When we talk about Las Vegas the word connected to it is fabulous. A city where many tourist wish and dream to visit. This is the largest city of Nevada which is the center of extravagant and entertainment and gambling. Many of the largest resort properties and casino in the world were found here. I never imagine myself one day that those I've heared, read and seen in a television will be a big real screen in my eyes.

We had a non-stop flight from JAcksonville Florida to Vegas with the Southwest airlines. It was already noon when we reached to the McCarran International airport of Vegas.There was a shuttle bus who take as to a rent a car service where we book a mustang convertible car. It was the heat that struck me by surprised. Whew! I felt i was in the oven, it was in 112 degree fahrenheit but the humidity is on 5 degree. Its not the same in the philippines where I was born where the humidity is very high, that you will e in the sun even its only 80 degree, you are already sweating to the max. When my partner starting to move the car going to the hotel where we book for our stay to the hotel which is the (Stratospher Hotel and Casino), you could see the very strong mountain rocks that welcome you in the city. The camera at hand never ends clicking as we started entering into the fabulous and amazing architectural building of different casinos and hotels, restaurants, cafes standing in the long strips of the city.There is the Mandalay Bay hotel, the Luxor, where you could feel that you are in the Egypt because of the big Egyptian that welcome you, The Excalibur where a big cassle in the middle of the city, The NewYork New York that a big statue of Liberty standing there in the street, and different restaurants and big botiques and stores in line. The most amzing I'm looking forward to see is the Eifeel Tower of Paris and there it is I still cannot believe it. Wow! how extravagant it is. So amazing the Tower is. There are others hotels and casinoin line as we go on, like Bally's, the famous Planet Hollywood, Monte Carlo Hotel, Flamingo, The Venetian,like you are in Venice, Wynn, Encore, Treasure Island, The Mirage, Ceasars Palace, Harras, Furom Shop, Casino Royale, Tropicana, The M&M store, the Harley Davidson,  Circus Circus, Harras, and many wedding chapels you could see there. it was a wonderful experience that i would always had in my memories. Have fun and enjoy.

The 17th of May, or Syttende Mai, is the day that Norwegians and everyone else living here celebrate the Norwegian National Day. They raise red, white, and blue Norwegian flags at home before heading out to crowded parade routes where they wave miniature flags at passing marching bands, buy overpriced balloons for children who sit perched atop their fathers' shoulders, and eat hot dogs and ice cream before heading home to watch the parade again on television. All of this appeals to me as an American, since I've come to expect a yearly dose of hot dogs, marching bands, and miniature flags. It's all charmingly familiar-right up to the part when we wave to the king.

The waving comes at the end of the children's parade, or barnetoget, that winds its way through downtown Oslo. It's all marching bands, too-no floats, no trike-riding Shriners, no fire trucks, no veterans buttoned into old uniforms-just grade school after grade school, sometimes more than a hundred of them. And if a school lacks a marching band, a professional band will often march with them. Years ago, I wasn't prepared for this more secular aspect of the parade and found myself shouting to my husband, “Was that Glen Miller?” as one of the adult bands went by. He nodded and laughed, and laughed harder later in the same parade when I yelled, “Hey, they're playing Elvis!”

The people watching the parade are as much of an attraction as the parade itself because, unlike their American cousins, Norwegians dress up on Independence Day. Granted, Oslo in May is cooler than Peoria in July, but they go all out here in their avoidance of T-shirts and shorts: they wear wool. It's called a bunad, whether you're man, woman, or child, and it's a festive national costume based on 18th century folk dress. Both men and women wear long-sleeved white shirts topped by jackets or vests, with knickers for the men, embroidered, ankle-length skirts for the women, and Pilgrim-style black buckled shoes for both. Women's bunads are the most expensive, lavishly embroidered by hand and then ornamented by as many sterling silver buttons and brooches the wearer can afford (I bet even some of those shoe buckles are sterling).

There is no designated bunad for foreigners. I was feeling a little oafish, looking around one May 17th at all the lovelies swinging by in their lavish, if bulky, bunads, and casually asked my husband which sort resident foreigners like me generally wore. All I got for my trouble was a sidelong glance. He was right, of course: my ancestral district is Chicago and, more broadly, the Midwest-what would I embroider my bunad with, cornstalks and skyscrapers?

The answer is, everyone wears the nicest they've got. If you're Japanese, you break out your kimono. If you're from India, your sari. If you're from Scotland, you wear your kilt and bring your bagpipe. And if you're American, you leave your T-shirt and shorts at home and wear something your mother would call presentable.

After all the schools have passed, The Royal Guard's marching corps and a row of mounted police go by, signaling the end of the parade and official permission to jump into the street and walk the rest of the route behind them up to the palace. After craning on tiptoe for so long it feels a little funny to step out into the street with only a kid or a flag to hang onto, but then you walk along with everyone else under all the pennants and flags, past Parliament and the Grand Hotel, past the National Theater, and you find yourself standing in front of the palace, waving to the king.

The royal family watches the entire parade from the palace balcony, waving to each school and band as they pass with flags lowered. People here sometimes say that the royals earn their salaries on May 17th-they stand on the balcony for four hours during the parade, and they make multiple appearances that day at celebrations outside of Oslo while the rest of us are already back at home with our feet up. But first they have to wave to the rest of us.

It's quiet after the parade, and we all stand there, packed in tightly, in front of the palace. As for the waving, you take turns. First the king and his family wave, and then the crowd waves. Then we wait for a while, squinting up at the row of them looking back at us from beneath the brims of their hats. Then the royals wave again and the people wave back. This goes on-quietly, no cheering-for several rounds, until the royals wave one last time and then go off for their afternoon engagements. It's all I can do not to cry while we're waving to King Harald and his family. It's as silly and sober and touching a thing as ever I've seen.

After that, if you're hungry, you head off to have your ice cream and hot dogs quayside. Sitting by the glittering Oslo fjord, smiling at my daughter's ice cream-smeared face, it's easy to feel proud of my small, adopted country each May 17th, even as I miss the surge that comes of seeing the Stars and Stripes at the head of an American Independence Day parade. Privately, I wish it were hotter out; that my hot dog was tucked into a bun rather than wrapped, Cleopatra-in-the-carpet style, in a potato lompe; that Norwegians didn't reserve fireworks for New Year's Eve, even though the nights aren't dark enough here in May to see fireworks; and that I was headed home to a barbecue. Still, the similarities satisfy, and in a country in which any girl can grow up to be queen (Crown Princess Mette-Marit used to be a waitress), I can't be surprised when my daughter and I are greeted at her kindergarten the next day by a row of smiling children saluting us with a perfect royal wave.

# # #

Rosedale Suspension Bridge

image source

A short 5 minute drive east of Drumheller on Highway 10, is the town of Rosedale. Not much of a town, but there is a nice treed picnic area, and a Suspension Bridge, which is a free tourist attraction. The Bridge is suspended over the Red Deer River, but isn't so high, or so wobbly to be intimidating to people of all ages. On the other side of the river is a very prehistoric looking area, but we must remember that although the land looks inhospitable, millions of years ago it was actually very lush. When the dinosaurs trod on this part of the earth, it did not resemble the desert it is today. Also, remember that it is a desert, do not stick your hands in holes, or places you cannot see. In this part of Canada, there are scorpions, black widow spiders, and rattle snakes.

The 11 Bridges of Wayne

You must drive off Highway 10 for a short distance south, to find this Guinness Record Book title holder, for "The Most Bridges in the Shortest Distance". Again this area is surrounded by the alien landscape that the area is so well known for. In fact, even if it were not for these other attractions, the landscape alone is worth the trip.

The Hoodoos

image source

About 15 minutes east of Drumheller, again on Highway 10, just beyond Rosedale, is an interesting geological feature, referred to as "The Hoodoos". These odd looking structures were formed when erosion removed softer bits of sandstone leaving some areas untouched due to the fact that they had harder stones protecting the sandstone beneath.

The whole area is fascinating, other worldly in appearance, and frequently used in movies about outer space. Unfortunately the Hoodoos have been somewhat destroyed by tourists who have carved their names into them, climbed on them, and basically tried to gain their 15 minutes of fame by destroying a feature that took thousands of years to form.

Other Information

image source

You may have noticed that I only referred to a few outdoor things, in reality there are plenty more things to see and do in the area, including the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, which is a wonderful museum for anyone interested in Dinosaurs. The city of Drumheller itself also has wonderful indoor, and outdoor points of interest, which I will talk about in other articles. This article was to feature a few of the sights and sites, outside the city, and basically outside. I hope you enjoy your trip to the Badlands region of Alberta, remember to bring your camera, sunscreen, and water bottle.

Pastelitos and Empanadas

These small but tasty stuffed pastries are filled with beef, chicken, cheese or other savory fillings and made with yucca flour or corn flour. The empanadas are deep fried and is simply a great tasting snack, worth every penny. Just beware that these are no where like the Taco Bell Empanadas found in the Americans - a cheap rip off from the real thing.

Tostones

These are fried plantains that have been cut and then fried. Afterwards, these are then flattened like pancakes and then fried again - making a tasty treat for someone that want to munch on something. These are very much like the fried plantains style found in India but beware of the oil levels as it may be unhealthy for you.

Coconut Water

These coconuts are made in large varieties, shapes, styles and colors but one thing is true, if you are tired from your day's activities, the heat or from simply running around, then nothing beats the power of coconut juice to refresh your weary soul. These are sold practically in every tropical nation in this world but more ripe coconuts have tastier juice and a ripe inside to eat with a spoon - an amazing tropical experience.

Chimichurris

This is the Dominican burger made from pork cuts in between a bun with your choice of sandwich ingredients. Simply tasting and quickly fills you up for an inexpensive amount. The funny name comes from the Argentinean sauce but this is the authentic traditional Dominican food - as close as you can get to the culture through food.

Quipes

This can be found on every street corner in the Dominican Republic, but basically it is made of wheat and your choice of stuffed meat. Kibbe is the real name of the food and it is a Middle Eastern delicacy found throughout Middle East, Israel, Dominican Republic, India and a few other nations. Various styles include toppings of nuts, mint, herbs and seeds. In various nations, you can find a more local style that has alternate meat or vegetable ingredients.

July and August are typically the hottest months of the summer and, for most of us, the driest. Melting as you make your way from air-conditioned house to car? Drenched in perspiration by the time you reach the office? Scanning the skies for those ever elusive rain clouds and thinking, “Just a little rain, PLEASE!” as you stare at empty blue? You're not alone. While it may be miserably dry where you live, there are some spots you definitely wouldn't want to earn your living selling umbrellas or rain slickers; they're the driest places in the planet.

For the US the three driest cities are not a big surprise. Located in Arizona, Nevada and California, the three hold the record for the least rainfall in the US per year.

Yuma, AZ is the driest city in the country, ranking in at only 3 inches of rain each year. Located in southern Arizona, in the Yuma and Gila Valleys, it is surrounded by picturesque mountains mountains and boasts the cool waters of the Colorado River. Ranked by Money Magazine as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, it is a favorite for residents and visitors alike. Fresh air, a rich history and friendly population makes Yuma a welcoming, but dry place to go.

Las Vegas, Nevada ranks as the States number two most dry city, receiving an average of only 4 inches of rain per year. That doesn't seem to bother anybody; the city averages 40 thousand tourists each year and is supported primarily by tourist trade. There are hundreds of things to do in Vegas, from golfing to gambling, shows to museums, Grand Canyon tours to grand eating at Emeril's. Dry or not, Vegas is definitely a winner.

The third driest city is located in California. Receiving an average of only 5 inches of wet stuff per year, Bishop is located at the edge of the Death Valley Park and Mammoth Lakes. While Bishop doesn't thrive on its tourism industry, it's a great destination for the outdoor enthusiast. The Owens River, South Lake or Lake Sabrina offer great spots for fishing and rock climbers will enjoy the peaks of the Buttermilks. With a wide choice of campgrounds in the area, backpacking, hiking or mountain-biking the Sierra High Country is a breeze, and not much will beat a soak in primitive Hot Springs. It seems the dry weather here is viewed as an asset.

For the world-traveler in you, Aswan, Egypt is the driest city in the world, receiving an average of 0.02 inches of rain per year. Australia is the world's driest continent. Eighty per cent of the continent has an average annual rainfall less than 19 inches. Tourism in Australia seems to be booming, too.

I guess it's true … When you're hot, you're hot!

image source

Boracay Island is paradise Philippines located off the northwest corner of the island of Panay, and belongs to the Western Visayas island-group, or Region 6, of the Philippines. The island is approximately seven kilometers long, dog-bone shaped with the narrowest spot being less than one kilometer wide, and has a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers.
South-facing Cagban Beach is located across a small strait from the jetty port at Caticlan on Panay island, and the Cagban jetty port serves as Boracay's main entry and exit point during most of the year. When wind and sea conditions dictate, east-facing Tambisaan Beach serves as an alternative entry and exit point.

Palawan, Philippines

image source

When Chinese explorer Chao Ju-Kua stumbled upon Palawan in 1225, he dubbed the 270-mile-long (435-kilometer-long) island the "land of beautiful harbors" where "lofty ridges and cliffs rise as steeply as the walls of a house." Today, one of these beautiful harbors-Bacuit Bay-is home to El Nido Resort's Lagen lodge, an environmentally friendly property situated on a sculpted island inside the bay. The resort's 18 cottages rest on stilts right next to El Nido's marine sanctuary, where towering limestone cliffs jut from the shimmering surface and unspoiled coral reefs lie just below it. In a single day, guests can scuba dive, kayak, rock climb, and trek-returning just in time to witness a Gauguin-inspired sunset from their cottage's private balcony. Rather take it easy? Just spend your day relaxing on the beach. You certainly won't miss the sunset that way.

The Big Island of Hawaii

image source

Ever dream of the perfect Hawaiian Island vacation? The Big Island of Hawaii is a tropical paradise that offers hundreds of miles of unique coastline, volcanic black, green gemstone and powdery white beaches, incredible Kona Coast oceanfront resorts, lush jungles, obsidian lava fields, humpback whales wintering and a multitude of fun Hawaiian adventures…from thrills to true bliss.

Sydney, Australia

image source

Sydney is Australia's largest city with a population of almost 4 million, and is the primary port of entry for international visitors. Most recently renowned as host city of the 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney is also the business and tourism hub of the nation, and is increasingly a major centre within the Asia-Pacific region. Blessed with a wonderful setting on Sydney Harbor, and a benign climate, Sydney is a great tourist's city. Although not the first point at which Europeans landed in Australia, it was the first permanent European settlement, and is Australia's oldest established city.

Today, Sydney is recognized as one of the "lifestyle" capitols of the world; it's melting pot of cultures has given the city a multitude of international restaurants and eateries to choose from; the compatible all year round warm weather; the spectacular harbor views, makes Sydney the ideal city for outdoor bars and cafes which can be found all over the city; this could also be the reason for the friendly outgoing and open attitude of "Sydneysiders" - instantly recognizable by visitors.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

image source

Myrtle Beach might be the most desirable vacation spot on the entire East Coast. Located at the center of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of dreamy beaches that attracts millions of tourists every year, Myrtle Beach is the largest resort community in that famed stretch and home to activities that can satisfy any vacation desire. Between its amazing beaches, a wide range of recreational possibilities and primo shopping opportunities, this primary vacation hub on the shores of the South Atlantic is one of the top stretches of oceanfront the country has to offer.

Phan Thiet, Vietnam

image source

Vietnam's Most Beautiful Beach and Bay City. The capital of Khanh Hoa Province, Nha Trang has a full-time population that stands at about 200,000 people, but it far exceeds that with the heavy local and international tourist influx, especially in the summer months. While it's not a particularly charming town, its surf isn't bad and the beach is a breathtaking setting, with views of the more than 20 surrounding islands. There are a few very nice places to stay, and dining is about good fresh seafood.

Phuket, Thailand

image source

Thailand is the real vacation destination everything is there for you to have a good time. Just choose the right Thailand vacation package or do appropriate Thailand vacation deal and a good time is almost for sure. This can be a Thailand beach vacation, maybe in Phuket with a boat vacation on the sea around or a vibrant nightlife vacation. A Chiang Mai vacation or Kanchanaburi vacation could easily be turned into a adventure vacation with challenging river rafting, hiking and trekking in the mountain jungle. Or maybe Thailand culture tour vacation to Sukhothai, Ayutthaya Thailand and plenty of other places, there plenty of Thailand attractions. A very attractive vacation deal in Thailand is scuba vacation in the Andaman Sea and in the gulf of Thailand.

Catering to the entertainment pleasures of all kinds of jet setters, Jamaica's nightclubs offer an array of musical styles and that keeps patrons coming back for more.

Margaritaville, Montego Bay

Located in the heart of Montego Bay's Hip Strip, Margaritaville got its name from the world-class helpings of margaritas bartenders serve up at this trendy club. A prominent hotspot among teens, locals and tourists, the three-level club sits on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

During the day Margaritaville is a sports bar and cafe, but at nights this place truly comes alive. Step unto the thumping dance floor on the ground floor, go to the second floor to enjoy live music or go and have a tropical Jacuzzi experience on the water-themed third floor. Here you can find floating lilo beds, a 110 foot water slide leading from the rooftop to the Caribbean Sea below, two water trampolines; anything for your aquatic pleasure.

Margaritaville serves pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches, traditional Jamaican eatery and an array of pricy drinks. Entrance fee is US$15 and tour buses are available for pickups and drop offs at nearby resorts.

Amnesia Nightclub, Ocho Rios

The name says it all. At this trendy nightclub in Ocho Rios you can party all night to your heart's content. But beware, there is a good chance you won't remember a thing in the morning. If the hard partying doesn't do you in the tasty beverages served at this club coupled with the high tech sounds and flashing lights sure will.

At Amnesia international music flourishes and so more visitors than locals are attracted to this booming venue. Amnesia comes complete with an open air patio, two dance floors, a different part theme each night its open and features many celebrities, entertainers and guest DJs. The club is open from Wednesday to Sunday.

Acropolis Disco, Ocho Rios

A favourite among locals, Acropolis Disco offers the best in Reggae, Dancehall music, Hip Hop, R&B and Pop music. The loud pulsating music draws patrons in. Dance to your heart's delight at this Ocho Rios hotspot for a fee of US$5. The club is open 9pm - 5am from Monday to Sunday.

Asylum Nightclub, Kingston

This nightclub is a staple of Jamaican nightlife in Kingston. It is so popular that traffic outside the club is often backed up. With patrons so eager to party till they go crazy it's no wonder why. They flock here to experience thumping sounds, crowded dance floors, well stacked bars and the occasional offering of live music that keeps them coming back again and again.

The club features Ladies Night, Dancehall Night and Oldies Nights where selections from the DJs drive the crowds crazy. The Asylum nightclub is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9pm - 4am and on Fridays 5pm- 4am.

Quad, Kingston

Fast becoming the hottest, most exclusive nightclub in Kingston, Quad is a clubber's paradise. This multi-level nightclub boasts a jazz cafe, the Oxygen nightclub and the famed Voodoo Lounge. Christopher's Cafe is located on the first floor and has a beautiful decor, a baby grand piano and an Appleton V/X Bar, serving the best in Jamaican rum. Christopher's Café has live music on Thursdays with an artist contribution of J$300 or US$5.

On the second floor the Oxygen nightclub opened every Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays is an America styled pop club that features all the best music. Wednesday nights features music from the 80's and 90's, while the weekend features the styling of American top 40 mixes.

The bewitching Voodoo Lounge located on the top floor plays all the trendy music of today and yesteryear. Wednesdays offer music in the now while on Fridays and Saturdays you can enjoy the Bee Gees, Cyndi Lauper or Destiny's Child with a selection of classic hits from the 70's , 80s and 90's. The Voodoo Lounge offers yet another level of excitement where patrons can go to the outdoor decking and enjoy a spectacular view of Kingston.

Club Hurricane in the Hedonism II, Negril

Located in the notorious home of the uninhibited crowd of Hedonism II, Club Hurricane features Pop, Techno, Reggae and R&B music and is opened nightly from 10:30pm - 5am. There are many events that take place all year round including: Halloween celebrations, toga parties, and a spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations to name a few, which makes this nightclub really enjoyable. But nothing quite draws visitors to Hedonism II like the non-judgemental, anything-goes attitude that appeals to those who want to let go and live free of their inhibitions, on or off the dance floor.

The Jungle, Negril

At The Jungle their slogan is "Unleash the Animal," and it's a dare to get you to party like you've never partied before. The Jungle is open Wednesday through Saturday with a cover charge of US$9 for men and US$7 for women. That's unless of course it's Thursday (Ladies' Night) where women enter free before midnight. Wednesdays boast the international hits of today, Fridays are special events nights and Saturdays feature a crowd-roaring selection of music from DJ Rusty. You are sure to enjoy The Jungle.

Whatever your taste in musical entertainment and nightlife, Jamaica has got it all. From Pop, R&B, Reggae, Rock; just rest assured that it is here. Boredom in Jamaica is simply out of the question.

“Chill On,” is Melbourne, Australia's first ice bar. The hot sizzling temperatures outside make the inside feel much more enjoyable. At $30AU per adult and $15AU per child (before 6pm kids are allowed in) the price includes gear to keep you warm while you're inside.

You're only allowed to enjoy your stay for 30 minutes and are given a buzzer when your time is up.

Your drinks are on ice, literally. The glasses you drink from are frozen ice, imagine that!

For more information check out their website.

It is a country that has been blessed with many tourist attractions, its ministry of tourism was created in the 1970's to encourage investment in this sector. Tourist attractions include amongst others; wildlife parks, highlands, lakes, Mankon Fondom (kingdom) and museums.

Despite government's efforts over the past decade to boost the sector, its growth has been hampered by poor infrastructure and mis-administration. However, this has not deterred foreigners from visiting the country's attractions.

Tourists Climbing Mount Cameroon

One of the main sites that attracts many foreigners and nationals alike is "Mount Cameroon" also known as "Mount Fako". It is situated in Buea, in the Fako division of the South West province of the country.

It measures 4100 kilometres, the highest point in Central Africa and the second highest point in Africa after Mount Kilamanjaro in Kenya. The mountain rises from the coast through tropical rainforest to a bare summit which is cold, windy and occasionally brushed with snow.

The Mount Cameroon forests are under threat from uncontrolled forest exploitation and encroachment for agricultural production. A population of approximately 350,000 people live within its immediate vicinity, around half of this population live in the urban settlements of Limbe and Buea.

The Bakweri, Bomboko and Balundu people traditionally live on and around the mountain, together with the coastal Bimbia clans; the livelihoods of these people are directly or indirectly supplemented through the harvesting of the forests resources such as timber and non-timber products such as removing bark for medicines, gathering wild vegetables, collecting rattans for making furniture and hunting.

The mountain has erupted six times in the previous century, the latest recorded eruption was in March/ April 1999. During the eruption, the lava flow destroyed farmlands in localities found on the slope of the mountain such as Bakingili, Batoke and Upper farms.

In local folklore the God of the mountain is known as Efasah Moto, it's believed to be composed of two halves, i.e. man and stone; it is also believed that it takes care of people by providing them with water, shelter and food during their journey up and down the mountain. Visitors are allowed to harvest what they can consume while on the mountain but are not allowed to take away anything provided by Efasah Moto. Belief in the God provides an interesting cultural link to ecotourism and sustainable use of resources.

Apart from individuals or groups who go for excursions on the mountain, there is an annual international race that is organised by the Government known as the "Mount Cameroon Race of Hope". The initiative was started in 1995 by the company that brews Guinness.

The race usually brings together hundreds of athletes with scores of them coming from abroad. The starting point of the race is the Molyko Omnisport stadium and participants pass through upper farms, huts 1,2 & 3 before reaching the summit and returning back to the starting point. Participants are divided into male and female categories, they are then further sub-divided into professionals, youths, and amateurs.

The first winner of the male category usually takes just over four hours to complete the race while that for the female category usually takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes. Prize money is in the region of two thousand pounds.