For the office ladies, they are mostly wearing professional uniform. However, some decorations may spice up their appearance, and a wide leather belt can be a good choice. The quality of the leather belt is very essential to the office ladies’ costumes. A wide leather belt in superior quality will enhance the office ladies’ styles and qualities. Those with poor quality though would negatively affect the office ladies’ tastes.

The colors of the fashion belts are also very important though. If you want to differentiate the upper and lower parts of your body with the leather belt, the color of your belt should be in strong contrast to your clothes. In the meantime, you may put on your belt higher than usual in order to highlight the length of the lower part of your body. If you don’t want your body differentiated significantly, the color of your belt should go closely with your clothes’.

When designing the leather belts, Taili Leather Co. Ltd. —http://www.tailileather.com follows the latest trend all the way. We would probe into what is in fashion and what customers need and care. What we usually do is subscribe lots of magazines with latest designs, and attend the fashion shows home and abroad. Our designers savor and try to catch the feelings of the fashion gurus in the world, and then combine some of the Chinese fashion elements in it. To keep sustainable in the leather goods industry, we attach great importance to the constant and speedy designs, which are the prime source of incessant development.     

In time of the financial crisis, adding more values to your products and an effective way to bring forth differentiation of your products over others. By doing so, you may obtain unexpected earning and market shares from it. Sticking to the constant designs of the products against all odds is the best way to walk out of the negativity of the economic crisis fast and smoothly.

The Welsh capital, Cardiff, is really a city on the move. Home to over 350, 000 people, this city underwent a tremendous and progressive development over a period of time. It is home to an impressive coal empire and has evolved into one of Europe’s most beautiful maritime cities, embraced by lovely countryside. Of all the major reconstruction that the city has witnessed, a prominent mention should be given to the impressive appearance of the Millenium Stadium, which greets you as you come out from the railway station. The Millenium Stadium dominates the skyline on the western edge of the city center and is home to many major sporting and entertainment events.

If you visit Cardiff, you are sure to be impressed by the peaceful and carefree life that greets you. The city is famous for its quality of life. Though most of its residents live in the suburbs, they have to travel only for 10 or 15 minutes by public or private transport to get to the city center. The suburbs have a unique charm akin to villages and hamlets that dreams are made of.

Places of interest:

Cardiff Castle: Also known as Castell Caerdydd, Cardiff Castle was founded in Roman times and became the foothold of the Norman Empire. Even now you can see the ruins of the Norman Empire here. The Victorian look of the castle was the brainchild of the third Marquis of Bute (1848-900). He employed an architect called William Burges who decorated the ornate interiors of the castle with murals and added neo-Gothic towers with murals, stained glass windows and decorative carvings. The castle also has two military museums and massive grounds. The famous Bute Park came into existence from the grounds of the Cardiff Castle.

Millennium stadium: This 72,500-seater stadium is one of the most modern and luxuriant sports stadiums in Europe. You can take advantage of the guided tours to visit the pitch, the royal box, the dressing rooms of the players and other areas.

Cardiff Bay: This beautiful place introduces you to some of the finest architectural work in Cardiff. The Cardiff Bay barrage was open to the public after June 2001. This led to a creation of a fresh water lake and a 12 km long waterfront with parks, shopping complexes, entertainment centres, bars and restaurants. Techniquest, a science museum, and Norwegian Arts church arts centres are the other prominent landmarks here.

Museum of Welsh Life (Amgueddfa Werin Cymru): This beautiful museum is set in 104 acres of Parkland, in St. Fagans, west of the city centre. You would be impressed with the extensive collection of precious Welsh literature, works and craftsmanship. There is a collection of historic Welsh townships, farms, tannery, pottery, Victorian schoolrooms etc, which have been purchased from different places in Wales and rebuilt in the huge grounds of the museums. Another notable image would be of the Iron-age Celtic village.

Things to do:

Travel- The public transport in the city is provided by the bus. The main provider is the Cardiff Bus. The buses have an operation time of 0530-2330 hours. The buses have reduced hours during the public holidays and the weekends. Alternatively, you can hire the services of a taxi. They are either black hackney cabs or cars with company logos that indicate that they are used for public transport. There are companies like Black Cabs, DragonTaxies and Central Taxis, which can help you hire the services of their taxis. Visitors are expected to pay about £4.00 for a trip across town. The traffic is quite heavy during the peak hours, which would be Monday through Friday 0800-0900 and 1700-1800. If you want to rent a car, then you would have to own a valid driving license. It could usually be a national driving license. If you are a tourist, then you may also do with an International Driving Permit. You need to check the kind and the grade of insurance given to you along with the car hire.

Eating: Follow the gradation of the restaurants as per the prices, if you plan to eat out at any of the restaurants in Cardiff: Assuming you eat a three course meal accompanied by a half litre of wine, then you should expect to pay the following prices for different grade restaurants: **** (over £40) *** (£25 to £40) ** (£10 to £25) * (under £10) The prices usually include taxes and tips.

Shopping: You can shop till you drop in the specialist shops and boutiques within the seven Victorian and Edwardian arcades situated in the city centres. Important departmental stores such as Howells are open from 9am to 6pm, although this is not a rule. There are some shops that are open on Sundays too.

Special activities: Wales is home to a lot of Eisteddfod festivals around the country. You can feel the ancient Celtic heritage in their music and movies. You can purchase the tickets to the cultural events in Cardiff through phone, box offices or online. The city is famous for the male choir voice, which is the hallmark of the Welsh pride.

Food

It was an early day today, I got up at 4:30 am, and my husband dropped me off at 5:45 am at Toronto’s historic Union Station. Several buses of young students were already unloading their luggage and ready to enter the train station. At about 6 am the Via Rail counters were opening up and since I had a first class ticket (called Via 1), I was directed to Via’s Panorama Lounge, a special section with comfortable armchairs, free newspapers and soft drinks. This was my first time on a Canadian train and I was very excited about experiencing train travel and not having to fight my way through traffic driving to Montreal.

Via 1 passengers received their own special priority boarding announcements and off we went to the first coach behind the locomotive. I made myself comfortable in the seats and stretched my legs. The seats recline very far back so a tired traveler will have a chance to get a good rest. Shortly after I was joined by a gentleman, a businessman from Edmonton who had some appointments in Toronto and was now heading to Montreal for other business duties. Ray kept me entertained with his family stories and humorous tales of growing up in Montreal and time passed quickly as we started rolling through the suburbs of Toronto.

We stopped at the Guildwood Station and then headed off into the green farmlands of Ontario farm. My ticket also included meal service and in a short while we received breakfast, starting with a fruit plate. For our main breakfast dish we had a choice between a Ranchman’s Breakfast (a Cheddar cheese omelette and grilled beef steak served with mini rösti potatoes, sautéed mushrooms and cherry tomato), the second choice were buttermilk pancakes filled with apple cinnamon and cranberry compote served with Canadian back bacon and Quebec maple syrup. Giving in to my sweet tooth I opted for the pancakes.

Mid-morning I got a bit tired and apologized to Ray and said I had to sit back, relax and close my eyes a little since I had had such an early morning. We both fell asleep for a while and Ray was soon entertaining us the whole compartment with a very talented lumberjack impression. I think he cut down an entire old growth forest in the hour and a half during our last stretch to Montreal. When he woke up just outside of Dorion, he told me he never has a problem falling asleep in a train or a plane, and believeme, I could certainly attest to that.

But all in all, I really enjoyed the ride, especially once we started rolling into the suburbs of Montreal. We passed through some of the old industrial areas, some still in their original state, and some beautifully renovated and refunctioned as condos. Montreal, a historic shipping and railroad centre, is one of the cradles of the industrial revolution in Canada and its industrial history includes tanneries, wordworking factories, breweries, shoemaking, textile milles, tobacco and rubber factories, all on display during our train ride through the southern outskirts of downtown Montreal.

Downtown Montreal and its skyscrapers came into view and I was excited to embark on my explorations of this exciting city. Just about 5 hours after we had left Toronto our Via Rail train rolled into the subterranean Gare Central (Central Railway Station), dating back to 1938, at 12 noon. I caught a taxi and was astounded at the congestion in the street in mid-day. The taxi driver himself commented on how busy the city was today. It seemed everyone was getting ready to do their last errands before the long weekend.

I arrived at the Holiday Inn Downtown, located at 90 Viger Street and realized that I was in a perfect location, right in the heart of Montreal’s Chinatown. I was literally only 5 minutes away from Montreal’s biggest and most impressive church: the Basilica of Notre Dame, Montreal’s City Hall was about 7 minutes away and right across the street is the Place d’Armes subway station. I could not have had a more convenient location. Finding a hotel room on this Canada Day long weekend, which incidentially coincides with the July 4 long weekend in the United States is certainly a precarious proposition, and I was very fortunate that the Holiday Inn Downtown had a room available for me. I dropped my luggage with the concierge since the room was not ready yet and I was ready for my first real adventure in Montreal: a personally guided driving tour through the centre of the city which would give me a great lay of the land.

For the entire article including photos please visit
http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/montreal_arrival.htm

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in Ontario, and after last weeks early fall colour tour through the Kawarthas east of Toronto, it was time yesterday to check out the areas west of Toronto. My husband and I set off on the highway, left the 401 at Mississauga Road and drove north into rolling agricultural farmland. Our first interesting village along the way was Glen Williams, a little hamlet outside of Georgetown, whose former sawmill now houses more than 30 artists and artisans. We headed north along the scenic Credit River and drove up onto the Niagara Escarpment and literally stumbled over the Cheltenham Brickworks, a now abandoned brickmaking factory dating back to 1930 that utilized the area’s clay soil to manufacture bricks for Toronto’s housing boom. Abandoned industrial buildings always hold a strange fascination for me, and they offer great opportunities for curious photographers.

Not far away is another very unique area, the Cheltenham Badlands, a unique geological formation of weathered terra cotta hued rock, that originated as a result of deforestation and overgrazing during the early 1900s. It’s a fascinating landscape of undulating hills of red clay with greenish stripes, due to the soil’s red and gray iron oxide content.

The 800-kilometre-long Bruce Trail that goes all the way from Niagara Falls to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula snakes through this region, and there are several entry points close by. The Niagara Escarpment is a truly unique habitat and home to 300 bird species, 53 mammals, 36 reptiles and amphibians, 90 fish and 100 varieties of special interest flora including 37 types of wild orchids. UNESCO named Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment a World Biosphere Reserve in 1990. It’s a popular spot among hikers and naturalists.

We headed east and down the Niagara Escarpment again and drove north in its shadow to the Forks of the Credit area and the quaint little village of Belfountain. This popular excursion destination was founded in the 1820 by Scottish and Irish immigrants, many of whom worked in local quarries, railroads, mills and tanneries. Today the village has souvenir shops, a beautiful country store, a spa, and an ice cream parlour.

From Belfountain we drove westwards through the town of Erin into Wellington County, an area of fertile farmland, punctuated by rivers, gorges, small lakes, and golf courses. Our next stop on this country drive was the little town of Fergus, a town known for its Scottish Heritage which Fergus celebrates every year, usually during the second week of August, with the Fergus Scottish Festival. During this three-day event, visitors from all over the world enjoy all aspects of traditional Highland Games with a wee bit of modern flare tossed in.

Fergus has a number of historic buildings in the downtown area, and a major draw in this little town is the Fergus Market, housed in the historic Beatty Brothers Farm Implement Manufacturing building which overlooks the Beatty Dam and dates back to the 1830s. The foundry was the first industrial location in Fergus and today houses a diverse collection of merchants, food retailers, and artisans.

Just outside Fergus is the Wellington County Museum and Archives. The museum stands majestically overlooking the once mill-laden Grand River. Built of locally quarried limestone in 1877 as the House of Industry and Refuge, this landmark structure then provided shelter for the “deserving poor”, the aged and the homeless for almost a century. The museum now gives visitors an opportunity to experience the cultural legacy left by the intrepid settlers to this vast county of rolling hills, stony fields, deep gorges and quaint villages.

Another few kilometres down the road is the country town of Elora, one of Ontario’s favourite weekend excursion destinations. Elora is situated in a beautiful nature area with glacial rock formations, and its most stunning geological feature is the Elora River which plunges over a number of rapids into the spectacular Elora Gorge. The mill sitting at the top of the gorge, aptly called the Elora Mill, has been turned into an upscale fine dining restaurant and country inn with 32 guest rooms.

The Elora Gorge features several kilometres of 80-foot cliffs, caverns, rapids and quiet pools. During the summer, hiking along the cliffs and inner-tubing through the gorge are favourite pastimes. Hiking trails start right at the Elora Mill. During the winter months visitors indulge in cross-country skiing and scenic nature walks through the area. The Grand River also provides excellent opportunities for fly-fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

The Elora-Cataract trail crosses 47 kilometres of scenic countryside. Between Fergus and Elora the trail passes by the Elora Quarry Conservation Area, an abandoned quarry that is a favourite spot for a refreshing dip. The quiet farmland around Elora is perfect for long country bike rides, and numerous golf courses round out the activities on offer.

During our visit yesterday, Elora was nicely dressed up for Halloween – a variety of ghouls, ghosts, spiders, monsters and witches adorned the buildings, balconies and lamp posts along the town’s main streets.The town also offers a variety of shops, antique stories, galleries and diverse dining establishments. Horse-drawn coach rides throughout town are also a popular activity for tourists.

Not far from Elora you can visit Ontario’s last remaining covered bridge in Montrose, and you’ll have a chance to explore Old Order Mennonite Country. Summer brings a variety of festivals to this area, including the Elora Festival which is a one-month musical showcase of internationally acclaimed musicians and singers.

About 15 minutes south of Elora is the major city of this area: Guelph is a university and manufacturing city with a population of more than 100,000. Its diverse economy also includes high technology enterprises and today Guelph is one of the fastest growing economic regions in all of Canada. Similar to Fergus and Elora, Guelph was founded by Scottish settlers in the 1820s at the junction of the Eramosa and Speed Rivers. The University of Guelph Department of Scottish Studies links academic research to the community of those with Scottish ancestry.The city features many trails for hiking, biking, skiing and horseback riding and a variety of riverside dining establishments.

Guelph’s most stunning architectural feature is the impressive Church of Our Lady Immaculate, a Gothic-Revival structure begun in 1877 and completed in 1888. The twin towers, more than 200 feet high, were not completed until 1926. The Church of Our Lady Immaculate is one of Ontario’s largest and most impressive churches.

This time we didn’t have a chance to explore Guelph in detail as it was getting late afternoon and we had to head back. But there will be another time for exploring this beautiful, historic city and other surrounding communities. But our little excursion out of the city was a perfect Saturday getaway for exploring the history and countryside just outside of Toronto.

These days, the world is at your fingertips. Say the word and you can quickly book a cruise to any of the seven continents. With so many destinations available, how in the world do you choose where to go? Perhaps a quick overview of some exotic, exciting and eclectic spots can help you narrow it down.

Must-See Locations

Some ports are simply “must-sees.” At some point in your life, you really should make time to visit these destinations. They include:

Hawaii – At the entrance to the South Pacific, the Hawaiian Islands deliver more than you could possibly hope for. Almost everyone who visits Hawaii swears they’ll return. From white-sand beaches with vibrant-blue water to wild orchids that grow by the roadside, your eyes are on constant alert for new, remarkable sites. Of course, surfing, scuba diving, whale watching, volcano exploration, world-class golf and more ensure Hawaii lives up to its name of “paradise.” If you love being out in the warm weather and bright sunshine and your family craves an active vacation, Hawaii might be for you.

Europe – With more to see than do, Europe is filled with history, architecture and food! Tours of ancient churches, castles and other buildings comprise many of the excursions available throughout Russia, England, Spain, Italy and France. Temperatures vary greatly with the four seasons.

Caribbean – Oftentimes, the first cruise “beginners” take is to the Caribbean. This area contains several of the most-visited ports in the world. St. Thomas probably ranks #1 followed by Nassau, Bahamas. The Caribbean is broken into three sections: western, eastern and southern. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll find small islands dressed with white-sand beaches and swaying palm trees. Sound familiar? The Caribbean is rather like a miniature version of Hawaii. With lots of activities as well as ample opportunities to relax, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Nassau, Freeport and other islands give you a lot for your money.

Mexican Rivera – Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cozumel are well-known names in the Mexican Rivera. An electic mixture of ancient ruins, modern facilities, vast marketplaces and gorgeous beaches, you’ll find plenty of activities for you and your family. Temperatures are normally warm, so swimsuits are a must!

Alaska – Another popular U.S. destination, Alaska is a different type of vacation. The cold doesn’t stop adventure seekers! Glacier exploration, rainforest expeditions, helicopter tours and an unbelievable variety of wildlife make Alaska some place truly special. For those who prefer to relax, shops and restaurants are plentiful.

Best-Kept Secret Destinations

If you’ve docked at the most popular ports and are now looking to escape to some little known destinations, try a few of these best-kept secrets.

Galápagos Islands – The Galápagos Islands are, without a doubt, one of the most diverse destinations any traveler can experience. Approximately half of the species of animals and plants on the Galápagos Islands are found nowhere else in the world. With flamingos, giant tortoises and red-sand beaches, those who are looking for a new form of adventure will certainly find it here.

Greenland – The free-range reindeer might make you think you’ve landed at Santa’s workshop, but that’s not the case. Greenland lets you experience an entirely new civilization complete with working reindeer farms, local tanneries and museums. A central point of the former Viking culture, Greenland retains its rich heritage and opens its doors for the whole world to see.

Norway – Majestic mountains – snowcapped in the winter months – are echoed by deep canyons carved by centuries of rushing water. Ancient architecture and astonishing natural scenery keep your senses at full tilt. Kayaking, hiking and even nature safaris will bring you closer to the exceptional natural beauty only found in Norway.

The world is waiting! Choose a destination and start exploring today. With so much to do and see, any cruise you take will be an experience you’ll cherish.

However, what if the weather will not allow you to experience the thrills and frills waiting outside your Fez hotel room? Or what if you are not in the mood to face the Fez travel challenges but still looking forward to a fun-filled day? Do not worry, in case severe boredom sets in, try one or more of these five fun things to do inside your Fez accommodation:

1. Lose Yourself In A Book
Finally, it is your chance to finish that book you started reading while on flight but had to put down to give way for those Morocco trips. Reading is always a delightful pastime. Only a book has the ability to bring you to many magical places by just simply flipping pages. Don’t have anything to read? Try Mark Ellingham’s “The Rough Guide to Morocco”.

2. Practice Your Culinary Skill
If you never tried cooking for yourself before, this is an exciting thing to do. Find a recipe of a simple Moroccan dish on the Internet and pretend like you are Morocco’s version of Iron Chef. Remember to follow the instructions carefully so you can come up with a dish that you can be really proud of. Offer it to your travel buddies and ask for feedbacks.

3. Join the Blogosphere
An online travel journal is a must-have for travelers. Your travel experiences and ideas might be helpful to other people. It is also a convenient way of telling your family and friends the events happened to you along your trip. Visiting other blogs can also provide inspiration for future posts. It can even be an avenue for building new friendships. To do this, make sure to book at a Fez hotel that has a reliable Internet connection.

4. Play Sports
Most Morocco accommodations have recreational facilities that you can utilize according to your liking. Tennis courts, swimming pools, and golf courses are the usual amenities found in a Fez hotel. Involving yourself in these sports can benefit you in two ways: one, it can help you escape from boredom; and two, it can be beneficial to your health.

5. Indulge In A Sound Trip
After you feasted your eyes on Fez’s captivating scenery, it is time you give your ears a shot of your favorite tunes. Whatever music genre you are into, a song with a nice rhythm and beat will never fail to bring a relaxing feeling to your body and soul. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite CD, press play, and turn up the volume. Just make sure you do not disturb the Fez hotel occupants next door!

1. Relive the memories of the old city.
The 13th century walls that surround the medina is reminiscent of ancient struggles and battles that took place in Morocco. A tour around the age-old fortresses, gates, and tanneries in your Marrakech travel is a good photo opportunity for tourists. Not only that, you’ll also enjoy the inviting spirit of the modern city amidst the well-preserved relics, natural wonders, and architectural pieces of the past. With friendly people and bustling activities around the corner, you’ll enjoy every minute of this experience.

2. Get lost with the crowd at Djemaa el Fna.
This large square that lies at heart of the old city is teeming with too many spectacles and surprises. From bargain shopping to snake charming, you’ll never have a dull moment in your Marrakech travel. Open your eyes to a lot of things, which include juggling acts, musical performances, as well as belly dancing. You don’t even have to worry about losing your way back to your hotel. As overwhelmingly large as it can be, the square offers a winding escape to interesting sites around the city.

3. Take a spiritual retreat.
They say that paying a visit to popular trails of mosques, churches, and other places of worship is a wonderful Marrakech travel experience that can be life-altering. However, for those who only wish to satisfy their curiosities, time is well-spent in admiring some of the most exquisite architectural designs in the world. You’ll be stunned how Marrakech was able to preserve the intricate details and premedieval style of these structures but much more, how it preserved its solemnity. The famous pilgrimage for the “seven saints” is also found in this city, while the Saadian tombs is highly recommended by most tourist guides.

4. Shop and explore its very best.
Popular market stands also known as “souks” offer the best treat for bargain shopping. The bazaar is usually filled with exotic finds such as metal works, wood pieces, baskets, and leather sets– some of which, you’ll only find in Morocco. You’ll also be advised not to end your Marrakech travel without a belt, jewelry, carpet, or any form of clothing that are found in the souk.

5. Take a journey to the past.
Marrakech is one of the best places to find age-old ceramics, paintings, mosaic, jewelries, and fabrics. Its museums house prestigious artifacts that date back to more than a thousand years. Manuscripts, contemporary arts, and traditional clothing are among the well-preserved collection. You may also take note in your Marrakech travel experience that museums here are not just brick-and-mortar structures but are also adorned with verdant gardens.

6. Stay in luxurious Riads in Marrakech.
Your Marrakech travel experience will not be complete without staying in the city’s famous Riads. These are residential facilities that top any 5-star hotel in modern cities. With luxurious rooms, overlooking views of the fountain, roof top terraces, and exquisite decorations, Riads are one of the best reasons to stay in Marrakech.

7. Experience the colorful tradition of Morocco.
Embrace the Moroccan culture through entertainment activities and festivals in Marrakech. The Popular Arts Festival is a good way to add more life to your Marrakech travel adventures. Have a great time with fortune-tellers, fire swallowers, and acting troupes in the culmination of this festivity. Apart from carnival spectacles, you’ll also witness the horse-riding parade known as Fantasia.

8. Treat yourself to fun-filled activities.
Popular streams of casinos, discos, and bars are found in the city. But remember, alcoholic drinks are not allowed. Chances are, you’ll have to stay sober all night. Apart from enjoying Western hits and Moroccan pop music, your Marrakech travel adventure can never be complete without experiencing a taste of its gourmet paradise. Most cafes and restaurants in Marrakech offer a fusion of flavors from home grown recipes to international dishes.

Sun drenched beaches, world class diving, superb snorkelling and all inclusive resorts may not come to mind when thinking about holidays in the Middle East and North Africa, but it should. Many parts of these countries are taking advantage of their hot climate, clear blue seas and their rich histories offering holidaymakers a variety of sports, activities and relaxation.

Visitors can take day trips to ancient cities such as Luxor in Egypt or Fes in Morocco, shop in the modern metropolises of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, or even take a luxurious Egyptian cruise down the Nile. Britons that feel cheated by the wash out UK summer can take their strong pound and plan a relaxing holiday in the region while having the option of seeing some of the greatest sights in the world.

Fes is the spiritual and cultural centre of Morocco and a great place to go if you have been enchanted by the Moorish style that Morocco exudes. Here you can visit the oldest medina in the country, visit mosques, dye pits and tanneries, and also dine at fantastic restaurants, shop in the open air markets and people watch at the cafes. Mint tea is the beverage of choice, a refreshing drink after strolling through the ancient city where you can explore the narrow streets and be glad you escaped the rain and lacklustre weather back home.

The great pyramids are emblematic of Egypt and are probably what first comes to mind when people think of a holiday there. The majority of visitors travelling to Egypt will most likely go and see this great wonder of the world, but there are other things in Egypt that should not be missed. Egypt has some of the highest class hotels and resorts in the world offering renowned dive centres and water sports as well, which employ experienced teachers to take on first timers or help the advanced improve.

If you are planning your autumn holiday in North Africa or the Middle East it may seem hard to choose but at least it is easy to find a place that has everything you require for your vacation.

The Caribbean may conjure up images of white sands and palm trees, but the sunshine of North Africa clearly rivals even the sunniest spots of these islands while having no threat of hurricane season. If the rainy wet miserable weather of the British summer is giving you itchy feet to get out and catch some rays, don’t pass up the hot sun closer to home in the ancient cities or warm beaches of North Africa and the Middle East.

Society Hill ~

As you might think the name implies, it’s neither an elevation nor the site and badge of social position. It’s actually named for the Free Society of Traders to whom William Penn made liberal concessions of land and privileges.

A sawmill, a glasshouse, and a tannery made up its assets in 1683. In the 18th century, Society Hill was removed from the avenues of commerce and given the residential character it retains today.

It fell upon hard times in the 20th century, but today it is a model of urban renewal and urban amenity in a historic setting. A now vital part of the city, Society Hill is made up of the areas from Walnut Street to Lombard Street and from the Delaware River to Washington Square.

One of Society Hill’s many charms is that its homes are not museums, but are lived in by Philadelphians who love 18th and 19th century houses. And, people who enjoy the hassle-free lifestyle provided by living in Center City condominiums, which are spread fairly evenly throughout the area.

Rittenhouse Square ~

One of William Penn’s original five squares, Rittenhouse Square was known as the southwest square until 1825 when it was named for the astronomer-clockmaker, David Rittenhouse (1732-96).

This amazing man of universal talents one of many in 18th century Philadelphia was a descendant of William Rittenhouse, who built the first paper mill in America in Germantown. David Rittenhouse was at various times a member of the General Assembly and the State Constitutional Convention, president of the Council of Safety, president of the American Philosophical Society and the first director of the United States Mint. He was also Professor of Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania and inventor of the collimating telescope.

Rittenhouse Square has been denoting quality since the first house facing the Square was built in 1840. The Square kept its residential quality during the next century. In 1913, the architect Paul Cret, who was one of the men responsible for Benjamin Franklin Parkway and many of its buildings, designed the Square’s entrances, central plaza with the stone railings, pool and fountain. It was very prestigious to have lived on or even near the Square.

Even though almost all private homes are gone today, it is still a thing of prestige to live in one of Rittenhouse Square’s many high-rise Condominiums. There are several houses still standing in the area, but many have been converted into apartments and Brownstone-style Condo Buildings. Even though cooperative apartments and Philadelphia condominiums displaced private dwellings in the last three decades, some of the Old Guard still live on here in Center City condos in the sky rather than family mansions.

Delancey Place ~

There are a myriad of things to see on Delancey Place:

” Caryatids (female statues) as mullions (vertical window separators) on the window of 1810 Delancey Place, perhaps the only ones in the city

” Acanthus leaves and grape design on the ironwork fence at 1823 Delancey Street

” Leaded and stained glass windows at 1821 Delancey Street

” The small garden with the iron fence at 1835 Delancey Street

From the vantage point of the garden we can have a fine view of 1900 Delancey Place, now the offices of a law firm. It is considered one of the finest townhouses designed by Frank Furness. The ornate decoration and the oval window above the entrance door give it a distinctive appearance in this age of austerity in architectural decoration. Be sure to observe the cherubim and seraphim on the pediments.

Next week, Drake Hogestyn will grace an American Hockey League (AHL) game for a special meet and greet with fans of the soap and of the game.

Reflections Tannery, in cooperation with American Airlines and WEEK and News 25, is bringing Drake Hogestyn also known as John Black to the AHL match between the Peoria Rivermen and the San Antonio Rampage. The game is on the bill next Saturday, November 17 at 7pm.

In support of the Peoria Rivermen, its official website is giving away two game tickets each to 25 lucky winners. The winning entries will also be invited to a private Meet and Greet with Days of Our Lives’ Drake Hogestyn before the game. Aside from the exclusive get together with the promo winners at 5:30pm, Hogestyn will have a public autograph signing from 6:30-8:30pm.

Those interested to take part in the event may sign up for the contest at www.rivermen.net/fanzone/win, or they may click on the FANS tab and the John Black – Register to Win link on the website. For those who simply want to enjoy the rugged action of an AHL hockey match, tickets to the game are currently on sale at the Civic Center Box Office, through all TicketMaster locations, on line at www.TicketMaster.com, or charge by phone at (309) 676-8700. Seats are $18, $13, and $10.

This event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans of the American Hockey League, Peoria Rivermen, Days of Our Lives and most especially Drake Hogestyn to show their continued and enduring support.

For more resources about Days of Our Lives or for the full story of ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum in American Hockey League Event please review http://www.buddytv.com