Swiroset.com

If you have a dog and want to share your vacation with your pets, you can often run into a lot of trouble. There is a fear that in a hotel there is the possibility of disturbing those who are renting rooms upstairs, downstairs and next to you, in case the dog barks or makes other noises. Other difficulties include things like finding an appropriate place where you can take the dog to relieve himself, and whether the dog can be kept in the room (if so, it needs to be in an approved carrier) or only in a kennel. that maintains the hotel. Confining the animal in a kennel presents its own problems because the sanitation standard may not be up to your standards, and you may have limitations on the hours you can visit your pet, as well as being limited to the area. of the areas where these visits can take place.

If, like most pet owners, you consider your four-legged companion part of your family, the above description is not something you would want to subject anyone to … even a dreaded father-in-law! If you have experienced these types of problems in the past, you have certainly experienced times of great anxiety regarding the happiness and health of your pet, and you may even be wondering if it was worth traveling with your pet away from home. Fortunately, you can end these types of worries if you decide to travel with your dog. Believe it or not, it’s possible to take a vacation somewhere where you wouldn’t have to worry about disturbing other hotel guests, housing your animal, or taking care of any of the many other little problems that traveling with a pet entails. .

One of the best places you can choose for a vacation that includes your dog is to explore the possibility of taking a vacation in the towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee in the area known as the Great Smoky Mountains. Both cities offer cabins for rent that are capable of supporting any number of guests (including one or two that can hold up to 50 people), and they are also pet-friendly. These pet friendly cabins offer a degree of isolation if they are located a good distance from other nearby cabins. There is also plenty of room to walk and play with your dog, as well as space to allow the animal to relieve itself. There are several cabin rental companies in these cities that allow dogs, and for a small pet deposit, you can take your dog with you. If at the end of your stay, your dog has not caused any damage, the deposit is usually refundable.

This area of ​​the Smoky Mountains offers spectacular natural views and many trails and areas to walk or hike with your dog. Other attractions located in the area that you are sure to enjoy include Dollywood, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the chance to shop for local crafts made by the local Smoky Mountains. From time to time festivals celebrating local crafts and mountain music are held for visitors. There are so many things to see and do that make the Great Smoky Mountains an ideal destination to take your pet on your next vacation.

Recently, two separate events demonstrated once again how incredibly impressive our young women in America can be – one is an example of sheer sportsmanship at its finest, the other an example of sheer desire, determination and substance.

The first event occurred at the Washington Class 4A State Women’s Track and Field Championship in Pasco, and the 3,200-meter race with Nicole Cochran, Bellarmine Prep’s outstanding middle distance runner.

Cochran won the event in 10:36, beating Shadle Park’s Andrea Nelson by 3 seconds. Thirty minutes later, race officials disqualified Cochran, ruling that the runner heading to Harvard ran 3 consecutive steps into the lane adjacent to hers. Bellarmine Prep coach Matt Ellis appealed the offense, but his appeal was denied.

The offense occurred on the first day of the competition and Cochran was visibly upset that she knew she had not committed the offense. Additionally, Cochran was the defending state champion, having won the 1,600 and 3,200 titles as a junior.

She never seemed like herself after the crushing news and the sheer injustice of it all. On the second day of competition, Cochran led 1,600 and was gunned down on the final lap when Oak Harbor’s Mietra Smollack kicked out the final corner to win in 4: 56.44. Cochran finished fourth.

Later in the afternoon, Cochran ran the 800 meters and finished last in 2: 24.40. “I just didn’t relate to them, and I gave up after 450 meters,” said a dejected Cochran.

Despite losing Cochran’s points, his teammates were legitimately outraged and rose to the occasion by winning the team title with 76.5 points to second-place Gig Harbor’s 65.

“I put a lot of effort into 3,200,” Cochran said, “and then came the emotional cost, sitting here for an entire hour while they worked out 3,200, which was unfortunate because I know I was not wrong and I was penalized for it.”

In a show of sheer sportsmanship, when 3,200-race winner Andrea Nelson received her first metallic place on the podium, moments later she handed Cochran the first-place medal. Sarah Lord of Redmond gave Nelson his second place medal, and the other medal winners followed suit.

“It gave me the creeps,” Cochran said. “It shows how much respect they have for long-distance runners.”

And now story after story: Ten days after that eventful afternoon, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association reinstated Cochran as the rightful winner, reversing a rules violation charge made by race officials.

Mike Colbrese, executive director of the WIAA, reviewed video of the race which showed that it was Cochran’s teammate who ran out of the lane, and that the officials’ report also incorrectly identified the lap in question as lap 7. when the infraction occurred in the lap. 6. So far that clumsy refereeing effort.

The officials were completely wrong on race day, but they were also absolutely sure they were right and they were in charge on race day as well. The cat will meow and the dog will have his day (from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Act 5, Scene 1, meaning “anyone’s moment of glory is inevitable), or, as I like to say,” the right will come out. “

The second event occurred at the Texas 1A Girls State Track and Field Championships in Austin, where Rochelle High School won the team title. So what is so unusual, you ask? Just this: Rochelle qualified exactly one athlete for state competition, and she herself won the state title for her team.

Meet Bonnie Richardson, a study of desire, determination, and substance like no other track and field athlete in Texas high school history.

Richardson, whose middle name might be a talent, spent Friday winning the high jump at 5-foot-5, placing second in the long jump at 18-7 and third in discus at 121-0.

On Saturday, Richardson approached the track in the sweltering 90-degree Texas heat and quickly won the 200-meter race in 25.03 and followed the effort almost achieving a huge surprise in the 100 before finishing second in 12.19 to the defending champion. Kendra Coleman from Santa Ana.

“Kendra and I have been fighting all year,” Richardson said. “I was surprised that I stayed with her. I didn’t think it was that fast.” Yes, Bonnie Richardson, apparently you are SO fast.

So Richardson stole the show in Texas? No, she only won her team the state title. University Interscholastic League officials had no recollection of a girl ever winning a state team title on her own.

It happened earlier at the boys’ state championship when former Balyor Bear and Pittsburgh Steeler Frank Pollard made it to Meridian Highs School in the 1970s, said UIL athletic director Charles Breithaupt.

Many outstanding female athletes have dominated state competitions, but few go from sprints to field events with Richardson’s success, Beithaupt said. “The way he did it is really impressive.” That is, of course, what everyone who was there to see it happen thought.

And the kicker? It turns out Rochelle High School doesn’t even have a track to practice on. When Richardson was asked how he trains, she jokingly replied, “Watch out for potholes,” adding, “We have a track about 10 miles down the road and we usually train there.”

Richardson’s coach, Jym Dennis, suspected he could do something special at state competition, but wisely kept quiet, not wanting to pressure his award-winning athlete.

Last year, Richardson won the state long jump title, but did not win a medal in the high jump and discus.

And the great additional fortune for Rochelle High School? Bonnie Richardson is a third year student.

Richardson also competes on the Rochelle tennis team and led Rochelle’s basketball team to the state semifinals last season.

“I’d play football if my parents let me,” Richarson said, adding “No quarterback. Defense.” She sounds like my kind of girl who is brave, competitive and willing to solve all problems on the battlefield.

Lou Holtz, one of college football’s legendary coaches, was famous for many quotes, including this one: “When all is said and done, the more is said than done.” In some ways, I think Lou Holtz would have been a tremendous admirer of Bonnie Richardson and her extraordinary effort on that hot Texas afternoon when she single-handedly presented a state degree to Rochelle High School.

And there you have it: Nicole Cochran, all the girls on the medal table at the 3,200-meter ceremony, Cochran’s teammates and Bonnie Richardson, all normal young women who did extraordinary things because they could and did.

Copyright © 2008 Ed Bagley

New York City is a truly amazing city. All who have been there can bear witness to it. If you haven’t had a chance to visit New York City yet, you should start planning a visit, right now! The city has an energy, a pulse that is difficult to describe for anyone who has not been to New York. Go there and you will understand.

New York City is not the cheapest city in the world to visit. We’ve listed the top ten things to do in New York below, most of which are free activities to do in New York City. There are many things to do in New York City throughout the year, the city does not have a particular season when it is best to visit. However, most New Yorkers enjoy summer and believe that it is the best time to visit New York.

New York City has many nicknames, some of them are: The Big Apple, Gotham, The City that Never Sleeps, The Capital of the World, The Empire City, The City So Beautiful It Was Called Twice.

We think these are the top 10 things to do in New York, things that should be on every visitor’s must-do list.

1. Central Park: the green oasis and breathing hole of New York City. A must see! In winter you can ice skate and in summer you can lie on a blanket in the sun.

2. Ground Zero – The WTC Towers memorial site.

3. Empire State Building – Panoramic views of New York City from here. EST is now the tallest building in New York.

4. Times Square: the neon buzz of Time Square near Broadway, where everything is happening.

5. Brooklyn Bridge – An engineering marvel with panoramic views of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. A walk across the bridge is a must.

6. Statue of Liberty: the iconic statue of liberty and liberty. Go here and you will understand that democracy is a great thing.

7. Metropolitan Museum of Art: “The Met” has some of the best works of art in the world. If you like art, this is a must see too.

8. United Nations Building: the epicenter of world diplomacy. Home of world politics and democracy.

9. Guggenheim Museum- is “The” place in New York for modern art. If you like art, this is a must see too.

10. Grand Central Terminal: travel center full of references to popular culture; movies, music and television shows.

Go and enjoy New York, life is too short, so start planning today!

The city of Tampa is located on the western coast of the state of Florida in the United States.

With a thriving commercial port and many waterfront areas, Tampa is also close

to several notable beaches, such as Clearwater and St. Pete. Located on the other side

from St. Petersburg and with easy access to Orlando, the city has a lot to offer

visitors, including many historical sites, family attractions, and major sports venues.

Tampa currently has a population of over 300,000 and covers over 110

square miles / 285 square kilometers.

Tampa also has a lot of shopping centers, along with restaurants, bars

and a healthy nightlife. Much of city life is centered in the city center,

It contains the Port of Tampa and the Waterfront District. With two universities,

many entertainment venues and the prominent Tampa Bay Center for the Performing Arts,

the city has earned a reputation as the cultural center of Florida.

Tourism in Tampa:

Tourist attractions in Tampa are extremely impressive, with many magnificent beaches.

nearby, making Tampa the perfect vacation destination. Facilities include imposing

landmarks and monuments, museums and art galleries, many places of interest and

family attractions, recreational activities and a number of large parks and

gardens. Top attractions include Busch Gardens, which is one of the best themed

parks throughout Florida, with exciting attractions combined with a vast zoo.

Also worth visiting in Tampa are the Florida Aquarium, Dinosaur World, Weeki

Wachee Springs, the extremely historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the

Raymond James Stadium, which regularly hosts major professional soccer games

and it’s the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Throughout the year the city

regularly hosts many exciting festivals, including the extremely popular

Fiesta del Pirata de la Gasparilla, held every year during the month of January and always attracts

large crowds.

Tampa Transportation:

Around Tampa, public transportation is well organized and the city is easily accessible via

highway, with nearby highways and interstates. Greyhound buses operate inside

Tampa and travel to several Florida cities, including Orlando and Miami. Other

Popular modes of transportation include Amtrak trains, city center trams, and taxis,

which generally must be reserved in advance.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is located about seven miles from the city.

center and is an important transportation hub, considered one of the most

efficient airports. With many passengers arriving each day, the Tampa airport offers a

variety of convenient ground transportation such as shuttle buses, taxis, and car rentals

options.

Hotels in Tampa:

Being a popular and sunny seaside town, with many exceptional attractions, it comes

It’s no wonder Tampa offers a variety of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and

affordable accommodation. Some of the most popular hotels in the city may be

is located in the heart of the downtown district, close to facilities such as shops and

restaurants. In addition, several beachfront hotels in Tampa offer exceptional

views and are extremely desirable, although hotel rates often come at a premium,

particularly during the high season, which is from January to April. Weekend and

Summer rates are usually low and this is a good time to find discounts.

Tampa Restaurants:

Tampa has a large number of restaurants, which are readily available and cater to all

palate. Restaurants, cafes and bars have developed enormously in recent years, due to

the rapidly expanding tourist trade and the busy seaport. Concentrated around the

central areas of Tampa, in the Hyde Park neighborhood, particularly along the south

Howard Avenue, the boardwalk, and throughout the lively Ybor district, most types

of cuisine can be found in Tampa, including fast food at the large food courts in

shopping malls, traditional Hispanic restaurants and exclusive seafood restaurants

Along the coast.

Shopping in Tampa:

The city offers a diverse shopping destination, with a wide and varied selection of

shops and businesses. The Tampa facility includes many well-known designer outlets.

department stores, upscale boutiques and shopping centers. Popular business areas

include the historical and cultural areas of the city, the Centro Ybor Mall, which is located

in the historic district of Ybor and Old Hyde Park Village in Tampa’s Old Hyde Park

district, where you’ll find a mix of trendy shops, specialty shops, and art

galleries, in a particularly picturesque setting.

Tampa Time:

Tampa has a warm and sunny climate with pleasant ocean breezes.

Temperatures during June to August are at their hottest and can reach highs

around 33 ° C / 91 ° F. Winter and spring are warm seasons and many

people choose to visit the Tampa area at this time of year. December and

January are the coldest months and daytime temperatures remain extremely

temperate and warm, generally around 22 ° C / 72 ° F, although lows of

15 ° C / 59 ° F can be experienced.

If you know someone who has already traveled to India, one thing your acquaintance will agree on is that the country has a confusing diversity that can simply overwhelm an unsuspecting traveler. The architectural heritage of India has a large following in the foreign market, but unfortunately many of the monuments and historical places in India charge entrance fees, which are quite higher for a foreign tourist. This is something that increases the cost of your vacation substantially. But the amazing element of visiting India is that there are so many things to do in India that you don’t have to spend a penny on. Take a look at the top 5 free things to do in India list below.

Pay a visit to religious sites
Religion and belief go hand in hand in India. Native Indian belief has led to the creation of temples, churches, shrines, and mosques in reverence for a particular deity or saint. Visiting a temple, mosque and church in India is a free affair. These religious sites are magnificent in their construction. Some examples are the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Haji Ali Mosque in Mumbai, and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya. Religious destinations like Haridwar, Varanasi, and Tirupati have many temples. Take part in the Ganga Aarti night at the Varanasi ghats.

Relax on the beach
If you are a beach lover and don’t want to indulge in traveling too much, India has several beach destinations to offer tourists. If you think there is nothing better than Maldives and Bahamas, you may not have heard of Goa and Kerala. From the isolation to the excitement to the nightlife, the beaches of India are perfect for everyone. Goa has achieved international recognition as a popular beach destination. However, Marari Beach in Karnataka is also a good option to relax and unwind.

Take a walk in nature
One can find massive and picturesque gardens in India, where you can enter at no cost. Most of them are in Delhi and Mumbai. Built around the tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers, Lodi Gardens is a hot spot for morning walks. Another name is the Garden of the Five Senses which is spread out in the middle of 20 acres of land. Then there are Hanging Garden and Kamla Nehru Park in Mumbai, both with free admission. Hill stations in India offer refreshing scenery and are perfect for a nature walk.

Participate in a festival
Being the birthplace of various religions, festivals are part of the daily life of native Indians. These festivals are held throughout the year and offer a preview of the religious fervor and spiritual life in India. The best part is that they are absolutely free. You can dance in the streets during Ganesh Chaturthi, play with water and colored powders on Holi, watch the fireworks in the sky during Diwali, and witness the camel procession at the Pushkar fair.

Stroll through the markets
Each and every destination in India abounds with local flea and craft markets that are lively and bustling. Some popular markets are Chandani Chowk and Janpath Market in Delhi, Johari Bazaar in Jaipur, and Chor Bazaar and Crawford Market in Mumbai. These markets are crowded and chaotic and keep you engrossed for hours. You can see various wonderful items for sale, no need to buy.

If you are ever in beautiful and historic Charleston, SC, be sure to head to 48 Elizabeth St. There you will find one of the oldest mansions in the state, the Aiken-Rhett house. Now serving as a museum, the history of the house dates back to the early 19th century, when it was first built in 1817. John Robinson was the first occupant of the house. A local merchant and importer / exporter of goods, Robinson had the mansion built for himself. However, difficult times happened to him. In 1825 he was forced to sell the house when he lost five merchant ships at a time while they were at sea. In 1827, William Aiken Sr. would purchase the house, to be a rental property. When Aiken died prematurely shortly after due to a carriage accident, his wife and son, William Aiken Jr., divided their estate. In 1833 William Jr. and his wife, Harriet Lowndes moved into the mansion. A wealthy and accomplished businessman, Aiken would later become Governor of South Carolina in 1844, and then, in 1851, he would be appointed to the House of Representatives. He and Harriet did many renovations to the house, including exquisite hand-carved furniture and fine glass from one of their many trips to Europe. Soon, the house became one of the most beautiful and elegant mansions in Charleston. They lived in the house for about 59 years until Harriet Aiken’s death in 1892.

The house was then taken over by Aiken’s daughter, Henrietta, and her husband, the elder AB Rhett. There, the couple would raise four daughters and a son. After Henrietta’s death, the house was divided between all of Rhett’s children and their heirs. Two of Rhett’s sons, I’On Rhett and Andrew Burnett Rhett Jr., would continue to live in the house. In 1949, I’On Rhett would buy the house from the rest of the Rhett brothers and remain living there with his wife, Frances Hinson Dill. Later, Frances would donate the house to the Charleston Museum in 1975. It would remain in her hands until 1995, when the Charleston Historical Foundation purchased the property. It has been a museum for tourists ever since.

Although there were no dire events or murders on the property (that no one knows about), there has been talk of Aiken-Rhett’s house being haunted. The house had many slaves over the years, and there were probably many deaths among them, naturally and perhaps in another way. Whatever the reason, some people who have been in the house claim to have seen ghostly apparitions, inside and outside the mansion, and have heard strange sounds like footsteps and bangs. Anyway, ghost or not, the Aiken-Rhett house is a must see.

So you want to teach abroad, possibly in South America, considering Ecuador, but have no idea where to start?

The following is a comprehensive article containing relevant information for future “newbie” TEFL teachers who are considering the idea of ​​working abroad as English teachers and really have no idea where to start. Since I have worked in Asia and South America, I fully understand that it is a large, overwhelming and intimidating field to enter, but don’t panic! There is a wealth of information out there offering detailed step-by-step instructions on how to get started and ultimately land a solid job. Like other big decisions one must make in life, it takes a lot of patience and research both before and after landing your job. Without a doubt, it will all be worth it, as there can be nothing more special than the experiences you will have in and outside of your classroom while living and working abroad.

Due to the global economic downturn, the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is booming. Why? Not only are more people around the world using their newly found free time (read: laid off or unemployed) to study at language institutions, but native English speakers around the world are also more willing (read: laid off or unemployed) risk and seek international employment.

Yes, the TEFL industry is “booming” and there are some places in the world where you can make a lot of money (Asia), while in others you are more likely to earn enough to stay afloat. Unfortunately, this is the case in most South American (SA) countries. However, there are exceptions: if you are a highly experienced credentialed teacher, you can get jobs at universities or international schools that offer respectable salaries. However, if you enter SA armed with little experience and some sort of basic TEFL certificate, you can expect to earn an average of $ 5 / hour (US). Now keep in mind that this type of salary (about $ 300 / month) is quite a lot to survive on, but if you want to do some excursions and dance on the weekends, you better arrive with some savings, because your teacher salary will only cover your basic living expenses.

But it doesn’t need freight. Don’t let a low salary stop you from coming to SA! There are many other ways that one can supplement their salary while here. Once more acclimated to your new environment, you will find it fairly easy to land some side jobs as a private tutor or work in another field where you have prior skills. And the intangible advantages of working in SA vs. Asia is abundant.

First, learning Spanish will come relatively quickly if you put an honest effort into studying in your spare time. And having a working knowledge of Spanish is obviously a great skill for your future. Second, the culture of South Africa, although it is very likely to have a fair amount of differences than yours, will not be much different, as will Asian cultures. The acclimatization process and the culture shock factor will therefore be much less overwhelming. It is for these reasons that you will make more money in Asia: companies must offer more benefits and higher salaries for people to come and stay for a while.

So where do you start?

1. Choose a country– If you choose a country blindly, the only thing you can do is read it. There are a host of blogs and websites dedicated to helping you choose your country wisely. Obviously, pay, cost of living, weather, and general security are things to consider, but unless you go to a politically unstable country, there aren’t many countries in South Africa that are “unsafe.” It could be argued that Los Angeles and New York are far more dangerous than the vast majority of South African cities. Don’t let stereotypes or excessive worry from your parents scare you away from a country of interest. To put this in perspective, before coming to SA, I was constantly warned not to go to Columbia to teach, or even to travel. I learned quickly after interacting with tons of travelers that Columbia is not only very safe, but it is also a top destination for many travelers, all of whom rave about their visits there.

2. Be qualified– It is important to realize that each continent, country, and sometimes city has different government regulations and requirements. Also, different schools will require different qualifications. It should be a red flag if a school does not seem to require what you would consider “basic” or “industry standard” qualifications. Remember that some schools hire “warm bodies” just to have a foreign face in their classroom. Take the time to research different TEFL certifications and rest assured that they are accepted all over the world. Take this seriously, as you don’t want to find yourself off guard or feeling unqualified when you suddenly find yourself in front of a group of professionals who have paid a lot of money to teach you. However, like any other new job, confidence in the classroom comes with time and experience. You will be nervous for the first few weeks or months, but that is completely expected. If you plan to be contractable, secure, and be in the field for a while, a CELTA certificate is recommended.

However, in general, you should expect to have the following qualifications before applying:

-native English speaker

-a four-year degree (of any kind, but English or teaching-related majors are preferred)

-a TEFL certificate (An in-person certification class is highly recommended, as many reputable schools these days don’t just accept a basic certificate online. The “rock star” of all certifications is CELTA, which you can do go back as much as $ 2,000)

-teaching or tutoring experience (preferred, not a necessity)

-you have at least 2 years since you graduated from college at the time of application (this is negotiable and varies)

– willingness to sign a contract from 6 months to 1 year (also negotiable and variable)

What about having to speak the local language? NO! Do not worry. While having a basic knowledge of the native language of the country you are in is obviously an advantage, you are expected to speak ONLY English in your classroom as it is more beneficial to your students.

3. Choose a school: Aside from the obvious decisions to be made about salary and the environment, you want to find recommendations and first-hand knowledge about the credibility and functionality of schools, this cannot be emphasized enough! Many schools are shady and will try to attract you, promising X, Y and Z, but because there is little regulation in the industry, there is no responsibility. You don’t want to be contractually bound to X amount of time in a school where you feel miserable. The best way to find this information is to ask directly (require) that whoever is in contact (principal, recruiter, etc.) provide you with email addresses of current and past teachers. If you are unwilling to do this, consider it a big red flag. You should be able to ask them their honest opinion about the school and if they are (or were) happy there overall. Also, in the age of Facebook, many reputable schools will have a Facebook page. This could be a great source for you to try to personally communicate with current teachers. Lastly, there are TEFL “blacklist” blogs. Search for the school you want to see if someone has blacklisted it.

If you are feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of browsing the endless TEFL websites, another option is to sign up with a paid or free recruitment agency. This can offer you the luxury of sitting down and receiving job offers. However, be weary of these agencies, as they are essentially “headhunters” and “middlemen” looking to get a commission on your hiring. So by default, they are not looking out for your best interests. Therefore, you should take all the precautions mentioned above, even when researching a job offer through a recruitment agency.

4. Visa regulations / requirements, etc.: It is important to note that each country and school (private or public) has different regulations and requirements. It shouldn’t be difficult to find such information through an online search. Usually one has the option of taking care of almost all visa requirements before arrival (which could be much more convenient and less stressful) or (depending on the country) you can enter the country on a tourist visa and upgrade to a work visa upon arrival. Your prospective employer must provide you with detailed information on current requirements so that you can legitimately work. The keyword is “legitimately” as there are still many schools that will hire and pay you under the table, which, again, should be considered a big red flag as it lowers your credibility and accountability. In general, you should never sign a contract online. Finally, some schools will offer to pay the bill for your visa costs, but usually on the pretext that you will be signing a one-year contract. (In SA, you won’t find many schools that offer benefits like “visa fee coverage” or others like “free accommodation” or “compensated return airfare”).

5. Accommodation: Your school should offer you accommodation options, be it a stay at home, help finding your own flat or a situation of coexistence with other teachers. Depending on where you work and what the accommodation is like, finding accommodation can be quite stressful at times, but it’s all part of living abroad. Patience is key. In addition, you can expect “below average” living conditions compared to your home country, unless you have the resources to pay more than your salary assigns you. Home stays can be a wonderful experience and will quickly improve your Spanish, but of course, you sacrifice a certain amount of privacy. You can always do a short term home stay and go for something else for the long term.

6. Why Ecuador? While I cannot personally vouch for working and living in other SA countries, I have more than a year of experience living and teaching in Ecuador, specifically in Cuenca and Quito (I recommend the former). I highly recommend Ecuador due to its beautiful year-round weather, low cost of living, use of the US dollar (especially for Americans), vast geographic diversity (for travel and excursions), general safety (although one must still be vigilant and smart), warmth of its people, affordable Spanish classes, a very “neutral” form of Spanish that foreigners find easier to understand, job opportunities, lively nightlife and cultural diversity. With an open mind and patience, I can hardly imagine how anyone could have a “bad” experience in Ecuador. I suppose, however, that this could be the case in many countries in South Africa.

To conclude, teaching in China and Ecuador are very different experiences (each in its own good and bad ways), making it almost impossible to compare the two fairly. However, both experiences have left me with a lot of knowledge and understanding of the TEFL world, and I know exactly what it’s like to dive into this field for the first time. In hindsight, I wish I had done more research and exhausted more resources before diving in for the first time, so I hope these ideas can offer some harm reduction and stress relief for future TEFL teachers.

Paying someone else for a job, even if they have done a good job, is never something to hope for. The same goes for the Realtors of Playa del Carmen. Real estate agent fees are considered by some to be a necessary evil. Some simply cannot waste the time and resources to sell their home or buy it on their own. Most real estate agents work hard for their commission; even so, it is difficult to see thousands of dollars slip out of your hands and into the pockets of your Realtor.

Most real estate agents are paid through a commission plan that, in most cases, ends up being a percentage of the home’s sale / purchase price. Commission rate percentages will vary from one real estate agency to another, but most neighboring agents will have comparable rates. A common real estate agent fee is 5 to 7% of the sales price.

Once you do the math, you’ll find that 5-7% is a lot of money (in fact, enough for people to make their own purchases and sales despite the difficulty). However, it may be comforting to know that the real estate agent is not the recipient of the full commission amount. After paying your Playa del Carmen real estate agent the agreed-upon percentage, the real estate agent must split his earnings with the agency he works for. If there are other brokers involved in the purchase or sale, these brokers will also get a share of the sale. The agency the broker splits his commission with (usually paying 50%) receives compensation for the real estate agent’s work space, marketing, support, and other resources needed to assist in the sale.

While it is possible to find rates lower than 5% in Playa del Carmen, it can be difficult, especially in markets with a lot of real estate business and little competition between agencies (the absence of competition means little incentive to have a competitive price). Some agencies are open to negotiate prices. Here are two tips for lowering your real estate agent’s fees.

1. Agents who don’t have to give as much money to the agencies they work for have more flexibility in negotiating the price with you. When a real estate agent works for a company that requires 50% commission, it puts the real estate agent in a difficult position of having to compromise the small percentage that they will actually end up with. Some real estate agents are only required to pay 15% to their agencies. These are the types of real estate agents that are most likely to offer you some type of discounted price.

2. There are real estate agent services you can opt out of to save money. Marketing methods like newspaper ads are rarely the ones that end up selling a home. Telling your agent that you are not interested in such underperforming expenses saves the agency money that can then be passed on to you.

If you are still not satisfied with what you can expect to pay a real estate agent in Playa del Carmen, consider all the costs that you would incur if you had chosen not to hire a real estate agent. Remember that when you sell your house on your own you are responsible for paying for all forms of advertising, you pay for your house to appear on the list with a service, you pay for legal advice, you pay for copies, stationery and documentation. You sacrifice money and time that you could save if you hadn’t had to spend so much time selling your property or looking for a new property. Consider time lost from work and time lost with family and friends because you are responsible for being present at open houses, meeting potential buyers, reviewing inspectors, etc. If you don’t follow all the laws and present the proper documents, you could also have to pay a large amount of money in a lawsuit. All costs add up quickly.

Los Angeles is one of the largest cities, if not the largest city, on the West Coast. Due to its sheer size, there are hundreds of fun things to do in Los Angeles. It can be a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry. Here are the top eleven things to do on your trip to Los Angeles. From tours to theme parks to contemplating nature, there is something everyone can do in this great city. All you need is a little imagination and movie magic.

1. Brunch on the beach

On the beaches of Los Angeles there are dozens of restaurants offering brunch on the beach. Enjoy eating brunch classics on an outdoor patio facing the ocean. Everything tastes better when you eat outdoors from the ocean.

2. Hollywood Tour
Los Angeles is perhaps best known as the city of celebrities. Because of this, there are dozens of tours that visit celebrity homes and locations. One of the most prominent tours is the TMZ Tour, which travels to restaurants, clubs, and other places where celebrities like to hang out. There are many things to do in Los Angeles, but this one should not be missed.

3. Segway through the beaches

Los Angeles is known for its beaches in Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Venice. Many of these beaches offer Segway rentals that allow you to see the sights without tiring your legs. Feel the ocean breeze as you browse the dozens of shops and restaurants on the boardwalk. Nothing can be better.

4. Horse tour

Have you ever wanted to see the Hollywood sign up close? Have you ever wanted to see the Hollywood sign up close while riding a horse? Well now you can with the Sunset Ranch to Mount Hollywood Horseback Tour. You will not only see the Hollywood sign, but also incredible views of Los Angeles, San Fernando, and the Pacific Ocean. Best of all, there will be a barbecue waiting for you at the ranch when you return.

5. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood

Opened on April 7, 2016, Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter lets you experience what it would be like to be a wizard at Hogwarts. Also included are other famous landmarks from the book, such as Diagon Alley and Gringotts Bank, where an exciting journey awaits you.

6. Skyslide

Skyspace is the tallest outdoor observation deck in California. 300 meters above the city at the US Bank Tower, you can see an incredible view of the whole of Los Angeles. Skyspace also has the world’s first aerial slide, a slide that runs from the observation deck to the bottom of the tower. This slide is made entirely of glass and takes you around town.

7. Warner Brothers Studio Tour Hollywood

There are many activities in Los Angeles to participate in, but you would be remiss to pass up the opportunity to tour a real film studio. On your luxury tour, guides will take you past sound stages, television houses, and many locations where some of your favorite movies and TV shows are made. You will also visit Stage 48: Script to Screen, where you will see the key phases of the production process.

8. Whale watching

There are dozens of whale watching tours off the shores of Los Angeles. These tours will take you far out into the Pacific Ocean, where you will have the pleasure of seeing these graceful creatures so close you could almost touch them. If you love animals and nature, then this is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles.

9. Catalina Island

Off the coast of Los Angeles there is a small island, a jewel of nature called Catalina Island. If you are a nature lover then this is a must see. With a host of activities such as hiking, fishing or surfing, this place is a must for lovers of the great outdoors.

10. Farmers Market

Just because Los Angeles is a huge city doesn’t mean it doesn’t have fresh produce. Farmers markets can be found throughout the city, but the largest takes place in the city center every week during the spring and summer. If you are looking for fresh produce or handmade items, look no further.

11. Dance cruise

Do you love to dance and explore exotic places? Then you should try the Aventura Dance Cruise, the world’s largest Latin dance cruise. This cruise departs from Long Beach, California and travels to Ensenada, Mexico. Along the way, you’ll enjoy amazing food, dance workshops and classes, and fun beach parties that last well into the night. If you want to have fun, look no further.

With more and more people keeping their precious dollars a little tighter these days, how can you convince them to drop some of it and buy your product or service and therefore keep you in business? Vacation incentives are one of the most attractive attraction methods. They can help struggling businesses maintain their customer base, plus get new ones! Businesses that use vacation travel incentives in their promotions have seen a 35% increase in sales! Of course, just about any business can use travel incentives effectively, whether it’s a retail, service, internet, mlm, wholesale, or other business. You see, EVERYONE likes to travel.

Well, almost everyone. A recent USA Today poll says 92% prefer travel to any other award or incentive. Traveling has a special value in their hearts. And to make your business grow and remain successful, you really have to give the public what they want. And most want to travel!

A free vacation could very well simply by convincing your potential customer to buy, or your potential partner to join. And no, it usually doesn’t have to be a luxury 2-week vacation on the French Riviera either. (I wouldn’t mind that one though!) You can just grab some 3-day specials at places like Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Honolulu, Cancun, Branson, or Atlantic City! Perhaps you can use larger incentives of 8 full days in places like a Caribbean cruise, Virginia Beach, Poconos, Palm Springs, Lake Tahoe. Or maybe exciting international destinations like Wales, Spain or the Canadian Rockies! The latest travel incentives now include golf and spa vacations to St. Thomas, Aruba, Ft. Lauderdale, Nashville, Williamsburg or Anaheim.

About 62% say that travel is more of an incentive than even cash or merchandise. With money, it is often spent on bills, with travel, it is memories that last a lifetime.

Travel incentives routinely outperform any other form of incentive marketing. If more companies were to use travel as an incentive, rather than what they are using now, if at all, they will almost certainly see drastic increases in their sales and commissions.

Businesses can even use vacation incentives to reward and encourage customer loyalty. Or even if they refer another client or associate!

The contract or prepaid terms can also be changed to accommodate travel incentives such as thank you gifts. Imagine having a 3-day trip to see Mickey Mouse if you insure your child with life insurance and pay for the entire year in advance. How attractive!

Newer members of member-only clubs and organizations can even get many exciting travel benefits, like a 3-day or 5-night Bahamas cruise in Las Vegas.

Of course, sometimes the best way to convince someone to buy something is to let them try it first. Why not encourage sales during the trial period by offering a special travel incentive?

So, as you can clearly see, travel and vacation incentives are not used much, but they are always highly appreciated. And they often change the course of their business. Perhaps travel incentives will even help save your business!