Ideas For Getting Around New Zealand

Getting around New Zealand!

NZ isn't the largest country in the world and yet it's not easy to get around. But there are options available to make it a little easier!

Often one of the best ways to travel in New Zealand is by taking one of the many cheap flights that can be snapped up if you're quick! Cheap flights can be found for next to nothing if you're lucky and good places to look for your cheap flight include Grabaseat operated by New Zealand Air and Virgin Blue offer cheap flights also.

It's not uncommon to find cheap flights from Auckland to Queenstown for $40!

If you're a backpacker then there are lots of backpacker bus networks to choose from Kiwi Experience, Stray Travel, Magic Bus - slightly more expensive than Nakedbus and Intercity but with the advantage that backpacker bus networks operate almost like a tour bus, stopping at key attractions and of course you'll meet like minded travellers.

Renting a campervan is very popular in New Zealand with campervan rental from as little as $25 a day so between a few friends your campervan rental would cost next to nothing! Campervan rental offers complete freedom and flexibility and enables you to get off the well beaten tourist path.

Car rental is another option with car rental deals from $19 a day! The longer you rent a car for the cheaper the price so shop around, get some quotes and snap up a car rental deal that will enable you to save money and see New Zealand without being constrained to bus timetables or limited flights.

The train network in NZ is not the best in the world with limited trains but nevertheless worth holding out for. The overlander train for example has some of the most spectacular scenery on its journey and you can snap up a cheap train fare from Auckland to Wellington from just $40! Check out the Scenic Overlander for more details.

There are plenty of bus networks to choose from. of course you have your usual backpacker bus networks but then of course you have regular bus services, namely Nakedbus and intercity. Both reputable companies and both offering cheap bus fares. Nakedbus are perhaps the cheaper option but with less stops. Intercity, slightly more expensive but with a more extensive timetable!

So there are options...it's just finding one to suit you!

Steve is a journalist and operator of http://www.welovesummer.co.nz a new online entertainment guide that offers suggestions and fun things to do in New Zealand whatever the weather.. whatever the season!

The Tourist Trap - Why Your Thai Fiancee Shouldn't Use a US Tourist Visa

I read many websites that make it seem as though a US tourist visa is easy to get. These same sites also make it seem as though this is the right visa for taking a Thai fiancée or spouse to the US to stay permanently. I have written this article to explain why the tourist visa is not the best way to bring a Thai loved one to the USA.

Tourist Visas are granted at the DISCRETION of the Immigration officer

The first problem with the tourist visa is the fact that getting one is highly discretionary. Whenever I'm in the US Embassy I always hear the ubiquitous statement "I cannot give you a visa to the USA," usually this seems to be said to a person looking to obtain a tourist visa to the US. In fact, I heard the officer state, "you must show strong ties to Thailand and you have not shown strong enough ties for me to issue this visa." That officer was right. The immigration officer has to look at all applications for visas with the presumption that the applicant (for our purposes a Thai fiancée) will live indefinitely in the United States should they be granted entry. This said, it is on the Thai applicant to prove this presumption incorrect. The way for a Thai fiancée to do this is to prove that she has strong ties to Thailand (i.e. the Thai is so tied to Thailand that she will come back to Thailand after staying in the USA for a short while).

The ways to prove strong ties to Thailand essentially come down to money. If the Thai fiancée has a well paying job (by US standards), a good deal of money, a home in Thailand, or investments in Thailand these factors can be used to show that a Thai fiancée has strong ties to Thailand. Another factor is the American fiancé. If the US citizen has a job and strong ties to Thailand and is going to return with the Thai fiancée, then Immigration will likely look more favorably upon the petition for a tourist visa. It must be noted again that this visa is completely discretionary. Even if the applicant shows all kinds of ties to Thailand the immigration officer can still reject the application based upon little more than gut instinct.

The Odds of obtaining a Tourist Visa for a Thai Fiancee are Bad

The fact is: the Tourist Visa has about a 95% rejection rate among Thai applicants. It is just not an efficient way of getting a Thai fiancée into the US. Why would you spend the time and money to go up against those odds?

It COULD BE CRIMINAL to take a Thai Fiancee to the USA on a Tourist Visa and get Married!

A tourist visa is exactly what its name implies: a visa for touring the US. It is not designed to be used to bring a Thai fiancée to the US with the intention to marry her and have her remain. If you intend to use the tourist visa to bring your Thai fiancée to the US to marry, then it could be deemed to be an attempt to defraud the US government. The possibility of being found to have defrauded the government increases if you and your Thai fiancée immediately get married and try to adjust her status to permanent residence. If you and your Thai fiancée are found to be attempting to defraud the government it could lead to criminal penalties and possible deportation for your Thai fiancée.

Use the Correct Visa to take your Thai Fiancee to America

Even though the process for getting a Thai fiancée to the US is frustrating and time consuming a lot of complications can be avoided by not being taken in by the supposed allure of the tourist visa. In the end, the benefits of the tourist visa are far outweighed by the disadvantages. If you want your Thai fiancée or spouse to come to the US to reside with you, then use either a K1 Fiancée Visa or a K-3 or Immigrant Relative Spouse visa. Although these visas seem to take more time and cost more money, in reality they take less time because you and your Thai fiancée won't be hitting any dead ends and won't throw money away on a visa that you have only a 5% chance of getting.

Thanks for reading,

Benjamin W. Hart, Esq.

The above article should not be taken as a replacement for competent legal advice from a duly licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. No Attorney/Client Relationship (either express or implied) shall be inferred from this publication.

Benjamin W. Hart is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He currently resides in Bangkok, Thailand. He is the founder of Integrity Legal a full service law firm specializing in Immigration Law and located in the USA and Thailand. Visit Integrity Legal at http://www.integrity-legal.com.

Romance Tours and Singles Vacations

Can't find a suitable life partner at home? Would you like to meet 500-2000 single women in 7-10 days? Do you have a valid passport? Well, here is your chance! Coco Swan takes a peek at singles tours and gives you the lowdown.

In 1999 a report to Congress by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service estimated more than 200 US based businesses paired 4000-6000 US men with women from overseas seeking marriage. This number had doubled by 2004.

A romance tour is a holiday outside of the United States where you are provided with a guide and interpreter, if needed, with the ultimate goal of meeting foreign women interested in matrimony outside their native country.

Most tour groups have an average of 25-40 men in them, so not too much competition, but enough men for the ladies to want to attend the functions. Tours seem to average 7-10 nights, depending upon your destination, with some as long as 45 nights.

The reputable romance tour companies will escort you from a gateway city to your destination. They will also meet you at the airport at your destination, assist with check-in, and provide local getting around tours. All ethical companies will have office open all year round in the city you are headed for. Once you have signed on to a romance vacation site you should be provided with addresses and profiles of women before you leave. You should also be able to peruse the files of the ladies and request meetings with the ones who take your fancy. Included in your holiday package should be a fiancée visa kit with all-pertinent information and forms.

The Fiancée Visa. Make sure you are using a site that is licensed in your part of the States for immigration law and also licensed to work in the country you are headed for. The fiancée visa (K-1) is a non-immigrant visa allowing a foreigner to enter the US for the purpose of marriage. They are normally valid for 3 months only, during which time a marriage must take place. If the marriage does not take place within this time any extension of stay will not be allowed. There are 4 main service centers to handle these petitions, according to your place of residence. These are in California, Texas, Vermont and Nebraska. It is now considered impossible for a foreign single girl to enter the States on a tourist visa and then try and stay on and marry. So get the paperwork right the first time and save yourself a lot of time, trouble and money. Most of the reputable companies offer several levels of fiancée visa assistance packages ranging from self described basic, but proper, to full on liaising with your fiancée and lots of after care. Children under the age of 21 years seemed to be covered in all the packages.

Social Nights. It appeared that the standard tour provided 2-3 Social Nights in your tour. 3 nights seemed the norm for Russia and 2 or 3 for Asia, Latin America and Philippines. These are averages only. It would appear that the ethical companies should provide a similar formula to this. The socials should be fully catered with food, drink and champagne or the like. You should not be expected to pay for the food or drink for the ladies at these particular events. The social night should be held somewhere like a banquet room in a hotel or private entertainment complex. You should be able to indicate any ladies who you would like to meet here. Anyone you meet who you do like, you just ask for her phone number. The ladies should all be screened at the front door. The ladies should all be different at each and every social night. The ladies should all be personal invitees and not just females invited in off the street. Depending on your tour, you should have the opportunity to meet somewhere between 500-2000 females.

Most tour packages seemed to include buffet breakfasts. Make sure your tour will provide you with a private hotel room that you will not be sharing with another client.

It is a great idea to take along photos to show of your home, family, town, lifestyle etc; so that any prospective fiancées can obtain a better idea of the life you will be offering them.

Destinations: The most popular destinations, leaving out of the US, are Russia, the Ukraine, Latin America, Thailand and the Philippines. Males from other parts of the world are more than welcome to embark on these US based tours, although they can probably see if their own host country has sites offering the same services.

Russia and the Ukraine have at least 20 cities to choose from including St Petersburg, Volgograd, Ufa, Kiev, Odessa, Crimea, Poltava and Sumy, to mention just a few. Some of the longer tours incorporate multiple cities on the one holiday. To go to Russia you need to have at least 6 months left on your passport and you will also need a visa for Russia. Amongst Russian men there is a high death ratio and a high alcoholism rate. Due to the poor economy there, wives and families have become unaffordable for many Russian men.

The Philippines. No translators are needed in the Philippines as English is the primary language there. The Philippine females are often perceived as being happy to work. Philipino ladies apparently see the older man as more desirable and stable as life partners and fathers.
In the Philippines it appeared that 3 social nights was the norm. Airport collections, breakfasts and 24 hour guidance should be provided. In the Philippines it would seem that unlimited personal introductions were being provided with about 15 minutes of staff attendance at the start of each meeting. If after the 15 minutes things are going nicely then generally you move on to a café or restaurant where you will be expected to pay for your date. As a rule you should be getting at the minimum a city orientation tour by the company.

Bangkok, Thailand. This is the place to go if you are looking for exhilarating nightlife. The accommodation that I saw as being provided in these romance tours was astonishingly luxurious, far and away better than any other country that I saw. So if night clubs and swanky sophisticated accommodation are on your holiday wish list then this could be the destination for you. Buffet breakfasts were also included. You should be provided with interpreters, 24-hour guidance from staff, 2-3 social nights, a city tour and a metro tour showing you how to use the Sky Train. Your hotel should be just minutes from the nightlife. You should be entitled to unlimited introductions much as described above. The other benefits of Thailand are the great golf courses and the fact that you can have medical and dental procedures done in hospitals there for about 90% less than in the State. Imagine, new teeth and a new wife!

San Jose, Costa Rica. Rainforests, volcanoes, beaches and surfing. Not to mention absolutely stunning looking girls. Apparently girls are raised in Costa Rica with romantic family oriented cultures. In Costa Rica you should be entitled to 2 Social nights, unlimited personal introductions, interpreters, airport pick up, and breakfast.

Colombia. Medillin, Barranquilla, Cartagena and Manizales were all featured as places to go. Again, stunning scenery and even more stunning girls were heavily featured.

Machu-Picchu, Lima, Peru and Nicaragua are all other destinations that have been opened up to the world of singles travel tours. The Latin America tours were providing up to 3 one-on-one introductions per day.

Ultimately, you need to decide where you would like to go for your holiday and what style of prospective wife you are seeking. The professional sites have 250,000 applicants on file and up to 20,000 profiles for you to select from. These women are all genuinely prepared to leave their lives and countries behind to start a fresh life with Mr. Right. Romance tours have become increasingly popular in the last decade or so with the opening up of the electronic world courtesy of the Internet.

Tired of being on your own? Take charge of the rest of your life right now! Grab a passport, visa and paperwork. Get on a plane. Go on a romance tour. Bring home a fiancée- what a holiday souvenir!

Good Luck, Coco Swan.

Author Coco Swan
There's an abundance of information on Romance Tours and Singles Vacations where you can see if it's what suits you and it will help with more detail on many of the questions you might have. Here it is again - Romance Tours and Singles Vacations or http://www.datingxlence.com/romance-tours.php

Podcasts - Language Learning Media?

In today's world many people are looking to learn a language, but like many things in their lives they don't want (or don't have the time ) to sit in a classroom and learn. This is the way the world is today: People lead busy lives and want their information on demand--instant gratification being the key. Computers, the internet, electronic gadgets--all the hallmarks of the world we live in, all created to make life easier, and quicker. Language learning is no different. Gone are the days of reading books and listening to cassettes, gone mostly are the days of walking to the shops to buy the product in the first place. Most language courses these days are available for download, or at the very least for order online. Sometimes, though, people want extra information, they want constant updates that will keep them learning--keep them on their toes. They want to keep things interesting, and they want it all sent directly to them. This is where podcasts come in.

What is a Podcast?

Podcasts are a media sensation in today's web oriented community; podcasts are simply audio or video files that can be downloaded or sent directly to a person's computer. This can be through email, a simple download link or a regular feed that will keep people informed of the most up-to-date information and send them podcasts as they are released. Podcasts can then be either played on the PC, burnt to CD or uploaded to an mp3 player and listened to while on the move. If you find the right podcast subscription you may well get files sent to you on a regular basis.

Are There Language Podcasts?

Many podcasts these days are concentrating on language learning material and there is a huge range of styles and concepts. They range in frequency from daily podcasts to one-off downloads with every possible combination in-between and the material is as equally varied: You can get vocab of the day podcasts which concentrate solely on teaching vocabulary; there are full audio courses which will break down conversations with their meaning to help you learn vocabulary and gauge sentence structure at the same time. There are also podcasts of spoken language which are useful for more advanced learners who want to listen to whole tracts of their target speech. Suffice to say the number of language podcasts out there today is growing and extremely varied. It is becoming remarkably popular as more and more people want to learn a language but want to do it on the go.

Are They Useful?

Podcasts are excellent tools to help you learn a foreign language and are widely available. Although it is doubtful that you could learn a language from scratch solely from podcasts, they are excellent additions to your language learning arsenal. They allow you to hear your target language much more regularly than usual which can 'train' your ears to the sound of the speech and ready it for real language confrontation. They are also excellent at providing vocabulary introduction and practice, running you through words and sentences at your own pace. Finally they are also good at keeping you involved in the learning process: As podcasts come through regularly they will keep you interested in learning, and with enough good content will prevent you from 'forgetting' your studies.

Where Do I Find Them?

There are many sites available to download language podcasts from, many of them are sites which cater to a single language and have vast amounts of information although only some of it may be available for free--examples of these are the japanesepod.com, Spanishpod101.com etc and have some excellent resources. Other sites contain masses of podcasts of all genres, all styles, and all of varying quality. These are what we would call the Podcast Portals. They specialize in offering podcasts about every subject you can think of, and of course this includes languages. They will often have a variety of languages, and all it takes is some searching. Possibly the best podcast directory for languages is the Apple Itunes page which has an enormous amount of podcasts available free of charge. Another is PodcastAlley.com. Both of these require registration but this is a simple and free of charge process.

There are many more podcast directories which can be found from a simple search or a glance at our language learning website and they hold a wealth of information to help you learn a language that is both free and available at your fingertips.

If you are serious about learning a language then you should definitely make podcasts part of your learning routine. It's like having a foreign friend in your pocket.

Neil Breakwell is a teacher in Thailand and has lived in Asia for 9 years. He is the creator of a language learning website that gives advice on the best ways to learn new languages and gives honest, in-depth reviews of the best language learning products. If you are looking to learn a new language or want more information on language learning podcasts then visit http://www.lingualogue.com

Living in Bangkok - It's Easy

Bangkok is probably the easiest city to live in Southeast Asia. I should know; I have been back
in Thailand for the last 17 odd years. I was in the US before that.

First and foremost, Bangkok likes visitors from out-of-town. Here,
the government truly promotes tourism in a big way; here, you have
The Tourism Authority of Thailand. This means big budget for tourism activities. You can start with the new airport, Suvarnabhumi; it can take on any other airport
in the world. Some touch-ups are required, but for the most part, it's fine.

Next, you can check out some of Bangkok's finest accommodations, starting from the
Oriental Hotel, one of the best in the world. They claim that the hotel staffs will
recognize you by your first name after staying there for a few days.
Then you have the Four Seasons, a super luxury hotel on Rachadamri Road;
it's not far from Lumpini Park. The room decor here is very comfortable;
you need to book early.

For a few weeks or a few months stay, you want to park yourself with the
top serviced apartments here, like the Centre Point group, Chin House and
the Emporiums. These places could make you feel like home away from home.

For a stay longer than that, you would want to check out some apartments
and condos. There are tons of them to choose from in Bangkok,
from less than 20,000 baht to over 100,000 baht a month.

Next, we want to hit the Loft at Central Chidlom Department Store,
my favorite eatery. There you have Italian food, Thai, Singaporean,
Vietnamese, Chinese and some Mexicans. It is set up like a high class
cafeteria; you are given a food credit card, you pick up what you like,
set yourself down at a table, and a waiter will bring you your freshly
cooked order. Once you're done, you can check out the bill registered
on the credit card. I just love their Caesar salad.

Some tourist attractions that you might be interested are Bhuddhist
temples. There are many Bhuddhist temples in Bangkok; over 95% of
the city dwellers are Bhuddhists. These temples have old Thai
style architecture; they are very colorful. The temples are also
places of worship, so you must have proper attire and manner while
you are there.

Rock concert. That's right, we have rock concert here from time to time.
Over 10 years ago I got a chance to see Michael Jackson performs;
just before the unfortunate scandal got serious. Michael and
his troupe were great. I would never get to see him if I was in
the US at the time.

Then last year, I went to see Eric Clapton performance at the Impact Muangtong Tani (something like Madison Square Garden in Manhattan). It was terrific too. At other times,
we have the Bolshoi troupe performs at the Cultural Center at Rachadapisek Road.
I have not attended that one, but heard rave reviews about it.

Getting around town is pretty easy when you use the SkyTrain or the subway.
Using taxi is a little more difficult because of the language barrier,
but doable. A hotel's car service would be a good alternative.
A tuk tuk (a tricycle novelty) is something unique when you feel
adventurous; you can really feel the wind blowing through you hair when it
really takes off.

The author is an editor to http://bangkok-and-apartment-guide.com where you can check out Bangkok 's neighborhoods in detail; streets by streets.

The Beauty That is Rhayader

Water has always played a significant role in the sprouting up of various civilizations across the globe. In fact, most, if not all, of the greatly developed settlements in the world have a body of water nearby. The same goes for Rhayader, the home of the miniature Niagara Falls.

Described to be pretty historic and a busy market town, Rhayader is in Powys and is actually at the very center of whole Wales. It lies on the riverbanks of the River Wye. Being the first town by the said river, it is just appropriate for the river to be referred to in the town's name. Rhayader is called Rhaeadr Gwy in Welsh, which means Cataract on the Wye. The miniature Niagara Falls is a waterfall that was destroyed when the first stone bridge was built over the River Wye in 1780.

One greatly interesting to note about Rhayader is its existence in the years Before Christ. This fact is supplemented with ample evidence in the form of cairns or piles of stones that are obviously made by man. They are most of the time shaped like cones and found in uplands and near bodies of water.

The town boasts of a booming tourism industry, which can mostly be due to its historical past as well as to its virgin environment. There is a good number of trails and bridleways in town, which walkers and cyclists love to explore. The Lakeland of Wales, which is composed of reservoirs and dams in the Elan Valley, is a sight for everyone to enjoy as well. The untouched and rare wildlife of Britain is also accessible within the areas of Rhayader.

The town is also full of sports enthusiasts. It has its own rugby team as well as a cricket club and local leagues in darts, dominoes and pool. Rhayader also has its annual carnival celebrations where one gets a chance at other less popular sport activities like rock-paper-scissors and wheelbarrow racing. With all these, living in Rhayader is never a bore for people young and old.

For accommodation in Rhayader check this list of Rhayader hotels.

Corrado Feroci - The Italian Legacy in Bangkok

Corrado Feroci (1892 - 1962) was a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, the art capital of Italy. He came to Bangkok in 1923 when King Rama VI requested the Italian government for a sculptor to train Thai artists and craftsmen and raise the standards of Thai art to international levels.

The arrival of Corrado Feroci was to start a train of events that would have a profound impact on the development of Thai art. He started as a sculptor with the Fine Arts Department and taught sculpture to art graduates.

Later, he was asked by the Thai government to prepare a curriculum and the textbooks for the formal training of artists. With a formal teaching system in place, the Silpakorn School of Fine Arts was set up in 1937 with Corrado Feroci as the first director.

In 1943, as part of the government's policy to emphasize the importance of art, the school was raised to the status of a university. The Silpakorn University of Fine Arts was established with Corrado Feroci as the first Dean.

In recognition of his services, Corrado Feroci was granted Thai citizenship in 1946 and changed his name to Silapa Bhirasri. During his career in Thailand, he was responsible for 18 famous monuments in Thailand of which 9 are in Bangkok.

His better-known monuments are:

King Rama I Monument (1932) at the Memorial Bridge to honor the founder of Bangkok and the Chakri dynasty that has reigned over Thailand till this day.

Democracy Monument (1939) in Ratchadamnoen Avenue to commemorate the coup in 24 June 1932 that ended the absolute monarchy and brought in constitutional government.

Victory Monument (1941) in Phahonyothin Road to honor Thai servicemen and civilians who died in the Franco-Thai war from November 1940 - January 1941, over disputed Indo-Chinese territories that are now part of Cambodia.

King Rama VI Monument (1942) in Lumphini Park, a monument that is fittingly in memory of the king who was responsible for inviting Feroci to Thailand.

King Taksin Monument (1954) in Thonburi in honor of the king who united the kingdom after the fall of Ayutthaya, drove the Burmese out and established the capital in Thonburi.

Corrado Feroci died in Thailand in 1962 leaving behind an institution dedicated to the preservation of Thai art. The Silpakorn University of Fine Arts has produced generations of Thai artists schooled in the best traditions. His famous monuments in Bangkok and Thailand bear further testimony to his legacy.

The Silapa Bhirasri Memorial Museum in Silpakorn University was set up to honour Corrado Feroci and his contribution to Thai art.

Corrado Feroci is one of the legendary figures in Tour Bangkok Legacies, a historical travel site on people, places and events that shaped the landscape of Bangkok. The author Eric Lim, a free-lance writer, lives in Bangkok Thailand.

Frugal Travel Tips For Bangkok, Thailand

With the currency exchange, it is difficult not to find frugal attractions in Bangkok, Thailand. However, there are a few tips to make travel dollars stretch even further and to better the travel experience.

The Grand Palace And The Temple Of The Emerald Buddha

Yes, there is an entrance fee (200 Baht, roughly $6 U.S.) but this sight is a must see for any visitor to Bangkok. It hosts a range of Thai architecture.

Temples and other national monuments have a strict dress code. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or risqué dress. This is true of most religious places the world over but in Thailand, travelers should also not wear open heeled sandals (there must be a strap behind the heel).

Thai Customs

Which leads to some Thai customs that savvy travelers observe.

Shorts are considered appropriate only for children and the lower class.

The head is considered sacred (closest to the heavens) so do not touch. Actually try not to touch the locals at all.

Feet are also to be treated with care. To point your feet at a person is considered a grave insult and to sit with soles exposed extremely rude (especially in religious places). Sit with feet tucked under the body.

No public displays of affection. Keep that for the privacy of your room.

As with most countries, but especially Thailand, do not criticize the local government or monarchy.

This may seem like a lot of rules but most apply to almost every country a traveler is a guest in.
Also the Thai people are extremely polite so they are unlikely to express their disapproval.

Chatuchak Park Weekend Market

This is where frugal travelers buy their souvenirs. With over 15,000 stalls (pick up a free map at information kiosks), there is plenty to choose from. This is a place to haggle. Never take the first offer. Also be very wary of fakes (fake antiques, fake jewelry, etc) and of pickpockets (keep some small bills in an easily accessible pocket and hide the wallet away).

What to buy? Almost anything, especially handicrafts. My mother is an elephant lover and Thailand, with reverence of the animal, was the ideal place to pick up teak carvings (be careful of wood drying and cracking when you return home).

Wat Pho (Temple Of The Reclining Buddha)

With another very, very inexpensive entrance fee (20 Baht), Wat Pho is the largest and oldest Buddhist Temple in Bangkok. The highlight is, of course, the 46 meter long, gold covered Reclining Buddha. However, the buildings and I found the orchids were also noteworthy.

Bangkok is a bargain hunters paradise. Attractions, dining and shopping is inexpensive.

For more frugal travel tips on Bangkok or other cities, visit http://www.freephotooftheday.com