About Puerto Vallarta 

Long a popular Mexican beach resort, and one of the nicest resort areas in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is a sophisticated and beautiful city with a relaxed atmosphere.
Tourists have been coming to Puerto Vallarta since the 1930s, but it really became an "in" place after John Huston's Night of the Iguana was filmed here in 1964. The film starred Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, who later bought homes there. Now some two million visitors a year come to PV, as it's often called.
Puerto Vallarta has historic areas with cobblestone streets. Some say the shopping is the best of any resort town in Mexico, whether at the Mercado (market) downtown, or at any of the many little shops. There are numerous art galleries. On a vacation day, you can have a swim, work on your tan, do a little shopping and gallery-hopping, devote some time to doing nothing, try a fine restaurant, dance the night away -- and repeat the process the next day with a different set of beaches, stores, restaurants, and nightspots! Puerto Vallarta is an excellent destination for a beach vacation that also gives you the flavor of modern Mexico. It's very popular with Mexican tourists for that reason.

With a population somewhere above 300,000, Puerto Valllarta is a relatively intimate city. It's never very far from the ocean, as the city runs along along between the mountains and the sea. It's actually in a bay, Banderas Bay, which results in gorgeous views. Watching the sunset can become a daily ritual, perhaps at one of the many cafes near the beach, or perhaps from a hotel patio in the hills.
You can explore outside of the city with a boat ride across the bay to Yelapa, take an outing to Mismaloya, even doing a little kayaking along the coast. If you are traveling with children, there are many enjoyable and educational things to do and places to go: whale watching in season, for one. With over 20 miles of beaches, it's easy to find your own favorites.
The weather is delicious in winter -- you might want a light jacket or sweater in the evenings -- and can be very hot in summertime. It's on the humid side year round. A tropical haven!

View From The Barber's Chair

View From The Barber's Chair If you want to get your hair cut in Villefranche du Perigord, a village in the heart of France, you have two choices. On one side of the street is a hairdressers, all chrome and shiny mirrors, a little further down is a barbers of the cutthroat razor kind.

But it's no Sweeny Todd style shop more a great place to enjoy a heavy dose of French life. I'd already prepared myself for the visit, learning the French word for short, for a little shorter please and leave the sideburns as they are.

Well maybe not the last one.

I was also hoping that there would be a couple of pictures on the wall, like all good barbers, that I could at least point to. But I then had a panic attack as I thought they all might be pictures from the 70's and I'd have to point to something that the Hair Bear Bunch would be proud of.

As I walked into the shop there was an old chap sat in the chair with the barber tending to his hair and chatting away. They both turned towards me and said 'bonjour'.

I returned the welcome and as there was no one waiting just sat on one of the chairs and waited my turn. Ten minutes later and I was sat under the quick scissors and smooth style of Daniel Galdrat, Villefranche du Perigord's true barber.

"I've been a barber in the village for 43 years, I was born 50 meters away from the shop and I've lived here all my life," Daniel said.

"After I left school I trained to be a barber at college and started working in the shop."

Daniel is more of a sculptor than a hairdresser, he uses scissors and a comb like an artist uses a brush, with a delicate touch and dedication to detail. He turns to his cutthroat razor to take the hair off the back of your neck and only uses the electric trimmers to tame your sideburns.

"It's a shame that hairdressers today only use the trimmers to cut people's hair, but that is what they are taught at college," said Daniel.

"They have no knowledge of how to use the scissors and comb to cut hair, they might as well be shearing sheep." At the back of the shop is a collection of wooden mushrooms, walking sticks and canes - the other passion in Daniel's life.

He enjoys going out into the Dordogne forests around the village with his dog and camera to take pictures of mushrooms that he uses as the basis for his woodturning. And it is clear to see the skills he has developed as a barber come out in his hobby again the touch of a sculptor is evident.

"I enjoy the mountains," Daniel said as he pointed to a large poster of the Alps on the wall.

"But I can't get to see them as often as I would like

"I am hoping to retire soon, but there is no one to take over the running of the shop as yet."

As my cut was coming to a finish another man dropped in to the shop, said bonjour, and shook both Daniel's hand and mine. He said the weather was about to turn and as I got up to pay, he took his place in the barber's chair.

Roscoe Village Offers Education and Entertainment

Roscoe Village Offers Education and Entertainment Imagine a living history community offering glimpses into the past through costumed interpreters, craftsman demonstrators, and old-fashioned shops and restaurants that give a flavor of life in the 1800s. Living history, blooming gardens, shopping, dining, lodging--Historic Roscoe Village offers something for everyone. A restored 1830s canal town, Roscoe is located along what once was the Ohio-Erie Canal. In an effort to enhance its mission to interpret Ohio's Canal Era, each year Roscoe hosts various festivals, special events, and holiday activities that both educate and provide fun entertainment for guests. Set in the heart of Coshocton County, Ohio, Roscoe Village is just 90 minutes east of Columbus and 2 hours south of Cleveland, along State Route 16 and near the junction of U.S. Route 36.

Historic tours through the Village take guests back in time to the slower pace of life in an 1830s canal town. While strolling through the restored living history buildings, guests may see actual artisans at work, including a blacksmith, a weaver, a printer, a cooper, and a broom maker; observe old-time cooking demonstrations; sit in on a reenactment of an 1800s school lesson; view a full-scale canal boat replica; visit the immaculately groomed gardens displaying an array of colors; or participate in hands-on learning demonstrations like candle dipping, tin punching, or weaving.

At the Roscoe Village Visitor Center, find unique hand-crafted items made by Roscoe Village artisans for sale, including candle holders, weavings, wooden toys, rolling pins and other wood items, and brooms. Schedule a special candlelit tour with the group sales staff, or enjoy seasonal tours such as the "Spirit of Roscoe" (available September and October) or "A Roscoe Christmas" (available November and December). Group rates are also available for all tours.

A venue for fine dining and quaint hotel accommodations, the Inn at Roscoe Village contains 51 rooms and an elegant Parlor, featuring Shaker-style furniture, reasonable rates, and quality service in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. Fully handicap-accessible, the Inn has been updated with new furnishings and a wireless Internet service, providing an attractive stay for both the business and pleasure traveler. In addition, the Inn has a variety of banquet, meeting, and private dining rooms for every occasion.

Visitors can browse the old-fashioned shops housed in original 19th century buildings and filled with area crafts, elegant home furnishings, books, baskets, gourmet coffees and foods, and much more. Besides hosting its own shopping establishments, Roscoe is also home to several independently owned and operated businesses. Exquisite jewelry, pottery (including a paint-your-own pottery studio), leather goods, musical instruments, antiques, and hand-made baskets name a few of the original items available at these stores. The Shops of Roscoe Village will open early or stay late to accommodate groups.

While at Roscoe Village, guests can satisfy the most particular of appetites at one of two restaurants. Choose the elegant dining of King Charley's Dining Room and Tavern or the rustic atmosphere of the Old Warehouse Restaurant. For a snack in the midst of enjoying the sights, grab some goodies or a cappuccino or hot chocolate made to order at the Cheesery, Roscoe's gourmet coffee and tea shop.

Also located in Roscoe Village is the Johnson Humrickhouse Museum, an accredited member of the American Association of Museums, which features a Native American Collection, an Americana Collection, an Oriental Gallery, the Eclectic Collection, and special rotating exhibits. In addition, guests can climb aboard the horse-drawn Monticello III for a peaceful 40-minute float down a restored section of the Ohio-Erie Canal. The knowledgeable canal boat captain will entertain your group with long-ago stories and interesting facts about the canal. Group charters are available.

Parent's Time-Out at Walt Disney World

Parent's Time-Out at Walt Disney World So you think a trip to Walt Disney World is one only the kids can enjoy. Well, think again! Here are a few tips for making your vacation to Mickey Mouse Land a memorable one for the whole family.

oHire a babysitter for an evening alone. If you're a registered guest of a Disney resort, drop off the kids at one of their child care centers. They'll be given dinner along with classic Disney movies, arts and crafts, and video games. If your child is under 4 or not potty trained, call Kid's Nite Out at 407-827-5444 for in-room childcare.

o Plan a date at one of Disney's world-class restaurants. For the height of romance, head to Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. In its intimate, dimly lit dining room you're served a sumptuous 7-course meal on white linen set with Royal Doulton china and sparking crystal. Or try the California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort. Here you'll find an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with picture-perfect views of the Wishes Fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and an outstanding California wine list, this place has it all.

o Consider springing for two rooms. This will guarantee Mom and Dad some alone time. After the kids are in bed, order in a romantic meal in the privacy of your room.

o Enjoy a bottle of wine in your room or on your balcony. It's a perfect way to enjoy Disney's wonderful ambience. The bottled wine selections at the Disney resort shops are a bit sparse, but room service usually offers a nice selection.

o Arrange for a couples massage in a candle-lit room at the Grand Floridian Spa. Or choose the 3-hour Couples Instructional Massage with step-by-step instruction in massage therapy.

o Watch the evening fireworks spectacular from a Magic Kingdom resort. You'll find the most romantic spot at Disney's Polynesian Resort where the two of you can relax in a swing or hammock on a sandy white beach.

o Take a Fireworks Cruise from one of the Magic Kingdom or Epcot resorts. Order a bottle of champagne from room service to be delivered to your boat and just enjoy!

o Party down at Disney's Pleasure Island. It's New Years every night of the week at this 6-acre playground for adults. Wall-to-wall clubs and a nightly street bash with live entertainment and midnight fireworks make this the party-lover's choice for nighttime entertainment.

o Spend an evening at Disney's Boardwalk. Rent a surrey for a spin around Crescent Lake followed by dancing at Atlantic Dance and the Illuminations show from the upstairs balcony.

Discover the Sophisticated Side of Mickey Mouse

Discover the Sophisticated Side of Mickey Mouse Is it possible for sophisticated travelers to really enjoy themselves in the land of Mickey Mouse? Absolutely! Walt Disney World has undergone a transformation much like that of Las Vegas, with an abundance of fantastic themed resorts and sumptuous dining choices.

Maybe your image of Disney is of lackluster, motel-style accommodations. Not so! All deluxe property choices are unique and offer that special Disney touch. You'll find them to be adorned with impressive lobbies, painstakingly landscaped grounds, first-rate restaurants, elaborately themed pools, and gracious accommodations. All offer top-notch recreational facilities and services. In fact, each resort is so marvelous it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you wish to indulge.

Let me tell you about my favorites:

o Disney's flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration from the grand Florida seaside "palace hotels" of 19th-century America's Gilded Age. Just a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon with spectacular views of Cinderella's Castle and the Wishes fireworks display. Aquatic enticements include a crescent white sand beach dotted with brightly striped, canopied lounge chairs, a large sophisticated pool in the central courtyard, a new beachside Florida springs-style pool, and a classy marina sporting a wide assortment of watercraft. A full service health club and spa, tennis courts, five restaurants, two lounges, and sophisticated shopping round out the list of exceptional offerings.

o A navy blue blazer should be in order for a stay at Disney's Yacht Club where guests find the sophisticated ambience of a posh Eastern seaboard hotel of the 1880s. Fronting Crescent Lake and a sliver of beach that stretches over to the adjoining Beach Club Resort, it's just a short stroll to Epcot's International Gateway entrance and only a boat ride away to Disney-MGM Studios. Best of all is the Yacht Club's 3-acre mini-water park complex, Stormalong Bay, offering sandy bottom pools, a giant "shipwreck" waterslide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough length to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart's content.

o The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunning celebration of African wildlife, culture, cuisine, and art. Its authentic architecture and 33 acres of grasslands filled with hundreds of roaming, exotic animals is simply a stroke of genius. The six-story, horseshoe-shaped structure is surrounded by a landscape of golden boulders, tall bamboo, yellow flame trees, pampas grass, copperpod trees, and date palms. In it's imposing, 5-story, thatched roof lobby are massive chandeliers formed by resplendent Masai shields, a large mud fireplace, and handsome safari-chic seating. From common lookouts as well as from 90% of the guestrooms are wonderful views of playful zebra, lanky giraffe, sprite gazelle, huge ankole cattle, herds of wildebeest, flocks of exotic birds, and more, with over 200 animals in all.

o Last but not least is The Wilderness Lodge, Disney's dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park resort. I challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping open on your first encounter with its awesome eight-story lobby of ponderosa pine logs, a massive 82-foot tall fireplace, and authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles. Outside is a breathtaking scene of sparkling waterfalls, rushing creeks, and towering pines. The sound of crickets is heard beneath the bridges and along the meandering pathways lined with natural grasses, junipers, and wildflowers. And on the shores of Bay Lake is Wilderness Lodge's very own erupting geyser surrounded by a steaming expanse of geothermal activity.

What about Disney's dining choices? Once just a hot dog and hamburger haven, Disney's reputation for dreadful theme park food is now a thing of the past. Think Pan Roasted Striped Bass with Aromatic Rock Shrimp Lemongrass Risotto, 6-Hour Braised Veal Shank with Orzo Pasta and Soy Glaze, or Cornbread Stuffed Quail with Foie Gras and Sauce Maltaise. Just a mere sampling of the incredible meals to be found at many of the over 270 dining spots on Disney property. In a radical culinary transformation Disney hired top-notch chefs to create exciting menus for some of the highest rated restaurants in the country and first-rate sommeliers to fashion outstanding wine lists.

Here are some of Disney's best restaurants:

o The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort offers an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and an outstanding California wine list, this place has it all. Don't be discouraged if all the coveted window seats are taken; an adjoining observation platform offers a bird's-eye view of the fireworks extravaganza.

o For top-notch and innovative seafood specialties, head to the Flying Fish at Disney's Boardwalk where entrees such as Potato Wrapped Florida Red Snapper with a Creamy Leek Fondue are the norm. Contemporary and trendy, yet whimsical, this restaurant will absolutely delight the senses with its festive room of flying fish mobiles, sea blue sparkling mosaic floors, and golden fish scale pillars. Named a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner, it boasts an excellent international list. Don't forget to save room for the unforgettable desserts, in particular the banana napoleon with warm caramel sauce.

o Fine dining in a sophisticated setting combined with virtually flawless service sets Victoria and Albert's in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort apart. Here in this AAA Five-Diamond awarded restaurant you're served a sumptuous seven-course meal on white linen set with Royal Doulton china and sparkling crystal. Those seeking a special evening should book the newly-remodeled, 6-person chef's table found in a candle-lit alcove in the kitchen, a spot perfect for an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at Disney's top chef in action.

o Epcot's Bistro de Paris is a charming Belle Époque dining room with an air of exclusivity. Filled with gilded mirrors and crimson banquettes, its billowy white drapes frame windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. After dinner enjoy a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed tableside while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation of the Illuminations spectacle.

o Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge's premier dining room is the seductive Jiko where floor to ceiling windows look out on a boulder-strewn creek. Twin clay ovens draw the eye to the open kitchen where an eclectic blend of creations prepared with African flair are turned out in exotic presentations. Accompany your meal with a selection from the all South African wine list, the largest in North America. And don't leave without ordering the incredible dark chocolate filled beggar's purses served with a honey dipping sauce, one of Disney's best desserts.

So, for those who think that Walt Disney World is just for kids, think again! It's a world of fantastic resorts and innovative dining just waiting to be explored. You may never even make it to the park

Out on the Bread Run

Out on the Bread Run BREAD has an almost mythical status in France so a chance to go out on the daily delivery run could not be missed.

Marie Ange Brouqui was to be my guide and as we loaded up the van, with the still warm loaves, she also checked over her route.

It was to take in the surrounding villages, schools and farms with a longer stop at Villefranche du Périgord, a village in the Dordogne.

"The bread is different compared to regular bread as it keeps fresh for longer," Marie Ange explained.

"This comes about from the baking process so it means that many of the homes will buy a loaf every couple of days."

As we hit the road you could hear the bread crusts crackling as they slowly cooled in the back of the van.

But it also means that inside the van it is warm, useful in the winter but a problem during the long hot summers.

Soon we disappear up a single-track lane into the woods and discovered a small cottage or group of farm buildings.

And with a beep of the horn someone would pop out of the house and pay a couple of Euro for a large loaf, which measures about 18 inches.

"Many of the people we deliver to have been buying bread off us for years so they know they are going to get good quality," Marie Ange said.

"But times are changing and younger people especially, don't buy their bread from the boulanger they just visit the supermarket every week."

Driving down a tight narrow track we would come across a collection of tumble down buildings, with smooth stone archways and a crumbling stairway to a wooden door.

Or the valley floor would open up and a large farm often producing foie gras would come into view.

"I used to be a post woman which comes in very useful for remembering which lane leads where," Marie Ange said.

"And often on the drive you will see a beautiful view or catch the sun in the leaves, it really is very calming."

By mid-morning the van had been loaded up again and it was off to Villefranche du Périgord.

Here we stopped in the market square and attracted a bit of a crowd as they bought up their bread straight from the back of the van.

We would also shoot up and down the four main roads in the village beeping the horn, or tapping on the window, as people came out.

"I sometimes think I should stand in the middle of the square and whistle to attract everyone to the van," said Marie Ange.

"And you always get one or two who think they are the boulanger and ask how the bread was made, is it fresh, what does it taste like?"

By lunchtime the deliveries are made and the ritual of the bread begins again in the boulangerie ovens - but that is another story

The Exquisite Tortuga Island in Costa Rica

Tortuga Island is the perfect day trip destination for anyone visiting Montezuma and wanting to explore Costa Rica's wonderful marine environment. Isla de Tortuga (Turtle) Island has become widely popular in Costa Rica because of its powdery white sand beach and complementing clear turquoise water. Its offshore area provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Situated within the province of North Puntarenas, on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula; Tortuga Island has an interesting and colorful history. Centuries ago, it used to be the hub for pirates. The people even made a pirate theme song to remind younger generations of its pirate past. The island is actually part of a small archipelago referred to as Las Islas Tortugas. The main island, which is officially named Tolinga, is now widely referred to as Tortuga Island. The other main island in the archipelago is called Alcatraz.

You can arrange a boat tour to Tortuga from the nearby villages of Montezuma Mal Pais, Tambor, Cabuya, and Santa Teresa. There are also tours that go to the island all the way from Puntarenas or Jaco. If you are coming from these cities, the boat ride will take about 90 minutes. Even though this may be longer, the trip is considered is quite scenic because of the outstanding seascape of the Nicoya Peninsula. And if you're lucky and attentive enough, you may even spot dolphins, jumping manta rays and even whales along the way.

Almost all of the visitors come in on some tour or cruise to Tortuga Island. There are many tour agencies in the nearby village of Montezuma and other towns in the region that offer different types of excursions. Most of their itineraries consists of not only spending time on the island, but also a snorkeling excursion. Snorkeling is indeed a worthwhile activity as the waters surrounding the island are home to a volcanic rock reef and many delightful species of marine life such as angel fish, spinner dolphins, octopus, sting rays and sharks. If you want to really immerse yourself into this colorful marine world, your tour can also include a scuba diving session. Tortuga Island is an especially unique diving spot in Central America because is close to not only one but three sunken ships to explore.

Some cruise companies like Calypso offer their clients a trip to Tortuga Island with a more luxurious twist. Guest are ushered to a new and modern catamaran and are served gourmet meals and drinks on board. The staff will also dedicate time to impart to guests important information and insights on the Gulf of Nicoya and its gorgeous islands.

Once in Tortuga, there are various activities that you can engage in aside from lounging on the beach all day (which is also not a bad idea). Some people tend to play beach volleyball or take kayak outings. Others, especially those who love hiking, explore the different trails and hills on the island. And if you really feel very adventurous, you can trek all the way to the mountain!

Bigger tour companies usually have their own mini restaurants and bars, and will even set up live entertainment on the beach for a fee of course. Other outfitters specialize in cooking seafood-based lunch for their guests. Whichever tour company you wish to go with, it is important to ensure your expectations as a traveler, match their services and itinerary.