Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

If you are looking to spend a few hours at a cool museum, don't miss the Navy Seal Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida. Located at the south end of North Hutchinson Island on A1A, the Navy Seal Museum is a place where you can truly enjoy yourself for several hours. Not only will you be entertained and educated at the same time, but you will leave with a tremendous sense of pride in America.

I have visited the museum twice, and each time I learned so much that I didn't know about the Navy seals. This is one museum that is definitely worth more than the $8 price of admission. Volunteers staff the museum, and many of them are previous military men and women, and some are even former Navy Seals.

What I was so intrigued to see was the actual lifeboat from the Maersk Alabama. This is the lifeboat that was hijacked in 2009 by Somali pirates. Three of the pirates held the captain hostage for four days on this lifeboat until Navy Seals killed all of them and freed the captain. It was chilling to actually see the bullet hole in the side of the lifeboat.

The museum features numerous displays and exhibits, videos and movies. The weapons collection alone is very interesting even to someone like me who knows nothing about guns.  Videos run on various screens giving the visitor an inside look at some of the training involved in becoming a Navy Seal. Various collections of uniforms and equipment from over the years are displayed according to different eras.

The Navy Seal Museum is the only museum in the world which is dedicated exclusively to the preservation of the Navy Seals and their predecessors, the “elite warrior of Naval Special Warfare.”  The ground where the building is located was the original training grounds for the Navy Frogmen during the years 1943-1945. The U.S. Navy's Underwater Demolition Team, formed in 1943, was actually the predecessor to the Seals, which were not formed until 1962.  From 1945 through 2005, about 48,000 men went through UDT and Seal training, but only 8,000 became UDTs and Seals.

Every November in celebration of Veterans Day the Navy Seal Museum has a three day celebration called the Muster, where they feature guest speakers, a 5K run, live music and food, aerial demonstrations, and other fun activities for the entire family.

Hours of the museum are:

Tuesday Saturday 10-4
Sunday 12-4

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Guest Post: Ruth Elayne Kongaika

Living in Paradise, there are plenty of things to capture your attention. One that is often overlooked is the Byodo-In Temple nestled deep in a very lush corner at the base of the Ko’olau Mountain range of Oahu. It is located only thirteen miles from the Honolulu Airport. It is a replica of a temple located in Japan that is over 950 years old. There are no nails or screws to hold it together.  It is bound with braided ropes like the original temple.

To get to the temple from Kamehameha highway,  you pass through a well maintained cemetery. The temple is actually part of the cemetery, and the Buddha located in the center of the temple watches over several urns of cremated remains. Children and adults enjoy striking the bell near the entrance with a soft wooden log (shu-moku). You can hear and feel the deep sound of the sacred bell (Bon-sho). The bell is five feet high and made of brass and tin, having been cast in Japan. The sound it emits is supposed to cleanse the mind of all temptation and evil and give you a sense of peace and tranquility. This helps prepare your mind for entering the temple.

Before entering the main part of the temple (Hoo-do), you are asked to remove your shoes in reverence to deity. The impressive golden Buddha is the largest carved figure outside of Japan. It is nine feet tall and is covered by three coats of gold lacquer, lastly being covered with gold leaf.  It was carved by Masuzo Inui, a famous Japanese sculptor. There are several smaller sculptures of enlightened beings surrounding the Buddha. Incense burns and fills your nostrils as you peer at the massive Buddha.

The Byodo-In temple welcomes people of all faiths. It is a place of harmony and meditation. The beautiful landscape includes a large pond and some small waterfalls. Black swans and hundreds of koi make their home in the temple grounds. Koi can live to be 100 years old and some of them are huge. An occasional peacock, frog or turtle can be spotted. You can purchase fish food at the gift shop and enjoy watching the koi feed. The temple is a Hawaii State landmark.

Buddhism Prayer Service is led daily by local bishops. There is also a meditation pavilion for personal use. Occasionally guest artists display and give demonstrations of their work. Sumi-e and ikebana are ancient oriental art styles which are often part of the demonstration arts shown. Also local Hawaiian arts including ribbon lei making are offered.

There is a small gift shop where you can find unique items, including oriental art prints, statues and even Japanese wedding gowns. A restroom is located at the back of the gift shop.

The breathtaking location of the Byodo-in Temple is perfect for wedding photos. It is not expensive or busy like many tourist attractions in Hawaii. The gardens are well kept and even the gravel is raked into a contemplative pattern. Large eucalyptus trees and bamboo align the pond. You will enjoy the peace and tranquility at the Valley of the Temple’s temple. It is considered one of Oahu’s hidden gems, and I have often taken guests there. My grandchildren truly enjoyed feeding the fish and roaming the expansive grounds.

Ruth Elayne Kongaika was raised in the mainland, USA, but has been living in the South Pacific for the past forty years. She enjoys trying to capture the beauty of the islands through her photography, painting and writing. She has a blog which shares some of her art and favorite subjects at:

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Honeymoon Island is one of my favorite beaches in Florida. When I lived on the Florida Sun Coast this was the closest beach to my house, maybe about a ten or fifteen minute drive. I know how lucky can one be right? Located in northern Pinellas County at the far west end of the Dunedin Causeway, Honeymoon Island remains a pristine paradise. Once known as Hog Island, this  is one of a handful of Florida’s undeveloped barrier islands, most commonly known for its natural beauty and preservation of nature. With over 2,800 acres and four miles of shoreline, Honeymoon Island always ranks at or near the top as Florida’s most visited state park.

History of Honeymoon Island

This island officially became part of the Florida state park system in 1982 and was named Honeymoon Island State Park. The story surrounding its name is quite interesting. In 1939, a New York developer named Clinton Washburn bought the island for only $30,000. He proceeded to built 50 palm-thatched bungalows, and in conjunction with Life magazine organized a contest for newlyweds. The winning prize was a two-week “honeymoon” in the bungalows, and that is how the island was named.

The Beach

For beach lovers like me, the main beach area is designated for swimming, and is equipped with bathhouses and restroom facilities. The beach can be rocky at times, but is hardly ever crowded, which makes it so nice.   The south section of the beach has been designated as a pet-friendly beach and aptly named Doggie Beach by the locals. All dogs must be on a six-foot leash at all times and in the parking lot, there is a special area to bathe your animals, a watering hole, and of course a cleanup bag dispenser. The northern end of the beach is ideal for walking and shell collecting, and at low tide, you can walk out onto a sand bar, where I have frequently found sand dollars during the late summer months. A more remote section of the beach has also been an attractive spot for nude sunbathers.

Nature Trails

The park allows visitors an opportunity to commune with wildlife, as it has numerous hiking and nature trails. Don't miss the new nature center with   exhibits on ecology and educational interactive displays.

Fishing

Fishermen enjoy the southern end of the island, where they typically catch snook, redfish, and pompano. Nature lovers can experience amazing sights from an elevated observation deck, and there is a nature trail with nearby picnic pavilions and grills.  

Snack Bar

There is even a small cafe, known as Café Honeymoon, which features snacks, beverages, and suntan lotions. You can rent water sports equipment such as   kayaks, and umbrellas and beach chairs.

The park entrance fee is $8 per vehicle for up to eight people. It's a great beach to spend a day on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

India is an incredibly popular tourist destination and continues to attract millions of visitors a year with all the different sights and experiences it has to offer. You will find that there are so many choices about what to do and see while you are on holiday in this fascinating land that you are spoiled for choice and will need to decide what the best travel package is for you personally to make sure you see as much as you can on your trip.

The majority of Indian tour operators try to create a range of packages which consist of a range of activities that include interest and variety. It is important to make sure that you pay attention to the different places that you wish to go and also the budget that you are working with for your trip. You will be able to find different travel coupons that help you to take advantage of some great deals and promotions.

Indian tour packages are filled with cultural, historical and spiritual wonders that are able to enthral and excited visitors with their rich and interesting aspects. You will often be able to choose packages that centre on a certain type of activity, for example adventure, culture, architecture or food. Of course you can find tours which include a broad spectrum of these features, while there are some tour operators who allow you to simply create your own personalised package of sights and attractions which are of particular interest to you personally.

One of the easiest ways to find the best tour package in India, is through one of the many dedicated tour companies. You will find that they are experts on what to see and do, while at the same time are able to find the best deals and plans to make your trip economical and enjoyable. You can adapt the tours to your particular interests which may include wildlife, culture, history, shopping or food. These are all very different aspects of the country and you can decide which interest you most, or you are also able to choose a few key features that you wish to include.

You can find a great deal of restaurant coupons India India which will allow you to further experience more of the different tastes and flavours of the country without breaking the bank. If you are more into excitement and adventure then you will be able to find a great deal of tours which are geared up to offer you safari style trail tours where you can explore national parks and spot some of the local natural wildlife and nature.

So if you want to experience the holiday of a life time, start searching now and you will be able to create the most amazing trip of your life through the fabulous services of different Indian tour packages. Once you have been on one tour you will be sure to come home eager to start planning the next!

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Ybor City is the historic area of Tampa, comprised of Cubans, Spanish and Sicilians, and they still hand roll cigars there. There is no place quite like this anywhere and is one of Tampa's most popular tourist areas. It's definitely the place to be for night life  especially for the young crowd, but during the day there is plenty to see and do too.

On a recent visit to see my friends in Tampa we spent a day in Ybor City and I even talked to the few of the old cigar makers as they sat in their storefront windows rolling the tobacco leaves.  Not many of them are left compared with the days when cigar manufacturing in Tampa was a thriving business.

In the fourteen years that I worked in Tampa, I had never eaten at the Columbia Restaurant, which is Florida’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1905.This family owned and operated restaurant   is  also the world’s largest Spanish restaurant. My friends and I had a fantastic lunch there with authentic Cuban bread, plaintain chips and garbanzo bean soup. Everything was excellent and I was glad I suggested going to Ybor City for the day.

Florida is very casual and even in the evenings most restaurant patrons dress in capris and flip flops, sometimes even shorts. The Columbia takes pride in everything it does and the waiters are dressed in white jackets or tuxes, even for lunch. With fifteen different dining rooms and an inventory of 50,000 bottles of wine, the Columbia exudes old world charm and is synonymous with Ybor City.

Browsing around the streets was fun, checking out the hookah bars and specialty shops along 7th Avenue. My favorite part of street shopping though was seeing the cigar makers hand rolling cigars, and being able to stand next to them and observe this dying art. I was fascinated and they were pleased for the attention.

Cigar manufacturing used to be the main industry in Tampa until the depression, after which demand for hand rolled cigars decreased and machine made cigars took over. Today only a few cigar shops still operate in Ybor City, and who knows how long these will last? If you want to have an opportunity to see this first hand, head to Tampa and spend a day in Ybor City. If you still have some energy after that, check out the night life while you are there. It can be pretty crazy!

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Siena is a great place in Tuscany to use as a home base for making day trips to other locations, such as Florence, the Chianti wine country, and Pisa. I spent ten days in Siena and was never at a loss for something to do. Siena itself has grand landmarks and also some lesser known places to go and things to do. Here are a few suggestions to consider.

Piazza del Campo

Everyone knows about the Campo, the second largest piazza in Italy, the place where the famous Palio horse races take place twice during the summer. This is by far the most popular meeting spot in Siena and a very cool place to people watch. The sloped piazza makes it perfect to lie down or sit in groups and have picnics, talk, write, and enjoy life in Italy.

Restaurants, cafes, pizza shops, and gelaterie are all around, so it is a perfect place to spend as much time as you like without fear of needing to find a place to eat or drink.  The fourteenth century tower, Torre del Mangia, is part of the Palazzo Pubblico or Town Hall, and at 288 feet tall is one of Siena's tallest landmarks.  Although this is one tower I did not climb, you can climb to the top via a narrow winding staircase and have the most beautiful views of the Campo below and all of Siena.

Take in a soccer game

On a whim I decided to attend a soccer game one evening and it was a thrilling experience. Siena recently moved up to the Serie A Soccer League but they still are playing in their old stadium which holds about 15,000 people. A new stadium is under construction at the southern end of the city.

Soccer fans in Siena are passionate and they love to make deafening noises on the aluminum risers as they stomp their feet with the enthusiasm only an Italian can understand. When I attended one of these games just before the team was promoted to the more prominent Serie A, I loved the passion I experienced firsthand in the stands with the local fans.

Make a stop at Consorzio Agrario di Siena

On via Pianigiani you will find a wonderful food store called Consorzio Agrario di Siena and I highly recommend spending some time inside. Here you can taste some locally produced wine, and buy the freshest prosciutto and salami. One of the largest assortments of fresh locally produced cheese takes up a case at least twenty feet wide, and with some freshly baked bread and a piece of fruit, you are set for your own picnic lunch at the Campo or on a park bench. At Consorzio Agrario you will find locally produced olive oils, vinos, pastas, and fresh fruits and vegetables. This is definitely a place not to miss.

Visit the Bottini

It's a safe bet that most tourists never heard of the Bottini, and in fact I hadn't either. The Bottini is an elaborate underground water system in Siena, and there are guided tours available here. An organization named "La Diana" will take small groups of up to eight people through this series of mazes underground. Excavation of these underground waterways began in the year 393 and not completed until sometime during the thirteenth to the fifteenth centuries.  The Bottini  run below the surface of Siena for a total of fifteen miles. I have not visited these but it is not recommended for anyone with claustrophobia or for children under the age of eight, as there are very narrow passageways in some spots. Proper footwear and even boots are also advised. This is not your typical Italian tourist excursion, but more for someone interested in doing something off the beaten path. Enjoy!

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Epcot Center in Walt Disney World is huge and you really need more than a day to see all of it. It is divided into two sections, the World showcase and Future World. The World Showcase features pavilions from different countries and on a recent day trip there I enjoyed the France Pavilion. As with all the country pavilions, Disney makes sure that everything is very authentic in representing the country and France is no exception.

The imposing Eiffel Tower makes you think you might be in Paris and Disney used the original blueprints to make a structure to one tenth the size. It is impressive to say the least. As I approached the entrance to France I was amused with a live show of two mimes and spent about twenty minutes being entertained by them.  Not only were they mimes but they were comedians as well as gymnasts and acrobats. Billed as Serveur Amusant, these two were hilarious and fun for all ages.

One of my favorite features here is inside a theater, where an eighteen minute film, Impressions de France, is presented on five screens in 220 degrees resembling 360 Circle-Vision. With aerial views of scenes from all over this beautiful country I felt as though I were flying over the cliffs of Normandy and castles in the Dordogne Valley. The film is a beautiful travelogue of the best places in France. Although it is the same film since Epcot opened 30 years ago I enjoyed it immensely, especially since I have recently been to France.

The young people working here at the   France Pavilion are friendly and speak fluent French naturally. I couldn't help feel as though I were in France while I was here, although the ice in the drinks quickly gives it away that this is America and not Europe.

Of course the outdoor streets lead to shops with authentic French wines, soaps, and naturally pastries and breads. The lines in the boulangerie and patisserie are never short but worth the wait. I couldn't leave there without sampling a croissant! At the Plume et Palette French perfumes with names like Givenchy, House of Guerlain, and Chanel create pleasant scents for those strolling inside.

The France Pavilion just opened a new restaurant, Monsieur Paul which is upscale but a little less formal than the former Bistro de Paris, which it replaces. Les Chefs de France, a family-friendly restaurant is patterned after a Parisian brasserie, and has been here since the beginning. The bakery is expanding and will   soon be opening in its new form, Boulangerie Patisserie Les Halles, in January 2013. The renovation includes new ovens and an additional 90 seats were added to accommodate the demand for these delicious sweet treats.

Don't miss the France Pavilion on your next visit to Epcot Center at Walt Disney World.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Guest Post: Ruth Elayne Kongaika

The week after Christmas 2012, we took two of our grandchildren and their parents to see the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum of Hawaii. We have been members of this worthwhile establishment for a few years now.  It is an educational center and gathering place for locals and visitors to Hawaii. Their mission is to preserve Hawai’i’s cultural heritage and natural history.

Through the donations of many supporters, the museum has grown in leaps and bounds. The latest addition is the newly renovated Jhamandas Watumuoll Planetarium. We were excited and pleased to see the improvements, which now feature cutting-edge technology. The program “The Sky Tonight” is shown on an enhanced “hybrid” system utilizing a new Chronos II star machine and a full-dome video system. Just installed reclining seats assist you in lying back and enjoying the cosmos in a comfortable position.

Ancient seafaring navigation by the stars is featured in film and reading the stars overhead. You are trained on how to find your own way by the stars throughout the islands of the Pacific. Our grandkids really enjoyed the experience and learned more about our vast cosmos.

The Bishop Museum is well known for ground breaking research in entomology, botany, zoology and other areas of study. The current display is called Xtreme Bugs. There are 130 animatronic larger-than-life insects on the expansive lawns. They include a Centipede, Tarantula and Orchid Mantis. My granddaughter has never liked bugs very much, and at first was a bit hesitant, but perhaps because of the beautiful butterflies and ladybugs, she overcame her fear.

Each display gives informative bits about what you are seeing, including somber facts like the disappearance of bees and the eventual outcome if it continues. The museum aims to entertain and inform people of all ages. There are artifacts, hands-on activities, lectures, and entertainment. There are videos, books, artwork, and plenty of photography from days gone by. Many stories are shared about immigrants to the Hawaiian Islands.

At the Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center in the museum, children were able to help make a volcano erupt by applying pressure, see the dynamics of a tsunami, dress up as different bugs, and actually see drawers full of mounted bugs.

The Bishop’s Museum was founded over 100 years ago. During that time, the museum scientists have been able to name about 18,000 species of the native plants and animals found in the Hawaiian Islands. Most of them are depicted throughout the museum with their scientific names as well as their common names.

Exhibits are changed a couple of time a year to give fresh information for repeat visitors.   HI Fashion, which gives a history of the aloha shirt and features a large collection of Shaheen designers. The display has over 200 pieces of aloha shirts and Hawaiian dresses.

The Bishop Museum is a worthwhile and inexpensive place to spend time with family or to take visitors for an all-in-one educational experience in Honolulu.

Ruth Elayne Kongaika was raised in the mainland, USA, and has been traveling in the South Pacific for the past forty years. She tries to capture the beauty of the islands through her photography, painting and writing. She has a blog which shares some of her art and favorite subjects at:

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Guest Post By: Maria Papadopoulou

Situated between Milos and Sikinos, Folegandros, Greece is one of the most naturally beautiful islands of Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, with breathtaking scenery of mountain areas, rocky ground, green fields and deep blue, crystal clear waters, making it one of the most popular travel destinations in Greece for tourists worldwide.

I visited the Folegandros, Greece for the first time several years ago. I remember I fell in love with the island the moment I arrived at the port of Karavostasis.

Folegandros Beaches

Probably the most well-preserved in Cyclades, the Folegandros beaches attract hundreds of visitors, especially during the summer months. I visited and loved them all, but I consider the following ones to be special:

Agali Beach

The Agali beach is named after the Greek word ‘’Angalia’ which means ‘’hug’’ and it took that name because of the huge rocks that seem to be ‘’hugging’’ the beach. This is the most crowded beach and ideal for swimmers.

Agios Georgios Beach

Ideally located to the northern part of the island, the sandy, crystal water beach of Agios Georgios is extremely popular. Only thing to be aware of is that this beach is subjected to strong winds, so it is wise to check the weather report before visiting.

Folegandros Historical Sights

Church of Koimisis tis Theotokou

Situated on the top of a cliff, on the ruins of a temple, there is Church of Koimisis tis Theotokou, dedicated to Panagia Theotokos (Virgin Mary). According to an old legend, the church was built by an islander who was kidnapped by pirates, and was miraculously saved once he found the icon of Panagia Theotokos in the Aegean Sea.

Venetian Castle

Built during the 13^th century to protect the inhabitants from pirates, the Venetian Castle offers a spectacular, breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea, as well as the chance for visitors to see the church of Panagia Pentanassa. I visited in late afternoon, while the sun was going down, and I had the chance to enjoy an even better view because I climbed on the top of the church, so I have associated that experience with one of the most romantic moments in my life.

Ecology and Folk Museum

For lovers of nature like me, the Ecology and Folk Museum in the capital of Folegandros, Chora, is a must-see. The museum displays an impressive variety of farming tools, ideal for everyday use, housed in a farm house.

If you are looking for a peaceful and serene place to spend your summer vacation, the island of Folegandros is a perfect choice.

Guest Post: Ruth Elayne Kongaika

There is so much to do and see in Hawaii. Hiking, swimming, golfing, cruising and gardening are just a few things that can be done almost year round. Family and friends visit as often as they can to escape icy winters in the mainland. There are mainly two seasons in Hawaii, the dry season and the wet season.

Beautiful scenery, temperate weather, and beaches abound! Temperatures rarely go below 70 degrees Farenheit. Living in Paradise definitely has some perks but, unfortunately comes with some extra costs. Hawaii is a group of islands in the middle of the huge Pacific Ocean.  Because of the distance from exporters, extra shipping costs are attached to groceries and most items ordered online or brought in from Asia or the mainland United States. Milk is currently nearly $5.00 a gallon since it is imported.

Median home prices in Hawaii are half a million for a very basic house plan. The cost of housing can be two or three times as much as on the mainland. It is also usually smaller than what most people on the mainland are used to. Monthly rental costs for a studio only is around $1,000 per month. Rentals with bedrooms and amenities are usually $1,500 plus monthly.

The moist salty air of the islands is perfect for rusting just about everything. Vehicles and appliances seem to suffer the most. Also, mold and mildew can form quite easily especially in places where it is warm and moist like the kitchen and bathrooms. This can be harmful to your health if the mold is allowed to grow. It takes extra effort and chemicals to keep this under control. All of this can up to extra costs for appliances, vehicles and maintenance.

Since the weather in Hawaii is fairly good all year round, the insects and other pests love Hawaii too. To avoid infestations by termites, cockroaches, mosquitoes and other creatures, frequent treatments are required. It is less expensive to control invaders than to get rid of them.

Food items go bad quicker in Hawaii.  They must be stored inside plastic air tight containers. If the package is left open for chips, cereal or other snacks, the crispness will not last. Electricity needed to run air conditioners, appliances and technology can be very costly. The average charge per kilowatt hour is 30 cents. During the hotter summer months, electricity bills rise as people try to keep cool with fans or air conditioners. Hot showers are a luxury for some. Many homes have installed solar panels to help solve this problem. Wind farms are popping up around the Hawaiian Islands.

Traffic on the island of Oahu can become very frustrating, especially close to Honolulu. There is only one main road going to the North Shore of Oahu, which can also be totally cut off if there is an accident or an electricity pole falls down on the road. If there are surf competitions at Pipeline or Waimea, traffic can come to a halt as drivers gawk at the huge waves. Gasoline is around $4.00 a gallon (2013).

It is wonderful to have sandy beaches and palm trees close by, but living in Paradise does come with increased cost. Prices in Hawaii are some of the highest in the nation.  Fortunately, there are WalMarts, Costco and Sam's Clubs where deals can be found. Despite the cons of living in a Hawaiian paradise, many people make daily sacrifices to stay here.

Ruth Elayne Kongaika was raised in the mainland, USA, and has been traveling in the South Pacific for the past forty years. She tries to capture the beauty of the islands through her photography, painting and writing. She has a blog which shares some of her art and favorite subjects at:

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu