After today, we will know the outcome of Thai political situation. But traditionally it has always been a Bangkok agenda. Outside Bangkok, it is a different story. It has always been a wonderful pleasure visiting and exploring Thailand outside of Bangkok. And if you agree so, then check out the latest Amazing Thailand website and perhaps be part of the experience in submitting your most memorable experience and a chance to win a prize. ALl the best.....
http://www.mostamazingshow.com/#/hearingthesunshine/
03 July 2011
02 May 2011
Project L.I.F.E. Yogja Calling all Volunteers
Project L.I.F.E.Calling all volunteers who wish to make a difference to those less fortunate. Rotary Club of Singapore is recruiting volunteers to extend humanitarian assistance to affected communities of the Mt Merapi Volcano Eruption disaster (last Oct-Nov 2010), one of the worst eruptions in centuries. These communities are now living in bamboo shelters after few months of living in tents and temporary housing.
After the disaster, communities still live in fear of lahar flow after rainstorms and afraid to return to their land where they have tilled for generations. And because of that, the communities have no income generation and many have to look for jobs in the cities, creating a social problem for the local authorities.
Project LIFE refers to Livelihood through International Friendship & Education. "It is precisely this theme that we want to help the communities by creating a livelihod project that will give HOPE to them", commented Project Leader Jimmy Ooi, member of Rotary Club of Singapore. "We have gathered many ideas from our experience after the Asian Tsunami Disaster in Khao Lak Thailand and the Bantul Tsunami & Earthquake Disaster, south of Yogyakarta that will help the local communities. But we need volunteers to assist to make this happen", says Jimmy.
Project LIFE will be a 2-year programme. The first team is planned for July this year and hopefully more youth volunteer teams will travel there to gain a meaningful experience through Project LIFE Yogya.
More details available at Facebook under "Rotary Project LIFE Youth Volunteers"
USA Air Travel Tips
Here is a selection of air travel tips that I suggest to all of my student groups when they travel to/from USA:
· Do carry on all documents (passport, visa, student pass, medical information, prescription copies, etc) and have copies of these documents both at home and packed in your checked bags.
· Don’t lock your bags. Use cable ties or twist ties to secure zippers, if you wish. These kinds of fasteners may be removed by the security personnel if they need to examine the bags, and they will replace them. Trust me; your locks WILL be cut off. Even if you use TSA approved locks, there’s a good chance that they will be taken off and not replaced, so don’t waste the money buying them.
· Laptops must be removed from briefcases and sent through the x-ray separately, unless you have a special “checkpoint friendly” laptop bag, so have them out before you get to the security check.
· Check with your carrier to ask if your cell phone will work in your destination country, also ask about international plans for Blackberrys and PDAs, these are generally pro-rated and can be turned on and off for your travel dates. And when you are abroad, switch off data roaming mode to avoid substantial roaming charges
· Do carry on all prescriptions, over-the-counter medication, vitamins, anti-diarrhea, anti-gas, antacid, and pain-killer tablets of choice in the original containers. Don’t expect to find your favourite brands available in the destination country.
· Do pack your favourite brands of personal products (feminine products, soaps, shampoos, cleansing tissues, deodorant, and lotions) in the smallest sizes possible in non-aerosol containers. No glass containers. Put any liquid containers in zip-lock bags for extra protection. If you are carrying on liquids, remember TSA’s 3-1-1 rules.
· A light inflatable pillow is nice on long flights, and much more comfortable than those the airlines provide.
· Bring a bottle of water (purchased after the security checkpoint!), a snack or two, and something to read. There are many hours of waiting when traveling in today’s world.
· Pack light – you will have to haul your own luggage, possibly up and down stairs. Airline regulations of how many and what size bags you may check through and carry on vary from carrier to carrier, and they change often. Be sure you know what the regulations are for your carrier and what rules have been established for your particular trip.
Have a wonderful trip!
· Do carry on all documents (passport, visa, student pass, medical information, prescription copies, etc) and have copies of these documents both at home and packed in your checked bags.
· Don’t lock your bags. Use cable ties or twist ties to secure zippers, if you wish. These kinds of fasteners may be removed by the security personnel if they need to examine the bags, and they will replace them. Trust me; your locks WILL be cut off. Even if you use TSA approved locks, there’s a good chance that they will be taken off and not replaced, so don’t waste the money buying them.
· Laptops must be removed from briefcases and sent through the x-ray separately, unless you have a special “checkpoint friendly” laptop bag, so have them out before you get to the security check.
· Check with your carrier to ask if your cell phone will work in your destination country, also ask about international plans for Blackberrys and PDAs, these are generally pro-rated and can be turned on and off for your travel dates. And when you are abroad, switch off data roaming mode to avoid substantial roaming charges
· Do carry on all prescriptions, over-the-counter medication, vitamins, anti-diarrhea, anti-gas, antacid, and pain-killer tablets of choice in the original containers. Don’t expect to find your favourite brands available in the destination country.
· Do pack your favourite brands of personal products (feminine products, soaps, shampoos, cleansing tissues, deodorant, and lotions) in the smallest sizes possible in non-aerosol containers. No glass containers. Put any liquid containers in zip-lock bags for extra protection. If you are carrying on liquids, remember TSA’s 3-1-1 rules.
· A light inflatable pillow is nice on long flights, and much more comfortable than those the airlines provide.
· Bring a bottle of water (purchased after the security checkpoint!), a snack or two, and something to read. There are many hours of waiting when traveling in today’s world.
· Pack light – you will have to haul your own luggage, possibly up and down stairs. Airline regulations of how many and what size bags you may check through and carry on vary from carrier to carrier, and they change often. Be sure you know what the regulations are for your carrier and what rules have been established for your particular trip.
Have a wonderful trip!
26 April 2011
Attn ISE Card Holders - Great Discounts Awaiting
Dear Friends,
As a member of International Student Exchange Cards network, students receive unlimited mileage and 20 percent off normal rates at National Car Rental. With 3,000 offices in 72 nations, National is considered to be one of the world's largest car hire agencies and all locations offer a special rate to ISE Cardholders. Students will need to reference the contract ID #: 5282865 when they make their reservation (1-800-CAR-RENT). While some of you may be skeptical of the need for discounted rates on rental cars, we have actually found them to be quite popular for students who are studying abroad and would like to explore their nearby surroundings. For example, students in San Francisco may feel like taking a day trip along the California coast, or students in Arizona may feel like driving up to the Grand Canyon and spending the day there. Since the United States is not always well connected with train, metro, or bus services (especially if you live a bit outside of the city), having a car to really see the area is a great option.
If any of you are planning to visit Southeast Asia, you should take advantage of the ISE tour discount with Wildlife Expeditions in Borneo, Malaysia. There are nine tours offered ranging from full day to seven-day/six night excursions, and each one comes with a special discounted rate for ISE members. You can see all types of wildlife such as orangutans and sea turtles as you explore the tropical jungles and rainforests. Additional information about Wildlife Expeditions and the exciting tours they offer may be found at: http://www.wildlife-expeditions.com/z-index.php
Alton Towers, one of the UK's best theme parks is another location where ISE Cardholders can save. While there, students can enjoy riding Europe’s first inverted roller-coaster called Oblivion featuring an 88.8 degree drop. There are other nail-biting coaster options such as Thirteen, a coaster which somehow allows the track itself to freefall along with the train, as well as Rita, a coaster that reaches 62 mpg in only 2.2 seconds. To receive the special ISE Cardholder savings of £4, students will need to order ISE discount vouchers in advance by simply writing an e-mail to lisa@isecard.com and saying that you would like to receive discount at the Alton Towers. Lisa will then facilitate the process and let you know what information is needed in order for you to receive voucher in advance.
Hopefully some of these discount locations will be of interest to you as you continue to use the ISE Card.
As a member of International Student Exchange Cards network, students receive unlimited mileage and 20 percent off normal rates at National Car Rental. With 3,000 offices in 72 nations, National is considered to be one of the world's largest car hire agencies and all locations offer a special rate to ISE Cardholders. Students will need to reference the contract ID #: 5282865 when they make their reservation (1-800-CAR-RENT). While some of you may be skeptical of the need for discounted rates on rental cars, we have actually found them to be quite popular for students who are studying abroad and would like to explore their nearby surroundings. For example, students in San Francisco may feel like taking a day trip along the California coast, or students in Arizona may feel like driving up to the Grand Canyon and spending the day there. Since the United States is not always well connected with train, metro, or bus services (especially if you live a bit outside of the city), having a car to really see the area is a great option.
If any of you are planning to visit Southeast Asia, you should take advantage of the ISE tour discount with Wildlife Expeditions in Borneo, Malaysia. There are nine tours offered ranging from full day to seven-day/six night excursions, and each one comes with a special discounted rate for ISE members. You can see all types of wildlife such as orangutans and sea turtles as you explore the tropical jungles and rainforests. Additional information about Wildlife Expeditions and the exciting tours they offer may be found at: http://www.wildlife-expeditions.com/z-index.php
Alton Towers, one of the UK's best theme parks is another location where ISE Cardholders can save. While there, students can enjoy riding Europe’s first inverted roller-coaster called Oblivion featuring an 88.8 degree drop. There are other nail-biting coaster options such as Thirteen, a coaster which somehow allows the track itself to freefall along with the train, as well as Rita, a coaster that reaches 62 mpg in only 2.2 seconds. To receive the special ISE Cardholder savings of £4, students will need to order ISE discount vouchers in advance by simply writing an e-mail to lisa@isecard.com and saying that you would like to receive discount at the Alton Towers. Lisa will then facilitate the process and let you know what information is needed in order for you to receive voucher in advance.
Hopefully some of these discount locations will be of interest to you as you continue to use the ISE Card.
31 March 2011
Packing Tips for Travel
I came across some useful packing tips while I was browsing and looking for ideas for an upcoming trip.
Split up your bank cards, cash, travelers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash.
When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes are perfect to pack at the bottom of a backpack.
When packing a flashlight (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won't empty the batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.
Solid shampoo bars and tooth powder (instead of tooth paste) can be easily located on the internet and make carry-on travel in this age of liquid restriction possible. Places like Beijing now bar all liquids in carry-on bags, and you'll still be able to breeze through without checking.
If you appreciate cold drinks think of using a six-pack cooler as a toiletry bag. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your toiletries your 'toiletry bag' guarantees cheap cold drinks on the beach, no matter how remote. Happy packing!
More travel tips available from www.travellerspoint.com/packing-tips.cfm.
Split up your bank cards, cash, travelers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash.
When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes are perfect to pack at the bottom of a backpack.
When packing a flashlight (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won't empty the batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.
Solid shampoo bars and tooth powder (instead of tooth paste) can be easily located on the internet and make carry-on travel in this age of liquid restriction possible. Places like Beijing now bar all liquids in carry-on bags, and you'll still be able to breeze through without checking.
If you appreciate cold drinks think of using a six-pack cooler as a toiletry bag. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your toiletries your 'toiletry bag' guarantees cheap cold drinks on the beach, no matter how remote. Happy packing!
More travel tips available from www.travellerspoint.com/packing-tips.cfm.
TSA
Have you ever wondered about what you can carry on a plane and what you have to check? Well now, the TSA has an easy search feature on the home page of their website where you can just type in an item and they will tell you whether you can carry it on (fishing poles, knitting needles) or have to check them (ice skates, assault rifles). If you ever have any questions about whether you can carry an item on or not, www.tsa.gov is the place to go! Great for those planning their trip to USA soon.
Tsunami and Earthquake relief effort for Japan
More than 10,000 people were killed in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and thousands more are still missing. Another earthquake struck the north-eastern coast on March 27 and the country is still under major threat from radiation. Now, ISE Cardholders can help out the Japan relief effort by donating to the Red Cross and ISE Card will match your donation up to $10 per cardholder. Go to the Red Cross website and make your donation, then send a copy of your receipt and ISE Card control number to info@isecard.com and ISE Cards will make a matching contribution.
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