Best Place to do Rafting in Canada

White water rafting or simply rafting is a stimulating outdoor activity for recreation which is conducted with the help of an inflatable raft for the purpose of navigating one’s way in a river or water body. For increased thrill and excitement, rafting can be conducted in varying degrees of rough water. This can be termed as a leisure sport as long as one does not choose a setting which is more than what one can handle. Canada is a paradise for rafting lovers. This beautiful country has some of the most beautiful rivers in North America. In order to truly experience the power and thrill of rafting in Canada’s rivers you will need to get wet. Rafting in Canada is a great way of feeling your adrenaline pumping.

When it comes to the best place to do rafting in Canada, you will not find one synonymous answer from people because there are so many rivers in Canada that are perfect for rafting. Therefore you can try your hand at rafting in any one or all of the rivers. Kicking Horse River is one of the best places to go for rafting in Canada. Located in the Canadian Rockies, this river provides the ultimate thrill of rafting. You will be able to go for rafting tours here where you will be given the right equipment and also training. In addition to the thrilling rafting experience one can also observe the beautiful scenery and towering canyon walls. 

If you are in East Canada then you should head over to Kipawa River. The good thing about this river is that it is Canada’s best intermediate whitewater river with an impressive length of sixteen kilometers. You are bound to feel the power when you step into your dinghy and start paddling. The adrenaline rush which one experiences when rafting in this river is unsurpassable and the cost of rafting here is just USD 100, which isn’t a lot. Therefore true rafting lovers really do not mind flying all the way to Canada to experience rafting in Kipawa River. After all, they would also get air miles in Canada for this connection!

Want to go for a rafting experience with a superb view? In that case Fraser River would be just right for you. You will be able to spot Mount Robson (the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies) here when you are rafting. The scenery is breathtaking, the water is perfect for rafting and the cost for rafting is also low, no wonder people get tempted to fly to Canada for the purpose of rafting.

-niceurdaneta-

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Early Bird Bookings: Family Holidays to Majorca 2013

Now is the best time to book 2013 family getaway treat. The cheapest package escapes are now available to browse online; search at leisure from the comfort of your own home and look for travel deals to suit your brood and your budget.

Family holidays to Majorca are ideal for clans with children of all ages. Tots and toddlers will appreciate the short flight times (approximately two hours from most UK airports) and blue flag beaches, while teenagers and young adults can revel in the island’s excellent nightlife and array of attractions.


A home away from home, wherever you decide to stay, Majorca is brimming with child friendly eateries and entertainment. When travelling on a budget, make the most of the region’s breath-taking beaches – great for adults and children alike.

Palma Nova, the sister resort of vibrant Magaluf, is a fabulous resort for families looking for a lively break away. Without the disturbance of Magaluf’s nightlife, Palma Nova is close enough to the area to benefit from the nearby attractions. Waterparks, themed evening cabarets and marinelife centres are all within easy reach.

When you’re looking for a slightly lower-key stint in the sun, head further north to Alcudia. Although still a bustling resort loved by tourists, a stay in Alcudia is distinctively more relaxed.

Families can enjoy the watersports offered on the safe, sandy shores, while more active days out can be found at Park Aquatico, Alcudia’s waterpark. Take a look at the island’s wildlife at Port d’Alcudia, a stretch of natural wetlands open to the public.

Plan in advance and save money on your 2013 family holidays to Majorca. Look online and find holiday deals now to pick up the very best early bird rates for your summer escape next year – save your spends for fun in the sun.
-niceurdaneta-

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Holiday Season: Travelling Abroad

Life can be full of stressors – the job, the financial woes, the annual car service being due... If you’re anything like the majority of Brits, you’ll be hoping to escape the rat race and the formidable English weather by jetting abroad this year; donning your sarong and arguing over who put their towel on the sun lounger first.

Depending on where you are in the country, or what sort of holiday you are looking for, there are so many options to cater for your individual requirements, right down to the airport you choose to fly from. One of the main reasons for your choice tends to be location – which airport is the nearest and the easiest to get to? But this doesn’t always have to be the main reason for flying from there. Sometimes, your chosen destination isn’t served by flights from your ideal airport but flight connections between domestic airports can mean that your dream holiday can soon become a reality.

Manchester airport is a hub of activity for holiday-goers. Offering both domestic and international flights, it’s one of the most popular UK airports outside of London. With a fantastic road network, allowing ease of accessibility (the Alderley Edge Bypass being a particular favourite), a Meet & Greet service to make car parking a breeze and more shops and food/drink outlets than you can shake a stick at, you can be sure to leave your stresses behind as soon as you enter the Terminal. As long as you don’t face any delays, that is.

You don’t have to do all the travelling in one day, either. Particularly useful if you live further than a few miles from Manchester, or if, worst case scenario, you are stuck in a delay of epic proportions; a hotel near Manchester airport could give you a well-deserved time out between journeys.

-niceurdaneta-

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Holiday Hotspots: Clubbing in Kos

If you’re after a clubbing holiday with that additional all-important ingredient of sunshine, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Kos. A small Greek island located in the South Aegean, just a few miles from the coast of Bodrum in Turkey, Kos is a hit with revellers young and old who love nothing more than partying all night and lazing on the beach by day. It’s a serious hit with British holidaymakers and as a result of its wide appeal, cheap holidays to Kos are widely available and perfect for groups on a budget. Central to the island’s nightlife is Kardemena - a buzzing resort with enough bars, pubs, karaokes and nightclubs to keep you entertained for a month, perfect for stag and hen dos. By day it’s all about the beach - where soft golden sands are peppered with parasols and the warm shallow shores were just made for watery fun, with plenty of activities on offer from parasailing and pedaloes to boat trips to the nearby islands. 

By night, Kardemena really comes into its own and this neon-lit resort transforms into a lively, boisterous town packed with bars and clubs - each jostling for your custom with plenty of two-for-ones on cocktails. You’ll find plenty of package deals by major tour operators such as Thomas Cook holidays who don’t just offer flights and accommodation, but usually throw in some inclusive tickets to the best clubs too. 

This is the place where partying all night and sleeping the effects off on the beach by day is the rule of play. The party goes on all Summer, so if it’s a little R&R you’re after and a quiet night’s sleep, Kardemena probably isn’t for you. But if it’s all-night clubbing with like-minded company and great weather to boot, then you’ve found the perfect place. -niceurdaneta-

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Visiting Mati For The First Time - Day 2

As promised, here is my second day sharing of my awesome and first ever and definitely not my last Mati visit. If you were able to see the awesomeness of the city of Mati on my previous post, their awesomeness didn't end there. 

Waniban Island

Another famous spot in Mati that everyone has been talking about is the Waniban Island. In order to get there, you need to ride a motor bangka (small boat). The one that we had that can accommodate 5-10 passengers. For bigger groups, there were also bigger motor boats for them. It took us approximately 15 minutes to reach the beautiful island. 

Motor Bangka

There isn't any restaurant in the island nor electricity so you need to bring your own food before going there. You can bring your own mat for a picnic-like escapade and just pay the entrance fee of 35 pesos/head or spare yourself from paying it and just rent one of their cottages for 200 pesos. The clear waters was just so inviting but the heat of the sun was so painful. 

Much Effort For A Failed Jumpshot

Lefthanded Me

My friend KC didn't mind the heat and even brought one of her review booklets for her upcoming medicine licensure exam and continued reading while swimming. Such a brilliant idea to study isn't it? :) After few hours, our bangka returned to fetch us and brought us back to Jambay. 

Review For Med Licensure Exam

It's just so sad that my Mati visit would soon end. KC's cousin arrived in a short while and drove us to the city's transport terminal back to Davao City. My first ever Mati visit was indeed a blast. More than the awesome places, I enjoyed it much because I spent it with my dearest friends. I would definitely visit the place again.

The width strains against the failing hate. -niceurdaneta-

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Visiting Mati For The First Time - Day 1

I've been hearing about the beauty of Mati since my college days and I've been always wanting to visit the place. They are saying that their beaches got very fine white sand and the entire place is completely picturesque.

Dahican Beach

One of my highschool friends KC just finished her hospital internship and she wants to have a summer vacation before she could seriously start her review for the medicine licensure exam this coming August. She wants to visit Mati so she persuaded me and our other highschool friend Dominique to accompany her. At first I planned not to join but then I realized that this would be the perfect time to fulfill my longed Mati visit.

Me and KC at the Facade of Hotel Beatrice

 Mati by the way is the only city in the province of Davao Oriental. It is also the capital. We left Davao City at around 8pm and rode the last trip of the van going to Mati. The van had limited stop-overs so we reached Mati in less than 3 hours. KC's cousin met us in the terminal and drove us to Hotel Beatrice where we stayed for the night. The supposedly rest time turned to be an infinite chit chat because one of our (Me and Dominique) college close friends, Jhepoy visited in the hotel. He's a resident in Mati and he has been inviting me since college years to visit their place. It was the second time for Dominique. 

Even though we slept late, we managed to wake up early and had our early beach hopping. Good thing KC's uncle lent us his car/s that made roaming around much easier. For those who would visit Mati without private vehicles, motorcycles are available for rent.

Inviting Waves

Our first stop is at the famous Dahican Beach. Just look at how beautiful it is. The waves are obviously huge which are great for skim boarding and surfing. Aside from the fact that I can't swim, I'm pretty sure there's no way I can learn to skim nor surf. So I just watched the kids enjoying it.

Skim Boarding

 After Dahican beach, we were looking for a place to stay for the night so we had the what so called "beach front desk hopping". We visited Masao, Gregorio and then finally Jambay. We decided to stay at Jambay and told the managing personnel to reserve one room for us.

Gregorio

Jambay

Masao

 It's almost lunch time and since your Mati visit won't be complete if you're not going to dine at Seaside, Jhepoy who happens to be the son of the owner called the resto and had our grand lunch prepared. For the detailed post of the grand lunch at seaside you may click here. 

After the sumptuous lunch, we went to Mayo, one of the baranggays of Mati and dipped into their cold lagoon. If you do not want to burn yourself to the hot sea water, better visit the Mayo lagoon. 

After several hours of enjoying the cool water, we headed to Jambay. Lucky for us because the tide is already high and the sea water is just so inviting. So we had another round of swimming while watching the beautiful sun to set. We enjoyed the rest of the night singing using the videoke machine while munching our delicious dinner from Seaside.

 That ends the first day of my first ever Mati trip. -niceurdaneta-

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Touchdown Syria; The Zabadani Cafe Experience

Who would have thought that a local resto would be able to fulfill one of my ultimate dreams. Such dream is to be in two places in one time. Zabadani Cafe it is, the place wherein you could experience the lavish food of Syria without even leaving the country nor the city.

Zabadani Cafe is located along the most accessible street of Davao City wherein almost all public utility jeepneys pass by. Getting there isn't going to be a problem at all. It is located along Ponciano Street at the back of the University of Mindanao Bolton Campus.

One of my friends in college mentioned this cafe to me 3 years ago but his directions on how to get into the place wasn't that clear so I just ignored it. It's just recently that I happen to see the face of that college friend in one of the photos of the cafe's Facebook group page. 

Then came 2010 when one of my officemates brought us there. That was the moment that I first tasted my favorite Beef Squares. 

It is just one of the sumptuous meals that they are serving. Here is a snapshot of their menu that I got from their Facebook Group Page.

Here are some of the photos of their food shared by the increasing number of Zabbers (Zabadani Cafe eaters, fans, enthusiasts) in the city.

• Syrian Kebab (beef, fish, chicken)

   

• Falafel (beef, fish,chicken) 

                                                              

• Bruschetta

                                                                         

• Qatayef

                                                                 

• Hot Tea (Teekanne)

• Pita Shateerah

  

• Layered Mochachino                                                                   

                                                               

• Layered Soda (strawberry apple) 

                                                       

Add up the free wifi connection that they are offering as you indulge the above foods and the cozy ambiance that would really let you feel like you're eating in Syria.

                                 
The very cute Persian cat Ramadeey is also here!

What are you waiting for? Better visit Zabadani Cafe now!

-niceurdaneta-

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My Abreeza Ayala Mall Experience

May 12, 2011, the entire community of Davao City has been talking about the soft opening of one of the biggest and now the newest mall in city, the Abreeza Ayala Malls. It is place wherein malls are built together in one place. This establishment is a 5 billion Ayala-Floirendo property which is a replication of the Ayala Mall in Makati City.

The place is built not just for shopping but for the shoppers to have a place to bond as well. When I went there this afternoon, I can observe the wide facade before you enter the main building. There is also a vast space which I believe to be developed as a park-garden like area wherein shoppers can stay and bond with their companions after they shop. What happened last Thursday was just a soft opening and not all stores are opened yet. Even some of the landscapes outside aren't done as well.

“We expect the mall operation to be very viable and confident on the cash flow even on the first year of operation. Abreeza Mall is branded as Ayala Malls like Glorietta, Greenbelt, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu, TriNoma,” said Antonio Aquino, CEO and president of the Ayala Land, Inc. Davaoeños should expect BPO centers, hotel and residential condominium to open in the next three years.

I didn't join the crowd in the soft opening last Thursday because I know very well that traffic would be very heavy and it is not advisable for a dust-allergic individual like me. I'm already planning  to visit the place this weekend but I realized that the number of people going there would be more than number during the soft opening because most of them are one their off days already. Two days passed and I just can't help it anymore, I'm so curious of what it looks like and what are the new stores inside. Davao City malls aren't that complete yet when it comes to Branded stores that can only be seen in the vast number of shopping centers in Luzon and Visayas. 

After meeting someone in Gaisano Mall, I decided to go to Abreeza.  It took me a 20-minute jeepney ride to get there. 

Here is a picture of their events area taken from the 3rd floor. This is only a portion of the entire place and as you can observe, there will be an up coming program and people are starting to position themselves in the corridor. Maybe a celebrity would visit, I'm just not sure who and I didn't bother to ask.

I'm not promoting any stores in this post but I just took pictures of those stores that excited me because finally they are already here. 

First and foremost is the famous coffee shop in the world which is the Starbucks Coffee. The one inside Abreeza is the first Starbucks Coffee shop in the city and it is one of the most crowded place inside.

Then I spotted is Max's. We had Max's before in Gaisano Mall but suddenly it just disappeared due to reasons that I don't know. Their chicken meals are my favorite most especially their signature fried chicken.

And here comes PowerMac, the renowned seller of Apple products

Book lovers of the city would be happy seeing Fully Booked is finally here, but the store isn't finish yet. Sorry for the blurry picture.

The succeeding pictures are stores of signature items that I don't see in the existing major malls in the city.

Like what I said in the first part of this post, it is an establishment wherein malls are built together in one place because I spotted this shopping center inside.

I also spotted this stall in the center of the hallway right before I entered the main building. It is a local pastry shop near my place and their cakes are so delicious. Now they are inside Abreeza.

There are still a lot of unfamiliar stores inside based on my knowledge. Maybe for others they aren't new but I'm pretty sure existing malls in the city don't have them. 

Abreeza Ayala Malls is a nice place. I can foresee that it is going to be the biggest and most famous shopping place in the city. It isn't finish yet but people are already all over the place. Most of them are just curious while others are excited to buy those signature items that can only buy when they travel to other big cities in the country.

-niceurdaneta-

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