There are probably very few drivers who haven’t at one point or another dreamt of parading around the city with the top down and designer sunglasses on, casually ignoring the onlookers who regard you with open lust as you cruise along in your extremely expensive, top of the line car. Unfortunately, for most of us mere mortals, paying the mortgage every month is difficult enough, never mind coming up with the dough to buy and maintain a fancy car. But there is a way to indulge that long-held fantasy, even if only briefly – by renting an exotic car.

Besides the range of middle of the range, functional getting-you-from-At-to-B type cars that car rental companies have on their books, many are now expanding into a growing market – exotic car rentals. Whether you are a businessman who wants to seem a little flashier while on that company trip, or simply want to indulge a dream, many people are exploring their holiday destination in a vehicle that goes well beyond the ordinary. Driving a two-seater sports car is neither practical nor cost effective for most of us on a long-term basis, but exotic car rentals mean that we can indulge ourselves for a special occasion, and return to our more practical mode of transport tomorrow.

Whether you are at home or on holiday, treating yourself to an exotic car rental is a great way to experience the life of the rich and famous. Roll up your tinted windows and enjoy watching people wonder which movie star or pop singer is lurking inside! Once you hire an exotic car, the last thing you will want to do is get out of it any time soon, so make the most of it by planning a driving route in advance. Whether you want to parade around the city twenty times, or enjoy a scenic drive, hiring an exotic car is an experience you won’t forget. So indulge your fantasy and take a trip in an exclusive vehicle – and don’t forget to take some photographs!

Are you drained of sitting at home, doing babysitting of your grandchildren? Have your dreams to explore the world not turned to reality? Are your eyes longing to capture the grandeur of the world around you? If yes, don’t detain yourself from discovering the world. Your age should not be an impediment in living your life to the fullest.

When it comes to traveling, a horde of choices are available for the senior citizens too. From opting a perfect destination that lives up to their tastes to the mode to travel and the place to cuddle, all lie at their discretion.

The destination- For those who enjoy basking in glory of the sun at the beaches, locations like Hawaii Islands, Bahamas and the like are ideal holiday spots. The connoisseurs of art and architecture can move to the cities like Barcelona, New Orleans etc. that are swarming with the masterpieces of eminent painters and architects. Evergreen places like Switzerland, Germany and so forth are never meant to be overlooked.

The Decisive Factor The determination of a destination is directly proportional to factors like budget, mode to transport, the climatic conditions and the food.

Most of the senior citizens prefer and desire to travel according to their pockets. Since the youth bids goodbye at this age, the potential to earn more takes a backseat. The expenditure is by and large made from the savings that mushroom a little. Keeping in mind the state of affairs of senior citizens, numerous travel agencies offer discount packages that can be availed in the peak as well as the off season.

If you propose to make a trip within the periphery of your country, the costs incurred will be significantly minimized. For instance, you can accomplish your destination by traveling via a bus, a rented car or a train. The fare will be relatively low as compared to outlay on air tickets. But bear in mind that money is not prior to life. If the distance is a bit too long and you haven’t got the muscle to sit for long (in a train or bus) take a flight. Your health always precedes your wealth.

A majestic feel of heaven on earth is readily available on the deck of a cruise in a cruise voyage. There are several cruises that can serve you with the best of all amenities, all you have to do is discuss with your travel agent and search online about it.

At this age you should not excuse food as a crucial factor in determining the venue. A little search on the Internet and your travel agent can familiarize you with the cuisine, tastes of people and the luxury plus the budget restaurants at the place you propose to go. Also if you have a petite idea about the cuisine of the place, you can ask the locals the place they throng to gratify their hunger. This definitely will correspond to your pocket. Try to leave the home when the weather conditions are adverse there and positive and enjoyable. It is always prudent to make an assessment of the climatic conditions beforehand and plan your trip accordingly.

Some crucial tips 1.The senior citizens and students should be extra vigilant in carrying cash. Avoid moving with lot of cash. Take your credit card along. This safeguards you against uninvited perils. 2.Carry a mobile phone. If that is unaffordable, leave your complete itinerary and all the contact numbers (of the hotel, villa, apartment etc.) with your children. 3.Pack the clothes with your all your essential and even not so significant medicines. 4.Last but not the least, if on the cards get all the reservations done in advance for at this age you should excuse yourself from the last minute anxiety and stress. Things can be easy in life, all one needs is a little planning and prudence.

Xmas is a special time to spend with your family and friends and without exception we all want it to turn out being as great as you can make it – an important portion of that is displaying a merrily embellished home to tip your hat to the Christmas period. Way too often people wind-up with loud baubles and Christmas lights wrapped around a lacklustre Christmas tree. Go online have a browse through the John Lewis website and put the fizz back into Xmas.

At X-mas time the most eye catching of almost every living rooms is the Xmas tree – carefully decorated with lights, baubles and chocolates, hovering above the numerous multi coloured gifts below; it is the most obvious thing most individuals see when they walk-in-to a residence and that is the main reason you will almost certainly like it to be spot on. Browsing the wonderful items currently for sale on the John Lewis web site couldn’t be any simpler – simplistic navigation on the left hand side and at the top of each web page makes the whole process of getting through to the specific product you want totally painless.

Of course once you have selected your ideal Xmas tree – and also the specific Xmas ornaments to compliment it – you will certainly like to pick out a scattering of decorations for the remainder of the abode. These decorations may possibly come in the specific form of lights, hanging displays or baubles to name but a scattering. Navigating the Christmas crowds to pick these things out can be a big hassle and the cost of delivering the goods tacked on by some web-sites may well change that wonderful price you see into a thing more akin to what you might happen upon on the local high street. Already chosen your Christmas tree? Need some Xmas tree lights to compliment it? Look no further.

Never fear – at John Lewis you will not simply negate the trouble of the Christmas season crowds by making purchases from the relative privacy of your own abode, but you will also get absolutely free standard home delivery on all items ordered – with next day delivery on offer if you should be in a rush. Not only that but absolutely free returns are also available, so you can really buy in complete confidence. So why not let John Lewis help make this 2 a very special one.

The John Lewis web page (http://www.johnlewis.com) is a great online place where you can look for brilliant deals on a huge range of top quality electrical equipment and appliances. You can see a large choice of top brand appliances and electicals, like; washers, tumble dryers, dishwashers, fridges and microwaves, to name only a fraction. Any items you can see on the web site are from market leading brands such as Zanussi and Miele.

If you are looking for a new tumble dryer you will certainly not see a more comprehensive site for finding information on your next buy than the John Lewis shoppers guide. This immensely invaluable web page gives you a fist full of invaluable, very useful, unbiased and matter-of-fact advice on selecting the most appropriate appliance to best suit your households needs. Elements that you might often decide to actively ponder when you are obtaining you and your families shiny new tumble dryer should be: which name you deem to be the best, e.g. Bosch, Miele, Hotpoint, Zanussi etc. Will it slide in to the allocated space you have set aside; what sorts of inbuilt functions do you require; how water and electricity efficient would you and your family like it to be and how painless is the appliance to put in. Take the stress out of looking for a tumble dryer. John Lewis have an easy to navigate site.

When you are finished consulting the sound advice of the buyers guide, you can then extensively explore an extensive group of fantastic value products which are available on-line at the John Lewis site. The site could not be simpler to find your way around – the navigation bar at the top of the web page provides you with fast access to all of the main product categories, e.g. technology, electrical appliances, fashion etc. Under every single one of these aforementioned sections you will certainly notice a text link directly to specific product types for example: washing machines; when you access the correct category you can navigate by attributes such as the price, brand and type, for example, Zanussi. it is that easy.

As a long established and trusted retailer you should have no problems at all with deciding to purchase your goods on the net from John Lewis with confidence. The John Lewis site offers totally free nationwide delivery service on all orders; therefore, the price you see is the price you will pay. No ugly surprises when you glance at the delivery options web page. Of course if you have had a serious breakdown and urgently need that new Miele tumble dryers especially fast you should choose to pay a small extra fee for expedited delivery. And for further piece of mind, John Lewis offer free returns should you be unsatisfied with your product. If this wasn’t enough, as standard you shall also get a free 2 or three year warrenty for you and your families new washing machine.

Why the heck would I want to go camping in New Jersey?

I get asked that question just about every single day and I’m pretty tired of it after all these years. So I’m going to answer that question right here for the last time.

There are literally hundreds of reasons to go camping in New Jersey, but there is one large, and I mean really large, reason:

Where else in the country can you drive less then 3 hours and go from the mountains, to the shore, to the marshlands, to 3 different major metropolitan areas to several major lakes and everywhere in between?

Camping in New Jersey is literally the best of all worlds. There is just about nothing you cannot do while you camp in New Jersey. You have your choice of over 120 campgrounds and State Park facilities to choose from not to mention thousands of acres of public land to explore.

Just about every one of the privates campgrounds in the state have craft activities, pools, fishing ponds, sports activities and so many other amenities I can’t even count. Most of them are clean, modern and well suited to just about any type of camping. They are all within a decent driving distance of dozens of cultural, sports, historical, recreational and children related attractions.

Canoeing, hiking, biking, birding and unlimited recreation activities can also be found at campgrounds around the state and many sites are within a short drive of some of the state’s premium attractions and fabulous Atlantic Ocean beaches and boardwalks.

New Jersey is literally a kaleidoscope of natural, picturesque landscapes filled with some of the best and exciting camping experiences anywhere in the Northeast part of the country. Personally I think camping here in New Jersey is as good, if not better, then just about anywhere in the country.

More than 25,000 sites/cabins/yurts/rental trailers await your visit, sites of all shapes and sizes that can accommodate campers with everything from tent sites to pop-ups to fully equipped RVs. From the Delaware Water Gap to a view of the Statue of Liberty to wooded campgrounds in the Pine Barrens to the sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore, the ideal camping experience is close at hand.

No matter what type of camping you choose, tenting, RVing or cabin rentals, New Jersey has something for you. Pick a region to begin investigating where you want to camp:

Atlantic – It’s no wonder the Atlantic Region is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Atlantic City and its world-famous beach and boardwalk, luxurious casino, non-stop gaming action, the hottest entertainers, the best in dining, and quality sporting events. New Jersey Camping in the Atlantic Region gives you access to this great area!

Delaware – It’s where history was made. And where nature rules. It’s where the arts come alive and stately mansions reign. New Jersey’s Delaware River Region is all of these and more. It’s a unique region that can provide you with many things to do and see on your next vacation. New Jersey Camping and you, perfect together!

Gateway – Live with action, the Gateway Region has everything for your perfect vacation including New Jersey Camping activities, New Jersey State Parks and New Jersey Campgrounds.

Shore – Mention the Shore Region, and certain images immediately come to mind: more than 60 miles of pristine beaches from Sandy Hook down to Holgate; surfcasting off Seaside Park; perhaps some bodysurfing off Bay Head; or maybe a moonlit walk in Surf City. Anything you want can be found in New Jersey Camping.

Skylands – Gentle mountains. Skiing. Rock climbing. Horseback riding.Would you believe you’re in New Jersey? New Jersey Camping and you, perfect together!

Southern Shore – Walk along 30 miles of wide sandy beaches. Experience the warmth of a Victorian inn. Take a stroll through history or enjoy the fresh bounty of the sea at a gourmet restaurant. New Jersey Camping offers a wide variety of ways to take advantage of this area.

So, whether it’s a cabin by a lakeshore, an RV minutes from the Statue of Liberty or just a sleeping bag amidst the rugged mountain wilderness, New Jersey Camping is perfect for you.

Monaco isn’t quite part of France, but it may as well be. It’s a principality ruled over by a prince, and is located in the middle of the Cote d’Azur, also called the French Riviera. Nice is only nine miles west, and Italy is about five miles to the east. Monaco consists of several hills and a peninsula that juts south into the Mediterranean, and its total area is less than one square mile. But in that square mile is some of the most expensive and luxurious property in the world.

With beaches, beautiful views of the sea and mountains, and renowned gambling and sports facilities, Monte Carlo, the capital of Monaco, is one of the most well-known playgrounds for the rich in the world. Its mild climate makes it a year-round holiday and vacation Mecca. Almost all of Monte Carlo’s wealth derives from tourism.

But there’s more to Monaco than just an adult playground. We know from archaeological digs that Monaco has been inhabited since the Stone Age; you can view artifacts in the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. Its history includes visits from the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans. Its modern history began when the Grimaldi family of Genoa claimed it; they still rule the principality today. Monaco has only been ruled by France for about twenty years of its history (right after Napoleon conquered it), but their fortunes have long been tied to France, and most visits to the Cote d’Azur include at least one trip to Monaco.

Monaco refuses to tax its citizens’ incomes, and for a very long time was also a tax haven for international businesses. Revenue for the government comes instead from tourism and commercial transactions. French is the language of choice, though most Monagasques are multilingual.

Monaco’s attractions

Monaco is well-known as one of Europe’s most luxurious resort areas. It once was primarily a winter resort, but now draws visitors year round. The most popular casino and night spot is the Place du Casino, around which most of Monte Carlo’s social life revolves.

The principality is divided into four quartiers: the town of Monaco (also known as “the Rock), which juts into the sea; La Condamine, the business district to the west; Monte Carlo, which includes the casino; and Fontvieille, primarily light industrial.

You can find the prince’s Genoese and Renaissance palace in the Monaco quartier, as well as a beautiful Roman Catholic cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.

In Monte Carlo, you’ll find the Place du Casino, which contains a theatre housing the Opera de Monte Carlo. The Monte Carlo National Orchestra often plays here as well. The Grand Prix de Monaco is here, as well as the Monte Carlo Rally.

Where to stay

There are few places to stay cheaply in Monaco, so if you’re looking for inexpensive lodging, you’re probably better off outside the principality. But if you don’t mind paying a little more for a night or two, there are marvelous grand hotels here. The Hermitage, the Hotel du Paris, and the Monte Carlo Grand Hotel all have played host to many of the shining lights of Europe, America, and the Middle East. You can save a little money by staying at the Alexandra, with almost the feel of a bed and breakfast, and just a little north of the casino.

Where to eat

Le Louis XV is one of France’s, and Europe’s,. premier restaurants, with Alain Ducasse, one of the greatest chefs in the world, designing its cuisine. You can expect to spend a lot of money here on this, but you will find the food worth it. You can also try the Café du Paris, where supercilious waiters fawn over you and jet-setters and titled guests lounge at the bars. Of course, if you’ve lost all your money at the casino, you might want to bring some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches instead and just watch from outside.

Other entertainment

Monaco is the playground of the rich and famous in Europe, and its spring arts festival, Printemps des Arts, hosts the world’s best operatic, ballet, symphonic, and chamber music performers. You can enjoy world-class opera, ballet, and orchestra year round.

Heard about the Child Trust Fund? remarkably few seem to be aware of the fact that all babies are given a free £250 voucher from the State to place in a Child Trust Fund. The child’s voucher may be invested in any one of three types of CTF account, Stakeholder – a shares-based account thatchanges into cash, a savings account or a shares account. It is a great opportunity to save for the future needs of a child

Scottish Friendly is an authorised provider of the Child Trust Fund The State is keen for the public at large to have access to Stakeholder accounts and this is the sort of account that we supply. This means that:

Investments are deposited into Scottish Friendly’s Managed Growth Fund, which intends to provide good growth potential

It invests in part in shares to make the most of potentially higher returns over 18 years,compared to a cash deposit account (although the value of shares can
fall as well as go up whereas capital would be protected in a deposit account)

It comes with a low ‘Stakeholder’ funds charge of only 1.5 percent perannum

When a person reaches the age of 18 the child will receive a lump sum, completely free of Capital Gains and Income Tax under present law

It’s affordable – additional payments can be placed in the account from only £10

A notable attraction of the Child Trust Fund is that anyone – parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends – if they want can give to the Fund to a maximum of £1,200 per year to help augment the child’s Fund (once added, this money may not be withdrawn).

In a nutshell our Stakeholder account offers a good balance between possible high returns and a reduced level of risk. There’s also the extra assurance that our account is in accordance with with the Government’s stakeholder criteria. Nonetheless this does not mean that returns are assured or that Stakeholder accounts are appropriate for everyone. Remember that the value of shares in the Managed Growth Fund (where your Child Trust Fund money is placed) can decrease as well as go up and would not be guaranteed.

Only infants born on or after 1st September 2002 are entitled to open a Child Trust Fund. If you have older children born before the above-mentioned date who are not entitled you could look at investing for them with a Child Bond – it’s a tax-free savings plan which is intended for long-term growth.

It is evident that saving for your daughter is a rewarding means of preparing for tomorrow.

1 Hike the canyons of Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a hiker’s paradise, which is evident by the many hiking trails mapped out in and around its numerous scenic canyons and gorges. Here the diversity of wildlife is as contrasting as the breathtaking landscape. From catching a glimpse of the rare and endangered Bighorn Sheep to watching the clever antics of the smallest desert creatures, the canyons of Palm Springs are a must see for any visitor to the area.

Tahquitz Canyon is situated on the Agua Caliente Reservation and is one of the most beautiful desert attractions to be found in Palm Springs. Boasting of a spectacular 60-foot waterfall, rock art, ancient irrigation systems, abundant native wildlife and plants, a hike through this unique and diverse canyon will not be forgotten any time soon. Palm Canyon features fifteen miles of mapped trails that gives hikers an intimate glimpse of the area’s indigenous flora and fauna situated against a contrasting, rugged landscape of rocky red and gold gorges and the barren desert lands in the distance. Here you can hike, explore, picnic and horseback ride against the breathtaking canyon backdrop.

2 Tour the oases of Palm Springs

A beautiful contrast to the barren desert landscape are the many lush oases of Palm Springs. Consisting mainly of tall Fan Palms, the oases offer more than just respite from the extreme desert temperatures, which descend upon the area daily. The oases of Palm Springs are intricate ecosystems boasting of numerous different kinds of plant and animal life including snakes, rodents, lizards and spiders.

Thousand Palms Oasis is situated on the Coachella Valley Preserve and straddles the San Andreas Fault line. Consisting of emerald green undergrowth, soaring Fan Palms and the endangered Valley Fringe-toed Lizard, the Thousand Palms Oasis is the perfect place to start your tour of the Oases of Palm Springs. The Oasis of Mara, formerly known as Twentynine Palms Oasis, is located in the Joshua Tree National Park. Once revered as an “Oasis of Fertility” by the natives, this oasis is indeed a fertile ground for many types of flora, fauna and wildlife.

3 Entertain your whole family in Palm Springs

What once has been known as a Mecca for the retired, the rich and golf enthusiasts, Palm Springs is beginning to show its inner child. From museums and amusement parks to miniature golf and arcades, there is no end to the family-friendly attractions to be found in Palm Springs.

Located on East Palm Canyon, Camelot Park boasts of activities and entertainment to keep the whole family occupied for hours. At the center of this whimsical attraction is a fantastical castle surrounded by video games, miniature golf, go-carts, bumper boats and much, much more. The Living Desert Wildlife and Botanical Park is located on Portola Avenue, and is full of amazing wildlife and creatures that will be sure to amuse the adults and children alike. Featuring species such as coyotes, the endangered bighorn sheep, cheetahs and meerkats, the Living Desert is a must-see attraction in the Palm Springs area. The park also boats of a discovery center where children can watch demonstrations and have hands-on interactions with small creatures such as snakes, turtles and tarantulas.

4 Tour Palm Springs by bike

There is no better way to get up close and personal with an exotic destination like Palm Springs than by leisurely strolling through the many lush oases and barren landscapes typical of this desert paradise. But hoofing it through the miles and miles of desert attractions in and around Palm Springs can take a great deal of time and energy. That is why it has become very popular to tour Palm Springs by bike, and there are several mapped bike tours and guides dedicated to this popular activity.

One of the most popular bike tour agencies in Palm Springs is Big Wheel Bike Tours. They offer several different courses which range in difficulty from beginner to Advanced and can vary in length from a couple of hours to a full day. Many of the courses meander through breathtaking landscapes and popular tourist attractions.

5 Palm Springs Casinos

Boasting a handful of casinos all featuring low and high-stakes gambling, fine dining and other luxurious attractions, Palm Springs is prepared to take care of all of your gambling wants and needs. In fact, the only hindrance that you may find when it comes to Palm Springs casinos is deciding exactly in which casino you want to place your bets.

No matter what your gaming preference or budget, there is a gaming facility in Palm Springs to meet your every need. From high-stakes Poker and slot machines to Bingo and Blackjack among others, you will find plenty to keep your gambling hand occupied during your stay in Palm Springs. Some of the many casinos in the area include the Palm Springs Spa Resort Casino, the Agua Caliente Casino, the Fantasy Springs Casino and the Trump 29 Spotlight Casino.

6 The Native Americans of Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a desert paradise with sparkling waters, tree-lined canyons and bubbling hot springs. This rich, desert oasis has been the site of civilization for thousands of years beginning with the native inhabitants of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. For centuries, this band of Native Americans lived off of the bounty to be had in this unique desert, ecosystem.

The region was ideal for habitation, and the Agua Caliente took advantage of the resources in the area and survived by living off of the land. They used multitudes of desert plants for food, clothes, medicine and hunted game such as deer, bighorn sheep, rabbits and other small animals. They also used an elaborate irrigation system to aid in the production of crops that were brought by the Spanish including corn, squash, beans and melons.

Sadly, in 1862 a small pox epidemic brought about by the influx of whites into the area almost completely wiped out the Agua Caliente altogether. In 1925, only 50 Agua Caliente remained. Today, there are 240. They still hold the majority of the land in the Palm Springs area and run successful casinos and other tourist attractions in the area.

7 How Palm Springs was named

The first non-Native American to settle in the Palm Springs area was Judge John Guthrie McCallum. Arriving in Palm Springs in 1884 from San Francisco with family in tow, McCallum worked alongside the Native Americans to build a 19 mile stone-lined ditch from the Whitewater River Springs to irrigate the dryer parts of the area.

Continuing throughout the 19th century, numerous explorers, colonizers and soldiers came through the desert and remarked on the lush oasis to be found in the Coachella Valley, but no formal name had been given to the site. Often referred to as Palm Springs, Agua Caliente or Palm Valley, it wasn’t until 1890 when Harry McCallum wrote his address as Palm Springs that the region came to be known under those terms.

If you’re going to travel on a budget, you should think about different ways to cut down on your expenses. This article will give you a number of tips that will let you take a vacation without maxing out the credit cards.

First, if you can, you should find a place within driving distance. This will save you a ton of money on flying costs. If you can’t drive, then time your vacation around the plane flights. Look for the cheapest, and fly during off periods. If you’re going on the weekend, you’re going to pay more.

Second, find a way to save money on lodging. There are lots of ways to do this – you don’t need to get a hotel, for one. Cutting out thirty bucks a night can be a lifesaver – use an air mattress or air bed instead. All you have to do is go to a campground, bring a tent, and sleep for cheap. Most states have frequent traveler stops along major highways, so take advantage of these for a place you can camp out for free.

Third, enjoy things that don’t cost much. You don’t have to go to Disney World. Go to a national park. Go fishing. Stop at free tourist sites. There are lots of places to go that don’t cost three hundred dollars to get in.

September 27, 2004, 6:05 pm

I am sitting here in the front entrance hall of the Ses Fontallas Plaza timeshare resort in Sant Antoni. We arrived on Saturday at about 5:30 in Ibiza and had to hang around for the luggage. 2 of our pieces actually didn’t make it due to a technical problem with the cargo area on the plane and we had to wait an awefully long time at the baggage information area to find out that the baggage would be delivered the next day.

We finally checked out our rental car, a VW Polo, at Hiper-Rent-A-Car, just outside the airport. Not a bad deal for about 158 Euros a week… On the way to our resort we stopped off in a huge supermarket, we called it the “Walmart of Spain” where we picked up the basics of groceries and we then made our way to the resort in the dark.

Ses Fontanellas Plaza is a nice complex right in the tourist area of Sant Antoni and we got unit 308, a one-bedroom with partial seaview. Definitely a very nice place, with mini-kitchen, a comfortable bedroom, nice furnishings, nice bathroom with bidet (still calling it the “boot-washer” since I haven’t figured out what to do with it…;)

I am sleeping out in the living room on a comfortable trundle bed and the balcony is very roomy with a nice view out to the sea. We had a nice sleep and finally a home-made meal after all the restaurant cuisine that had started to taste a little bit the same.

Then a nice breakfast on the balcony yesterday. After waiting around for our luggage to be delivered, we finally decided just after noon to head out and we drove to Ibiza. Interesting town with a fortress on the hill. We climbed all the way up and had a beautiful view of the harbour and the south and southwest side of the island.

I took a ton of pictures and also picked up a few items from the souvenir shops. Got all my souvenir shopping done in about half an hour. The pottery is really amazing here. I wish I could pack it all up and ship it home to Toronto.

On the way down from the fortress I saw a local family, grandmother, 2 or 3 adult kids and several grandkids, in the street and thought I’d practice my people photography. From the looks the family appeared to be gipsies. I approached them very friendly in Spanish and asked if I could take some pictures.

The grandmother then got up and shot into my direction and got very aggressive and shouted at me to get lost, waving her arms. Her kids were quite okay with the idea of being photographed, but the old lady wanted no part of me taking any pictures. So much for my first foray into trying to experiment with human motifs in my career as a hobby photographer….

Oh well, after walking around a few hours we were pretty pooped and drove back to our little apartment where we made a nice little dinner, watched some Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien on the satelittle network before going to sleep.

Today we got going pretty early, we left at about 10 am. Another brilliant day with sunshine on the coast, but a few darker clouds hanging inland. We checked out 7 or 8 beaches or coves on the southwest side of the island and spent about 3.5 hours at a cove called Cala d’Hort, which had the most stunning scenery of all, a nice cove with a sandy beach, looking out to a monolithic rock that sticks out 389 m from the sea. An amazing view.

We thought we’d have dinner there at the local restaurant but the sun drained our energy and we decided to drive by 2 more beaches and then come back to our little home away from home. One thing we noticed for sure: Ibiza is a gorgeous place…..