The most famous and stunning reef in the world is the Great Barrier Reef. Here is an overview of the Great Barrier Reef, just a tip of the iceberg of beauty and diversity held in this icon of Australia.

The Earth is made up of two thirds water ? and that water holds many of the world’s mysteries. Hundreds of thousands of species of fish, water plants and other underwater organisms reside in the Earth’s oceans; as well as many different rock and other land formations. Some of the most interesting things that can be found in the ocean are coral reefs. The largest coral reef in the world is the Great Barrier Reef, which is located off of the coast of Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef is in the Coral Sea, which is situated just off of the coast of Queensland in northern Australia. It is made up of 3000 separate coral reefs and 900 different islands, which stretch to a length of 1616 miles. The Reef is often referred to as the largest living organism in the world, although in reality, it is actually made up of many, many tiny organisms; each of these is known as coral polyps. The Reef is so large that it can be seen from space. It has been designated as one of the seven natural wonders of the world by CNN, and the Reef was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most visited tourism spots in the world. The biodiversity, along with the beauty of the Reef and the easy accessibility, make the Great Barrier Reef a tourist destination, especially for scuba divers. Much of the Reef is under the authority of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and this area is protected and enjoys certain freedoms from commercial intervention. Some of the islands here have been turned into resorts, and ?live aboard? boats are available for those who wish to have multi-day diving tours of the Reef.

Another of the great things about the Great Barrier Reef is its age. Although scientists believe that the Reef is built on the remains of another coral reef that dates back at least 18,000 years, the current Great Barrier Reef can only be dated back 1000 years, which can be dated by analyzing the species of boulder coral that makes up this Reef. The age of the Reef combined with its many different animals and views makes the Great Barrier Reef an excellent spot for a trip.

Richard Monk is with Facts Monk – a site with facts about everything.

There is a shocking general absence of rage behavior in Mexico. I say ?general? because it is not a total absence. During political rallies and demonstrations, there can be some scary, hot-tempered flare-ups. You will want to make a note of that and avoid going anywhere near political rallies and labor union meetings.

What I am talking about is a lack of public rage in the general population. It is the rage that you see all too often in the United States. You know what I am talking about.

You cannot walk through a mall, a supermarket, an airport (especially an airport), a restaurant, or a public place of any sort without hearing Americans who are mad about something and who are cursing like sailors. My mother was proficient at turning the air blue and embarrassing even the toughest construction workers with her proclivity for profanity.

You cannot go anywhere in America without hearing,

?Well, I?ll be damned.?

?Son-of-a-b?.

?You mother fer?.

?F you!?

First, I must say that I have yet to see the rage behavior in Mexicans that would precipitate a string of profanity and second, I?ve yet to hear one word of profanity uttered in public. That isn?t to say it never happens, it is just that it is almost nonexistent!

Americans will cuss at the drop of a hat and sometimes for no apparent reason at all! We were in San Miguel de Allende taking care of some business when we decided to hit one of their fine restaurants. A group of Americans came in after us and soon the profanity was flowing. I swear, their entire vocabulary consisted of the following,

?Well sht!?

?I don?t give a sht about that!?

?All I told him was sht on you!?

Americans wonder why we have such a bad reputation in other countries.

Here is another form of rage behavior you will not see often in Mexico. Children pitching fits in public and hitting their parents. There is not a general absence of this behavior but an almost total absence.

I was once in a grocery store in Lawrence, Kansas, when I saw a little girl of about 10 asking her mother for something that the mother denied her. The girl, in a blind fury, began hitting her mother in the stomach. I am sure if she had been tall enough she would have smacked her mother in the face. Nevertheless, she repeatedly pummeled her mother in the stomach while screeching at her. The mother did nothing but take the abuse.

I have told countless Mexican friends of this incident. They said one would never see this behavior in Mexico in a million years. From what I?ve observed, I think they are correct in their evaluation.

One has to wonder why there is such a difference between Mexico and America. You did not always see this acting out in America. I can remember children (I was one of them) who would never even think of hitting their parents much less do it.

The reason: Perhaps it is that America long ago abandoned the Judeo-Christian ethic governing family and communal relationships. Mexico has not. If success is based on results then look at the result that has occurred in family and community relationships from the secularization of America.

Religion, the place from which we learn morality, is all but absent from the American public life. In Mexico, it is very much present. You think that is a clue?

One of the many attractions Guanajuato held for my wife and I was the lack of public rage. No one shooting each other the finger (or shooting anything else) over driving mishaps, no arguments in the streets, no fit-pitching children slugging their parents. Ambulance and police sirens are rarely heard.

A utopia? Nope. But it comes close, especially if you come from America!

Expatriates Doug and Cindi Bower have successfully expatriated to Mexico, learning through trial and error how to do it from the conception of the initial idea to driving up to their new home in another country. Now the potential expatriate can benefit from their more than three years of pre-expat research to their more than two years of actually living in Mexico. The Plain Truth about Living in Mexico answers the potential expatriate’s questions by leading them through the process from the beginning to the end. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn not only how-to expatriate but will learn what to expect, in daily life, before coming to Mexico. BUY BOOK HERE: http://www.universal-publishers.com/book.php?method=ISBN&book=1581124570

After you have decided that you are going on a family vacation, the next step is to decide where to go. The tourist industry offers many destinations that will welcome you but certainly there are better and there are worse choices. Since you have decided that you go on vacation with your children, it is clear that this must be the primary consideration in choosing the destination.

The most common travel mistake with children is Las Vegas or Reno in Nevada. While the tourism industries of both cities have been trying to make the towns into family vacation destinations (Las Vegas a bit more than Reno), these towns are not originally geared toward family.

There is very little in either city that is great for children, and anything that is can be easily replicated in other locations. Besides, if you’re planning on going to Las Vegas, you probably plan on doing at least a little gambling – which is something you should save for an adults- only vacation getaway.

The preferred choice for many parents with children is Disney theme parks. These parks are often the best choice for children over five and under twelve. Children over twelve may well still like it, too. Children under five, especially those under three, might find it difficult to spend the whole day there and later they will hardly remember their visit to Disney.

You should keep in mind, however, that Disney parks are an energetic vacation destination. These are not good places to go for a relaxing time, since they tend to be crowded, and there is always something new to go and see. With younger children, expect cranky afternoons.

For a more relaxed family vacation, you should think about a destination like Hawaii. While Hawaii is not geared specifically toward children, there are still plenty of things for you to do depending on which island you’re staying on.

Hawaii is the best place for a family vacation with children who are ten or older. The reason is that most entertainment activities are suitable for older children – for example Pearl Harbor. If you visit it and your children are too young, they will hardly figure out the significance of the place.

Another suggestion for a family vacation with children is cruise ships. When choosing to spend your vacation on a cruise ship, there are some important facts to consider.

First, it is most likely that you will share a cabin with your family and there won~t be enough room for everybody’s liking. But since there are so many things to do outside the cabin, it shouldn~t be too much of a problem to view the cabin as a sleeping spot rather than a permanent hang-out.

Also, cruise ships are not the ideal choice for teenagers. Teenagers are in a difficult position because on one hand the majority of programs for children are targeted at children under twelve and on the other hand, teenagers are still not old enough to participate in entertainment for adults (casinos, lounges, etc.) But in any case there is the benefit that you will witness marvelous ocean views and will visit many different ports. Watch out for whales!

The conclusion is that choosing the destination for your family vacation is firmly up to you! You are the one who knows best what is interesting for your children and what is not. Take into account what is suitable for them and what is preferred by you, choose a destination or vacation package which offers the best combination of things which appeal to all of you — and you’re halfway to a great trip already.

Andrew Westforth is the owner and operator of FHT Travel — a large and comprehensive collection of information on travel, including articles, resources and a free newsletter.

For great travel information, go to: http://www.fhttravel.com

Whether camping, hiking, boating, fishing, sightseeing, or just a nice relaxing day trip is what you?re looking for; there is plenty of opportunity in the state parks of North Central Washington. From the Canadian border to the north, to the dry arid sage lands to the east and south, to the pine tree covered mountains to the west; the North Central Washington region provides limitless diversity and things to do to entertain for a lifetime.

Alta Lake State Park
Alta Lake State Park sits on a small secluded desert lake hidden away from the busy world of Lake Chelan which is only 30 miles to the south.

Nearest towns: Pateros, Brewster, Methow, Chelan
Bodies of water nearby: On Alta Lake, Methow River, Columbia River
Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, golfing, sailboarding, swimming

Bridgeport State Park
Bridgeport State Park lays just behind Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River.

Nearest towns: Bridgeport, Brewster, Pateros
Bodies of water nearby: On Columbia River, Okanogan River
Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, golfing, sailboarding, wildlife viewing

Conconully State Park
Conconully State Park is one of the oldest parks in the State of Washington dating back to 1910.

Nearest towns: Conconully, Riverside, Omak, Okanogan
Bodies of water nearby: On Conconully Lake, Salmon Creek
Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling

Daroga State Park
Daroga State Park sits right on the mighty Columbia River between Chelan and Wenatchee and is a popular destination to water sport enthusiasts.

Nearest towns: Chelan, Orondo, Waterville, East Wenatchee, Wenatchee
Bodies of water nearby: On Columbia River, Lake Chelan
Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, baseball field, basketball courts, golfing, soccer field,

Fort Okanogan State Park
Fort Okanogan State Park is a day use park near where the Okanogan River empties into the Columbia River.

Nearest towns: Bridgeport, Brewster, Pateros
Bodies of water nearby: On Columbia River, Okanogan River, Methow River
Activities in the vicinity: Bird watching, museum

Lake Chelan State Park
Lake Chelan State Park sits on 50-mile long Lake Chelan, an outdoor recreation magnet to the entire Pacific Northwest.

Nearest towns: Chelan, Manson, Entiat
Bodies of water nearby: On Lake Chelan, Columbia River, Entiat River
Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, camping, golfing, shopping, sailboarding, wineries

Lake Wenatchee State Park
Lake Wenatchee State Park sits high in the Cascade Mountains only a few miles from one of the main east-west routes linking eastern and western Washington.

Nearest towns: Plain, Leavenworth, Peshastin, Cashmere
Bodies of water nearby: On Lake Wenatchee, Twin Lakes, Fish Lake, Nason Creek, Lost Lake, White River, Little Wenatchee River, Wenatchee River, Chiwawa River
Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, hiking, boating, camping, swimming, mountain climbing, sailboarding, rock climbing, mountain climbing, wildlife viewing, skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling

Lincoln Rock State Park
Lincoln Rock State Park is well used by local water enthusiasts who want to spend the day fishing, boating, or water skiing on the Columbia River.

Nearest towns: Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Cashmere, Orondo, Waterville
Bodies of water nearby: On Columbia River
Activities in the vicinity: Boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, shopping, museum, basketball court, softball field

Osoyoos Lake State Park
Osoyoos Lake Veteran?s Memorial State Park is on the south end of 14 mile long Osoyoos Lake which is half in Canada and half in the United States.

Nearest towns: Oroville, Osoyoos, Molson, Nighthawk
Bodies of water nearby: On Osoyoos Lake, Wannacut Lake, Palmer Lake, Similkameen River
Activities in the vicinity: Boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, volleyball court

Pearrygin Lake State Park
Pearrygin Lake State Park sits on beautiful Pearrygin Lake in the heart of the Methow Valley.

Nearest towns: Winthrop, Twisp, Mazama
Bodies of water nearby: On Pearrygin Lake, Methow River, Boulder Creek, Beaver Creek, Chewuch River
Activities in the vicinity: Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing

Peshastin Pinnacles State Park
Peshastin Pinnacle State Park is a desert area park popular with rock climbers.

Nearest towns: Wenatchee, Cashmere, East Wenatchee, Peshastin, Dryden, Monitor, Leavenworth
Bodies of water nearby: Wenatchee River, Columbia River
Activities in the vicinity: Rock climbing, hiking, river rafting

Squilchuck State Park
Squilchuck State Park is a small park on the way up to the Mission Ridge Ski Area, just south of Wenatchee.

Nearest towns: Wenatchee, East Wenatchee
Bodies of water nearby: Columbia River
Activities in the vicinity: Mountain biking, hiking, cross country skiing, skiing, snowshoeing

Steamboat Rock State Park
People looking for water recreation know to head for Steamboat Rock State Park on beautiful Banks Lake.

Nearest towns: Electric City, Coulee City, Coulee Dam, Grand Coulee
Bodies of water nearby: On Banks Lake, Columbia River, Lake Roosevelt (Columbia River)
Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, volleyball field, rock climbing, horse trails

Sun Lakes State Park
Sun Lakes State Park sits a few miles south of the south end of Banks Lank in the beautiful Dry Falls area.

Nearest towns: Coulee City, Soap Lake, Ephrata
Bodies of water nearby: (Nine small lakes inside the park?s boundaries), Banks Lake, Park Lake, Blue Lake, Lenore Lake, Soap Lake
Activities in the vicinity: Hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, water skiing, boating, swimming, golfing, miniature golf, mountain biking

Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park
Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park is on the south shore of 50-mile long Lake Chelan.

Nearest towns: Chelan, Entiat
Bodies of water nearby: On Lake Chelan, Columbia River, Entiat River
Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, hiking, camping, golfing, shopping, wineries, art galleries, museum, ferry ride, mountain biking

Wenatchee Confluence State Park
At the mouth of the Wenatchee River, where it spills into the Columbia River, is Wenatchee Confluence State Park.

Nearest towns: In Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Cashmere, Entiat, Leavenworth
Bodies of water nearby: On Columbia River, Wenatchee River
Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, shopping, museum,10 mile paved loop path, wildlife viewing, tennis court, playground equipment, basketball courts, softball field, soccer field

Some information courtesy the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commision.

Mark owns and maintains www.NCWpics.com featuring photos and information about North Central Washington.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, and is approximately the size of Singapore. Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand’s Indian Ocean coast-line 867 kilometers south of Bangkok.

Phuket is an island connected by bridges to southern Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast, in the Indian Ocean, lying between 7′ 45 and 8′ 15 north latitude, and from 98′ 15 to 98′ 40 west longitude on the map. Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is surrounded by 32 smaller islands that form part of the same administration, with a total area of 570 square kilometers. Measured at its widest point, Phuket is 21.3 kilometers; at its longest, 48.7 kilometers. It is bounded thus:

About 70 percent of Phuket is mountainous; a western range runs from north to south from which smaller branches derive. The highest peak is Mai Tao Sip Song, or Twelve Canes, at 529 meters, which lies within the boundaries of Tambon Patong, Kathu District (no roads go there yet). The remaining 30 percent of the island, mainly in the center and south, is formed by low plains. Streams include the Klong Bang Yai, Klong Ta Jin, Klong Ta Rua, and Klong Bang Rohng, none of which is large.

History of Phuket

Phuket Island has a long recorded history, and remanins dating back to A.D.1025 indicate that the island’s present day name derives in meaning from the Tamil manikram, or crystal mountain. For most of history, however, it was known as Junk Ceylon, which, with variations, is the name found on old maps. The name is thought to have its roots in Ptolemy’s Geographia, written by the Alexadrian geographer in the Third Century A.D. He mentioned that in making a trip from Suwannapum to the Malay Peninsula it was necessary to pass the cape of Jang Si Lang.

Phuket was a way station on the route between India and China where seafarers stopped to shelter. The island appears to have been part of the Shivite empire (called in Thai the Tam Porn Ling) that established itself on the Malay Peninsula during the first Millenium A.D. Later, as Muang Takua-Talang, it was part of the Srivichai and Siri Tahm empires. Governed as the eleventh in a constellation of twelve cities, Phuket’s emblem, by which it was known to others in those largely pre-literate times, was the dog.

During the Sukothai Period Phuket was associated with Takua Pah in what is now Phang-nga Province, another area with vast tin reserves. The Dutch established a trading post during the Ayuthaya Period in the 16th Cent. The island’s northern and central regions then were governed by the Thais, and the southern and western parts were given over to the tin trade, a concession in the hands of foreigners.

After Ayuthaya was sacked by the Burmese in 1767 there was a short interregnum in Thailand, ended by King Taksin, who drove out the Burmese and re-unified the country. The Burmese, however, were anxious to return to the offensive. They outfitted a fleet to raid the southern provinces, and carry off the populations to slavery in Burma. This led to Phuket’s most memorable historic event. A passing sea captain, Francis Light, sent word that the Burmese were en route to attack. Forces in Phuket were assembled led by the two heroines, Kunying Jan, wife of Phuket’s recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook. After a month’s siege the Burmese were forced to depart on 13 March, 1785. Kunying Jan and her sister were credited with the successful defense.

In recognition King Rama I bestowed upon Kunying Jan the honorific Thao Thep Kasatri, a title of nobility usually reserved for royalty, by which she is known today. Her sister became Thao Sri Suntorn.

During the Nineteenth Century Chinese immigrants arrived in such numbers to work the tin mines that the ethnic character of the island’s interior became predominantly Chinese, while the coastal settlements remained populated chiefly by Muslim fishermen.

In Rama V’s reign, Phuket became the administration center of a group of tin mining provinces called Monton Phuket, and in 1933 with the change in government from absolute monarchy to a parliamentary system, the island was established as a province by itself.

Boundaries

On the North Is the Pak Prah Strait, spanned by two bridges running side-by-side, the older Sarasin Bridge, and the newer Thao Thep Krasatri Bridge. On the South Is the Andaman Sea. On the East Is Ao Phang-nga Bay (In the Jurisdiction mainly of Phang-nga Province). On the West Is the Andaman Sea.

Climate

Phuket’s weather conditions are dominated by monsoon winds that blow year round. It is therefore always and humid. There are two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season begins in May and lasts till October, during which the monsoon blows from the southwest. The dry season is from November through April, when the monsoon comes from the northeast. Highest average temperatures, at 33.4 degrees Celsius, prevail during March. Lowest averages occur in January, when nightly lows dip to 22 degrees Celsius.

Transportation

By Car

Take Route 4 from Bangkok south. Along the way pass the provinces of Nakorn Pathom, Ratchburi, Petchburi, Prajuab-Kirikan, and at Chumporn go right to Ranong, From Ranong, go south through Kraburi and Kah-Perr districts to Phang-nga Province. In Phang-nga the road passes through Kuraburi, Takua Pa, and Takua Tung districts before reaching the town of Kok Kloy, just beyond which is the Tao Thep Krasatri Bridge and Phuket. Distance is 867 kilometers.

Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses leave the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok daily. For details call the individual bus companies: Borisat Kohn Sohng Jumkat Phuket Transport Co, Ltd., in Bangkok tel. (02) 4351200, or in Phuket (076) 211480

By Air

Details about flights to and from Phuket International Airport can be obtained from Thai Airway, in Bangkok Tel. (02) 2800070,2800080, or in Phuket (076) 211195, 212499, 212946 or from travel agents around the world. There are also many regular and chartered flights from other airlines.

By Sea

The Deep Sea Port (Port of Phuket) at Phuket is visited by both cargo and cruise ship from Thailand and from abroad. Contact your travel agent for information about the may different ships that stop at Phuket.

More detail

http://www.gosouththai.com/phuket/e-index.asp

Chan Phoondee

Web Director

http://www.GoSouthThai.com

I step out of my apartment to soak in the outdoors and the music of nature that’s come alive again. It’s Sunday and the students at the university here in Huainan are taking it easy. Most, like me, are enjoying the sunshine, unmindful of the heat. I walk towards the city centre.

Winter has finally stepped aside to let the other seasons do their thing here. It seemed to last for ever and ever. Spring Festival came and with it came the firecrackers that announced a season of merry-making. But, the season of merry-making lagged behind. I waited, hoping I would see better times but winter stood its stubborn ground, unyielding and unconcerned. For a few hours on Valentine’s Day, winter relented, letting the warmth from the heavens descend upon the earth to let love-lorn couples step out, hand-in-hand, into the street and then it pushed back the warmth, announcing its intentions with a fresh bout of snowfall. And, now, more than three weeks after the passage of winter and the onset of spring was heralded by firecrackers, it seems winter has finally beaten a belated retreat.

For three days, we have enjoyed sunshine and warm weather. I think, I can finally say goodbye to the season of frost, snow and ice. But spring? I really don’t know where that has disappeared. Winter has yielded ground suddenly…but not to spring. It seems to have made way for summer. It’s sweltering outdoors. Only in the shade can we feel some signs of spring. I am at my computer and the numerous layers of warm winter wear have been discarded while I sit bare-chested in my apartment. Goodbyes are usually painful affairs but I am not too pained at this, one goodbye, to winter.

The city centre is bustling. Rose, a post-graduate student is accompanying me on my little walk around town. On the way, she points out Chinese characters in a bid to educate me. I am hard to educate and forget the characters soon after she has read and explained them to me. But, she continues trying, anyway. Passersby stare!

We hear strains of music. A makeshift stage has been set up outside a storefront. Pretty young girls and handsome young men catwalk. We stop to listen and watch. The MC-cum-singer notices us as we applaud a song well sung. After a while he comes down and asks if I would mind joining him on the stage, and singing a song for the benefit of the handful of onlookers gathered there. I ask if he has music to accompany my song. He says something in Chinese that I don’t understand. Rose translates, saying he will be happy with anything…a line from a song or whatever. I climb onto the stage with Rose. The pretty girls in wedding gowns are arrayed at the rear along with their handsome stage escorts. I get centre stage and nod to a barrage of questions from the MC, sometimes with little understanding of what was asked, secure in the belief that a well-meaning nod would be a good enough answer. The MC is persistent and asks Rose to translate. She does so and I try to play to the gallery.

‘How many places have you visited in Huainan’? the MC queries.

‘Hen duo de,’ I answer, telling him and the gathering crowd that I have visited many places.

He ask me the names and I mention a few, saying it’s hard for me to remember all the names. He nods!

‘Do you like Huainan,’ he asks, motioning me to face the audience as I lie, ‘Yes’. A white lie is better than a black eye, my mind warns me in time.

It goes on for a while as I try and play the best entertainer I can. Then comes the request for a song and I launch into ‘Speak Softly Love’ and stop after a few lines. The crowd applauds my feeble efforts at singing and I acknowledge their encouragement. As a token of appreciation I get the chance to walk with the prettiest girl there, holding her delicate fingers in my hand as I parade up and down the stage a few times. The MC mocks my attempted tomwalk and I get another try at parading her as she smiles graciously. Photographers have materialized from somewhere and they click furiously away. For a moment I feel like a Hollywood star.

This is followed by the ritual gathering of company officials on stage as they each speak to the crowd individually and then say their pledge together, an arm on their chests. I withhold my smile. I know some of the pledges are as empty as coke cans outside McDonald’s.

Finally, Rose and I are allowed to climb down from the stage. Off-stage, the MC asks for my mobile number and promises a copy of the pictures. I don’t withhold my smile, thinking how many friends will burn with jealousy when I show them those pics.

With winter gone and spring still in hiding, I am drenched under my clothes but who cares! I have just had my moment under the sun.

My hour of unanticipated glory has ended but I will live that hour again many times over in my imagination. China never fails to intrigue, surprise and excite. Sometimes, even Huainan, one of the unfriendliest places in China, can be unlike itself.

Rajesh Kanoi (Jack) is a published writer, now living and working in China. Many of his short-stories, poems and articles have been published, including a book of short-stories, ‘From China With Love’ (Lipstick Publishing).

http://www.writingup.com/blog/oneinabillion

http://o3.indiatimes.com/kjack/

Have you ever wondered how stereotypes get started and which ones are true? Stereotypes about Mexico abound with most being silly to stupid. However, if I had to point to just one that was 100% totally and absolutely accurate, it would be that everything you have ever heard about The Mexican Mail Service is true!

My God in heaven, never has there been such a hideously inefficient and unreliable mail service than in Mexico. Certainly, nowhere else on earth can have anything approximating the horror you encounter when trying to send and receive mail in Mexico! Can there?

Here is what you are up against when sending mail to the United States from Mexico:

1) Never send a package of any sort containing anything and expect it to reach its destination.

2) Never send a contract, a check, a money order, or anything of value to the U.S. via first class mail. NEVER!

3) Expect that a regular first class mail letter will reach the U.S. in about 2-3 weeks (but only if it is predestined by God to get there).

To be honest, you have a better chance of success in sending a harmless and innocuous letter via first class from Mexico to the U.S. than from the U.S. to Mexico.

Here is what you are up against when sending mail to Mexico from America: hahahahahaha! Mail? What’s that?

That is what I was told when I tried to send some books from America to Mexico before we moved here. I was trying to send myself some books I thought I would need and the U.S. Postal guy laughed and told me there was a less than 50% chance of success in sending a package from the U.S. to Mexico.

He was right!

If you have anything of value to receive from the U.S., do not send it via regular mail. The chances of it arriving are low to non-existent! For some reason, surely known only to God, mail coming into Mexico from America rarely?if ever?gets here.

My experience has been that I am still waiting on four letters from my bank that were mailed more than 4 months ago. See what I mean?

The mail is so horrible that American businesses have sprung up to combat this problem. It used to be that expats got their mail muled to them by others coming and going from America. If you had a letter or package to send, then someone going to America would carry it with them and mail it inside the United States. The same was true if you were going to receive something from America. Someone coming back to Mexico would transport it for you?terribly slow and inefficient.

Now, there are services that work like this:

Some people use the services of MailBoxes, Etc. and for approximately $40. US per month, people are given an address in the US to which their mail is delivered and it is then sent by the company to the lakeside area. This usually takes and extra day or two than regular US mail. For those who have magazine subscriptions, foreign delivery is often much more costly, so Mail Boxes, Etc. does work well for this. However, it has been noted that MailBoxes Etc. has a limit on the number of items that can be received without extra charge so that has to be checked if a person is interested in this service.

Another great site is Access USA at myus.com. This one looks first-class and my wife and I are considering using it for our needs.

Don’t try to figure this all out. You cannot–your head will explode–and you will never get an answer as to why mail is so bad in Mexico. It is one of those things you just have to accept.

Give up and adapt. Resistance is futile!

Expatriates Doug and Cindi Bower have successfully expatriated to Mexico, learning through trial and error how to do it from the conception of the initial idea to driving up to their new home in another country. Now the potential expatriate can benefit from their more than three years of pre-expat research to their more than two years of actually living in Mexico. The Plain Truth about Living in Mexico answers the potential expatriate’s questions by leading them through the process from the beginning to the end. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn not only how-to expatriate but will learn what to expect, in daily life, before coming to Mexico. BUY BOOK HERE: http://www.universal-publishers.com/book.php?method=ISBN&book=1581124570

The big black and white killer whale — his four-foot sail-like dorsal fin erect and rising from a long sleek black and white body — came slicing rapidly through the water, seemiingly on a collision course with our vessel.

Sort of a black and white torpedo with eyes, fin, flippers, and fluke!

The Kansas lady to my right gave a little gasp. Might it hit us? she asked plaintively.

No time for her husband to answer. Seconds later, and only a scant four yards from our starboard rail, the orca suddenly dove, his body and dorsal disappearing from view. His course took him directly under (not into!) our boat. A mad scramble ensued as all of us raced through and around the ship’s forward lounge to the port side of the vessel. Most of us made it in time to see the great dorsal resurface. The creature thrust mightily with his horizontal fluke and sped away at incredible speed.

Oh my, said Kansas Lady, that was a sight.

Oh yes, replied Kansas Man, a sight indeed.

But the great thing was, it was only one of many memorable moments that day as we cruised the waters of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park on an afternoon excursion out of the historic Alaskan city of Seward. Our ship was the Alaskan Explorer, one of several sightseeing vessels operated by Kenai Fjords Tours. In spite of absolutely rotten rainy weather during some portions of the trip, we (wife Marilyn and I) enjoyed one of the best waterborne excursions we have ever experienced. Proof indeed that in Alaska one should never forgo the pleasures of an outing just because of inclement weather; just dress warmly, in layers, for it.

The trip began about 11:30 a.m., shortly after we arrived in the Resurrection Bay city aboard the Alaska Railroad morning train from Anchorage. After leaving the dock we heard words of welcome and instruction from not one but two skippers, Chris and Roy. They advised us:

Keep your hat on your head. We don’t go back for hats unless you are wearing one.

If you see any folks in the water, throw them a life ring – whether of not they are from this vessel.

A few nautical terms: ‘Port’ means left, ’starboard’ means right, ‘aft’ is toward the back of the vessel and the ‘bow’ is the pointy end of the boat.

And, If you feel seasick, go aft to the rail on the lower deck. Repeat, aft!

Shortly thereafter we had a tasty lunch, deli-style, consisting of breaded chicken or breaded fish (or both), apple chips, choice of light beverage, and cookies.

Our meal was interrupted (we didn’t mind) by the sight of our first critter of the day, a solitary sea otter who drifted by on the port side of the ship. (Left? someone asked. Yeah, left.) The creature was reclining in classic sea otter pose – flat on his back in the water, paws under his chin, with lower legs and tail tucked up toward his tummy.

He weighs about 100 pounds and he has, said one of our captains speaking from the bridge, one of the densest coats on earth.

We heard lots of Oohs, Aaahs, and Isn’t he darling… coming from all over the lounge. One of our table mates, Pat Horner of New Jersey, was enthralled. Nothing like this in New Jersey, she told us. Her daughter, Gayle Newfeld of Kodiak, has seen plenty of sea otters near her Alaska home digs. But she, like us, was thrilled as well.

Next on our mammal list came a Dall’s porpoise, about a hundreds yards to starboard. He’s one of the fastest swimmers in the North Pacific, said the voice from the skipper’s mike. Flipper in a tux. He weighs about 300 pounds and can travel upwards of 35 miles an hour.

Then – highlight of our trip by any measure – came our romp on the wild side with the orcas (killer whales), including the eight-ton male who threatened to torpedo us.

Incredibly, during the course of our cruise not one but two separate killer whale pods, a half-dozen or so animals in each group, joined us to frolic close by our vessel.

Both groups paced us, raced us, and surrounded us when we slowed. They rolled, sounded, made shallow breaches, and approached literally within inches of our ship.

Once, ignoring the rain and looking straight down from my post at the forward port rail, I found myself gazing incredulously into one creature’s blow hole! Thank goodness he didn’t take that moment to exhale.

Another time the voice from the bridge announced the presence of Steller’s sea lions, the first of several large or smaller sightings. A big bunch of them, maybe three dozen or more, were sleeping, lounging, crawling, and climbing on rocky beach ledges at the base of a steep granite cliff. A few were swimming in the water, just off shore. Some looked dark gray, almost black; others were light rusty brown in color. Actually, we were told, they are all the same color. Their fur just looks dark when they’re wet. Whatever their coloration, these were impressive specimens, weighing in at a ton or more for the bulls, but only 650 pounds for the more diminutive females. Even from within the lounge of our vessel we could hear their incessant growls and bellowing.

Throughout our cruise, in spite of the weather, we saw a goodly number of seabirds including cormorants, American bald eagles, puffins (with little round football bodies and parrot-like beaks, the most comical-looking bird to fly over and dive into northern seas), black-legged kittiwakes, and (my personal favorite) murres. These incredible alcids can dive while fishing to a depth of 300 feet below the water’s surface or more. Wow! That’s equal to the height of a 30-story building. Because of their black and white coloring some folk call them penguins of the north; I prefer to think of penguins as murres of the south.

And what would an Alaska cruise be without glacier viewing? The ice river we saw and photographed and ogled over that day was Holgate Glacier. Not the biggest on the Pacific coast by any means, but a beautiful, classic tidewater glacier with deep blue colors and an impressive face that calved a few small growler bergs into the sea to the delight of all on board.

Our excursion ended about 5:30 p.m., just in time to board our rail cars for the return trip to Anchorage.

It was, all agreed, a marvelous tour, one that Alaska visitors can put in their memory caches as among the best trips in the north country.

Come this spring, summer, or fall you could do a lot worse than book one of these tours. More information is available on the internet at http://www.kenaifjords.com.

Alaskan Travel Writer Michael Miller lives in Juneau where he writes newspaper and magazine articles as well as Alaska guidebooks. He also publishes a comprehensive informational website about Alaska cruising. Visit the site at http://www.AlaskaCruisingReport.com

The most famous and stunning reef in the world is the Great Barrier Reef. Here is an overview of the Great Barrier Reef, just a tip of the iceberg of beauty and diversity held in this icon of Australia.

The Earth is made up of two thirds water ? and that water holds many of the world’s mysteries. Hundreds of thousands of species of fish, water plants and other underwater organisms reside in the Earth’s oceans; as well as many different rock and other land formations. Some of the most interesting things that can be found in the ocean are coral reefs. The largest coral reef in the world is the Great Barrier Reef, which is located off of the coast of Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef is in the Coral Sea, which is situated just off of the coast of Queensland in northern Australia. It is made up of 3000 separate coral reefs and 900 different islands, which stretch to a length of 1616 miles. The Reef is often referred to as the largest living organism in the world, although in reality, it is actually made up of many, many tiny organisms; each of these is known as coral polyps. The Reef is so large that it can be seen from space. It has been designated as one of the seven natural wonders of the world by CNN, and the Reef was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most visited tourism spots in the world. The biodiversity, along with the beauty of the Reef and the easy accessibility, make the Great Barrier Reef a tourist destination, especially for scuba divers. Much of the Reef is under the authority of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and this area is protected and enjoys certain freedoms from commercial intervention. Some of the islands here have been turned into resorts, and ?live aboard? boats are available for those who wish to have multi-day diving tours of the Reef.

Another of the great things about the Great Barrier Reef is its age. Although scientists believe that the Reef is built on the remains of another coral reef that dates back at least 18,000 years, the current Great Barrier Reef can only be dated back 1000 years, which can be dated by analyzing the species of boulder coral that makes up this Reef. The age of the Reef combined with its many different animals and views makes the Great Barrier Reef an excellent spot for a trip.

Richard Monk is with Facts Monk – a site with facts about everything.

Many of those vacationing in Sea Isle City have only one week in our great town, which is not nearly enough to see it all. The fantastic beaches we offer are only one of many options for fun, sun, and entertainment at the South Jersey Shore. Those of you who have been coming for many years have your favorite things to experience, and most will repeat the majority of things over and over again because of the lasting memories they create.

Since I have been a local in Sea Isle City for over ten years, I have had the pleasure to experience many local attractions, eating establishments, and other unique ?hidden treasures? that many are not aware of. In the following article, I am going to share some of the other attractions in our area with mention of my favorites.

As I stated above, everyone comes to Sea Isle City for the beach. Whether you enjoy riding the waves, lounging in a chair with a good book, or sitting on a deck watching and listening to the calmness of the sea, the ocean is our main attraction. But there are many other activities that are available in our charming town.

For those of you who are early risers, there is nothing better than watching the sunrise over the horizon. On clear days you will see a spectacular two-minute show as the sun makes its appearance and fills the sky with bright colors of oranges, reds, and yellows.

Another early morning event is a walk, bike ride, or a skate on our promenade. Constructed around 1963, our version of a boardwalk runs from 29th Street to 57th Street and is approximately 1.5 miles from one end to the other. Did you realize that a person weighing 170 lbs can burn over 300 calories while walking the promenade?

At 10:00 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays a very interesting, educational opportunity arises. The Sea Isle City Environmental Commission offers ?Beachcombing? at the 29th Street beach. For a small donation of $1.00 for adults, and $.50 for children, you will learn facts about the shells, birds, sealift, plants, ocean, and dunes.

While enjoying the beach during the day, Sea Isle offers some ?Fun in the Sun? activities that will make memories of a lifetime. For those who enjoy fishing and catching your meal, Sea Isle has many boating excursions from a few hours on the water fishing, to a full day tour out into the ocean. You can rent your own boat, or take a guided tour to the best fishing places in South Jersey. Or if you want to take a kayak into the Back Bay and observe nature at it?s best, you can rent one and two man kayaks and paddle your way through the marshes. During this quiet, peaceful voyage you will see birds, fish, and wildlife in its natural habitat.

For those of you who want the excitement of a fast, thrilling ride, waverunning is an exhilarating experience you won?t forget. Safe and guided, these sea craft can be a highlight of one?s vacation.

As the late afternoon comes upon you, for those over ?21?, you can?t beat a nice cold tropical drink or beer at the Springfield Inn, the only outside bar where you can listen to a band play, while sipping on your favorite beverage and watching the waves come in.

After a fun day playing and sunning in the Sea Isle Sand, the evenings can be enjoyed as much as the day. Eating in Sea Isle is an experience in itself and you should make sure to enjoy the cuisine of the Island.

For the over ?21? crowd, Sea Isle has many nightspots with a variety of music to suit anyone?s taste.

Joe Prato is a real estate agent working in Sea Isle City and Cape May County, NJ. He has written a series of guides to help you plan your Jersey Shore vacation. His website, provides tools and guides to help you make the most of your vacation.