Truck Accident Lawyers Servicing Green Bay

If you need a Green Bay truck accident lawyer, or have been involved in a truck accident in or around the Green Bay area, including Allouez, Ashwaubenon, De Pere, Suamico and Bellevue it is vital that you partner with a skilled attorney that handles Wisconsin truck injury accidents. At Gordon, Elias & Seely, we fight for your rights and tirelessly work to help you receive the highest payout possible. Also, Gordon, Elias & Seely focuses their practice on a nationwide level and constantly works with other law firms, which means that you will be hiring lawyers with further reach and deeper resources than local firms.

At Gordon, Elias & Seely L.L.P., which is located at 1811 Bering, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77057, we represent Green Bay residents on a contingency basis which means that if there is no recovery, then you pay absolutely no fees or expenses. There are no initial, out-of-pocket expenses to you. We manage your case while you focus on recovering from serious trucking accident injuries caused by:

• Rear-End, Head-On Crashes and Jackknives
• Poor Maintenance, including Tires and Brakes
• Driver Fatigue or Drivers that Fall Asleep
• Unsecured Loads or Unsecured Cargo
• Aggressive Driving, Improper Lane Change or Speeding
• DWI / Drug Use
• Lack of Reflectors, Poor Visibility and Blind Spots
• Dangerous Roads

Many people don’t realize that, due to considerably larger insurance policies, commercial truck accidents can result in much higher cash settlements than traditional auto accidents. Which is one of the primary reasons why it is critical that you hire a law firm that focuses all of its time, energy and resources specifically with truck accident cases. So, if you have suffered serious injuries to your back or neck or burns to any portion of your body; or, worse yet, if a family member has died due to a wrongful death or has suffered a brain injury, then call 1-800-773-6770. Our phones are answered 24/7/365 by actual truck accident lawyers.

So if you have been involved in a serious truck wreck with:

• Tanker Trucks – Oilfield Trucks- Pipe Haulers- Chemical Trucks and other trucks with trailers carrying hazardous materials
• Slow Moving – Log Trucks, Garbage Trucks, Dump Trucks, Cement Trucks, Gravel Trucks and Construction Zone Trucks entering and exiting a highway construction zone, Wide-Load Convoys, Bulldozers,
• Farm Equipment and slow moving Paving Equipment
• Freight Liners, UPS, DHL, Fed-Ex, U-Haul, Mayflower and other van lines
• Shuttle Bus, Casino Buses to and from New Mexico, Vacation Bus, Tour Bus, Greyhound Buses
• Most all other 18-wheeler, Big-Rig, Flatbeds, Tractor/Trailer combinations

We will help take care of your immediate needs and work to get you the cash settlement that you deserve for your pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of wages, medical bills and other disabilities.

Click here to contact us for a free consultation.

Green Bay Social Security Disability and SSDI Lawyer

If your Green Bay, Wisconsin social security disability benefits have been denied, now is the time to contact us at 800-667-5734 and start receiving the benefits that you deserve. For over 22 years, our attorneys have been helping individuals receive Social Security and SSI disability benefits entitled to them by the Federal Government.

Below are simply a few of the reasons why you should choose Green Bay social security disability lawyer, Gerard “Jerry” Lynch to represent you in your claim:

• We charge no fees unless we win your claim.
• With over 20 years of experience, our lawyers have represented well over 2,000 social security and disability claims, bringing an unparalleled level of experience to your case.
• Our law firm helps guide you through each step of the legal process, from initial claim through federal court appeal actions, if necessary.
• Due to our experience in the claim process, we can help calculate the appropriate benefits that you deserve.
• You are given a free consultation so that you can see if we are right firm for your case.

Gerard “Jerry” Lynch also represents disabled persons in Allouez, Ashwaubenon, De Pere, Suamico, Bellevue and other surrounding areas.

If you are ready to start receiving the social security disability benefits or supplemental security income benefits that you deserve, click here to contact us today!

For video answers to all of your social security disability questions, click here, if you speak Spanish visit our Spanish social security website at: http://www.AbogadodeSeguroSocial.com. Visit our social security disability lawyer blog.

Phuket The Pearl Of The Andaman

Located 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the South. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South’s wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the Southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.

Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year – the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of Phuket is between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23 and 33 degree.

Thailand’s property outlook continues to remain very healthy, especially in the luxury villa rental market according to international property analysts. There are many factors that are supporting the growth of the villa rental market, such as increasingly wealthy professionals from Hong Kong and Singapore taking advantage of luxury villas at very competitive rates globally, as well as increasing numbers of expatriates around Asia with a high disposable income. As Thailand is just a few hours away from 2 thirds of the global population there is a huge potential market to tap into.

There is an ever growing choice of luxury villas for rent throughout Thailand, however it is Phuket that offers some of the best properties for luxury vacations. Phuket also has the most developed infrastructure with excellent roads, hospitals, and all the amenities one could need. Developers are recognizing a trend in that guests no longer just want to sit by the beach all day every day and now villa developments are appearing around Marinas, near golf courses and mountains throughout the island offering unparalleled choice for the guest.

Phuket has an impressive portfolio of first class resorts and hotels and serves as the perfect home-base from which to explore the other provinces and islands in the region. The waters of Southern Thailand are internationally renowned for their vitality of marine life, striking coral reefs and high visibility. There are numerous dive companies conducting trips around the Phuket and Andaman seas, especially the Similan Islands. Most of these operators offer the full range of courses, in many different languages, affiliated to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced diver, the Southern bounty of sea life will make your dive an event never to be forgotten.

Another favorite pastime for travelers to Phuket is sailing. The Andaman region holds a treasure-trove of lagoons and bays perfect for sailing and stands as a gateway to prime sailing spots such as Langkawi, the Mergui Archipelago and the Similan Islands. Yachts and motor boats may be chartered from the Phuket Yacht Haven Marina or the Boat Lagoon for day trips, overnight excursions and live-aboard adventure tours. A number of companies also conduct accredited sailing and dive courses. Managers of luxurious villas often can arrange everything for you too making the vacation as enjoyable and stress free as possible.

Other activities include golf. Dotted throughout the Southern provinces are a number of golf courses of international standard. Phuket Island alone boasts four prestigious courses, Phang-Nga and Surat-Thani are also home to some stunning greens. There are some great choices of villa rentals around these golf courses catering to the die hard fans of the sport.

Bed and Breakfast on the Kona Coffee Belt

While most people don’t associate coffee farms with Hawaii, it is the only state in the Union that has the climate and soil where coffee plants can flourish. Rich, slightly acidic volcanic soil, sunny mornings with cloudy afternoons and over 60 inches of rain during the summer months provide the perfect environment to grow primo coffee.

There are numerous traditional Hawaiian coffees cultivated in the Hawaiian Isles, but for this trip, I chose to visit the Big Island of Hawaii to tour the agricultural region where Kona Coffee is farmed.

To further experience the real “aloha” of Hawaii, husband Shaun and I opted to kip at two very distinctive Bed & Breakfasts nestled in the Kona Coffee Belt instead of the typical resort hotel where most palm tree smitten tourists go.

Roger Diltz, proprietor of Aloha Farms Bed and Breakfast formerly A Place of Refuge B&B, gave us crucial directions to find his home (elevation 800 feet) in between Kealakekua Bay and Puuhonua O Honaunau National Park (City of Refuge). When trying to find any location in this region, it is wise to drive during daylight as the roads are not well marked and street signs that not so easily discernible during the day are almost invisible at night.

Prior to our arrival at this eco-tourist B&B, Roger, off fishing for the catch of the day, left his dog Koa and a note on the door to greet us. Disarming at first, this Rottweiler/Lab mix became our companion for an early walk of the grounds before breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

We thought an alarm might be necessary. But as daylight broke, the sounds of the “jungle” began as single twitter and within 20 minutes the birds had orchestrated their calls into a full blown crescendo of tweets, cackles and whistles.

The aroma of Kona coffee wafted through the house as Roger prepared a rib-sticking breakfast complete with Jaboticaba syrup over coconut hotcakes. The view during breakfast from the lanai (covered porch) was exactly as you would imagine, a tropical forest of exotic flora backdropped by an indigo ocean as far as a person could see.

The evenings at Aloha Farms were quite amusing. We were invaded by hordes of nocturnal Geckos as they arrived in full force sticking to the walls like gum to a shoe. These timid chartreuse lizards kept the mosquitoes at bay as did the potted Citronella plants. In the distance, the echoing thump of five-pound avocados dropping from over-burdened tree limbs would usually lead Koa to investigate just in case it might be a wild pig.

Still each morning we didn’t plan the normal tourist diet of snorkel, kayak or swim-with-the-dolphin excursions. Instead, we tediously tried to map out the hidden farms nestled in this region that is only two to three miles wide, twenty miles long and spans the southwest coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. We wanted to find out how Kona coffee was grown, picked, pulped, fermented, dried, milled (hulled) and roasted. (You didn’t realize that there were so many processes to get that eye-opening cup each morning, now did you?)

Our itinerary took us first to Langenstein Farms where manager Darcee Lucas met us for a non-traditional cupping.

As we entered the roasting room, Darcee had placed three china cups starkly alone with a pot of freshly brewed coffee on a corner table; no cream or sugar in sight. Shaun, an instant coffee drinker, frowned; I got the “How am I going to drink coffee without milk?” look.

As Darcee poured, she said, “Now take your cup and look at the oils floating on top of the coffee. Notice the colors. Smell the coffee. Now, drink the coffee.” We sipped this classically delicate, cleanly fruity, floral Kona cup of coffee. I could see a sigh of relief from Shaun. “I can actually drink this coffee black, it almost tastes sweet and without the sugar,” said Shaun.

My ulterior motive had now been exposed; I wanted to get my instant coffee drinking Brit of a husband down the path to enjoying a proper brewed cupper. Its mild taste appeared to have won him over.

Our trek took us on to Pele Plantations, overlooking Kealakekua Bay, where Captain Cook discovered the Hawaiian Islands. Owners Gus and Cynthia Brockson were busily roasting and packing online orders ready to be shipped.

Their Kona Coffee farm is Certified Organic, which means that the coffee is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. These organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture.

According to the Brocksons, it is not enough to have a certified organic coffee farm: “In order to call Kona coffee ‘organic,’ it must also be processed at a facility with equipment and procedures that are certified organic. We’re proud to be one of only four processors in Kona to have received this status.”

Heading up Koa Road, we visited KOA Plantations, which is situated at an elevation of 2,500 feet on the slopes of the Hawaiian volcano, Mauna Loa. Located in the small town of Captain Cook, this is the only farm where we were able to see Kona blossom as well as green and red cherry all on the same plant. The sweet smell of the blossom — fondly dubbed “Kona snow” – reminded me of its sister plant, the Gardenia. During May, the blossoms give way to the green coffee fruit; it is a rare sight to see red cherry at the lower elevations this time of year.

KOA Plantations has a state-of-the-art wet mill facility from Colombia, a dry mill from Brazil and their entire parchment/green bean is temperature and humidity controlled.

In the roasting room, we watched the beans being roasted in a large commercial roaster. The temperature and time were carefully monitored so as not to burn the beans. “The most important thing is to listen for the first crack,” said tour guide John Langenstein. After about 15 minutes, the coffee beans literally “pop” as they expand. This first “crack” signifies the first roast, which a mildly roasted coffee commonly referred to as American roast. The second “crack” is a much darker roast of coffee.

Tired and hungry, we made our way down the highway to Old Tobacco Road, which is an old farm road and rough enough to suggest that a four-wheel drive vehicle might be necessary. It is a mile long drive up to our next digs through orchards of coffee and macadamia nuts. We arrive at the upscale Aloha Guest House owned and operated by Johann Timmerman and Greg Garriss along with resident artist Lino Laure.

The grounds at Aloha Guest House were impeccably manicured for a tropical estate where the vines and foliage grow at an accelerated rate! Exotic flowers and fruits thrive in this volcanic rock.

We are greeted by Lino and pooch Mango, who, as it turned out, liked to scratch her back – every morning — on a chair just outside our room’s private entrance creating quite a commotion. (She became our onsite alarm clock.)

Aloha Guest House — located 1500 feet above the Kona coast where the climate is tempered by the cool ocean breezes — features such amenities as a seven-person Jacuzzi spa, HDTV, WI-FI, a shared guest kitchenette and a 24-hour coffee and tea bar serving up freshly brewed 100% Kona Peaberry coffee – their own private label grown and roasted by Kena Coffee Farms.

Breakfast, prepared by Johann, was usually a simplistic version of haute cuisine and was served at a grand dining table with elegant table settings; exotic flowers included.

Throughout the B&B paintings by Lino Laure are showcased. Lino’s natural talent is apparent; he paints the wonders of the Hawaiian Islands taking into account the minutest details only an artist would note.

Yet, daytime beckoned us to leave all this luxury behind in order to complete our eco-tour.

A trip to Greenwell Farms in Kealakekua, Hawaii, took us on a historical familial journey that dates back to 1850 when Henry Nicholas Greenwell left England and first set foot on the fertile soil of rural Kona.

Together with his wife, Elizabeth Caroline, Henry spent the next forty years farming, ranching and perfecting his Kona Coffee, soon exporting it to Europe and the Americas.

Today, the farm is managed by the descendants of Henry and Elizabeth, and grows its own coffee on 150 acres of the most productive land in the Kona District. Greenwell Farms offers walking tours of the coffee fields and processing facilities that run continuously from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A stone-throw away is the Kona Historical Society’s Living History Farm Tour. This seven-acre farm was homesteaded in the 1900’s by Japanese immigrants. The tour is an interpretation of the daily life of coffee farmers in the early 20th century brought to life through the use of historic buildings, artifacts, authentic landscapes, live animals, working machinery, and producing gardens, orchards and fields.

David Bateman, owner of Heavenly Hawaiian Farms, observed that the process is much the same today: “Because not all the cherry ripens at the same time there usually are four to six pickings during the picking season. Pickers manually pick the red cherry fruit containing the coffee beans. A good picker can pick 400 pounds of cherry in a day. Some pickers have picked as much as 1,200 pounds per day, all by hand, bean by bean.” The standard ratio of cherry to produce a pound of roasted coffee is seven to one.

Nearby at Lehuula Farms, Owner Bob Nelson readies his equipment for a batch of cherry that needs to be pulped and dried. Besides owning a pulper, Bob – a transplant from Alaska — has one of two unique apparatuses in the Islands that dry the coffee bean through a dehumidifying process that he uses to speed up the drying process. Most farms – including Lehuula — still sun-dry their beans on large decks to a moisture level between 10 and 13 percent.

This four-acre coffee farm – sited at 1400 feet on the western slope of Hualalai Mountain — currently supports more than 4,000 coffee trees many of which are 90 or more years old and are said to provide an exceptionally tasting coffee that cannot be found in younger trees. “The cherry is as good as it is ever going to be,” said Bob about the picked cherry, reminding us that there is always a way to spoil it through the many steps that it takes to process coffee.

Dr. Joe Alban explained that on his coffee farm he produces 35 percent more cherry than at other coffee farms due to his unique vineyard style coffee groves. Sold at $65 per pound, it is the world’s first trellised coffee plantation owned and operated by Dr. Joe Alban and wife Deepa.

Kona Joe® Trellised Coffee holds USA Patent 6,449,898 B1 for “Method and Apparatus for Enhancing Coffee Bean Production” and has been recognized for adapting fine wine growing techniques to coffee production. “The inspiration for adapting traditional viticultural practices to coffee growing came from our family vineyard, Alban Vineyards, an award-winning vineyard and winery located in the Central Coast of California,” said Joe.

Kona Joe Coffee will sponsor the first-ever Barista competition to be held at this year’s Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, a 10-day festival that takes place in early November when the harvest of Kona Coffee is well underway.

I came to Kona to see how coffee was grown and what an education I received. Anyone can go on this journey to see the workings of a coffee farm, without a passport and without apprehension about traveling to a foreign country.

Each morning as I grab my freshly-brewed cup of java, I have a deep respect for the labor intensive process it takes to produce coffee and the farmers that who work tirelessly to bring us this commodity we can’t seem to do without.

The Puerto Vallarta Iguanas

No idea of where to go for a holiday escapade? Why don’t you try Puerto Vallarta? Most people are desiring to enter the haven and paradise world of Puerto Vallarta and you could be one of those aspirants! For one, there is the Banderas Bay. The place is fit for sunbathing, snorkeling, and surfing. If you love these activities then Puerto Vallarta is the best place to stay! There is no need to worry about the facilities and accommodations because there are inclusive condos and hotels all over the place. In Puerto Vallarta, you will be communing with nature in a relaxing manner. There are colorful butterflies, bountiful tropical flora, egrets, pelicans, scissor tails, geckos, and Puerto Vallarta iguanas! When it comes to the enjoyable activities, Puerto Vallarta is also rich with them. Golf courses and bars abound the area. With all of its captivating sceneries, Puerto Vallarta has not only been once featured in Hollywood movies! In fact, it was in the year 1963 when the place was taken to center stage with the film “Night of the Iguana”. You might as well want to take a glimpse of the captivating place of Puerto Vallarta during one of your vacations.

A native Puerto Vallarta travel would be to take the local bus. The trip will not be boring since there are drumming, tooting flutes, “bus-kers”, singing, and strumming on board that do the entertainment of the passengers. As you reach your destination, you can settle in at a homey environment as offered by the number of hotels and condos around the area. The Puerto Vallartans are very hospitable in a sense that they will take care of you up to the utmost manner. You can go bar hopping, go to galleries, listen to the music, surf, snorkel, scuba dive, enjoy the lush beauty of nature, walk by the seashore, swim, tour the caves, and see the Puerto Vallarta iguanas.   

Because Puerto Vallarta is a place that is close to nature, the Puerto Vallarta iguanas thrive in it. They can be seen thriving close to streams and rivers. They can usually be seen atop the trees basking under the sun, eating fruits, seeds, flowers, and leaves of the bushes, and then diving into the water especially when predators aim at them. The Puerto Vallarta iguanas are fast runners and splendid swimmers. Other habitats of the Puerto Vallarta iguanas are the cacti, burrows, and shrubs. Beforehand, the Puerto Vallarta iguanas can be spotted near the coastlines but since the time that the area has been frequented by travelers and visitors, these reptiles had been forced to retreat into the further sides of the island. They do love to bask under the sun because they need to regulate their body temperatures.

For most of the visitors of Puerto Vallarta, they get inspired to keep the Puerto Vallarta iguanas for domestic pets. When these reptiles sense an oncoming attack, they usually strike its tail, bite, or scratch the enemy as a way of its defense mechanism. Aside from this, they prove to be harmless to humans.

Like other animals, the existence of the Puerto Vallarta iguanas are now also at risk especially with the rate in the destruction of their natural dwellings. The clamor of the Puerto Vallarta iguanas may be taken as the restoration of their habitats so that they can enjoy their existence more.

Orlando’s Dinner Attractions

Medieval Times

Get ready to be blasted into the past with the Medieval Times Dinner Show.  It recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in North America and now you can see this highly successful, entertaining, and festive show live in Orlando. It embraces the experience of medieval celebrations, taking you back to the time of King Arthur and his royal table. 

This attraction is inspired by the true medieval tradition of royal families inviting their guests to feast and watch knights compete on horseback.  You are personally invited as a guest of the king.  Sit back and enjoy the horseback jousting competition from the comfort of your stadium seating view.  There is never a bad seat in the house.  Divided up in to several sections, you will be assigned to a particular knight.  Cheer him on as loud and a proud as you like as he battles it out for the heart of the princess. 

As you view the competition from your stadium view, you will be treated to a feast fit for a king. Guests will be able to dine on garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, spare ribs, potatoes, and pastries. A vegetarian meal is also available, upon request.  Drinks are included and include coffee, two rounds of select beverages and a full-cash bar is available to your every need. 

With exceptional equestrian skills, swordsmanship, hand-to-hand combat, acting, costumes, and pageantry, you will feel as if you are back in the past.  Authentic costumes and weapons are used throughout the show and it is as if you have never left the medieval times.  Even the horses are the same authentic breed that were used in the medieval times. Medieval Times uses Quarter Horses, Friesians, Menorcans, and Spanish Andalusians (the horses originally used by medieval royalty). 

Arabian Nights Dinner Show 

Explore a magical story filled with fantasy, romance, and adventure at Arabian Nights. Voted the number one dinner show in Orlando, Arabian Nights unfolds a fairy tale right before your eyes, set in a 140,000 square foot indoor climate controlled equestrian arena, which is the largest in the world. Watch as the expert riders perform incredible feats astride magnificent stallions, all the while enjoying a sumptuous feast fit for an Arabian prince. 

In Arabian Nights, the entire audience is invited to celebrate the birthday of the beautiful Princess Scheherezade.  However, the party is threatened when an unexpected guest arrives.  In order to save the day, the princess’ genie must summon the power of the Black Stallion.  Love will fight to overcome evil in this classic, touching tale of a princess and her prince that combines the glamour of Broadway, the adventure of the West, and the excitement of Ancient Rome. 

The Black Stallion is the star of Arabian Nights, Walter Farley’s famous horse that has starred in several films and a television series.  Along with 65 other horses from around the world, including several Arabian and Andalusian horses, 40 incredible performers put on a unique spectacle in this one hour and thirty-minute production. Twenty-two distinct acts transition into each other flawlessly, with incredible spectacles such as a Chariot Race from ancient Rome, square dancing cowboys, and gypsies performing daredevil stunts. 

Enjoy a sumptuous meal fit for a king at Arabian Nights.  This four course feast includes: 

Fresh vegetable lasagna, green garden salad, New York steak strips, Chicken tenders, grilled chicken breast, Black Angus steak, Garlic mashed potatoes, Fresh vegetable medley, rolls with butter, unlimited house beer, wine and soft drinks, a delicious slice of the princesses wedding cake. 

Pirates Dinner Adventure

Ahoy Mateys, and welcome to Pirates Dinner Adventure.  Jump aboard and follow us on a swashbuckling dinner adventure to the high seas.  Enjoy the talented cast and a meal fit for a king, as you watch the colorful story unfold right before your eyes. 

At Pirates Dinner Adventure, you do not just watch the show; you are put right into the action.  Enter the lagoon, where your pirate ship and team captain await you.  As we set sail out on to the high seas, cheer on your team captains and teammates as they battle for the fight of good and evil, all with one goal in mind, the pirate’s booty.  Interact with the crew in pirate games, songs, and challenges.  Acclaimed as “the world’s most unique interactive dinner show,” you will be amazed by the incredible sword play, aerial artists, and acrobatics.  It is a perfect show for all ages, even the little ones will be able to get involved in all of the fun.

Following the pre-meal pirate party, enjoy the show as you wine and dine on the delectable meals provided by your friendly and hospitable wait staff.  With salad, a chicken or seafood option for your entrée, dessert, wine, and beer, you will leave the show both happy and full.

Polynesian Luau 

The Makahiki Polynesian Luau dinner show is one of the most exciting and memorable attractions in Orlando. In addition to flaming fire, traditional Hawaiian music, and spectacular performances, guests are also served a delicious full course meal.  

While on your Florida vacation, spend an evening being whisked away to gorgeous Hawaii, with cultural music, dance, and a full course meal.  The authenticity of this dinner show is impossible to beat, and a must do for all vacationers, young and old. 

The Makahiki Luau Polynesian Feast and Celebration at SeaWorld Florida is held nightly in the “Luau Terrace,” a non smoking, air conditioned dining room inside the park. 

If you are coming to Florida for the tropical atmosphere, kick it up a notch by sitting in on the Makahiki Luau Dinner Show at Sea World. A volcanic eruption is about the only thing missing in this authentic Hawaiian atmosphere.

The celebration of man’s co-existence with the earth and sea takes place at the Seafire Inn. Guests at the luau are greeted by Hawaiians and then whisked away to the faraway island Hawaii through spectacular entertainment.  

Guests will learn about the history, customs, music and dance, costumes, culture, and cuisine of the Pacific Islands.  Lucky audience members might get a chance to learn to hula on stage when the Polynesian Hula Dancers take the stage to the rhythmic sounds of live Hawaiian music.  However, no audience member will want to be on stage once the fire dances begin. 

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, guests are served a full course meal of authentic Hawaiian food. The exotic menu of tropical delights at Sea World’s Polynesian Luau finalizes your exciting journey to Hawaii.  Guests are served family style so they can really dig in to a full course meal of tropical salad and fruit plate, Mahi Mahi in Piña Colada Sauce, Sweet and Sour Pork, Hawaiian Chicken, rice, vegetable medley, seasonal dessert, the usual beverages, and one complimentary cocktail. 

It’s no wonder the Polynesian Luau at Sea World is hailed as one of the best dinner shows in Orlando. The fantastic dancers, unforgettable music, and delicious Hawaiian cuisine create an experience you don’t want to miss.

Capone’s Dinner and Show 

Somewhere along Highway 192 in Kissimmee, you will find an innocent ice cream parlor. However, as with so much in the Orlando area, there’s more here than meets the eye. For you see, the ice cream parlor is really just a front for a speakeasy, Prohibition style. Yes, we’ve gone back in time again to 1930s Chicago, where the action owes a lot to Damon Runyon via Guys and Dolls and the Chicago accents sound straight out of Brooklyn. 

Capone’s Dinner & Show is a cheerful mishmash of Broadway show, nightclub cabaret, sketch comedy, revue and all you can eat Italian buffet style.  Dinner includes the usual soft drinks, plus beer, sangria, and rum runners. In addition, there’s a cash bar for serious drinkers. 

The fun begins when you arrive and pick up your tickets at the box office. You are instructed to knock three times at the secret door and give a password.  Then you get in line outside, where black-vested waiters warm up the crowd with the wisecracking rudeness that is to become the evening’s hallmark.  So be forewarned – do not wear garish tourist garb unless you can take some good natured ribbing. 

Once the show is ready to begin, each party is led to the secret door, knocks three times, and gives the password, and they don not let you in until you get it right. Once inside, you are in a spacious nightclub with a large stage.  

The waiters, with names like Babyface take drink orders and keep up a cheerful patter laced with film noir gangster patois. Much of the seating is in long rows of tables, so you will have a chance to talk with the folks on either side of you.  It’s a great fun way to get an idea of the wide cross section of types and nationalities drawn to Orlando. 

The show, which revolves around two pairs of star crossed lovers, freely borrows plot elements from Guys and Dolls, Some Like It Hot, and any number of old gangster movies. Best of all is the kewpie doll leading lady, dumb and delicious, with a voice that would shatter fine crystal. The cast relies heavily on intentionally bad jokes and audience interaction to generate laughs. More often than not they succeed. Throw in some leggy chorines, a bit of torch singing, and a better than average buffet dinner and you have a winning combo that has stood Orlando’s test of time.  It’s hard not to like this bunch, even if they don’t always shoot straight. 

WonderWorks Magic Show 

At Wonderworks, there is an interactive attraction in the upside down house. 

Every night, in a small 130 seat nightclub like room at the back of Mazzarella’s Pizzeria, you can see a one hour show featuring some truly first rate performers.  The show changes from time to time, sometimes called Shazam, sometimes called Night of Wonder or The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, but the basic formula remains pretty much the same, whether the accent is on Vegas-style razzle dazzle or broad comedy.  Most shows progress from standard playing card and ball tricks to some truly amazing stunts.  Often you will see some personal object borrowed from an audience member get smashed or burned beyond recognition only to reappear in perfect condition elsewhere.  Some tricks involve elaborate contraptions in which the stars are locked and sometimes chopped, sliced, and diced (or so it would seem). 

There is great emphasis placed on audience involvement, with pride of place given to the youngsters, whose sense of awe and wonder is evident in their fresh faces.  Adults get their chance to shine as well in routines that are as light hearted and humorous as they are mystifying.  The result is a thoroughly entertaining show. 

What makes this a dinner attraction is the all you can eat pizza and the all you can drink beer wine and soda. The pizzas, which are quite good and don’t skimp on the cheese are half plain and half pepperoni and as one disappears another arrives to take its place.  The doors open and food service begins about 30 minutes prior to show time and service continues throughout the show. 

The “Magic Combo” package includes admission to both the show and the WonderWorks attraction and touring the attraction after seeing the show makes for an enjoyable and entertainment packed evening. You can also opt just to eat and see the show, in which case the show becomes one of Orlando’s best entertainment bargains.

Reservations are recommended, especially during busier periods, because seating is limited. The only nearby parking is in the lot of the next door Pointe Orlando shopping mall. Unfortunately, WonderWorks does not validate parking tickets, so expect to pay about $3 or $4 for it, depending on how long you linger at the attraction. 

Murder Watch Mystery Theatre (Sleuth Mystery dinner show) 

Nestled oddly in a suburban style strip mall in the middle of International Drive is one of Orlando’s most enjoyable attractions.  Sleuths presents a rotating menu of a dozen hilarious whodunits served up with relish before, during, and after dinner. 

You may find yourself invited to Lord Mansfield’s Fox Hunt Banquet or discover yourself one of the alumni attending a reunion at genteel Luray Academy.  Whatever the premise, the hilarity is virtually guaranteed, thanks to an ensemble of accomplished (and wonderfully hammy) local actors with a gift for improvisation and the quick comeback.  Most of the fun and the biggest laughs come from the unscripted interactions with the “guests” who are made to feel very much part of the action.  There are over ten different shows served up by Sleuths, so if you find this sort of thing to your liking you’ll be able to return many times before you start to get bored or run out of new material. 

As you arrive for dinner, you will meet some of the cast members ushering guests to their tables and passing hors d’oeuvres. After the salad course, the murder mystery proper unfolds on a minuscule set at the front of the house. 

Do not be surprised if you’re called from your seat to participate in some bit of lunacy. At one show I saw, four people found themselves galloping through the house on make-believe horses while the rest of the audience bayed like hounds.  But, if you are shy, don’t fret as cast members seem to have an uncanny knack for not disturbing those who’d rather not be chosen for “stardom.” 

The humor is very broad, with a healthy dose of double entendre.  The cast members throw themselves into their parts but occasionally drop out of character in gales of suppressed laughter.  Plus the audience never hesitates to pitch in, gleefully pointing out telltale clues that those on stage have missed.  Before long, someone turns up dead and everyone in the cast seems to have a motive. 

Now it’s your turn to play detective.  Each table of eight is asked to name a spokesperson.  During dinner, each table mulls over the clues and tries to come up with one telling question that will uncover some yet unknown fact that will point to the murderer.  Each audience member is asked to write down their solution to the crime, who dunnit, with what, and why. 

Another bit of good news is that the food, while simple, is quite tasty.  The choices are limited, Cornish hen, prime rib, (extra charge), and vegetarian or meatball lasagna. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are poured freely. 

After dinner, the cast reappears and submits itself to the interrogation of the audience.  This is no dry exercise in forensic logic.  Thanks to the expert ad libbing of the cast, the laughter continues virtually nonstop.  Ultimately, the wrongdoer is identified and audience members who guessed right win a prize. 

Sleuths has become so popular that it now supports three separate theaters in its strip mall home.  One of them regularly features a Merry Mystery Dinner Adventure especially for kids aged 3 to 12.  The two show in this series are Faire of the Shire and Juniper Junior.  They offer cameo roles for the kiddies in a mystery that includes magic but no mayhem.  The childrens meal is a marvelous creation called Worms Underground.  A toadstool formed by a pizza atop a ramekin of buttered noodles sits on a green pea grass studded with chicken nugget rocks. 

One indicator of the success of the Sleuths experience is that, by show’s end, the audience feels part of the family.  The cast members graciously thank you for your attendance and point out the valuable service you perform in helping a local business survive and thrive without being owned by Disney or ABC. Hear! Hear!

This article was written by Phil Cornish.  Designer and owner of Orlando Florida private vacation villas and Disney World rental homes web sites http://www.floridasuntime.com and also http://www.simply-florida.com where you can get great deals on Florida vacation villas

Patong And Karon Beach, The Hearts Of Phuket

Thailand, Siam, The land of smiles, situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, with a highly inspiring culture and something for everyone has made it a very appreciated tourist attraction for decades. From Bangkok with its rich heritage of ancient architecture merged with today’s traffic jams and skyscrapers to the green paradise-like tropical islands in the south and the rolling hills and fertile valleys of the north, Thailand will be the most exciting and magical adventure which you’ll never forget.

Located 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South’s wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Patong Beach is the most developed, most vibrant, most visited beach of Phuket that never fails to impress visitors. Located approximately 15 kilometers from the city, the beach has a wide range of accommodations and shopping arcades, and provides magnificent leisure activities and energetic night-time entertainment. It is a picture perfect postcard view of a 3-kilometer long white sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, lazing, and enjoying challenging water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing snorkeling, sailing, and parasailing. On the hills behind Patong you will find Phuket villa rentals which rank amongst the best in the world. The rich and famous from all of the world come here to enjoy the stunning beaches and sample the vibrant nightlight which Patong is famous for.

Also popular is Karon beach, located south of Patong Beach, Hat Karon is a curving beach that lies beautifully in the sun with small sand dunes, casuarinas and palm trees. The crescent bay is the beach’s signature that drawing travelers attention. From May to October, the beach may be affected by serious undertows, as the bay open. Watch out for those warning flags before going swimming or surfing at the southern end of the beach.

During the high season, the beach is ideal for relaxation, swimming or sunbathing. A wide range of accommodations, from top-end to budget and mid-range, are available. Other facilities such as nightclubs, restaurants and other evening entertainment are located along the beachfront road. Again, luxury Phuket villas are dotted along this beautiful stretch of coast, offering great accessibility to Phukets attractions.

Thailand constantly is winning awards for its tourism infrastructure, recently The Swedish travel publication, Travel News, recently presented the annual Grand Travel Award – the equivalent of the travel and tourism industry’s ‘Oscars’ – for the fifteenth consecutive year.

Thailand ranked first in the “World’s Best Tourist Country” category, making this the fifth consecutive year that Thailand has won the Swedish Grand Travel Award. The other top ten travel destinations deemed to be popular with Swedish travelers include South Africa, the United States, Italy, China, Greece, Denmark, Spain, France and Croatia. Other awards include Asia’s very own award-winning luxury travel and lifestyle magazine, DestinAsian, awarding Bangkok with ‘Best Leisure DestinAsian City’ and The Oriental Bangkok won the DestinAsian ‘Best Hotel, Bangkok’ award.

From Bangkok, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to luxury villas for rent. Stunning locations are within hours of the capitol making weekend breaks very popular these days, High flying professionals can fly in from Hong Kong and be relaxing beside their private pool a their Thailand villa in no time, and enjoying the Thai pace of life.

Goa Tour – Beach and Temple Tours Package

The murmuring of winds, the soft sun rays pampering your skin and the waves of the ocean swirling beneath will sweep you off your feet at Goa.  Situated in the Southern region of India, off the Arabian Sea at west coast Goa is blessed with enormous exquisite beaches.  The smallest state of India, Goa houses lovely beaches and captivating natural beauty.  Travellers from world over are charmed by the picturesque beaches, breath- taking beauty and relaxed life style of the popular ‘Ibiza of India’.  

Dotted with palm groves the beaches of Goa are full of life and are thus favourite spot of all.  For fun and frolic the beaches here offer a variety of options ranging from water sports for adventure freaks to small shacks offering delectable sea food for gourmets.  Goa offers its visitors plethora of recreation, entertainment, shopping and dining and more opportunities.  Over 50 miles of spectacular beaches off the Arabian Sea, Goa is a perfect holiday destination for those want to enjoy the charming natural splendour and the effervescence of carnivals here.  

Some of the popular beaches of Goa include Baga beach, Arjuna beach, Condolim beach, Dauna Paula beach, Colva beach, Bagmola beach, Palolem beach and more.  The exotic beauty of Colva beach has always had mesmerizing effect on its visitors and they love coming back to take one more look at the ceaseless sea from the beach of Colva.  While the Arjuna and Calangute are more famous amongst those wanting to stay low- key; these are comparatively less crowded beaches.  One can thus enjoy a romantic evening here.  Baga beach is clearly the ideal destination for honeymooners to enjoy and relax while admiring the beauty that surrounds them here.  The beach is far away from the maddening crowds and is unquestionably one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa.  

Dona Paula is another beach that deserves mention while talking about the beaches of Goa; this beach is the most popular beach of the region.  The visitors can also enjoy various beach sports in Goa for a fun filled family vacation.  One can enjoy water sports such as water skiing, angling, kayaking, swimming and try out some water scooters as well.  Also, for a rather laid back experience try out cycling, sun bathing, sunset watching or a game of beach volley ball.  Whatever your idea of fun might be Goa fulfils it in a way that the experience Goa surely makes into one’s favourite photo album.

Goa, the land of exotic beauty is a tourist paradise in India. Nestled in Konkan region, Goa is internationally acclaimed for its beautiful beaches with a glorious history, richly preserved in temples, churches and forts. Whether its adventure, holiness or just leisure, the magical land of Goa has it all. A Goa beach and temple tour will offer an extraordinary refreshing experience. Goa the land of sun, sand and surf is decked with incessant beauty of beaches and sacred charm of its holy shrines.  The Goa beach and temple tour package is an ideal means to experience both the features of this fabulous holiday town, Goa.

Beaches:

Goan beach tours offer a fascinating blend of the sun, sea and the sand with the rhythms of the waves. The long coastline lined up with casuarinas seems to be endless in Goa. 

Anjuna: Most admired, it is edged by palms and casuarinas with a large hill. It is a perfect hangout for hippies who organise moonlight parties and bonfires. 

Dona Paula: A secluded bay where Goa’s famous rivers, Zuari and Mandovi meet the Arabian Sea. Formerly, a fishing hamlet it lies near a British military cemetery. 

Calangute: A long beach with fewer crowds that gives a sense of privacy. Calangute is full of activity from beach/ water sports to meditation and yoga.  

Colva: It is broad and beautiful with a stream flowing through it in the background of palms. Very popular, it has good eateries everywhere. 

Baga: An extension of Calangute, it is comparatively clean with water sports like parasailing and windsurfing offered. 

Temples:

Goa houses marvellous temples, acclaimed for artistic grandeur influenced by the Maratha style with Islamic domes and Christian architectural patterns. But the fundamental design is built around the sanctum sanctorum that houses the deity. Goa temples speak of purity and sanctity even after centuries of foreign occupation. A Goa temple tour thus has spiritual affinity as well as architectural extravaganza in store for the visitors. Famous temples include: 

Mahalaxmi: This famed temple enshrines Goddess of wealth Mahalaxmi. Made of black stone, it is unique for being the presiding deity of Panaji, the capital of Goa. 

Chandreshwar: Lying on Chandranath hills, it houses a rock carved Shivalinga that oozes whenever rays of full moon fall on it. It offers panoramic views of the green valley. 

Saptakoteshwar: A favored deity of Kadamba King, its original temple was destroyed by Portuguese and the idol was shifted to its present site. The linga worshipped here is faceted and is known as Dharalinga. 

A Goa beach and temple tour itinerary is a perfect blend of leisure with rejuvenation and thus surely has healing effect on its visitors.

List of Accommodation QLD

Whether you are out for a business trip, a quick vacation or an extended relaxation session in Queensland, there will always be a right accommodation QLD for your taste. Queensland has always been an attraction to tourists coming from all parts of the globe. It is for this reason that accommodation QLD is not a problem.

From the most luxurious to the budget-friendly, Queensland houses different kinds of accommodations that will cater to your choice and needs. Have a taste of Queensland’s hotels, inns, motels, bed and breakfast, beach resorts and apartments through the following list:

>Babinda State Hotel

Get a taste of history by staying in the Babinda State Hotel. Renovated and preserved it’s kind of history, the Babinda State Hotel is considered as a federation hotel built y the local Queensland government in 1917.  Strategically located 60 kilometres from the Cairns International Airport, the Babinda State Hotel is minutes away from beaches like the Great Barrier Reef. Room rates starts at $25.

>Hervey Bay Green Motel

Catering to people who want to commune with nature, the Hervey Bay Green Motel can be found on the central part of Esplanade.  Its location will be of benefit to visitors since the motel is very close to different restaurants, boutiques and sporting spots. The Hervey Bay Green Motel has room rates that start at $95.

>Cairns Reef Apartments and Motel

The Cairns Reef Apartments and Motel offers four-star holiday rooms that will provide visitors with the sought-after holiday vacation feeling. Take advantage of the Cairns Reef Apartments and Motel facilities at rates starting $65. This accommodation QLD boasts of its unique swimming pool, tropical set tennis court and barbecue gazebo.

>Emeraldene Inn and Eco-Lodge

The Emeraldene Inn and Eco-Lodge is famous for its relaxing eco-friendly resorts that have been an attraction to environmentalists. Situated at the region of Pialba of Hervey Bay, the Emeraldene Inn and Eco-Lodge is bounded by more than two acres of natural landscaped gardens and bushlands.

>Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge

Located at the center of the famous Glasshouse Mountains, the Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge is a remarkable place to stay for people who want to get an eco-friendly accommodation QLD.  The lodge also offers bush walk trips to let visitors get a feel of nature. The Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge is also minutes away from the Australia Zoo. Room rates starts at $60.

>Capricorn Caves

The Capricorn Caves can be found 23 kilometres from North Rockhampton. With room rates that start at $30, you will take advantage of the relaxing bush atmosphere of the 33 hectare property. Outdoor dining is the specialty of this accommodation QLD. There is also a large caravan park that visitors could use.

>Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise

The Gold Coast can be experienced through Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise. Offering various recreational activities, the Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise is a haven for people who want to have spacious accommodations and variety of activities. As a matter of fact, the famous Jupiter Casino and the renowned Gold Coast Convention Centre is located within walking distance from the Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise.

Hawaii – Soon to Be Known For Much More Than Just Sun, Sea and Sand

During May and June, the term: ‘staycation’ was set to be the buzzword that defined the 2009 summer for UK holidaymakers. However, with the recent spell of wet weather and the arrival of the school holidays, the demand for last-minute or cheap cheap sun holidays has returned – and the popular holiday destination that are the Hawaiian Islands is climbing the popularity rankings fast. But the area may soon be considered a top destination for very different reasons.

In a report at timesonline.co.uk with data from Expedia, searches for holidays in Hawaii are up by 90 percent compared to last year – an increase beaten only by Croatia and Costa Dorada in Spain. With the arrival of some grim weather across the British Isles, families who had put off plans to travel abroad are quickly changing their mind – and hoping to snap-up any remaining competitive cheap deals.

Hawaii is a US state made up of hundreds of small isles and eight main islands located in the Pacific Ocean, south west of the Californian coast. The last few years have seen a major influx of tourists to the islands, drawn to the breathtaking landscape featuring black and golden beaches, as well as dormant and active volcanoes. The most populous island, Oahu, is home to state capital Honolulu with nearby access to Waikiki and Hanauma Bay. For somewhere a little more peaceful, Oahu also boasts the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park located amongst the green Ko’olau Mountains.

Due to its impressive growth in popularity, it has recently been reported by the Daily Mail et al. that the next step in the development of Hawaii’s tourism industry will be the construction of a spaceport. The aim is for the state to earmark $500,000 funding to make it one of the first places in the world that is accessible via space travel.

The intention is for the build to coincide with a similar construction in Japan, for instance, meaning that travel between the two places will clock in at just 45 minutes. At a cost of around $200,000 per person, the price would include pre-flight training, a week-long stay in Hawaii, concluding with a rocket launch to 40,000 feet and acceleration to more than 3,000 miles per hour before a return to earth. If the plans go through, Hawaii will be the eighth state in the US to be granted a spaceport license

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