Speeding Skiers Face Jail Time
Reckless skiing is a real problem in some areas. Those disobeying the speed limit signs in Utah may face jail time and fines.
The speed limit was put in place in certain areas where less experienced skiers are trying to learn the sport. Reckless behaviors of others have caused 10 percent of all collisions in Park City and Deer Valley. A report in the Salt Lake City Tribune states that reckless skiing is now considered a Class B Misdemeanor.
Ski patrollers will be monitoring the slopes in search of people disobeying the speed limits or skiing recklessly. The ski patroller can now call the police, and the offenders may find themselves in court. If a reckless skier is called to court, the patroller will be called in as a witness to the incident. If skiers are found guilty of reckless skiing, they will be fined 1,000 USD and face a six-month jail sentence.
Some ski resorts in Europe are also adopting the ski speed limit, including Switzerland’s Grindelwald and Verbier. Pierre-Yves Deleze with the Verbier Tourist Office said, ‘The idea is to allow beginners to learn without people skiing by them too fast and frightening them.’
The problem isn’t simply fast skiers. Other reckless behaviour also endangers other skiers on the slopes.
‘We did it because that’s what people wanted’, said Susanne Daxelhoffer at the Grindelwald area tourist office. ‘The project is based on complaints of people skiing too fast and therefore fulfills a need’, Daxelhoffer added.
Swiss ski resort Grindelwald was the first European resort to introduce a speed limit on one of its slopes. A growing number of high-speed collisions on crowded slopes helped fuel the decision to implement the 30kmph speed limit. France reported several deaths in the 2006-2007 ski season due to high-speed collisions.
Resort owners hope to combat deaths and injuries by decreasing speeds on crowded and beginner slopes.
Richard Slater, a British skier and father of three told reporters, ‘It’s particularly good if you have young children and want them to be able to ski without being hit by out of control skiers going too fast.’
According to BBC News, a study of 24 resorts reveals that all are keeping an eye on the experimental speed limit enforcements.
Speed limits for skiers and snowboarders might soon become commonplace on slopes around the world. The resorts of Park City and Deer Valley, both in Utah, are the first to implement a fine and jail time. Grindelwald and other European resorts that are adopting the ski speed limit do not plan to fine offenders. There they are simply warned to slow down.
When the proper amount of care and respect are given, skiing in general is a relatively safe sport. Some members of staff and skiers at the affected resorts are torn. They can see the importance of safer skiing, but some feel the punishment far exceeds the crime.
Some skiers see the new law as a way for authorities to control what they do in their leisure time. These skiers feel the law imposes unfair restrictions on a fast-paced, thrilling sport.
Skiers on the other side of the fence believe the law will stop some skiers from recklessly skiing and putting others in harm’s way. This law gives less experienced skiers hope that they can safely enjoy their time on the slopes.
A Swiss insurance group is installing timers on certain slopes. These timers allow people to see their speeds and should encourage them to ski within set limits. Ski resorts world-wide hope the implementation of timers and patrollers will help make the slopes safer for more inexperienced skiers.
For European ski holidays yourandorra.com covers both Andorra and French ski holiday resorts, including the ski hotels in Andorra plus those good for a French ski holiday and other holidays
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What To See On Your Holidays To Honduras
A democratic republic, Honduras is located in Central America, and also referred to by the locals as Spanish Honduras. A place that is very popular amidst tourists across the world is known for the rich culture, colours and vibrant customs and festivals, which take place through the year. The Orchid is their national flower and this is the place that has the most number of Scarlet Macaws, which is also their national bird.
Travelling to Honduras is simple and easy, apart from being inexpensive. When making a trip to Honduras, remember to keep these five things in mind, so you don’t miss out on the most important aspects of Honduras.
While driving down to the Suyapa hillside, you cannot miss the Basilica De Suyapa. It hovers tall and will catch your eye even before you reach the venue. La Virgen de Suyapa is considered to be the patron saint all across Central America and even in Honduras. The large beautifully decorated stain glass windows are what make this chapel so popular. The celebrations which takes place every year in Feb, draws quite the crowd, pilgrims throng here from all across America.
For those who are seeking adventure, and enjoy water sports, this is where they should head. The El Aguila Wreck is the perfect place for some diving and wildlife sighting. The Aguila was a good dive site till the hurricane broke the ship, and since then it has become a popular spot for divers who go into the sea looking for eels and other treasures. Just be careful around the animals in the water, and don’t get too friendly unless you have an expert by your side.
The lush forest area of parquet Nacional la Tigra is the first of its kind in Honduras, and filled with wildlife of all kinds, and even has few pumas. A dream comes true for those who love animals, and enjoy looking for exotic birds, orchids and other flora. The park has nearly 350 species of birds, and if you are lucky, you just might spot a quetzal, an exotic and rare specie of bird.
Pulhapanzak Falls are an amazing site and are not to be missed. While driving through Pena Blanca, you cannot miss this towering water falls. Pulhapanzak Falls looks breath taking, with the sheer height and the amount of water that flows from it. With plenty of place to swim in, the falls is a popular destination for holiday goers around Honduras. One can stop over, have a cool splash in the water falls and then continue on with their journey, feeling refreshed and lively.
Galeria Nacional de Arte is another popular tourist attraction in Honduras. The National Art gallery in what was once a convent is where the big exhibitions take place in Honduras. There are nearly seven art exhibition centres, which houses modern art work, colonial paintings and even artefacts with religious backgrounds. As you walk into the venue, you will find brochures giving a detailed description of the place.
Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line holiday home rental websites.To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Direct holidays in Honduras
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What To See On Your Holidays To Guyana
A country that is so small, we just might miss it, if not for the wonderful sights and scenes that fill its boundaries. Situated in the north eastern part of South America, Guyana has a long coastline running along with the Atlantic ocean. The Land of many waters has rivers flowing through the narrow lanes, and birds of all colours and shapes flitting about.
A picturesque country, Guyana makes the visitors feel warm and at peace. They can do any activity that pleases them, and of course there are the hidden treasures to be undiscovered. When visiting Guyana, however, keep this list of five things to see, just to make sure you don’t miss out on the best parts.
If you think you’ve seen it all during your recent visit to the Niagara, you haven’t seen it yet. Come to Guyana and check out the Kaieteur Fall and get ready to be blown away. Nearly 30000 gallons of water comes gushing down the mountain side, down nearly 250 feet.
The falls are located in the midst of a jungle, giving it a mystical feel and making it very popular amidst visitors. There are some who are dare devils, who climb up the cliff and stand atop and gaze down. As you walk around the falls, you will be greeted by sights of birds with their nests tucked away.
The ruins of the Dutch Fortress, Kyk Over Al stand tall greeting the visitors. It was built around 1616 and is situated in the crossing of the two rivers of Mazuruni and Cuyuni. One can take a boat from here, and ride across to the Marshall Falls, a place for fun and wildlife sighting.
Ride the bus from Georgetown to Parika or take a water taxi to Bartica, either ways, the sight that greets you will have you grinning from ear to ear. The mining town is filled with people who have been around for decades and lead a quiet life. One can either laze around here, or ride down to the Kyk Over Al, or maybe to Marshall’s falls for some excitement and adventure.
A cluster of plains that are covered with Amerindian villages and wildlife is what makes Rupununi Savannas so lush. The rivers here have the world’s largest water lilies. The savannah stretches across thousands of acres, but the whole place has a warmth to it, which is probably from the people who live in these areas as a close knit community.
As the name suggests, Shell beach is one of the prized possessions of Guyana with the long stretches of white sands. It starts from near the Venezuelan border and goes all the way across the country. One can find up to eight turtle species on the beach, and nearly that many more varieties of hawksbills and leatherbacks. The turtles are today protected by the government and roam about freely on the beaches around here.
Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line holiday home rental websites.To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Direct holidays in Guyana
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What To See On Your Holidays To Iceland
The name Iceland brings to our mind, snow capped mountains and chill weather through the year. A place that would be a haven for all holiday goes, with its mountain resorts and fun activities, Iceland is also where most glaciers can be found.
The most commonly visited places in Iceland are the capital city of Reykjavik and Akureyi. Apart from these, there are several other places which would interest the visitors, but which are less popular and have not been advertised or promoted as much by tour operators.
One of the main reasons why people visit Iceland is just so they can experience the luxury at Blue Lagoon. The lush geo thermal pool and spa is hidden between the capital city and the airport. The water is known to be mineral rich heated sea water, which when flows on our body, rids us of all toxins and rejuvenates the system. Maybe, it is for this that people throng to take a dip, and float about in this lovely pool. The hot water provides a hydraulic massage, which helps increase blood flow and remove stress from our system. There is even an attached store that sells products used in the spa and salon.
Yet another hot water pool in Iceland is the Geysir, which literally translates to Geyser. This is the original hot water spring, based on which others around the world have been named. Jet water spurts from the ground and can go up to 80 meters at times. After a couple of years, as people began dumping things on the geysers, it almost stopped erupting, but resumed after the earthquakes hit Iceland. The other world famous geyser, Strokkur is right next door and the water there spurts up to 30 meters into the sky.
The most famous waterfalls, Gullfoss that tumbles down the canyon in Iceland is the next must see spot on the list for every tourist. For every tourist coming over to this lovely place, they can see the water spray from the mountains, shimmering through the rainbows. Gullfoss lights ups and looks almost magical to the visitor, with the vibrant hues and the cascade of water.
Myvatn is an impressive lake near the city of Akureyi. It is a special place because of all the volcanoes around the area. For families, there are various activities they can carry out while visiting Myvatn. When in Iceland, make sure to visit Myvatn, irrespective of the season, and you shall not be disappointed with what awaits you.
A magnificent lagoon in the middle of nowhere, Jokulsarlon in Iceland is situated near the small town of Hofn. The ice breaks off from the huge glaciers, which keeps the lagoon filled with icebergs all through the year, keeping the place pristine and preserved all through. This majestic lagoon will have you looking in amazement, and not wanting to leave the beautiful place ever.
Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line holiday home rental websites.To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Direct holidays in Iceland
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What To See On Your Holidays To Haiti
A French and Creole speaking land, Haiti is located in the Greater Antilles Archipelago, right on the Caribbean islands. The literal meaning of the word Haiti is mountainous land, which is exactly how the terrain out here is.
An island that was discovered by Christopher Columbus, and was named Island Hispaniola by him was later renamed as Haiti. Apart from Cuba and the Dominican Republic, Haiti is the third largest island in the Caribbean. The island is filled with water bodies and mountains, adding to its beauty.
It has been among the most popular holiday destination for people from as far as Asia, mainly because there is a sense of peace and calm amidst all this nature. When visiting Haiti, keep in mind these five things which should not be missed.
The cobalt coloured pools which join the beautiful cascades at Bassins Bleu are a beauty. The minerals in the water give it the luscious looks and it is said that water nymphs used to live in the grottos. They sun bathed on the rocks in the nearby Palm Lake, but disappear at the sound of footsteps. This is a legendary story that has been around for eons now, in Haiti.
If you are a nature lover, and enjoy spending hours looking at pretty flowers and birds, Etang Saumatre is where you should head to. The lake area is surrounded by tall trees filled with exotic colourful birds and flowers. The largest saltwater lake, Etang Saumatre has nearly 100 kinds of waterfowl and crocodiles. There are plenty of bush and cacti plants around the venue, so walking is the best thing to do to catch the wonderful sights and scenes.
A fortress that was built over 15 years stands tall amidst all the forests and lakes in Haiti. Parc Nacional Historique de Citadelle was built to protect the land against French invasion. The unique feature of this fort is that it looks like a ship and is balanced on top of a mountain, Pic la Ferriere. From the hilltop one gets a full view of the town beneath, and the northern plains stretching far and wide.
What was once the residence of the Royal family, and King Henri, Sans Souci palace today has become a famous tourist attraction. Situated in the town of Milot, the name Sans Souci literally translates to ‘without a care’. A palace that lost its king to the battle and suffered severely in the earthquake remains broken.
Today, this Citadel la Ferriere in Milot is a world heritage site and so there is plenty of information present at the fortress for those getting through long drive and making it uphill. Tourists need to pick up guides and mules from the foot hills, as this is the only sane way of exploring the fortress. One can get right to the roof of the magnificent Citadel.
Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line holiday home rental websites.To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Direct holidays in Haiti
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What To See On Your Holidays To Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a city that is known to have multiple personalities with different facets during different times of the year. After being under the British rule for couple of decades, today it is part of the Republic of China. Today, it is a major tourist destination for people across the globe.
Some come here for the sights, while others for the rich culture and traditions that are deeply rooted in every resident. Like rest of Asia, it has a sub tropical climate, which means the weather is relatively warm through the year. With over 13 million living here, the contradictions in customs and western influences are what catch the eye of all the visitors.
For all those who are keen on visiting Hong Kong for a holiday, there are five things they must see while there. These are what make this place different and unique.
It’s almost like a beautiful untouched beach in the middle of nowhere. This unexplored, hidden beach is where all the history related to Hong Kong lies. In fact, it is said that one of the eight rock carvings was located right here in this bay, before it was discovered by the authorities. A place that is pristine and pure, is just what every tourist looks forward to when they plan a holiday.
Also known as the Duck’s tongue island, this Ap lei Chau lies in the southern side of the harbour in Hong Kong. It is said to be one of the most populated places in the world and has the highest number of visitors every year. Today, it has become a residential and commercial site, with many housing complexes having taken over the open spaces. There is a beautiful bridge that one can walk over to get a glimpse of the island, or they can take the boat from Aberdeen Promenade to get here as well.
Located right next to the Hollywood road is the Cat Street, which was originally named as Upper Lascar Row. A lane that has been created only for pedestrians, is a market place filled with stores lined up with colourful products. One can find everything from jewellery, to fake designer wear to anything they could dream of. A fun place to spend a few hours looking for interesting trinkets is what makes Cat St so sought after by locals and visitors.
One of the largest Taoist temples, Che Kung temple is situated right opposite the Shing Mun River. As you walk in through the entrance, you are welcomed by the large statue of the Song dynasty emperor. It is a place of high religious and spiritual value to the residents of Hong Kong.
The view of sunset from Cheung Po Tsai cave is sensational. A place where the notorious pirate Cheng I is said to have stayed in hiding and stored his treasures is a popular tourist spot today.
Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line holiday home rental websites.To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Direct holidays in Hong Kong
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Places Of Interest In Iraq
A country that was known worldwide for the rich petroleum and crude oil resources is also where war ruled through the year. A small country in Western Asia, Iraq’s history dates way back to Mesopotamia.
The majority of this country is covered by deserts, except for the two main rivers, Tigris and Euphrates. Since the land is dry, weather here is quite hot most of the time, though the mountains up north do see cold winters and snow falls, sometimes so severe, it leads to flooding.
Babylon is one of the places that is famous worldwide and is situated right here in Iraq. An ancient site, that was once prominent, is covered with high walls, and palaces apart from the magnificent temples. Even though the place has been eroded by rain and time, it still stands tall. To get to this monument, one can either take the boat or a water taxi from Baghdad.
One of the most famous ancient sites in Iraq is the Ur of Chaldees, which was even mentioned in the Bible. It is said to be the birth place of Abraham and built around 4000 BC. It remained the capital of Sumeria for decades, and the tombs and ziggurats in Ur have remained well preserved.
What remains of the city of Ctesiphon is this huge Arch, which was part of a banquet hall built during the early century by Persians who ruled the place. It has survived the severe flooding that happened in the Tigris River and is still open to tourists to feast their eyes on.
The hands of Victory were a monument that was built by Saddam Hussain, to celebrate his victory. This used to dominate the Baghdad skyline ever since the Iran and Iraq war took place. It basically marks the entrance of new parade grounds in the central region of Baghdad. It looks like two swords crossing each other at the top as if to symbolise the war that happened. At the base of this monument, lie nearly 5000 helmets belonging to Iranian soldiers who were slain in the war. The hands that hold the swords are a replica of Saddam Hussein’s, in fact created from a photograph given to the sculpture. This was torn down and destroyed during the recent war.
Yet another tourist attraction in Iraq is the Shaheed Monument, which was open to public in 1983. This is again a place that symbolises all the Iraqi soldiers who died during the war with Iran. A huge dome, which has been split in the middle, with the two halves offset, has the domes are sheltering a flame. Around this area, a playground for children, walkways, bridges, ample car park, and even a lake can be found.
Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line holiday home rental websites.To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Direct holidays in Iraq
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What You Must See On Your Holidays To Iran
A large country in the Middle East, Iran has a rich history and vast amounts of unexplored, hidden treasures to show the tourists. One of the world’s oldest civilizations is from Iran, which today has grown to have become among the leaders in the world. It occupies a high level when it comes to international economy and energy security, since it has the largest reserve of natural gas and petroleum. An alternate name by which Iran is referred to is ‘The land of kindness’, which reflects on the personality of the people living in this country.
There are millions of people who visit Iran yearly for a holiday, and when they do there are several sights which are visited. But amidst them all, there are five things one must not miss, which are,
Kind of like the Central park of New York, the Imam Square is where all the activities in Iran take place. This is where people come together, to either spend an idle evening, or to celebrate a local festival. The place is always buzzing with activity and there are stores around the square from where one can pick up trinkets and other memorabilia to take back home.
When a person drives down to the place, they will be surprised at the sheer size of the desert and the monument called Choqa Zambil standing tall in the place. It is one of the UNESCO’s world heritage sights and preserved by the Government. The ziggurat at the Choqa Zambil is proof of the architecture that is unique to Iran, and found nowhere else in the world.
A throne of the Jamshid, Persepolis is a magnificent palace built around 512 BC and that has survived getting burnt to the ground in 331 BC. The ruins are what we see today, which have been preserved and restored as it were back then. The first thing we see as we step into this complex is the Xersxes’ Gateway, which is huge and has intricate carvings on it.
The fun is in getting to Kharanaq rather than at the venue itself. The drive from Yazd winds around loops and quiet long stretches of roads. Some parts of the village is said to be over 1000 years old. The main focal point here is the Qajar era mosque, built in the 17th century and today being restored. For more adventure, one can walk from the village to about 250 meters down the valley to an ancient well kind of structure, which was built to provide water to the fields around the area.
The majestic Mil e Gonbad tower has been so beautifully preserved, that one will not believe that it was built nearly 1000 years ago. The visitors are taken on a tour of the entire building, and to the centre from where one can hear echo from absolutely any point in the tower, making them wonder in awe.
Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line holiday home rental websites.To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Direct holidays in Iran
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Holidays To The Turks and the Caicos islands
Turks and the Caicos islands consist of two islands in the West Indies. They became pirate hideouts after the 18th century. It is considered to be the best beach in the world. Snorkelling, fishing and diving are the common activities done here. Tourists take their bath in the beach and try to rejuvenate themselves.
If you want to relax during your holidays then this place is ideal for you because you can sit on the side of the beach and relax. There are two plateaus around the edges of the island .The island has some reefs of corals and walls of coral in the Caribbean. Whales cross the shore line when they migrate to the bank and divers who dive deep in the sea can even hear the whale songs. Dolphins are also found in the waters. Tourists will enjoy the sites of these humpback whales and the dolphins.
The migrating birds find the ponds and the marshes an excellent feeding ground. There are many water birds found in the sea. The national park is another point of interest for the visitors. The nature reserves, sanctuaries, and historical sites serve as good points of interest for the tourists. This is the reason why so many tourists come here from all over the world. There is only one casino found on this island. Shopping and exploring the ancient ruins is an ideal way of relaxing for the tourists as there are many shopping centres found here. Caicos conch farm is another attraction for the visitors here.
There are many places of accommodation here ranging from luxury villas to self catering holiday apartments. Many tourists stay in holiday home rental accommodation. Moreover the people are also very friendly here and they take a lot of care of the guests .The white sandy beaches with beautiful crystal clear waters enhances the beauty of the beaches.
The tourists will definitely like this place if they are fond of sea beaches. But if they are thinking of hiking or climbing a mountain, then this place will not be an appropriate place for them. The islanders here earn a lot of revenue from tourism. The locals are warm and friendly and make holiday makers feel wanted.
Fishing is an important source of revenue to the islanders and many offer tourists the opportunity to go out fishing with them. Fish as a result is a staple diet of the islanders and many tourists cook the fish that they catch back at their holiday home rentals. The temperature here ranges between 75 to 85 degrees. The trade winds here keep the climate very relaxing.
Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line holiday home rental websites.To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Direct holidays in The Turks and the Caicos islands
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What To See On Your Holidays To Guinea
Call it the French Guinea, or Guinea, it still remains one of the most beautiful countries in Western Africa. The part of Africa that is jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, it is surrounded by water on most of the sides with a long beautiful coastline running along side the ocean. The Ghana Empire, the Sosso Kingdom and the Mali Empire were all part of the history with which Guinea today welcomes the world.
For a person visiting Guinea, the main attractions are the Ivory Coast and the highest point of Mount Nimba. A sleepy village, Bossou lies near the Liberian border of Guinea and is known to be one of the best places for wildlife and nature related explorations. Visitors can engage a guide to come along with them, and teach them about the chimps and the terrain. One can hike up the hills into the forest, and try spotting animals and birds. This is simply a wonderful way of exploring the rugged village, and getting closer to nature.
The highest point in Guinea, Mount Nimba is over 1750 meters from the sea level. This mountain range is part of the Cote D’lvoire and Liberia. One can climb up the mountain or at least head up to the summit, which is easily accessible from the village of Gbakore. The mountain is quite steep and has winding path, so it is necessary that only people who are in good health attempt this. Tourists are advised to hire a guide who can take them up the hill, and describe the sights en route. Don’t miss the Goliath frogs which are found in plenty in the Nimba mountain ranges, they are unique and look very different from other amphibians.
A few hours drive from the capital city of Conakry, Cape Verga has some of the best beaches in the world. The Bel Air Beach, once a lovely place for people to relax in, is today home for the President Conte’s hotel. There are several other beaches nearby, like the Sobane, which are still unexplored and remain as they were decades ago.
The capital town of Guinea, Conakry is the main commercial centre for the country. The key sights to see here are the Atoll Waterfalls, and of course the Soumba Waterfalls. These are water cascades flowing down hundreds of feet, with a pool nearby for people to swim in. For the party animals, they can stay up late, and join the party scene in this town, or maybe grab a table at Timi’s, which is most famous.
A recently created national park, this covers 6000 acres of open space and filled with forests, savannah and even a conservatory, which is one of a kind in Africa. The park is divided into different zones based on the nature of land.
Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line holiday home rental websites.To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Property for holidays in Guinea
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