How to Travel

Most often, when people think of getting away to South America, they think about taking in some beautiful seaside environs or some of the spectacular jungles during the dead of winter in the northern hemisphere. During the northern hemisphere's summer, however, you can take a summer skiing trip to Chile and enjoy a blast of some of the freshest, coldest air you'll find anywhere. This, of course, doesn't even take into account that the snow conditions during this time of year are rivaled only by big destinations such as Colorado. If you like powder, give Chile a try between June and September!

More and more, people are discovering that summer ski trips are a great way to get away from the dog days of summer. When the heat is too much and it seems like it's never going to end, a trip to Chile for some summer skiing might be just what's needed to get your spirits back up. There are numerous different resorts in this nation and they span from the north to the south. Some of them are on par with the finest ski resorts you'll find anywhere else in the world, with some important differences.

If you go summer skiing in Chile, don't anticipate that every experience means going to a busy tourist town where the streets are always crowded and the slopes are always backed up. Chile has resorts in some remote areas that allow you to enjoy staying in a luxury hotel next to a small village. Most of these destinations, of course, have all the amenities you'll need for your summer ski trip, but getting away from the hustle and bustle of summer, along with the heat, is a great way to relieve some stress.

You can ski in full winter conditions between the months of June and September in Chile. This makes it a very popular destination for summer skiing trips. The snow will not disappoint; expect to be gliding down the slopes on dry powder that allows you maximum speed and control. You'll also find plenty of ways to enjoy slopes that aren't quite so civilized. Some of the best resorts in Chile have day or multi-day treks available that allow you to go exploring on mountains off in the horizon and to take runs down them that you will simply never forget and that your friends will envy, even in July!

Tim Rogers is a travel journalist who likes to write about skiing and snowboarding. If you visit Powderquest you can learn about summer ski trips and summer skiing South America.

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On many trips to Northeastern Italy, my passion is to discover delicious local specialties and amazing wines of these regions; each area has their own unique style and story. Finding wineries to visit that reflect the culture and traditional wines of each area I visit is one of my goals during my research trips; my preferred producers are off the beaten path, small, and family operated, using varietals little known outside the region. Here are some tips based on my travels, for those of you who want to do some exploring on your own!

1. If you are serious about finding small, family run producers, do your homework.

Using wine guides such as Slow Foods, Gambero Rosso, and the internet can help you identify some of these, and learn a little about them. Get their names and street addresses. Keep in mind if you want to taste, you are looking for the cantina. In some cases, the cantina is located at the vineyard, but not always.

Another good place to start is with the Strade del Vino, or Wine Roads, in Italy. We often incorporate these into our bike, hike or walking tours, and there are plenty of wineries all along these routes to visit. These are official routes located in wine regions all over the country. They are well marked, and wind their way through the vineyards of a particular region.

2. The local tourist office is a great source of information.

Just take care to check the hours; they are not always open every day, and often only in the mornings. They will have maps and someone who speaks English that can recommend a route.

3. Have a GPS, or at least a really good map.

If you bring your own GPS, make sure it is loaded beforehand with the appropriate maps; your US based GPS may not carry maps of Italy. Don't rely on internet access in your hotel in Italy to download the maps the night before. My experience is that WiFi there is not particularly reliable. Also, even the best GPS can still lead you astray, especially in some of the rural areas, or during a cloudy day. So don't become totally dependent upon them, know where you are, and where you are headed.

4. Route numbers in Italy are hard to read, and not always easy to find. Know your route by names of towns.

I note the name of the town I'm headed to, and a couple of major towns between your current location and your destination; then follow the signs to the towns you know are in the right direction. This is when a map, and, even better, a traveling companion that can read a map, come in handy.

5. Larger producers are located along the main streets through the towns, along the base of the hills.

If you are just looking to taste a few wines, and feel most comfortable with someone that speaks English, these may be best for you. They are very easy to spot, with large signs, a big building and parking lot.

6. Smaller producers are located higher up in the hills, be prepared for narrow roads and lots of turns.

They are located in private homes, and they are going about their daily business, not waiting around for customers to arrive. Many do not speak a lot of English, but all seem very happy to introduce me to their wines when I stammer out my few words of Italian. Approaching one of these for the first time can be a bit intimidating, but well worth the effort when you get a chance to connect with a family who have been doing this for generations.

7. Be aware of the hours of riposo.

After 12pm, and before 4 or 5 pm, most businesses in Italy close. You won't be welcome between those hours. Some smaller vineyards I've found are only open in the morning.

8. Buy something, even if it is their cheapest bottle.

They often charge 10 euros or so per person for a formal tasting. When I drop by alone, I am not charged as I usually buy something. They have a price list you can ask for, so you can plan what you would like to purchase. These families aren't making an exorbitant living producing wine, and I like to do what I can to preserve and support their businesses. When I visit again with a group, we usually buy several bottles or even a case, which we all taste later on.

9. Learn to spit.

You are driving in an unfamiliar area, up some challenging roads with some aggressive local drivers. You don't need to finish off that fourth 'taste' of an Amarone with 18% alcohol, even if it is fantastic.

10. Don't plan on buying cases to ship back.

Shipping to the US is quite expensive, anywhere from 17 to 22 euros per bottle of wine. It doesn't make sense to ship home a case of that 5 euro bottle of basic Bardolino, but perhaps that case of 20 euro Amarone might make sense! Check beforehand whether your state in the US allows delivery of alcoholic beverages to homes; not all do (I live in Massachusetts, and FedEx will not ship wine to homes here), and I'd hate to pay shipping in Italy just to have it turned away. An enoteca (wine shop) with a relationship with an importer here in US might have a way to deliver it to your local wine shop.

Kathy Bechtel is owner and guide of Italiaoutdoors, a small unique tour company that creates and leads active (bike, ski and hike) tour of Northeastern Italy. Our tours explore the amazing foods, wines, culture and landscapes of this exceptional area of Italy. Kathy is a professionally trained chef, wine expert, and avid biker, hiker and certified ski instructor. Our tours are small, intimate, and personally led by the owners. We offer activities ranging from routes for casual cyclists to challenging climbs through the Dolomites. Visit us at http://www.italiaoutdoorsfoodandwine.com/. Or contact us at kathybechtel@comcast.net.

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The geographically diverse China is home to the countless and splendid natural wonders. Blessed by different facets of nature, the country promises an unforgettable journey for the avid nature admirers. Exploration of sacred mountains, rivers, lakes, caves and waterfalls is facilitated by the guided tours and the enthusiasm of tourists to intermingle with the fascinating natural beauty. Get to know China's most popular natural wonders that are worth visiting once a lifetime.

Changbai Mountain with Ever-White Glory
Formed from pumice stones, the Changbai Mountain in the Jinlin Province enthralls with its white beauty. The month of August is the best time to visit this mountain which is accessible by bus and train. Changbai Natural Reserve in the area provides the opportunity to explore animal species like Siberian tigers and bears. Longwanqun National Forest Park, which accommodates a number of volcanic crater lakes, is another attraction of this place.

Li River with a Long Scenic Stretch
Part of a number of scroll paintings, the Li River stretch in Xing'an County is world-famous for its scenic stretch extended beyond 100 km. Be it the Mountain of Splendid Hues that feature beautiful colored rock layers or Reed-Flute Rock, an amazing limestone cave, the place is full of natural wonders. Elephant-Trunk Hill, Yellow Cloth Beach and many other attractions greet the visitors who can also participate in rafting, cruising and hiking adventures.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Jiuzhai Valley
The acclaimed Jiuzhai Valley located in Sichuan Province near the Tibetan Himalayan Plateau is no less than a nature's treasure box. Multilevel waterfalls and more than 100 gorgeous calcium carbonate lakes form the essence of this valley. The lakes in particular offer irresistible beauty due to their blue, turquoise and green appearance. Spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and snow-covered peaks are completely breathtaking.

Hukou Waterfall with Mysterious Stones
One of the most amazing natural wonders of China is the Hukou Waterfall. Formed by the Yellow River, it is the only waterfall on the planet with yellow water. It is truly captivating to watch the powerful rush of water. A mysterious stone, locally called guishi, can be seen shining below the waterfall. The rainbow formed by the mist of the rushing water adds worth to this mesmerizing site.

Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon - The Longest and the Deepest
Also known as Tsangpo Canyon, the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon is the longest and the deepest canyon in the world. The snow-capped mountains form the gripping sites for the visitors. The mysterious and spiritual appeal of this canyon makes it even more wonderful. Dense forest areas, rushing torrents and diverse ecological system adorn the area and make it a unique marvel of the planet.

Huangshan - The Subject of Photography, Painting and Literature
Popularly referred to as the Yellow Mountain, Huangshan is worth mentioning in the list of China's top natural wonders. Sunset views and the spellbinding sights of floating clouds define the beauty of this mountain range. Painters and poets since ages have been appreciating the beauty of the granite peaks and lush green beauty of pine and cypress trees. Photographers are simply attracted to capture the unadulterated beauty of Yellow Mountain.

The presence of such natural wonders authenticates the status of China for being the land of mysteries and surprises. Visiting any of these sites can be a fulfilling experience that will remain fresh in your mind forever.

Before you go overseas, you may want to check out trip cancellation insurance. We can also help with travel insurance over 65.

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What's with Philippine/Filipino Culture and Traits?

A Kaleidoscope Nation

The Philippine Culture and Filipino people, to begin with, are a collection of different backgrounds, races, and ethnicities. It all begun with the migration of Malay and Austronesian people during the early centuries to the colonization of Spain, the Americans, and then the Japanese. Add to that the continuous migration of Chinese, Indian and other nationalities, the Philippines is undoubtedly a diverse nation. And with this diversity come the different cultures and traditions, which, after hundreds of years of mixing and matching, define the very unique culture and tradition that makes the Filipino race.

The Fiesta

The first thing foreigners notice about the Philippine Culture is our fondness on festivities, locally known as fiesta or "pista". The Filipino fiesta list usually -and unusually- begins with Christmas. Christmas carols can already be heard from radios, as early as September, decorations pop up by October, then after a brief break for the Halloween (Pinoy fashion) on November, the actual Pinoy Christmas enters with style for 9 days (or nights, or dawn, or whatever) on December with the Simbang Gabi, that ends with the Christmas eve dinner "Noche Buena". But wait, there's more, the Christmas season does not end until the January of the next year, coinciding with the New Year's celebrations, and finally, the Feast of the Three Kings.

During the midsummer, there's the Holy Week or Semana Santa, a Christian holiday that begins with the Palm Sunday, followed by Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and finally culminating with Easter Sunday.The Holy Week celebration is usually marked with a whole week of school and work off, that's the reason why it is the best time for Filipinos to return to their provinces and spend time with their relatives, as part of Philippine culture and tradition.

Then, by May comes the Flores de Mayo or the Santacruzan. The Flores de Mayo is a Catholic festival, honouring the Virgin Mary. This feast culminates with the Santacruzan or Sagala, a parade that presents how Queen Helena and Constantine found Jesus's true cross from Jerusalem. For the Philippine culture, the Sagala is held with such regard that it is made sure that it only shows each Barangay's most beautiful ladies.

Aside from the usual festivities, different regions all throughout the Philippines host various local fiestas that reflect its own history, religion, nature, people and wildlife. There's the Ati-atihan of Aklan, the Pahiyas Festival of Quezon, the Pintados Festival of Leyte, Kadayawan Festival of Davao and Dinagyang Festival of Ilo-Ilo.

This year of festivities culminates with the All Saints Day and All Souls Day of November. It is a time where Filipino families pay tribute to their departed relative and friends by visiting cemeteries and saying prayers for the dead. It is one of the well-known traditions including in the Philippine Culture.

Religions

Being a nation of various ethnicities, it also follows that the Philippines is a nation of various religious beliefs. Different religious beliefs were included in Philippine Culture as well. The Anito-worshippers of the early pre-Spanish era are now replaced Catholic devotees. Add to that the Islam of the south, and the different Protestant religions brought by American occupation, coupled with Buddhism from the Chinese. The Filipinos are into religion to the point that we have our own branch of the Christian faith, The Philippine Independent Church or the Aglipayan Church.

Food

Filipino cuisine consists of foods and dishes with Hispanic, Chinese and American origin adapted to indigenous ingredients.Probably the most popular Filipino dish is the lechon, whole roasted pig cooked over charcoal. Some other popular and Filipino dishes include:

• Longganisa, Filipino version of a sausage

• Tapa, beef in thin slices, cured on salt and spices

• Torta, omelette with various ingredients

• Adobo, chicken and/or pork braised in garlic, vinegar, oil and soy sauce

• Kaldereta, meat in tomato sauce stew

• Mechado, larded beef in soy sauce and tomato sauce

• Pochero, beef in bananas and tomato sauce

• Afritada, chicken and/or simmered in a tomato sauce with vegetables

• Kare-kare, oxtail and vegetables cooked in peanut sauce

• Crispy-pata, deep-fried pig's leg

• Hamonado, pork sweetened in pineapple sauce

• Sinigang, meat or seafood in sour brooth

• Tinola, chicken in tamarind broth

• Pansit, Filipino-style fried noodles

Gambling

Another part of Philippine culture is gambling. From the "Sabungan" of rural barrios to the casinos of the urban cities, gambling is a pervasive social activity. The "sabong", however, is the most ubiquitous of these gambling activities, making the Philippine the world centre for cockfighting. Filipinos both have legal and illegal "sabong". The latter, usually done in secluded areas away from police raids. Sabungeros use two kinds of knives or gaffs, which is attached on the left leg of the cock. Bets are collected by the Kristo, and the Sentesyador is the one who deliberates the winning cock.

Sports

Philippine sport scene usually consists of basketball, boxing, billiards, football and volleyball. Filipinos athletes are rather competent in these fields, garnering multitudes of awards on almost every competition they enter. Some of the successful Filipino athletes are:

• Lydia de Vega (sprinting)

• Elma Muros (track and field)

• Eugene Torre (chess)

• MikeeCojuangco (equestrian)

• Philippine Dragon Boat team

• Onyok Velasco (Boxing)

• Efren "Bata" Reyes (Billiards)

• Manny Pacquiao (Boxing)

Music

Music is also part of Philippine Culture. Music in the Philippines is composed of different genres and styles, with influences from across the world.From the get-go, Filipino folk music is already a mix of indigenous and European/Asian music, usually adapted to different dialect among regions. Some of popular Filipino folk songs are:

• Bahay Kubo

• Sitsiritsit

• Alibangbang

• Leron Leron Sinta

• Paruparong Bukid

• Magtanim ay Di Biro

The Harana, a courtship song, and Kundiman, a song that typically has romantic themes, are also popular in the Philippine culture dating back to the Spanish period. Some of it is adapted to modern style.

Popular music in the Philippines is usually branded as OPM or Original Philippine Music. In the 70's, the OPM scene was mostly dominated by the jukebox idols like Claire dela Fuente, Rico Puno, Ryan Cayabyab, Freddie Aguilar, Hajji Alejandro and Rey Valera.

By the 1980s and 1990s, OPM was led by artists such as Regine Velasquez, Sharon Cuneta, APO Hiking Society, José Mari Chan, Dingdong Avanzado, Rodel Naval, Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, Joey Albert, Lilet, Martin Nievera, Manilyn Reynes, Pops Fernandez, Lea Salonga, Vina Morales, Raymond Lauchengco, Francis Magalona, and Gary Valenciano.

Art

Pottery is probably the most popular craft early Filipinos have mastered. Evidence found in Sanga-sanga Cave, Sulu and Laurente Cave, Cagayan proves that pottery was already widespread as early as 6000 BC.The products of this craft were popular among the neighbouring lands, with Filipinos enjoying trade relations with Japan and China.

Art can also be seen on traditional tattoo of early Filipinos as part of the Philippine Culture before, from which the term pinatados came into effect. Various designs referencing flora and fauna with heavenly bodies decorate their skin in various coloured pigmentation.

With the arrival of the Westerners came a new light on Filipino art. Filipinos began creating paintings that mostly deal with religion and politics. Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo are among those who enjoyed fame and prestige both in the Philippines and abroad.

In Mindanao, there are tribes who are famous for their intricate weaving production. Some tribe, such as B'laan, Mandaya, Mansaka and T'boli are skilled in dyeing abaca fibre. Others, like the Ilongot make jewellery from pearl, red hornbill beak, plants and metals.

The Filipino Character

Filipinos are sensitive when it comes to social interaction. Filipinos have the term "pakikisama" which means adapting to the people you get involved with, and it's the centre of all Filipino values. Filipinos also know the importance of paying one's debt, especially when the Filipino trait "utang na loob" comes in play. Filipinos are also known for being hospitable. They treat visitors with utmost care and diligence.

Filipinos are family-oriented. Most Filipino homes are a tightly knit abode for extended family members like the Lolas, or Titas. Filipinos strongly believe that blood is thicker than water.Filipinos are happy people. Despite problems arising from poverty and such, Filipinos never fail to flash a smile or flaunt laughter at jokes and even misfortunes.Filipinos rely on their faith among others, thus the saying "bahala na", which attaches ones action to fate and God.

Filipinos know a good deal about respect. From childhood, Filipinos are taught to mano with their parents and older relatives. A typical Filipino child's sentence usually ends with po and opo, and they are taught to address elders with kuya or ate.

The Filipino Ethnicity

Philippine's geography helped shape the Philippine culture. Filipinos are mostly divided into various regional and ethnical groups. Some of these groups are the Ilocano, Cebuano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano and Waray. Mindanao was, for the longest time, home for the Filipino Muslims, whom was called Moros during the Spanish regime.

Then, there's the Aeta or Negritoes: famously known as the first people to settle into the islands. They mostly live in isolated mountains or forest, which leaves them free to live away from Western and Islamic influences.

Aside from these regional groups, there are also at most 100 highland, lowland and coastland tribal groups in the Philippines. To name a few:

• Badjao

• Igorot

• Ilongots

• Lumad

• Mangyan

• Batak

• Tagbanwa

• Tumandok.

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