Best Vacation Advisor

Ski Slopes Of Gibraltar

My heart pounded as the button pull gently tugged up the eastern side of the famous Rock of Gibraltar it was hard to imagine that this steep slope had once been home to Gibraltar’s large Water Catchment’s where work began in 1898. Were the large sheets of corrugated steel and concrete layers which allowed the rainwater to flow down this slope into a channel which in turn fed into a reservoir system deep inside the Rock still nestled beneath the snowy slope? By the end of its life the water catchment’s area had increased to an impressionable size of 34 acres which when one takes into consideration the size of Gibraltar 6.5 square kilometers is must have been impressive.

Sitting back on the not too comfortable button inching forward ever so slowly allowed time to take in the breathtaking views. High above loomed the highest point 426 meters which in skiing terms is not all that high BUT the scenery is second to none. It felt almost possible to reach out and touch the blue Mediterranean as it gently merged with the Atlantic it felt almost possible to bid the inhabitants of neighboring Spain a cheery “Hola” whilst at the same time bidding the inhabitants of Morocco “Ahlan”. What a truly unique corner of the world where three countries two seas and two continents meet.

Nestled way below the slope is the only hotel on the east side of the Rock The Caleta Hotel. Its unique shape rather like a ship was so apparent from this lofty vantage point.. It looked as if it offered a warm haven from the colds of the ski slope and would be perfect for the all too important sport of aprsski.

Chuckling to myself at the thought of one of the Rock’s famous inhabitants joining in the fun made the journey to the top more bearable. Would we catch a glimpse of the world renowned macaques also known as the “Barbary Ape”. After all besides humans they are the only primates that live freely in Europe. It is believed that the Barbary Macaques were first introduced to Gibraltar from North Africa by the Moors who occupied southern Iberia between 711 and 1492 others claim that they were a remnant of populations spread throughout southern Europe as far back as 5.5 million years ago. However they got there the thought of one of these tailless little creatures snow ploughing down the eastern rock was priceless. What did our “furry cousins” exist on during these winter months how much of the 530 species of flora on Gibraltar would be available or even suitable to them?

On reaching the top of the button pull I paused for a moment taking in the view from this “Pillar of Hercules” and to reflect on the area its past and the importance of this strategic location throughout history in terms of conflict. From as early as 711 AD the battles and sieges of Gibraltar by the Moors Spanish and British form an interesting part of the intricate tapestry of Gibraltar history.

One final check of the bindings poles at the ready and poised for the short steep run the sun reflecting off the pure white Gibraltar snow I was ready to go. A strange ringing sound filled the air was this the avalanche warning system unfortunately not.

7 a.m. and the alarm clock sounded once again. How could we possibly sustain a ski slope in this gentle Mediterranean climate so close to the sea where the winter weather is possibly better than a Scottish summer? Yet another dream based on my very wishful thinking that someone would see the potential of the defunct water catchment area as a ski slope if not with snow then dry!

About the writer:  To find out more about Gibraltar visit http://www.gibraltar.gov.uk. You can learn more about The Caleta Hotel at http://www.caletahotel.com.

Savannah Georgia – Americas Most Haunted City

In 2003 the American Institute of Paranormal Psychology named Savannah America’s Most Haunted City. And Savannah is able to support the title. Ghosts apparitions or paranormal activities have been reported at many of Savannah’s inns restaurants private residences and of course cemeteries.

There are many magnificently restored buildings nestled around Savannah’s twentyone squares. Many of these buildings are stately homes supposedly still occupied by former owners. James Habersham has been known to roam around the Olde Pink House now a restaurant but formerly his home. Juliette Gordon Low the founder of the Girl Scouts was born and raised in Savannah. Her parents long deceased are said to still roam Juliette’s childhood home.

Savannah’s SorrelWeed House visited by The Atlantic Paranormal Society TAPS in 2005 as part of their SciFi Ghost Hunters Halloween special is supposedly haunted. The story goes that Mrs. Weed caught her husband in a compromising position with one of the Weed’s many slaves. Mrs. Weed very distraught ran back to her secondfloor bedroom. After a long argument with her husband she either threw herself or was thrown to her death from a second floor balcony. Soon after Mrs. Weed’s death the slave found with Mr. Weed was found hung in her slave quarters. Both women are said to be still roaming the grounds.

The HamptonLillibridge House was said to be so haunted that Jim Williams of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” fame had an exorcism performed at this former boarding house. On countless occasions residents and passersby have heard the sound of jazz coming from inside the home.

The Kehoes were a very prominent family in Savannah as Mr. Kehoe owned the ironworks on the riverfront. The Kehoes built this fireproof alliron home and lived there with their 10 children. The Kehoe’s heirs sold the house in 1930 and the property changed hands many times to include use for 65 years as the Goette Funeral Home. It is now a beautiful bed and breakfast where many of its visitors report supernatural occurrences such as a woman screaming a nurse shushing visitors the Lady in White making appearances and several instances involving ghosts of children.

The list goes on and on!

So what is it about Savannah that makes it so attractive to ghosts and ghost stories? Many people start with the fact that Savannah is literally built on its dead. Savannah was the first city in Georgia founded in 1733. It was established in the same location as the Creek and Choctaw maintained their burial grounds.

As the colony began to grow and thrive it needed more room. Buildings were erected on the burial plots of the original colonists. Tombstones in cemeteries were moved to make room for sidewalks and roads. Places of worship were erected on the graves of slaves.

Second Savannah has a very violent history. Many bloody battles and skirmishes were fought in Savannah. One of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution the Siege of Savannah where about 1200 men lost their lives in one hour was fought in Savannah.

Also the city has been victim to many citywide fires at least two yellowfever epidemics and several hurricanes.

Third Savannah has been a major port city since the days of King Cotton so many a sailor has ventured through Savannah spinning a romantic tale or two.

Fourth Savannahians are proudly an eccentric bunch as were their ancestors which adds history and volume to the ghost stories. Take the

Lastly I blame the large amounts of Spanish moss hanging from the majestic oak trees. The blankets of moss look like ghostly shrouds and give the entire region an eerie look.

Whatever the reason the ghost stories are endless earning the Savannah the right to the title of America’s Most Haunted City.

About the writer:  Deb Bunting is an accountant who makes her home in Oklahoma City. She is an avid traveler with special interest in historical places. Visit her site at www.loveofsavannah.com.

Paris: Hotel Planning

You are ready to plan a trip of a lifetime to Paris. Your accommodations are important. Maybe you have been to Paris more than once and have an idea of what you need in a hotel.

As soon as you know you will be traveling to Paris you should make hotel reservations. This is especially true if you will be traveling later in spring or during the summer or fall because these are very busy times in Paris.

Figure out what your budget for hotels is. The prices can really vary and you will want to make sure you are staying in a hotel that has what you are looking for. If you travel to Paris often you may not want all the amenitites that a first time visitor is counting on.

There are several ways to go about this if you plan to make the hotel reservations yourself. Calling is one way to get the information you need but sometimes the staff have a difficult time understanding English. Emailing works well and so does sending a fax because many times the staff can read English better than they can understand and speak it.

You should specify the date you will be arriving and how long you plan to stay. Give the number of people in your party. Explain whether you are looking for a single or a double room and also the type of room; standard deluxe or a suite. Give specifications for the size of bed and whether you are looking for a private or shared bathroom with a tub shower or both.

Find out if you will need a deposit and what the cancellation policy is.
It is always a good idea to confirm all arrangements and ask for a return email or fax with all the information.

When you arrive in Paris and get to your hotel you may discover that many aspects of the accommodations may vary in quality. Room and bath size as well as noise level and natural light can be different from room to room. If you are not satisfied with your accommodations you should ask to see another room.

Plan ahead and you will find a lovely place to stay in Paris.

About the writer:  Corina Clemence runs a luxury castle near Blois for up to 15 people perfect for visiting vineyards castles and relaxing with family and friends. http://www.loirechateau.com Rent castle France. Rent french castle Loire Valley.