Thursday, September 24, 2009

Help for the Holiday Hmm’s (2)

We’ve been creating a list at Horizons of both family and consultant favorites. Here’s my top ten list for this holiday season:

1. WEDGiTS – These have been suggested by a couple of Horizon’s families, and have very good online ratings. They are wonderful for kids of all ages: even small children can easily use them, and older children love to build with them.

2. Ned’s Head – This is a fun and grotesque game that boys especially will love. Reach into Ned’s Head and see what you pull out! This is a great opportunity to build anticipation, and share what you’ve found. A nice variation to this game is Gassy Gus. As I was searching the Internet on these two games, I found Alfredo’s Food Fight. If your child is resistant to new foods, this may be a fun way to decrease the anxiety of food by using it to fling at “Alfredo.”

3. Model Cars – Building a model car or other item can be a lot of fun. It’s something that you can work on together, and what a great accomplishment when its all done!

4. Stickers – There are so many kinds of stickers these days including my favorite – foam shapes. Kids have fun creating all kinds of original pictures, or just sticking them on paper. Use them to decorate hats, identify your cup at holiday parties, or make your own Christmas cards.

5. UNO – This is a wonderful card game for kids of all ages with several different game options available. If you already own the basic game of UNO, try UNO Attack or UNO Spin. These are nice variations to a great family game!

6. Cranium Fort – I have enjoyed playing with this at work so much that I bought it for my kids and they love it. We have built rocket ships, cars, and forts of all different shapes and sizes. My kids enjoy coming up with their own creations, and then play in it for a very long time! We’ve had a great time pretending to take a trip to Colorado, fly to the moon, or just seeing how many different things we can build.

7. Jenga – This is a more challenging game in which you have a tower of long flat blocks from which you take turns pulling one block out at a time, until it falls over. This is a great game to build anticipation, work as a team to see how high you can get the tower, or to work on taking turns.

8. Doodle Dice – This is a simple yet entertaining game that is similar to Yahtzee. The rules are easy to learn, and the game is fun for the whole family.

9. Power Balls – Create and make your own bouncing balls. This is a great activity to do with children who will feel proud that they made it! There are several options of Power Ball kits available.

10. Digital Camera – Although not as cheap, this is a fun toy for kids. They can take the pictures, download them, and edit them. This is a wonderful way to take pictures during the holidays to capture those special moments! This also provides a great opportunity to help your child think about what they might want to remember about the holidays. Once the pictures are downloaded, you can work together to make an album. Happy holiday shopping!

By : Nicole Beurkens

Help for the Holiday Hmm’s (1)

If your life is anything like mine near the holidays, it’ll probably sound a little like this: “Mom, can I get that for Christmas?” “I’ll put it on your wish list honey.” As the next commercial comes on, “Mom can I get that for Christmas?” “That does look like fun. I’ll put it on your wish list.” The television, newspapers, and billboards are inundated with advertisements for all the hot toys and gadgets for this year. As parents, aunts or uncles, and grandparents, it can be very overwhelming to know what gifts to buy that will be both fun and “educational.” Knowing what gifts will be best for our children – that they’ll enjoy – leave many of us going “hmmm.”

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for all children:

1. Television, movies, and video games can be nice for some relaxing times, but should be limited. I read in a recent study that the average child watches 50-60 hours of television a week! As a result, children are being negatively impacted, including increased aggression and decreased attention; plus other negative side affects such as robbing the mind of important things like reading, writing, creative play and story telling, friendship development and so much more.

2. Board games can be a wonderful way to help children learn important lessons such as taking turns, graciously winning and losing, and team work. This is also a great way to encourage family time. One of my greatest memories as a child is sitting downstairs with my family, by the wood burner, playing the game of LIFE.

3. Arts and Crafts are a great way to encourage creativity. It also develops fine motor skills, building of competence, and doing things for others. My children love to make things for other people and feel great about doing it!

4. Building sets of blocks, WEDGiTS, or LEGO’s are also great gifts that encourage creativity, playing with others, or self play. There are so many things you can do with these sorts of things. Kids love to build fences for their animals, castles, or event cities with any building materials they can find.

By : Nicole Beurkens

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The Eastern Bus Terminal

Ekamai [ Soi 40, Sukhumvit Rd., Ekamai, tel. (02)391-2504 or (02)392- 2391]

Usually referred to as Ekamai, this is the one for Pattaya and towns in the southeast including Rayong and Trat province. Air conditioned buses depart for Pattaya every half hour between 5.30am and 11.00pm. The single fare is 90 baht per person. Depending on the traffic the trip takes about 2 hours. More details (for example which buses to avoid) and tips about how to get to your hotel from the Pattaya Bus Terminal can be found in Outrageous Holiday in Thailand - A Unique Guide

To Pattaya By Train

You can also travel to Pattaya by train from Hualumpong Station in Bangkok (02)223-7461, (02)223-0341 ext 4206. It is a slow trip compared to the time it takes to travel by bus.

The third class train fare to Pattaya is 31 baht. Currently there is only one departure per day Monday to Friday at 6.55 a.m. arriving at the Pattaya train station at 10:31a.m. In March 2004 the State Railway decided they would no longer run trains to or from Pattaya on Saturdays or Sundays.

The return trip departs Pattaya Train Station Monday to Friday at 2:50p.m. arriving in Bangkok at 6:10p.m. Check the train schedule or call the 24 hour Train Information service on 1690.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport Information

The information on this page is for transport from the new airport to Pattaya.For Express Buses, Public Buses, Taxis and Limo services to Bangkok hotels and other destinations with-in Bangkok

Suvarnabhumi is pronounced "Su-Wana-Poom" and means "The Golden Land".

Bangkok Airport Shuttle Bus Service
The Airport is a 3,100 hectare site. To transport people to various locations around the airport a free, low-floor type shuttle bus service is provided for passengers and airport staff. There are Two routes - "Express" Shuttle Bus route and "Ordinary" Shuttle Bus route.The "Expess Route" connects the main terminal directly to the transport center.The "Ordinary Route" connects to other airport facilities.

Bangkok Airport Shuttle Bus Express Route:
1. Passenger terminal
2. Car rental center
3. Public transportation center and bus terminal

To Pattaya By Taxi
The taxis are currently charging a flat fee of 1300 baht one way and the journey takes one and a half to two hours, depending on traffic. The fee includes expressway toll.
Taxis are located on level one. Look for the signs. You might be solicited to take an expensive Limo to just Bangkok for 1000 baht give these guys the flick you are going to Pattaya. Further intricacies of taking a taxi to Pattaya including the scams and cheats are discussed in the report "After-The-Rush".

Taxi Security
If you have a problem with a taxi for example you forget and leave luggage in the carPlease Call: 1584 or 0-2130-0002 or 0-2130-0097

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Bangkok Escort, A Thai Girls Diary. Part 1-11.

My dad had gone back to Surin about 4 years before my mom went back. He was very lonely and he tried to become village chief, because of the power and the money, but he lost. He had said that if he lost the election he would become a monk so he did. He is still a monk now after more than 7 years.

At the time I had my second boyfriend my sister said that she was going back to Surin to see her daughter who was living with our aunt. When she was in Surin a friend of hers came to see her in my aunts house. The friend had just come back from Pattaya where she was working. She told my sister about her job there and convinced my sister to go back there with her to try it. My sister didn't come back to Bangkok and she is still in Pattaya.

Before my mom went back to Surin I talked to my sister about what we should do to help our mom. I wanted her to help with money because she had never done that before. I told her that if she could send money for her daughter I could send money for mom.

I was still working in the office of the factory. I had now been there about 10 years and my mother had been there even longer. We knew everyone and it felt like we were family. My boss had a younger brother who was also working for the company. He was like a big brother to me. He helped me with money and when I went to see customers he would sometimes drive me and or pick me up. I didn't think much about this since we had known each other so long. One time after he had picked me up at a customers office we were driving home when he said he had to go to the bathroom. He stopped at a motel and I asked him why we had to stop there when there were toilets else where. He tried to touch me and tried to get me to go inside with him but I did not want to. He insisted and I got out of the car and ran away. I was really scared. After that I could not go back to the office again. I did not want to see him and I could not tell anyone about what had happened. My boss tried to find me because he was worried, he didn't know why I did not come back to work. He tried at my friends and even called my mom to ask her. She didn't know and was also worried. A friend from work, a girl also from Surin, told me that he was very worried and that there was a lot to do at work and she asked me to go back but I could not.

I went to live with a friend I knew from school. My friend did a lot of drugs and she tried to get me to try but I did not want to. We partied together and had a lot of fun. I was living of my savings. When we were going out there was a man, a lot older than me, that would always book the table next to where I was with my friends. At this time we went mostly to the same place so it wasn't hard for him to find us. He would not talk to me only look but at that time I still had gigs so I was not interested. One day he asked the staff to get him my phone number and I gave it to them but he never called. One day I had decided to move to my own room and I don't know why but I went to him and asked him if he could help me. He gave me some money but did not ask me for anything back. This man was very rich. He kept coming to the bar but we did not talk much. After 2-3 months he called me for the first time and asked me if I could go to dinner with him. He had a free dinner at some golf club and he took me there. We ate, drank and talked. The golf club had a resort and after dinner we got a room there.

By: Noon Chan

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

What are travel agents?

You can receive a commission on many travel reservations. * Hotels * Car Rental * Holiday Packages * Cruises * Some tickets tickets * International airfares * Travel insurance * Ground transportation including limos * Attraction tickets * Train tickets

People must all travel at some point in time. Those who take road trips need hotel reservations. Those who are in need of a business trip to the need for airline tickets, rental cars and hotel reservations. Families want to experience the holidays with their loved ones. People visit family and relatives. Most people who win the money that they are going to spend it to take a nice vacation. Newlyweds go on Honeymoons. You may not sell something that is difficult to sell. Browse for your help, you're not calling them or approaching them trying to sell them something that they do not want.

Public education should be the main thing any travel agent to do. Most people put travel agents into the same category as real estate agents. They believe that the additional costs of travel agent. This is not true. In many cases, the travel agent can get a higher price than the general public through the suppliers who work only with travel agencies. Many people do not know all the options of booking holiday. A good travel agent does. Once people are educated, as the travel agent gets paid, they are more willing to cooperate with travel agencies. If a person knows that if he or she allows to book a hotel, and it will cost the same price, regardless, he or she will work with you. It is important that people know how you can help them save time and money on their trips.

So, how do you get in this industry? Many people think that they should go to school or certification. This is not true. You can get in this industry and begin training. I do not recommend anyone spend thousands on travel school until he or she knows, this career that he or she really want to do. The truth does not need to spend thousands to get trained. There are many courses free to travel agents from suppliers. There are also organizations such as ICTA (Institute of Certified Travel Agents) who offer courses as you more years of experience in the industry. CLIA also offers courses. There are several agencies that offer training. Even if you decide to do this career you'd like to continue, you will not have to spend thousands to become educated and competent travel agent. There are many courses you can take with suppliers and organizations to get a better education in travel. I truly believe the hand of 'the approach is the best way to become a better travel agent. Learning to work with suppliers and how to find the information your customers need is an important part of a good travel agent.

By: Mehwish Rasool

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Alicante Car Hire

Driving in the region has much to offer with pleasant coastal roads allowing you to explore on your own terms. The roads are generally safe, but some of the more mountainous areas should be traversed with some additional caution.

The most popular and convenient way to get around in Alicante, Spain is to rent a car. Whether you’re travelling up the Costa Blanca to Benidorm, or staying in Alicante to sightsee, it’s great to have a car at your disposal. Renting is simple to do, and depending on your itinerary, it will be more cost-effective than any other mode of transportation.

There are several key things to take note of before you go.

It is best to book your car rental before your vacation to ensure you get the best price. Also, depending on when you’re travelling, it’s a good idea to pre-arrange a car in advance to be sure that you’ll have one when you arrive. Particularly in the summer, which is peak season in Alicante, you will find that rental inventory goes quickly. You can use several different ways to reserve your car. You can book online, through a travel agent, or directly with the company you select. Many times you can find a great deal on a car rental as part of a vacation package. Be sure to shop several companies for the best rates. When shopping, include any additional charges, such as insurance, as well as any restrictions that will apply, to get a clear picture when comparing prices. The car doesn’t always have to be picked up at the airport, though for some, that’s most convenient. Sometimes you will find that renting in town is more affordable than renting at the airport. Think about where you will be picking up and dropping off to ensure that you will have transportation to and from the rental location. If you are renting from a location other than the airport, most companies offer complimentary transportation to the rental company. Consider any extra features or charges when renting. Find out what is included in the price. Some rental companies may include insurance in their cost some may not. You will have to specify to the rental company if you have any children in your party. Child back seat has to be booked separately and you cannot carry a child in Spain without a child seat. And since it’s a warm region, you should opt for a car with air-conditioning.

By: Santosh Deshmane

Monday, May 25, 2009

Car Rental Service Thailand

Car Rental Service Thailand (รถเช่า)
The youngest Car Rental Service in Pattaya, Rayong, Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport and Thailand, Sedan, Truck and more. Long term and short term Car Rental, Delivery and pick up service at your company, Largest wide range of selections as requirements of all company sizes, governments, state enterprises and individuals.

Step 1
Specify the following detail :
1. Date, time, location pick up
2. Date, time, location drop off
3. Name, address and phone number
- By phoneTel. 089-9315577, 086-3360080- or complete form below

Step 2
Money transfer 900 Bath to book a car to the following bank account :- Kasikorn Bank, Akamai Branch, Saving Account number 059-2-92371-8
Remark do not use your credit card or enter credit card information in your computer

Step 3
Confirm your money transfer result to the following way:1. By phoneTel. 089-9315577, 086-33600802. By email: pattaya-carrent@hotmail.com3. MSN: pattaya-carrent@hotmail.com

International call +66-899315577, Domestic call 086-3360080

Our Location
www.Pattaya-Carrent.com209/12 M.7, Soi Krokyaicha, T.Nernpra, A.Muang, Pattaya, Rayong, Bangkok, Thailand 21150

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Holiday rent a car in Pattaya

Car Rental Requirements
- Copy passport
- Copy driving licence
- Payment : Cash or all major credit card accepted
- No commission charged for credit card payment.

Insurance and Other Information
- Unlimited kilometres
- Full comprehensive rental insurance (5,000 baht Excess applies)
- Medical expenses
- Bail bond

OPTIONAL 150 baht/day C.D.W. (Collision Damage Waiver to reduce customers liability to O%)
http://www.pattayacar-rent.com/

Chalee Car Rent

Our fleet exists of middle sized 2-3 year old cars & Pickups. Available in both automatic as well as manual. All cars & Pickups are equipped with aircon.
Get here a quick view of our Car Rental Pricelist

All cars come including:.
-Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). An excess charge of Baht 5,000 will apply in the event of non recoverable loss or damage).
-Unlimited kilometers
-Third party liability insurance.
-VAT
-Free delivery and pickup within Pattaya - Jomtien

Rates Exclude:
-Optional personal accident and effects insurance.
-Fuel used (vehicles are supplied with a full tank).

Conditions:
-Minimum driver age is 21 years.
-Valid Passport, and International drivers license.
-A rental day is 24 hours. Extra full hours are charged at 1/4 of the daily rates.

Please contact Chalee Car Rental for more info and special tasks we can deliver for you.!

Contact Information.
Chalee Car Rent
Telephone (within Thailand) 0-3872-0413
Telephone (International) +66-3872-0413
FAX (within Thailand) 0-3872-0413
FAX (International) +66-3872-0413

Postal address:
Chalee Car Rent
312/13,14 Moo 9, Pattaya 3rd road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand
Electronic mail: chaleecarrent@hotmail.com
more information visit http://www.pattayacarrental.com/