Travelogger

We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.

Helens’ Got Game

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The month of March draws many tourists in St. Helens Tasmania, Australia. Known as the game-fishing capital of Tasmania, St. Helens gives fishing enthusiasts more than their fair share of catch. From the number of different beaches around Georges Bay and the long stretch from St. Helens to St. Helens Point, there seems to be no end to St. Helens natural beauty.

With a population of around 2,000, St. Helens is considered to be the largest town in the east coast of Tasmania. The people there are very proud of their crayfish and oysters. Local restaurants known for the quality of their abalone, flounder and scallops also abound.

However, fishing isn’t the only thing attracting visitors to the town. St. Helens is also a popular with nature lovers. Their underwater caves are especially a hit for the divers.

For those who want to get to know the town a little more, a short walk around the port should provide more than enough information. The St. Helens History Room located at 57 Cecilia Street contains a lot of treasured memorabilia. From the ancient Aborigines to the Chinese immigrants, the collection is a solid record of how the town came to be. With a live narrator as a guide, guests would feel the warmth and authenticity of the St. Helens experience.

Surfing, swimming and nature walks are also popular activities in St. Helens.

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Hot Hot Hot!

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Once dubbed as the “hottest food show in the world,” the 20th National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show is upon us once again. As it has been for the past two years, the trade show is going to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. To be precise, it is going to be held at the Sandia Resort and Casino Events Center.

For those of you who have the taste for something a bit spicier, then you should definitely drop by this trade fair. Aside from the free parking, guests can also avail of golf and spa services. So if some of you want to take a break from all the heat, the hotel is at your service!

Last year, there were around 200 booths in the area. They ranged from spicy edibles to barbecue wares. Exhibitionists ranged from guest chef and barbecue expert Mike Stines to families who have self-concocted Habanero recipes. I’m sure those Habanero sauces came with labels that say “Try at your own risk.”

For those of you who are not familiar with Habaneros, they are one of the hottest chili peppers in the world. They do have a range of Habanero spiciness though so if you are feeling a bit adventurous, try the mildest one first.

I myself have never tasted any kind of Habanero before. Not even the mildest one but the experience should be interesting. For families and friends who are going to visit this show, be sure to bring a video camera with you. Seeing your best friend or your brother try out a one of the hot sauces is one moment you do not want to miss!

Also something to watch out for are the limited edition hot sauces. They do not come cheap, mind you. But they are considered a collector’s item.

Just to warn unknowing visitors though, tasting the sauces in such a trade show is not small feat. Unless you are more or less a hot sauce expert, it is better to just ask for the smallest drop they can give you. Just in case you end up biting more than you can chew, always make sure you have some sort of dairy product with you. Water is no good. It will only help the heat spread all over your tongue.

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Volunteer for the Animals

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One of the best ways to help save the environment is to become a volunteer. In the Zoological Society in London (ZSL) Zoo, they are in need of just that. In fact, they have just opened up applications for anyone who is over 18 and wants to discover a different side of life. In ZSL, there are many ways in which people can volunteer.

* Learning Volunteers basically welcome and interact with the visitors, making sure they’re having a grand time.

*Outreach Support Volunteers assist in visiting London schools and caring for the bunch of outreach animals.

*Library Volunteers have the best access to the ZSL library which is the world’s finest and most extensive zoological library.

*Office Volunteers get to work at different ZSL departments.

*IT Volunteers are also needed in ZSL so people who know their way around computer programs should find themselves right at home here.

Who says you can’t combine advocacy with vacation? There is a lot to learn from this international animal conservation charity. Based in London, it would be a great getaway for those people looking for a purpose. Personally, I recommend volunteering for the first section. That way, you get to explore the zoo,interact with visitors and perhaps inspire them to volunteer as well.

Visit the Zoological Society in London Zoo

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There cannot be enough animal conservation and protection charities in this world. I have recently discovered the existence of the Zoological Society in London (ZSL). Although this organization has been around for ages,many people all over the world (especially those who do not exactly live in Europe) have not heard about it.

I have a soft spot for animals so it always excites me to share something like this with you. The ZSL Zoo is located near Regent’s Park London, England and is open everyday except for Christmas Day. It’s not an easy feat to maintain a zoo so this one automatically deserves a thumbs up and a pat on the back (I should know. Where I come from, zoos don’t exactly thrive).

And just to make sure everything is clear: Visitors below 16 years old will not be admitted without an adult. Since the ZSL is raising money for a lot of animal protection causes, entrance tickets also have certain fees. Then again, how hard is it to contribute to a good cause, eh?

Do not think that the ZSL Zoo is one with tightly-locked cages though. There, the animals have a considerably large space to move around in. In fact, the ZSL Zoo has a number of exhibits guests will surely enjoy. Some of them include the following:

*Gorilla Kingdom

*Butterfly Paradise

*Clore Rainforest Lookout

*Meet the Monkeys

*Aquarium

There is one for every type of person there. Even some endangered animals have found their way over at the ZSL Zoo. So if you are ever traveling to London by any chance, don’t forget to drop by and give some of the animals a little hello.


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Discover Vietnam with Handetour

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It is always a pleasure to visit other countries with such a preserved culture and environment. Vietnam is one example. From the cyclo rides around old Saigon to the water performance puppet shows in Hanoi, there is something for everybody to enjoy. Handetour, which specializes in tours across Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, knows just how to help you appreciate the nature and wonder of Vietnam without having to worry about anything else.

While there is adventure in exploring the sights on your own, being guided with a tour also promises an excellent Vietnamese experience. In fact, Handetour provides a wide array of tour packages that cater to whatever kind of adventure you want to have in Vietnam!

If you want to explore Vietnam as a whole, you will probably enjoy Handetour’s classic tour packages. They range from 6 days to 22 days, depending on what kind of Vietnam you’re after. Some of the classic tours include Vietnam Smiling, Vietnam at a Glimpse, Vietnam Mystery, North and South Discovery 3, etc.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay
Whichever package you choose, don’t miss out on a stop at Halong Bay which is considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its serene waters are reminiscent of those ancient Vietnamese silk paintings that showcase history, landscapes and everyday life.
Not to mention the seafood lunch you’ll surely enjoy while cruising through the bay!

If sightseeing is not your top priority, you may want to give Handetour’s leisure tours a try. These leisure tours are perfect for beach bums who want nothing but to kick off their shoes and bask under the Vietnamese sky. These packages give you more private time, allowing you the privilege of silence and the freedom to do a little exploring on your own.

On the other hand, there is also a set of tours for the adventurous sort. Most of the packages here include long trips to mountainous and magnificent landscapes and a more in-depth interaction with the minorities. You’ll get to explore national parks and even have the chance to stay overnight at a stilt house!

There is much to see and explore in Vietnam and Handetour itineraries are crafted especially for the type of experience you want to have. Aside from the above mentioned, there are countless other packages to choose from. Handetour even has a honeymoon tour which I personally will consider in the future! If you’re interested in knowing more, check out the Web site here. I have to say that the honeymoon tour has a pretty interesting and one-of-a-kind itinerary!

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