How to Get Around in Barcelona

May 23, 2017 by Leave a Comment

There are few cities in the world that have as much personality as Barcelona. The city has so much character and so many unique qualities that it is impossible to confuse Barcelona with any other European city. If you have never been, it is hard to comprehend how so much history, charm and beauty can fit into one area, but anyone who has spent time in the city can speak to the unique and unforgettable feeling of touring Barcelona.

Finding Your Way

The second-largest city in Spain, Barcelona can be difficult to navigate for those who are unfamiliar with it. The numerous streets, paths, bus lines, train tracks and various other methods of transports can be overwhelming when first viewed. Especially if you do not speak the language, a travel map of Barcelona can look more like a confusing piece of abstract art than an actual guide.

However, once you spend a little time familiarizing yourself with the system, it becomes clear that Barcelona has one of the more efficient systems of public transportation in all of Europe. It may not always be simple, but once you have mapped out your routes, bought your tickets and planned your tour of the city, you can spend less time worrying about getting around Barcelona and more time taking in the wonderful experience it provides.

Driving in Barcelona

Unlike other European cities that have a few major attractions concentrated into one urban area, Barcelona offers a wider variety of things to see in a larger area. This means more opportunity for independent exploration instead of confined, guided tours. It also means that tourists– especially Americans– will feel the need to rent their own car upon arrival.

Your own car will allow you to reach areas outside the city proper, and it may provide you with more control over your travel. However, it can actually be a hinderance to you inside the city. Traffic in Barcelona can be a nightmare at times, and it is notoriously harsh on newcomers. If you do have your own car, you will almost always be better off parking it immediately upon reaching the city and then taking advantage of the various public transportation options.

Trains

The train system in Barcelona can seem overly complex at first glance. The Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) and Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) are the two organizations which provide public transport in the city, and the Rodalies serve the entire metropolitan area. There are 27 train stations within the city, and millions of people use them every year.

The easiest way to simplify your train travel is to purchase an Hola BCN ticket which will allow unlimited travel on all train lines for a specified period. These tickets can be purchased for periods of between two and five days and eliminate most of the hassle from travel. Another option for tourists is the Barcelona Card which allows for unlimited public transportation as well as several discounts and other vacation benefits.

Taxis

“The taxis in Barcelona are much more affordable than other European cities,” says one travel expert from BookTaxiBCN. These will often provide a more reliable, personalized travel method, but you should order your car in advance. Unlike some major cities, it is difficult (and frustrating) to hail a cab inside the city, but they can be procured at stands, online or by phone.

Other Options

Buses and trams can also be good options for travel inside the city, but the routes can be confusing. You can get a map at any station and most stores, and then plan your route in advance using the color-coded system. Bicycles, mopeds and scooters can also be rented and provide a more open, independent technique for exploration in Barcelona.

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A simple guide to traveling with children

May 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Having kids shouldn’t stop anybody from traveling. In fact, it should inspire you to travel more. Giving your children the experience of seeing the world is invaluable in their memories. If you’re lucky enough to be able to do so, you should!

However, as with anything you do with your children, safety is always a priority. Ensuring your children are safe while exploring a new city may be anxiety inducing. With these simple tips, you should be able to put your fears at ease and enjoy the experience.

It’s unrealistic to think that you need to plan everything down to the smallest detail. Micro managing is no fun. You don’t need to work out your airport parking two months ahead of time. Enjoy a little spontaneity; just be prepared along the way.

It’s important to consider where in the world you’re going. Some places aren’t child appropriate. And that’s okay! There are just as many places around the world that are perfect for kids. Consider the age of your children, what activities you’re intending to do and how easy the place will be to navigate – dependant on your kids and their needs. This is easy. You know your children and you know what they need to be happy while away.

Accidents can happen anywhere. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in case things do go wrong. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance. Make sure that your children know what to do if they get lost. That includes having phone numbers to call, and possible tracking on their mobiles (if they have one).

Teach your children about appropriateness for when you travel. Is the country you’re visiting specific in their customs? Do they have a heavy emphasis on respect? Ensure you adopt the “when in Rome” attitude and make sure your kids are aware of this.

Keep all important documents on you at all times. Have photos of your children ready on your mobile and hard copies too. In some countries you should always keep your passport on your person. Keep yourself safe by being prepared for the worst case scenario. Chances are, nothing bad is going to happen. But it’s better to be prepared, you could save yourself a lot of trouble.

There’s a tonne of information available online that will help you prepare for your family holiday. The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better experience you will all have. These experiences will be treasured by your kids for the rest of their lives. Enjoy it!

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New York to Miami Road Trip

May 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The 1277 miles road trip from New York to Miami is just like a blank canvas. It can be made fascinating if right choices are made. About 20 hours are required for this road trip if there is no hiatus. However it is not recommended as there are several stoppers which will not let you pass. If you feel tired then there are several hotels in Miami which can be utilized getting back to normal. However for this road trip it is advised to spend at least 2 nights at each of the venues mentioned below:

  1. Richmond, Virginia

It is regarded as the first stop which is to be taken while taking a road trip to Miami from New York. There are many tourist attractions here which are worth seeing. It includes Virginia Aviation Museum, The Valentine and Capitol Square Park. The city itself lies on James River which also a huge tourist attraction. The Virginia State Capitol which was built in 1788 stands tall in its white appearance. The Richmond History Museum has a lot to offer and has eclectic collections which are never to be missed. The Civil War Center is also another important tourist attraction which is to be visited. Though it is not possible in 2 night stay but most of this can be covered with ease.

  1. Wilson, North Carolina

This city is at the heart of North Carolina. The expert travellers say that seeing this attraction means that NC has been seen in full. Some important tourist attractions here are Lake Wilson, Whirligig Park and Imagination Station. Lake Wilson has a range of recreational facilities which are free and the tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy. The Oliver Nestus Round House Museum is another place which can be visited. Here the tourist can see what African American did for the development of the city. The biggest attraction is the building itself and the eclectic memories of the past gathered here. It is small but still visited frequently by tourists.

  1. Florence, South Carolina

The first attraction is located close to Florence Civic Center which is the Veteran’s Park. Florence County Museum is another important attraction here which attracts everyone on this route. The huge collection of arts and war related items will leave you speechless. Thieves market is another antiques market which can be visited while the tourist is here. With number of stores and decent parking lot Magnolia Mall is a place which should definitely be visit here.

  1. Jacksonville, Florida

It is another stopper which won’t let the tourist past. Southbank Riverwalk, The Museum of Science and History and Jacksonville Zoo and Garden are some of the top attractions here. While the car enters Florida this is the first spot which a tourist encounters with. Riverside Arts Market filled on every Saturday is another place worth paying a visit. The suburbs of Jacksonville are filled with EcoMotion Tours which gives an opportunity to see the flora and fauna of the region closely. For nature enthusiast this place is a boon.

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Making Extra Money From Home

May 21, 2017 by 2 Comments

The following is a guest post. The opinions are those of the author.

 

Making ends meet when you are at home looking after your kids can be tough. But there are some ways to increase your earning potential that you can fit in alongside your mothering duties. Just read on to find out what they are.
Ebay

A very popular way of earning some additional income that can fit nicely alongside looking after the kids is selling things on eBay. Although most folks confine themselves to selling used and preloved items from their own collections to make a little extra cash.

 

However, this is not the only route to generating a side income. Another way to do this is to buy items in thrift stores. Obviously, check first that they are in good condition, sellable, and post-able and then resell them on eBay for a profit.

 

The thrift store makes a sale, you get a bargain, and you also have a fun trip for you and the kids to do in the day. You can even teach them how to do it, and maybe they will get the vintage shopping bug?

Of course, you don’t have to sell second-hand items on eBay. In fact, there are many people making a good living selling brand new items. But first, you have to decide what it is you are going to sell.

 

You can do this by looking at social media to see what is trending at the moment. Or perhaps it might be better to sell things that you already have some knowledge about? Like craft materials for a particular hobby you enjoy.

 

Then you need to source your products. Remember that buying wholesale works out cheaper by the unit so your profit margin will be larger. But you will need to work out how many you have to sell to make your money back and assess whether this is a viable option.

 

Surveys

 

If all of that sounds like a lot of work to juggle, with you already full plate, then maybe doing online surveys is a better choice to consider?

It works like this, the companies that have surveys on offer are doing market research for other companies. They need your honest opinions on things to give feedback to these companies on how well their product is being received and the like.

 

Therefore the companies pay the survey company to create and manage questions and get people to answer them. Which means that the survey company then passes some of their money on to you, in exchange for doing the survey.  It’s easy really!

 

But how does it work out in practice? Well, you can do most of the surveys on your smart device, which makes it super simple to earn some extra cash when you have a little time to kill. Like when you are waiting for your little one after a playdate, or when you are in front of the TV in the evening.

Before you commit to this though, you should be aware there are a lot of different companies out there such as Swagbucks. Also, not all companies pay cash, some pay in things like Amazon vouchers, so it’s best to be clear on this before you sign up.

 

Freelance sites

 

Another great way to earn some cash while not taking away from your other priorities like parenting is to register and apply for work through some the freelance sites like Fiverr. These sites are designed to allow you to pick and chose small freelance jobs according to your skill set and time level.

 

OK, so it might be hard to eke a full time living out of site like this, although some folks do claim to do it. But for topping up that bank account when the thing gets a bit low, it’s perfect.

 

Of course, you do have to have a marketable skill, before you can set yourself up as a freelance provider. Things like graphic design, illustration, copywriting, and coding is especially in demand.

 

Website testing

 

Lastly, a less well-known way of getting some cash earned when you have the kids to look after is to sign up to do some website testing.

 

This is where you agree to be recorded via audio, or video, as well as with the actions you take on the site. It’s purpose it to see how people actually use certain companies websites in real life and whether they can be improved to be more user-friendly.

You are also often asked to narrate what you are doing and how you feel about it for these tests, so it helps if you aren’t shy about giving your opinions.

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Travel to the French Riviera

May 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Many of us have heard of this area of France as a hot spot for movie stars and jet setters.  Well with the help of some good resources, France-Voyage.com.  A European French Riviera adventure is within your grasp.  The French Riviera is located between the Alps, the Italian Border, and the Mediterranean Sea it is a beautiful pocket of Earth where it is sunny and mild almost all year round.  There are many sights to see in the area and also some incredible places to catch a tan.  The Côte d’Azur is famous the world over for its famous destinations like Cannes, Nice, Monaco and Saint-Tropez.  There are also incredible beaches and seaside resorts including the Baroque heritage and charming villages like Eze and Bormes can be made into a fun off shot of a visit to a bigger local city.

It is easy and fun to plan a French vacation for yourself.  With tons of pictures and information available it is easy to find. From simple short breaks to family holidays through weekends with friends, there is something for everyone at France-Voyage.com.  The site is easy to follow and fun to explore as the French country side opens up before you begging to be explored.  As well as unique and special restaurants and cafes which pepper the area.  Many difficult to find unless pointed out but they will create long lasting memories of exquisite meals.  There are even general trip outlines which can be used to have a specific itineraries but can also be tweaked to extend your stay into a certain area or spend some more time at the vineyards or the beaches.  France-Voyage.com is a great resource and should not be missed when planning your next trip to France.

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Surveying The Pittsburgh Restaurant Scene

May 19, 2017 by 4 Comments

In a city like Pittsburgh, there are endless options on where and what to eat. It’s a diverse city, populated with people of many different ethnic backgrounds. They come to the city with a particular background, find a space, stock a commercial refrigerator with the supplies of their trade, and head to the stove to create masterpieces. As you might expect, the resulting culinary offerings are almost endless.

In fact, there are so many good restaurants in Pittsburgh that any attempt to saturate the scene and visit all the best would be futile. It’s just more than anyone could bite off–literally and figuratively.

A better way to approach a food tour of a unique city like Pittsburgh is to break it down geographically. Each nationality represented in the city is heavily populated in one or more city neighborhoods, and the restaurants in those areas reflect that influence. So start with a map and finish with a fork as we review Pittsburgh’s culinary scene.

Oakland: Conflict Kitchen

The name may be puzzling at first, but hear us out. Conflict Kitchen seeks to provide a place not just for stimulating food but for stimulating conversation. Speakers and performers provide the context for conversation, and an Iran-influenced menu is served.

The response is overwhelmingly positive, constructive, and enjoyable. Somehow it’s a little easier to see things from another’s perspective when you sit down and break bread together.

Strip District: Smallman Gallery

What’s better than a restaurant with a constantly-renewed menu and the opportunity to support ambitious up-and-coming chefs? Serving as a sort of business incubator, Smallman Gallery grants promising chefs an 18-month tenure in the facility, which helps them hone their skills and build capital to strike out on their own.

The result is a crop of new restaurants gradually blooming throughout the city, all rooted at Smallman. And the upside for the diner is a menu that never gets old.

South Side: The Zenith

With so many influences of meat-based recipes, vegetarians may feel a little left out in Pittsburgh. Not to worry! The Zenith provides a menu loaded with traditional flavors with clever techniques for substituting away from meat.

But the restaurant is a little more than just a place to eat. It also includes an antique shop and art gallery for added flair.

Lawrenceville: The Church Brew Works

What good is all that food without something to wash it down? The German love of beer is carried out in Pittsburgh’s own offering at this striking location, a building that actually was previously a church.

Of course, it isn’t just a beer hall; the menu has a wide array of delicious and hearty items to stimulate your thirst, and  it certainly offers some great ways to quench it.

Shadyside: The Twisted Frenchman

There’s nothing twisted about great food. This authentic French eatery will give you a legitimate taste of Paris. Whether you order the scallops, venison, or duck, you’ll find a plate presented with the best French flavors in the city.

Experiencing a city is about more than simply checking off a list of sights and activities. It’s about discovering what and who the city is all about, and really getting to know its history. Food is a great way to do that, and the amazing array of restaurants in Pittsburgh make it easy–and delicious.

 

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3 Surprising ways to help chronically ill patients

May 16, 2017 by 2 Comments

The following is a guest post, and the views reflect those of the author. Enjoy.

While marijuana remains a debated topic among many within the United States, many people who are chronically ill swear by the natural substance that helps them experience relief from pain associated by their illness. While studies typically focused on chronically ill patients, there have now been many studies conducted on those who experience autoimmune diseases. This article will explore some surprising effects that marijuana can have on ill patients.

  1. It is common to hear about cancer patients utilizing marijuana in pill form during the final stages of life to help manage pain. It is less common however to hear about patients who are diagnosed with other common ailments such as but not limited to asthma and Crohn’s disease. In fact, in a small study conducted in 2015, researches found that over a three month period, Crohn’s patients experienced less pain and diarrhea when inhaling cannabis on a regular basis than before. In some instances, patients even gained weight and made them happier.
  2. Other studies have found that there are even more surprising facts about cannabis use among those who suffer from Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, tourette’s, and glaucoma. In fact, cannabis has been found to slow the spreading of HIV/Aids and halts the long-term affects of Alzheimer’s. While patients who are typically given access to this product are in the late stages of life, there is no doubt that cannabis helps them cope, feel less pain, and experience a more relaxed state of being.
  3. While some say that using medical marijuana is inconsistent in its results, those that use it report feeling less anxious, more relaxed, and all around happier than before they started using the drug. Some physicians also claim that while many prescribed drugs can cause adverse side effects, medical marijuana provides less and often times many will not notice anything at all.

When the mainstream population thinks of consuming marijuana for medicinal purposes, they often think of smoking the plant. While this is certainly a way to access its’ benefits, the better way to receive positive results is by eating it. Some are crushing the plant into small sugar-like granules to bake with. Others are mixing the plant in with their other produce to make a healthy smoothy. Some are even getting creative and making cannabis cheese fries. There are a variety of ways to utilize the plant to reap its’ benefits. All you have to do is have an open mind and get creative in the kitchen.
The research is fascinating and as the topic remains one of great interest among legislators in many states, it is quite possible that society will be accessing cannabis products for home medicinal use in the near future. If you live in a state in which you can legally purchase the product along with supplies for it, check out Medpot.net for the latest and greatest in home care products. While the product remains one of great controversy, research continues to be conducted and it is likely that more patients will be accessing the plant for medicinal purposes and for quality of life reasons.

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3 tips to making your business run smoothly

May 16, 2017 by 2 Comments

Running a successful business is hard work and is not for the weary. To run a business smoothly, not only do you need to be organized, have a dependable team, and have a great vision for how you want to move your company forward, you also have to make sure that your customers are happy and remain that way. This article will help identify some simple things to keep in mind when running your business.

  1. Over-deliver. Have you ever visited a business to leave blown away by their customer service, cleanliness of the building, friendliness of staff, and the value in what you received compared to what you paid? This is called over-delivering as a company. Fantastic companies strive to over-deliver every time so that their customers leave more than happy. A happy customer will share their experience with friends and family which will draw business to your company. Not to mention the chances of your customer returning for additional services in the future is very high. If you are not sure if you can complete a service in a specific time frame, do not promise that you can. While it can feel bad to disappoint a potential customer with the answer they do not want to hear, it will be even worse to not be able to complete the task on time, or worse yet, not at all.
  2. Outsource what you don’t like to do. Whether you don’t like to do a task or you simply do not know how to complete the task, there is no shame in outsourcing to help your business. In fact a great way to run your business smoothly is to hire others who are good at things you are not. For example, if you know for certain that you are not good at keeping track of your employees time and attendance, hiring a company to take care of advanced systems can be a huge asset. While paying the company to take care of employees timesheets and paychecks may cost you money, it will save you time and allow you to focus on what you are good at. That is working smart!
  3. Stay organized. There are a plethora of organization apps and software programs on the market that can help you stay organized. Being organized is critical to running a good business as it can help you work more efficiently and earn more money. As a business owner you want to be able to bring in business and deliver a good product. To do this you must keep track of inventory, supplies needed, accounts payable, employees, and sales. There are many other things you need to keep organized but the big take away here is that organization is everything to your business. Don’t be shy about doing some research and downloading apps and software that can help you become more efficient.

Staying organized, outsourcing when appropriate, and over-delivering are a few tips to running a smooth and successful business. Running a business can be challenging as well as rewarding and if you follow these simple tips, you will continue to reap the benefits of your hard labor.

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