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

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

Tags: American, History, Jewelry, Native, Turquoise

Product Description
Four journeys by early Americans Mary Rowlandson, Sarah Kemble Knight, William Byrd II, and Dr. Alexander Hamilton recount the vivid physical and psychological challenges of colonial life. Essential primary texts in the study of early American cultural life, they are now conveniently collected in a single volume…. More >>

Colonial American Travel Narratives

Tags: American, Colonial, Narratives, Travel

• ISBN13: 9780618858644
• Condition: USED – VERY GOOD
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Product Description
In his introduction to The Best American Travel Writing 2008, editor Anthony Bourdain writes that the pieces that “spoke the loudest and most powerfully to me were usually evocative of the darker side, those moments fearful, sublime, and absurd; the small epiphanies familiar to the full-time traveler, interspersed by a sense of dislocation—and the strange, unholy need to record the experience.” With this in mind, Bourdain and series editor Jason Wilson have asse… More >>

The Best American Travel Writing 2008

Tags: 2008, American, Best, Travel, Writing

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

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

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

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

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

There is one snag in this otherwise amazing destination: cost. Because Hawaii is an isolated island chain, everything is more expensive. And because Hawaii is the 50th American state, there is no lower currency exchange like in the Caribbean. Thankfully, there are a number of hotel and travel providers who offer different packages and accommodations. Although hotels and air flights can be on sale and are widely available, consumer products like food, souvenirs and sundries are expensive. Food for one person could cost between $50 to $100! One way to avoid expenses is by making sure you pack all the sundries you can think of, such as sunblock, ChapStick, sunglasses and such.

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

Tags: American, Express, Hawaii, Vacations

For Americans planning to travel abroad it’s worthwhile to have contact information for the local embassy or consulate. The American Embassy can be a lifesaving resource for Americans traveling abroad. For a US citizen the local embassy is a wealth of information and resources. They can notify you in the event of an emergency, provide you with medical resources such as physicians, air ambulance companies and hospitals, or help you if you have been the victim of a crime.

If you’ve ever seen the television show, “24” or any of the “Bourne Identity” movies you may believe that the embassy is a place of non-stop political action and adventure. The reality is far less heart stopping but they can be a useful resource for an American traveling in a foreign country.

Before you travel you can register with the Embassy in the country where you will be traveling at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp. This will ensure your safety in the event of an emergency as officials will know where to contact you.

When disasters happen abroad, American consular officers can assist you in evacuating the country, if they know where to locate you. When you register you will provide them with a detailed itinerary and passport information for all in your party. If you are traveling with a tour group, they will likely register the tour group but do ask.

Registering with the embassy is especially important if you plan on an extended stay or if you are traveling to countries subject to natural disasters, civil unrest or political instability. You can also contact the embassy in advance to check on conditions in the country.

The embassy will not serve as a personal concierge but in an emergency, they can assist you with much needed help. For example, if you were injured or became ill while traveling they could provide you or your family with the information for an air ambulance service. The air ambulance company could then coordinate with the local hospital and safely transport you to a hospital in your home location.

The embassy can help not only in medical emergencies but also personal emergencies. If your passport was lost or stolen while traveling the embassy could help you to secure replacement documentation.

Many people travel abroad without incident. However, it pays to plan in advance by having a list of emergency resources just in case. This can be particularly important for medical emergencies. Make sure that you have an emergency list of contacts that includes your local physician, pharmacy (if taking prescribed medication), insurance company, medical evacuation company (they will have a 24 hour line accessible worldwide), hospital and of course the local U.S. Embassy.

Tags: Abroad, American, citizens, Emergency, Help, Traveling

The continuous innovations in modes of travel and the growth of global awareness have incited an increase in the travel and tourist activities all over the world. With the hectic demanding, polluted city life a lot of travelers are in constant search for locations that are still environmentally healthy that will allow them to experience an unspoiled area of Nature. As the world’s population keep on increasing, most vacation spots will eventually become more crowded, making it unsuitable for relaxation. Ultimately those in search of a truly unique travel experience will tend to explore new areas of the world.

One such area that is still commercially unexploited is South America. Nowadays more and more people are becoming fascinated with South American vacations. Whether your interest lies in exploring the spectacular archaeological ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, or the mystery of Rapa Nui off the coast of Chile, or experience the majestic beauty of Ecuador?s Galapagos Islands, this is one experience you will never forget.

Salsa, cumbia, Samba and Tango, life really swings in the rhythmic continent of South America. A variety of influences from different countries like Africa, India and Europe penetrated this undiscovered area giving it a very distinct flavor that lures travelers in embarking on an adventurous South American travel.

The exotic continent offers amazing Pre-Columbian sights all along the Andes in Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. The most popular of these are the Nazca and Machu Picchu in Peru and Ciudad Perdida in Colombia. In addition, tourists are also treated to a tour of stylish colonial churches and palaces in each South-American country. Without doubt architecture lovers and avid historians will flock at South American airlines.

People with a more active and sporty lifestyle are captivated with the idea of skiing in exotic Latin countries like Chile, Bolivia and Argentina during their South American vacations. Meanwhile, innate environmentalists cannot wait for an opportunity to see the biggest rainforest and the longest river in the world in Brazil. The abundance of wildlife, especially on the Wadden islands, also added to its appeal.

People who are intend on finding quite and relaxation usually headed for the Carribean, where the coast of Venezuela and Colombia, as well as the beaches of Brazil, offers great beaches and a relaxing atmosphere. If you had enough of the peace and quite and crave some city action, head for the nearest city. There are several to choose from: Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Santiago or Lima all of which offers attractions that you will normally find in the city but still with a touch of South America?s exotic culture.

South America is a very diverse continent. Although most countries are speaks Spanish, with the exception of Brazil and three Guyana’s. French Guiana, British Guyana and Suriname still speaks the language of their former colonial masters as well as their own languages. Majority of South America?s still utilizes the native Indian languages however they becoming less frequent nowadays.

Planning for a dream vacation in South America can now be arranged quite easily and quickly. Gone is the time when planning and booking a dream vacation meant getting in touch with a travel agent, today there are numerous sites dedicated to travel in the internet.

So, if you have been yearning to get away, start logging on to the internet and check out all the details on South American travel and destinations. You?ll find all the information on hotels, tours and South American airlines, taking it from there will get you to South America in no time.

Tags: American, Destinations, South, Travel

American English, ESL Lesson Plans: 16-Week Pronunciation Course. American Pronunciation.

Tags: American, Pronunciation.

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Tags: American, Language., Languages, Rocket, Sign

Are you an American wondering how or if you can legally visit

Cuba? Join the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have

experienced the thrills of visiting this exciting and exotic

destination legally.

Americans can travel to Cuba legally if they are a Cuban

American, politician, journalist or if you have a research

project that is about Cuba. Others including students,

religious groups and humanitarians can apply for a license from

the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control

(OFAC).

However, having said this, did you know that…

Between 100 000 and 200 000 Americans visit Cuba every year

while only some 6000 licenses are being issued in a 1-2 year

period! That means there are a lot of Americans who are going

without the government’s permission.

If you are someone who wants to exercise their right to travel

freely, and have been dying to see why the Canadians call this

destination their #1 hot vacation spot; here is a guide that I’ve put

together to help you get that Cuba vacation!

There are no travel restrictions for Americans to travel in

Cuba and know that as an American, you are completely safe

there. In fact, Cuba has one of the lowest crime rates around

and is the safest country in the Caribbean. You will however,

have to travel to Cuba from Canada or Mexico.

You will need a valid passport and a Cuban tourist card to enter

Cuba. The price of a Cuban tourist card is approximately $20

CAD and your passport needs to have been valid for at least a

full 6 months prior to your travel.

It is recommended that you also take a copy of your birth

certificate and a valid photo ID. You should also be aware

that with an American passport, it can not be stamped in Cuba;

therefore having these additional identifications can come in

handy in case it is accidentally stamped. I would also

recommend having 2 photocopies of your passport as there are no

American embassies in Cuba, so should you lose your passport,

you may use these copies to exit the country.

During the flight to Canada or Mexico, you will be asked to fill

out a declaration form. This will be collected by the customs

officials in that country and from there, you will proceed to

your carrier’s ticket booth where you can pick up your

travel package that contains your Cuban tourist card. You are

now ready to check in for your flight.

Arriving in Cuba will be much like any other airport, Cuban

customs will x-ray your carry on baggage, as well as frisking

you. This is really informal and low key. There are female

security officers to check the females and male security

officers who check the male traveller’s.

You may now collect your luggage but make sure to keep your

passport and tourist card handy, as you will have to show them

to another agent before you leave the baggage claim area. They

will check to make sure that you have your tourist card, look at

your passport and ask you if this is your first time visiting

Cuba, how many days you’ll be there for and the name or address

of your hotel (keep that info handy just in case!)

Transportation from the airport will have been included with

your travel package, follow everyone else outside and look for

your tour staff who will guide you to your proper bus or taxi

driver.

When you return, you’ve got the same steps only in reverse, also

you need to keep $25 American (this is very important!) as you

have to pay a departure tax of this amount when leaving Cuba

airports.

Organizing your US travel to Cuba will be easier than you ever

imagined! Your travel agent should be able to help you

arrange everything you need for your trip. There are also many

companies online that can help you with this as well.

For more information on Cuba US travel, I recommend

that you visit this site.

http://www.cubatravelusa.com/

Tags: American, Cuba, Guide, Travel