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Skiing in Andorra
The Pyrenees Mountains are located across the border between France and Spain. Also on this border is the tiny principality of Andorra, as small country that's skiing crazy! With two prominent world class ski resorts, Andorra is an excellent place to escape it all; a relaxing, picturesque, quaint place, with mountain views to take your breath away. And because it is so near France, you can always make a stop off in Andorra for a day or two on another European ski break.Andorra is situated itself across the Pyrenees, and has a long and protracted dalliance with snow sports. Since the installation of their first ski lift in 1956, Andorra has been a great ski resort, and a great vacation for the hundreds of thousands of ski tourists who have wisely chosen to visit. For minimal fee, you can experience the wonder of skiing in Andorra, and enjoy the surprising depth of culture Andorra holds so dear.The Grandvalira resort is situated high in the Pyrenees mountain range, and benefits from astonishing snow coverage. It is the product of a commercial merger between two of Andorra's premium ski resorts, and is now of a size and scale to compete with the big resorts north of the border in France. Grandvalira boasts an impressive 193 ski runs, with 66 mechanised ski lifts, making it a resort to be reckoned with on a truly European scale. Additionally, it boasts an impressive training school, over seven separate centres with 450 of Europe's top skiing and snow boarding instructors. With a wealth of experience, the Grandvalira skiing school has an international reputation, and has achieved a high degree of success on an international level. Additionally, Grandvalira benefits from an adventure activity centre, and a variety of world class restaurant and bar areas, making it a truly amazing resort, and a great place to spend a vacation with your family or with your friends. With such a friendly atmosphere, you will feel right at home in the heart of Andorra and the Pyrenees, yet still feel out of the way of the hustle and bustle of everyday life.Another of Andorra's most famous resorts is the Vallnord resort. Ideally catering for all ages and abilities, the Vallnord resort offers a challenge for expert skiers, whilst still enabling beginners to have a great time. Additionally, the Vallnord is more than well equipped for a family holiday, with something to keep everyone entertained and happy. A slightly smaller resort, it benefits from 30 mechanised ski lifts handling around seventeen thousand skiers every hour, and over 50 different slopes. It also offers a diverse range of complimentary activities, including other snow sports and even helicopter rides! Along side this, you've got two training schools with over two hundred staff working hard to help hone your skills. With this much talent and effort, you're sure to really benefit, and guaranteed to have a great vacation.An excellent way to save money on a trip to Andorra is to consider a coach trip. Coach trips through Europe are excellent ways to see a different continent, and to experience first hand the amazing scenery these countries are blessed with, as well as saving a great deal of money whilst you're at it. In addition to that, you can find some great package deals that stop off at various skiing locations around central Europe, giving you a chance to experience a variety and depth of skiing conditions on your break. Whatever coach tour you choose, it is worth remembering that you're going to have to travel for a good number of hours, although once you get there, everything is fairly proximate, allowing you to experience different cultures and peoples without too much hassle.Whatever your needs for a skiing vacation, Andorra is certainly a great location to choose. With such variety crammed into such a small geographic area, you can really experience world class skiing without having to pay through the nose.
Stu Unger: Rise and Fall of a Poker Genius
Stu Unger is one of the biggest superstars to have immerged from the professional poker world. Besides being a true poker genius and a three time World Series of Poker champion, "Stu Unger" had a fascinating life story. It was not surprising that after his death Stu was the subject of a biography and a biopic. Stu Unger lived the life of a rock star including the quick rise to fame, the drugs, the comeback and the unavoidable death at an early age. Here you can read about the life story of the legendary poker player Stu Unger. The BeginningStuart Errol Ungar was born in 1953 to a Jewish family who lived in Manhattan on the Lower East Side. Stus father was a well known bookmaker and his mother was too ill to fight against her sons fascination with gambling. After the death of his father, 13 years old Stu had found a father figure at his neighbor Victor Romano, one of the infamous Genovese family soldiers. Stu and Romano had at least one thing in common: they both had an incredibly sharp memory, which was mainly used in poker and gin games. By that time, Stu was already an accomplished gin player who had gained vast experience in winning gin tournaments. Stu dropped out of school to become a full time gin rummy player. The Genovese family had benefited from Stus talent. In return, they provided him protection from other gamblers who found themselves offended by his harsh and arrogant playing style. The RiseAs a professional gin player, Stu had managed to beat all the professional gin poker players around. According to the rumors, Stu caused Harry Yonkie Stein, one of the best players around to stop playing gin completely after beating him in a gin match. Since he was out of proper competition, Stu decided to focus on playing poker professionally. In 1976, he and his girlfriend relocated to Las Vegas where they got married and had a girl, Stephanie. In 1980, Stu won the "World Series of Poker" Main Event after beating experienced poker pros such as Doyle Bronson. Stu was the youngest WSOP champion in history and was nicknamed The Kid. Even though Stu won the 1981 WSOP Main Event, he still considered himself more a gin and rummy player than a poker player. After winning his first WSOP championship title, he was quoted saying that the poker world would meet better no limit players than him, but no one will ever be able to play gin rummy better than he does. At the same time, Stu had tried to use his skill to grab money at the blackjack table. Nevertheless, the casinos were not happy with Stus presence around the blackjack tables and he was constantly barred. In 1982, he was fined by the New Jersey Gaming Commission for cheating, although Stu has not done anything illegal but using his natural skill and phenomenal memory. The FallIn 1990, Stu made another appearance to the WSOP. This time, he was heavily into drugs. He was a chip leader for the first three days of the event and then disappeared. He was found lying at his hotel room, unconscious from a drug overdose. However, it did not stop him from finishing ninth and earning enough money for his future cocaine supply. The ComebackAfter seven years of disappearing from the "professional poker" circle, Stu had returned to the WSOP. In 1997, he was broke, with damaged nostrils from cocaine abuse, addicted to horseracing and sports gambling, but still in shape to beat all the new contestants and gain back his WSOP Championship title. The local media was happy to embrace The Comeback Kid, but his success did not last long.The DeathStu Unger did not attend the 1998 World Series of Poker since he could not get the money to pay the entry fee. Seven months after Scotty Nguyen won the 1998 WSOP, Stu Ungar was found dead at his motel room in Las Vegas with 800 dollars in his pocket. Apparently, he died of a heart condition caused by years of drug abuse. The BiographyRead: One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stuey The Kid Ungar, The Worlds Greatest Poker Player written by Nolan Dalla, Peter Alson, Mike Sexton.Watch: High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story directed by A. W. Vidmer and starring Michael Imperioli, Christopher Moltisanti of The Sopranos, as Stu Unger
London Hotel Breaks - The Halkin 5* (Belgravia)
The 5 star Halkin hotel is located in the heart of Belgravia, approximately 100 metres from Hyde Park Corner tube station. Boasting a total of 41 rooms, the Halkin is the epitome of comfort and luxurious living. En suite facilities are magnificent, huge baths soothe and relax, perfect for contemplating the events of the day and recharging those batteries.The hotel is within easy reach of Knightsbridge and an abundance of designer shops, restaurants, in fact just about anything that takes your fancy, offering the opportunity to spoil yourself rotten. However, there is no need to dine out; the Halkin hotel boasts an excellent restaurant, almost guaranteed to leave you coming back for more.Tariffs at the Halkin hotel range from 135 per person per night (based on two sharing) during the months of spring, rising 5 during summer and winter. This includes a full breakfast. The single supplement (if you are staying on your own) means the price doubles. The mid-week (Monday to Thursday) supplement is 37.50 during spring, rising to 58.75 across summer and winter. A deluxe room upgrade is available from 75 per room per night.West India Quay Marriott Hotel & Executive Apartments 5* (Canary Wharf)The West India Quay Marriott Hotel exudes grace and charm. With its grand entrance hall and spacious rooms, a stay here will remain long in your memory. Located next to the West India Quay tube station, a trip to the West End is just a short 15 minute hop.The West India Quay Marriott Hotel is an ingredient of the new development at the celebrated Canary Wharf; its supreme position allows convenient access to museums and leading London attractions.Tariffs at the West India Quay Marriott Hotel vary from 96.50 per person per night (based on two sharing) during spring, 55 in summer, and 60 during the winter, including a full breakfast. If you are travelling alone, the single person supplement effectively doubles the price. The mid-week (Monday to Thursday) supplement is 32.75 during spring, 91.50 throughout summer, and 86.50 for the duration of winter. Room only rates are available upon request.Please note all prices are correct at time of writing (December 2005). For reservations call Superbreak on 0870 701 2200. Lines are open 8am 11pm 7 days a week (excluding Christmas Day).
Leave Your Airport Parking Worries Behind
We all look forward to jetting off for a week or two in the sun, but flying from any airport automatically brings up the issues of how we will get to the airport from home and back again at the end of the trip.For many, getting to the airport by bus or train is additional hassle that they just dont want, particularly if they are catching an early flight, or will be travelling with young children or lots of luggage.The easiest way to get to the airport is to drive, but parking can be expensive. On-site long term parking at any airport is costly and although you can take advantage of companies that offer parking outside the airport and bus you in, its just not as convenient as being dropped off right outside arrivals.The best way to make sure that your journey to the airport is smooth and stress-free is to book a taxi. A good firm will pick you up from home and take you to the right entrance at your terminal, and will be waiting for you on your return. This means that all you have to do is pay the taxi at the beginning of your holiday and locate it when you get home. By using a taxi service, youll benefit from: Stress-free travel Space and comfort Arrival on time at the airport Save on expensive parking fees No bus transfers to off-site car parksThere are hundreds of airport taxi firms who can help you to extend your holiday by making the journey to and from the airport as easy and comfortable as possible. You dont have to worry about the security of your car whilst you are away, or even take your car keys on holiday with you. Using a reliable taxi service means that you can be sure that you will be picked up when you arrive even if your plane is delayed. You cant beat that kind of service as a great addition to your long-awaited holiday.
Make Your Cruise Memorable
Taking a vacation cruise is a one-of-a-kind experience. Even people who take cruises often consider each one different, with new locales and destinations, different boats, and different activities and experiences on board. It's a great idea to preserve your memories of each trip in a special way so you can get the most out of your vacation by remembering it for years to come. There are a few small things you can do along the way to make this process simpler when you get back to dry land. Don't be shy about taking pictures! Some people avoid doing this because they feel it makes them look too 'touristy.' But all of your fellow passengers are tourists, and it's the staff is certainly used to tourists. So if the kids get involved in a dance contest, or the chandelier in the dining room is fabulous, feel free to snap a picture. If you catch them at the right times, the crew in uniform is usually very open and willing to get into a picture with you. Ask nicely when they're not busy, and get a great shot of the captain or a crewmember in full regalia. Get cheesy if you want to; ask a fellow passenger to take a photo of you and your spouse waving by the side of the boat. My parents took a cruise when they were first married, and their favorite snapshot from the trip is one of my father pretending to throw my mother overboard. Well, whatever floats your boat, as they say. Make it campy, make it silly, make it romantic... just make it memorable. Keep in mind that if you're planning on making a scrapbook or a memory box of your trip later, the secret is to save, save, save! Maybe your ticket stub doesn't look like much while you're on the boat, but years later you will love to see it. Your room reservation holds valuable details that might just remind you someday that you had a western window or a terrible cot that folded out of the wall. Ask the waiter for copies of menus or carbons of your check so you can remember what you had at that memorable first dinner on the water. Save your slips from the casino if you decide to give your luck a try- it might make you cringe to remember you lost $50 in bingo, but at least you'll remember it! So enjoy your cruise. Make good memories, and preserve them. Steal the soap if you must; but there are better souvenirs to be had. You just have to look for them!