Private bliss at Panambungan Island

Trinissa is the 5-year-old daughter of Erwin Aksa, the chairman of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association and the president director of eastern Indonesia's well-known Bosowa Group of companies, owned by his father, Aksa Mahmud. Erwin's aunt is the wife of Vice President Jusuf Kalla.

This intimate knowledge of the wealthy and well-connected is conveyed to me by Captain Nurdi Cahyo, head of the berthing section of the harbor master department at the Sixth Naval Base, Makassar.

Trinissa is also the name of Erwin's Rp 8 billion Bertram yacht, which he uses to entertain his VIP guests, and transport passengers from Hotel Imperial Aryaduta Makassar, a property owned by the Aksa Mahmud family, to Panambungan, a private island owned by the family.

Departing from the mainland at about 9 am and returning at 4 p.m., it is a 45-minute trip to the island on Trinissa. The trip costs Rp 400,000 per passenger and includes a lunch of fried rice, and if you are quick enough, some snorkeling gear. "We used to have 20 of them," the captain said, unable to explain why the rest had disappeared. I managed to get one after hours of waiting.

Panambungan is a small island about the size of two soccer fields and is one of the 18,110 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago.

"If you really want, you can dive into the waters off the island, which is now the gravesite of many used cars *former Bosowa taxis*. There are no great diving sites," Nurdi said adding, "For diving, many people from Jakarta go further north to the Kapoposang National Marine Park. The trip from Makassar to Kapoposang is three times as long as the trip to Panambungan."

The water around the island is clean and it was delightful to spend a Saturday there swimming in the afternoon sun, snorkeling, treading on white sand, and admiring casuarinas and other types of pine trees. Big trees with cherry-like fruit that scattered autumnal colored leaves on the ground, and the sweet-smelling jasmine plants, added to the beauty.

Inter-tidal-like pools had formed along some parts of the island. Sprinkled with reefs and some debris, the clear light-blue water is too shallow for swimming. Snorkeling though, you are likely to spot small simple-colored fish, some silvery, swimming here and there around dull-looking coral and equally lackluster anemones.

However, lurking in the clear clean water, are tiny translucent jelly fish locally called "ice jelly fish", which cause severe itchiness if they make contact with the skin. There is also a sort of oval-shaped flat fish camouflaging itself to resemble a thin mound of sand. Perhaps it was a Sting Ray. It seemingly felt my presence and slithered away. Later, after exploring some other parts of the shallow water, I went back to that spot, but this unidentified underwater object had gone.

The structures built on the island are still very rudimentary, including the toilets and the bathrooms. That's why I decided to take a bath when I returned to my hotel in Makassar. Some people decided to stay at the rudimentary bungalows on the island, paying Rp 500,000 per night not including breakfast, according to Mery, the secretary of the hotel's sales department. Nurdi and Mery told me there is a two-year plan to turn the island into a properly built and managed resort with amenities similar to the cluster of resort islands just off Jakarta.

On the way back to Makassar I sat on the second story of the Trinissa in front of the steering wheel. The triangular transparent plastic window in front of me had been rolled up and the open sea before me was like a rhapsody in blue.

Holding the right and the left hand steel bars that make up the triangular window, I stood up. The strong wind and the pace of the yacht made me feel like I was flying. The flying sensation faded away when the contours of Makassar emerged on the horizon. Memories of the island suddenly flashed in my mind, prompting me to turn back.

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The History of St George Island State Park

One of the most interesting places in Florida to visit is St. George Island State Park. The history of this island is a long one, although it is relatively new when it comes to a place for the public. Since 1980, when a causeway was constructed to get to the island, it has been a place for those who are seeking to take advantage of the Florida weather but not endure the crowds that converge on much of Florida will find that the peaceful island of St. George Island ideal.

St. George has been around for thousands of yeas. It was once the inhabitants of the Creek Indians who made this island their home. When Europeans settled onto the area in the late 1700s, the Creek Indians gave a large part of the island to John Forbes. It was soon after when the history of lighthouses began to emerge on the island as well as the smaller islands that surrounded the area. Storms took their tolls on the lighthouses and many were destroyed in storms. Despite numerous attempts to rebuild lighthouses, especially the Cape St. George Lighthouse, the lighthouse was destroyed permanently in 2005.

In addition to lighthouses that were manned to warn off ships from the coast, the island also held a significant place in history when it came to the war. During WWII, St. George Island was a military base. It was used for military purposes until 1965. In 1980, the area was designated as a state park because it is so environmentally friendly. As the public began its way to the park, residential housing was built on the island as well as a motel for those who wanted to stay and enjoy the beauty. The island does not allow any high rise buildings and is a wildlife sanctuary.

There are only about 1000 residents on the island that encompasses nearly 1700 acres. People who visit the island. There are restrictions in place to make sure that the natural beauty of the island remains preserved. People can enjoy the white sand beaches on this island as well as the fishing and wildlife sanctuary. Even during the summer months, this island is not crowded and is idea for those who want to enjoy a simple way of living. Today, St. George Island is an out of the way vacation place where people go to swim, fish, look for seashells and enjoy the wildlife, including the bird life that flocks to the island. St. George Island has come a long way in the past years, although it still remains an unspoiled part of Florida.

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Survival in the Wilderness

If you are planning on a life in the woods hiding out from civilization, then survival in the wilderness is something that requires a lot of training. But survival for those lost backpacking or hunting or in a plane crash is something else. Here is a look at the basics of getting out alive.

To begin with, food is not a big priority when you are lost and awaiting rescue. In fact, it is very rare that anyone dies from starvation when lost in the wilderness. There are too many other ways to die long before hunger gets you, and in any case most rescues happen long before the passing of the month or so that you could live without food.

If you have any injuries or immediate threats (like aggressive bears) you have to deal with those. As soon as the immediate threats are gone, shelter will normally be your top priority. If you have never build a wilderness survival shelter, you might want to try it sometime for practice. Just remember that your goal is to keep out wind and rain, as well as to provide a space small enough for your body to heat if you are facing cold nights.

The most common survival shelter is the basic lean-to. A pole or stick is attached horizontally between two trees, and then others are laid against it, sloping down to the ground. More sticks are piled against this "roof" and then it is covered with evergreen boughs, leaves or tree bark, starting from the bottom so the last layer of roofing acts like shingles to shed the rain.

In an emergency you can also just pile up dry leaves or grass and crawl into the center of the pile. This provides a quick and warm shelter. It can even keep you dry if the rain or snow is light. The "dead air" space that is created is what insulates you and keeps you warm. Keep this in mind. You might also use dry vegetation as a mattress and blanket inside any other type of shelter.

Water is the next important survival priority. Streams and lakes are the obvious sources, but in dry areas you might have to work a little harder at locating water. Look for low shaded spots where it may have pooled during the last rain, and not yet evaporated. You might also be able to collect dew in the mornings by running a piece of cloth through the wet grass and wringing the moisture out into a container or directly into your mouth.

If you do not have a means to purify water, and more than a day has gone by without a drink, use whatever you find unless it is clearly poisoned (indications include a lack of any plant life around the water). Generally you are more likely to die from dehydration than from contaminated water. In fact, many organisms, like giardia, can take a week or more before you have symptoms, and hopefully you will be rescued by then.

Finally, you need to be able to help the searchers find you. A fire is a good idea for this. have green leafy branches or something else that will create a lot of smoke ready in case you hear a plane or helicopter coming. If you can't make a fire, find an open place and lay out whatever you have that is colorful and/or large, so it can be spotted from the air. If you have a whistle, blow it in sets of three occasionally.

At least in emergencies, survival in the wilderness is not about how to build a cabin or make bread from cattail roots. It's usually about protecting your core body temperature and keeping hydrated while you wait for help to arrive. Food can help, and is a comfort, but it is last on this list of priorities.

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The Great Outdoors

Being outdoors is good for everyone. The belief that everyone needs fresh air is very true. Indoors can be fun and entertaining, but people aren't made to spend all day inside! We didn't even have computers until the eighties, so obviously it isn't natural to be on one all day long. Everyone needs to spend a little time outside. You don't need to take a run, or a day-long trip to the mountains, but just getting outdoors is very important. If you are an adventurous person, doing things like Little Miami River Canoeing and kayaking is a lot of fun. Little Miami River Kayaking can be a great way to mix up a humdrum routine of office work during the week and gardening on the weekends. It can be a fun, and somewhat nerve racking experience if it is your first time. It is an awesome way to bring families together in an exiting environment as well.

If you are going to spend a day on the water, you have to be prepared however. If you don't prepare yourself in the right way, you may be stuck in the middle of a stream hungry, wet, and sun burnt. Always bring a lunch or snacks. Water activities burn a good amount of calories and you will be hungry come lunch time. Don't over estimate the fact that you are sitting down either. Your face and arms and part of your legs will all be exposed to the sun. If you don't apply and reapply sunscreen, you will be very pink.

Also, you will want to pack all of your things in a water proof container. A gallon sized plastic bag would work or you could go the extra mile and buy a water-proof bag.

If you don't feel like you would be comfortable in the water, there are other fun outdoor sports to get involved in. Hiking may sound extreme, but in reality everyone can do it. All you need is a place to hike, and some minor equipment. I suggest getting hiking shoes but sneakers would also work fine, Depending on what type of hiking you are planning on doing and how serious you are about it, you may want to invest in a hiking pack. If you are going to be hiking all day long, you will want a place to store plenty of water, snack and sunscreen. Also, always take a cell phone and back up phone with you on major hiking excursions. Some people may also advise you to take a GPS or compass, but that is only relevant if you aren't taking a preset trail.

Everyone can find a niche outside. Whether it is walking, running, hiking, or being in the water; there is an activity for everyone. You may enjoy the exercise aspect of it, or the peacefulness of being in nature. Birdwatchers and extreme mountain climbers are all alike in the sense that they love the outdoors.

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Navigation - Which Path Should I Take?

There is an extremely high standard of mapping available in this country and we are extremely lucky to be able to use highly detailed Ordinance Survey maps wherever we go. With practice these maps can tell us everything we need to know to get ourselves from A to B safely. However one area that often seems to cause confusion is the different ways paths are marked on Ordinance Survey maps; a better knowledge of when each symbol is used will soon improve your ability to find your way across the hills.

On a 1:25,000 Ordinance Survey map public rights of way in England and Wales are marked with green dashes (short dashes for footpaths and long for bridleways) but it is very important to remember that this means only that there is an ancient common law right to pass along this route at all times. It does not mean that you will necessarily be able to see the path to follow it. Definitive maps of the rights of way were drawn up by county councils in the 1950s and many are now long since disused and overgrown and, even in good visibility, can be difficult or impossible to find.

Other paths which are not designated rights of way are marked on the Ordinance Survey maps as short black dashes. If these paths are within the newly designated access land you are perfectly within your rights to walk along them. These paths are marked on the map because at the time of the aerial survey used to create this map they were visible on the ground; they have usually been made by thousands of feet walking along the same line. They are often the most direct route from summit to summit or from the summit to the valley because they have been created by humans going where they want to go.

For hill walkers the problem with this system is that the green dashes of the public highways stand out clearly on the map and often give the impression that these paths are more important or bigger than the black dashed paths, however often the opposite is true. You should never assume that a path is going to be easy or even possible to find but this is particularly true for the public rights of way. A black dashed line on the other hand tells you that particular path was visible on the ground at the time of making the map and chances are it still is.

When following any path you should continually compare the map to the ground you are covering to make sure the path really is going the same way as the dashes on the map. Paths change over time and could have changed since your map was last updated. Do not rely on paths and always be prepared to use a compass if the path you are following disappears or goes off in the wrong direction.


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Waterfalls - Outstanding Natural Beauty

The basics behind a waterfall are the river comes to a point at the end of the high elevation of land and there is no where else for the water to go other than over the edge of the high point. At the base of the waterfall is layer of very hard rock and beneath that layer is a softer rock, with the pressure of the water coming down over the fall onto the rock it pushes the hard layer down and creates the pool where the water flows into. Over time the waterfall will recede back on itself and this creates what is known as a canyon or a gorge and as time goes by this canyon will get deeper into the underside of the waterfall. There are 10 different classes of waterfall which range from the Class 10 with waterfalls such as Niagara Falls and Khone Falls, Class 9 such as Victoria Falls and down, this classification of the waterfalls is done by the volume of water present on the falls and is a grading system to size the falls.

For many people they assume that the Niagara Falls is the largest of all the waterfalls, however this is not the case, the tallest of all the waterfalls is Angel Falls and this is a whopping 979 metres in height and the Niagara Falls is the worlds most powerful waterfall. Waterfalls have fascinated man for centuries and there has been a great deal of study and research gone into finding out more about them and how they came about. For many people though it is enough to marvel at their beauty and a visit to Niagara Falls is the only way you can truly appreciate exactly how powerful and awe inspiring these waterfalls are.

A fine example of this is the Victoria Falls which has a width of over 1.7km in length and is at a height of 108 metres and this forms the longest single stretch of waterfall anywhere in the world. The Victoria Falls also can be seen from over 25 miles away and is a huge spectacle within this region. The waterfalls are always so different and no one is the same as the other and this is what makes them so special. When the falls are accompanied by some of the most spectacular natural forest as well you will find they are a haven for wildlife and inspire peace, quiet and tranquility.

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When's the Best Time to Go Out on Picnics?

During times of stress and worry families tend to focus on their financial troubles rather than spending quality time together. Picnics are a great inexpensive way to have a time out and really appreciate the great things life has to offer.

It has been proven that we are often at our most receptive and positive when we are relaxed and surrounded by the people we love. The summer months offer an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with your family and get outside for a delicious picnic. But even when the weather's a little cloudy finding the perfect spot for your picnic will ensure memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Being spontaneous is always the best way to prepare for your picnic. But a little planning is always a good thing.

First, think about a good location that may offer shelter if the weather does take a turn for the worst. During sunny days try to take something that will provide shade for the picnickers. Try not to choose a spot that is too far away; remember this is supposed to be a relaxing experience for all involved.

Make a list of snacks that are cheap and easy to prepare. Finger or fork food is the way forward and is rarely eaten hot at picnics. Rice, salad, pasta and quiches are a sure success; always try to check if any of your guests have food allergies. Most foods need to be eaten within an hour of being taken out of the fridge so try not to take too much food. Try to take something to cover the food to keep it protected from the heat and any insects like an insulated picnic bag. It's always recommended to throw items that have not been kept cool on your return home.

Follow this by writing down the articles you may need to take with you. Be sure to take clothes and napkins, coolers, plastic cups and plates as well as forks and spoons. Take folding chairs for people who are unable to get up from the ground easily and umbrellas for shade and shelter. Take a large plastic bag where you can put your garbage and make sure that you dispose of it responsibly. Make sure you bring sun block and insect repellent as well as an antibacterial gel for your hands and remember your camera!

Get the kids involved and think about what you might need to make your picnic more enjoyable. Ask your kids would they would like to do and however crazy it might be give it a go. Take some games with you that both children and adults can play, adventure trails and team games are always fun.

Remember to dress appropriately to ensure that you and your fellow picnickers are able to relax and join in the fun. Once your all set up and ready for your picnic, make sure you haven't forgotten once last thing- relax.

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When's the Best Time to Go Out on Picnics?

During times of stress and worry families tend to focus on their financial troubles rather than spending quality time together. Picnics are a great inexpensive way to have a time out and really appreciate the great things life has to offer.

It has been proven that we are often at our most receptive and positive when we are relaxed and surrounded by the people we love. The summer months offer an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with your family and get outside for a delicious picnic. But even when the weather's a little cloudy finding the perfect spot for your picnic will ensure memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Being spontaneous is always the best way to prepare for your picnic. But a little planning is always a good thing.

First, think about a good location that may offer shelter if the weather does take a turn for the worst. During sunny days try to take something that will provide shade for the picnickers. Try not to choose a spot that is too far away; remember this is supposed to be a relaxing experience for all involved.

Make a list of snacks that are cheap and easy to prepare. Finger or fork food is the way forward and is rarely eaten hot at picnics. Rice, salad, pasta and quiches are a sure success; always try to check if any of your guests have food allergies. Most foods need to be eaten within an hour of being taken out of the fridge so try not to take too much food. Try to take something to cover the food to keep it protected from the heat and any insects like an insulated picnic bag. It's always recommended to throw items that have not been kept cool on your return home.

Follow this by writing down the articles you may need to take with you. Be sure to take clothes and napkins, coolers, plastic cups and plates as well as forks and spoons. Take folding chairs for people who are unable to get up from the ground easily and umbrellas for shade and shelter. Take a large plastic bag where you can put your garbage and make sure that you dispose of it responsibly. Make sure you bring sun block and insect repellent as well as an antibacterial gel for your hands and remember your camera!

Get the kids involved and think about what you might need to make your picnic more enjoyable. Ask your kids would they would like to do and however crazy it might be give it a go. Take some games with you that both children and adults can play, adventure trails and team games are always fun.

Remember to dress appropriately to ensure that you and your fellow picnickers are able to relax and join in the fun. Once your all set up and ready for your picnic, make sure you haven't forgotten once last thing- relax.

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A view from the top in the ‘land down under’

One of the best ways to enjoy a new travel destination is watching the place’s scenery unfold from a vantage point.

Australia’s natural as well as its metropolis’ viewpoints can literally lift visitors above and beyond. The Jakarta Post checks out some of the country’s breathtaking views in every way possible.

A view for the thrill seekers: There is no better place to enjoy Sydney’s Harbor than at the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, attached to a rail by a rope some 134 meters above sea level. And visitors can only peer at the view by climbing the bridge. The climb of our choice, the late twilight Discovery Climb, takes you and a few others to the heart of the bridge to gape at Sydney in the sunset, with the city lights gradually illuminating the harbor.

The journey up the bridge is simply magical. With a safety rope around your waist at all times, you walk from one steel pillar to another, up some rather steep stairs until you gradually reach the top of the bridge’s arch. It’s no secret the most-viewed landmark from the summit is Sydney’s Opera House. It’s grand and standing tall, though no one is actually taller than you are at that very moment.

A view of the best of both worlds: Imagine an elevator that can bring you to the 77th floor in less than 43 seconds. The Gold Coast’s renowned observation deck, QDeck, has one such elevator that takes its visitors 230 meters above sea level in unique surroundings.

As Australia’s only observation deck located along the beach and in the world’s tallest residential tower, QDeck has a view to die for. Well, make it two views. It has a view of the gorgeous white sand beach on one side and of the Gold Coast’s expanse of skyscrapers on another. The combination of both is a treat for both city and nature lovers. People say you cannot have it all, but QDeck proves it wrong.

A view with a twist: Okay, you might be able to guess what to expect from an observation deck, but Eureka Skydeck 88 in Melbourne city center has something others viewpoints don’t. With magnificent vistas of Melbourne’s skyscrapers from 88 storeys high, step in to The Edge for an extra A$12 and get ready to find out.

You’ll enter a glass cube with a translucent floor that will slowly move out of the building and take you three meters out from the edge of the main tower at 300 meters above the ground. Adding to the twist, gripping music plays in the background (obviously played on purpose) before the floor suddenly becomes see-through.

There you are, feeling like you’re in the middle of the sky and that any minute you can fall all the way down to that speck of a street below you. The guide actually told us if we fell, it would take less than 30 seconds for us to hit the ground, which was not a very reassuring thought. During these few minutes, you can hear your heart beat faster and faster. This pure adrenaline kick is not to be missed.

A romantic view for two: When driving along the 243-kilometers Great Ocean Road, stop at Apollo’s Bay Chris’ Beacon Point restaurant. The open view from the restaurant overlooking the Bass Strait is stunning. Make sure you reserve a seat close to the window and arrive just before dawn.

Anyone can easily linger there for hours, enjoying the impeccable Mediterranean cuisine and extensive list of French wines. And if a two-hour lunch or dinner break doesn’t satisfy your hunger for sceneries, book a night at Chris’ chic villa or studio for a gorgeous evening (and morning) to remember. Oh, and don’t tell anybody we tipped you about this “Will you marry me?” spot.

A 360-degree view: If you are dreaming of a priceless moment, try hiring a helicopter to take you over the Great Ocean Road. With the choice between a 10 to 50 minutes ride, the 12 Apostles Helicopter ride brings its passengers spectacular views of natural lime stones and sandstones dotting the ocean.

Travelers will have unobstructed views of the famous (not to mention gorgeous) 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge for a reasonable A$95 per person. And for a few dollars more, the helicopter can bring you to London Bridge and even to West Victoria’s most southern point, Cape Otway Lighthouse.

While up there, the pilot will also be your guide and tell you short stories about the natural wonder spread out below you. Relish some picture-postcard moments as the helicopter maneuvers its way to give you this rocking view of the rocks. Unforgettable.

A view before a good night sleep: Located in the corner of George Street, the Four Seasons Sydney hotel has the advantage of having a view of the Sydney Opera House as well as serving you the final dessert of the day. The 53-square-meters Premier Full Harbour-View room is the perfect place to be when saying good night to the iconic city landmark. We also recommend the Gold Coast’s Q1 Resort & Spa accommodation located just below QDeck and The Langham Melbourne for its Yarra River view.

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Keukenhof Garden Still the Best in Spring

When I once visited the Chateau de Villandry, a petit, cozy castle in France's Loire Valley in early April this year, I was certain I'd see one of the most marvelous gardens in the world, or at least in France.

But in fact, though spring has come, the garden wasn't yet in full bloom with colorful, beautiful flowers, and sadly, I needed to wait until summer to see more beauties of the Villandry.

But a month later, I could certainly console myself, for I made a five-day trip to Amsterdam, The Hague (the Dutch call it Den Haag) and to Keukenhof, the world's largest flower bulb park still deemed the most beautiful spring garden in the world - or so the Keukenhof booklet concluded.

It was a sunny Saturday when I visited Keukenhof. I spent about 45 minutes on the bus from The Hague to Leiden - the city famous for its university, and then another 30 minutes from Leiden to Lisse, in the province of South Holland where Keukenhof is situated. There was a direct bus from The Hague to Keukenhof, but unfortunately it only ran on weekdays.

Keukenhof, as I had imagined it, was packed with throngs of tourists. But it was understandable. First, it was the weekend. Second, it was around Easter. Third, Keukenhof opens its gates for only two months, from March 19 to May 21. And fourth, perhaps the most important reason, this year Keukenhof celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Happily, I didn't need to queue for a ticket, since I had already bought one the previous day at the tourist information center at Amsterdam Central Station when I visited the city. Keukenhof at first glance was packed with souvenir shops and caf*s selling hot and cold drinks and various snacks, including the small, sweet Dutch pancakes poffertjes. One caf*, named Caf* New York, reminded me instantly of the garden theme this year: "USA, New Amsterdam - New York, 400."

It was not a coincidence, because since in 2009, Keukenhof wanted to commemorate Henry Hudson's discovery of the Big Apple in 1609 while in the service of the Dutch East India Company. He set foot that year on what is now Manhattan, and New Amsterdam was established. Later, the name was changed to New York.

On the Keukenhof site, general manager Piet de Vries said Keukenhof aimed to emphasize the ties between the Netherlands and the United States, as well as pay tribute to its many American guests.

"We enjoy enormous interest from visitors from the States. The number varies, but it makes up 11 percent of the approximately 840,000 people we welcome every year," he said.

For this reason, there was a wonderful 23-meter by 15-meter flower mosaic of the Statue of Liberty, using more than 500,000 bulbs. Some interesting facts about New York: the city uses Americanized Dutch words. The nickname Yankee for an American comes from the Dutch name Jan Kees. The city of Harlem was named after the Dutch town of Haarlem. Flushing Meadows, home of the US Open tennis major, got its name from the city of Vlissingen.

A thematic garden was effectively started in 2006. Later each year, the themes differed, depended on people or events to commemorate or celebrate. In 2006, the garden marked the 400th anniversary of legendary Dutch painter Rembrandt's birth. In 2007, Keukenhof commemorated the Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus. Last year, the Olympic Games and China were the natural choice.

Delving into the word Keukenhof, it literally means kitchen garden. Over and above that, the history of this superb garden dates back to the 15th century, to a woman named Jacoba van Beieren, countess of the provinces of Holland, Zeeland and Henegouwen from 1417 to 1433. She was the owner of the area where Keukenhof is now located, and in her time, Keukenhof was still an untouched wilderness, used for hunting and gathering herbs for the castle's kitchen.

Referred to as a tempestuous woman, she married four times, spent a few years in prison and lived for some time in exile in England. One of her favorite pastimes seems to have been waging war. In 1433, she was forced to abdicate from all of her counties. Withdrawing from public life, she died in 1436 at the age of 35 of tuberculosis in Castle Teylingen, not far from Keukenhof.

After her death, the large estate was sold to several wealthy merchant families, including the Baron and Baroness van Pallandt. They later asked landscape gardener Zocher to design a garden around their castle. The English landscape garden was created in 1857 and is still the foundation of the park today.

When Keukenhof opened its gate for the first time to the public, it had 40 exhibitors, and the result was an immediate success, with 200,000 visitors. Now, there are around 93 exhibitors with 825,000 visitors from all over the world. Instead of being the largest flower bulb park in the world, Keukenhof has several other claims to fame.

It is the most photographed place in the world, and has the largest, most famous flower parade in the world, known as Flower Parade of the Bollenstreek. The annual parade goes along a 40-kilometer route from Noordwijk to Haarlem and then to Keukenhof.

This year, Keukenhof provides an area of 32 hectares, covered in tulips, daffodils and all other spring bulbs. Strolling around Keukenhof, I was so astonished to explore what I could perhaps describe as paradise gardens.

Walking was a complete joy when I found myself surrounded by millions of diverse flowers united into various forms. Flowers in miraculous blue, red, yellow, pink, white, orange, purple and even black, all stunned my eyes.

In fact, Keukenhof introduces many different gardening styles too, from the historic garden with flower bulbs like old tulip species, to the renovated Japanese country garden.

For children too, there is an exciting labyrinth and a playground.

At Keukenhof, there are more than 2,500 trees in 87 varieties. The 30 horticulturalists who work there plant 7 million flower bulbs by hand! As for the tulip itself, Keukenhof has 4.5 million of them in 100 varieties. And something new in 2009: there is an easy-on-the-eyes Walk of Fame made from tulips. Indian actress Aishwarya Ray, Dutch swimmer and four-time Olympic gold medalist Inge de Bruin and Prince Willem-Alexander are among the lineup. Funnily, there was even a yellow tulip named Donald Duck.

To get immersed more into the tulip world, there is a tulip room in the Oranje Nassau Pavilion. There are four other pavilions named after queens and princes of the Netherlands in Keukenhof. Wilhelmina Pavilion serves as the Keukenhof's office. Juliana Pavilion houses the Flower Power hat exhibition and a painting exhibition by Dutch painter Ton Schulten, whose works are of landscapes in bright blocks of color.

Inside the Beatrix Pavilion, there is a 1,000-square-meter space specifically for orchids and hundreds of exotic flowers. The Willem-Alexander Pavilion is the nest for the biggest lily show on earth and an exhibit of the 60 years of Keukenhof.

While I was busily musing over a bunch of fair flowers, it seemed a bit odd to see two women and one couple dressed up in ancient noble haute couture as they took a promenade in the garden. In fact, that day, Keukenhof held a traditional costume festival known as klederdrachtfestival. Many tourists were overly excited to see these noble figures, and more than a few took photographs with them.

Not far from Beatrix Pavilion is a mill that is also a visitor favorite. Visitors can reach to the top, which means they can climb to the balcony, and from there they get a very nice view of the flower garden. The history of the mill began in the province of Groningen. The mill was built in 1892 and first used as a polder draining mill. The mill was brought to Keukenhof in 1957 and has now been there for the past 52 years.

And now, though the flower feast at Keukenhof has ended, there will be another small sequel in mid-October.

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Outdoor Equipment Has Come a Long Way

If you plan on enjoying the great outdoors, you will be taking part in a tradition that stretches back into antiquity. Mankind lived outdoors before we invented- or at least borrowed from caves; the idea of indoors. The first attempts at creating shelter were tents, and conveniently enough tents are still used in camping, hiking, and backpacking today. In fact, tents represent just one of a number of pieces of outdoor equipment that most enthusiasts own.

Back in the age where the full time occupation of humanity was the hunter gatherer lifestyle, we followed a nomadic lifestyle. This wandering took us into climates that were not always friendly to our sensibilities. The simplest and most effective way to deal with that was to take shelter during the night, as well as in inclement weather. Tents were an effective form of shelter because the tribe could bring tents with them wherever they went. They could fold up and easily transport over rough terrain.

The first tents were made of animal skins, with wood making up the frame of the tent. The process of tanning turned the skins into highly durable leather, rather than mere animal skins that would decompose quickly. The tanned hides could be rolled around the wooden frame to protect it while in transport.

But how do you carry a tent around? Opposable thumbs are great and all, but they don't seem to be much use for heavy lifting. (Seriously; try supporting a large amount of weight with your thumb sometime and tell me how that goes for you) Well, ancient men also had the foresight to invent several other things, one of which was the pack. Today there's an entire outdoor activity named after the pack; backpacking.

Modern backpacks, tents, and other outdoor equipment bear little resemblance to their ancient predecessors. For one, instead of being used in daily life, and meant to hold up to the wear and tear of use over the years, modern outdoor equipment is built for minimalists. It is all about the lightest weight materials providing the most impact per ounce. Whether it's your backpack, your tent, or your clothes, everything is min/maxed to the extreme.

That maxim holds true for almost all outdoor activities as well. Mountain bikes, kayaking, snow sports, climbing; they all attempt to give you the lightest weight equipment that will perform the job. This leads to interesting marriages of technology and the ruggedness of nature. Carbon fiber tent poles combine with space age fabrics... and sit on dirt and rocks. The irony inherent in the mating of two such divergent worlds should not be lost on any outdoorsman.

A Guide to Outdoor Camping Equipment

The first thing you need before heading out on a camping trip is a tent. There are a multitude of selections available and you should have no trouble finding one that is right for you and your family or friends. They make them with multiple rooms, vestibules and various sizes that make it easy to find the one you need. Make sure to check out the reviews on each product to help you determine whether it is what you are looking for.

The next thing you will need is a cook stove. Many people do want to depend on a campfire to cook their food. Many things can go wrong including rain and cooking in the rain is not fun. There are various styles and models of cook stoves that you can purchase, from free standing to ones you sit on a table and use. Most are propane but there are a small selection of stoves that still use fuel or unleaded gas. You can choose from a single large burner to a double burner stove that would allow you to make breakfast and coffee at the same time.

Another important part of camping is your chairs. Many people are choosing to carry stadium chairs with them camping but these can be cumbersome to carry and some are rather heavy. You need a chair that you can sleep in as well as sit and relax in. The camping chairs that are on the market today allow you to sit upright or lounge in them as well as sleep in them. These are made of very lightweight aluminum so they are not heavy to carry or pack. These can also be used at sporting events, fishing or when you are out in the woods hunting.

Sleeping bags can be another difficult purchase. With the enormous selection of styles and designs, it is difficult to know what you actually need. One thing to consider when choosing a sleeping bag is if it will be used only in warm weather. Today they make sleeping bags that will keep you warm down to -20�. This would be great for ice fishing or winter mountain climbing but for summer or fall camping you only need one that will keep you warm if the temperature drops below about fifty degrees. Many of the new ones are filled with goose down.

One final necessity is a lantern. Again, there are a great number of lanterns today are propane. Many are designed like the retro or vintage lanterns like you parents used. There are some manufacturers that make emergency lanterns and battery operated lanterns. The thing to remember is to get one that gives you enough light to maneuver around either in your tent or around your campsite at night.

Each of these necessities can be purchased at a local retailer or online. If you shop online don't forget to look at the reviews of each item to see what others think about the products and to get a good idea of how it functions.

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Packing For the Beach

Just about every family goes to the beach during the summer. But what is the single biggest complaint you will hear? "Uh oh...you forgot..." You always wind up leaving something behind. Try our tips to pack the ultimate beach bag and you'll always stay organized while having fun in the sun!

Make sure your beach bag is large enough. Most Moms will have the "big" challenge of choosing a good looking beach bad that won't be big enough for their carrying needs. Don't forget to keep a head count of your kids and don't forget that your kids often bring friends so keep track of them too whether you are at the pool or the beach. You're going to need that extra room in a big beach bag!

Towels, towels and more towels! Every member of your family needs two towels: one for the sand and one to shower/wash off with. That's a lot of towels. Keep your towels organized by adding clothing labels to each towel so your towels come home with you. Pick color coordinated towels so they are easy to find on the beach lying together.

Sandwich bags aren't just for sandwiches. Here's an easy trick to keep suntan or sunblock lotion from spilling all over the inside of your beach bag: keep it inside a sandwich bag with a tight seal! This will save lots of time and frustration. Add a label to the outside of your suntan or sunblock so other families know this is your sunblock and not theirs.

Clear plastic labels are every Mom's dream for beach trips when it comes to packing the ultimate beach bag. How many times have you come home from the beach...only to discover you are missing a sand pail and shovel? Add clear plastic labels with your child's name or family name to keep everything organized for this summer.

Keep your lunch chilled and dry by placing it near the bottom of your beach bag. Many of the items you pack in the beach bag won't be heavy such as your swimming suit and dry towels. The heaviest thing you pack is your lunch - keep it cool and dry by packing it in the bottom of your beach bag. Make a shady spot somewhere under your large umbrella for your snacks and lunch with your chair and one of your many towels handing over the side.

Many Moms love to bring a good book (okay a romance novel!) to the beach while the kids play. Make sure your romance novel comes home with you by adding a label inside the book with your information. The beach is a busy place and there are lots of other Moms with books, best to keep yours organized and with you at all times.

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