Friday, June 19, 2009

Snorkeling Essentials

Snorkeling can be a truly fascinating way to get outside and enjoy nature in addition to being a really wonderful way to motivate you to get some really healthy exercise.

Let’s look at some of the basic gear you will want to pick up to get started exploring the vast and beautiful world located right below the surface of the water.

Snorkel

Snorkeling without a snorkel just isn’t snorkeling at all, now is it? So what kind of snorkel do you want to get? You may be surprised to hear that there are actually many different kinds of snorkels available on the market today. While some are still using the basic and simple tube with no extra valves involved, there are many more options available and it is highly recommended to go with a more advanced model. A “Dry Snorkel” is the best option as it is designed to protect its wearer from inhaling water should the snorkeler accidentally submerge the top end of the snorkel below the water. As you can imagine, it is rather easy for a beginning snorkeler to accidentally look a little too deep in the water and inhale some water as their basic snorkel dips below the surface. Thankfully a Dry Snorkel has a safety valve which blocks water while allowing the free flow of air. Good snorkels are really affordable these days and a Dry Snorkel is worth the tiny bit extra to better ensure you will have a nice and enjoyable snorkeling experience.

Mask

The diving mask is essentially your window to the underwater world. The more area you can see through it, the more you can see in the aquatic adventure you are planning. Its fit is of primary importance as it has to be air-tight to make sure that you don’t have to come up and clear the water from your mask every few minutes. You should buy your mask at a dive shop if at all possible as then you can get advice from professionals and also try on the masks to see which one is a good fit for your physical attributes and your budget.

Fins

Fins are another area where there is a lot of diversity to choose from and choosing the right fins is really more about the fit. You will likely want to start by choosing a pair of neoprene socks or boots. They best insulate your precious skin to protect from the fins. Make sure you have socks or boots that fit well to make sure your fins will fit as properly as possible. I hope you remember to bring them when you shop for your fins as this is important. You can choose from an array of sizes and flexibility variations when choosing a pair of fins. The harder ones will give you more speed, but may require more effort. The same goes for the length. The longer fins are more cumbersome, and require more effort, but you can really fly through the water with them quickly!

Now you know what gear is best for a nice snorkeling experience. All you need to do is get in the water and enjoy!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

International Shopping Paradise of Shibuya 109

The area of Tokyo known as Shibuya is considered by many to be the most progressive center of young fashion around the world. It is definitely the center of the young Japanese fashion world and Japan is likely the most progressive culture in the world. Young women from Paris even come here just to explore the cutting edge of many variations of style. A shopping paradise which may easily win the title of the heart of Shibuya’s shopping district is a building known as “Shibuya 109” or in Japanese “Ichii Maro Kyu” which essentially just means 109 as basically everyone in Japan will know you are talking about the building in Shibuya.

If you can imagine a literally monolithic silver temple of fashionable and fun shopping ecstasy then you are likely approaching the concept of the legendary 109. For fashion enthusiasts it is likely worth the trip to Japan in and of itself. There is nothing quite like it. It literally emanates beauty from its doors. It is so iconic that even Japanese tourists from other areas of the country will sometimes stop for a photo op in front of its entrance.

There are 9 floors of shopping in all and one could easily spend the day exploring its treasures. There are surprisingly bargains galore as the focus is on fashion rather than on pushing overpriced luxury brand names. There is a wide selection available and some really eclectic finds await the truly adventurous. There are fashion lines from around the world and from Japan itself. Many young women in Tokyo have started their own clothing and accessory lines as have some enterprising young men. Each floor has its own offering and, while some floors are more specialized than others, there is generally a wide variety awaiting shoppers on every floor. The third floor, for example, has a mix of shopping choices yet has a strong focus on hats and any hat lover will likely have a shopping field day trying on whatever they find to their liking.

To get to the 109 after you have arrived in Tokyo, you will want to first head to Shibuya station either by taxi, bus, or train. The trains in Japan are wonderful and are also wonderfully convenient in Tokyo, while the taxis are generally considered to be a bit overpriced, so the train is certainly the best option in this situation if your schedule can allow it. From Shibuya station go out the Hachiko exit to the famous intersection known as Hachiko Square and head to the corner where everyone gathers to cross. Look up the hill to your left and you should see a large silver tower with red letters that says “Shibuya 109”.

Have fun in shopping paradise!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Traveling the Falklands

The Falklands are better known as the Falkland Islands. This broad collection of over 740 islands is one of the great natural wonders of the world. The Falklands are a special refuge for rare wildlife. This treasure trove of islands is ruled by horizon stretching as far as the eye can see, folding miles of coastline, and refreshing wildlife.

The capital of the Falklands is Stanley. This exquisite, colorful seaside town is drawn close around Stanley Harbour. With a strong pride in their heritage, the Stanley natives exercise their pride of a British past. They lie amidst the worlds Eden and they are knowingly blessed. To Stanley natives everything outside of the capital is known as Camp. Stanley is home to the Falkland Island Museum. The museum is so much more than that; it is a well kept display that delves into the social and historical backgrounds of the Falklands. You will cease to be amazed by the stories you will unearth during your visit.

When visiting the Falklands you must go a step beyond to visit more remote destinations the islands have to offer. The more desolate islands enable you to completely appreciate this exciting and unique environment. Since the islands are located in the South Atlantic waters this is the perfect environment for an array of some of the rarest creatures to roam the world. This awe inspiring display of is “unspoilt” wildlife at its peak. There are few places left in this vast world that offer security to so many species. This is a quickly changing planet and amidst the islands of Falkland you are guaranteed to find an inspired story of survival to tell.

This is the place where wild creatures feel free to come to you. To walk up with curious eyes and investigate you while you investigate back. Some of the animals here have traveled and navigated the globe to find this paradise that they will treasure and continue to call home. For it is within these islands that they can feel safe, protected, and live the lives that they were meant to have.

The Falklands are said to have more than thirty accommodating locations. From simple bed and breakfast lodges, to self-catering cottages, and full-board lodges and hotels. Whether you stay in a local B&B or a hotel, once you step out into the land of the Falklands you will find yourself in another world altogether. This is a paradise devised into 750 singularly amazing spectacles. Travel the Falklands to grasp nature and experience a blissful solitude. You may want to stay longer than you planned when you realize the level of tranquility.