Fiery Arenal Volcano Of Costa Rica

All our luggage and camera gear is packed in the van by 8 a.m. and we are on our way to our first destination, soon to become a real life adventure. We are on a photography tour so everyone is talking cameras and pictures. This is the first day, we are getting to know one another, and the level of excitement in the van is high looking forward to the tour.

Arenal, an active Costa Rica volcano, is our destination but first there are a couple of photography stops along the way. We go first to the little Tico community of Sarchi where brightly colored, decorated oxen carts are made in an old water powered factory. The second stop is nearby Zarcero, which has, as its focal point, an old wooden church and a double row of lovely topiaries leading up to it. Many memory cards are filled just photographing these two places with the magnificent colours and patterns of Sarchi and the incredible shapes of the topiaries in Zarcero.

Luis, our driver, is very familiar with the many potholes that make Costa Rica famous, so he cautiously makes his way along the road while most everyone else, on 2 or 4 wheels, pass us by. The number of wannabe Formula One drivers in Costa Rica is staggering. There is even a bus driver who has been known to have passengers find religion and speak directly to God on his overland route.

After our planned stops and lunch in La Fortuna we are now just a few miles from our lodge at Arenal. As we leave the main highway we find ourselves on a road that is one continuous pothole. It is January and the rainy season has just ended so most roads are in poor condition but what is unique about this road is that it was constructed from crushed lava rock.

Rounding a curve we see a clearing beside a tropical river and there is the perfect cone shape of Arenal Volcano! Those who have never seen a volcano are stunned at the sight.

The top of the cone is shrouded with little fluffy white clouds against a blue sky. It is picture perfect and we quickly stop and everyone piles out of the van attaching cameras to tripods, some of us wading into the river to capture an image from a different perspective and others shooting from the riverbanks.

Who is to say how dangerous being this close to an active volcano can be? Fortunately, Arenal is very predictable and today is closely monitored so there is a very low risk of a serious, catastrophic, unexpected eruption. Only 1 km away from the base of the volcano and 2 km to the top of the cone is the lodge where we stay and without a doubt any activity attracts the attention of everyone.

Getting settled in while we are unpacking mighty Arenal speaks! It roars as smoke and gas billow hundreds of feet into the sky and we hear the rocks tumbling down the slopes. The Mantled Howler monkeys are extremely vocal following the eruption, however, we do not know if this is in protest of the roar or if they are just responding to its call.

While enjoying our meal in the lodge dining room mighty Arenal speaks again! Although there are many photo opportunities in Costa Rica, who would have imagined that while eating dinner we would be gazing up at a volcano erupting in front of our eyes? And this on our very first day of the tour!

The next two nights are without much sleep since we find comfortable chairs in the common area of the lodge just outside our rooms and we mount our cameras on tripods attaching cable releases. Since I had already been to Arenal many times I had chosen to use an 80-200mm lens set at 80mm and an aperture of f8, the camera shutter set at “B” for time exposure.

I think a time exposure of more than 20 minutes will produce an ugly yellow blob of light since there is a lot of activity of small flare-ups at the cone. Lava is flowing down the opposite side, so I allow no more than 20 minutes to pass before I closing the shutter and starting another exposure. The use of a cable release makes these exposures very easy and while we were there Arenal puts on quite a pyrotechnical show.

Arenal is the first adventure in Costa Rica for my photo group. With another eight days of photography everybody is looking forward to the next destination that is going to be just as exciting.

Fantastic Fridays for Kids at Florida

This article is written to bring a smile and glee to every kid’s lips. It is a month long event where Fridays are used to commemorate great and fantastic events for Kids. What I am about to share to you know is the Fantastic Fridays event at Hollywood, Florida. This exciting event comprises of a lot of fun and engaging activities.

The event will be done at Hollywood where we all know by now, is the place where a lot of actors and actresses live. Every Friday, downtown Hollywood is transformed into a magical fairytale kingdom, a Jungle Safari adventure, a futuristic cyber place and Victorian flair. Residents usually try to carry on the fantastic and festive spirit by letting their kids in on some of the activities. Kids from near and far usually are the ones who benefit from the festive mood.

Some of the activities include a costume party for the kids. Parents try to don their precious jewels in cute and adorable costume outfits and join the parade. For the fairytale scheme, the parade usually consists of kids in costumes of their favorite fairytale characters. We often see Snow White, Cinderella and Beauty in their adorable princess-like outfits.

The futuristic theme has a built in amusement for the whole kids to enjoy. It consists of rollercoaster rides and Buzz Lightyear mascots circling the event area for photo ops with lucky and delighted kids. This is truly an event to remember where kids will have fun in their own made up world.

I urge parents of active kids out there to attend this one of a kind festival. Make this a trip and a day to remember. Remember that the smile and laughter from your kid’s lips is priceless. Make your kids happy and the whole family as well.

Salute to Summer Show at Jacksonville, Wyoming

After spring, summer is the season that most people await for and pray for. It is the season where people are reportedly having more fun and a cheerful disposition. Summer is the season where people go out and have fun outdoors and explore their surroundings. It is the season where most families book for a holiday or a vacation for a few days to along week gathering. Summer is fun under the sun!

Every year families either got o the beach or the nearby resort to beat the summer heat. Kids have fun frolicking in the sand while adults feel it is the time to get that golden and awesome tan. Beaches and lakeshore places such as Florida and Miami flock with tourists, their hotels get booked early in advanced. Truly, summer is the season where people just lay back and enjoy what nature has to offer.

Summer, like any other season caters different kinds of fun fete. Summer celebrations are mostly outdoors. Beaches and resorts are most probably the venues for summer shows and bazaars. .

I remember one summer I got the privilege to watch a concert of my favorite band. The concert was held in a beach (beachfront). I consider it as a memorable experience having my favorite band serenade me and at the same time hear the waves hit the shore, it was truly an unexplainable feeling. The concert is just one feature of the event, along with it are bazaars. Bazaars in the event provide the newest fashion trends. I was given the chance to find a sarong that fits my taste.

Summer event is the time to unwind. It is the time to forget all the worries of our daily life. It is the best time to bond with friends and family without any pressure of meeting deadlines!

Artists Conference of Hawaii 2009

This year will mark the first installment of the biennial Artists of Hawaii 2009. A guest curator will be featured this year who is none other than Laura Hoptman, the senior curator for the New York Museum of Contemporary Art. The event is something that Hawaii residents all look forward to in attending because it will mark again the celebration of the locals’ talents and unique taste of the Arts.

To avoid confusion on what I am about to discuss to you now let me first give you the difference between Modern, Post modern and Contemporary Art as these are three subjects that are oftentimes misused. Contemporary Art depicts the art of the Modern times, it is often confused by Post modern because some claim that we actually live in the Post Modern era already and that any art that comes out during these times should be called as “Post Modern”.

Post modern art is described as the combination of the different Art Styles during the Modern era and these styles includes: Art Nouveau and Art Deco among many others. Post Modern style is always a mixture of two or more style era. Modern Art is described as Art that emerged after the renaissance Period or the Period of “rebirth”. It is oftentimes categorized as the Art created during the 18th to early 19th century. Contemporary Art is used to describe the current trend of Styles during the ongoing era. The term contemporary does not come into existence until the half of 19th century (1950′s) onwards.

Paintings are mostly on display on this exhibit. Expect young and talented artists churning out their fresh minds to create great pieces. Contemporary Hawaiian artists all gather at the Artists Guild to celebrate their talents by showing their creations to spectators and enthusiasts.

Come and visit the Artists of Hawaii 2009!

Hot Harley Nights at Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Attention motorcycle lovers! Mark your calendars on the 1st week of July as the Hot Harley Nights is back in town! Yes that’s correct. To give you a brief recap, the Hot Harley Nights is an annual event on Sioux Falls featuring a motorbike parade of hot Harley motorbikes. Oh-lala. Talk about sizzling!!!

For your information the event never fails to draw attention from the motorbike aficionados from the local towns of South Dakota and even outside. Refreshments and great tasting gourmets will be served for the delight of the crowd. Spectators sign up for the event in their big and shiny bikes. These guys really get together so they can meet and catch up with their fellow hobbyists. There will also be raffles of exciting prizes and a casino run (due to public demand).

Proceeds for the event will benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of South Dakota. It is great to know that there are actually organizations devoted in making the lives of people easier. I once wacthed an episode of the Make a Wish Program and was blessed at how people took out their time to help and relieve the dreams of these less-fortunate people.

It will also be a fun time to meet and exchange information about your respective bikes. Other big bikes aside from Harley Davidson are also welcome to join in the event. Duc’s (Ducati owners) are also encouraged to come on and share the fun! Ducati is a famous Italian brand/ manufacturer of luxury bikes. Hmmm, maybe me and my husband would opt to attend this event. Of course, that would be when we are able to finally get our Ducati! Yipee!

Bikers, enthusiasts, and spectators let us all come and marvel at the great looking bikes at the Hot Harley Nights Festival at Sioux Falls!

Fruit Tours at Suzanne’s

Ahoy! Who wouldn’t want a bite or two? Of course, everyone wants to have free taste of the sumptous and juicy fruits of the season. And it will only be found at Suzanne’s Fruit Farm. It is time once again for the annual Fruit Tours in Suzanne’s Fruit Farm at Hampton, Arkansas. This year all our delectable and delicious fruits of the season will once again be bought and tasted for free at the Fruit Farm.

Spring is a season to celebrate not just for the warmer weather and the more colorful and green surroundings but also for the delicious fruits that it produce. It is really true that buying at Farmers Markets and Fruit Farm is a rewarding experience because in here, one gets to buy the freshest and most great tasting fruits because they only sell those in season. Unlike in the traditional grocery and supermarket settings, the fruits are generally picked off-season which attributes to its not so great and full taste.

Another reason to be present at Suzanne’s Fruit Farm is because fruits are deemed fertilized and culitvated using the safest methods available. You can also get a feel of what you’re eating because you will be talking with the owner, Suzanne on a personal basis. You get to ask your questions and Suzanne answers you with her farming skills and some secret tips and advice.

Oh and the Fruit tour is also a chance to meet and greet with your favorite local fruit suppliers. Fruit Tours will never be complete without your favorite companions so make sure that you bring one along. It is also a time for them to sell their preserves and fruit jams in their pretty packaging.

Come to the Fruit Tours at Suzanne’s Fruit Farm and grab a taste of a fruit or two!

Square Dancing at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Although considered as a folk dance, square dancing is still recognized as a cultural and historical dance especially among the youth of today. Square Dancing has long been one of the traditional dances of the United States. It is often called as the Modern Western Dance. It involves dancing with a partner. Western movies like Sweet Home Alabama features Square Dancing as a form of merriment and fun gathering. In here partners are seen dancing in a Swing-like way in an upbeat tune.

Just like the Square Dancing activity, the Myrtle Beach Bike Week is a weekly event that features biking aficionados. It is an event where biking enthusiasts gather together for a day full of bonding and biking activities. Myrtle Beach is the home where fun gatherings and exciting stuffs are happening. Events such as Bike Week which is intended solely for bikers are happening.

Generally there are two types of Square Dance, the Traditional Square Dance or the “old time square dance” and the Modern Western Dance.

Dancing is not just a form of recreation but an exercise as well. Bollywood and Aerobics are fitness regimens that uses the forms of dancing. Nowadays people would want to get in shpae while having fun. Being fit and having fun while doing it is the best way to take care of one’s body and one’s spirit. Whenever I’m in the gym I always see to it to look at the dancing and aerobics classes so I can have fun while getting in shape.

In square dancing you will need a partner so grab your favorite mate and dance the night away at Myrtle Beach! Kick off your favorite dance feet and wear your dancing shoes to have that oh-so-great overall feeling. Invite a friend or two at the Myrtle Beach and dance the night away!

The International Edible Book Festival in Northwood

I am a bookworm. Reading is my passion as I literally grew up with them in our house. My mom is a bookworm herself and I must have gotten it from her. A very good piece of book can really make my day. Books are part of my collections and I will continue to collect more in the years to come. I wish that my daughter will acquire that passion too. That makes 3 generations of bookworms.

Have you heard of a claim about a book festival where participants eat the books after the show? Yes, you heard it right. Welcome to The International Edible Book Festival. In here, one can showcase an edible art mimicking a book for everyone to see. These books are actually made of edible food that had been created as a fun and delicious treat. Think of art cakes. Modern bakers are making art cakes through the use of fondant and sugar paste. We can see cakes in form of books, people, a castle and even a pair of shoes!

The International Edible Book Festival that is held in Northwood, New Hampshire is a Festival that is celebrated on April 1st in over 18 countries including: Canada, Morocco, United States, Mexico, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Australia, Brazil, France, England, India, Italy, Japan, Russia and Hongkong. The chosen date was in commemoration with the birthday of French gastronome Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826) writer of the famous literary piece, Physiologie du gout . The Festival started in 2000.

The town of Northwood in New Hampshire is set to celebrate its 2nd Annual Edible Book Festival this year. Participants are encouraged to document their creations and upload it to the master website of The International Edible Book Festival. It is very timely that the unique event is set on April 1st which is April fools Day because it is a perfect day to play with words and eat them!

I cant wait to attend this Festival in New Hampshire. There are lots of books to read and lots of it to eat!

Hawaiian Tropics: At its Finest!

Who would ever forget the movies Lilo and Stitch and 50 First dates? What do these popular films have in common? Well, both films are shot at the wonderful island of Hawaii. Hawaii is a state of the United State that is an archipelago surrounded by water. Hawaii has a tropical climate which makes it a great vacation destination for tourists. Beaches are popular in Hawaii. Dreaming of a grand beach vacation? Hawaii is the place to stay!

Whether to chill under the sun and get that gorgeous sun, or play beach volley with your most treasured friends, being in a Hawaii is being in Tropical paradise. The sun and the sand amidst a perfect backdrop of the Hawaii Sea is a perfect summer getaway. Rows of hotels, condominium units and cabanas for rent all lined up behind the shores of Hawaii. Tourists who bask in the sun all day can enjoy a night off with their gorgeous hotel amenities that are equally exciting and relaxing.

Hawaii is like Spains Ibiza or Philippines Boracay, equally powerful tourist destinations that sends foreigners and visitors around the globe coming back for more. When traveling to Hawaii it is important to keep in mind to bring along loose, thin comfortable clothes as it is usually warm there especially during summer season. Hawaii is the best place to go to, to spend your family vacation or plan your dream wedding or honeymoon. Hawaii boasts of 6 different unique islands that are equally stunning and gorgeous.

Hawaii Choral Festival is an event which features Hawaiis brilliant and talented souls as they share their talents among festival goers. The festival features performances in music, singing, performing arts, group singing and individual voice performances. The talents behind the Hawaii Choral Festival are Hawaii locals who are never selfish to part their God-given abilities to the public. The Hawaii Choral Festival is held on Pearl City, Hawaii on March 2009. The Festival will host performances and workshops.

If visiting in Hawaii don’t forget to catch a preview of the Hawaiian Chorale festival. Meet fresh local Hawaiian talents and be amazed at the arts and performance that is uniquely Hawaii!