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Baseball Road Trips – Discover Houston

If you’re looking for an ideal baseball road trip destination, Houston should be at or near the top of your list. Not only is there much to see and do in and around the city, but it’s easy to get to Houston from just about anywhere. Let’s explore Houston, home of the Astros…

Houston: An Overview

One of the best things about Houston is how easy it is to travel to get there. No matter where you live in the United States, there’s a good chance there’s a direct flight available to Houston.

The city itself is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, especially in terms of its footprint. If you plan to explore the outlying areas, you will definitely need to rent a car. The city center is compact enough, with a light rail system designed to get you from one place to another. Also, taxi service in the city center uses a flat-rate system, a refreshing idea that eliminates budget surprises.

If you plan to limit your activities to downtown and the ballpark, you can get by without a car. But if your stay extends beyond two or three days, you’ll want to do some exploring.

Spring and fall are the two best seasons to visit. Due to its proximity to the Gulf Coast, Houston tends to be humid. Air conditioning is a constant staple here, and while summer can be sweltering, spring and fall are usually delightful.

baseball in houston

Houstonians are proud of their Astros, a National League franchise since the early 1960s. The current ballpark, Minute Maid Park, sits adjacent to downtown and is one of the most unique places of major league baseball. Center field is wide and expansive, while the left field wall is 315 feet from home plate.

The stadium is located right next to the city’s soccer venue, Reliant Stadium, and the Astrodome. The Astrodome was the home of the Astros from 1965 to 1999 and is still used for various conventions and public events.

The area around the ballpark is known as Union Square. There are numerous entertainment options available not only here, but also minutes away in downtown Houston. Public transportation is available for the games, and many restaurants offer shuttle services.

Currently, the Astros are in a downward cycle in terms of competitiveness, although in baseball that can change from season to season. Tickets are usually available on game day, but popular opponents occasionally sell out, so it’s best to plan ahead. However, you never have to worry about rain. Minute Maid Park has a retractable dome, so your comfort is assured.

houston entertainment

A neighborhood not to be missed in Houston is the Rice Village area. Due to its name from nearby Rice University, this is the city’s dining and entertainment hub. Lively and active both day and night, Rice Village is packed with shopping options and numerous dining options.

Two of our favorites are Little Woodrows and Two Rows Restaurant, both located in the heart of this area. They are just a few steps from most shops and are ideal for lunch or dinner. A good option with a sports theme downtown is Front Porch Pub, which is popular with the after-work crowd.

If you have an extra day or two, the Galveston coast is a popular destination less than an hour away. Historic architecture and numerous seafood restaurants beckon, along with a beach and outdoor culture that makes the most of the warm gulf waters.

Resume

Houston is an ideal destination for baseball road trips, especially for a weekend. The city is easy to get to and you can rely on safe public transportation if your visit is limited to the center and surrounding neighborhoods.

Hotel Parvathi International

Hotel Parvathi International is located at Nagercoil in the southern part of India. This world-class hotel is known for its modern services and facilities. Hotel hospitality has made it one of the most sought after destinations by travelers. This is one of the best first class hotels in Nagercoil. The hotel is centrally located and is close to the city’s train station and bus stop.

BEDROOMS

Hotel Parvathi International consists of 21 well furnished rooms with all modern faculties. The hotel has striking interiors and all the hotel rooms are well furnished. The hotel rooms are spacious and well ventilated. The best facilities are available in the rooms. The rooms have attached bathrooms, 24-hour running water, telephone connection, coffee and tea making facilities, study desk, 24-hour room service, laundry service, travel desk, doctor on call, in-room TV with satellite channels. satellite, parking space, etc. . Here at Hotel Parvathi we also make arrangements for ticket reservations to provide you with maximum convenience.

The hotel offers you the best stay to make your business or pleasure trip memorable. The hotel’s well-trained staff tries to satisfy all the needs and requirements of the travellers, providing them with the maximum benefit and ensuring a comfortable stay. The calm and serene setting of the hotel leaves its visitors mesmerized.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

The hotel also has its personal restaurant which is known for serving delicious delicacies. A wide variety of food is served in the restaurant. Geethanjali is the pure vegetarian restaurant where you can get everything from Chinese, South Indian, North Indian to continental food. Green Land is the non-vegetarian restaurant where a variety of non-vegetarian dishes are served. Empire Bar and Maharaja Bar are also a big attraction, here you can spend some leisure time with your friends and enjoy light music.

business services

Hotel Parvathi International is one of the preferred destinations for business travellers. The hotel offers you a well-equipped conference and banquet room, where various business meetings and seminars can be held. The rooms have the facility of internet connection, Xerox etc.

Parvathi International Hotel promises you the best facilities so that you can come and spend your free time here. Visitors can also reserve rooms online in advance. The hotel also provides the facility of car or van on request.

You can’t miss the Thanksgiving Day Parades

The holidays are almost here and, like every year, a lot of festivities are coming up. If you’ve never seen a Thanksgiving parade in person, or haven’t in a long time, you won’t want to miss the ones that will kick off the holiday season in 2009. Parades have remained a fixture of the holiday season. for decades, attracting hordes of viewers on the street and engaging millions of viewers around the world. They just have it all: music bands singing festive tunes, countless balloons released into the sky, unique floats of different sizes adorned with different colors. These shows are sure to be a treat for the eyes and ears, whether you’re tuning in from home or cheering from the sidelines. If you’re looking to get in on the fun and celebration, check out some of this year’s Thanksgiving parades that you can’t miss:

New York: More than 3 million spectators are expected to line the streets of New York City for the 83rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as 50 million on television, this event of three hours is without a doubt the largest and most prestigious parade in the nation. Like every year, it is expected to feature helium-containing animal-shaped balloons, floats and music bands. The parade will begin at 77th Street and Central Park West and end at 7th Avenue and 34th Street, marking a 2.65-mile stretch. Scheduled to begin at 9 am, this year’s march will be the first in the parade’s 82-year history to bypass Broadway.

If you can’t make it to New York City for Thanksgiving, don’t despair. Other major cities across the country host popular Thanksgiving parades, including:

MiamiIf you’re looking to celebrate the holiday season in sunny South Florida, consider being in attendance at the Winternational Thanksgiving Day Parade, which marches along Northeast 125th Street between 6th and 12th Avenues each year. The annual celebration entertains spectators with nearly 100 colorful floats and marching bands. The event also includes a carnival, thrill rides, and live music. While other cities across the country are already beginning to experience sub-zero temperatures, Miami’s tropical weather will be warm fun this holiday season.

chicago: The Windy City can be a lot cooler than, say, Miami on Thanksgiving weekend, but don’t let that stop you from heading to State Street and witnessing the 76th Annual Thanksgiving Parade. McDonald’s, which runs from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street. While the turnout is expected to be nothing like the Macy’s Parade in New York City, approximately 425,000 street spectators will be in attendance to behold helium balloons, local and national celebrities and award-winning marching bands. Bring your sweater and enjoy the holiday excitement Chicago style.

San Diego: Locals and out-of-towners alike would agree that the annual Mother Goose Parade, scheduled for Sunday, November 22 this year, marks the start of the holiday season in San Diego. The largest parade in San Diego County, the event draws throngs of spectators to the streets of El Cajon. With everything from helium balloons and animated clowns to impressive floats that come in all shapes and sizes, the Mother Goose Parade brings people of all ages together for a fun-filled day of free family entertainment.

phoenix: If you’re traveling to the Valley of the Sun for Turkey Day weekend, don’t miss the Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Parade. Boasting the fourth tallest fountain in the world, the mountain town of Fountain Hills provides a wonderful backdrop for what is known as the only Thanksgiving Day Parade held in Arizona. Families will enjoy watching large floats and marching bands as they maneuver through the center of town.

New York for Holiday Shopping: Scratch Your Holiday List at One of the Top Ten Shopping Destinations

New York is one of the top ten shopping destinations in the world, so it’s no surprise that many savvy shoppers plan trips to the city to finish their holiday gift lists. From mid to late November, the city puts on its holiday best, with world-famous window displays at stores like Macy’s Herald Square (151 West 34th St), Bergdorf Goodman’s (754 5th Ave), Lord & Taylor (424 Fifth Avenue), Bloomingdale’s (1000 Third Avenue) and Barney’s (660 Madison Avenue).

After window shopping, you can spend your plastic at the designer stores and boutiques on Madison Avenue. Famous names include Prada, Hermes, Chanel, Calvin Klein, and Giorgio Armani. On Fifth Avenue, get that famous robin’s egg blue box when you shop (even the least expensive items) at Tiffany & Co.

In the same area, delight the basketball fan on your list at the NBA Store (666 Fifth Ave), surprise a young lady with something from the American Girl Place (609 Fifth Ave), or experience the famous FAO Schwartz (767 Fifth Ave), where for an incredible variety of toys.

Head south to find unique boutiques in SoHo, where you’ll find top designers like Anna Sui (113 Greene St), Marc Jacobs (164 Mercer), and Betsey Johnson (138 Wooster St). The SoHo neighborhood is also known for its art galleries.

If you’re a fan of the show “Sex and the City,” you won’t want to miss House of Field, just around the corner at 302 Bowery. Patricia Field is the award-winning designer who dressed your favorite characters on the show, and her shop of hers won’t let you down (warning: not for kids).

For sophisticated, fashion-forward design (and the prices to go with it), head to NoLita, now a hub for ethnic design. Head to Amy Chan’s (247 Mulberry St) to shop for her signature mosaic bags or find amazing beaded tunics at Indomix (232 Mulberry St).

If you’re an art lover, you’ll also want to visit the Chelsea/Flatiron District, which has become the Chelsea Art District, with more than 200 galleries (most between 19th and 26th streets, and between 9th and 11th avenues).

Head to Greenwich Village for the reader on your list. The Strand Bookstore (828 Broadway) is the world’s largest used bookstore; You never know what treasure you’re going to unearth. For all things science fiction, stop by Forbidden Planet (840 Broadway).

For unique hip-hop boutiques, head to 125th Street in Harlem, where you’ll find Jimmy Jazz (239 W 125th St), Dr. Jay’s (256 W 125th St), and Jersey Man Cap USA (112 W 125th St).

Shopping in New York isn’t just for high-end stores. There are plenty of great shopping deals, if you know where to look. Century 21 (22 Cortlandt St) is the best known of the discount clothing stores. Loehmann’s (101 Seventh Ave) has high-end designer products at bargain prices. H&M (1328 Broadway) is a local favorite, with knockoffs of the latest styles and accessories at low prices. Head to the Upper West Side for a less crowded bargain at Filene’s Basement (2222 Broadway).

Why should you attend Advanced Excel Course at Delhi NCR?

Everyone has heard of MS Excel which is the powerful spreadsheet tool used to collect and analyze data and perform huge calculations. It is designed to perform large calculations, represent data in the form of tables and graphs, and perform data evaluations. It is one of the most important business tools used by millions of organizations around the world. Having experience in MS Excel is highly beneficial for anyone as it will help them in most of their career. This can be done by enrolling in a reliable advanced Excel training course from a reputable training institute. Learning MS Excel can also help you become a professional data analyst, which is one of the most respected job profiles in the business market. Other than that, there are various reasons why you should learn advanced MS Excel which we will discuss in the last part of this article. But the first thing we have to find out is how you can acquire advanced knowledge of Excel and become a highly demanded professional in the market.
To answer this question, it is important to understand that Excel training institute in Delhi-NCR is probably the most suitable way to learn and master Microsoft Excel. The Advanced Excel course covers a wide range of topics including Math Functions, Lookup and Reference Function, Date and Time Function, Statistical and Logical Function, Pivot Charts and Tables, One-Dimensional and Multi-Dimensional Analysis and much more.

Some of the most important reasons why you should learn advanced MS Excel

1. You can perform a number of tasks: MS Excel is a highly sought after tool in the business market that is highly versatile and can perform multiple tasks such as large calculations and data processing making it a must have tool for any business organization.
2. Easy to use: The advanced features of MS Excel for Android are easy to use and you can also learn them by attending the advanced Excel course at Delhi NCR. You will be able to perform tedious tasks such as endless calculation comparison lists and find relevant information along with development reports with a few mouse clicks.
3. Save a lot of time and effort: By using MS Excel, one could easily finish laborious tasks that would otherwise take a lot of time and effort. It can help automate repetitive tasks by getting tedious work completed in seconds.
4. The best tool in the field: There have been numerous spreadsheet and data processing tools available in the market, however, MS Excel continues to be the leading program in the field for the past 25 years and has an edge over its competitors.
5. It is a versatile tool: Many believe that MS Excel is a giant calculator, but it is much more than that. It is used for accounting, calculation, filtering, inventory management, data processing and analysis, reporting, comparison and data representation.

These are some of the most obvious reasons why learning MS Excel and its advanced features can be a great advantage for your future career. The requirement for professional Excel operators and data analysts is increasing in the market that one can target after gaining skills in advanced Excel. SLA Consultants India offers the best advanced Excel course to candidates who want to learn MS Excel and enjoy all the benefits mentioned above along with having a high paying job. They have a dedicated team of industry experts who will guide each and every student to success using real-time, hands-on examples and training sessions that will help individuals gain advanced Excel skills in a matter of weeks. The course content is specifically and intelligently designed to meet the current business industry standard and at the end of the advanced Excel course, all attendees will receive 100% job placement assistance with a valid certification that could give them a competitive advantage in the future.

Selection of hair ties

The possibilities are endless when it comes to hair bows. Some moms like their daughters hair bows to be as small as possible, no matter how old they are, and some moms like their daughters hair bows to be as big as we can get, no matter how little be your daughter. You can have hair bows that are just a simple look with just four loops with a solid color, or you can have hair bows that have so many different styles and patterns that they can have around fifteen different ribbons. Some people like them to be as flat and snug against their daughter’s head as possible, and others want the hair ties to stand up as fluffy as the ribbon allows.

There are so many different types of ribbons that are used to make hair bows. These are just a few: grosgrain, organza, single-sided satin, double-sided satin, acetate, jacquards, velvet, sequins, ruffles, lace, marabou, frayed denim, sheer, metallic, polka dot, stripe, patterned, textured, sewn, patterned, reversible, woven, plaid, checkered, glitter, ruched, frayed, and the list could go on, I’m sure. We haven’t even talked about all the extra things you can add to hair bows like appliquĂ©s, hand painted ceramics, jewels, crystals, monogram initials, names, rickrack, buttons and so many other things that people are familiar with. get creative.

There are so many hair bow websites and eBay auctions now, it’s hard to find the hair bow you’re looking for, and for the right price. Don’t be afraid to try a few different places, and try ordering just one hair bow from a few different places before settling on your favorite hair bow maker. Also, don’t be afraid to ask the manufacturer questions about their hair ties. Read all about how they make them and see if they put a lot of time and effort into making them with boutique style and boutique quality. I also encourage you to try different sizes as well. Just because your little girl is petite doesn’t mean she won’t look like a little princess with bigger hair bows. If she looks cute with pigtails or two ponytails, try getting two small hair bows or two medium sized hair bows. Read what the widths are on each site because what one company might call small, another might call medium.

There are a wide variety of hair bow sites now offering to share with you their secrets to making beautiful bows just like them. Look for instruction books, CDs, and even DVDs. Once you start making bows for your daughter, granddaughter, or niece, you may love it as much as we do.

Ribbons are back in fashion, and nobody gets tired of them! There are now many sites that make it much easier to get fancy ribbons at a more reasonable price and a better selection than any craft store could offer.

Bows For Best Friends (http://www.bowsforbestfriends.com) designs and sells high quality hair bows, hair bands, hair accessories, jewelry and removable bow flip flops using the best quality ribbons and techniques. experienced craftsmen. From babies to teens, Bows for Best Friends has the hair accessories for your little girl.

9 tips for a great snorkel

Ready to have a great day on your snorkeling excursion? Well, here are some tips to make it much better.

one. Stretch

Really? This isn’t the Boston Marathon, you know. No, it’s not. But a cramp in the water is twice as painful and 10 times more dangerous than the same cramp on land. You are about to repeatedly use your leg muscles in a way you don’t normally. Those muscles can get tired and start to cramp. Take a few minutes to stretch your calf muscles and hamstrings before you begin.

two. of fog

A mist mask takes the fun out of it. After all, we came here to look underwater, not at the clouds. You must defog your mask before each snorkeling session. All you need is Dawn dish liquid or, better yet, a travel bottle of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo (tear-free formula). Just a drop on the inside of the lens, then rub it with your finger to cover the entire lens. (It’s best to do this when the mascara is dry, but it should also work when it’s wet.) When the entire lens is covered, fill the inside with water (salt or fresh) and quickly run your finger across the entire lens. Then empty the water and voila.

3. sunscreen

You know, the kind that stays in the water. wear it. Not only are you sunning your entire backside, but the amount of sun is magnified. Think of the water around you as a giant searchlight. Now think of those water droplets on your skin as little magnifying glasses. The intensity of the sun you receive is much greater than that of the sun itself. And you will start to burn much faster than if you were out of the water. Protect yourself or you won’t be able to dive tomorrow.

Four. splash your face

Excuse me? That’s how it is. Splash water on your face before putting on the mask. If you have followed the advice in number 3, you should have sunscreen on your face. Splashing it with water will remove any excess that could drip into your eyes while diving. It happens more than you think and depending on the brand of sunscreen, it can really hurt when it does.

5. position mask strap

One of the most common reasons why a mask leaks water is that its strap is in the wrong position. Too low in the neck and the water will seep through. Too high on the head and the water will seep in. So where should it be? Okay, take your hands and cover your ears. Do it so that the tips of your fingers just barely touch behind your head. The bottom of the mask strap should be just above your fingertips. Most mask straps split into two parts at the back. You just found out where the bottom goes. The top should be 1 to 2 inches higher and not twisted. Crooked, bad. Without twisting, fine.

6. Buddy

Aw, Ma. Do we have to? No, you don’t. But there are many security reasons for having a partner. Touching this briefly. Two people in the water are more likely to be seen by passing boats than one person alone. Also, if you do get that cramp, it’s good to have a second person around to help stretch it out.

Do you need more reasons? Two pairs of eyes see more things than one pair, so you’re actually seeing more interesting things. And perhaps the most important reason of all is to have a witness. No one is going to believe you saw the elusive Hunky Funky Coconut Fish unless you have a witness to back you up.

7. current check

If you are going to return to the starting point, start diving in the current, if it exists. This way, if you run out of power, you’ll get a little extra push to help you get back instead of having to fight the current on the return trip.

8. Slow down, cowboy

The goal here is to observe underwater activity. To do this, you want to present yourself as a non-aggressive element in your new environment. In English please! Ok, don’t scare the fish! The faster you get closer to something, the faster it will swim away because it feels threatened. But if you quietly creep into his area, you’ll have a much better chance of getting up close to get a good look. Move slow. Slow approach.

9. No arms, no splash

If snorkeling is a sport, one of the goals is to use as little energy as possible. Don’t use your arms to propel yourself through the water. They are inefficient compared to your pinball machines and using them will only tire you out. With your fins on, you have everything you need to move smoothly through the water. Keep your legs straight with a slight bend at the knee and slowly bring them together and apart, as if you were walking in slow motion. The fins shouldn’t stick out of the water much, if at all. If you’re splashing, you’re wasting energy (because kicking air won’t move you forward) and you’re also scaring the fish.

Now go out and find me a Hunky Funky Coconut Fish! And have fun!

Questions about Rome answered

If it’s your first visit to Italy and you’ve booked your design hotel in Rome, you may have some lingering concerns about aspects of your trip to the Eternal City. Here we will try to deal with some of them.

How safe is the city?

It’s almost impossible to compare crime statistics between major cities because there are so many variables involved. However, the Italian capital should not, on average, offer more problems than any other major European capital and mass tourism destination. Of course, it is almost inevitable that certain criminals will target tourists, and that can happen in London, Paris or Rome. It only makes sense to take certain precautions, such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or wandering into deserted alleys, etc., at odd hours. Wear a money belt and avoid handbags; use a shoulder strap bag instead.

How is the public transport?

Reasonably good on paper, but remember that buses and trains can be exceptionally busy at rush hour and Italians generally don’t respect queues very much; be prepared to stand your ground and back up if necessary. When it comes to details, the staff at your design hotel in Rome will be happy to offer advice for your own local area.

What are the problems I’ve read about with people wearing ancient Roman costumes?

This has been greatly exaggerated in the general press, but there have been a few incidents, so to explain:

In certain places, such as the Colosseum, you may see people dressed in ancient Roman costumes (often legionnaires). They are there to pose for pictures with tourists. Remember that these are private individuals who do this for a living and for their own account. If you include them in your group photos, they will expect to be paid and not just given a warm handshake of thanks. In the past, when some tourists refused to offer payment, some problems arose. This is very common all over the world and is not limited to this city. If you want to include these people in your photos, just ask and agree on a price in advance. However, recently the government has cracked down on these colorful people and you may not see them as often anymore.

How hot is it?

In July and August it can be very hot, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius. Public buildings, restaurants, and many designer hotels in Rome will have air conditioning, but the streets, of course, will not. If you are very sensitive to heat, it might be sensible to plan a trip in the spring or fall.

Are the main public attractions always open?

Yes and no. Opening hours can vary seasonally and it’s also worth bearing in mind that sometimes even the most famous sites may be closed for restoration or refurbishment.
There is no easy answer to this other than checking with your local tourist office, or alternatively the staff at your design hotel in Rome will be able to tell you the opening hours of the main attractions in advance.

South Seas Island Resort – Captiva Island Florida

Located on the tip of Captiva Island in Southwest Florida, the South Seas Island Resort has easily withstood hurricanes, an influx of tourists, and a recent renovation to preserve its well-earned reputation as an exclusive island destination.

The 330-acre complex is the former site of a copra and lime plantation started by Clarence Chadwick, an itinerant farmer and inventor. By 1924, Chadwick owned 400 acres on the north end of Captiva and built several houses as lodging for his workers. At one time, his plantation was the largest producer of limes in the world. In 1930, Chadwick grew tired of the business and worked with his wife and his brother to turn the settlement of workers’ cabins into a viable resort. Today, many of its towering coconut palms still stand, framing the resort and providing a lush, tropical welcome to visitors. Accommodations are spread throughout the grounds in low-rise buildings featuring hotel rooms, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites, and private homes. Because the resort occupies the entire north end of Captiva, a free trolley travels back and forth through the mangrove forests that dot the property, as well as into town at designated times.

The 2 1/2 miles of sugary beach, steps from the homes and condos within the resort, is the defining feature of South Seas. Strolling along the shell-strewn beach is a peaceful escape for even the most weary of travelers. The beach was renovated after the devastation of Hurricane Charlie in 2005. In fact, the entire complex recently underwent a $140 million renovation. Rooms, from standard hotel rooms to beach villas and one, two and three-bedroom private homes, have been recently decorated in a West Indian style with bamboo and teak furnishings, plush bedding and spacious bathrooms. The pool area now features two new lagoon pools with a cabana complex and large sundeck, fountains, and hot tub/spa. The resort includes 18 outdoor heated pools in total, spread across the various accommodation villages, as well as the Beach Villas.

Manatees are a common sight frolicking near the elegant marina facing the South Seas. The yacht harbor serves as a launching point for scenic day cruises to Cabbage Key and Useppa, as well as shelling, dolphin-watching, and other boat excursions. Boating enthusiasts can reach the resort by water, as the marina accommodates boats up to 120 feet.

Perhaps the best kept secret in the South Seas is its superb tennis facilities. Services include daily clinics for all levels, individual private lessons with an accomplished professional, endurance workshops, and clinics that provide instruction on how to play doubles. The complex has 19 courts in all, four of which are lit for night play. The carefully designed golf course completes the country club experience, yet retains the secluded and tranquil feel of the island. A recent New York Times travel and leisure article called the South Seas Golf Course “one of the most scenic 9-hole golf courses” in the world. After a vigorous round of golf, guests can dine at one of three on-site restaurants, including room service delivered to the condos, or take advantage of the many offerings in town and on nearby Sanibel.

While South Seas has always catered to families, its recent update included an expansion of its children’s programs and facilities. The kids’ club theme parties and other educational camps are divided into programs for teenagers and children from 4 to 12 years old. Past programs have included seashell walks, water games, pirate hunts, and kayaking programs, among others.

While Captiva is famous for its beaches and shelling, its unspoiled wildlife has provided lasting comfort to a number of visitors. Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote her famous “Gifts from the Sea” while she was vacationing in Captiva. Captiva is one of the few remaining regions where rare birds such as the osprey, bald eagle, and blue heron can be seen in their natural habitat. The nearby wildlife refuge is home to more than 300 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 30 types of animals—species that a visitor might not normally see in such an intimate setting. Miles of winding bike paths and jogging trails allow visitors to experience Captiva’s natural beauty at a languid pace.

While many delighted guests have described South Seas as seemingly “the end of the world,” the newly redesigned resort has retained its status as an unspoiled paradise while offering new levels of amenities and services for families of all ages.

Asia’s newest beach resort, Sihanoukville, Cambodia

In Cambodia, Angkor Wat is the main attraction for tourism today, and rightly so, called the Crown Jewel of Southeast Asia. The 40 square kilometers of temples in the temple complex are famous all over the world, but now, more people visit the rest. of Cambodia and the word of mouth is that the rest of Cambodia is also worth a visit. The Sihanoukville beach resort is fast becoming a vacation destination in its own right, with many islands and parks and things to do, from hiking and exploring, diving and snorkeling and boating, waterfalls, jungle trekking and relaxing. in a hammock in a quiet beach park reading a good book. Culturally, there are the markets, the local wats and the schools, where many come to donate time and money for the education of children.

Sihanoukville has a 5-star resort on its own mile-long private beach. The pool could be classified as a small lake and is almost visible from space, complete with a bridge to its own little island. The hotel is only 2 years old and has a staff to guest ratio of 4/1. Comparable hotel prices in Southeast Asia would be substantially higher.

If you are traveling on a budget, Sihanoukville is also your place, there are many rooms available with AC, hot water, refrigerator and cable TV for $10-$20 per night and if you want a place to stay for 6 months or more, you can Obtaining a business visa at the border on demand and staying as long as you like costs about $1 a day for visa extensions, making the city attractive to retirees and semi-retirees.

Backpackers also like Sihanoukville, with a few places offering cold 50 cent tall beers and cheap food starting at $.50. Some are also finding work as waiters and working in restaurants. Backpacker hostels start as low as free, yes free, all you have to do is buy one of your meals at the lodge and the price of food is still cheap, $1.50-2.50 per plate.

One local expat expert’s guess is that there are more Western-owned businesses per population in Sihanoukville than anywhere else in Asia. Many are coming and starting guest houses and hotels, small bed and breakfast places, restaurants and bars, and small resorts, with some beginning to appear on islands off the coast. Do you want to rent your own fantasy island for a week, check out Magic Island?

Logistically, everything you’ll need is here, including reliable electricity, Internet, and Western restaurants, as well as a host of Asian European specialty foods prepared with the tastes of Western travelers in mind, including Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese, French seafood. , Italians, Germans, Russians. , Indian, Sri Lankan and more coming soon. There are plenty of English schools in Sihanoukville, so you can almost always find someone who speaks English when you need them.

Money used to be an issue as you had to go into banks to get cash and with 26 public holidays in the Cambodian calendar you could be without cash for a few days, now there are ATMs in Siem Reap-Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Battembong and Sihanoukville. You can exchange almost all currencies including Yen, Euro, Baht, Kip, Dong and Sing Dollars. US dollars and the Cambodian riel are the two most common currencies in use.

Getting to Sihanoukville is getting easier with cheap international flights to Bangkok and really cheap regional flights to Phnom Penh. Flights to Sihanoukville are also very close to being a reality. Regularly scheduled buses from Phnom Penh will take you to Sihanoukville in 4 hours on an excellent American built highway. You can also arrange taxis and vans to move groups of people, and a set route over water from Bangkok to Trat to the Had Lek – Klang Yai border to Sihanoukville. You can even get here via cruise ship as more are putting Sihanoukville on their itineraries.

Cambodia’s islands in the Gulf of Thailand are mostly uninhabited; You’ll find isolated Spartan fishing villages with populations typically less than 100 people. One island, Koh Tang, has only 7 residents and would take most of the day to walk around, so if you’re looking for that deserted island to stay on, to work on your coconut carving and shipping skills in a bottle there are plenty here Bring your own hammock and Gal Friday to choose from or you can purchase them here in Sihanoukville.

The Cambodia of the past always seemed to bring back terrifying images of the past misfortunes that the Khmer suffered at the end of the Vietnam War. Even today, the genocide in Cambodia is still in the news as the country has its court to put the facts behind.

One of the few spin-offs from recent past history was that Cambodia missed out on all the heavy industrialization that the other countries in the region experienced, particularly Thailand and Vietnam; meaning they missed out on the contamination that comes with it. A UN survey of the waters in Asia, which included Cambodia, found only 3 areas of concern for ocean water quality near the coast, while Vietnam and Thailand had problem locations, mainly due to industrial pollution and pollution. shrimp farms. Unfortunately, this may change, as oil has been found in Cambodia and the drilling of exploration wells has begun. So now is a very good time to come.

As Cambodia moves into the future, it is obvious to most that Cambodia’s future is tourism. And for the Cambodian seaside resort of Sihanoukville, to misquote the tune “the future is so bright, in Sihanoukville, you’re going to need shades.”