I know that most people associate the city of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with that incredibly destructive battle that occurred during the Civil War and of course also with the famous Gettysburg Address that was delivered by President Lincoln following the battle to honor the fallen soldiers, however from now on I will have to associate the city with falling in love. That’s a pretty odd combination of associations I know, but hey Pat Benatar said it best, love is a battlefield. Anyway, it all happened in one of the Gettysburg hotels, oh wow, did that add a certain element of intrigue to the whole story? Well, it shouldn’t that’s not actually the most significant part, though I will say that it was a great hotel and the accommodations and additional offerings were fabulous.

It turns out that I was in Gettysburg as part of a special field trip for school that some of the honor school students were able to take part in. Oddly enough while we were there I noticed that Travis, another student in the program, was looking particularly attractive and I started to develop a slight crush. The reason this was odd is because I had never thought of Travis in the romantic sense, nor had I ever thought he was particularly attractive. So, naturally when I started to feel and think that he was I wondered what on earth was going on in my head.

Then, on our last day in town we were having lunch at a place called Dunlap’s Restaurant, and Travis and I ended up sitting right next to each other. Oh, on side note, it’s actually a great restaurant. I had the grilled chicken sandwich and Travis had a mushroom and Swiss hamburger. I think everyone really liked their food and it was a super friendly atmosphere. Anyway, we started talking about some of the things we had seen and we just started making jokes and laughing and then suddenly it felt like we were the only two there. Afterward my friend Rene told me that everyone noticed the connection that happened between us and they all thought it was surprising. Travis and I started hanging out a lot after that and it just seemed natural that we started dating. I still don’t understand it, but I don’t’ really care.

The words, “Roadside Attraction”, make me think of a book I read years ago, by Tom Robbins –”Another Roadside Attraction”.  It was a book that left me feeling a bit strange, as though I had walked through a carnival of freaky things, but for some reason those “freaky things” felt normal.  It was the normalcy that made me feel strange.  Well, that is the feeling I left with after visiting what is known as the original “Roadside Attraction of Florida”, Gatorama.  This is a trip I was not intending to take, but a friend of mine had come to my hotel in Tampa,  and offered a road trip that I would never forget.  How can you possibly say no to an offer like that?

So we headed out, just a short trip from Tampa actually, took about an hour.  And when we pulled into the parking lot I had to question just what it was that I had gotten myself into.  Alligators?  Come on…I mean I know they are all over the swamp lands of Florida, and so to have a park dedicated to them made sense.  But the truth is that they scare the life out of me.  They are too prehistoric and have too many teeth for my comfort.  However, the park was crowded with naturalists and photographers, so I decided to push those fears away and enjoy this day…I was “in Rome” and I was fulling prepared to “do as the Romans do”.  This is the largest breeding facility for captive ‘gators’, and there where many shows throughout the day, with alligators performing in their own ways with their trainers, much scarier than the seals bumping beach balls in Sea World, but fascinating none the less.

There are also many other animals throughout the park such as peacocks, bobcats, and crocodiles.  The love of the animals is all around.  We stopped for a bit of lunch, some Florida barbecue.  I had made my way through my second rib when my friend asked how it was…I said, “Delicious!”…he said, “BBQ Alligator ribs!”  This is where the strange kicked in.  It was a bit like going to the zoo and then eating a lion or an orangutang for lunch.  Images of brightly faded carnival paint and dancing elephants popped into my head.  I mean, it was a park for ‘gators’ and I had just eaten a ‘gator’.  It was bizarre, and yet it was so normal.  So if you’re the type that cherishes the bizarrely normal, or the normally bizarre, take a little drive outside of Tampa on your next trip.  You will not be disappointed in this…another roadside attraction…

There is a heady mix of culture and history in Singapore, and the influences of the multiple cultures that have passed through here over time are visible in the architecture, art, and the cuisine.  Some culinary experts suggest that food is one of the most important ways that a culture performs itself, and the identity of a place is in its foods.  In Singapore, the Indian food reflects a long relationship between that country and this island city state, and there are amazing histories that twine together here in Singapore’s Indian restaurants.

Because of the long relationship between the cultures, some of the best Indian food in the world can be had here, and some would even suggest that some of the best Indian restaurants are, in fact, here.  It’s certainly worth investigating.  There’s a lot to investigate in Singapore, in fact, and Little India is one of the liveliest neighborhoods here.  The Indian population living in Singapore is estimated to be around 7-8%, and has a measurable influence on the local culture.  The population grew at the beginning of the 19th century, when immigrants moved here to work for the military, build roads, clear out swamps, or perform other kinds of very hard physical labor.

Today it’s one of the most active parts of town.  With a splendid sense of visual appeal, there is always a delight for the eyes in this neighborhood.  There is plenty to see in Little India, with small local shops, department stores, and food stalls.  It’s a great place to find spices so you can create your own masterpieces back home.  But let the locals do it while you’re here; it’s fantastic.  One of the most overwhelming times to come would be Sunday night, right around dark, because everyone comes to gather in the main part of town, and it’s a flurry of social activities.  If you like crowds, and if you like doing ethnographic work on mixed populations in the diaspora, then this is your time to look sharp, because there is a tidal wave of people.

Whether it is Fall break, Spring break, Christmas break or Summer vacation, if you have kids or are traveling with kids you are well aware of the fact that at certain times, they just need to be entertained.  Figuring out what will hold their interest may be a challenge, although in the city of Baltimore you have options.  Located close to many an excellent Baltimore restaurant is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum.  This is a place where adults can relax because the kids will be thoroughly captivated.

The museum is located in the center of the nightlife district, which may seem a bit off, but makes for the perfect day with the family as the the restaurants are plentiful–good for the adults, and the museum is great–good for the kids.   The museum is housed in what used to be the Fish Market Building.  This is a place where creativity and education walk hand in hand.  Most people tend to stay at the museum for a few hours, but this can really be an all-day event as there are so many exhibits, and there are cafes located throughout the museum that serve food for the sustenance necessary to keep up with, and to fuel the young ones.

And that sustenance, those young ones will need, as located within the museum is an exhibit entitled “KidsWorks“. This is a dream come true for many children, a three story jungle gym.  Amazing for an adult to look at, and incredible for a child’s eyes.  Too much in one place, the kids will be thrilled.  All of the other exhibits are positioned around this giant structure.   Parents are encouraged to climb the jungle gym, and most times they do find it necessary as their children can get off the gym at any level, and it may be nerve wracking trying to locate them.  But no fear, as climbing through the hoops and crossing the rope bridges and going down the slides may seem a bit exhaustive at first, this is one place where chasing after your child, is actually fun.

One the historically rich areas, located close to Midtown district containing many of the Manhattan business, hotels and restaurants is the form stomping grounds for the most unsavory and downright characters that color the past history of New York.  This is Hell’s Kitchen and I stayed here for a few nights with my friend Robert.  Robert has lived all over the city, and each time I visit, I encounter a different aspect and a different vibe than before.  Due to Robert’s bohemian nature, I learn a bit more each time I go.

At one time the home to many of the Irish-Americans and the members of the various, notorious Five Point gangs, this is now becoming quite a funky and unique neighborhood.  There are boutique stores for dogs on every corner it seems, many different choices of restaurants offering food from different ethnic communities, along with a vast array of interesting and varied shops.  When one visits Hell’s Kitchen one really must take a walk done Eighth Avenue.

This is close to the Port Authority and is one of the busiest streets in the neighborhood.  Again, the variety of shops and merchants is overwhelming, from discount stores for hardware and electronic supplies, to gift shops and clothing boutiques.  The area is also known to be one of the best places in the city to find small, out of the way–a bit hole in the wall in nature, restaurants and bistros.  For some friends of mine who tend to take “food tour vacations” this would be the perfect destination.

The stretch of 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues is known as Restaurant Row.  It reminded me a lot of the stretch of Division Street, between the Avenues of Western and Damen in Chicago.  Just one restaurant after another.  And as is the same with both of these areas in different cities in the United States, there was a time not long ago where walking the streets at night would have been dangerous.  This is not long so for Division Street, and it is no longer so for this area of Hell’s Kitchen.  It’s a wonderful place to get a true feel for all that is the city of Manhattan.

I have been living in Cape Town now for about 12 years. I have never been to the Mesopotamia restaurant, but have heard my friends rave about it for years. So, when my good friend came to visit me from the United States, I decided that this would be a good opportunity to check it out. I picked up my friend who was staying at one of the Cape Town South Africa Hotels and off we went.

When we arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that we had to sit on cushions strewn on the floor. My friend was not delighted about this prospect, having a bad back and just getting off an airplane after almost 22 hours flight time. But, I insisted (I know, it was selfish of me, but I’ve planned this for a while). I did find sitting on the floor to be uncomfortable, but I put up a good front, but I could tell that the look on my friends face was that he was suffering.

Mesopotamia served a Kurdish cuisine. My friend and I have never eaten Kurdish, so we stuck it out. All the dishes on the menu had weird names which made them appear authentic. We were first served a nice selection of mezes for starters which was accompanied by a selection of Nan breads. I can’t tell you which mezes we had because I couldn’t hear a word the waiter was saying. But, I can tell you they did range from very scrumptious to not so tasty. My friend and I did enjoy the variety of different flavors and we were happy dipping our Nan in several bowls which dripped on to our clothes on the way to our hungry mouths.

Our main course was a platter with which we shared. It included a wonderful selection of chicken and lamb as well as some vegetarian sides. Most of the items on the platter was delightful and seem authentic, because it didn’t quite taste like Middle Eastern nor Moroccan, but appeared to look like either. We were delightfully full when the belly dancer came by our table and made us forget we were in pain sitting on floor cushions.

When making travel plans, and looking for a splendid experience in hotels, India, Mumbai specifically, has all that a globe-trotter needs.  Nestled in one of the most glorious cities in the world, our hotels provide an experience in accommodation that is like nowhere else on earth.  Combining the best in tradition, and the most cutting-edge innovations, our hotels show that hospitality still matters.  There is also an impeccable sense of design, where there is an eclectic spirit that merges graciousness with modernity, and helps to create an overall experience of beauty.  The food is also fantastic, and Mumbai generally has some of the finest eating in the world.  The cultural and geographic position of Mumbai has made it so that global influences, along with a long tradition of excellent cooking, are present.

The streets are often dreamy with the smells from residential kitchens and restaurants, and one place to try the best the Mumbai has to offer is Chetana Vegetarian Restaurant.  It stared in 1946 as a coffee and sandwich shop, and developed a reputation among the artists and intellectuals as a place to meet for lively philosophical discussions, and the menu started to grow.  In 2001, they revamped the decor and the menu to include multi-food with its Gujarati and Rajasthani delicacies, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet menu.  The results of the changes have been stunning, as the rave reviews and loyal customer base can attest.

Fans of Chetana rave about the excellent and friendly service, the range of food offered, but mostly about the quality of the food.  Quantity, it seems, is also high on the list of Chetana’s attributes, as customers regularly stuff themselves with its mouth-watering delights.  It is open every day of the year, and has earned its reputation as a dependably wonderful place to eat in South Mumbai.

The best Menorca hotels have a splendid mixture of the old and the new.  This is why our hotels are a fantastic blend, offering the best in contemporary  and time-tested amenities, so that the traveler will be constantly refreshed.  Menorca is one of the best places on earth to refresh the body, mind, and spirit.  A true Spanish hideaway, this small island is close enough to the rest of Spain to be connected to the heart of European culture, but still far enough away to maintain its identity.  There is a tremendous spirit of hospitality here, that’s as old as the tradition of chivalry, which is also firmly in place on the island.  There is also an amazingly complex history here, with evidence of human habitation that goes back to prehistoric times.

There is also a sumptuous array of activities here, so that while one might visit the museums to get a sense of the human story as it has acted itself out in Menorca, there are also lovely restaurants, and an excellent night life, not to mention the beaches, which are simply outstanding.  If this isn’t enough, one might also pass part of the day arguing about the origins of mayonnaise with the locals here.  There are plenty of accounts that seem to suggest that mayonnaise was invented in Menorca.  Salsa de Mahonesa, or Maonesa, has a place in the written history of Menorca that dates back to the 18th century.

The usual story goes that Louis XIV sent his Duc de Richelieu to Menorca to take care of the English who were stationing there.  During the long stay, the Duc’s chef was running out of things to prepare to keep his palate curious and happy.  The chef watched the locals prepare egg mixed with olive oil, and decided to give that a try, and viola! Mayonnaise on Menorca!  There are some, perhaps many, who would argue that the French stole it from the Menorcans, and claimed it as their own.  There are others still who claim that it was invented before this story, and is simply very French.  Whatever the origin, it is also very, very good, and visitors to Menorca are in for a very special treat.

When building the perfect outdoor kitchen, selecting the outdoor kitchen appliances that are right for you can be as much fun as dreaming about your next meal.  There are so many options, and putting the pieces together in your imagination is exciting, but nothing compared to the way it will feel when you’re walking around in it.  There are side grills, grills with searing options, storage possibilities, outdoor lighting, and pizza ovens that will open up new possibilities for culinary adventures.

There is a versatility in grilling that most people might not suspect, until they start learning about the grill.  It’s not accidental that this primal way of cooking food has stuck around for so long, and keeps evolving to the excellent outdoor kitchens that are available today.  So something as seemingly simple as grilled zucchini becomes loaded with possibilities when the possibilities on the grill are expanded.  For beginners, though, it’s important to know a couple of basic things.

First, zucchini, like many vegetables, are composed primarily of water.  The same principles, then, for cooking meat, apply here.  Punctures and cuts in the food can let out all the flavor.  With zucchini, this is more true than perhaps for any other food, where its structure makes it very easy for the water to be released in the cooking process, which can make for a rather dry and flavorless vegetable.  However, with some knowledge about cutting, and sealing the vegetable with butter or oil, the natural flavors, and any other seasonings that you might add, can be locked in to make an exceptional dish.  The other thing to remember for grilling zucchini is, like with other foods, to only turn it once.  This gives those beautiful grill marks, and also insures a capture of flavor.  The right outdoor appliances can really give the right touch, to make for perfect meals every time.

Ramps are the latest hottest menu items being served at Mid-Western cities. They are tender, fresh and local. The attraction might be in the mystery of the Ramp itself. The name itself appears exotic. But, they are nearly as humble like the dandelion greens which are found in close proximity to the Ramp.

Ramps are wild leeks. I have them all over my backyard. I even have them painted on my outdoor kitchen cabinets, for when the Ramp is in flower, it’s a beautiful site. The Ramp is prolific and easy to grow. It’s a bulb and part of the onion and garlic family, related to the lilies. A moist, cook, damp place is required for these bulbs. I found the Mid-Western cities to provide the best zone.

Ramps are milder that an onion, it’s kind of shaped like a scallion and it does taste like a leek, but has a stronger, tangier hint of wild chives. They will appear in early April and flourish during May. They will finish in mid-June if found further north. If you search for wild Ramps, ones not grown in backyards or by local farmers, go to areas where morel mushrooms and fiddlehead ferns can be found. The Ramp peaks at the same time these two plants peak.

When cooking with the Ramps, first trying them in your favorite stew recipe. Next make a custard, a vinaigrette and a ragouts. Puree’ them with potatoes for a spicy, tangy mash. Grill them alongside meat or fish. Serve a relish made of ramps with crayfish, it’s the best. But, my favorite menu item was a Wild Ramp and Golden Potato gnocchi with a sauce of local goat milk ricotta and morel mushrooms.  My mouth just waters with the memory of that dish. Savory, fresh, light and scrumptious.

Going to work Monday through Friday. Eight-o-clock to Five-o-Clock. Walking the dog. Kicking it at the Dance Clubs Friday Evening. Drinking too much and needing a ride home. Sleeping in on Saturday morning. Cleaning the living room, bathroom and bedrooms. Doing the laundry. Grocery shopping for food to make next weeks lunch. Watching the Netflix DVD that just came in the mail. Walking the dog. Meeting with friends at the New York USA Hotel for drinks before heading next door to the movie theater and watch the latest hit. Eat too much popcorn. Saying goodnight to friends and head on home. Flopping down on the sofa and turning on the CD player and listen to some chillaxing tunes. Falling asleep on the sofa.

Waking up early Sunday morning with a crick in the neck. Go Jogging for a mile or so. Reading the New York Times out on the patio after taking a shower. Cooking up breakfast consisting of an Omelet, bacon, wheat toast and fresh orange juice. Calling up a few friends to see what they’re doing. Catching up on Emails. Watching some television. Walking the dog. Checking the personals for anyone interesting to date. Playing World of WarCraft online. Looking up a clock to see it’s 1:37am Monday morning. Regretting playing WoW too long. Making a ham sandwich for lunch tomorrow and going to bed only to wake up at 6am in the morning to go to work. Going to work Monday through Friday.

These are the dreams Michael has as he lays in his hospital bed on able to move, except for him pinkie finger, at the long-term care facility which he as lived in ever since he has a major Stroke. Rehabilitation helps very little. Basically, the physical therapists visits everyday do lift up his mood, but other than that, all Michael does with his idle time is imagine doing something different.

Every year my Twin Sister and I attend an International Twins Convention held this year in New York. I has already booked our room with New York Hotel Suites when my twin, Cindy, told me she didn’t want to go. She gave me reasons like, her husband got laid-off at the beginning of the year, his diabetes hasn’t improved, her angina is still steadily getting worse and the list went on and on. I told her that I will pay for the trip and to not worry about it and besides I already booked our rooms, separate rooms, since she still smokes. She apologised, but said there’s still no way she can’t go.

We are twins, we are identical technically, but we don’t look alike. I am tall, 5′8″ and she is short, 5′2″. She wears a size double-D bra cup and I wear a size B bra cup. She is a meat eater and only likes meals that are consider standard American, such as, Macaroni and Cheese, Steak and Baked potato, iceberg lettuce salads, she drinks a liter of coca-cola a day and makes the classic tuna casserole. Where as I am a gluten free vegetarian and like to eat tofu, mixed greens salads, Ethiopian foods, hummus, I drink mostly water and make the ever classic vegetable casserole. Her Health is bad, she has had open-heart surgery, has a circulatory system of an 80 year old and she only 40 and suffers from migraines. My health is perfect and I practice meditation. She’s non-religious and I very spiritual.

We are the very opposite of each and we are closer than any could be to another person. After all we did share the same womb. So, her not wanting to go to the convention and fight are way all the way through stating that yes, we are indeed Identical Twins, I found disappointing. I know the economy sucks right now and her health is failing, but it’s because of those vary reasons I want her to go. She’s my reason for living and I need to see her happy before she’s no longer around.

When searching the world over for the best restaraunts, Dubai is a culinary treasure chest.  There are fantastic eateries with top-notch world-class chefs who specialize in preparing the best of the best in gourmet cuisine.  In this fast-evolving metropolis with a shoreline, Dubai is a sumptuous delight for foods and tastes of all cultures.  There is something for everyone in this delightful paradise, and exotic spice to make your mouth water.

There is also a stunning local arts scene, and the multi-national community is flocking here for its fascinating and unique window on the world.  Local danseuse Tripti Bhupen came to Dubai from India, and has founded and continues to run the Samarpan school of Fine Arts in Dubai.  She is an artiste who has really traveled the globe with her art form.  She did her post-graduate work in Kalekshetra, Chennai, and has performed all over India, and in Russia, France, Germany, and Spain.

In 2005, she participated in Dubai’s World Dance Day, a UN-sponsored three-day event dedicated to the art of dance.  Tripti Bhupen’s program for the event was called the “Dance of Life.”  There were presentations on many facets of Indian classical dance, including folk forms, and fusions with other world forms including classical Western dance, Palestinian dance, and Salsa.  There were also exhibitions of student works in visual arts and culture.  The aims of her part in the festival are to promote awareness of Indian dance styles in Dubai and abroad.  Tripti Bhupen’s deep dedication to the traditions of Indian dance, and her unique ability to make artistic connections between Indian dance forms and forms from other parts of the globe, make for an irresistible entertainment experience, as well as opening possibilities for cultural understading.  Tripti Bhupan is truly an asset to Dubai, and one of many local artists who are helping to make this scene vital and continually shifting.

I’ve gathered up a list of some fantastic New York BBQ Restaurants to check for the hungry traveller and business person that are staying near or at a New York Airport Hotel you don’t need to worry about which one to try and hope you found a good establishment. The ones I list below are all good; all tried and tested.

The Fette Sau is a glutton-friendly smokehouse. Highlighting a deli-style BBQ and featuring sparkling cuts of beef, pork and poultry by the pound. The poultry being brine and smoked Cornish hen. The staple smokey espresso and brown sugar rubbed ribs are truly what to put on your plate or the pastrami, it’s not orthodox because it’s made with beef tongue, but worth the try.

Bone Lick Park, yes! Wonderful. Mmmmmmm…okay I’ll expand on that. It’s all about the slow cooked BBQ. Out back is a wood burning pit.  Hickory, apple and cherry wood fills the atmosphere as savory baby back ribs are being cooked to perfection with a sticky supple covering of peppery sauce. I recommend the Carolina pulled-pork sandwich. It delivers a kick of smoky flavor and not much a mess to clean up.

The Smoke Joint. Wow! What sets this BBQ restaurant apart is it’s claim to ‘Real’ New York barbecue. It can boast that because it’s true.  The reason is the owners don’t stray from the four basic barbecue groups of meats: ribs, brisket, pork and chicken. I recommend The ‘Brooklyn Wings’ they have plenty of smoky flavor and the barely singed lean baby back ribs hickory, mesquite and maple wood flavor will make you come back for more. Even The Smoke Joint sauces which are cooked for six hours are addicting.

I saved the best for last. I best in my opinion. R.U.B BBQ. R.U.B. standing for Righteous Urban Barbecue. They don’t take reservation and make no apologize for using paper plates and towels. These are their dishes and napkins. The reasoning behind this is ‘It’s the BBQ’ dummy. That’s all that matters and they are right. The owner, Paul Kirk is a seven time world champion of barbecue. His mission is to be flawless by Kansas City Barbecue. The ribs are tender and lean. Oh, and Wonder Bread comes with each platter! Along side the slew of tasty baked beans loaded with pieces of brisket.

Bangkok is an amazingly beautiful and vibrant city that has a strong focus on the arts and various forms of performance. Its diverse arts scene includes major touring companies, local professional and high budget spectacles as well as the ambitious productions from local community theatres. Studio 9’s performances are somewhere between these extremes, and it offers quality entertainment at an affordable price. Tourists who are staying in hotels in Bangkok Thailand are often encouraged to attend a show at Studio 9 as part of their overall experience.

The elegant Patravadi Theatre houses Studio 9, which celebrates having over 10 years of production history. Still, it is the youngest and newest of the offerings at the Patravadi Theatre. It bills itself as Dining By The River, and it cannot be accused of false advertisement. Patrons are able to enjoy a magnificent river view across from the Grand Palace. The Studio is a unique venue, and creates a fusion of food and performance for an all inclusive evening. It also has the distinction of providing a stage to some of the country’s most distinguished artists as well as the major up and coming performers who are new to the scene. Not only does it work with a diverse selection of performers, it also offers numerous types and genres of performance entertainment. Dance, theatre and puppetry are just a few among many.

The Grand Palace, which sits across the river from the Patravadi, is one of the most enchanting complexes of buildings in Thailand. Not only is it one of the major cultural icons of Bangkok, but it is an extremely popular tourist attraction. The Palace is filled with regal prestige, which began when it started housing the kings of Thailand back in the 18th century. Tourist will have no problem getting information on the Palace and may well become privy to some exciting historical gossip when they inquire.

For those traveling in to New York this month, a must see attraction was recently put on exhibit at the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan.  Scientists had discovered the forty-seven million year old fossil of a primate, a lemur to be exact, in Germany in the early 1980’s.  She, they have named her Ida, was found in an area where many fossil and other archaeological discoveries have been plentiful, an area called, Messel Pit.

For many years, she was studied in Norway, by a team of anthropologists and scientists led by Dr. Jorn Hurum, at the Natural History Museum located in Oslo. The significance of their findings have indicated that Ida is a the ‘missing link’ between the great apes and the higher primates, humans included, of today. Details of the research have just recently been published, and have been met by some skepticism.  Some state that while she is a member of the higher species of primates, they are not convinced that she is the direct link.  When one travels to New York to catch a glimpse of this incredible fossil, one may ask directions to the Natural History Museum, of those working in the best restaurants.  Manhattan waiters know their city inside and out.

For Dr. Jens Franzen however, he does believe that Ida is closest scientists have come so far, to located the direct or immediate ancestor of the species of primates.  Ida lived during the Eocene Epoch, which is one of the time periods in the history of the earth that was most important and significant for the evolution of the primates.  Ida does resemble a lemur, however she is missing a few of the physical characteristics of the lemurs of today.  When one visits the museum one will find that she is more like a mummy, than a fossil, as there is still some hair on her body, and the remains of her last meal can be seen in her belly.

Believe it or not, Dubai does have bookstores from big Corporate bookstore’s to the small Mom-and-Pops run bookstore. The largest chains, such as Borders, Virgin and Book Corner, with a marvellous inviting interior, carry the latest trends, the latest titles with good discounts. Book Corner also as a great collection of non-fiction such as interior design, architecture and art books. A local bookstore ‘Archie’s Lending Library & Bookshop’, not so much on inside decorations, but looks can be deceiving, it’s one of Dubai’s best kept secrets offering books for lending and even a good collection of Comic Books.
 
The chain bookstores do offer the best variety and selection of not only books. Borders, known through out the world for its children’s sections has delighted parents with live readings to bring their children to listen. Virgin Mega Store is known for it huge selection of music and electronic games and equipment. But, Dubai’s most-loved bookstore is Magrudy’s. Magrudy’s has an excellent selection of English language books. The also have a nice little section for local guide books and maps. The staff, though, is one of the reason’s this bookstore is loved, they are genuinely friendly and their knowledge of the books they carry is impressive. They will even recommend Restaurants Dubai to have a good atmosphere with which to read your newly purchased novel. Their eagerness alone will make you keep coming back just for them and vast knowledge.
 
Not only does ‘Archie’s Lending Library & Bookshop’ have and a lending policy, but ‘The House of Prose’ has an interesting policy also: buy any book at a very reasonable price, read it, then either keep it or return it to get 50 percent of your money back. What a wonderful idea. This secondhand store is a good resource for a bizarre collection of material ranging from crime novels, romance novels to military strategy via ornithology.  So, it depends on your mood, there is an amazing amount of bookstore to choose from in this vastly ever grown Metropolis of Dubai. Happy book hunting and happy reading.

The best spice mix of India is the classic Garam Masala.  A gathering of spices easy to purchase at any local market and wonderful to add to any of your favorite dishes and serve to your family and friends. Garam Masala is a standard spice mix used at all the Palace Hotel India  five star restaurants and at all the local restaurants. Garam Masala is known through out the world cuisine as being one of the most popular spice mixes due to the ingredients: ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cardamon, ground pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
 
Garam Masala means ‘Hot Spice’. This is not the same ‘hot’ as in a chille, but it does increase body temperature, pleasantly. It’s Indians equivalent of the French herbs ‘de Provence’ or the Chinese five spice mix. The spice mixture changes from region to region in Northern India. Each chef and or household add or take away a spice to make it their very own. They will even toast and grind all the spices bought from the local Farmers Markets rather than purchase a pre-made blend at a big grocery store. Garam Masala is, as a rule, added at the last step of cooking. Used like a fresh herb, so if cooked too long it will become bitter. It also needs to be added in small quantities to the meal you are preparing or otherwise it will over power the dish.
 
This warm hearted blend of spices is mainly used in Northern India and is used mostly for meat dishes; it also adds a wonderful tasted to vegetable as well.  According to  the India Ayurveda tradition it is a wonderful blend  not only adds a myriad of flavors, but with it’s preventative and curative properties it will promote well-being and good health by allowing food to be digested more easily. The ‘heating’ of the body, as I mentioned above, raises the bodies metabolism with which not only promotes a better digestion, but it is also good at keeping people warm in the winter and much better to use than chillies which makes one perspire then cause one to get cold again.