Scenic Runway

World Cup 2010

The World Cup held every 4 years is the most widely watched sporting event in the world. The World Soccer Cup for the one person in the world who does not know is an International Association Football competition. From the Kick-Off Concert the World Cup is captivating the world for approximately 4 weeks with 32 teams competing for the title. Fans have gathered in South Africa many with horns in tow as well as in pubs, bars and restaurants around the world to cheer on their favorite teams. The World Cup has certainly captivated the members of my family who spend every available hour watching the competition.

Students select to study abroad for many reasons such as the opportunity to learn a foreign language from locals or the ability to obtain hands on experience in their major. Whatever your reason for wanting to study aboard this unique experience is one that will likely linger for years. You will need to meet with your International Center faculty at your college or university in order to thoroughly research the possibility of studying abroad. They should be able to provide you with the details of various programs available and college credits you will receive by completing your desired program.

You will also need to research many issues beforehand such as living arrangements while you are studying abroad. Are you planning to work during your time aboard? It is extremely important to review safety concerns of your desired country and general safety precautions. Along with knowing the location of your country’s Embassy in the country you are considering. Whether your desire is for personal growth, educational and/or future career goals studying aboard will help you to view the world differently than you had in the past.

In recent years destination weddings have become more popular. The reasons for this vary from couple to couple. Whatever the reason destination weddings offer a unique experience for the couple as well as their guests. Some couples chose to exchange their vows in exotic tropical surroundings while others chose castles in Europe or cruise ships for their special day.

Destination Weddings

Doing your research is essential when planning a destination wedding. Some very important questions that should be answered up front is whether or not your destination wedding will be legal and/or recognized in the country you reside? Do you need to create residency in the country of your destination wedding or will you need to have a wedding service performed when you return home? Where will your guests stay? What will be the cost to your guests? This and so many other questions will need to be addressed when planning your destination wedding. Some hotels and cruise ships have event/wedding coordinators on staff to help in answering some of the many questions that you will have.

Make sure you thoroughly research every aspect of your destination wedding to ensure that your wedding is everything you hoped and dreamed it would be.

If you are anything like me you are preparing for your vacation up until the last minute. As a result using a car service to and from the airport or the cruise terminal allows me the time to make a few last minute phone calls, work on my laptop or to take a few moments to relax before departure. Not having to worry about driving in heavy traffic, finding long term parking or remembering where you parked helps to reduce travel related stress. After a long red eye flight and luggage pickup, I am always so happy to see a driver holding up a sign with my last name. Using a car service for excursions while on vacation is also an option which will enable you to have a more flexible personalized adventure rather than a group experience.

Traveling provides the opportunity to find local beauty products. Have you ever wondered what beauty products women use in other countries? Whether you travel to Europe or the Caribbean discovering beauty products used by local women is always fun as well as interesting. Where ever I travel the common question I ask when entering a shop or drug store is “what beauty products are common to the region”? The answer does not have to be expensive. It can be as inexpensive as Sunny Caribbee Natural Island Soaps found in Tortola, BVI or Durance en Provence Jasmin Gel Douche (Shower Gel) found in France. Of course some local products can be ordered online but since you are in another country why not purchase it directly from the locals who may also be able to provide you with additional local beauty tips. A special memory for me is that of visiting a beauty store in Paris and purchasing handmade soap and receiving a rose from the cashier when I left the store. These types of memories are priceless.

Computer Travel Bag

Unfortunately, many of us have to check in on projects at work while we are on vacation. It is impossible for many of us to step away from the office completely for two weeks. Working vacations have become common place in today’s technological age. Efficiency is key in minimizing the time you have to work while on vacation. Access to the internet along with telephone access is a must. Be sure to verify that your cell phone service is capable of international service if you will be vacationing out of the country. It is also important to have access to all necessary documents related to your project. This does not been taking paperwork along with you, it simply means being able to gain access remotely. Packing all of your work related items together is a good idea so you won’t have to waste time searching for them. A computer travel bag to carry your laptop, blackberry and/or cell phone, charger, power adapters, voltage converter (if needed) along with other work related items will come in handy. While many of us have to combine work with vacation it is important for us to remember that in order for us to be effective in our careers we must take the time to relax and rejuvenate. In other words keep work to a minimum and enjoy your vacation.

Málaga, Spain

Málaga, Spain is located in the southern portion of Spain along the Mediterranean coast. The cruise ship docked within the Dique De La Vante in Málaga, complimentary port shuttle services were provided to and from the terminal to downtown. Upon entering the downtown area of Málaga you quickly notice the contrast between old and new from the Moorish architecture, horse drawn carriages to the amazing cosmopolitan shopping area. Málaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. There is truly an elegance and sophistication in Málaga from the architecture, museums, lush gardens, open air markets and the chic, stylish dress of the people of Málaga no matter what their age.

Hilltop View of Málaga

For our day in port we decided to take a Málaga City Hop On Hop Off Tour on an open top double decker bus. This gave us the chance to get on and off the bus at our leisure as we saw things of interest such as the amazing views of the Mediterranean, the old palace fortress, bull fighting arena and the City’s Cathedral. We arrived in Málaga with no prior knowledge of the city and no expectations of what we would see. But we left with a great appreciation for the beauty and culture of the city of Málaga.

When we arrived back to the ship the guests were treated to a special surprise, the cruise ship had arranged for local dancers to perform in the theatre onboard ship. The dancers selected passengers in the audience to accompany them on stage which made the performance even more entertaining.

Port of Ponta Delgada

The Azores Islands (nine major islands) are located approximately 2400 from the eastern coast of the United States in the Atlantic Ocean. The name Azores is derived from the archaic Portuguese word “azures” the plural of the word blue. The Azores are of volcanic origin which is evident by volcanic cones and craters.

At the time of discovery in approximately 1427, no humans were living in the Azores Islands. Colonization of the Azores occurred approximately 2 years later in 1429 by people from Spain, North Africa and Portugal. The Azores are one of the two Autonomous Regions of Portugal.

Ponta Delgada is the capital of the Azores islands, its cobblestoned streets contain renaissance churches, monuments and convents. The residents of the Azores are pleasant and extremely helpful to tourists who are unfamiliar with the Portuguese language. An example of the hospitality of the people of the Azores was the assistance we received from locals while attempting to purchase stamps at the post office. Apparently the look of confusion on our faces did not need translation. The currency in the Azores is the Euro (€).

Ponta Delgada was a welcome and beautiful first port of call.