Kenya is stunningly beautiful African country that has seen its share of good and bad times. If you are traveling to Kenya, the following information will give you a head start.

An Overview of Kenya for Travelers

Kenya is a crossroads country in Africa, which means a little bit of various African countries reside there. More than 40 languages are spoken and as many as eleven different ethnic groups can be identified. The religious breakdown is also very diverse. Despite this variety, the country has a fairly harmonious existence. The national slogan is harambee which loosely translates to lets pull together.

Compared to other sub-Saharan countries, Kenya has historically been advanced in infrastructure and general living standards. During the colonial period, England controlled the country and developed the area. Kenyans were not allowed to participate in government, much like South Africa. As you might expect, Kenyans rebelled and eventually became independent on December 12, 1963. The Kenya Peoples Union then became the only political party and ruled until 2002. In October 2002, the National Rainbow Coalition dominated elections.

Following independence, Kenya continued to grow economically and the standard of living was the envy of much of Africa. Unfortunately, corruption threw a wrench in the proceedings the country has suffered from a lurching economy for the last 15 years. In 2003, the country turned things around and things have generally improved since then.

Kenya covers 224,960 square miles and is slightly smaller than Texas. The capital is Nairobi. Kenya rises from a low coastal plain on the Indian Ocean in a series of mountain ridges and plateaus which stand above 9,000 feet in the center of the country. The Rift Valley bisects the country above Nairobi, opening up to a broad arid plain in the north. Mountain plains cover the south before descending to the shores of Lake Victoria in the west. The climate varies from the tropical south, west, and central regions to arid and semi-arid in the north and the northeast.

The people of Kenya are known as Kenyans. Total population is 30 million and growing at 1.7 percent a year. Ethnic groups break down as Kikuyu 21 percent Luhya 14 percent, Luo 13 percent, Kalenjin 11 percent, Kamba 11 percent, Kisii 6 percent, Meru 5 percent. Religious break down is Indigenous beliefs 10 percent, Protestant 40 percent, Roman Catholic 30 percent, Muslim 20 percent. Languages include English, Swahili, and more than 40 local ethnic languages. The literacy rate is 65 percent and life expectancy is 49 years of age.

As this brief overview reveals, the country suffers the economic problems of many countries in Africa. That being said, it is beautiful place that will hopefully overcome such hurdles. It is definitely a place you will remember visiting.

Disney World is probably the most popular theme park in the world, attractions, rides, characters, the works, there is no doubt that nobody goes to Disney World to get headaches. To prevent unnecessary muscle and head pain, it is best to be prepared.

Proper Season

It is best to go to Disney World during off season, which is roughly around early January to mid February, or after Labor Day through mid December. During off season, there are less people, less congestion and less headaches. Whats more, it rarely gets cold in Florida, even during winter season, and it gets swelteringly hot and humid during summer, so winter, really is the time to go.

The Proper Lodgings

Although it is cheaper to stay in hotels outside of Disney World, the extra cash youll have to cough up if you stay inside is more than made up for by the comfort and convenience of an inside stay.

Imagine getting traveling from your room, then going through the 47 square mile area that is Disney world, then traveling back to your Hotel exhausting isnt it?

The Proper Schedule

Where to actually go once you get there is determined by your choice of companions, kids, teenagers or adults.

Kids

Go through Cinderellas Castle and Visit Fantasy Land or Mickeys Toon Town, the little tots will surely love all the characters roaming around that area. The rides in these parts are built for 6 year olds and below, but mommy or daddy can still squeeze themselves in if they want.

Adults or Teens

A trip to Magic Kingdom may be in order if youre with big kids. You can go to Splash Mountain to get wet or to Space Mountain to get some indoor rollercoaster, and fun for the bumpy person, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad should be enough to satisfy their taste for adventure.

Rides for Everyone

If you want something that everyone can enjoy, a ride in the Walt Disney World Railroad, can rest those tired feet and at the same time give you an enjoyable view of Magic Kingdom.

Haunted Mansion, although not really for very young kids, can be a thrill for toddlers, its a ride not a walk through so theres no tripping or running involved.

For relaxing walks, try the Tiki Room Show or the Swiss family Tree House.

The Proper Dining Experience

For cute snacks, try the Aloha Isle inside Adventureland, they conjure up creative drinks and snacks, a good place to try something cute and different.

Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe provides a cool indoor dining area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland where you can enjoy your food to your hearts content.

Deciding what job to pursue after college entails more brain cells that most activities. Unlike deciding on what car to buy or what clothes to wear, one must give the decision its due because it will effect your happiness and quality of life for the next three to four decades.

Most people believe that a career in travel nursing is stuff that dreams are made of. For those currently following this career path most of those who have experienced this lifestyle agree that it is a great way to make a living but there are a few who argue and refute this. But all agree that it’s entirely up to you whether your career in travel nursing becomes to a dream come true.

How do you start on a career in travel nursing?

Let’s divide the answer into two parts: travel and nursing. We’ll tackle the latter first. To be able to pursue a career in travel nursing, you must of course be equipped with a creditable nursing degree. Now some may possess one-year-diplomas and call themselves professionals but unfortunately for them, not all hospital or healthcare employers accept that as enough credentials. If you only have a vocational degree tucked under your belt, then perhaps you’d rather pursue a career in care giving rather than travel nursing. Caregivers, after all, still get to travel across the globe. It all comes down to the skills.

The second half of a Travel Nursing career is the traveling. So you’re the proud holder of a nursing degree and you’re duly licensed to practice nursing. The next step to tackle then is learning how to go about your travels. Most people prefer to seek recruitment agencies for help in this matter. These agencies are ably experienced in assisting people interested in making a fortune in travel nursing. But you must beware! There are several recruitment agencies that may just be a scam to whisk your money away. And remember, using their services means paying some fees and if in some instances the fees are high so be careful and be wary. Ask questions and don’t go with any agency that you don’t feel is being 100% honest with you and if there fees are out of line then find another agency or you can always go it alone.

A few things to consider when traveling are the need of a passport. First, check with the embassy in your country of choice and see if they require a visa. Second, make sure that all your nursing documents, proof that you have graduated from a reputable school and have passed the necessary examinations, are all duly authenticated. A career in travel nursing may mean jumping from one country after another so it would definitely reduce your stress level if all your papers, even your resume, are supported with valid reference documents.

How do you adjust or embark on a life of travel nursing?

Experienced travel nurses provide us with plenty of advice and tips to make sure that first time nurses in this particular career will have an easier transition into the field.

Double-Check Everything

At least three to five days prior to your departure make sure that you haven’t forgotten anything. Make a checklist of all essentials and cross them off the list as you pack them. From documents to the clothes you’ve packed, make sure that everything in your list is accounted for. A career in travel nursing is a demanding job and leaves little room for error so it’s best to start on the right foot.

Research Your Destination(s)

A travel nursing career requires that you to go to different countries meet different people and adjust to different cultures. Researching destinations beforehand will help avoid miscommunication, reduce the possible culture shock and basically just make your experience a whole lot more enjoyable and less stressful.

Ask For An Early Move-in

An early move is suggested by experienced travel nurses because it enables you to relax and breathe a little before embarking on your new travel nursing job. Familiarize yourself with the place and the people. And best of all, enjoy the new sights because one of the major perks of having a career in travel nursing is of course… the travel.

While the compensation and perks are quite exceptional because the Travel Nursing Career is such a high demand, highly sought after position it’s a bit more difficult to secure than most other nursing positions. As a result, most employers are very picky so make sure that you have what it takes. And if you don’t, then improve your skills (education and / or experience) or find another sector of the nursing profession to make your career.

Thousands of people drive by The Raymond Restaurant every day and don’t even realize what it is. The Raymond Restaurant, 1250 S. Fairoaks Ave., Pasadena, Ca. 91105, (626) 441-3136, occupies and old weathered caretaker’s cottage which looks, from the outside, like a fairly run down old house set back off the street. Looks, however, can be deceiving. The old saying, “You can’t judge a book by it’s cover”, is especially true in the case of The Raymond. Inside that weathered cottage is one of the best fine dining establishments in Los Angeles County.

Inside The Raymond you are transported to a cozy, romantic, old fashion setting with intimate dining rooms, secluded booths, comfortable seating, leaded glass, fine china, and three candlelit garden patios.

There is another old saying, “you get what you pay for”. That saying doesn’t hold true in the case of The Raymond Restaurant. There you get much more than your money’s worth. Their prices are extremely reasonable, take their 12 ounce filet mignon with sauteed vegetables, chanterelle mushrooms, herbed butter, crispy leeks and garlic mashed potatoes for $39.00. The beef is tender aged prime beef cooked exactly the way you ask for it, the sauteed vegetables are not over or under cooked, the chanterelle mushrooms are delicious and the garlic mashed potatoes are spiced just right. I have had meals that cost twice as much and are not half as good. The only problem with The Raymond is that their menu is rather sparse when it comes to beef. Their only beef entre is the filet mignon. If you have to have prime rib or a ribeye or other type of steak you are out of luck.

The service at The Raymond is excellent. The waitstaff are friendly without being too familiar, attentive while not being obsequious and speedy without rushing you or invading your space.

The ambiance at The Raymond is quiet, relaxing and romantic. This is a great place to celebrate an anniversary, have a Valentine’s dinner with that special loved one or someone that you want to get to know better or to get a new relationship off to a good start. While The Raymond Restaurant is an excellent place to take your spouse or date, it is also an excellent place to take a client or prospective client. The excellent service, great cuisine and quiet atmosphere will go a long way towards making your business relationship a success.

The Raymond is also a good establishment to take Afternoon Tea with it’s large selection of teas, champaign, sherry, sparkling cider, scones, tea pastries and finger sandwiches. You and your guests or companions can relax and enjoy a good conversation while being pampered by the excellent waitstaff.

If you like fine cuisine and great service in a quiet relaxed atmosphere, try The Raymond Restaurant.

For a directory of restaurants and restaurant reviews in the city of Pasadena, California see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com/restaurants.html, a directory listing Pasadena restaurants alphabetically and by category or type with reviews written by restaurant customers.

With summer approaching, it may be a nice idea to take a break from ones gruelling daily routine and splash around in the cool waters of the Atlantic. Talking about beach resorts, why look any further than Miami Beach?

Originally established in 1915, the city, located in the Miami-Dade County of Florida, changed its name to Miami Beach in 1917. It is a city known not only for the excitements that it offers as a seaside resort but also for its cultural and artistic heritage.
The citys Art-Deco style architecture won recognition in 1979 when the citys Art-Deco Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Hundreds of hotels, apartments and other structures built during the period 1923-43 provide the architectural basis for declaring the district a historic place of national importance. Besides Art-Deco, Mediterranean and Streamline Moderne are the other architectural styles that are well represented in the district.

The citys South Beach is one of the most popular areas. Being a great draw to European tourists and largely influenced by their preferences, South Beach is one of the few public beaches in the country that tolerate topless sunbathing. Today, this part of the city is a major entertainment destination with hundreds of nightclubs, restaurants and oceanfront hotels.

The city is also very well known for its nightlife, fine dining culture, bike riding and shopping. While the once down-trodden Lincoln Road in the South Beach area is today acknowledged throughout the US as the destination for quality food, adventure thrills and great shopping experiences, its real claim to fame is the fact that Lincoln Road and the South Beach area has today replaced Los Angeles and New York City as the countrys top night life destination. Incidentally, the city happens to be among the top 30 destinations for gay tourism in the United States. The city is also the worlds fashion shoot hub with more than 1500 models living in the area and many more arriving during the October to March season.

Often called the Sun and Fun Capital of the world, Miami Beach offers tourists several points of interest. Take Collins Bridge for instance. Way back in 1913, John S. Collins and Carl G. Fisher built a 21/2 mile bridge to connect the City of Miami on the mainland and the City of Miami Beach on a barrier island in southern Florida. It was then the longest wooden bridge in the world. Although the Venetian Causeway has today replaced the original Collins Bridge, it was this link that ushered in rapid development for Miami Beach. Today the Venetian Causeway follows the original route taken by Collins Bridge.
Another must-see landmark is the Miami Beach Botanical Garden spread across 4.5 acres of land. The garden includes a conservatory and has several varieties of palms and orchids.

For fun, sun and so much more there is nothing to beat Miami Beach!

One of the most vibrant and picturesque cities in the United States, San Francisco attracts a lot of tourists every year. San Francisco offers a significant number of cultural attractions and world famous landmarks, all in the surroundings of impressive natural beauty.

The first settlement here was built in the end of the XVI century by the Spanish conquers and received its name in honor of Saint Francisc.

Now San Francisco is called the pearl of the Western Coast. Its a unique mix of the old architecture (of the Victorian period) and the modern buildings. The city lies on the hills surrounding the ocean. San Francisco is on of the most poetic cites in the United States, the city of bohemia with its special fleur and atmosphere. The city has its nickname Frisco.

San Francisco is known for its wonderful food, intensive nightlife and its glorious views. Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world-known symbols of San Francisco and the view of the sunset is the best here. The bridge is 210m high.

Every month of the year there is something interesting happening in San Francisco festivals and different cultural events are carried out throughout the year. As for climate and weather, of course, summer months are the best choice for visiting this city, but you wont mistake if you choose another season for traveling. San Francisco isnt a cold city anyway. The closest in time events – Holiday Festival: Great Dickens Christmas Fair, Celebration of Craftswomen, Holiday Festival of Lights, Marin Art and Garden Center and Macy’s Union Square Tree Lighting Ceremony. All they take place in December.

So, what else is worth to see in San Francisco?

Except the above-mentioned Golden Gate Bridge another world famous symbol of the city is Alcatraz. Its the rock with the former prison, which can be called the best-known prison on earth. This prison is situated on an island in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Now its a museum exhibiting objects made by notorious inmates, historic photographs and documents, escape materials and inmate artwork; items used by officers including correctional materials when Alcatraz was a federal penitentiary from 1934-1963; military prison period materials from 1859-1934; and the American Indian occupation of 1969 -1971.
Aquarium of the Bay is also a very interesting place for visit in San Francisco. It was opened in 1996. Now its a unique educational and entertainment facility dedicated to the rich and diverse aquatic life of the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters.

One of San Francisco’s main retail and cultural centers is Union Square. Set aside as a park in 1850 and named before the start of the Civil War as a tribute to the frequent demonstrations in support of the Union troop, the park got a major renovation and restoration in 2002.

Another sightseeing in San Francisco is Coit Tower. Its 210ft (60m) high and crowns the top of Telegraph Hill. The tower was built as a monument to the firefighters of San Francisco.

To confirm the reputation of the intellectual city its enough to name Berkeley one of the most prestigious Universities of USA is located near San Francisco.
So, there is enough to see and to take part in San Francisco just dont miss it!

There are many places in the US where you can golf during your vacation. Those who golf often sometimes plan entire vacations around certain gold courses they may have always wanted to play. Depending on the time of year, you can play in warm places like Phoenix, Arizona, Hilton Head, South Carolina, and in Las Vegas, Nevada. There are plenty of courses for you to play on. All inclusive vacations are available that will allow you to play on various courses during your vacation.

For many people, a golfing vacation is a great way to relax, spend some time improving one’s game, and the chance to see a different part of the country. If you live in an area that is cold during the winter, a relaxing gold vacation in a warmer climate may be what you have been looking for. In Phoenix, for example, you will be able to choose from over 100 golf courses. When you are not golfing, there is much to see. Museums, galleries, ancient ruins, and beautiful desert landscapes are available for you to see.

If you want to gold near the ocean, you should head out to Hilton Head, South Carolina. With over 22 gold courses, you will never be bored. Hilton Head is a small island off the coast of South Carolina. It is also home to historic landmarks such as the Palmetto Dunes Plantation and the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Preserve. You will be able to take a break from golfing and enjoy some of the beauty of Hilton Head.

Las Vegas offers many activities for you to engage in besides golf. While the golf courses are challenging, you may be distracted by the casinos, clubs, and shows that are taking place around you. Staying in one of the casino hotels will give you a front row seat to everything that is happening in Vegas.

While most people enjoy golfing in warm weather, if you are looking for crisp autumn breezes, golfing in Chicago or Colorado may be the answer. If you want to travel and golf, visit places that are far from home. This will give you a great opportunity to challenge yourself and improve your game while seeing the many sites that these towns and cities have to offer. If you are traveling with people who are not as passionate about golf as you are, they will have plenty to do while you hit the green.

Golfing on different courses is a good way to improve your game. Since each course has its own terrain, you will be able to gain experience playing on flat and hilly surfaces. This is a good experience for anyone who is serious about their golf game.

Discover The Aquarium Of The Pacific In Long Beach California

The Aquarium of the Pacific is located near the waterfront in The Pike at Rainbow Harbor in the city of Long Beach, California. It is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Its nearly 1,000 species fill 19 major habitats and 32 focus exhibits and take visitors on a journey throughout the Pacific Ocean’s three regions: Southern California/Baja, the Tropical Pacific, and the Northern Pacific.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a 156,735-square-foot marine exhibition With sweeping, curving, wave-like architecture that is designed to emulate the ocean. It houses over 12,000 ocean animals, including five species of whales, eleven species of sharks, porpoises, dolphins, rays and skates including manta rays, sea turtles, birds, bears and more along with over 10,000 simulated mussels, kelp fronds and other natural exhibit accoutrements and over 10,000 pieces of individual, artificial coral, representing 58 different coral species.

The Aquarium provides behind the scenes tours where you can dive into the underwater world and discover places in the Aquarium where most people do not have a chance to go and even feed the anamals. Visitors are encouraged to watch animal feedings and learn more about the animals and environmental issues at habitat presentations. Join the Animal Encounter interactive program which allows guests to feed, touch, and go behind the scenes with some of the more than 12,500 inhabitants, including the Shark Animal Encounter which provides guests with an opportunity to be in a pool with one of the zebra sharks, or maybe even the 240-pound thorny ray.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day you can aboard The Conqueror, a 90-foot research vessel for a 90-minute marine science excursion where you will have an opportunity to touch a variety of marine animals while you learn about their natural habitat and about life in the ocean.

The Aquarium Of The Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. Parking for the Aquarium is on the water side of Shoreline Drive between Chestnut Place and Aquarium Way. Parking is $6 for Aquarium guests in both the Aquarium and Pike parking structures when you show an Aquarium ticket stub. Spice up your visit by taking the Aquabus, a red 40-foot harbor shuttle in Queensway Bay connecting the Queen Mary / Catalina Express, the Coast Hotel, Catalina Landing, The Aquarium of the Pacific, Pine Avenue Circle at the Pike, and Shoreline Village. Service frequency is hourly and hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fare is $1 one-way. Children 2 years and under ride free.

The Aquarium Of The Pacific is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day of the year, except December 25 and during the weekend of the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Admission fees are, adults: $18.95, children under 2: free, children from 3 to 11: $10.95 and seniors 60 and over: $16.95. The Behind The Scenes Tour and Ocean Experience are extra.

For more information about the city of Long Beach, California see http://longbeach.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Long Beach, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

It never fails to surprise me how many nurses express their frustration with the world of travel employment. Most often, they wonder why they arent finding the assignments they want and deserve; they wonder why placements can take so long; and they wonder why their agencies arent doing more to help.

Its understandable nurses feel like this. Finding the right opportunity can be a timely, stressful, or ultimately unfulfilling process, especially if their placement agency isnt putting in a lot of time on their behalf. However, what many nurses fail to realize is that to be successful as a travel nurse, theres some work that should be done on their part, too! As with any job, you will get out what you put in — your potential is directly related to your involvement in the placement process. In light of all this, here are some tips to help guide nurses in being proactive during a job search to help find the best possible assignment each time.

BE PREPARED
First, always be prepared to demonstrate your qualifications at any time. Nursing placement agencies will need copies of your current Nursing, Operating-Room Technician, or Allied Health Professional licenses. You will need to show experience in your specialized field. And you will need to verify all of your certification, education, and experience. Candidates who are not prepared to verify their qualifications often end up with the less-desired positions.

BE AWARE
Second, know what types of facilities are most desirable to you, and make your placement agency aware of this too. For instance, do you like teaching or non-teaching facilities? Large metro facilities or small rural hospitals? High or low volume staffs? If you make clear your preferences from the beginning, you are more likely to find placement in the type of work environment that best suits you.

BE TIME CONSCIOUS
Third, do your best to have a grasp of the time frame you are planning to remain. Although the industry standard for nursing assignments is a thirteen week period, many assignments may be shorter or longer. Know when you plan to leave, or if youd like to apply for one or more extensions. When you give your placement agency this type of information, you give them the time they need to find you a position that fits your future and moving schedule.

BE REALISTIC
Fourth, understand the concept of pay rates in the travel nursing business. In many cases, the higher paying positions offer more money for a reason. Before you accept a big pay position, make an attempt to understand why it is big pay. For some nurses, a pay increase is not worth working at hospitals with low nurse-to-patient ratios, extended emergency hours or extremely needy facilities. If you do this research before you accept an available position, you are less likely to step into something unexpected.

BE INFORMED
Fifth and finally, read the entire contents of your contract. Although, in the past, many travel nurses often worked around verbal agreements, contracts are absolutely necessary. Read over yours carefully. Contact your recruiter with any questions or concerns before signing. If anything is not specific enough, ask for changes. The more specific you are on contract details, the more control you have over your job assignment.

If you supply all this information, you will give your placement agency the tools to be able to effectively go to work for you and be there every step of the way. They will have everything they need to ensure you the best travel nursing experience possible. Most importantly, you will be satisfied to know that your extra commitment to your job future did indeed help you to maximize your potential as a successful travel nurse.

Alaska. Talk about a place that’s gotten a bum rap. Half the world thinks it’s part of Canada and the other half thinks it’s just a big block of ice. Well, hold on to your fur coats because there is more to see and do in Alaska than you know.

For starters there’s Kenai Fords National Park. Here you can go on a sightseeing cruise to visit some glaciers and see some marine wildlife. The ship sails out of Seward. The park is just 130 miles south of Anchorage. It is made of a range of coastal mountains which slowly sink into the ocean, transforming its former glacial valleys into long fjords with rocky and steep walls. Photos just don’t do it justice. You have to see it in person.

While we’re on the subject of parks, there’s also Denali National Park & Preserve. It features North America’s highest mountain, 20,320-foot tall Mount McKinley. The park is more than 6 million acres. Now THAT is a huge park. It comes complete with a sub arctic ecosystem featuring such animals as grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, and moose.

Then there’s the Alaska Sealife Center. It’s a non profit marine science facility dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem. In other words, they’re doing everything they can to see that the fish don’t end up belly up.

Speaking of fish, if you’re into that sort of thing, there’s the Homer Spit Fishing Hole. Here you can fish for kings and silvers right off the bank of the Homer Spit.

Then there’s the Ididaride Dog Sled Tours in Seward, Alaska. Here you’ll find three generations of top-20 Iditarod racers and fourteen generations of champion sled dogs. It was founded by Dan Seavey Sr. in 1965. His oldest son Mitch took over the racing program in 1982.

For those looking to get a bit of an education there’s the UAF Institute of Marine Science Seward Marine Center which is a unit in the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. Yes, there is a lot of education in Alaska about Marine life. Considering fishing is one of their main industries it certainly makes sense. The park was established as Mt. McKinley National Park on 26 February, 1917. The original park was designated a wilderness area and incorporated into Denali National Park and Preserve in 1980. The Park was designated an international biosphere reserve in 1976.

Believe it or not, people DO have fun in Alaska. It’s not just all ice and snow. There is a nightlife that would give any city a run for it’s money.

One of the hottest spots in Alaska is “Club Oasis” located on Seward Highway. Here you’ll find live music, great drinks and no cover charge. This is where those wild Alaskans really let their hair down.

Then there’s Chilkoot Charlie’s in Anchorage, Alaska where you’ll find the famous Bird House Bar, great drinks, music, wild women and non stop fun. You can even cater private parties here.

Yes, Alaska certainly is more than just a chunk of frozen wasteland. When you’re in the neighborhood stop on by. You may not want to leave.