demonstrating how each one is cooked individually. This was followed by eating each and every one (Yes this was an eleven-course lunch)! Needless to say it was one of the absolute highlights during our one week tour of Vietnam and I highly reccomend booking a class or two should you find yourself in Hoi An…
As we entered the market a man who sold coffee from his little arrow boat pulled up along side ours. Following that we purchased a steaming hot bowl of Bún riêu (rice vermicelli noodle soup) from the lady who pulled up aside him in her own sampan. All the while a thousand other different boats of varying sizes and shapes went about trying to sell and buy things from one another. There were rafts packed high with nothing but watermelons and others, where entire families lived and worked, selling an assortment of goodies attached to large bamboo poles from which they could pass on and show off. It was our very own real life movie set as was we sat with coffee in one hand and bowl of noodle soup in the other. I was in a market dream land and absolutely loved it. Ill let these pictures do the talking…
I loved being engulfed by the chaos of HCMC. It felt like we were in the middle of motion picture – captivating and terrifying – unable to take my eyes away in case I missed what was going to happen next. Whether traveling on the back of an Xe Om, or simply crossing the road, the chaos of Saigon provided a high octane adventure that left you leaping for joy the moment you hopped off the back, or made it to the other side! This is truly one of the most exciting cities in the world…
The sleepy and historic old-town of Hoi An rates as Vietnam's most beautiful. Situated on the picturesqueThu Bon riverbank, Hoi An was left largely untouched during the war. As a result its stunning heritage remains, showcasing a crisscross of beautiful Chinese temples, Japanese merchant houses and ancient warehouses. Hoi An also serves as one of Vietnam's culinary hotspots, not to mention the beautiful white sandy coastline rests a mere stone's throw away. A visit here is a must.
When we visited, Hoi An threw up something quite unexpected. Strolling into town on our final night we noticed a fair bit of commotion. Hundreds of tourists and locals alike lined the riverbank near the historic centre to watch a myriad of candles housed in colorful cardboard lanterns float down the river. It was the full moon festival and we had had no idea. Luck, sometimes, goes the way of a sod!
Yes, that's right, chickens! I adopted a strange obsession with them during our one week tour. I quickly released there was no shortage of chickens here in Vietnam and as such decided it quite appropriate to photograph as many as possible. Here are a few of my favorites…
Ah the unpleasantries. Not something travel writers (not that I consider my self one) tend to like writing about. Indeed most don't. Having said that someone has to. After all, contrary to popular belief, getting away isn't necessarily an escape from the everyday s**t you deal with back home. Indeed everyday s**t exists everywhere. Here is a short round of my overriding dislikes from Vietnam…
The holiday didn't start out as smoothly as one might have hoped.
After researching online with regards to visa applications I thought it best (and more cost effective) to organise our visas on arrival. Despite being first off the aeroplane and into the queue, we quickly discovered the other cost in choosing to organise our visa on arrival. Time.
After waiting at least half an hour for them to process our visas (despite having been pre-approved filling out various online documentation prior to leaving Hong Kong), we then had to join the back of the immigration queue which, non-existent when we arrived, had now grown to over an hour long. All this at two in the morning left us a pair of particularly unhappy bunnies (yes we are spoilt by the exemplary immigration process in Hong Kong)!
Travellers Tip – Do yourself a favour and organise your visa before leaving home. The difference in cost is marginal. The difference in hassle is not.
Sadly our bad experiences at HCMC's airport didn't end there.
On the way to Hoi An we were delayed 4 hours when, at the last minute, JETSTAR PACIFIC decided to change the destination of our aircraft. Instead of making an announcement, of course, they simply decided to switch off the screen with our flight number displayed at the gate minutes before we were due to board. When everybody consequently queued up, nobody was told till they had made their way to the front, at which point a very unapologetic looking member of staff informed everyone, one by one.
"You wait… four hour delay".
Great, thanks JETSTAR PACIFIC! Only a week in Vietnam and I get to spend half a day in the worlds slowest airport. An airport where time seemingly moves backwards! I know, I know, my fault for booking with a budget airline right? Still no reason for that kind of treatment. Anyway, rant over.
It seems a little unfair to call Vietnam out on this one as we experienced so much warmth during our time here. It should also be noted that any country which experiences the daily hardships wrought by corruption and the like sees its fair share of this. Everyone has to make a living somehow. Still, there is no avoiding the stories of general harassment and dishonesty which are clearly prevalent here in Vietnam, even if we were lucky enough to avoid this for the most part.
I bring it up, in particular, as I had heard a great deal of negativity from fellow travelers before I arrived. Perhaps that was a good thing as it kept us on our guard and also caught us a little off guard when experienced quite the opposite. Either way, it should be noted that many travelers come away with a very different opinion of Vietnam. I refer you to popular blogger Nomadic Matt and an article he wrote back in 2010 entitled "Why I'll Never Return to Vietnam".
Need I say much about this? It was prevalent everywhere and not just where you might expect, I mean everywhere! The beautiful Mekong delta is awash with various plastics and other waste carelessly discarded by locals with little to no thought. Sadly it's affecting the same people who depend on the rivers for fishing and a source of water. I really don't need to go on about this point. Vietnam needs to tidy up its act, literally!
Vietnam is not without its fair share of problems. Poverty and corruption. Urban sprawl and the slow erosion of Vietnam's countryside. Pollution and a wide socioeconomic divide. Lingering scars from the war for the people who continue to deal with its consequences. Yet, despite all this, the Vietnamese are far from broken. There is a resilience which you can read in their eyes. A resilience that has allowed the Vietnamese to live life in spite of all these problems. To keep smiling no matter the hardships.
What did I think of Vietnam? Ultimately, whenever I think of Vietnam, I'll always go back to that evening we spent in the middle of the Mighty Mekong, the middle of nowhere. That moment during dinner when I realized why it was I began to fall in love with the place. The warmhearted spirit of the Vietnamese, echoed throughout that wonderful day, is as prevelant as anywhere else I can remember. They were forever smiling and I loved that. More importantly though they knew how to live for the moment.
As we sat around the dinner table that evening it dawned on me I hadn't been wrapped up in the usual whirlwind of anxiety and self doubt that frequently plauged my mind back home. Their ability to live in the moment was infectious and quite naturally, by spending enough time with them, we were doing the same. At that moment everything else melted into the background. Nothing else mattered except the present company around our the dinner table and the food in front of smug happy faces. Like everyone else in the Mekong we were smiling and for that moment, at least, it felt like we had found true happiness…
Layover Escapades 1-week Itinerary:
DAY 1: XO sightseeing tour and Saigon Street Eats food tour in Saigon. For more information on Ho Chi Minh City please follow this link: Savoring Saigon – 48 hours in Vietnam's culinary capital…
DAY 2: Water Buffalo Tour. Day 1 highlights include Can Douc market, furniture village visit, seafood lunch, bike ride through paddy fields, sampan ride and over night at local home-stay including dinner.
DAY 3: Water Buffalo Tour. Day 2 highlights include bike ride through coconut growing region of the Mekong, lunch at home-stay, sampan cruise including stops at a coconut products production workshop and brick making factory, bonsai and flower garden visit and overnight in Can Tho town
DAY 4: Water Buffalo Tour. Day 3 highlights include Cai Rang floating market and visit to Cao Dai Temple to see Noon Ceremony. Late afternoon/evening spent back in Saigon for a little more exploration and eating (follow link above for more info).
DAY 5: Lunch in Saigon before catching flight to Da Nang in the afternoon. Airport pick up and check into Ha An hotel before dinner.
DAY 6: Exploration of historic Hoi An by foot (mainly a food crawl around town including a spa treatment at Palmarosa). Dinner in town during the full moon festival. For more information on Hoi An please follow this link: Hungry in Hoi An – 36 hours of eating, walking, cooking and eating …
DAY 7: Vietnamese cooking lesson with Green Bamboo Cooking School. Catch afternoon flight back to Hong Kong out of Da Nang.