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Brazil, Carnival and More

18
Jun 2009
admin

Considering travelling to Brazil? There is a summary of all important information that you have to know before travelling to Brazil. The Federative Republic of Brazil is the largest country in South America. Following is an overview of fun loving Brazil for travelers.

Overview of Brazil for Travelers

Indigenous peoples have populated for a long, but undetermined, period. European influence began with Pedro Alvares Cabral when he claimed Brazil as a Portuguese colony in 1500. In a little known development, Brazil actually became the location of the Portuguese government in 1808 when Napoleon chased the royal family out of Portugal. While in Brazil, the family ruled from Rio de Janeiro until 1821 when it returned to Europe. This move was motivated by a declaration of independence by Brazil, led by Dom Pedro.

As with many South American countries, Brazil has seen its ups and downs from a political perspective. In 1989, it finally completed a transition to a popularly elected government when Collor de Mello won the popular vote. Less than three years later, he was forced to resign under the cloud of corruption charges. In 2002, Luiz Ignacio da Silva rose to the position of president. Lula, as he is known, represents a major change in Brazilian politics. He is the first leader from the working class.

Brazil covers just less than 3.3 million square miles of South America. The climate in Brazil is mostly tropical, particularly in light of the Amazon River basin.

With a population exceeding 186 million, Brazil is the fifth most populous country in the world and largest in South America. Despite covering a vast area, most of the population lives in urban cities such as Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte. If you think traffic is bad in your location, keep in mind over 18 million people live in greater Sao Paulo!

The people of Brazil are called “Brazilians.” The population is 186 million people and growing at a rate of .1 percent a year. 74 percent of Brazilians consider themselves Roman Catholics. The official language is Portuguese and the literacy rate is 86 percent. Average life expectancy is 71.3 years.Brazil is one of the world’s leading producers of hydroelectric power.

If you are considering visiting Brazil, you should keep in mind that crime can be a problem in certain areas. Use common sense and you will have no problem. Brazil is a blast, very cheap and gets big thumbs up as a travel destination. For some countries Brazil ask for a visitor visa so consult your travel agent before you go.

Undoubtedly, globally Brazil is most known because of its Rio de Janeiro Carnival. When the Carnival arrives, companies close down, shops shut their doors early, and streets are closed off to make way for dancing, parties and parades. This awe inspiring festivity not only provides entertainment for the thousands of people attending the Carnival, but also for the millions watching it on their televisions, giving them a chance to learn about the true culture of Brazil.

The next Carnival starts on Saturday 25th February 2006, and ends on Fat Tuesday leading up to Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in the Roman Catholic calendar. This happens to be during the hottest time of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, when summer is at its peak. When that Saturday arrives then it’s Carnival all over the place, in the streets and squares, bars, clubs and other venues, taking over the whole city of Rio and culminating in the Rio Carnival Parade also known as the Samba Parade.

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Spain: A Hot Spot Destination for Travelling Pensioners

18
Jun 2009
admin

There is no better place in the world to spend a holiday than Spain. Spain offers a myriad of recreational pursuits and you will have little or no problem finding splendid luxury accommodation in Spain.

In fact, when you plan a holiday in Spain you’ll have few worries in terms of arranging your itinerary: this will allow you to focus on other important things concerning your plans. Purchasing travel insurance is extremely important whenever you are travelling and you should not consider a holiday without it.

It is important to remember that you travel to relax and enjoy yourself. With that in mind, it is easy to understand why travel insurance for pensioners is so necessary. With travel insurance in place you can concentrate on enjoying your holiday and get on with visiting all of the fabulous sights in Spain.

Mark Santilli, a frequent traveller, warns about the dangers of not having travel insurance: “I never thought that travel insurance was important. I quickly found out how wrong I was when my wife and I went on a trip to Australia and my wife became seriously ill. Our regular insurance didn’t cover the emergency treatment she needed.”

It is in no way safe to conclude that the new European health insurance card offers enough cover to you and your family. In fact, travel insurance for the over 70’s will cover many things that the new European health insurance card will not. In reality, travel insurance may cover unexpected cancellations, missed departures, lost travel documents, accidents, the loss or theft of baggage, travel delays and certain medical expenses that regular insurance just will not cover. For all intents and purposes then, if you are looking to completely relax and unwind while visiting Spain, or any part of the world, it is truly wise to make a small investment in travel insurance.

Spain is truly a fantastic place to visit and you’ll love travelling from one major city to the next, checking out all of the historical sites that Spain has to offer: cities like Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Granada, Ibiza, Madrid, Malaga, Marbella, Oviedo, Palma, Salamanca, San Sebastian, Santander, Seville, Valencia and Zaragoza. What draws tourists to Spain year after year is the incredible history embedded in each city. Such a history can be thoroughly explored by viewing the unique architecture in each city and by visiting the many cultural sites that hold historical significance: sites that are scattered throughout the country of Spain.

Madrid, the capital of Spain and one of the most popular tourist attractions, possesses fine accommodation and cuisine. The Adler Hotel, the Petit Palace Italia and the Aptos Eurobuilding 2 offer comfortable and affordable accommodation to the tourist. The Adler Hotel, erected in 1884, is located at Calle Velazquez 33, Goya 31 and is the site of a former palace which has been completely remodelled to meet the comfort and needs of today’s traveller. The Adler hotel has 6 floors and 45 rooms to choose from. You will find that the Adler Hotel offers every possible amenity including air conditioning, broadband internet access, satellite television, telephone access and an in-room mini-bar. Additionally, the Petit Palace Italia, erected in 1902, is located at Gran Via 32 and offers similar amenities as does the Aptos Eurobuilding 2, situated at Orense 69.

You find that there are restaurants of all styles everywhere—restaurants that provide the finest cuisine that Spain has to offer. For instance, when visiting Madrid you will discover that many of the restaurants are but a short distance from your chosen accommodation. If you are looking to get a taste of Spanish cuisine there is the Combarro Restaurant but if you are seeking contemporary cuisine, visit the Zalcaín. Likewise, breakfast and brunch are regularly served at the Chocolatería San Gines and if you desire Indian Cuisine the Annapurna you will have no trouble satisfying your appetite.

Of course, you don’t merely visit Spain for its fine cuisine and comfortable accommodation. In fact, pensioners visit Spain s that they can partake in Spain’s magnificent history while they rest and relax on their holiday. There are well over 50 museums and galleries in Madrid alone. Be sure that you can spend all of your time in Spain enjoying the sights—get travel insurance for pensioners—feel safe about your trip and most of all enjoy the sun and the culture.

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Ecuador, Galapagos & more

18
Jun 2009
admin

Located in the Andes, Ecuador is a land of intrigue for travelers. Travel to Ecuador and you can trek the Amazon, climb volcanoes, or loaf on beautiful beaches. Perhaps the biggest reason to travel to Ecuador is a visit to the famous Galapagos Islands. Regardless of your preference, the following attractions are all worth a look.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos island wildlife is unique in the world due to its exotic animals that can only be seen in this group of beautiful and enchanted islands. These islands are a living museum of evolutionary changes, a wide variety of exotic species, penguins, sea lions, Red-billed Tropic Bird, flamingos, giant tortoise, and the galapagos finch (Darwin’s inspiration), all of these exclusive to this Archipelago. Animals in the Galapagos are unafraid of man and so different from any others found elsewhere, this make visitors wonder about their very existence on our planet. Galapagos wildlife is one of the major attractions these islands have to offer to its thousands of visitors each year.

The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of some 13 volcanic islands and associated islets and rocks located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 kilometers west of the coast of South America. The Galápagos archipelago is politically part of Ecuador. The oldest of the islands are about 4 million years old and the youngest are still in the process of being formed. Indeed, the Galápagos islands are considered to be one of the most active volcanic areas in the world.

They are famed for their vast number of endemic species and the studies conducted by Charles Darwin that led to his theory of natural selection. The islands are distributed to the north and south of the equator. The equator crosses the northern part of the largest island, Isabela.

Quito

A hot bed of colonial architecture, Quito is the capital of Ecuador. The city is considered one of the most beautiful in South America with architecturally masterpieces of white washed buildings with red tile roofs. For those living in large cities, you will be shocked by the lack of neon in Quito.

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the climate is an eternal spring throughout the year. The Avenue of the Amazons, “Avenida Amazonas”, is a bustling area with outdoor cafes and good people watching.

Avenue of the Volcanoes, South of Quito, the Avenue of the Volcanoes is a must see. Running down each side of the valley are mountain peaks dotted with dormant volcanoes. Small villages throughout the valley give the area an old world vibe.

Guayaquil

Guayaquil, known throughout Ecuador as the “Pacific Pearl”, is the country’s largest city and the most important seaport. It is the focus of the Ecuadorian economy.

The name Guayaquil originates from an old legend about an Indian chief Guayas who had an Indian wife called Quil who according to folklore both killed themselves through pride in preference to surrendering to the Spaniards.

Public transport is the most popular way to get around in a big city like Guayaquil. Most hotels are in the city center close to the Malecón. At rush hours, local buses are very crowded. Minibuses (furgonetas) are also available, which have their routes posted on the windscreen. All buses run along the Malecón. For example: Bus #15 will take you from the Malecón to Urdesa, Bus #13 to Policentro. Buses are a good cheaper alternative to taxis (out of rush hours).

From December through April, Guayaquil is hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 35º C. The rest of the year is nice and cooler with temperatures between 20º and 25º C.

San Lorenzo Railway

If you’re looking for a new experience, try a ride from San Lorenzo Railway to Ibarra. The trip runs through picturesque scenery, but about the train that is most interesting. The train is actually a bus converted for the tracks! Only in Ecuador!

Manta

The province of Manabi is home to over three hundred kilometers of peaceful and relaxing Pacific Ocean shoreline.

Manta is a picturesque and important port on the Pacific Ocean, located in a dry tropical forest area with an average annual temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (77° F). Because it has some of South America’s most breathtaking beaches, Manta was selected as the site of the sixth South American Windsurfing Championship. It is known for its diving and sport fishing. It also serves as the primary industrial port of Ecuador’s tuna industry.

Montecristi, Ecuador – Panama Hats – This village is internationally renowned for the high quality of the “Panama Hats” that they produce (yes, you red it correctly, Panama Hats have been always from Ecuador and not from Panama). Lying at the foot of a large hill called Montecristi, the small town of the same name has many attractions such as Eloy Alfaro’s (an ex-Ecuadorian President) house, the Hermanas Largacha Museum, and the Monserrate Sanctuary, where thousands of Ecuadorian and foreign pilgrims traditionally flock, especially on the weekends.

Salinas beach

Salinas is considered the best tourist beach resort in Ecuador and the Pacific coastline by many visitors. The sandy moon bay arcs around the resort with dozens of high rising apartment blocks belonging to the wealthier Ecuadorian and foreigner overseas residents overlooking the main road fronted by colourful shops, restaurants, bars, discos, an historical marine museum and major hotels with casinos encased in the latter. Salinas, is also the main starting point to the scenic Pacific “Route of the Sun” with many tourist resorts and attractions to drive through. The high season in Salinas (December – April), is party time with plenty of night life and nice bars to enjoy along the main frontage of the bay. Later this year a water theme park with giant shoots, whirl pools and wave machines will also be a further attraction. Salinas, offers the most developed tourist infrastructure (regarding to accommodation, beaches, resorts and other attractions) together with the most exiting whale watching tours with luxurious yachts and professional guides. The closest and finest location witnesses the wonder of these amazing creatures in the wild. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed…

The weather in Salinas has great temperatures all year round. The major season is warmer with temperatures between 80s-90s, while the quieter season (Mid-May to early December) has lower temperatures (between 60s-70s).

Amazonic region

The Amazon or jungle region, located to the east of the Andes, is one of the most accessible and traveler-friendly areas of the upper Amazon basin, the biologically richest area anywhere on earth. There are innumerable varieties of flora, including many of Ecuador’s 4,500 species of orchids, and many plants with medicinal value.

Wildlife such as butterflies, bats, monkeys, sloths, parrots, macaws, river dolphins and caimans are all relatively easy to view. The Ecuadorian Amazon offers a wide range of activities including swimming, canoe journeys, rain forest walks, bird watching, animal spotting and visits to local jungle communities. The Amazon accounts for little more than 5% of the total population but here there are small communities of Indians such as the Huaorani, Cofan, Shuar, and Siona-Secoya who live in jungle villages and carry on with many of their ancient traditions. The Amazon also has some of the finest white water rafting routes in the country.

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Oceania Cruise Line

18
Jun 2009
admin

When trying to find the best Oceania Cruise Line, make sure you do a good research, because there are so many choices to make, and whatever cruise line you choose to use, will make your vacation a truly dream vacation or a nightmare. There are a few steps you can take make the right choice:

1. Start by doing a search in google, msn or yahoo for the destination you want to go to, find out if it is the best time of the years to visit, are there any oceania cruise lines available during the time that you want to visit? can you afford it?
2. Find out what are the best prices for the different oceania cruise lines you researched above, do they have special prices? When? Sometimes waiting an extra week, or moving your vacation time a few days ahead will save you a lot of money, be flexible if you can and you will be able to save money on almost any oceania cruise lines you research.

3. Do a search on the internet about oceania cruise lines reviews, what are people saying about the different oceania cruise lines, what is bad about them, positive, are there many complaints? What are people complaining about, or may be the reviews are great, what are the positive things people are talking about?

4. Visit the oceania cruise lines web sites, read about what they offer, take a look at the size of the cruise, how many people do they use, read the reviews on their web site, take a look at the picture they have posted, and also the quality of their web site. A well made web site, sometimes, tells you about the quality of the company.

5. Does they oceania cruise lines you like offer the type of food you need? do they offer different choices? is the food part of the whole price

6. Call the oceania cruise lines and ask the questions you need answered before making a decision, take your time on the phone asking about prices, about their specials, and make sure they are available for the dates you planning on taking your vacation.

Oceania Cruise Lines, so many choices, but with a little research you will find your way to a dream vacation.

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Las Vegas Vacation Package

18
Jun 2009
admin

There are at least ten riverboat casinos all within an hour of where I live, so it’s easy for me to get in on some gambling action whenever I want to play cards, slots, or dice. But if you’ve ever been on a riverboat, then you know it’s not exactly an ideal gaming situation. For example, there are very few blackjack tables and you often have to wait 30 minutes or more before a seat become available.

And of course that’s the seat that was getting all the bad cards, which caused the last player to lose all his money and walk away in the first place! As much as I enjoy an entertaining evening of gambling, the action around here could never compare to Vegas. That’s why I regularly monitor all of the different Las Vegas vacation packages that I see advertised.

By purchasing a Las Vegas vacation package, I end up paying one low price for airfare, accommodation, and a rental car. It’s much easier from a convenience and budgeting standpoint to have all of those things taken care of up front than to worry about making and confirming several different reservations, as well as working out the separate payments for each part of my trip. Plus, Las Vegas vacation packages can be personalized to a certain extent. So if I want to catch a few shows while I’m in town, I can purchase tickets as part of my plan. Similarly, if I want to add Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam sightseeing tours to my itinerary, I can easily do that too. There are Las Vegas vacation packages that cover just about anything I would want to do in the area.

There are a few different hotels and casinos that I really enjoy staying at, so I’m glad that I can find Las Vegas vacation packages that feature rooms at the MGM Grand, the Bellagio, New York New York, Hard Rock, and some of the other big-name hotels. Whether I want to stay downtown or on the Strip, I always know there’s a Las Vegas vacation package that’s perfect for me.

I usually book my Las Vegas vacation packages online. There are so many websites offering excellent deals that it wouldn’t make sense to do it any other way. The process is quick and easy, and I’ve never had a problem with tickets or reservations.

If it’s about time for you to get away for some exciting gambling action, superb shows, and exhilarating nightlife, I highly recommend checking out some Las Vegas vacation packages. I think you’ll be surprised at how affordable a trip to Sin City really is!

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Cheap Weekend Breaks

18
Jun 2009
admin

I’ve got a good job, but a kind of irregular one. You see, I probably work less than the average only 3 to 4 days a week, but I’m at work all year around. It is what comes of being a tutor; to make the bills, I simply can’t afford to take time off for an extended vacation. The best I can do is cheap weekend breaks here and there to cure the tedium of work.

The last of my cheap weekend breaks was a trip to Las Vegas. I found my tickets and my hotel through the internet and booked remarkably inexpensive travel all of the way there. You see, there are plenty of people like me who are catered to on the World Wide Web. People who have little money, but love to travel all of the time, who can’t afford to go all out and spend on luxury, but love to take cheap weekend breaks to a variety of destinations.

My trip to Vegas was really one of my favourite. I’m not a gambler, or much of one anyway, but I love the allure of glamour. The lights, the music, the high rollers and the broken dreams, all do something to me. It’s the exoticism of sensation, the immersion in the experience of a world different from my own, that forms the core of most of my cheap weekend breaks.

Before that, I took a mid-winter break to Charleston, South Carolina. In the spring and summer, this charming old southern town is a beach resort, booming with traffic and tourism, but in the winter, its mild weather, quiet beaches, and low tourist population make it one of the ideal cheap weekend breaks. I love that experience of sitting t here on the water, when no one is around; I love the sleepiness of a town in its off season, and the beautiful southern architecture. The hotels are cheap, the food, inexpensive and delicious, and all in all, it makes one of the ideal cheap weekend breaks. There is not much of a music scene or nightlife during the winter, but if you are only going away for the weekend, that isn’t necessarily such a bad thing. You can always take another cheap weekend trip somewhere livelier, such as the aforementioned Vegas, another time. Besides, sometimes it is nice to get away from it all. And this is definitely a less expensive way to do it than Hawaii.

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Cruise Vacation

17
Jun 2009
admin

Thinking you could use an escape from the wintertime blahs, maybe even that dream holiday you’ve been thinking about for years? A Caribbean cruise vacation is the answer! What makes a cruise your dream holiday, you ask? Well, put simply, a cruise combines all the elements of a dream vacation into one blissful trip.

There is ALWAYS something to do, no matter your age or interests. Whether you’re on your honeymoon, vacationing with the family, or spending quality time reuniting old friends, a cruise is guaranteed to fulfill your dreams.

Picture yourself riding on a beautiful cruise ship, looking over the railing to see brilliant blue waters, idyllic sunsets, and dolphins playing in the white-capped waves. Do you feel dreamy already?

This fantasy can be your reality if you choose a cruise for your next vacation. With multiple poolside decks to lay out in the sunshine while enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean, along with reggae music and fruity island beverages, daytime on the cruise ship can be very relaxing. If you prefer to be more active, most ships are fully equipped with activities. Take a jog around the boat-top track, or spend the day in aerobics and yoga classes followed by a massage and facial at the spa.

If shopping is your one true love, you’ll be in heaven with all the shops on the ships, ranging from inexpensive trinkets to fancy wine and fine clothing. As if there isn’t enough to do aboard the boat, don’t forget about island excursions! As the ship makes stops at various tropical paradises, you can take in the local culture or fulfill your need for adventure. Locals await you to take you to their favourite coral to swim with the dolphins or on a waterfall climb. Also, there is unlimited shopping on the islands, so you can really add to your art collection or your wardrobe.

Try the native food of the islands, and maybe learn a new word or two. By the time you climb back aboard your ship you’ll truly feel like you’ve visited another world. Now it’s time to hop in the shower to prepare for the evening. Every night on a cruise ship is magical. Start out with a five-course meal in the fine dining room (that’s already paid for!!). Enjoy drinks, piano music, cover bands, dancing and more in one of the several bars, or try your luck at black jack or poker in the casino. There are always cruise-wide games to play on the decks if you want to meet new people or just be silly with your friends and family.

No matter what you are looking for in a holiday vacation, a cruise is sure to fulfill your dreams!

The Rio Carnival is an event of mere days, but the result of months of preparation. The most giving and hardworking hands during the months before are often the ones most overlooked by outside eyes. These are the people who make the Carnival what it is, they add an ingredient that couldn’t possibly be replicated by the largest tourist operator, most experienced guide or multi million dollar sponsor. They are the people from Rio de Janeiro’s poorest neighbourhoods, the so called favelas or shanty towns.

So where did you think all the magic and thrill Carnival is famous for started? From the production of the elaborate costumes to the performance and choreography of the costume bearers, residents of the favelas are deeply involved with every aspect of the Carnival. More often than not, this is done through their participation and membership to a local samba school.

The samba schools, with members reaching the thousands, will get together on a regular basis throughout the year for rehearsals and samba nights. All the samba schools have rehearsal spaces, called samba courts, or locally known as quadras de samba. They open, in most cases, at weekends for anyone, including tourists like you and me, as long as you pay the small fee at the door. To anyone who’s not been to one of these places they can only be described as nightclubs with samba.

This is the best way to make contact with the real samba and people of Rio de Janeiro. The nights are totally informal, and members of all ages including many old people can go to the party of any school. Most are quite far out of from the main parts of Rio de Janeiro and some of the areas they are situated in can be rough. To this end I would recommend going with a group in a package including a local escort, and round-trip transportation. Once you’re inside, it’s very safe. I would recommend not going flashy or having anything valuable with you except of course your camera. This is only due to the high density and energetic atmosphere of these events and you are more likely to lose or damage such items rather than have them stolen.

So maybe you are planning to come to the Rio carnival, or maybe not and you just want to sample some of the rich carnival energy that lasts all year round in this city. Either way, visiting a Samba school is a great pre-Carnival excursion.

If you are coming for the main event then remember it also means a bit of preparation on your part too. You should not only get your flight, but do a bit of research on your Carnival tickets in advance. Try to plan your Carnival activities ahead to sample the immense variety on offer. Include in your must-do’s the Samba Parade, street parties, and balls. You should also really organize your accommodation for the carnival well in advance.  Toronto Cruises

The best hotels, especially around Copacabana and Ipanema, are booked up early, so it’s advisable to make your hotel reservations as soon as you have decided to attend this spectacular event. Luxury brazil travel packages which include carnival  cruise discount and all the amenities mentioned before are available, so get ready and make the travel to Brazil.

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Arkansas Cabins

15
Jun 2009
admin

When my wife started looking at Arkansas cabins as a destination for our vacation, I thought she was crazy. We are both music aficionados, forced by our jobs to toil in the relative obscurity of suburban Detroit, so when we have the time to take a vacation,

we like to go to a place where we can hear music, loud and live, and in plenty. Some place like New York City, or at least St. Louis. There is Little Rock in Arkansas. Ozark mountain cabins are not exactly the center of the club scene.

But looking at all of the pictures of Arkansas cabins on the internet, it got me thinking – wouldn’t you know it – of my father, and of the fishing trips he used to take me on. When I was little, we used to fish on the Ohio river. Even then, I wasn’t what you would call much of an outdoorsman. While the other tykes ran around, doing boy scouts and little league, I sat inside reading. My dad, a professor at the local college, could hardly disapprove of my nascent intellectualism, but nonetheless, he thought that a boy my age should spend some time out of doors.


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Without my father to force me outside, I must confess that I have somewhat lost track of what the squirrels and moose are up to since then, and I thought a vacation in one of those Arkansas cabins might be just what I needed. There were all kinds of cabins, from little mountain retreats in the Ozarks to generous, sprawling villas on the waterfront. Since it was my wife’s idea, I let her choose between the Arkansas cabins, and we were off.

She’s not much more decisive than I am, and by the time my wife could make up my mind, it was basically a matter of finding which of the Arkansas cabins were still open this late in the season. The one we picked was an Ozark mountain cabin, way off the beaten path, and with a breathtaking view of the whole region. Getting up there took us an extra three hours, and just to get to town to pick up some basic supplies was quite a hike. The electricity was bad, the water was cold, and the cabin was not all that well insulated, but it was worth it. My dad would be proud of me. Next time, will pick from the Arkansas cabins earlier in the year.

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