Tips on how to get your teen off the couch this summer
Teens have tons of energy. They’re born idealists. They’re altruistic. And they have lots of free time. Summer is a golden opportunity for them to devote several weeks to serious volunteer work, and make the world a better place.
Enter the new “experiential” breed of summer camp: Community service and volunteer work, combined with local or international travel, culture and language immersion.
Top teen camps are costly – typically $150 to $200 a day, the same as some luxury hotels in a high priced resort. Trust me, these are not teen tours in cushy hotspots. Teenage boys and girls can rough it in youth hostels, campgrounds, home stays or basic quarters for Third World volunteers. Send your child off to one of these intense experiences, and you’ll never hear the words again, “Mommy, are we poor?”
In the “Live Free Or Die” state, “Windsor Mountain International Summer Camp began in the 1960s as an experiment for the United Nations. Now the New Hampshire sleepaway camp hosts children from all over the world; American children who have completed 2nd grade are eligible to join the program, which offers such progressive concepts as immersion camping with deaf children and an Oxfam Dinner to drive home the message of World Hunger.
Older Windsor campers travel stateside, living with Native Americans in the Midwest at Reservations, studying the ecology of Hawaii, or traveling as singers, actors and musicians around New England. Trips become more strenuous for teenagers. Middle Schoolers backpack around Puerto Rico or the Caribbean and practice French or Spanish during family homestays, then work on “service projects” at a rainforest ecology center or other demanding tasks around the Caribbean islands. Older teens travel to China to work at orphanages in some of the poorer villages and teach English to children of migrant workers in the dusty, undeveloped inland regions. Others build “door gardens” in South African communities for families with AIDS, or do other charity work at posts in the countrysides of Zimbabwe, Peru, Mexico and Russia. Careful screening ensures that applicants can handle the culture shock.
Broadreach AdventureCamp (www.gobroadreach.com/programs /gl/uwd_gl.asp) offers SCUBA and yachting treks all over the globe. But they also send kids to the far corners of Peru, South Africa and Panama where they can save endangered Spider Monkeys from extinction or work alongside Peace Corps volunteers in Peruvian mountain
The Best Facilities In Hoteles En Peru
Lima, Peru’s capital is located in front of Pacific Ocean and has the only international airport in the country. Therefore, if you arrive to Peru by airplane, you will go to Lima first. It is good too because Lima many things to offer, for example its beautiful beaches, colonial constructions, typical restaurants and excellent Hoteles en Peru. Prepare your luggage and take the next flight to Peru.
It is always important to know some basic information about the country that you visit. Spanish is the official language in Peru but in some places people also speak Quecchua, the Inca’s ancient language. In relation with the currency, Nuevo Sol is the local coin. However, dollars have a high demand too. Euros is not very common, don’t forget to do a currency exchange. Several Hoteles en Peru also accept dollars.
Peru has an excellent reputation thanks to its gastronomy. Many Peruvian Chefs work in the most important restaurants in the world. This is very important because thanks to these new chefs the Peruvian cuisine is being disseminated around the globe. Gaston Acurio is probably the most popular exponent in this delicious art. Miraflores and Barranco are traditional neighborhoods with recognized restaurants of typical dishes such as ceviche, arroz con pollo, tiradito, papa a la huancaina, lomo saltado and aji de gallina.
During summer months (January to March), Lima receives a lot of visitors, foreign and local. They seek sunny days in Lima’s beaches. Lima south is the preferred destination for beach’s lovers. Take this advice in consideration. Lima downtown is another place that deserves your visit. In this zone, you will see the Cathedral, Palace Government, Main Square and numerous colonial buildings.
This traditional area is full of Hoteles en Peru. If you book a room in these lodgings, you’ll save money in transport.
Destination: Argentina
You may know it as the land of Gardel and his Tango, Evita and Peron, or as the country that hosts the amazing and beautiful city of Buenos Aires, but Argentina offers tourists a land of diverse and amazing adventures.
Located in South America, Argentina has an area of almost 3.8 million square kilometers, which makes it the second largest country in South America. Because Argentina is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its winter occurs in June and its summer in December allowing tourists from northern nations to enjoy the beach during Christmas break or ski in the Andes during the summer. One of Argentina’s main characteristics is the contrast between its fantastic Iguazu falls and rainforests in the north, vast eastern plains, impressive Andes mountains to the west and the magnificent glaciers in Patagonia in the southern part of the country.
Argentina boasts a magnificent flora and fauna. In fact, Southern Argentina is home to the Puma, huemul, pudú (the world’s smallest deer), and wild boar. The coast of Patagonia is rich in animal life: elephant seals, fur seals, sea lions, and species of penguin. The Iguazu Falls, located on the northeast of Argentina, have a good infrastructure for travelers and plenty of activities offered in the area. The falls and the area surrounding are part of the Iguazú National Park that preserves the local subtropical rainforest ecosystem. The most impressive of the Iguazu falls is known as the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), shared with Brazil.
Where to stay?
Looking for a cosmopolitan city? head to Buenos Aires. Once considered the “Paris of the Southern Hemisphere,†Buenos Aires offers all kinds of cultural activities. You can choose a night visit at a tango place and dinner at one of the many restaurants that offer the traditional asado (Argentine steak). Due to the exchange rate (1 Argentine Peso = 0.33 USD as of November 2006), its shopping centers are frequently visited by tourists looking for the latest fashions.
Looking for a nice relaxing time at the beach? Pack your bags and head to Mar del Plata where the “Mar del Plata Film Festival†takes place. Just remember that the seasons in Argentina are the opposite from the seasons in the northern hemisphere, therefore beach season starts in December and ends in March.
A wide range of accommodation possibilities are available in Buenos Aires and the rest of the country. You can choose from student hostels to bed and breakfasts to luxurious palaces and modern five-star hotels. You can also find lake-side lodges in the Patagonia region and cabanas close to the mountains.Â
Visas and Documentation
Citizens of the UK, US, Australia, Canada, EU countries and most South American countries do not require tourist visas for stays of up to 90 days. The cost of a Tourist visa is US$28 and the cost of a Business visa is: US$47. Passengers requiring visas for transit only should still apply for tourist visas. The cost of visas varies monthly depending on exchange rates. Please contact the Argentine consulate in your area for further information.
Hotel Peru Accommodation Of Quality
Peru is special for tourism. Cajamarca is a city located in the north of the country. Old Churches and Colonial buildings are part of Cajamarcas attractive. Here, was performed much of the Inca history. If you have the opportunity of visit Cajamarca, visit it with your family or friends. Hotel Peru would be your first destine in Lima. Book a room before you arrive.
Gastronomy is another of the strong points in Peru. A wide variety of delicious food is part of Perus attractive. Recognized Peruvian chefs like Gaston Acurio or Cucho La Rosa encourage the consumption of Peruvian meals at an international level. Today, just France is most recognized than Peru in cuisine. You ought to visit these traditional restaurants in the downtown or in some districts such as Barranco, Chorrillos and Miraflores.
Loreto is the bigger Peruvian department. It is situated in the jungle of Peru and is home of the longer river in the planet, The Amazonas. This river crosses the Perus jungle and Brazil. Finally, this river empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Only a portion of the river is navigable due its dangerous waters. You can take a tour in Iquitos, Loretos capital. Iquitos climate is very hot, take your precautions and carry light clothes. Hotel Peru has a professional staff always ready to help you.
Any travel to Peru will be complete if you dont go to Machu Picchu, the Incas citadel. Located in Cuzcos department, Machu Picchu is the major Peruvian attraction. Even some people just identified Peru when they heard Machu Picchu, especially when we talk about European tourists. When you arrive to Cuzco, leave your luggage in Hotel Peru, and then continue with your exploration. It is recommendable to travel by airplane, the flight Lima Cuzco has duration of 35 minutes.
Ecotourism in Peru is another kind of tourism but most amazing. You should try another kind of vacations, the experience would be different. Dont forget to carry a camera to take pictures. Obviously, there are some places with more attractions to visit. Cuzco is the department with more visits in Peru.
For Your Winter Holidays In Brazil Try Ponta Dos Ganchos For A Totally Brazil Vacation
Ponta Dos Ganchos is Brazils most exclusive resort, and winter holidays in Brazil make sense because of the favourable weather during the winter months. Rated as a top South American Hotel I was lucky enough to be taken there by family who live in Brazil.I asked my uncle if we could have a totally Brazil vacation, and I said I had stayed in some of the best tropical vacation spots, what was there in the way of Brazilian vacation resorts which is why we ended up at Ponta Dos Ganchos.The sundeck came equipped with a hammock and two long sunbeds, there was a well stocked bar, where everything non alcoholic was complimentary, and the flat screen television even rotated so you could watch it in bed or in the sitting room fabulous!!We did some exploring, and found villages close by, the water was calm and clear for swimming, and we were lucky enough to see dolphins off the coast by the marine reserve. This hotel deserves its reputation as one of the best Brazilian vacation resorts in fact it is one of the best tropical resorts I have stayed in.
Bored With Cookie-Cutter Hotel Rooms? Here’s A Few Unique Vacation Digs
How about a vacation stay in prison. They have made a few improvements since the shackled inmates last shuffled in the doors but Malmaison Oxford Castle, in England still has enough jailhouse ambiance to put a shiver up your spine. Carpets, curtains and soft mattresses not withstanding, you will be sleeping in the original cells with the original doors and bars. Creepy, unique and maybe that perfect honeymoon idea you’ve been looking for.
Maybe you would prefer a more open setting – like in the seventy foot high tree-tops of the Amazon jungle. That’s where you will find the Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel, in Brazil. As long as you don’t have a fear of heights this could be the hotel stay of a lifetime. Hand-feed the monkeys and parrots. Traverse the rainforest canopy on the 4 miles of sturdy wooden catwalks.
At the Imperial Boat House, in Ko Samui, Thailand they have taken 34 teakwood rice barges, dragged them up onto one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches around, Choeng Mon, and turned them into luxury suites. This gives your room a nautical ambiance that sets it far apart from the chain hotels. As for the setting, well that’s just pure tropical beach-style paradise.
If cave dwelling is your idea of a unique vacation idea then you better head to the Cappadocia Cave Hotel in Yunek Evleri, Turkey. Here you can make like Fred and Wilma Flintstone in a cave room that was carved into the mountainside back in the 5th or 6th century. Fortunately the amenities are not stone-age. Located in the Cappadocia region in the center of Turkey, you can easily take off and explore the region’s elaborate underground cities, hidden cavernous churches and enchanting rock terrain.
The middle of a desert may not sound like the ideal place to visit but a trip to the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa will prove otherwise. Set in an oasis in the middle of the Dubai Desert in the United Arab Emirates, this is a luxury vacation spot like no other. You get an unobstructed panoramic view of the sky, desert sand dunes and the Hajar Mountains with all its indigenous flora, fauna, Oryx and gazelles. This is a world-class resort that has won 11 international awards.
In Quebec, Canada you can stay at a hotel that is made out of ice. That’s right, the Ice Hotel Quebec is actually made from over 15,000 tons of snow and ice. Open from January to April, this unique vacation spot has 36 ice rooms with 18 foot high ceilings. There are two art galleries, an Ice Lounge and an Ice Chapel… Oh and don’t forget the fireplaces. This could be the ultimate winter experience.
Where to go in Argentina?
Argentina is a very interesting destination that is unique in a number of ways. There are plenty things you can do, depending on what season you are there, like fishing, horse ridding or trekking during the summer or maybe skiing during the winter. It all depends on you, what kind of person you are and what kind of vacation fits you the most.
When you decide what part of Argentina you would like to visit, then you can start thinking about other things like weather, accommodation or prices. Argentina is really big country so for starters decide do you want to go to the mountains, sea or country. Every part of Argentina is beautiful so what ever you choose, you won’t regret it.
What is the weather like?
The weather in Argentina varies from subtropical to winter cold; it depends in what part of the country you are. It’s hard to speak generally about the weather in Argentina because it’s different in different parts of the state. But I will try to inform you about the weather you can expect in different time of the year.
The important thing to remember is that Argentina is placed in the Southern Hemisphere which means that the seasons are inversed (when the winter is in the US, in Argentina is summer). The weather there can be very tricky and rapidly changing, especially in the parts that are close to the Andes. The weather there is really unpredictable so you should be careful cause the rainfall and floods are often and extreme heat or even snow are not rare either.
Mostly Argentina is really nice country with nice weather but there are parts that you may avoid. The south is very cold and winters can be brutal there so you should be careful. There is no need to go far south (unless you want to for some reason) because most of the hotels and attractions are closed.
Of course, the seasons with most attractions are summer and winter. Especially nice is Patagonia. It is very mild during the year with many attractions, but it can also be very unpredictable and it can change drastically without notice.
Few things you should try to remember is that the seasons are reversed which means that the summer lasts from December-March and the winter lasts from June-July. If you are looking for the most enjoyable weather that you should absolutely come in March, April, September, October and November.
Crowded times…
Everyone would like to avoid the crowds but the problem is that most of us go on vacation during holidays when everyone else is also on vacation. So, avoiding crowds is a tough job. But if you can, avoid public holidays (Christmas, Easter, New Year) and spring break. Those are really the busiest times, especially in Argentina.
Attractions in Argentina
There are many attractions in Argentina, some of them you can see during the whole year, and some of them are available only during some seasons. Here’s an example:
Summer (Jan-Feb)
Patagonia – trekking, horse riding, sightseeing in general, fishing
Andes – trekking, alpinism, horse riding
Autumn (Apr-May)
Northwest – trekking, horse riding
Northeast – visiting Iguassu Falls
Winter (Jun-Aug)
North Patagonia/Mendoza – skiing
Spring (Sep-Nov)
Buenos Aires – the most beautiful season, especially in November with the jacarandas in blossom
Cheap vacation
Argentina is generally not expensive country but, like every other country, it also raises prices during the high season when most tourists come to Argentina. So, if you don’t want to spend a lot of money I suggest you not to come during the high season. Low season is really nice too and the prices are much more approachable. It’s up to you and your financial possibilities.
In the end…
Prepare yourself for a great vacation because in Argentina it can’t go wrong. Check out and find the most appropriate and the cheapest way of traveling and have fun. And hope that the weather will be great during your whole vacation.
Have a great trip!
Partingtons At The Langham – Restaurant Of The Year 2006
(Auckland, 13 October 2006) — The Langham Hotel, Auckland is thrilled to announce their signature restaurant Partingtons has been announced New Zealand Restaurant of the Year at the world’s largest annual hot kitchen competition.
The title was awarded to Partingtons at the New Zealand Culinary Fare. The Fare is New Zealand’s longest running culinary competition attracting over 1000 competitors making it the world’s largest competition of its kind.
The Partingtons winning team comprised of chef de cuisine Sascha Exenberger, chef de partie Ryan Arboleda and restaurant supervisor Julieta Estrai.
“It’s still a bit of a dream,†says Sascha. “We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have had such strong direction from the rest of the Langham food and beverage team. It helps that there’s a lot of harmony and we all genuinely like each other,†continued Ryan.
“To be judged to be the best in the country by your industry peers is extremely flattering,†finished Julieta.
Langham Hotel, Auckland managing director John Dick said: “We are honoured to have such talent working at our hotel. All credit to Sascha, Ryan and Julieta and to the many other staff who supported them in their own special ways by helping, testing, cajoling, training and being bruisingly honest and critical.â€
“This result further reinforces what a special team of people there are working together here to make every day something very special for our guests.â€
Mr Dick continued that he saw the win as proof that the tables had turned and people were once more viewing hotel restaurants as the epitome of fine dining: “Our guests have a real appreciation for the whole dining experience which includes knowledgeable and professional staff, premium produce, first-class wine and attention to detail with the quality of the linen, and only the finest glassware, silverware and crockery.â€
The Restaurant of the Year competition is open to restaurants nationwide and designed to test the skills of the chefs and restaurant service staff outside their familiar environment. The challenge is for each restaurant team to design and develop a menu from a mystery box of ingredients, cook, present and serve to guests.
The Partingtons team’s winning menu consisted of Porcini and caramelised onion roll and a main featuring poached roulade of Brill and Waikani crab on sautéed asparagus with smoked freshwater eel and potato tortellini in a light lemon sauce. Dessert consisted of chocolate toffee honey fondant with cherry and prune compote and rhubarb and yoghurt ice-cream.
About the Winning Team
Sascha Exenberger, Chef de Cuisine, Partingtons at the Langham
Austrian born Sascha Exenberger brings to Partingtons a unique approach combining his traditional European skills with fresh New Zealand produce.
Sascha was trained at the renowned five-star Salzburgerhof in Austria. Following the completion of his formal training, he worked first as chef entremetier and later as sous chef at a variety of fine-dining restaurants throughout Austria.
Interested in incorporating more European influences into his cooking style Sascha travelled around Europe adding an Italian and French flair to his style. He has also worked at the prominent Shengen Restaurant in Moscow, and at the esteemed Dunloe Castle in Killarney, Ireland.
Sascha says he likes to keep clear lines of distinction with his cuisine and diners can expect dishes that reflect his European heritage with a particular emphasis on Austria, Italy and France. He enjoys surprising people with new and interesting tastes that rouses further anticipation.
Ryan Arboleda, Chef de Partie, Partingtons at the Langham
The only born-and-bred New Zealander on the team, Ryan has been with the Langham since the hotel commenced operations in New Zealand in January 2005.
Ryan has held numerous chef positions including commis chef, demi chef, sous chef and chef de partie at various hotels and eating establishments in New Zealand and Australia. He has previously worked for Sheraton Auckland Hotel and Towers, Ascot Metropolis, Copthorne, The Heritage, Quay West, Mercure, Hamilton Island and the Auckland Club.
Julieta Estrai, Restaurant Supervisor, Partingtons at the Langham
From Argentina, Julieta joined Partingtons in May 2005.
She has a degree in hospitality and a degree in tourism from Cesyt Institute in Buenos Aires. She has held several management positions at restaurants in Argentina. She also spent two years working for cruise liner Royal Caribbean and three years as the assistant director of Berlitz Schools of Languages in Argentina.
Other Langham Awards at the New Zealand Culinary Fare
Langham staff cleaned up a further 19 awards at the Fare including a gold in ‘Practical Wine Tasting’, achieved by Partingtons sommelier Josselin de Gesincourt and a gold in ‘Hot Main Presented Cold Junior,’ achieved by demi chef de partie Shannon Persterer.
A complete list of awards earned by Langham staff is included at the end of this release.
Background notes on the Langham
Langham has a legendary hotel heritage dating back to 1865 when the Langham Hotel in London originally opened as Europe’s first Grand Hotel. For 140 years, this flagship hotel has been at the forefront of sophisticated and gracious hospitality. Today, all Langham Hotels worldwide inherit the same philosophy that reflects elegance in design, innovation in hospitality, genuine service and captivation of the senses creating a truly unique hotel experience.
Make the Beautiful South American City Belo Horizonte Your Travel Destination This Year
Brazil is one of those countries that you absolutely have to visit. A dazzling land of superb beaches, wild jungles and agitated metropolises, Brazil welcomes everyone and has something to offer to every tourist. There are many unique places to visit in Brazil and many new and exciting things to try. A trip to Brazil can be a memorable experience, provided you make an informed choice of your destination. If manic metropolises are your thing, Sao Paolo or Rio de Janeiro should be your number one choice of travel destination in Brazil. However, if you are not into non-stop partying and lively and colorful crowds, you should try something different, such as the South American city Belo Horizonte.
Belo Horizonte is Brazil’s third largest city and its first planned metropolis. Why is the South American city Belo Horizonte a perfect travel destination? As has been said before, the city is not as noisy and crowded as most Brazilian tourist destinations, nor is it focused on attracting tourists. Therefore, a vacation in this beautiful South American city should be a peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable experience. This is the place where the Latin charm is perfectly combined with European elegance, and travelers to this city say that Belo Horizonte inhabitants are friendlier, more sincere and a lot more sophisticated than in any other Brazilian city.
The South American city Belo Horizonte offers endless means of entertainment for everyone. You can engage in all sorts of sightseeing activities, for the city is known as one of Brazil’s largest cultural centers. If nightlife is what you are interested in, Belo Horizonte has the perfect places for you. Nightlife in this city may not be as outrageous as in other cities around the world, but it will certainly offer an unforgettable experience. People of Belo Horizonte are renowned for their love of bars, and as a result, you have an extremely varied choice when it comes to going to a bar. There are about twelve thousand bars in the South American city Belo Horizonte so you can literally take your pick. Thousands of cyber cafés, private clubs and thematic bars will welcome you at any time. The carnival, the pride parade and the huge outdoor concerts are also worth participating in. The city is also home to a number of luxurious hotels and fine restaurants, where you can try some dishes of their famous traditional cuisine.
There is a lot more to be said about the South American city Belo Horizonte. One thing is certain, though. If you are planning on going there for the first time, you should definitely find a Belo Horizonte guide, so that you do not miss out on anything that might be of interest to you. A Belo Horizonte guide will also help you in preventing unpleasant situations, such as making a poor choice of hotels that will eventually ruin your vacation. A complete Belo Horizonte guide can be found online, on a number of specialized web sites. The perfect Belo Horizonte guide should be combination of useful information and testimonials from real travelers to this South American city.
Fun Things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is the capital and the largest city of Argentina. Often referred to as the “Paris of south America†, this mega city boasts amazing architecture and beautiful buildings that make it seem like one of the most modern cities in this region.
Apart from all the history this place offers, on a much lighter note, there’s fun to be had in Buenos Aires. A simple yet fun thing to do would be to take a day’s bicycle ride throughout the city. Some of the more popular bike trails lead to Bosques de Palermo, Alcorta and Avenida Libertador. For those who are looking for fun with the whole family, head down to the Temaiken zoo, a great place to spend an afternoon with the family while strolling around.
To turn the notch up a little, fun wise, wait till the sun goes down. Buenos Aires is said to have one of the best nightlife scenes in South America. Go club / bar hopping or head down to one of the most happening spots in town being Plaza Serrano (in Palermo Viejo).
Experience the live music scene with many boliches (clubs and pubs) where you can find different verities of music ranging from jazz to hip hop, reggae to Caribbean bands performing. Fun lasts almost till dawn in this city, so you can be sure you’ll get a full night worth of unforgettable beats and music coupled with fantastic drinks and entertainment.
Last but most certainly not least, the one thing everyone should try at least once when they come to Buenos Aires would be, the Argentine Tango. Also known the tango capital of the world, many have said that “if you don’t immerse yourself and experience the tango, you have not visited Buenos Airesâ€.
Give it a go by taking up a tango class ranging from a short one hour lesson to a few more advanced lessons before heading to test it out. Dancing the tango can be a very special and memorable experience as the argentine tango is described to be one of the most provocative yet heart racing dances in the world today.
For the shy ones, there is another alternative. Though I say you are missing out on quite a bit, if you hate the thought of dancing, check out a tango show and who knows, it might make you change your mind. Many tango shows are available those at the bars and classrooms to the grander ones performed in hotels and parade squares. Whichever you choose to go to, you won’t be disappointed.
