All About Traveling in The World

The American Character

When an American travels overseas he becomes an ambassador of our country, whether he is aware of it or not. This became apparent to me when I started visiting foreign clients. Just about everyone I have met overseas wants to know about American interests, the mood of the country, and our politics. In general, there is contempt for our government and genuine concern for the spirit and well-being of the American people. However, it strikes me the character of the country overall is undergoing a transformation. Years ago, if you were to ask people abroad to describe our country, you might hear something like, “The land of opportunity” or “The land of the free and home of the brave”; that we possess a pioneering spirit and “can do” mentality; that we are the land of plenty, the world’s breadbasket, an economic engine, the chief exporter, a melting pot, and leaders of the free world. All of these descriptors are generally regarded as complimentary, something we are all rather proud of and yet the cause of envy and scorn to our detractors.

Consider some of our more inspirational icons for a moment. Do the presidential figures carved on Mt. Rushmore truly depict the current sense of our national strength, wisdom and vision? Does the Statue of Liberty embody our current policies of immigration and hope? Do we still enjoy the same freedoms and independence as represented by the Liberty Bell? Are we still as united as the American Flag is supposed to represent? Not by a long shot. Our character has quietly changed over the years.

Character is typically defined by such things as pride, integrity, honor, spirit and resolve. It is shaped by socioeconomic conditions, leadership, and management. Unfortunately, the 21st century is off to a bad start, plus we have elected lawyers to lead us and allowed the media to guide us, and when it comes to management, is anyone truly happy with the state of our government? It is no small wonder the character of the country has changed.

I think we all know deep-down we are an imperfect society and have our own unique set of problems. Regrettably, people, both internally and externally, no longer see America in the same light as before. Now we are characterized as greedy and self-centered. We are also recognized as the world’s policeman, a burden we assumed following World War II, a position previously held by other civilizations, such as ancient Rome and Great Britain. In addition, America is regarded as the land of civil rights and political correctness. Unfortunately, we are perceived as the land of facade as opposed to substance. For example, we are now better known for the glamour and glitz of Hollywood as opposed to being captains of industry. Our credibility has been decimated by such things as the near collapse of our banking and auto industries, an eroding infrastructure, and our transportation systems which seem archaic when compared to their counterparts elsewhere in the world.

More disturbing, America is now seen as a battleground for class warfare between the have’s and have-not’s, thereby being forced to make an ideological choice between socialism and capitalism. Consequently, the government suffers from polarization and gridlock due to political wrangling, and the demeanor of the citizens, in turn, grows impatient.

Finally, America is perceived as a Godless and immoral country being strangled by too many rights and laws. Do we really need to legislate everything? When we have to put labels on packs of hot dogs to warn people they might cause choking, maybe we have gone too far. I, for one, am tired of the dumbing down of America.

Perhaps the best adjective to describe America today is “enigma” -

* On the one hand, when havoc strikes in a foreign land, the first country they call on for help is America. Yet, the USA seems to have trouble accommodating the needs of its own citizens. It seems rather odd America can rebuild roads and bridges in Iraq and Haiti faster than within its own borders.

* When hostilities arise between countries, America is summoned to quell the problem either through diplomacy or military intervention. Regardless of the outcome though, we are criticized by the world community for either doing too little or too much. Our enemies understand with perfect clarity that we are restrained by our rights and laws and plays the game accordingly. Consequently, America has to always fight with one hand tied behind its back.

* Regardless of our politics, America is still the place people want to come to, not run away from. Interestingly, we allow people to abuse the system even if they enter the country illegally.

I am always encouraged when I listen to some of our younger people, particularly those in uniform who have been abroad, and understand how great America once was and could be again, but they are also aware of its frailties. They adamantly do not want to see it fail during their watch, yet are at a loss as to how to prevent it.

Years ago, Laurence M. Gould, the President Emeritus of Carleton College said in a commencement address, “I do not believe the greatest threat to our future is from bombs or guided missiles. I don’t think our civilization will die that way. I think it will die when we no longer care. Arnold Toynbee has pointed out that 19 of 21 civilizations have died from within and not from without. There were no bands playing and flags waving when these civilizations decayed. It happened slowly, in the quiet and the dark when no one was aware.”

America gives the impression of being as confused as a punch-drunk fighter staggering around the ring, bobbing and ducking at shadows, swinging at things that do not exist, tired and confused. It hardly looks like the fresh boxer who entered the ring over 200 years ago. It’s either time for some smelling salts and attitude readjustment, or face the consequences.

I, for one, would like to believe we can do better.

Keep the Faith!

Medical Tourism – An Option For Soaring American Healthcare Costs

Medical tourism, also called medical travel, health tourism or global health care, is the process of traveling to another country to receive quality health care from highly skilled physicians and surgeons at a fraction of the cost available in the United States, Canada, and the U. K.

With soaring health care costs, and many being unable to afford health insurance, Americans are traveling in large numbers overseas for surgery. In 2007 over 750,000 Americans traveled overseas for medical treatment, and with the current rate of growth, that number is projected to reach 6 million by 2010.

If the health care reforms being debated in Washington in 2009 aren’t implemented, and costs for health care and insurance continue to rise well beyond the rate of inflation, larger numbers of American workers may find themselves being without insurance and being unable to afford surgery except to opt for overseas health care.

For the middle-class uninsured, and for insurers and employers looking at surgery and transplants for as little as 10% of the cost in U.S., even with the added costs of travel and hotels added on, overseas health care is a viable option.

While many of the large U.S. insurance companies are beginning to look at overseas surgery on a case by case basis, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina is offering attractive options for patients who choose lower-cost overseas hospitals.

Medical tourism, a billion industry in 2008, has become especially popular with Americans, Canadians, and U. K. citizens faced with pricey hospital treatments in their home countries.

Frost & Sullivan, an international business research and consultant, with long experience in Malaysia, reports that medical tourism in Malaysia is estimated to reach 0 million by 2010.

Some of the best destinations for medical tourism are Malaysia, Thailand, India, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, and Argentina. While medical treatment is the primary purpose for traveling to a foreign country, an additional week or two for recuperation in a vacation paradise is also appealing.

For those unwilling to travel to far away destinations for medical treatment, San Jose, Costa Rica, in Latin America, the self-proclaimed international capital for cosmetic surgery, costs less than half the U.S. and most of their doctors were trained in the U.S. and Europe, and speak English.

What About The Quality Of Care From Overseas Healthcare Institutions?

In the United Sates, The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization, is the body that accredits and certifies hospitals and health care providers. This accreditation is recognized nationwide as the gold standard of quality that certifies that a hospital or health care provider made the commitment to meeting stringent performance standards.

Recognized by the World Health Organization, the International division of Joint Commission, Joint Commission International (JCI), is active in over 80 countries and is considered to be the gold standard to certify international healthcare institutions to insure that they meet the standards of quality healthcare.

With accreditation standards comparable to the U.S., patients are ensured of standardized healthcare practices, regardless of whether a facility is located in the United States, Malaysia, or Costa Rica.

Medical Tourism – An Option For Soaring American Healthcare Costs

Medical tourism, also called medical travel, health tourism or global health care, is the process of traveling to another country to receive quality health care from highly skilled physicians and surgeons at a fraction of the cost available in the United States, Canada, and the U. K.

With soaring health care costs, and many being unable to afford health insurance, Americans are traveling in large numbers overseas for surgery. In 2007 over 750,000 Americans traveled overseas for medical treatment, and with the current rate of growth, that number is projected to reach 6 million by 2010.

If the health care reforms being debated in Washington in 2009 aren’t implemented, and costs for health care and insurance continue to rise well beyond the rate of inflation, larger numbers of American workers may find themselves being without insurance and being unable to afford surgery except to opt for overseas health care.

For the middle-class uninsured, and for insurers and employers looking at surgery and transplants for as little as 10% of the cost in U.S., even with the added costs of travel and hotels added on, overseas health care is a viable option.

While many of the large U.S. insurance companies are beginning to look at overseas surgery on a case by case basis, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina is offering attractive options for patients who choose lower-cost overseas hospitals.

Medical tourism, a billion industry in 2008, has become especially popular with Americans, Canadians, and U. K. citizens faced with pricey hospital treatments in their home countries.

Frost & Sullivan, an international business research and consultant, with long experience in Malaysia, reports that medical tourism in Malaysia is estimated to reach 0 million by 2010.

Some of the best destinations for medical tourism are Malaysia, Thailand, India, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, and Argentina. While medical treatment is the primary purpose for traveling to a foreign country, an additional week or two for recuperation in a vacation paradise is also appealing.

For those unwilling to travel to far away destinations for medical treatment, San Jose, Costa Rica, in Latin America, the self-proclaimed international capital for cosmetic surgery, costs less than half the U.S. and most of their doctors were trained in the U.S. and Europe, and speak English.

What About The Quality Of Care From Overseas Healthcare Institutions?

In the United Sates, The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization, is the body that accredits and certifies hospitals and health care providers. This accreditation is recognized nationwide as the gold standard of quality that certifies that a hospital or health care provider made the commitment to meeting stringent performance standards.

Recognized by the World Health Organization, the International division of Joint Commission, Joint Commission International (JCI), is active in over 80 countries and is considered to be the gold standard to certify international healthcare institutions to insure that they meet the standards of quality healthcare.

With accreditation standards comparable to the U.S., patients are ensured of standardized healthcare practices, regardless of whether a facility is located in the United States, Malaysia, or Costa Rica.

Medical Tourism – An Option For Soaring American Healthcare Costs

Medical tourism, also called medical travel, health tourism or global health care, is the process of traveling to another country to receive quality health care from highly skilled physicians and surgeons at a fraction of the cost available in the United States, Canada, and the U. K.

With soaring health care costs, and many being unable to afford health insurance, Americans are traveling in large numbers overseas for surgery. In 2007 over 750,000 Americans traveled overseas for medical treatment, and with the current rate of growth, that number is projected to reach 6 million by 2010.

If the health care reforms being debated in Washington in 2009 aren’t implemented, and costs for health care and insurance continue to rise well beyond the rate of inflation, larger numbers of American workers may find themselves being without insurance and being unable to afford surgery except to opt for overseas health care.

For the middle-class uninsured, and for insurers and employers looking at surgery and transplants for as little as 10% of the cost in U.S., even with the added costs of travel and hotels added on, overseas health care is a viable option.

While many of the large U.S. insurance companies are beginning to look at overseas surgery on a case by case basis, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina is offering attractive options for patients who choose lower-cost overseas hospitals.

Medical tourism, a billion industry in 2008, has become especially popular with Americans, Canadians, and U. K. citizens faced with pricey hospital treatments in their home countries.

Frost & Sullivan, an international business research and consultant, with long experience in Malaysia, reports that medical tourism in Malaysia is estimated to reach 0 million by 2010.

Some of the best destinations for medical tourism are Malaysia, Thailand, India, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, and Argentina. While medical treatment is the primary purpose for traveling to a foreign country, an additional week or two for recuperation in a vacation paradise is also appealing.

For those unwilling to travel to far away destinations for medical treatment, San Jose, Costa Rica, in Latin America, the self-proclaimed international capital for cosmetic surgery, costs less than half the U.S. and most of their doctors were trained in the U.S. and Europe, and speak English.

What About The Quality Of Care From Overseas Healthcare Institutions?

In the United Sates, The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization, is the body that accredits and certifies hospitals and health care providers. This accreditation is recognized nationwide as the gold standard of quality that certifies that a hospital or health care provider made the commitment to meeting stringent performance standards.

Recognized by the World Health Organization, the International division of Joint Commission, Joint Commission International (JCI), is active in over 80 countries and is considered to be the gold standard to certify international healthcare institutions to insure that they meet the standards of quality healthcare.

With accreditation standards comparable to the U.S., patients are ensured of standardized healthcare practices, regardless of whether a facility is located in the United States, Malaysia, or Costa Rica.

British And American Tourists Hit For Summer Holidays

British And American Tourists Hit For Summer Holidays

Lower currency exchange rates are responsible seeing changes in summer travel plans for multitudinous British holidaymakers.The value of the euro is increasing, stage the value of Britain’s tremble is on the decline. Visit here now http://cheaptravelpackage.blogspot.com

This event is compelling the way people travel. A movement that used to be affordable has holidaymakers rethinking their plans because of the rising costs.The British pound is following repercussion the footsteps of the U.S. dollar. Compared to the euro, it is at an all-time low. While the dollar has dominated the market for nearly a century, the euro is coming to take its fix prerogative the next seven years. Analysts have predicted a bad year for the British pound, as well.A Troubled Economy

The British economy could be in trouble. The U.K. is facing the same issues as the U.S. thanks to low through financial again real estate trends. The real estate market in the U.K. is down, also it is getting increasingly problematic for middle-class people to buy a home.The declining housing market is finest banks to stop writing mortgages altogether. If this happens across the board, it will put a freeze on the buying and selling of homes in the U.K.What the Falling Pound Means for British Holidaymakers

The emolument of travelling is rising for British holidaymakers as their chief is losing value in the pandemic market. Changes in the tenor of the dollar again the euro admit limited people’s chances of travelling on holiday.Many in the U.K. are addicted to taking many holidays throughout the year. However, the declining concern of their money is putting border on where they incumbency research and how often. People may correspond to forced to change their festival travel plans being certain is getting additional expensive to dig into agency the eurozone.A popular circus destination due to British travelers has been Majorca, Spain.The island of Majorca is a peaceful place for holidaymakers to heaven for a relaxing vacation filled with boisterous monopoly the sun.The British are fond of taking trips to Mallorca – again recognized as Majorca – because legitimate is a relatively inexpensive holiday but changes in the value of the pound also the euro have made it less affordable.However, there restful are a enclose of affordable options through travellers who crave to experience all the adventure again beauty of Mallorca and stay access one of the relevant hotels dominion MallorcaOne option is to provide a good liveliness on the presentation end. Booking airfare also the hotel at the same time can grip money. These packages advance good resources because buying them separately. Last-minute again

all-inclusive deals are other options over saving capital on hotels and holidays in Mallorca.There is further the option of taking a shorter escape to Mallorca. Book a bag of deserved a few days to relax and rejuvenate in the island sun.Holidaymakers also can shift their heart from spending extra money on activities and high-end dinners to simply enjoying the breathtaking charm and sweeping vistas or relaxing on the beach.Fewer Americans Travel to Europe

Just whereas British holidaymakers accept to conclude their summer travel plans, Americans are also changing their travel plans because of the rising euro.The dollar also is doing weak against the euro. The changes clout currency values are manufacture it just as challenging in that Americans as it is for the British to travel to contrasting areas of Europe. Visit here now http://cheaptravelpackage.blogspot.com

History of Native American Turquoise Jewelry in the Usa

The Beautiful blue and green hues of turquoise have long been prized by the Native American peoples of the southwestern part of the USA. Entire cultures were built on mining turquoise and crafting sacred and special items from the attractive stone in areas which are now part of both New Mexico and Nevada. American Indian peoples were making necklace strands and other turquoise jewelry by hand many centuries before the first European settlers arrived. Because turquoise was so highly prized, it was widely exchanged and circulated among the Native peoples of the Americas, and the each of the tribes developed their own unique names for the striking blue stone. Scientific testing has proven that some ancient beads found in central and South America were originally dug from the Cerrillos turquoise mines near Santa Fe, New Mexico.

When the Europeans brought the technology of working metals like silver with them to the new world, the American Indians who learned the silver smith trade learned eventually began to add turquoise with the silver to develop their own special style of jewelry. A Zuni man by the name of Kineshde is believed to be the first to add turquoise to the hand crafted silver items he was making in the late 1800s.

Turquoise first came into popular high fashion in the US during the early 1890s, but Persian turquoise was the focus of the demand at that time, and only a few deposits of high quality turquoise were known in the US. In the following years, a number of high quality deposits previously worked by Native Americans were “rediscovered”, and shortly after 1900 and Americans began to recognize that American turquoise from the Western US was the equal of any in the world. Interest again began to peak around 1908-1910, and a considerable amount of American turquoise was mined, especially in Nevada. The majority of the Turquoise jewelry produced prior to 1910 was made by well-known jewelry manufacturing companies like Tiffany’s, and was produced in the standard Victorian styles of those times.

None of this was what we would recognize as Indian style turquoise jewelry. There were a few Native Americans making turquoise and silver pieces in what we now see as the traditional style, but they produced very few pieces and their very simple tools increased the man hours each piece needed for completion. That era was essentially the dawn of the traditional styles for silver-turquoise jewelry. America’s fascination with turquoise and genuine Indian Jewelry really began in earnest during the 1920′s when more people from outside the southwest began to see the beauty of this artistic jewelry. At that time, the Harvey House restaurant chain opened a number of facilities across the southwest during the great days of popular rail travel across the US. At first, Indian Jewelry was only sold as curios in the restaurants for the patrons touring the west. Earrings and thin, small bracelets stamped with arrows and bows and containing symmetrically cut small oval pieces of turquoise were the types most in demand. The pieces produced during this time are still termed as having been made in the “Fred Harvey” style. Heavy Indian Jewelry did not become popular until after 1925, when the classic squash-blossom necklaces were first brought to the tourist market. The squash-blossom craze lasted until about 1940, when they were discontinued for the most part by most Indian artisans for requiring too much work and too much turquoise.

In the 1920′s and 1930′s, the concho belt changed from a simple silver belt to a more ornate belt with one to multiple turquoise stones in all the individual sections of the belt. The tourist jewelry of that era is highly collectable today. It began to be noticed that sales of Native American jewelry had significant potential to provide a reliable income source to tribal members across Arizona and New Mexico. During those years, schools and classes were established at several reservations to train young men in the trade of making Native American style Sterling and turquoise jewelry. In the following decades, many very talented artists came out of these schools. During the years following WWII, many Americans traveled across the country, and on their trips through the Arizona-New Mexico area, discovered that local traders had rooms full of this Native American jewelry, which the traders called pawn pieces. Most of these were jewelry pieces the Indian people made for themselves and pawned for one of two reasons: either they needed money, or it was considered a safe storage place. As a result of the popularity of these pawn pieces, a host of trading posts sprang up in the Southwest and knowledge of this unique style of jewelry became much more widespread. New jewelry was also created to meet the growing tourist demand. Those who appreciated the beautiful American turquoise began to recognize the general differences in matrix patterns and color, etc. between the different mine sources. During this time, which extended to the early 1950′s, turquoise began to be named, for sales purposes, after the mine in which it was found, such as Lone Mountain, Royston, Blue Gem, and others.

An increasing number of American Indians continued to handcraft silver jewelry in the 1950s and early 1960′s in the traditional way. Up to that time their work was generally popular only in the southwest region of the US, but the increasing amount of material available began to enable a larger audience to see and appreciate this beautiful style of jewelry art. Even so, it did not become widely popular across the entire US until the late 1960′s and early 1970′s. At that time the simple and natural beauty of turquoise jewelry became the rage of the American fashion scene. The prices of the old pawn jewelry rocketed upward, and a craze for Indian turquoise jewelry swelled and boosted demand (and prices) for turquoise to previously undreamed levels.

The increased prices and demand caused the re-opening of many mines and the import of Indian “style” jewelry made by manufacturers in Mexico, Taiwan, and the Philippines. In time, the market became glutted, the consumer was confused by overpriced synthetic, stabilized and plastic imitation materials and by 1981 the supply was high but the demand was gone. The market collapsed and most of the American turquoise mines were shut down and have remained closed since that time. Turquoise demand hit a low water mark in the early 1980s, but has been slowly and steadily increasing in popularity since that time. Most American mines have remained closed, and in recent years high demand for natural American turquoise has caused once again significant increases in prices.

American Express Vacations To Hawaii

Hawaii is rated one of the most popular vacation destination for American travelers by Ask Doc Travel. This destination is also popular with American Express Vacations. But why? What makes this destination so wonderful? For those of us who have traveled to Hawaii, there are so many reasons to visit that we become muddled, answering only “What do you mean what’s so great about Hawaii?” Well, here is some things to keep in mind when you speak of the many wonders which make Hawaii such a popular destination.

Hawaii is comprised of eight islands. These islands are natural wonders that were created in the middle of the ocean by underwater volcanoes. As the magma from these volcanoes cooled, they hardened into rocks. These rock formations became the Hawaiian Islands. The volcanic phenomenon created Hawaii’s famous black sand beaches and the rich soil from which springs the islands lush vegetation. These main islands are Niihau, Kauai , Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii. The island Hawaii is the largest, and is sometimes called the “Big Island” or “Big Isle”. This phenomenon created Hawaii’s famous black sand beaches and the rich soil from which springs the islands lush vegetation.

The climate of Hawaii is one more reason why these islands remain a popular vacation destination. The weather is more moderate than typical tropical areas because of the cooling effect of the surrounding ocean. In layman’s terms, this means that temperatures and humidity tend to be less extreme than places such as the Caribbean or Mexico. In the tourist high season, summer, the high temperatures reaching the upper 80s °F, rarely going into the 90s°F . During the tourist low season of winter, temperatures at the lowest elevation average in the mid-60s. One more reason that Hawaii is preferred is because hurricanes are a rare occurrence compared to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Compared to other tropical paradises, Hawaii is monitored by American safety and health regulations. Yes, it’s ok to drink the tap water! Also, you still have all the rights and protections of a United States citizen. If you or someone you are traveling with should suddenly need medical attention, you have access to regulated and state of the art care. Hawaii can be a real home away from home.

When people think of Hawaii, they think of the aquamarine water and clean sandy beaches. But what else should one experience in Hawaii? Besides the amazingly pristine beach activities, Hawaii offers deluxe shopping that is reminiscent of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, including couture boutiques such as Coach, Gucci, Tiffany’s and more. The islands are also rich in culture and history. One way to experience the beauty of Hawaiian culture is to attend an old fashioned luau. One of the best traditional Luaus is Famous Germaine’s Luau in Kapolei Oahu. Take in some American History by visiting the infamous Pearl Harbor. With so much to see and do, you’ll never get bored.

There is one snag in this otherwise amazing destination: cost. Because Hawaii is an isolated island chain, everything is more expensive. And because Hawaii is the 50th American state, there is no lower currency exchange like in the Caribbean. Thankfully, there are a number of hotel and travel providers who offer different packages and accommodations. Although hotels and air flights can be on sale and are widely available, consumer products like food, souvenirs and sundries are expensive. Food for one person could cost between to 0! One way to avoid expenses is by making sure you pack all the sundries you can think of, such as sunblock, ChapStick, sunglasses and such.

However, when all is said and done, Hawaii is a top destination for a number of good reasons. There is no better place to go for a tropical vacation.