What if you could come eye to eye with one of the ocean’s greatest predators and experience the adrenalin rush of conquering your fear of sharks? Would you like to come level with a shark, look him straight in the eye and experience the adrenalin rush of a shark swim so close to you that you can see its nostrils and teeth move? I believe you would, who wouldn’t want to conquer this dominant specie of the ocean. At Apex Shark Diving we gladly escort and guide you to one of the greatest and safest South African adventures you’ll ever experience!

Although Shark Cage Diving is a daring and fear-filled experience, there is no reason to doubt or fear the safety of this challenging activity. Shark Cage Diving is absolutely and proven safe! Before you go out onto the water you’ll receive a short course from our expert divers on the general safety and the use of equipment. And even if you have never dived before, you are still a perfect candidate to take on a shark!

Although shark cage diving is a daring and fear-filled experience, there is no reason to doubt or fear the safety of this challenging activity. Shark Cage Diving is absolutely safe, and is regulated by the authorities and conducted in accordance to international standards. Before you go out onto the water you’ll receive a short course from our expert divers on the general safety and the use of equipment. And even if you have never dived before, you are still a perfect candidate to take on a shark!

You can either view the great predator from the deck or master your fear and come up-close and personal with this powerful creature. At Apex Shark Diving we offer you both.

Our morning trips are magnificent for viewing the Great White in predatory action together with a beautiful sunrise over the ocean. Sharks are lured to the vessel with bait, and depending on their interest nearing the vessel and the weather conditions will we anchor and lower the cage into the water.

You can either view the great predator from the deck or master your fear and come up-close and personal with this powerful creature. At Apex Shark Diving we offer you both.

Our morning trips are magnificent for viewing the Great White in predatory action together with a beautiful sunrise over the ocean. Sharks are lured to the vessel with bait, and depending on their interest nearing the vessel and the weather conditions will we anchor and lower the cage into the water.

The afternoon trip takes you down into the action when the cages are lowered to view the sharks! This is when courage meets fear! The trip is complemented with some delicious snacks and drinks. Definitely not to be missed! Contact us for your booking now.

The Pelagic shark trip involves diving with Mako sharks and Blue sharks without cages but with snorkels. The divers are given the opportunity to fish for fresh tuna and throw it as bait right there and then. Divers are accompanied by a safety diver during the entire experience! This is great fun!

For the most exhilarating, andrenalin-filled experience of your life, contact Apex Shark Diving to make your booking to experiencing South African Shark Diving at its most daring and challenging! Shark Cage Diving

anastasiak :: Aug.27.2008 :: Upcoming Events :: No Comments »

The choice which you have to make is very difficult if you have to choose between two or more five star hotels in Bloemfontein, because of the luxury and good quality service that all of them offer. The money paid for this kind of luxury is absolutely their value worth.

All of these deluxe rooms come with king-size beds almost in a terrace like room, gorgeous views and lots of space. Some of these hotels have the most amazing style and décor and this shows you that only the best interior designers are responsible for creating this look and atmosphere.

These hotels usually get guests that are coming back over and over again, because of the comfortable and luxurious stay that they offer. All of these people enjoy staying in such hotels, because everything which they offer is of the highest quality. You won’t expect this from Africa accommodation, but I can assure you that it is. Most of these hotels also come with it’s own bar and relaxing lounge, which makes it great for you if you are an introvert and don’t like to mingle with all kinds of people.

They also offer luxuries like air conditioning, a cable TV, hairdryer, an in room safe for all your valuable belongings, coffee and tea making facilities, etc. The best part is that these hotels also offer world class cuisine meals and one shall give every last cent just to sleep over for one night in such a hotel, because the experience is just amazing.

Well, if the money is kind of on the scarce side, then there is always the option of searching and staying in cheap hotels, because they also are readily available.

Ways to find such hotels is by searching on the Internet. In some parts they may not be readily available but you will find one of the three. They usually have a cable television, continental breakfast and a clean environment which is nice if you want to avoid all those ugly and filthy sheets from other places.

Try searching for boarding houses, in areas where you can not find cheap hotels, which let out their rooms for the night especially in vacation times when all the students are gone for the holidays. They aren’t so expensive.

If you are travelling to South Africa, the best way to book Africa hotels is if it is included in your travel package. This can give you a big discount. The nicest thing about this is that the discounts are usually phenomenal and one usually leads to another. If you can’t be helped anywhere, go and search on a good search engine or ask friends and family if they can recommend a certain place to you.

Well, whether you want to stay in a 5 star hotel or in a cheap hotel, fact of the matter is that there is a wide range of these hotels available in Bloemfontein to suit everyone’s needs and budget. Just make sure you do some decent research on the Internet before you leave your country for a vacation in South Africa.

anastasiak :: Aug.26.2008 :: Travel Guide :: No Comments »

The Peak District is an outstanding place to visit and many people love the freedom that Peak District Self Catering Holidays can bring.

There is an abundance of outdoor activities for people to indulge in ranging from the relaxing – fishing, walking, birdwatching – to the decidedly adrenalin-filled – hang gliding, fell running, rock climbing, mountain biking – and many, many more.

Self catering holidays are not restricted to the summer though so the area can still be quite busy in the autumn and spring months although the weather is not quite so kind so if you plan a walking or hiking holiday. Safety is always the key here so make sure you check the weather forcast before setting out.

This really is one of England’s most beautiful locations – and with places such as Alton Towers and Gulliver’s Theme Park close at hand there’s always somewhere to take the kids for a very different kind of day out.

Peak District Self Catering holidays can give you a greater degree of flexibility than you can possibly expect in a hotel or a Bed and Breakfast. If you want a lie-in, you can have one, and there is simply a stunning choice of accommodation available from budget properties to Peak District luxury holiday cottages to rent .

Self catering accommodation will give you all the facilities you want for a first-class holiday – for cooking, washing and enjoying yourself. Many couples, additionally, prefer the more intimate, relaxing atmosphere that you can create by being in your own place.

There is a great variety of types of accommodation available for holiday rental in the Peak District, ranging from self catering cottages, to stylish barn conversions or apartments or houses in major towns such as Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton or some of the idyllically peaceful villages nestling in the tranquil beauty of the countryside.

Other popular self catering choices for those people looking for more independence on their holidays are camping and caravanning vacations and there are countless excellent sites which can provide superb facilities.

Many people nowadays choose to have ‘split site’ Peak District self catering holidays, having several days in one location and then moving on to a different one.

Others prefer to set up their base for the week or fortnight and love the freedom of being able to leave things around whilst they go out and explore the glories of the National Park.

Whatever your preference, you will find something to delight you in this inspiring part of the country so to make sure you get the most from your trip visit one of the Peak District tourist information websites before you arrive.

anastasiak :: Aug.23.2008 :: Travel Guide :: No Comments »

Regrettably, this matter is something that we are all too familiar with. It is something that no person should tolerate but we force ourselves through it quite often. We all dread it as we wait at the terminal to board a giant airplane with tiny seats. For the next 10 hours, we sit in a narrow seat next to strangers and tolerate through the most gruesome back pains ever! We pay thousands of dollars to be flying in distress. Long flights are unbearable to some while they may not be too bad for others. Fortunately, some airlines have found a way to satisfy all of their customers’ needs!
Bunk beds on airplanes has been proposed by many airlines as an alternative to small seats. These little metal bunk beds will provide passengers with a nice comfortable bed to sleep on! With these beds, you can now rest, unwind, and sleep through your long flight! No longer will you be crammed in a small seat next to strangers but now you get your own little space to sleep and be comfortable in! Understandably, the bed will not be big enough for you to truly enjoy a good sleep, but it is however still a bed that can enable you to at least lay down. So kick back, lay down and cross your fingers for this new development.

anastasiak :: Aug.22.2008 :: World Airlines News :: No Comments »

Recently, the US Consulate General in Vladivostok received an official notice from the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia reminding us that American citizens may travel in so-called Border Zone Regime Territories (See section 1 below) only under very limited circumstances as regulated by FSB decree # 458 issued on September 10, 2007. In order to enter such Border Zone Regime Territories, a foreigner must have a passport, a migration card, and an FSB permit. An American who does not have the required documents may not enter.

There are also several other restricted areas (See section 2 below.) in the Russian Far East. The information below is, to the best of our knowledge, accurate as of 1 March 2008. The US Consulate, however, strongly encourages American citizens to check with the FSB before traveling to these regions, since access to the Border Zone Regime Territories and other restricted areas is subject to change.

Please note the following Border Zone Regime Territories in the Russian Far East: 

Chukotskiy Autonomous Okrug:

  The entire region is restricted. 

Kamchatskiy Kray:

Specific, limited towns and areas may be visited without special permission: Ivashka, Voyampolka, the south slopes of the Klyuchevskaya Sopka Volcano, the cities of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Yelizovo, and the villages of Paratunka, and Termalnyy. To enter other territories on the Kamchatka Peninsula, please check with the local Border Guard office.

Khabarovskiy Kray:

The city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur is restricted.

Primorskiy Kray:

The following towns and regions are restricted and require special permission:

Khasanskiy region – Khasan, Lebedinoye, Tsukanovo

  Ussuriyskiy city okrug – Korfovka

  Lesozavodskiy city okrug – Busse, Markovo, Verkhnemikhaylovka
  Also please take note of these other restricted areas in the Russian Far East: 

  Primorskiy Kray: 

  The following areas are restricted: Russkiy Island, Bolshoy Kamen, Fokino, Petrovka, Sukhodol, Dunay, Putyatin.

Americans living or traveling in Russia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the Department of State’s travel registration web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Russia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov, where current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

admin :: Aug.20.2008 :: Recent News, Travel Safely :: No Comments »

This warden message provides information for U.S. citizens in the Russian Federation regarding areas bordering the conflict zone in Georgia.

Areas Adjacent to the Conflict Zone — American citizens in the Russian Federation are advised to avoid North Ossetia, and all areas near the Russian-Georgian border. Although there is no information to suggest that the security situation in other areas of the Russian Federation has changed, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya.  American citizens residing in these areas should depart immediately, as the safety of Americans and other foreigners cannot be effectively guaranteed.

  Demonstrations — Spontaneous demonstrations in Russia, while infrequent, do occur. We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

For information on the situation in Georgia, travelers should consult the website of the Embassy in Tbilisi: http://georgia.usembassy.gov/ or the Department of State’s website at http://travel.state.gov. 

The U.S. Embassy’s consular section is located at Novinskiy Bulvar 21, Moscow, metro station Barrikadnaya.  The Embassy’s switchboard is tel. (7) (495) 728-5000, and the American Citizen Services Unit at tel. (7) (495) 728-5577, e-mail moscowwarden@state.gov. In the event of an after-hours emergency, please contact the main switchboard.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information for Russia, and health information resources can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 

U.S. Consulates General are located in:

St. Petersburg

  15 Ulitsa Furshtadtskaya, St. Petersburg 191028

  Tel:  (7) (812) 331-2600

  Fax:   (7) (812) 331-2646

  Email:  StPetersburgACS@state.gov

  Web site: http://stpetersburg.usconsulate.gov

  Vladivostok

  32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya, Vladivostok 690001

  Tel:  (7) (4232) 30-00-70

  Fax:  (7) (4232) 30-00-91

  After-hours emergencies:  (7) (4232) 71 00 67

  E-mail: vladcons@state.gov

  Web site: http://vladivostok.usconsulate.gov

Yekaterinburg  Ulitsa Gogolya 15a, 4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151  Tel: (7) (343)379-3001

  Fax: (7) (343) 379-4515

  After-hours emergencies: (7) 8 902 84 16653

  Email: consulyekat@state.gov

  Web site: http://yekaterinburg.usconsulate.gov 

admin :: Aug.20.2008 :: Recent News, Travel Safely :: No Comments »

With the fall of communist regime in former Soviet Union some years back, the so-called iron curtain over Russia was lifted. Now travel to Russia is easier. The places are open and people are friendly. But before starting your journey, make sure that you have completed all formalities like arranging visa, accommodation in Russia, and arranging other necessary documents. If you are confused about these formalities or want to know better about these, online help for the travelers to Russia is available. It is better to seek the service of a travel agency experienced in sending visitors to Russia for a smooth travel. There are some internet resources, which are also of great help when visiting Russia.

Russia is a land of magnificent buildings, warm and friendly people, and strict authorities. The person who wants to travel to the country must obtain a visa. The language spoken in the country is Russian and very few people will be able to understand English. There are some areas in Russia and nearby countries like Chechnya and Ossetia, where occasionally wars and fights break out. So it is better to avoid these places from your travel program. There are plenty of other beautiful places in Russia.
There are some practical aspects all Russian visitors must keep in mind. The plug points on the electricity lines in Russia are not the same as that in other countries in Europe. So a converter between the two modes is an essential item. The currency of Russia is Ruble. Currency exchange centers are quite common. But it is almost impossible to get money from a traveler’s check. Most banks do not honor them. But credit card companies like Visa and MasterCard are becoming increasingly popular. So credit cards should work. Only doubt is when using the credit cards of American Express. It is not that much known in this part of the world.
One of the expensive things in Russia even now is to make a telephone call. It is better to use a telephone card provided by some big international companies. It is always better to carry the kind of medicine you will need. The same kind of medicine may not be available and even if it is available, the language problems make buying medicines extremely difficult. Also, the quality of the water and food in Russia is not reliable. Some people say it is excellent. An equal number of people, if not more, say the quality of the water is of extremely poor quality. The accommodation in Russia ideally should be booked well in advance. There are online resources, which you can use for this purpose.
There are plenty of things in Russia to make the trip unforgettable. These include Hermitage, Kizhi, Kremlin, and Lapland Biosphere Research. The ideal time to visit the country is July and August. The months of May-June and September-October are good time for tour across the country. But it should be noted that all Russian guests must avoid the months of February to April.

anastasiak :: Aug.20.2008 :: Travel Guide :: No Comments »

Video Streaming
The game has changed. Video production for streaming videos on web sites, Streaming Videos, Streaming Videos, Streaming Videos and videos for branding and information are just among some of the reasons why video production has exploded onto the market place. Hello sheriff Video.

One can easily see the advantage of using video production with anything from sales and marketing to a training video when it is a one time one expense effort. Even when the marketing department or in house training staff requires a future accommodation on the video production it is accomplished more often than not with a easy edit to the preexisting video. Video editing can be done quickly as opposed to reprinting of graphics, or brochures, training manuals, product releases, branding, which require a new run. Of course there is the old problem of, “now what do we do with the cases of outdated brochures adventure!

And what about your trade shows. Have you thought of using video as the central focus point of you trade show display. Think of it. What you want to say, said the same way every time. A video is a great qualifier during the frenetic meanderings of customers wondering about what they are missing by being in one booth as opposed to another. Many a prospect is lost because the wrong prospect was approached by the sales staff while a potential “live one” slipped away. Watch the customers watch the video. Great for, any questions? Did you enjoy the video? You can review the same video on our web site. Would you like me to send you an email link to this and other videos about our product? And on and on.

Video Advertising
Think of it. . A single Video production can be used in several ways. The same video production with a one time expense can be used on a web site, sent out in DVD form to customers, used in email marketing campaigns and electronic press releases. More amazingly is the viral effect which makes for the simplicity one person passing the same material to another. A simple email to and the click of a mouse to a link and there in living color, sound and motion another viewer is created.

So what does it take to make the next academy award video? Not much.

Video Company
The process typically will involve your company and a video production team which will help your company go from script to screen leaving no loose ends. Your company needs no technical knowledge and you might be surprised at how fast you and your staff will catch on in taking the advice of what works and what does not work in the world of video production by such businesses. You can comfort in not having to deal with a number of disparate entities in putting a project together if you go to a full service video production company.

anastasiak :: Aug.20.2008 :: Trade Shows :: No Comments »

Here is where we begin our journey of the Kerala state, a lush green land where you would witness nature at its best. A peep into the past of the Kerala State, is where we begin our Kerala tour.

The beginning

The birth of the Kerala State, as you see it today took place in the year 1956. With the reorganization of the states that took place, the princely states were all combined and brought together under one head. Thus, the merger or the coming together of the states of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar marked the beginning of the Kerala State. Glimpses of the royal past and their creations are still important landmarks and major tourist attraction that go to make Kerala Tourism a soulful experience. The towering Padmanabha Swamy temple in the Kerala state capital of Thiruvananthapuram, the palace adjoining it (”Kudra Malika”) all stand testimony to the bravery and courage of the kings who made great contributions to the rich cultural heritage of Kerala State.

Here I would like to make special mention of the word “Kottaram”. At many destinations of your Kerala tour you would come across the word “Kottaram”. The word “Kottaram” in Malayalam (the official language of Kerala state) means a palace. The palaces in Kerala are very different from those found in North India. The palaces in the state are known for their exquisite woodwork, the intricate carvings and the attention to detail that went into constructing it.

Some basic facts

Holidays can be truly a wonderful experience, it is a good break from the daily pressures and a getaway to a beautiful land that offers you a rejuvenating experience. However, when you do travel to a new land it is very important that you are equipped with the right information. You also must make all your bookings (as regards travel and stay) in advance to avoid any kind of disappointment. So we thought at the outset it would be best to provide you a few basic facts about the scenic land:

• Location: Kerala state is located in southern India.

India is a country located in the Asian continent. For international or foreign tourists to visit the state passport and visa formalities need to be completed as per the laid down rules and regulations. The visa needs to be obtained from the Government of India. You do not require a separate visa to travel within the country to the different states. It is important that you comply with the law of the country and possess all the required documents like your passport and visa. For passport and visa formalities, contact the concerned Government of India site.

• State capital: Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum is the capital of Kerala state

• Official language: Malayalam (although people here do speak English and Hindi and so you would not have any difficulty in getting around).

• Number of districts: 14

- Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum (also the capital of Kerala State)

- Kollam (Quilon)

- Kottayam

- Idukki

- Ernakulam

- Thrissur (Trichur)

- Palakkad(Palghat)

- Malappuram

- Wayanad

- Kozhikode (Calicut)

- Kannur (Cannanore)

- Kasargod

Kerala state has the very best of modern facilities and so you can be assured of a convenient and comfortable stay. Access to ATMs, telephones and the internet is readily available. All the main shops and hotels accept major credit cards, so you are assured of absolute convenience.

Cotton clothes would be the most comfortable wear considering the weather conditions. It is advisable to carry your pair of sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, hats and a mosquito repellant.
Do take care of all your personal belongings. In case of any requirements, it would be best to take help from the Kerala Police rather than follow instructions from strangers.

Would you like to have a real life Kerala Tour right now online? Then click any of the links in this article and join the Kerala State social network to experience Kerala at it’s best…

anastasiak :: Aug.17.2008 :: Travel Guide :: No Comments »

On the south coast of Lanzarote below a range of steep hills you will find Puerto Del Carmen the islands major resort. The main feature and why the area is so popular may have something to do with a spectacular two mile (3km) of golden beach backed by a main road.

The beach is a favorite with families as the sheltered beach offers safe bathing, and there are several water-based activities available including pedalo, banana boat rides and plenty more.

It is alongside the beach that you will find the promenade of Avenida De Las Playas or more commonly known as ‘The Strip’ walking along here you will find electrical stores, duty-free and tourist stalls, don’t miss all of the fabulous boutiques and clothes shops in the Old Town.

Those who like to take a stroll in the evening will find many fine restaurants near the harbor in the Old Town.

The Old Town still has a feeling of old world charm, but the resort is mostly a holiday complex with lots of entertainment on offer to suit all ages. Puerto Del Carmen is centrally located and the center of Lanzarotes nightlife, because of the location you are within easy access to all the islands key attractions.

On a Sunday why not head out to Tequise in a taxi, here you will find the local market, on offer you can find locally produced goods, pottery, tablecloths and much more.

Puerto Del Carmen has an abundance of restaurants to choose from, it doesn’t matter what taste buds you have there is something to suit everyone. While walking around you will find most of the restaurants along ‘The Strip’. There are restaurants offering local cuisine also you will find Mexican, Chinese, and Indian restaurants.

A great choice for families would be Harley Rock this is an American style diner, Lani’s is a favorite offering local and English cuisine.

Many people go back to this lovely island year after year sometimes maybe once or twice a year. For those looking for a property in Lanzarote , this is the best way to go about it, if you come a few times it gives you the chance to explore the island further to decide where you would like to live best.

There are houses, apartments, fincas (farms), and some areas lovely bungalows; it is worth hiring a car to explore the island further to find that ideal Lanzarote property for sale of your dreams.

There are certain steps you must take if you have selected your dream home or investment property. The way you buy property back home is totally different to buying property abroad; it is of paramount importance that you fully understand the purchasing process.

All the proper legal channels have to be adhered to and you must never part with any money until you have gone through this process.

The first thing for you to do would be to get yourself a good lawyer or agent, they will then make a local search on the property you are wishing to purchase at the land registry.

This is really important to make sure there are no outstanding charges or mortgage against the property. They will also do a second search to check for any outstanding bills like electricity, local rates or water or more importantly community charge.

Buying property for sale in Lanzarote like anywhere else requires the help of legal advice.

anastasiak :: Aug.17.2008 :: Travel Guide :: No Comments »