On the flip side, there is trepidation because I am not accepting the aging process gracefully. While I feel that I am not aging fast or badly in terms of my appearance, I am fighting the effects of aging that I notice with everything I have. I will arrive at middle age not calmly or quietly or demurely, but instead kicking and screaming and fighting- dare I say it- like an alley cat. This has a positive side to it though. It helps to keep my attitude youthful and so alive. It encourages me to reach for carrot sticks for a snack instead of potato chips and to tie up my sneakers and get moving as opposed to lounging in front of the television or spending countless hours surfing the net.

All in all when I really think about it, my life is an ever evolving process that has taken me from high points to low points. Sometimes I am riding the waves and other times I am crashing into them face first. When I take the time to look at photos of myself as a younger person, I see changes that go well beyond physical manifestations of age. I see a maturity at 39 that was not there at 29, and especially was not there at 19.What has happened to me, I ask myself? How has my life moved forward? Has age taught me important lessons about life?

To these questions I can say with utter confidence that the answer is a resounding YES. I am a better person for what I have experienced throughout my almost four decades of life on planet Earth. But how can one sum up a life lived thus far? It is simpler than you might realize.

In my twenties I finished my formal education; started working; had a fair share of dates, relationships and one broken engagement. I did all of the same things that every other twentysomething woman does. I had fun in my twenties- lots of laugh, lots of kisses and lots of sex! My life revolved around whatever man I was dating at the time. When I went shopping I shopped with him in mind. What dress would he like to see me wearing? What hairstyle would appeal to him? I did not give credence to my own likes, dislikes, wants or needs and I exited my twenties feeling as though I had not found my niche in life yet. The tapestry of my evolution was still in its infancy in many respects. There was so much more to come.

My thirties were in stark contrast to my twenties. In my thirties I dated less but I dated on a deeper level. I understood more about my life and the world at large and my thirst for learning became of utmost importance. I took an interest in my own life and I explored possibilities, both on a personal as well as a professional level. I found my niche. I made mistakes and I got hurt on a few occasions but I did what I had to do to keep my life on a steady keel. Most importantly, I loved with all my heart. In my thirties I left nothing essential unsaid. I asserted myself when it was called for. I realized that I had gone from being a scared young girl to a confident vibrant woman with plenty to offer others. I was filled with positive energy and hope for the future.

I had arrived in many ways but still I harbored doubts and uncertainties. I sought a safe secure sanctuary in which to place the context of my life. I yearned for domesticity in many ways but also yearned to have crazy spontaneous life adventures in a way I had not wanted to when I was a younger woman. I realized that life is precious and to waste even a moment could be a monumental mistake on my part.

As I prepare to leave my thirties behind, I feel some sadness, an ounce of regret and also, joy as to what the next chapter in my life’s journey will bring. I don’t leave my thirties as a married woman or a mother as I had hoped I would, but I leave them as a woman who has found peace within herself and knows who she is. I am a woman who can take what I have learned and bring it with me into the next chapter.

What sense would it be to rail against the “did nots” of my life when there is so much happiness and abundance ahead to look forward to? I choose instead to think of what I can do and will do as opposed to what is lost to me.

I turn the page to 40 …

One of my all time favorite Martin Luther King Jr. quotes reads:
“Take the first step in faith.
You don’t have to see the whole staircase just take the first step.”

In my twenties I was a girl starting down the highway of life; in my thirties a confident, smart woman still making her way down the highway of life with lots going on, but in my forties I will shine! (And I will own that highway!) So shall all of the sexy, smart, courageous and amazing women out there! I applaud you. Forty and fabulous. Now let’s get on with it ladies!!

Experience the beauty of an African sunset and the allure of a land full of diversity …

Africa is a land that allows its visitors to experience a multitude of varying cultures and languages as well as topography, fauna and flora. Africa is made up of more than 50 countries and that is why it is extremely important to decide what it is you would like to see and do while visiting Africa. People who have at least a month or more to visit Africa would be well advised to take an Overland Tour in order to be able to see as many African countries as possible and to be able to partake of what is considered to be the “real Africa”. Everyone who visits Africa owes it to himself or herself to taste the Africa that those who live there know and love.

African safaris are an excellent way to see the exotic wildlife and picturesque scenery that Africa has so richly to offer. Safaris are full of adventure, mystery, wonder, excitement and fun. For those who are interested in African safaris, the best countries in Africa for this activity are what are known as the “Big 5”. Four the “Big 5” include Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa.

Kenya is one of the most popular spots for African safaris and it is also one of the most budget friendly. The downside is that African safaris in Kenya tend to be very overcrowded so you might want to reconsider this choice for a safari. Botswana is the priciest of the “Big 5” safaris but it is also very luxurious and contains exclusive camps that have a selection of game that can be viewed by small, eager groups of animal watchers.

South Africa is an amazing spot for a safari and there is plenty of game to be seen along the way. South Africa is also a good spot for those who want to rent a car and drive themselves around to see the game themselves. The roads in South Africa are very conducive to this purpose. Whatever you do, always heed the guidelines that you are given regarding safety while on a safari.

The beaches in Africa are glorious. Beach vacations in Africa are very popular. Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia have their fair share of beach resorts and if you do your research you will discover that there are tourist packages to suit all ages and all budgets. South Africa is one of the best places to go if you enjoy sunbathing and surfing, as the beaches here are idyllic for these purposes. Kenya has beaches that flank the Indian Ocean and make for a relaxing and inviting beach vacation. In Tanzania there is Zanzibar, which boasts lots of white sand and is rich in both culture and history.

The Seychelles Islands to be found off the East African coast are a diver’s paradise and also offer excellent spots to spend a relaxing day at the beach. Another favourite spot for divers is Egypt’s Red Sea coast, which ranks as one of the world’s best places for this form of water fun. If you like to walk on the wild and dangerous side and would like to dive where there are sharks then there are plenty of waters off of South Africa where you can do this from. If you like beaches that are not well trodden by tourists, then visit Kokrobite in Ghana which is off the beaten track and is as good a place as any to sunbath as well as to enjoy some traditional drumming lessons from the locals.

Africa has many natural wonders and its scenic beauty is unmatched. Along the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia is the exquisite Victoria Falls which is deemed as one of the Natural Wonders of the world. The spray coming off the falls is spectacular and there are many lookout points that make a person feel as if they are standing in the middle of a raging rainstorm.

Namibia’s Fish River Canyon is second in size and grandeur to the Grand Canyon in the United States. If you like to hike then this is a place you will not want to miss. At the end of your hike treat yourself to all of the pleasures that await you at the spa.

A trip to Africa is a trip of a lifetime. Enjoy your time in this great land.

Your first goal for a discount vacation is in the planning stage. Focus your attention on booking the very best deal that you can. When it comes to cruises, timing is very important. The very best deals are made well in advance or very late. For example, booking as much as a year ahead will land you a good deal but also waiting until the last minute, such as two to three months before the start of the cruise will also net you a good price.

Most early bookings will need to be planned by way of the cruise line or else through a travel agent. On the other hand, last minute deals are generally to be found over the Internet by big Internet discounters. As a rule of thumb, late bookings can net you very low prices if your schedule is flexible enough to accommodate this option.

The stateroom of your choice is paramount to your travel plans. If you do not plan to be spending much time in your room then you can save money on fancy staterooms that have such things as verandas. You might even want to go with a stateroom that has no windows to save even more money. Of course this option is not for everyone. All the little extras can really add up to big bucks. Smaller cabins can be just as comfortable and modern as more lavish rooms but they cost a great deal less. Your travel just became more affordable.

Next thing on your travel agenda for discount cruises is to find out the best way to get discounts. As a general guideline the most eligible individuals for cruise discounts include individuals travelling in a large group, such as a big family, a group of friends or as part of a organization; people over the age of 55; people who presently are in the military or who are retired military members; and those who have sailed with the specific cruise line in the past, whether it be once or more than once. Some cruise lines also have discounts for people with children and students.

Not all policies at all cruise lines are the same so do your homework before you settle on the one you wish to take your discount vacation with. Another key point is that off-season sailings can often bring great savings, as can special “repositioning” cruises. For those unfamiliar with these types of cruises, this is when ships travel from one particular locale to another. For example if a ship travelled from South American and then to the Mediterranean or if it went from Alaska and then directly to the Caribbean.

The next important point when it comes to affordable cruises is to be aware of the ways you can save as much money as possible once you are onboard the ship. Some cruise lines offer cheap rates for cabins and then expect that the deficit in cost will be recouped by way of all of the little extras that passengers are likely to purchase.

These extras can add up to lots of dollars for the average passenger if they do not watch their budget. Some of these items include casino gambling, spa treatments, alcoholic drinks, souvenir pictures, postcards and restaurant meals. One of the most expensive of all extras is the organized excursion to shore when the ship docks at an exotic locale. All of these extras are very costly so it is essential that you set a reasonable budget for yourself and then stay on course with it.

Other Important Points:

-A travel agent worth his or her price will be able to get you all the information you need to make the best decision possible. He or she will be privy to discounts and any travel insider information.

-Take the time to do research over the web. If you cannot afford a travel agent then become “in the know” about discount cruises and become your own!

-If you are travelling with your family it might be more economical to purchase two regular cabins as opposed to a suite to accommodate everyone. Keep in mind that you did not decide to take a cruise to stay in your room all of the time.

-The seasons and months of the year can play a role in great deals. For example, the back to school season and into autumn, which runs from the end of August and up to Thanksgiving, is a cost-effective time to take a cruise. Another low shoulder season is the few weeks preceding Christmas and the first two weeks of January, after the holidays are over.

The Yucatan Peninsula is less crowded than Cancun and is authentic Mexico. Yucatan is an ancient Mayan city with lots to offer archaeology enthusiasts.

Before you venture anywhere on the island, stop in at a Cozumel bank. The banks there can offer you top notch rates for exchanging your money.

Did You Know?

-One of the best bus systems in the world can be found in Mexico.

-Taxis are everywhere in Cozumel.

-If a beach is deemed as natural this means that it contains coral or seagrass. These beaches are excellent for snorkelling but are not an appropriate choice for children.

-Mexican food leans towards the side of health but the cuisine runs the gamut from gourmet to all American fast food!

Australia is a big continent but on the larger scale of the world, it is the smallest continent and has an area of less than 7.7 million square kilometres. Australia is to be found situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean and is southeast of Asia as well as south of the equator. Due to where it is located from a geographical point of view, Australia is fondly referred to as being the land Down Under.

Australia is made up of six states and two mainland territories. The states include New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. The two mainland territories in Australia include the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

As of June 29, 2007 the population of Australia was 21 million. Most people wrongly assume that Sydney is the capital city of Australia because it is the best-known city in Australia. The capital city of Australia is actually Canberra which is to be found in the Australian Capital Territory. Sydney is however one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Sydney is located in New South Wales. One of the other most popular cities in Australia is Melbourne, which is found in Victoria.

Australia is known for its wine making and two of the major wine making areas include the Hunter Valley in New South Wales and the Barossa Valley in South Australia. These regions produce cabernet and sauvignons, chardonnays and rieslings that are of very high quality.

If you have never visited Australia before you will need to find out if you will require an Australian visa to be allowed entry. Be aware that the entry requirements for Australia change from time to time so make sure that you get up-to-date information from your travel agent whilst planning for your trip.

Northern Australia has two well-defined seasons, which are the wet season and the dry season. The temperatures during both these seasons tend to be tropical. The wet season runs roughly from April to November whilst the dry season runs from November until April. In Sydney there are more rainy days during autumn than at any other time of the year. The average rainfall during this time of year is 5.3 inches.

There is so much to see and do in Australia. Sydney is a water city with plenty of beaches, harbours and rivers so getting around by way of ferry is a convenient way to take in all of the sights of this extraordinary city. Take a ferry cruise of Sydney Harbour and you won’t be disappointed that you did. You can either take the ferry to Manly to go for a walk on the Corso or if that does not appeal to you then you can visit Taronga Zoo. There are also other places you can visit on a Sydney Harbour cruise.

Australia has its share of beaches so plan to spend at least one day of your vacation relaxing on one of the many luxurious beaches in the Sydney area. There are plenty of places to shop in Sydney but watch yourself as this is not a cheap city. The cuisine in Australia is probably similar to what you are used to at home but if you want to try something unique to the area then go somewhere that serves emu or kangaroo steaks or try an Australian dish known as witchetty grubs.

Many people enjoy renting cars in Sydney and taking day trips so they can see specific points of interest. One option is to set your course north and go to Hunter Wine Country or visit Nelson Bay and then head back to Sydney and get back to your hotel before the sun sets. If you are not concerned about returning to Sydney before nightfall, then continue farther north and go to the Tweed Valley, Queensland’s Gold Coast or Byron Bay.

On the other hand a day trip south from Sydney will take you to the Southern Freeway and then to Jervis Bay where you can find lots of amusement in watching the kangaroos at play. A day trip west from Sydney will take you to the majestic Blue Mountains and from there to Katoomba, Blackheath or Leura and then if you like, you can continue onto a most amazing place, the Jenolan Caves.

A trip to Australia will be one you always look back on with fond memories. Enjoy all that Australia has to offer!

Asia is a continent that is vast and is unlike anywhere else you may choose to visit in the world. There are areas that are not the best if you like to be pampered whilst on vacation and whilst there are some resorts in areas throughout Asia, many places are very much the opposite. Let us look at some of the places that cast Asia in the most complementary light possible.

Guangzhou, China is a city that is believed to be over 2200 years old and is found not far from China’s Pearl River. It was once a trading place for such items as Chinese silk. Guangzhou is filled with pagodas and temples, old markets and plenty of modern shopping malls.

Goa, India is found situated on the warm coast of the Arabian Sea. Approximately 50 miles of the coastline of Goa is beaches. Goa is a former Portuguese colony and is a very exotic place to visit. The longest beach in Goa is Colva Beach which is 12 miles long. Two other favourites for beaches include Calangute Beach and Dona Paula which is full of legend.

Suzhou (“SUE-joe”) is reputed to be one of the most beautiful places in all of China. It is also the seat of the Wu culture in China. For those unfamiliar with Wu, it is a dialect in China that is spoken by over 880 million individuals. The canals and streets are interlaced in Suzhou and it is reminiscent of Venice. Approximately 60 percent of Suzhou County is to be found under the water.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates is a vacation destination for people the world over on account of its perfect beaches, relaxed, laid back atmosphere and seven star hotels. Dubai holds an annual shopping festival that brings in millions of people who wish to search for bargains in the air-conditioned duty free shopping malls. You do not want to pass through Asia without stopping for a time to enjoy the pleasures of Dubai.

Beijing is considered to be the most visited of all of the cities in Asia. You will never run out of things to do or sights to see in this old and most fascinating of cities. Some examples of places to look for in Beijing include the Confucius Temple (or Kong Miao which today is the Capital Museum), the Summer Palaces, the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Ming Tombs, and the Western Qing Tombs. Do not leave this Asian city without visiting the Great Wall of China.

Xi’an, China can be found on the inland edge of the fertile lowlands in China and boasts six thousand years of history. Xi’an is one of the world’s greatest sites for archaeology and is well known for the Terracotta Warriors that were found there in the year 1974.

The cradle of all Chinese civilisations is to be found in Henan Province. The Henan Province was a very influential area in Asia. Some sights worth mentioning in Henan Province include Dengfeng and the Songshan Mountains Scenic area, the Shaolin Temple (which is where both Kung Fu as well as Zen Buddhism were born), Kaifeng, Luoyang and the Longmen Grottoes which is one of the most developed of all of the Buddhist sites littered throughout the continent.

Tibet is worth seeing upon a visit to the great continent of Asia. Tibet is the roof of Asia and its capital city Lhasa is rich in culture and history. The residence of the Dalai Lama is the Potala Palace which contains plenty of art and a mystique all its own. Beyond the spiritual element inherent in Tibet, the Chang Tang houses a nature reserve that contains wildlife worth viewing. The Himalayas are another sight you will not want to miss. Behold them with your eyes and you will be glad you did.

Other places that are worth visiting upon a trip to the continent of Asia include Bangkok, Thailand where the Grand Palace awaits you; Angkor, Cambodia; Saigon, Vietnam (or Ho Chi Minh City as some people refer to it); and Bali, Indonesia.

This list of places to visit in Asia is by no means exhaustive. Enjoy yourself in the largest continent on the globe and return home with lots of great pictures and lots of great stories of your adventures!

Whether it’s for business or pleasure when it’s time to pack your bags, plan ahead to look your best! All it takes is a little know-how, a dash of creative organization and some stylish intent. Read on …

What will you be doing while you’re away?

Keep the purpose of your trip in mind as you go about picking and choosing separates. Make sure to pack at least one formal outfit to wear for a special dinner or the like. It’s always a good rule of thumb to dress up as opposed to dress down. When in doubt, always dress fancier. Go easy on casual attire- tee shirts and cutoffs are better left at home.

Natural colors such as black, white and beige make for easy mixing and matching and solids are preferable to patterns and more vibrant colors. Do you have a signature? Do you like to wear a certain kind of hat, scarf, pin, pair of earrings or necklace? If so then by all means bring it with you. The familiar is always welcome and bringing your special, unique “fashion statement or identifier” with you is comforting and stylish.

What to bring?

When in doubt go with these well-chosen pieces- four bottoms (pants and skirts are the most versatile choices); six tops (make sure they match with at least three of your bottoms); three warm layers (such as a blazer or cardigan), one dress (make sure it matches with the blazer), four pairs of shoes- dressy pumps or slingbacks for nighttime glamour, flatties, such as ballet flats or mules, that dress you up or down easily; sandals or flip-flops for casual daytime wear if you’re venturing to a warm location and a good walking shoe that breathes (fold-up sneakers, canvas shoes or even a comfortable pair of moccasins) and two bags/purses, a bigger purse or tote bag for days and a smaller more elegant clutch for nights.

What else?

Don’t despair if you forget to pack your travel iron. There is a secret weapon to getting wrinkles out of clothes- steam them in the shower. Here’s what you do: hang your clothing in the bathroom, turn on the hot water in the shower and close the door. The water needs to get really hot (borderline scalding so beware!) and give out a lot of steam to get rid of the creases. The worse the creases, the longer you should leave it in the bathroom. Afterwards hang the item outside of the bathroom in order for it to air-dry for approximately ten minutes.

What about toiletries?

It all begins with the perfect toiletries bag. Look for a case that is open and has plenty of clear pouches so your items are easily visible (and therefore simpler to find when the time comes). Buy a case that wipes off easily (inside and out) if something gets spilled. Avoid bags with fabric lining if at all possible and make sure you purchase one that is water-resistant.

Keep like items together (in other words, keep your toothpaste in a separate pouch/slot from your mascara and lipstick). Buy a good-sized bag that can hold extras such as a bathing suit, underwear, a pair of pantyhose, etc. Bags that come with handles are the most convenient for traveling but double check to make sure that the zippers work properly because unzipped toiletries equal one big mess!

Pack trial size bottles where possible as they take up less space. Another idea is to use the small plastic containers that 35 mm film comes in. They are handy for so many things including hand lotion, hydrogen peroxide, earrings, sunscreen and so on. Leave flip top containers and aerosol cans at home.

If you decide to invest in small, clear plastic bottles (for items such as shampoo and conditioner) don’t fill them anymore than two-thirds full to avoid overflow (this is especially important if you’re flying). For an added precaution wrap each bottle in a plastic grocery bag before packing.

Hair gel travels better than mousse (as mousse is under pressure). If you can switch just for the duration of your trip it would be a wise idea to leave the mousse at home. If you can go without a blow dryer, do so. Many hotels provide them for guests.

Pre-moistened clothes are excellent for trips and can double as makeup remover and cleanser. Equally as good are baby wipes. If they are gentle enough to use on a baby then they are definitely gentle enough for your face. For moisturizer buy one with at least an SPF 15 (SPF 30 is even better) for daytime wear. Pack it in your carry on if you’re flying.

Remember to bring an atomizer for your face and neck. This is extremely important as different altitudes can be rough on skin and adequate hydration is the name of the game. Evian is my brand of choice but there are a number of different ones on the market and some have a light scent to them. If you’re not going to be away from home for long, use your atomizer in place of night moisturizer or consider buying a lotion that can be used on your face day or night.

One day and one night lipstick is the way to go for the beauty conscious traveler. For day choose something light and dewy and for night go with a matte shade that is darker and more striking! Coordinate blush with lipstick shades for daytime AND nighttime pizzazz. Remember that lip and eye pencils are perfect for travel excursions. They are both small and very compact. Pack a few Q-tips to help blend eyeshadows, which should help cut down on the amount of makeup brushes you need to bring along.

Don’t forget your fingernails (and toenails if they’ll be showing) while you’re away. Sheer or light colors are easier to touch up than darker colors. Make sure to wrap nail polish bottles in a plastic bag or even better, a resealable lunch bag.

Don’t want to be without fragrance during your trip? I understand completely but don’t make the mistake of packing bulky (and breakable!) glass bottles of perfume or cologne. You’re only asking for trouble if you do this! Inquire at the perfume counter about obtaining small samples or purchasing perfume in a lotion form. Or consider buying a small sized plastic bottle of an all over body mist with a light fragrance (such as Calgon or Herbal Garden) that is perfect for traveling.

Don’t forget to pack your eyebrow tweezers for those stray hairs that will crop up over the duration of your trip. As far as razors are concerned, if you’re flying wait until you get to your destination to purchase cheap disposable ones. And leave your shaving gel at home; use mild soap for lather instead. If you are prone to flaw ups pack a pimple medication such as Clearasil or use a simple trick learned from the models- before going to bed dab a tiny bit of toothpaste on the pimple. While it might not be completely gone by the morning it will be well on its way!

Bon voyage!

Personal safety while travelling is every bit as important as personal safety when you are at home. Let’s be honest- safety is important at all times, no matter where life takes you! According to figures compiled by Interpol, the United States is rated as one of the most dangerous countries in the world on an annual basis, because it has the highest rates of violent crime for every 100,000 individuals. (Source: http://www.worldwide.edu/travel_planner/travel_safety_personal.html). With that said, there are plenty of other countries that boast much higher rates of crimes deemed as nonviolent, such as general theft, pick pocketing, etc.

There are so many things that need to be taken into account when it comes to personal safety that it can be dizzying to have to deal with all of the details, mundane or not. Keep in mind that thieves, pickpockets (and let us not forget scam artists!) know all of the hotspots for tourists and these are the spots they frequent as they watch for YOU to come by unsuspecting.

The first precaution you can take against these devious criminal minds is to always keep your wits about you no matter where you are. Do not get so excited or overwhelmed at tourist spots that you forget to be aware of your surroundings. In other words, be watchful and alert when you are away on vacation. Thieves love crowds and total bedlam. In fact they thrive on the fact that most people have their guard way down because they are out and about having a good time.

Thieves generally do not do their dirty work alone. It is very common for them to pair up with another in order to separate you from your money and valuables. The reason for the pairing up project? It is simple- one thief keeps the person distracted while the other steals them blind. (Source: MetLife Travel Safety http://www.metlife.com/Applications/Corporate/WPS/CDA/PageGenerator/0,4773,P1374,00.html).

These crooks are not stupid and are constantly finding more and more elaborate methods for preying on innocent tourists who are completely in the dark about the fact that they have been robbed- until it is too late. Many thieves play on people’s desire to help others in distress, such as pretending to faint, having a fake heart attack or having an emotional breakdown in public due to a phony situation such as a recent death in the family. While one cunning thief is polishing his Academy Award, the other is stealing from the unknowing tourist. Don’t fall victim to these types of ploys when you are far from home!

Pickpockets are also a huge menace when you travel. These individuals stick to crowded areas and their favorite tactic of distraction is to bump into people and temporarily throw them off guard. This gives the pickpocket just the time he needs to grab your wallet, purse and even the jewellery off your body, such as a bracelet or watch.

To keep your money, traveller’s checks and credit cards as safe as possible, keep them in a money belt that is hidden from sight or else in a pouch with a well made cord that hangs around your neck. If you do choose to carry a purse or wallet while on vacation make sure it contains only a small of percentage of money. This means no large bills and no forms of identification!

Be safe at all times when it comes to your money. A woman’s purse should not be slung over her shoulder but should instead have the strap hanging across her chest while a man’s wallet should be in the front pocket of a shirt, jacket or pair of pants. Wrapping a strong rubber band around your wallet makes it trickier for a thief to get his greedy hands on it (Source: http://www.worldwide.edu/travel_planner/travel_safety_personal.html).

Other Important Points

What else do you need to need to be aware of if you are not a seasoned tourist as of yet? Here are a few basic rules to keep in mind:

-Be leery of anyone who offers you  help that you have not asked for, such as someone who offers to carry your bags for you or help you across the street. The offer of assistance could be a distraction in disguise.

-The saying, “If it is too good to be true then it probably is” is one you would do well to remember when you go shopping, especially in international destinations. Many deals that sound too good for words are ones you should bypass. You are a shrewd and discriminating shopper and you know better! For example, dirt cheap jewellery made with so called precious gems is more than likely cut glass. Another example is antiques. Antiques are old and have tremendous value and therefore are not sold for discount prices.

-When you meet other tourists, listen to what they have to say about stories they have heard regarding the bad areas in a city or town. It would not hurt to watch the local news and to read the newspaper to be aware of the crime statistics in the area you are visiting.

When I was in college my mother had a grand total of seven cats in her home. They all had their own unique personalities and she adored each and every one of them. In my dorm I was unable to have pets so I looked forward to my visits home when I could see all of Mom’s babies. It lifted my heart to see the bright looks on each of the little one’s faces and hear their purrs of satisfaction.

It was on my Christmas break home during my last year of school that I went into the kitchen one day and stopped to gaze out the window. Something rather unusual looking on the porch caught my eye. My curiosity piqued, I stepped outside to take a closer look.

At first glance it appeared to be a pile of blankets. Edging closer I saw that it was some sort of shelter, no, a plastic house with a blue tarp constructed over it and there was indeed a pile of old blankets rigged over the top somehow.

I bent down to look inside. Almost on cue I heard a gentle meow issue from inside the house and then out came a beautiful orange colored cat. It looked to be one of last spring’s babies. He, as I quickly noted the sex of the cat, was shorthaired and had the most gorgeous green eyes. He looked up at me with an inquisitive look and then promptly began to purr at a steady rhythm and rub against my legs. I picked him up and noted how soft his fur was.

“What an adorable baby you are!” I told him as I smiled and cuddled him close. “Who would get rid of a sweetie like you?”

“I wonder that myself. He is a lovely cat. I named him Butterscotch because of his color. I see you two are making friends.”

I turned around to see my mother standing there.

“Mom, you’ve got another baby!”

“I have. They always seem to know where to come when they are in search of a home.”

“And you do an excellent job at it.” I told her. “This house,” I motioned to it,”is amazing. What brilliant idea will you think of next?”

Pleased at the compliment Mom said, “Butterscotch showed up one day in November, terribly skinny but as affectionate as ever. I called around and put signs up but nobody came to claim him. I had a full house and couldn’t bring him inside but I couldn’t let him suffer either and he was far too young to fend for himself.  So I looked around until I found this little house. I tirelessly fixed it up until it lived up to my standards. I bought these special bags made of beanbags called Magic Bags and I heat them for him continuously to keep him warm. It gets really cozy in there believe me!”

“Mom I wanna be just like you when I grow up!” I teased her playfully.

“Oh go on! You’re going to love this one- these bags came from the drug store and they are actually meant to be used for sore muscles!”

We shared a laugh at that one.

Thanks to Mom’s love and attention Butterscotch made it through the winter with no problem at all. I graduated the following spring and now Butterscotch, who is a little over a year old, lives with myself and his new friend and constant companion- Adam, a two month old grey and white kitten. Mom’s outdoor cathouse is still in place in the event that another stray cat that has lost his or her way comes calling.