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Mai Jizi trying to break ice!

Date: 04/06/09 Where: Skiing Lodge on our way to to Moro Rock; lake Who: Mai Jizi Moua, Sarah Lee, Esther Lee, Angel Yang (camcorder) What: Mai Jizi is trying to see if the rock she throws will crack the ice or stay stuck in the ice like the last time.

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Here are 50 things to do over holiday break

Here are 50 things to do over holiday break
Whether you’re trying to find activities to keep your youngsters occupied during their school break or entertaining family and friends visiting from out of town, here are 50 fun ideas. Always call ahead. 1. Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum, 31005 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, is bound to make young and old smile. Admission is free, but bring quarters to this historical and modern …

Read more on Westland Observer

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The Spring Break Capital At Your Feet

Since 2001 to 2007, Panama City Beach saw a rapid growth of high-rise condominium and hotel constructions. Here we take a look at 4 of them; 2 up scale and 2 inexpensive ones, to give us an idea what to expect from both ends of the condo spectrum in the “Spring Break Capital of the World”.

Sterling Beach  – Located along Thomas Drive, this property has spacious units ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms. Among its amenities are a 4,000 square feet pool, a private theater, and a club room. It takes pride in having only 92 units in its expansive 5-acre area. That means you get to have lots of privacy during your stay. There’s a fitness center for health buffs and high speed Internet access for the netizens.

Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort – Even if coffee is not your cup of tea, I’m pretty sure a resort with its own Starbucks will still impress you. But can you actually expect anything less from a golf resort with not 1, but 2 golf courses within its own premises? Fine dining, tennis courts, watersport facilities, oasis-style pool and a beachfront that’s a stone’s throw away – I suppose you are now fully aware that this is not one of those budget type condomiminiums.

Sunswept – If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, not to mention inexpensive Panama City Beach condominiums, this establishment is highly recommended. Not among the high rise buildings that dominate this city’s skyline, Sunswept offers you another face of this amazing place; a more personal and homey one. It’s strategically located near one of the more quiet beaches – a rarity in a place flooding with visitors.

Sterling Reef  – This is the cheaper sister establishment of Sterling Beach, and is one of those family-oriented Panama City Beach condos. Watersport rentals such as jet skis, pontoons and parasailing equipment are always available. You can also take your wife and kids to nearby Shipwreck Island Water Park or Bay County Fishing Pier for some great family bonding.  

If you’re hunting for Panama City Beach condos during summer, be sure you’re ready with a lot of cash, as summer is peak season. During these months, the upscale properties can go up to as high as $1000 per day, while the cheaper condominiums can reach $450 per day.

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Spring Break For The Family

In the USA there are so many different places that you can go whatever you family’s favourite activity is, be it lying on a beach, heading to the slopes or going for long hikes you will find what you love to do in the USA.

Sun and Surf

There are so many beaches across America you can take your pick! If you are looking for a beach fuelled holiday with surfing, snorkelling, beach volleyball and building sand castles then why not consider going to:

Wellfleet, Massachusetts, Northeast.

A great way to enjoy Cape Cod at it’s best is by going to Wellfleet which has great charm and character. There are miles and miles of beautiful sandy beaches which are ideal or just relaxing and taking a time out from the world and enjoying spending time with your family. The waters are ideal for swimming, surfing or even flying a kite and if you fancy walking a short distance, you can have your very own private secluded beach. There are calmer waters of Cape Cod where you can enjoy boating, windsurfing, swimming, and even fishing so there will be plenty to do on your beach holiday.

Vero Beach, Florida, South.

Vero beach has some outstanding beaches that are well known for their clean sand and amazing surf. The main beach is South Beach and there are many others including Jaycee Park and Humiston Park. The town itself is sophisticated and friendly where the people you meet will always talk to you. As well as all this, your family can enjoy some time exploring the town and visit museums such as the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum which has artifacts and treasure from the Atocha which had sunk off Key West in 1622 and the fleet which sank off the treasure coast in 1715 or visit the McKee Botanical Garden which is an 18 acre site with a beautiful range of sub tropical flowers and trees and is now on the US National register of Historic Places.

Lake Erie Islands, Ohio, Midwest.

These islands are a selection of islands in Lake Erie. The bigger islands offer car ferries to the other islands and there are many activities to do with all the family. South Bass island is a popular tourist destination and Put-in-Bay is a great place to be with a fun and unique atmosphere as yearly they host the Inter-Lake Yachting Association Regatta which runs over a week. The family can also take part in fishing, island tours and an array of museums such as the Butterfly museum, Aquatic centre and even an antique car museum!

Santa Cruz, California, West.

Santa Cruz has the nickname Surf City because it is widely popular for it’s great surf and sandy beaches and with a gorgeous mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year it is the perfect location for a family holiday. The boardwalk is over 100 years old and has many activities for you and the family, such as crazy golf, a theme park and even laser tag! The boardwalk even has concerts and events and there is one in April especially dedicated to families.

So book your car hire USA with Auto Europe today and enjoy some real quality time with your family.

Next Week: Skiing and Snowboarding with the family.

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spring break 07

spring break 2007 at Whistler/Blackcomb and chatter creek cat skiing lodge.

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Weather: Break out the skis … and maybe the candles

Weather: Break out the skis … and maybe the candles
Skiers and snowboarders rejoice: The mountains of northern Utah are predicted to get three feet of snow or more by Monday morning. “It’s a good, big dump,” said Pete Wilensky, lead forecaster for the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City.

Read more on The Salt Lake Tribune

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Ways to keep the kids busy outdoors during Winter Break

Ways to keep the kids busy outdoors during Winter Break
With many kids having some 10 days off school for the holiday break, there will be plenty of days to fill with outdoor fun and excitement. Don’t fret if you can’t think of what to do with the kids, or the relatives visiting for the holidays. We offer this list of ideas to get you all outdoors.

Read more on Tacoma News Tribune

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Luger Christie aims to break into elite at Games

Luger Christie aims to break into elite at Games
Please read the full story on TSN.ca for the latest details

Read more on TSN

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Best Spring Break Skiing?

Me and my friends are planning on going snowbaording for Spring Break. Ive heard great things about Whistler, Breckenridge, Park City, and Winter Park but Im not sure which is best for 4 guys on a Spring Break trip. A great party scene and spring break atmosphere is very important (aka Girls). Thanks for the help.

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Top City Break Destinations in France

Strasbourg
The beautiful city of Strasbourg lies to the east of France and borders Germany – thus it has elements of both French and German culture. The city plays a prominent role in European Political Administration, as it is the home of the European Parliament, and home to many diplomats and impressive buildings with conference centres.

There is much to see and do in the city – you will be astounded by the quality of the architecture, which is Germanic in flavour. Take a cruise along the Ill River, and taking such a trip is like travelling through the Italian City of Venice! Make sure to take a trip to the area known as “La Petite France”- an area bordered to the front by the Ill River, and the timber buildings are peppered with delightful window boxes of flowers. Take a trip to the Cathedral, the Gothic architecture is sure to dazzle you with its beauty. If shopping is your passion, check out Place Kleber, the square area home to some wonderful stores.

No trip to Strasbourg is complete without sampling the local food and drink – the dishes have authentic French flavour but have their roots in the German culture. Check out white wines such as the Reislings and Gewurztraminers at a local winstub (bar). The Alsatian beer is also recommended.  Some of the most popular food to savour is Baeckoffe and Coq au Reisling. Baeckoffe is like a stew of local meat, potatoes and spices. Coq au Reisling is similar to coq au vin but is made with Reisling instead! Check out the Germanic noodles known as Spaetzle.

Any time of the year is perfect to visit the city, but especially at Christmas time, when the lights and decorations transform the city into a magical winter wonderland. The Christmas Market is well worth visiting if you are in the city come December.

Lyon
Lyon is located to the south of the country and combines culture, gastronomy, great nightlife and shopping all in one location! Close to the Alps, the city is a great base for also touring other local towns such as the skiing haven of Grenoble, and the charming town of Vienne.

In terms of attractions, the city is awash with Roman ruins, one of which being the Amphitheatre des Tres Gauls. Two rivers (the Rhône and the Saône) wind a path through Lyon, so why not explore these rivers on a cruise? Visit Vieux Lyon (Old Town) for the World Heritage Attractions of La Croix-Rousse, Saint Jean and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This is a late 19th century cathedral adorned with mosaics and fabulous stained glass designs. Also, check out the Basilica of St-Martin-d’Ainay and the Opera Nouvel if you are fan of the performing arts!

Lyon is home to wonderful restaurants catering for all tastebuds, and great nightlife. And for those holiday gifts, check out Le Carré D’Or which has many hight street and brand name stores. Similarly Rue Edouard Herriot has some wonderful chain stores such as Dior and Escada.

Bordeaux
This city is a bustling place, which ticks all the boxes in terms of things to do and see. Bordeaux is located in the heart of wine country, and also home to some outstanding historical attractions. Check out the cool sidewalk cafes and bars – a real youthful vibe is ever present in the city. The local cuisine is divine, and it is complemented perfectly by the delicious local wines.

Associated with wine production since the 1st century AD, Bordeaux is world renowned for its magnificent wines. For the wine buff, no visit to Bordeaux is complete without taking a trip the local Wine Museums, of which Vinorama is one, along with the Chartrons Museum. A trip to the local wine school will teach you all you need to know about making wine! You could also visit the Bordeaux Wine Chateaux, or indulge in vinotherapie spa treatments at local hotels.
Bordeaux is also known as a shopper’s paradise. Some of the most popular brand names in the market are for sale in the city, from Hugo Boss, Lacroiz, Rolex and Louis Vuitton. It’s fair to say that Bordeaux has something for everyone.

Montpellier
The southern France city of Montpellier is the capital of the Languedoc Region. The city is wonderful, with attractive architecture and has a rich and varied history. Adorned with boutique shops and sidewalk cafes, and magnificent squares, the city has much to please the discerning visitor. Check out La Place de la Comedie, which is located at the heart of the city, and lined with cafes and plenty of shops. Here you will also find some wonderful markets. Check out the Opera and the Three Graces Statue.

The city is home to many students, due to the presence of a large university. Try and get to visit the Faculty of Medicine – this was established since the 12th century and still in place! If you want some relaxation and some solitude away from the busy streets check out La Promenade Royale du Peyrou – a local park which is situated right next door to Montpellier’s replica of the Arc de Triomphe!

Orleans
Located 130 km south west of Paris is Orleans – the hometown of St Joan of Arc, one of the most revered French icons. It is located at a bend of the River Loire and a total of 5 major bridges cross the Loire in Orleans. The city has many Roman ruins which bear testimony to its importance along the river in Roman and later in Medieval times. Check out Maison de Jeanne d’Arc and the magnificent 9th century cathedral. Orleans is a good base for exploring the entire Loire Valley Region.

Hope you enjoyed our guide to the Top City Break Destinations in France. Obviously the best way to get to and explore these wonderful locations is to avail of a top quality car rental. Check out our Car Hire France page.

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