If you’ve ever wanted to move to Colorado, the time is perfect to start experiencing Denver. Denver’s city council has approved plans designed to transform Denver into one of the most desirable and livable cities in the country. Denver’s popular 16th Street Mall’s side streets will be redeveloped to entice people to venture off the mall. Denver’s once popular streetcars will be brought back to life to reconnect neighborhoods to downtown. Some of Denver’s major boulevards will be made more pedestrian friendly.

Union Station, Civic Center Park and Denver’s Arapahoe Square neighborhood located near Coors Field will have beautiful new pedestrian promenades along some of Denver’s historic downtown buildings, all of which will be renovated, updated and preserved but used for different purposes. Denver’s city fathers have visions of revitalization during the next 20 years. Many people are already waiting for their chance at making their own personal impact on the future growth of Denver. Are you?

About Denver Today

-Denver is located in the middle of the united states and it is approximately 346 miles west of the center of the U.S.A.

-Denver is the largest metropolitan area in the middle of the country (within a 600 mile radius).

-Denver is known as “The Mile High City” because the thirteenth step on the west side of the Colorado State Capitol Building is exactly one mile high (5,280 feet — above sea level).

-Denver is the thinnest city in America and Colorado is tied for the thinnest state with Hawaii.

-Denver’s well-defined downtown area is within walking distance of many of the city’s major attractions by design.

-The City and County of Denver covers approximately 155 square miles.

-Denver has the nation’s largest city park system, with more than 200 parks within city limits and 20,000 acres of parks in the nearby Rocky Mountains.

-Denver International Airport, known as “DIA”, is the countries largest airport, it covers approximately 53 square miles and could hold both the Chicago O’Hare International airport and the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport combined.

-Denver’s climate is mild and semi-arid. The city receives approximately 8-15″ of moisture a year, compareable to Los Angeles Calif, and it records 300 days of sunshine a year — (more than San Diego or Miami Beach), Denver has the perfect climate! Winters are pleasant with an average daily high of around 52 degreest. Snow does fall, but it usually melts in a short time due to the chinook winds that blow down from the mountains. Winter days often reach 60 degree Fahrenheit.

-During the day people frequently enjoy Denver’s parks, gardens, boating, mountain climbing and hiking, visiting museums and many of Denver’s historical landmarks.

-Denver’s performing Arts Center is the countries second largest.The Denver Performing Arts Complex has eight theaters and seats over 9,000 people.

Tourism:

Tourism is the second most important sector of the Colorado economy. It accounts for approximately 7 percent of Denver’s work force. Every year tourism brings in over $6 billion dollars into Colorado.

“LoDo”, Lower Downtown Denver is the place to live!

-Lower Downtown Denver “LoDo”: LoDo District Inc. is a unique historic neighborhood in Denver that has shops, restaurants, and entertainment. LoDo District Inc. is located in lower Downtown Denver

-”LoDo” was the original area of Denver and is the cities oldest district covering approximately 23 acres.

-You’ll find historic buildings as well as landmarks mixed in with the rejuvenation of the area. Many of Denver’s historic buildings have been converted flats, lofts, condo’s and townhome living.

-”LoDo ” is the place to go for entertainment, nightlife, great restaurants, shopping and people watching!

-Paramont Theater: Denver’s premier performing arts and entertainment center since 1929, features all genres of music, comedy, dance, films and speakers.

-The 16th Street Mall is a mile-long pedestrian walkway through the heart of downtown Denver, lined with shops, department stores and outdoor cafes. chichi boutiques and salons Free buses leave either end as often as every 90 seconds, making this the best spot for “people watching” in the city. In summer, the Mall is decorated with 25,000 flowers including 8,400 impatiens, 6,528 petunias, 648 snapdragons and 370 geraniums.

-Cherry Creek North: is an eclectic mix of galleries, restaurants, shops, clothing designers and cafes, all on pleasant tree-lined streets directly adjacent to the Cherry Creek Shopping Center

-Pepsi Center: Located at the edge of downtown Denver, the Pepsi Center anchors Denver’s thriving LoDo’s entertainment district and is the region’s newest sports and entertainment venue.

-Larimer Square: Is a restored section of Denver’s oldest street where the beautiful Victorian buildings have been restored to house a collection of art galleries, clothing stores, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs

-The Shops at Tabor Center is a modern complex on the 16th Street Mall with 80 shops and restaurants in a three-story, glass-covered, greenhouse-like building that offers festive views of downtown and the mountains.

-Park Meadows is one of the Denver areas newest additions to the shopping scene. Featuring a Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Foleys and Joslins the shopping center was created to resemble a ski lodge, complete with a huge center court fireplace

-Denver Pavilions opened in November 1998 and features a Wolfgang Puck Caf?, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Virgin Records Megastore and Barnes & Noble Superstore.

-Colorado Ocean Journey Denver’s Aquarium, Ocean Journey, is a $98 million, world-class aquarium. Since it opened its doors in June 1999, this Denver aquarium has offered an amazing look at water and the creatures that live in it. More than 15,000 fish, plants and mammals live in the building in tanks holding more than a million gallons of water.

-The Colorado State Capitol Building Site – presented by the Colorado State Archives. Colorado’s State Capitol Building …

-The Molly Brown House Birthplace of the Titanic’s “unsinkable” passenger, this museum offers a history of the building and a biography of its famous floating occupant. … Molly Brown & The Titanic. History of the Molly Brown House. Located @ 1340 Pennsylvania Street. Denver, Colorado 80203. 303.832.4092. Fax: 303.832.2340. Museum Hours: September – May.

-”Unsinkable Molly Brown’s” Summer Home when built was in the country west of Denver, it later became Lakewood but in the 1990′s Denver annexed it and it is now located at 2690 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Denver Colorado. It is privately owned by descendants of the family that originally purchased it from the Browns, it is now open to the public for events, you can call (303) 989-6639 for information.

The U.S. Mint

-Denver Performing Arts The Denver Performing Arts Complex is the second largest Performing Arts complex in the United States, with a total of nine theatres/performing spaces and over 10,000 seats. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is located in the heart of downtown Denver Colorado.

-Colorado Ballet: Now in it’s 42nd season, Colorado Ballet presents five contemporary and classical ballets each season.

-Central City Opera Association: Three summer productions in out intimate Victorian opera house west of Denver. It is one of the very few opera companies in America to own its own opera house.

-Four Mile House & Historic Park: The park is dedicated to presenting programs that celebrate the diversity of the men, women, and children who lived and worked in the west. Four Mile House & Historic Park located in Denver Colorado.

-Colorado Sports Hall Of Fame: Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum located at Invesco Field at Mile High features great moments in Colorado Sports history. Colorado has such a rich sports history, which includes many championship athletes, teams and coaches from a local and national level

Whatever your interest, Denver has it all. And if it doesn’t, it soon will! Come experience the beauty of Denver, Colorado first hand. It’s never to late to find your home.

By: Jim Lux

Altitude sickness is a disease that can affect peak climbers, trekkers, skiers, or travelers at high altitude normally above 8,000 feet.

Travelers face mild altitude sickness at an altitude of 6,000 feet and moderate sickness more than 8,000 feet. The risk becomes greater between 10,000 and 14,000 feet where travelers experiences harsh indication of the sickness. There is extremely damaging to traveler’s physical and mental health if they stay at altitudes over 18,000 feet for few weeks.

Symptoms of mild and moderate altitude sickness typically consists of headache, shortness of breathe, sleeping trouble, loss of appetite, nausea and rapid pulse. These symptoms normally increase after 2 days of arrival.

When this sickness turns into harsh sickness then most travelers have trouble in balancing, feel difficult to walk uphill or climbing stairs. It is essential to identify a worsening case of altitude sickness and seek medical help immediately. Worsening symptoms of altitude sickness are difficulty in thinking and reacting, confusing state, pale complexion, cough, congestion and also excessively tiredness or sleepiness.

If a traveler refuse to visit to a doctor or just ignore it then he or she can experience high altitude pulmonary edema or high altitude cerebral edema. High altitude cerebral edema is a state where the brain swells and high altitude pulmonary edema is a state where fluid collects in the lungs. Both these situation are serious but curable.

The main treatment for all forms of this sickness is to climb down to a lower altitude as soon as possible. People with serious altitude sickness may be admitted to a hospital. Extra oxygen should be given to the patients if required.

Acetazolamide (Diamox), a drug used to reduce mild symptoms of this sickness. Drink plenty of fluids and do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Pulmonary edema is treated by giving oxygen with the help of a breathing machine. The steroid drug dexamethasone helps in reducing swelling in the brain.

Teaching of altitude travelers before climbing is the key to prevention. Basic principles include: slow ascent, rest after each day for each 2,000 feet; sleeping at a lower altitude whenever possible; and knowledge of how to get familiar early symptoms of altitude sickness so that you can come back to lower altitude before symptoms get poorer.

By: Tushar Mathur

While traveling, most people tend to forget their health, yet it is one of the most important aspects of travel. You can make sure that your trip sails smoothly without any health complications by walking around as you wait for your plane. This will improve your blood flow and relax your muscles. You could even carry around your luggage, which will boost your metabolism rate. These activities will be of great benefit once you board the plane.

To avoid jet lag, which can be caused by dehydration, make sure that you consume as much water as possible. This will not only help in hydrating your body, but the fact that you will have to visit the bathroom often will allow for blood flow protecting you from muscle cramps. You should avoid eating any junk food before and during the flight as they cause fatigue and stomach upsets. Carry along some eye drops, which will help in lubricating your eyes preventing you from eye irritations caused by the dry air on the plane.

For better nutrition while on the road, you can have an omelet that has been filled with vegetables, whole-wheat toast, and one bowl of oatmeal if you are eating at a restaurant for breakfast. In case you are taking your breakfast at a hotel continental bar, you can have a whole grain cereal containing low fat milk, some fresh fruits, yogurt, or even hard boiled eggs.

At a service station, order a single serving of whole grain breakfast cereals, protein bars with low sugar levels and in case you cannot access these, have a hot breakfast sandwich. Fast food restaurants will offer you fruits and yogurt, low fat milk or pure fruit juice. For take away snacks in the car, carry fresh vegetables and fruits, plenty of water, vegetarian cheese, whole grain crackers that have been baked, packs of sandwiches that have been made with whole grain bread and any nuts that contain polyunsaturated fats such as cashews.

For lunch and dinner go to the full service restaurants as they offer more choices than the fast food restaurants. Order some soup or salad to eat together with your main course. Consider sharing the meal with your partner, as you will be served with huge portions, and eat the vegetables or order for a dish if not served with some. Go to fast food restaurants that allow you to choose the ingredients to be contained in your sandwich, as well as low fat salads. In case you are eating at a hotel, buy snacks at a local grocery such as nuts or popcorn and pizzas containing many vegetables. Also avoid overeating to maintain your health.

By: Bill Manly

You can’t beat the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Colorado for great snow skiing, hiking and outdoor adventure. And with all the cozy resorts that have such wonderful dining and lodging, it’s easy to see why a place like Vail is such a popular destination in the winter months.

According to the airport operators at Vail’s nearby Eagle Airport, the most popular time of year to spend time in Vail is during Christmas holiday season and the week after Valentines Day. Kids are off school and families head to the slopes to have some winter fun. Most of these travelers choose to fly on the airlines, however some decide to charter their own private jet so that they can bypass the potential delays in and out of Denver International Airport and skip the oftentimes scary winter driving conditions on Interstate 70.

People are often surprised how easy it is to rent a jet to Vail, and even more surprised at how reasonable the cost is. Oftentimes, people just aren’t aware of how easy it is to do it.

One way to find a charter outfit to fly you to Vail is to call up your local airport and track down an FAA certified operator. Once you’ve found them, give them the details of your trip and request they send you their best quote to perform this flight. Within a few hours, they’ll have a quote to you, giving you a pretty accurate expectation of what the flight will cost.

Another option is to use a charter broker to find you the right airplane. A broker already has the in-depth knowledge of the charter industry and will know immediately what type of aircraft you’ll need to perform your trip. For instance, if there are only four people going on this trip, there’s no need to charter a jet that has eight seats. Or, if the trip length is anything over 300-400 miles, a turboprop airplane will likely end up costing you more than a jet. The broker will be able to track down the right airplane from a qualified charter operator and negotiate a good rate on your behalf. In the end, with the exception of a few circumstances, it should save you money to use a broker when arranging a charter flight and it will make the whole process a lot easier.

When a charter operator quotes the cost to do the trip, they base their calculations on the hourly retail cost to fly their airplane. They then add other costs on top of the hourly rate, such as a fuel surcharge fee, landing fees, parking fees, crew charges and a 7.5% federal excise tax. All of these charges are included in your retail charter quote. However, unplanned costs that may be incurred along the way aren’t included and will be billed to you after the completion of the flight. Examples of these costs include possible air traffic delays, unplanned change in routing because of poor weather and other fees for airport services that may be required such as deicing the airplane or putting the aircraft in a hangar to avoid impending weather. Pilots will try to avoid these costs in order to keep the service as reasonable as possible for you, however in order to complete a flight safely, they may have to use these services like these and the operator will pass these costs onto you.

Most modern private jets are able to go nonstop from anywhere in the country to any of the Colorado ski towns and should be able to complete the leg to Vail without refueling. A flight from Teterboro, NJ, an airport on the outskirts of New York City, to Vail should take anywhere from four to five hours, depending on the aircraft flown. To get to Vail from anywhere on the West Coast should be under three hours. There are exceptions, though, depending on factors such as the total number of passengers going, the winds aloft on the day of travel and the weather conditions forecast for your arrival time. Some operators will have to make a fuel stop along the way in order to have adequate reserve fuel in case of a change of plans.

Upon arriving in Vail, your crew will taxi up to Vail Valley Jet Center, a jet service center known for their excellent customer service, as well as the giant grand piano in the lobby. Even though this business has a monopoly on jet traffic coming in and out of Eagle, they’re known to be very helpful and friendly to their clients. If you’ve arranged for ground transportation to pick you up at the airport, this is where they’ll find you. If for some reason you don’t have transportation lined up in advance, the staff at the jet center will arrange for transportation on your behalf.

Depending on the length of your stay and your agreement with the charter operator, your flight crew will either remain in town until your departure date. If your flight was booked and charged as a one-way flight, they’ll likely have the airplane serviced and refueled, then be on their way back to their home base. And by the way, alhough it certainly isn’t expected, pilots and cabin crew always appreciate a thoughtful tip.

Your broker or the charter operator themselves can help take care of all the additional details of your stay. If you need help with reservations at hotels or restaurants, most brokers and operators will do all they can help you and may even have special connections established with local businesses already. Make sure to let them know ahead of time if you need any assistance with extra details.

As a side note, the benefit of flying into Vail’s Eagle airport as compared to Aspen is that it is less restricted and enjoys better weather due to its unique location and altitude. Because of the nearby mountainous terrain that surrounds Aspen, charter operators must adhere to certain procedures that limit their access at night or during times of poor weather. In addition, the available parking space at Aspen is fairly limited and during popular times of the year, it may require that charter crews simply drop off their passengers and fly to Eagle to park the airplane. From a client’s perspective, if their final destination is Aspen, it’s much more convenient to fly into Aspen Pitkin Airport than to fly into Eagle.

During the ski season when jet traffic in and out of Vail, Aspen and Garfield is especially busy, your charter operator will have to schedule a “slot,” essentially a reservation to land at the airport. These slots are subject to availability and issued on a first come, first serve basis. That’s why if you absolutely have to be in Vail at a specific time, make sure to plan your charter as far in advance as possible.

If you would like to charter a jet to Vail, there are several resources to learn more specifics about the charter process. National Business Aircraft Association provides plenty of useful information that will help you prepare for a trip.

By: Denver A Wilkinson

We are all aware there are certain occasions in one’s life where lighting a cigar is as integral as breathing itself. There are moments when it is expected everyone on hand will have a cigar in hand, smoking away in a puff of celebration.

While some people may smoke cigars during infrequent occasions – a divorce, a lottery win, an early release from prison – there is a set list of standard occasions when a cigar is nearly required.

The Birth of a Child

If cigars could talk, “It’s a Boy,” or “It’s a Girl” would tea party as their personal mantras. Everyone has the picture in their head of the jolly, red-faced father hiding in an unseen crevice of a smoke-free hospital, taking a few quick drags. Cigars have become the epitome of celebration and cutting the head off a cigar upon the birth of a child is often as monumental as cutting the cord itself.

Thanksgiving

Some of the goals of Thanksgiving are to watch football, eat yourself into oblivion, and relax in a recliner, a spot of drool hanging down your chin. It’s a time of gluttony and joy, where everyone is grateful for family, friends, health, and not being born a turkey. After a good meal, there is no better way to top it off than with a good cigar. A good cigar gives you flavor, closure from your feast, and another reason to be grateful.

Christmas Eve

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, everyone was smoking, yes, even the mouse. Christmas Eve is another season of festivities, a time to enjoy the finer people and the finer things in life. Some even say that Santa himself is a cigar smoker; it’s not Rudolph’s nose but a lit cigar guiding the sleigh from rooftop to rooftop. Perhaps this is the reason he is so jolly.

A Promotion

It nearly seems that those who get promoted are required to smoke cigars; it is as if their very promotion depends on it. Someone who can’t seize the moment by puffing on a Habano or a Montecristo may be asked to clean out their office then frisked to make sure they aren’t stealing any staplers or paper clips. The reason for this image is simple: cigars command respect, as do those who smoke them. And, those are often the type of people businesses want climbing their corporate ladder.

A Wedding

Though a lot of brides won’t smoke cigars during their wedding, with fear that they will get ash on their white dress, the father-of-the-bride is nearly required to light one. Unable to secure llamas or cattle, since the fad of arranged marriages has disintegrated, the dowry of this century is a cigar and the father-of-the-bride deserves to be rewarded one. He’s celebrating his daughter’s growing up, the addition of a son-in-law, and the low interest rate on the credit card he used to pay for the wedding.

These are just a few examples of occasions when smoking a cigar enhances the moment. Any time a moment is celebratory, a cigar should be included. It is as if cigars belong in the first aid kit for all the finer times of life. But, truth be told, the concept of “Cigar Occasions” can be oxymoronic; in the end, the best way to smoke cigars is any way but occasionally.

By: Jennifer Jordan

When you do a lot of traveling for your business then it is time to try private plane rental. It is shorten your business trip with fewer problems.

Well, you might think to have a partial ownership of private jet. This will be more reasonable because you invest a little money rather than buying a plane by yourself. But, today there are weaknesses of owning an aircraft. Rent a private jet could be more realistic option.

You will have problem with partial ownership when several owners need to fly at the same time. It is normally happen in the first of business week. This situation might be happening to partial ownership since you are sharing ownership of a plane. The worse thing is you could be stuck without any private transportation. The solution is using private plane rental.

It is very comfort transportation. It will fly you anytime and anywhere you want to go. You can fly to many more places than commercial plane. If you fly with private plane rental, they provide you with access to more than 6,000 airfields worldwide. Commercial airplane can do over 500 airports only.

There are many aspects you have to consider when you choose to have partial ownership. For instance, the maintenance and restoration are a fix spending that you have to pay it. Another thing is your jet home base could be out of the town. So anytime you need to fly, they pick you up with empty seat then bring you to your destination. Obviously, you pay for those empty flights.

Partial ownership of a private jet can be used by several owners more expansively on regular basis. This cause the jet need for maintenance and restoration more often than commercial airline. This situation will cost you a lot. Then again, no private jet available when you need it.

So, private plane rental can be much more efficient and effective way for you to fly at any time. No need to pay fuel, crews for empty flight. You pay only what you use, nothing else. You do not have to wait for the jet while they are in maintenance.

On the other hand, just make a quick phone call with at least 4 hours advance notice; you can be flying to your destination with no hassle. What you need to do is just calling to the private plane rental company and gives it your itinerary to your personal air concierge. That is all. They will arrange it for you. The private plane company will make sure you get the jet with your specification.

Now, it’s your turn. Call the company and have schedule with them. If you value your business then private plane rental is your best choice.

By: Fredy Siswanto

There are many town names in Colorado with the second word of “Springs”. You probably heard them – Colorado Springs, Idaho Springs, Glenwood Springs, Manitou Springs… Often first time visitors wonder “Where are the Springs?” In Colorado Springs case you actually have to visit the adjoining to the west town of Manitou Springs and surrounding area to experience cold drinking springs which were used by native Indians for ages before the white men came here. In fact Ute, Cheyenne, Navajo, Arapaho, and other Indian tribes have not had any fights in this sacred area as well as in the Garden of the Gods, an area filled with breathtaking natural red sandstone rock formations. In the last couple of decades several of the original springs in Manitou have been restored and the waters are available for free public consumption.

The life of Colorado Springs city started in August of 1871 when General William Palmer laid out the city at the base of majestic Pikes Peak, with Acacia Park at its center, the only high quality resort town between the Mississippi River and California. Palmer set in motion the aspiration that would create the unique place, jewel of the West, called Colorado Springs. In July 2006, Money magazine ranked Colorado Springs the best place to live in the big city category, which includes cities with 300,000 or more people. The Colorado Springs population now is around 460,000 people, and close to 600,000 to include the suburbs.

The city is located just east of the geographic center of the State and 61 miles (98km) south of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. At 6,040 feet (1840 meters) Colorado Springs sits over one mile above sea level, though some areas of the city are significantly higher. At the end of 19th century, the town was nicknamed “Little London” because of many English tourists who came. Within two years Colorado Springs attracted many U.S. and international health-savvy tourists seeking the high altitude and dry climate.

Colorado Springs averages 300 days of sunshine annually. Isn’t it perfect and one of the main conditions for a great outdoor vacation? At least if you’re not a speleologist. Though if you are, there is a beautiful Cave of the Winds, a natural cave system that offers everything from easy walking tours to muddy, spelunking adventures. But to get back to the great sunny weather, it makes outdoor activities very enjoyable. Skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, golfing, bird watching, kayaking, river rafting, etc. More than 300,000 people float Colorado’s rivers each year!

The other vacation’s attraction is for sure Pikes Peak Mountain – the American mountain. It’s called that way for two reasons. First, this is the mountain that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write “America the Beautiful” as she stood on the mountains overlooking Colorado Springs, and second, it’s the most visited mountain in the world! You can get to the summit of this 14,110-ft peak by Cog’s Railway train, by car driving Pikes Peak Tollroad Scenic Byway, by bike, and even by feet hiking up the Barr Trail. It is truly one of the most scenic tours you can ever have. Many people like to call it Another natural wonder of North America.

There is much more to see and visit in the Pikes Peak region. Colorado has a lot to offer to any traveler at any time of the year, and honestly you can argue when it’s better – in the summer, fall, or winter. Hope you can come and visit Colorado Springs soon. I promise you won’t regret it!

By: Natallia Fodemski

Background Information to the United Arab Emirates and Dubai: -

Dubai is one of the seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE); it is located in the Middle East. The UAE borders the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf and is situated between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates was formed in 1971 by the then ‘Trucial States’ after their independence from Britain.

The UAE is governed by a Supreme Council of Rulers, the council is made up of the seven emirs and they appoint the prime minister and the cabinet for the country. Despite being ultimately ruled by the Supreme Council, as with the other six states, Dubai maintains a large degree of autonomy from the UAE when it comes to general decision making for the city’s development.

Oil was first discovered in the United Arab Emirates in the 1950s, before that the country’s economy was built on fishing and pearling, since 1962, when Abu Dhabi became the first of the emirates to begin exporting the oil, the country’s economy has been completely transformed.

Sheikh Zayed, who has been the president of the UAE since its inception, quickly understood the economic potential for the country from the oil industry. He has continued to ensure that each of the emirates benefits from the oil generated wealth, he has insisted on the reinvestment of oil revenues into the healthcare system, the education system and the general national infrastructure.

The development of the oil industry has led to a large influx of foreign workers to the UAE, in fact Dubai’s population is the fastest growing in the world and the foreign population makes up about three quarters of the entire UAE population! As a direct result of this fact the UAE is one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf, with other cultures and beliefs tolerated. Dubai has also been quick to understand the need for diversification. Oil in the region is only projected to last for about 30 years and so Dubai has successfully embarked upon a major diversification program aimed to at developing industries and commercial enterprises to take the place of oil as the predominate commodity of the state’s economy.

The climate in Dubai is sub-tropical and arid or desert like. The city enjoys almost year round sunny blue skies. Rain is infrequent and if it does fall, it falls in the winter.

Temperatures range from lows of 10?C to extreme summer highs of 48?C. The average maximum daily temperature in January is 24?C and the average maximum daily temperature in July is 41?C when humidity is very high.

About the city of Dubai

Dubai is recognised as the commercial and tourism capital of the UAE and is globally regarded as one of the most sophisticated, futuristic and cosmopolitan cities in the world, in fact Dubai is something of a phenomenon! It is an Arab Muslim society with the fastest growing foreign population in the world, and it has successfully developed harmony through ethnic diversity. It is a city with unrivalled levels of economic energy and architectural ambition, a unique city of contrasts where the most modern and architecturally stunning skyscrapers stand alongside traditional beautiful Arabic structures.

The experiences and attractions available in Dubai are many and varied. From the miles of immaculate beautiful white sandy beaches to the richly exotic Arabian heritage, from the awe inspiring majesty of the desert to the lively international bars, restaurants and nightclubs – a visitor to Dubai is guaranteed an incredible, never to be forgotten experience.
In 2003 Dubai was voted safest holiday destination in the world by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, and in fact Dubai is recognised globally as one of the safest cities in the world. Living in Dubai you will find that it is virtually crime-free with the Dubai police ensuring personal safety and security. Anyone found guilty of committing a serious crime will be severely punished. Alcohol and drug related offences are considered serious.

The economy of the city of Dubai is a mainly service-driven economy, with every business amenity from banking to telecommunications offered. International trading and industrialisation are actively encouraged through the provision of favourable taxation advantages, offshore status, specialist free trade zones etc. Recent innovative projects in the city include the foundation of Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, bringing 21st century technology to Dubai in the world’s very first ‘Free Zone’ wholly dedicated to e-business.

Day to Day Life in Dubai

Accommodation

If you are considering moving to Dubai one of your first thoughts will no doubt be finding somewhere to live. This is not something you’ll find too tricky, there are many companies advertising rental accommodation in the classified sections of local newspapers and they offer everything from private villas to luxury apartments or even shared accommodation. Whatever your budgetary and lifestyle requirements are, the specialist relocation and housing companies will be sure to have something to assist you. If you prefer to find your accommodation privately and avoid any agency costs, many people use supermarkets notice boards to advertise or request accommodation.

In terms of which areas of the city offer the type of accommodation you are after, Jumeirah, Umm Sequiem and the Safa Park area are upmarket and offer villa-type accommodation. Satwa and Garhoud also offer villas but are slightly cheaper. Rashidiya, Mirdif and Al Quoz are mainly Arabic areas and they actually attract a lot of expats.

If you are after an apartment the most popular areas are around Bur Dubai, the Sheikh Zayed Road with cheaper flats are available in Deira, Satwa and Karama. Some of the more exclusive apartment developments offer shared gym and pool facilities together with garaged car parking and the like.

Education

If you are considering moving to Dubai with family and are interested in finding out about the education system and the availability and quality of schools, one of the best ways is to ask around! Because of the numbers of expats in Dubai there is actually a large number of primary and secondary schools from which you can to choose. Most schools are private fee paying schools and really the best way to get an idea of the reputation of a school is to ask friends, colleagues and other expats who live in Dubai. Many of the schools also have their own websites where you can learn about the curriculum they follow, after school programs etc.

When it comes to enrolling your child in the UAE there are a few restrictions you should be aware of. For example you are not allowed to change your child’s school during the academic year…unless approval is given by the Ministry of Education and the circumstances are ‘special’. This means that you have to make sure the school you choose for your child will definitely suit them. Another restriction you should be aware of is that is you move to Dubai on or after the 1st May each year you can’t enrol your child into the schooling system for that year. Instead you’ll have to enrol for the beginning of the new school year which is usually the beginning of September.

Health

Another consideration you may have if thinking about relocation to Dubai may be the state of the health care system available there. It is fair to say that Dubai has many very well equipped hospitals and surgeries. Dubai’s Department of Health and Medical Services runs Dubai, Rashid, Maktoum and Al Wasl hospitals, with Dubai Hospital one of the best medical centres in the entire Middle East. Al Wasl is a maternity and gynaecology hospital.

The Department of Health also run out patient clinics or surgeries and in addition there are a number of quality private hospitals in Dubai offering in and out patient facilities – e.g., The American and Welcare Hospitals. Overall both the private and publicly offered health care services in Dubai are first class.

Working

Working in Dubai you will enjoy a tax free salary and all shop goods can be bought at tax free prices, making it an incredibly attractive city to international workers and international companies. Job opportunities in Dubai and diverse and plentiful, particularly since the additions of the Media and Internet cities…Dubai is a city expanding its horizons at an unrivalled rate.

It is important to mention that some countries worldwide have tax laws enabling them to tax their nationals on their worldwide income. It is important to check your status with an international accountant before taking up employment in the city.

Lifestyle

Dubai has a thriving expat population who make the most of their tax free lifestyle in this amazing city of opportunity. The nightlife in the city is excellent, with cocktail bars, wine bars, themed bars and typical British or Irish pubs available, many of which offer food and entertainment as well.

High standard international cuisine is available in the city’s many restaurants and if you are looking for lively evening entertainment there are numerous night clubs around the city. Some of the clubs attract international DJs; there are also Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian nightclubs offering entertainment with singers and dancers. Dubai also welcomes international touring singing and entertainment acts which cater to all tastes and ages…from traditional theatre groups to ballet, from opera to international rock and pop bands – all are regular visitors to the United Arab Emirates.

You can be assured of an exciting pace of life in Dubai and a high standard of living.

By: Rhiannon Williamson

The Rocky Mountains, or Rockies as they are popularly known, stretch from Canada to New Mexico in the USA, peaking in Colorado where Mount Elbert stands at 14,440 feet above sea level. Famous for its outstanding beauty and crisp, clean air the residents of the American Rockies enjoy an enviable healthy lifestyle. Therefore, it’s not surprising that they try to keep one of the region’s best kept secrets: the stunning beauty of the American Rockies in summer. A tempting mix of glacial blue lakes, precipitous peaks, fast-flowing rivers and some of the most speactacularspectacular wilderness scenery in the USA is on offer to anyone who visits the American Rockies outside ski season.

And with a population density of only ten people per square mile you certainly won’t find the American Rockies crowded. Only a few towns boast populations in excess of 50,000 – including Denver, the capital of Colorado, which offers a variety of great, tourist experiences all year round. Well-known ski resorts in and around Denver, such as Aspen and Breckenridge, are very popular with skiers and snowboarders, but it is possible to enjoy exciting leisure activities and breathtaking scenery all year round, not just in snow-capped winter.

In summer, popular activities, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, trail running, kayaking or and hiking, are all on offer and there is plenty to do and see in the towns and cities of the Rockies. The region benefits from warm, dry summers with temperatures in July hovering around the mid-80s Fahrenheit in the valleys, making it ideal for a summer break and also presenting the opportunity to do something a little different like learning a new, exciting outdoor activity.

This area of outstanding natural beauty is also a haven for wildlife, and it is a great place to see rare mountain creatures up close in their natural habitat. Animals such as elk, big-horn sheep and moose are native to the area and can be easily spotted in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Other wildlife such as otters, bats and birds also inhabit the park but are more difficult to spot.

With The Rocky Mountain National Park within easy reach, a downtown hotel in Denver would serve as an ideal base for exploring the Rockies. Staying there would put you close to the delights of the city, such as the shopping and nightlife, while you’d still be able to easily reach all the beautiful natural attractions and sights. Take a trip to the American Rockies in the summer and you won’t be disappointed!

By: Andrew Regan