Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 /
Laura
Where to find the solace of silence.
Spend a day walking the downtown streets of almost any city, and odds are, you’ve just gone over the government’s safety recommendations for exposure to noise. We are everywhere blasted by sound: traffic, construction, passing radios, the blare of TVs, and the constant ring of cell phones not quite drowning out the sound of airplanes passing overhead.
Go to ForbesTraveler.com to view the slideshow
The problem is, noise has been proven to raise stress levels, can potentially cause heart and immune system problems, and raise blood pressure. Some studies even show noise can alter brain chemistry in less than fun ways.
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 /
Laura
Ten urban centers (or centres) closely associated with unmitigated joy.
Ever since Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers appeared in the 1933 film “Flying Down to Rio,” the world has been fascinated with Rio de Janeiro. Popular perception of the city is infused with images of starry-eyed youngsters dancing into the dusk, backed by imposing mountains and dark sea.
Go to ForbesTraveler.com to view the slideshow
That view has propelled Rio to the top of the ForbesTraveler.com list of the world’s happiest cities. Famous for its annual Carnaval festival (starting Feb. 13 next year), the second-largest metropolis in South America finished first among 50 cities in a recent survey conducted by policy advisor Simon Anholt and market researcher GfK Custom Research North America.
Monday, December 28th, 2009 /
Laura
Over the past 8 years, I have worked almost every day to help my daughter with issues related to her having autism. I am truly grateful because she has improved greatly since being diagnosed at the age of 2. Along the way, a variety of autism therapies have been tried. Three of the most effective have been RDI (Relationship Development Intervention), Autism Movement Therapy and horse riding therapy. I am going to write another blog post soon about a meeting between the leaders of RDI and Autism Movement Therapy. For now, I want to focus on Autism Movement Therapy. Simply put, my daughter loves this program. I do too.
Sunday, December 27th, 2009 /
Laura
Recently at the 30th Annual World Travel Market in the United Kingdom, three of Grenada’s hoteliers were given the prestigious awards of best hotels in their category at the 2009 Virgin Holidays Annual Awards Ceremony. This is according to Gizelle Lau of TripAtlas.com.
The top 3 hotels in Grenada, which is also known as the Spice Island:
Spice Island Beach Resort. For the fourth year, Sir Royston O Hopkin KCMG’s 5-star Spice Island Beach Resort was recognized and awarded Gold in the Best Platinum Hotel category. This family-run boutique resort offers the flavour of Grenada with luxury accommodations alongside the golden sands of the world-famous Grand Anse Beach and lemon trees in the distance. With 32 stunning rooms and 17 suites with private swimming pools, luxury is as its finest here at the Spice Island Beach Resort.
Thursday, December 24th, 2009 /
Laura
Not Only Christmas Day
Lord, this is my prayer
Not only on Christmas Day
But until I see You face to face
May I live my life this way:
Just like the baby Jesus
I ever hope to be,
Resting in Your loving arms
Trusting in Your sovereignty.
And like the growing Christ child
In wisdom daily learning,
May I ever seek to know You
With my mind and spirit yearning.
Like the Son so faithful
Let me follow in Your light,
Meek and bold, humble and strong
Not afraid to face the night.
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 /
Laura
If you’re looking for love while working abroad, consider a move to Thailand.
And pray head office doesn’t send you to Qatar. A survey of over 3,100 expatriates around the world by HSBC Bank International compared their experiences while living and working abroad. Almost half of expats surveyed in Thailand said they found love in the country, compared with just four per cent who had the same good luck in India or Qatar.
Canada was judged the best place in the world overall to live as an expatriate. Australia was in second place and Thailand in third.
This is a preview of
The Best Countries For Expatriates and Finding Love
.
Read the full post (255 words, 2 images, estimated 1:01 mins reading time)
Friday, December 18th, 2009 /
Laura
Calling all garden enthusiasts! Ride the rails for a tour of Canada’s best blooms.
You don’t have to have a large yard or a green thumb to appreciate the splendour of a beautiful garden. In fact, you don’t have to do any work at all. According to Elizabeth Rogers of 50Plus.com, gardens are a source of pride and pleasure in many communities across Canada, and they’re popular destinations in their own right.
Thursday, December 17th, 2009 /
Laura
Montreal Saunas is the fastest growing sauna company in the province of Quebec. In fact, it is one of the fastest growing sauna companies in all of Canada. Denis Bernier and the rest of the staff at Montreal Saunas are very knowledgeable about the sauna industry. Montreal Saunas has a wide selection of saunas and offers free shipping throughout Canada. Along with outstanding customer service, the staff will answer your questions promptly and honestly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is infrared?
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 /
Laura
These places to stay offer every little elegant touch–some, even at a discount. This is according to Richard Carnell of Forbestraveler.com
Check in to Paris’ Le Meurice late in the day, and you’ll be just in time for afternoon tea, the highlight of which will be resident pastry chef, Camille Lesecq’s “detox macaroon.” Flavored with green tea and candied pink grapefruit cream, the treat is impossibly light but intensely flavorful.
Go to ForbesTraveler.com to view the slideshow
