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Walt Disney And Mickey Welcome You

December 3, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Walt Disney And Mickey Welcome You

Walt Disney and Mickey welcome you to the magical world of Disneyland, California USA. It’s a world of laughter! It is a world of fun. Year around, Disneyland comes alive with enchantment. Clever and spectacular decorations are everywhere. Let your imagination roam free, in the land of magic. Walt Disney and his friend, Mickey, are ready to welcome you to the most amazing celebration of all time. It is a world of fantasy characters with astonishing costumes. Characters come alive in the world of yesterday. Walt Disney welcomes you to the land of make-believe.

Get ready to sail the world in “It’s a small World After All.” Characters from around the globe appear singing the theme song in their native language. Take off on a whimsical boat ride with children from around the world as your hosts. From the moment that Walt Disney and Mickey welcome you in the gate, it is non-stop entertainment and fun. Come on in and lets celebrate.

Enjoy the world of “Frozen.” The snow has fallen and the ice is blue. What a sensational experience. Here you will frolick in the land of Frozen, while enjoying the mild sunny days of Southern California. This sensational story that has swept the hearts of people the world over is continuing at Disneyland. Enjoy the thrilling experience as you see old friends and meet new one.

Catch a train ride on Thunder Mountain. Watch the world of Frontierland come alive. Stop by the Big Thunder BBQ for an all American lunch. While you’re so close, visit the Thunder Mountain Ranch. Here at the ranch you can pet, brush, and enjoy the many ranch animals. This will be an amazing experience for animal lovers of all ages.

From the time that Walt Disney and Mickey greet you, adventure is everywhere. There are costumed characters from all the Disney movies. Explore the homes of Mickey and Minnie. Get your sea legs wet as you check out Donald’s Boat. Race around the city with Roger Rabbit. The thrill has just began.

And what about all the princesses and Cinderella? How beautiful they are. Be sure to check out Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Take a walk through the castle. Explore the world of Sleeping Beauty. The castle is priceless! The custums are breathtaking. This is a world of dreams! Come along with us and explore Disneyland California USA.

Check out the many celebrations that happen year around. Christmas is a time of magic. The Christmas Fantasy Parade features all the regulars along with Santa, Mickey and all the crew. Parades are fun and you will see a cross section of all your favorite Disney friends. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and more, look festive in their sensational holiday garments. The streets come alive with Toy Soldiers in their bright red uniforms and big black hats. Walt Disney knows that a good parades makes the World of Disney even more fun. So there are parades for every special season. It’s time to celebrate! The fun has just begun, at Disneyland California USA. So why not load the family in the car and head on out to Disneyland. Adventure is waiting in Southern California.

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It Is A Small World Holiday Magic

November 27, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

It Is A Small World Holiday Magic

It is a small world after all and Disney has made it come alive in Disneyland California USA. As you approach, you will hear the music playing! Upon arrival, catch the next boat, as you join others on the water cruising through the waterways. As you sail along, traditional holiday songs of the region will ring out through the air. And there is of course the amazing and traditional music of “It’s a Small World.” Can you hear the lyrics in your heart? Are they coming alive in your head? Join in as we all sing: It’s a small World After All!

It’s A Small World After All

It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears
It’s a world of hopes and a world of fears
There’s so much that we share that it’s time we’re aware
It’s a small world after all

It’s a small world after all
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small, small world

There is just one moon and one golden sun
And a smile means friendship to everyone
Though the mountains divide
And the oceans are wide
It’s a small world after all

It’s a small world after all
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small, small world

Join the happiest cruise in the world. Sail around the globe, meeting new friends as you go. Of course you will also see old friends as you all join together to sing the songs of the season. What fun the holidays are at the Magic Kingdom’s, It’s a Small World After all, in California. It is fun for the family! Experience the amazing sight of thousands of lights. Lights of many colors adorn the attraction’s magical cities from around the world. You will sail past a wintry wonderland. What an astonishing world-celebrating waterway. You will enjoy sights from around the world. Hear their tunes and see their towns. Decorations from each culture abound. Their special songs and holiday wishes will make this the best holiday ever.

Starting with Toy Soldiers to Chinese Beauties, there will be over 300 animated dolls in the costumes of their country and region. What amazing fun to discover so many places, so many dolls, so many dreams. Their traditional costumes will delight you, their music inspire you. Join in the fun! Meet new friends and embrace all your old friends. This is a spectacular holiday experience!

Discover a fantasy world made with love. Lots of lace, glitter, and paper-mâché. Colorful construction paper and lots of buttons finish the job. This is a simple world. As you sail from the Alps, to the tropics, to the deserts and the plains. You will be singing the theme song in each language. How amazing to sing it in Spanish with the happiest Mexicans in the world.

Es un mundo pequeño después de todo

Un mundo de lágrimas
Es un mundo de esperanza
Y un mundo de temores
Es mucho lo que compartimos
Es el momento en que estemos conscientes de que
Es un mundo pequeño después de todo

Es un mundo pequeño después de todo
Es un mundo pequeño después de todo
Es un mundo pequeño después de todo
Es un mundo pequeño, pequeño, pequeño

Solo hay una luna
Y un sol dorado
Y una sonrisa significa
amistad para todos
Aunque las montañas nos dividen
Y los oceanos son anchos
Es un mundo pequeño despues de todo

Es un mundo pequeño después de todo
Es un mundo pequeño después de todo
Es un mundo pequeño después de todo
Es un mundo pequeño, pequeño

So while you are at Disneyland California, USA, catch the next boat for a world cruise. Sing this famous song in English and Spanish and five other languages of the world. Sing with the French and get excited with the Germans. Relish the Peruvian reed flutes and keep the beat with the Tahitian drums. This is one of the most popular exhibits that Disney ever did. It is so well attended and relished that every park has one modeled after the California Park. If you have never been to “It’s a Small World,” then get ready for a treat. Get your dancing shoes on and your singing voice tuned up, as It is a Small World After All.

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Chestnuts Roasting in ‎Taiwan‬

November 25, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Warm Roasted ‪Chestnuts‬ in ‎Taiwan‬

Chestnuts are roasting on an open fire. If not, then check the oven, the microwave, the steamer or the stove top. Big warm fleshy chestnuts, so delicious and sweet are waiting. These creamy and fleshy chestnuts cry to accompany a hot cup of Apple Cider. They beg to be the side dish to a cup of creamy hot cocoa. In tropical Taiwan, most of the year you could do without the hot open fire. But any way you choose to roast them, they are sure to please. Pass the Roasted Chestnuts, please.

Have you ever thought about dipping them in a little hot butter? Add some herbs and they are even better. Sprinkle a little Pink Salt and they are the balm. No matter how you eat them, they are magnificent. Pass the Roasted Chestnuts, please.

Chestnuts are also marvelous in cooking. They are splendid in soups, terrific in stews, awesome in stuffing, fantastic in candies, and magnificent in desserts. They can be added to almost anything. They are a nutrition power-house on their own right. Sprinkle them on a fresh salad, or a casserole of hot Macaroni and Cheese. However you choose to add them, they will shine, like a night in glowing armor. Pass the chestnuts, please.

If the market did not keep the chestnuts correctly, you might get some with mold. Be careful, clean them carefully, throwing away any moldy nuts. It is often best to purchase early in the season and then dry them or freeze them. When you are ready to roast, you can pull them out and they will be like fresh. If you dried them, just add water to re-hydrate the nuts. These will be great nuts. Please pass the chestnuts.

These nuts are low in calories, low in fat, no sugars, and are rich in vitamins. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber. They are rich in Vitamin C. They are a power-house of nutrition for the teeth, bones, and blood vessels. Like the green leafy vegetables, they are rich in folates. They are an excellent source of unsaturated fat and minerals. Like most nuts, they are gluten-free and rich in B vitamins and Vitamin A. Pass the chestnuts, please.

Chestnuts are grown in the cool season. They are available in the stores from October through March. Their main season ends in December. In Asia and throughout Europe, they are harvested in late fall. The old traditional methods are generally used. Please, pass the chestnuts.

These nuts are naturally sweet and extremely flavorful. The Native Americans used Chestnuts like a staple food. They cooked them much as we cook potatoes. Enjoy these awesome nuts raw, boiled, or roasted. Poke them with a knife to prevent them from bursting. They are the main ingredient in casseroles, stuffing, and other main dishes. You can make Chestnut flour in your food processor or many blenders. Chestnut flour is excellent in Tuscany recipes. They are good in polenta, sweetbreads, biscuits, and cakes. They are excellent in soups and delicious sprinkled on top of ice cream. Pass the Chestnuts, please.

If you are dreaming of those awesome candied Chestnuts, they are easy to make.

Glazed

Large nuts are soaked in water for a few hours

Dip and heat in a concentration of sugar-vanilla syrup…..do this for several days.

Then candied nuts are dried under heat or in sunlight

Pack as desired.

Please pass the candied Chestnuts, please!

Grilling

Rinse and score the fresh nuts.

Set grill up with 2 cooking zones, one medium heat and one just very low.

Roast about 10 minutes on medium heat. If they start to burn move to low.The nuts should be golden brown.

Broiling in an oven

Rinse and score the fresh nuts.

Put the nuts in a pan, cut side up at high point of broiler.

Broil 10 minutes or until shell curls and starts to scorch. Don’t let the nuts burn. They should be golden brown.

Roasting in the oven

Rinse and score the fresh nuts.

Preheat oven to 300 and bake on pan at middle of oven 25-30 minutes.

They are done when they can be easily pierced with a knife.

These are a few of the ways of roasting these amazing nuts. And if you want to buy the best already done, just come on over to Taiwan. They will be hot and fresh and ready to go. Please pass the Chestnuts!

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Bacon On My Plate Please

November 14, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Bacon And The Good Life

Bacon mania is everywhere! Paired with eggs, it is perhaps one of the favorite American breakfasts. The average American eats more than 18 pounds of bacon during the year. This statistic does not take into consideration the Americans that do not eat any Pork at all. Many Americans are on pork free diets for health or religious reasons, plus all the Vegetarians and Vegans. Subtract these from the numbers and you will see that Americans love their bacon. The average American probably consumes almost double what the statistics show each month. How did bacon get to be so popular? What is the story behind this breakfast meat?

It’s not like this breakfast meat is the new kid on the block. It is not a new product. This meat dates all the way back to the Roman Empire. During Roman times, it was called “petaso.” It was cheap and easy to cook. Petaso was simply domesticated pig meat. It often was boiled with figs, browned and seasoned with a tasty pepper sauce. And there you have the first bacon. From the beginning it had a history of being easy to prepare , available year around, and easy on the budget. It is considered by many cultures to be appealing to the palate.

During the 1600’s, European peasants found that it was easy to produce, and was a very cheap source of protein. Smoked bacon was considered to be the best. During this time, bacon became a household stable among Europe’s peasant population. Often just a small amount was added to different dishes to bring out the flavor.

During the 1770’s, John Harris, an Englishman, started the first major industrial bacon manufacturing plant. He opened his company in Wiltshire, England. This area of Southwest England is still the pig capital of the entire world.

The Oscar Mayer brand began as a family business in Chicago’s east-side in 1883 by a German immigrant. This new company grew rapidly. The company grew fast and was setting itself apart from other meat companies. In 1924, it introduced packaged sliced bacon to America. Bacon on my plate was becoming an everyday experience in many American homes.

In the 1990’s a Texas Business owner, Frank Sodolak invented the Chicken Fried Bacon specialty dish. What is Chicken Fried Bacon? Take raw bacon, dip it in a batter, and then deep fry it. Maybe not too healthy, but well-loved by Texans and anyone else who has had it. If you like pork, you will like this Texas treat.

Now we have already established that America loves her bacon. But in 2009, out of San Francisco came the Bacone. The famous Bacone held center stage at the 2009 Bacon Camp held in San Francisco, California. It is made with fresh cooked bacon formed into the shape of a cone. Then you fill it with eggs, hash browns, cheese, and a layer of fresh country-style gravy. Top the cone with a fresh-baked biscuit. All this for only 500 calories.

With all these unique ways to eat this breakfast meat, and many others not mentioned, it stands to reason that good bacon requires good pigs. In America alone, over 2 billion pounds of bacon is produced each year. The Yorkshire and Tamworth breeds have been bred to be the best bacon pigs in the U. S. A. Over 70% of the this meat produced is eaten for breakfast. Up until after World War I, most cooks preferred fat from the pig for cooking in the U.S. At this time, packaged lard was readily available and cheap. Pair it with eggs and it is still an American all time favorite. Yes, I want bacon on my plate please!

Take a road trip and try all the many unique and tasty treats made with this all American meat. This would be the best year to take an all American Bacon Road trip. How many ways can a country eat bacon? Eggs over easy, and double the bacon please. It’s a small part of the American way.

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Exploring The Natural World Of San Diego

November 4, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Exploring The Natural World Of San Diego

Exploring the natural world of San Diego is amazing. It is fascinating! San Diego has a delicate balance with nature. The Mediterranean climate is perfect for nature’s wonders to thrive. Colorful flowers bloom on her magnificent coastline. They are hidden from view, from her highways and byways. Exploring these beautiful flowers will be a delight. Their beauty is magnificent! Here you will discover the many shy creatures that have taken up residence. These little creatures sing songs of pleasure on a sunny day. They sing in the wetlands. Some come out as the sun sets in the Western sky. Have you ever heard a Katydid sing on a nice pleasant evening?

Another jewel in San Diego’s natural environment are the beautiful Torrey Pines. These beautiful pine trees like to stay clustered out of view from San Diego’s Coastal Highway. They are so stately! San Diego has several Natural Reserves that cradle and protect her most vulnerable natural delights. Here you will find outstanding and unique natural flowers, trees, and wildlife. One of these reserves is Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The reserve is an outdoor wilderness in the midst of a sea of urban life. This is the home of our nation’s rarest pine tree, the beautiful Torrey Pine. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has several trails waiting for you to begin exploring.

Within the reserve is the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Here you can explore 316 acres of salt marsh and coastal uplands. These wetlands are vanishing quickly.Within the reserve the birds, animals and flora are protected. Over 90% of San Diego’s Wetlands have been drained and filled in. They are now a vanishing part of urban life. This makes these reserves a very critical part of San Diego County. When the marshes disappear, so do the beautiful flowers that call them home. In time the small animals disappear. The birds are no more.

Sweetwater Marsh is home to 4 of these species that are endangered. Have you ever seen the Light-footed Clapper Rail? This beautiful bird of about 15 inches is gray-brown with a cinnamon-colored belly. Have you ever heard the call of the Light-footed Clapper Rail? In summer their calls sing out through the salt marshes. In the salt marshes they are protected. Exploring this beautiful refuge is a delight. Take time to sit and just listen. Listen to the call of her many creatures.

Take time to hike the many high broken cliffs overlooking the ocean. There are spectacular deep ravines and beautiful headlands. San Diego abounds with many places of natural wonder and beauty. Take time for exploring all the different reserves, marshes, headlands, and beaches. Exploring these beautiful wonders is an adventure in the making. Watch the small animals that call these endangered flowers and trees home. Seek out her many treasures!

Exploring the natural wonders of San Diego makes for a fascinating experience. Listen to the Katydid sing in the night! Hear the call of the Light-footed Clapper Rail as he calls across the marsh. Admire the Yerba Reuma Herb, which grows naturally in the sandy soil. Spend the day hiking this amazing region, exploring the wetlands, mudflats and eel grass beds. Listen to the sounds of nature! Admire the flora. It is all waiting, in San Diego!

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Del Mar By The Beautiful Sea

November 3, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Del Mar By The Beautiful Sea

Del Mar, a beautiful picturesque beach, provides the perfect backdrop for a San Diego Adventure. Del Mar, California has some of the most beautiful beaches in San Diego County. The beaches of Del Mar are so gorgeous and enjoyable. The climate is Mediterranean and it is pleasant year around. San Diego is a perfect family destination. There are over two miles of dazzling and tranquil beaches, just waiting to be discovered. What a fantastic place to relax with a book, or to get your morning walk in. The wet sand provides the perfect track for those who want to run. What ever you desire, you will find it in Del Mar.

The waves at Del Mar are a surfers dream. This lively well-known surfing community has lots of prime surf breaks. When the surf is up, it is up and the surfers are ready to go. From 15th Street in Del Mar to the mouth of the river is the prime surfing beaches. Here you will find over 2 miles of fantastic surfing waves and excellent swimming. This is a major surfing community. It is the best in Northern San Diego. With plenty of intermediate waves for the beginner, there is surfing for every level. Even in Del Mar, you should always check the Del Mar Surfline report before you hit the beach. The weather is usually perfect, and the waves magnificent. Come on down to Del Mar and we will paddle on out.

For those looking for some special family time, there are two wonderful coastal parks. Powerhouse and Sea Grove Parks are located just beyond the surfing area. They are close to 15th Street and provide amazing family fun. What a beautiful location to have a family picnic or even a family reunion. The waves here are calm and perfect for the younger children. There are plenty of picnic tables for your use. This is a fantastic area for the family. Powerhouse Park also has an amazing child’s play area. This is a barefoot friendly, no dog area. It has all kinds of climbing structures and swings for the younger set. For those who just dream of relaxation and a place to sunbathe, Powerhouse has some perfect grass to just chill under the sun. Another great location for sunbathing is the 17th Area beach. No matter what you desire, Powerhouse and Sea Grove Parks are perfect for the family.

Even though Fido is not welcome in the barefoot friendly child’s play area, there is a special area for Fido at the beach. North Beach, often called Dog Beach by locals, is over a half mile of fun for man’s best friend. Located above 29th Street it goes all the way to the edge of Solana Beach. So grab the Frisbee and put Fido in the car. It is time for a little dog exercise in Del Mar. The best volley ball area is here at River Mouth, as the locals call it. Volley ball is a favorite activity among those who call Del Mar home.

Del Mar has some of the most fantastic surfing, padding, diving and places to walk and hike. Run and walk along the beach. Explore the coastal bluffs that overlook this alluring beach. For the serious walker, check out Torrey Pines State Park and all the fantastic trails on the backside of Del Mar, in the magnificent Crest Canyon. No matter what your walking level is, there is a trail custom-made just for you. Just South of 15th Street you will find the best area for jogging and bicycling. Is there anything you can not do at Del Mar Beach?

Twice a year, the Gray Whales make their migration. Sea Grove Park, the cliffs, and those beautiful bluffs provide you with the perfect view of this magnificent event. These beautiful manuals are graceful and magnificent. Here you will find you have the perfect view to enjoy this wonderful occasion.

Even the divers are not left out in Del Mar. Just beyond the surf zone is the perfect place to dive among the reefs. Here you will find beautiful local marine life. There are many species of fish in the Del Mar area. Be sure to look for the magnificent sea urchins, and the Pacific Spiny Lobster. Both are colorful and fascinating. You will also find lots of Rock Scallops just hanging around and stunning Abalone. With all the many species of fish in Del Mar, the fisherman are not to be left out either. There are plenty of places to throw out your line!

With all the beauty and the variety of events in Del Mar, what is keeping you from throwing the family in the car and heading to the beach? The community center is open daily from June-September from 10 am to 6 pm and until 5 pm October-May. Concerts in the park are often held in the stage area. Restrooms are scattered around throughout the beaches and parks. Mom and Grandma can always choose to skip the beach and visit the charming and quaint shops just waiting to be discovered. Almost all women like to shop! You will find everything from name brand clothing, children’s unique fashions, toys and of course gifts for whole the family. At the end of a perfect day, what could be better than to relax over dinner in one of the many small sidewalk cafes? This is a playground for the whole family. There are lots of beaches that have many things, but Del Mar has it all!

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Southern White Rhino Born At The Zoo

November 2, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Southern White Rhino Born At The Zoo

Southern White Rhino Born At The Zoo! Meet Kianga, born October 13th, 2015 to her mother Kacy and her father Maoto. What a bundle of joy she is, weighing in at around 120 pounds. In her native Swahili, Kianga means sunshine. She is definitely a bundle of sunshine!

She is the second calf of Kacy and Maoto. What a beautiful calf she is. She is healthy and very rambunctious. This Southern White Rhino calf is on the go. Her energy level is very high and she is ready to explore her world. The San Diego Zoo welcomes Kianga!

Kianga is the 94th Southern White Rhino calf to be born at the San Diego Safari Park. The Southern White Rhino, unlike her cousin, the Northern White Rhino, numbers around 18,000 in the wild. The Southern White Rhino is classified as “near threatened.” The Northern White Rhino is almost extinct. They number just 4 in the world. These beautiful Rhino’s suffer greatly from poaching. Their horns are considered valuable in some cultures for medicine, though this is not been found to be true. There are also many products made from their horns. Their horns are considered to be highly favored and they are sought after by poachers. Because of all this, it is with great excitement that another Southern White Rhino is welcomed into San Diego’s family of Rhinos.

Kacy is an excellent mother and Kianga is thriving under her care. She is very easy-going with the other Rhinos, but is making sure they keep a safe distance. She is quite protective of little Kianga. This little Southern White Rhino is so blessed to have such a caring mother. Not even her father, Maoto, has been able to come near. For sure, no rhinos are allowed near Kacy’s baby, not even daddy.

So what is in store for Kianga these next few years? For the first year Kianga will nurse from Kacy. During this first year she should gain around 100 pounds each month. She will not be considered full-grown until she is three. As she grows, she will learn to graze on grasses. She will also learn to keep her enormous head and lips very near to the ground. By the time she is three, she will have gained her full adult weight. By the third year she should weigh between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds. Now that is one hefty teenager ready to make it on her own!

Rhinos in general are considered Ambassadors from the past. They have a very ancient lineage. Their ancestors are believed to have existed millions of years ago. Some believe they walked the earth 55 million years ago. What a family tree this little Southern White Rhino has!

There has been over 100 species of rhinos known in the world. Now, there are only five. Two live in Africa and 3 in Asia. All rhinos have two massive horns, and very wide chests. Their skin is very thick, but can be easily damaged. They have very horrible eyesight, and have been known to charge because they are not sure what is happening. They have very keen hearing, however. One of their greatest pleasures is rolling in the mud. No mud, no problem! A good dust bath is awesome also. The mud and dust protect them from the sun and from insects. Now that is frugal preventive medicine.

So what is keeping you from having a Southern White Rhino Adventure at the San Diego Safari Park? Visiting the Rhinos is easy and fun. And of course while you are there, you will want to meet the rest of the clan at the Safari Park. Grab the kids and head for the zoo. Explore the vast African Plains and the amazing Asian Savanna, What fun it will be! You can do it all this, on motorized trikes. What fun for the whole family. The older members of the group have no worries. The motor will do most of the peddling for you. The tour comes complete with a guide and lasts a little over an hour. This will be a true family fun time at the zoo.

The San Diego Zoo has many places you can observe the animals. You will also find trams, where you can see it all from the air. And of course there are Safaris. There are many choices at the zoo. Adventure is waiting! No need to wait a day longer. Pack the kids in the car and head for the San Diego Zoo. This will be a fun day of exploration and adventure. And while you are there, say hi to our newest Southern White Rhino, Kianga.

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Giraffes at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

November 1, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 2 Comments

Giraffes at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Giraffes have left Africa and have arrived at the San Diego Zoo. There is only one specie of giraffes, though there are nine sub-species. The only difference is where they come from in Africa and slight variations in color patterns. The Uganda Giraffe is the only endangered sub-species. It is also the main specie at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Even though the Uganda giraffe is the only endangered giraffe subspecies, it is flourishing at the zoo. It only survives in a very small, totally isolated population in Kenya and Uganda. Their numbers are dwindling each year in their native East Africa. Yet at the Safari Park, there has been over 100 births so far in our large African Plains habitat! The Uganda Giraffes are happy campers at the zoo!

Giraffes are the tallest land animal on the face of the earth. How would you like to have a house with a giraffe for a neighbor? They can look into your window on the second floor. If fact, it is easy work! They have no need to stand on their toes. They are so tall that their gaze is at window level on the second floor. Now that is tall! Look at those legs; they must eat a lot.

What would it take to keep your new friend happy and with a full stomach? It will take pounds of leaves to fill that tummy! The average giraffes will often eat up to 75 pounds of leaves in a single day. They love the Acacia Tree. It is found in their native Uganda. Not even the thorns on the Acacia Tree will slow down a hungry giraffe. They have a very long tongue that just reaches around those pesky thorns. How ingenious is the giraffe!

Are you looking for adventure in Southern California? How about spending the day at the zoo? San Diego Zoo Safari Park is fun and educational for all. There are many ways to view the giraffes. You can watch all the activities of the giraffes from the African Plains Overlook. It is a view point where you can see it all. You can also elect to take an Africa Tram tour. Just think about what you will see from way up over the African Plains Park. Watch them as they eat and play. You may even see a mother with her baby. What fun is the tram tour! And for those who want to get even closer, there is a Caravan Safari. Here you get really up close. You can actually feed your new friends. While this little fellow is looking for his new best friend, Gloria to come see him……maybe it is time for you to become his next best friend. The giraffe is sociable and fun. Don’t miss out on all the adventure available at the San Diego Zoo.

What are you waiting for? It is time to gather the family and hit the road. Your new best friend is waiting!

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Pomegranates Are A Powerhouse Of Health

October 1, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Pomegranates Are A Powerhouse Of Health

Pomegranates, a powerhouse of nutrition, are an American Treat. Travel through Southern California and you will see the many fields of this beautiful fruit. What amazing beauty! This is a fruit that is bright red and filled with many seeds. What a beautiful fruit! At first glance you wonder how to eat anything quite like this. The first question is always, “do I eat the seeds?” Some people choose to eat the fruit off the seeds and then spit the seed out. Other people eat the seed and all. Both are correct, it is just personal preference. The seeds however, carry a powerhouse of nutrition in their own right.

As you are traveling through California, consider stopping at a fruit stand. Enjoy some of the countless fruits that you see growing on the side of the road. California has many different fruits that grow in it’s warm Mediterranean climate. Some of them are the more familiar and then there are those surrounded with mystery. Here are just a few reasons to reach out for the mysterious Pomegranate. Pomegranates have a spectacular supply of health benefits. They help keep you well! They keep your skin young! They balance your moods! The secrets of the California Pomegranate are far reaching.

The pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruits on earth. You can find pictures and stories of pomegranates in the writings and artifacts of many ancient cultures. It is a native of Persia! The Egyptians understood its many benefits in ancient times. This nutrient dense, mysterious fruit has often found itself as a symbol of health and fertility. Many cultures consider it a key to a long life. So what is so great about this funky-looking red fruit?

Pomegranates have a compound called punicalagin. It has been shown to benefit our heart and blood vessels. It is also the reason pomegranates have such antioxidant and health benefits. It not only works to lower cholesterol, but also blood pressure. What an amazing benefit! They are also a secret weapon for melting away heart blockages. In a country where Heart disease is a major problem, how is it that the pomegranates is still so mysterious? Not only are pomegranates good for your heart and blood vessels but they have been shown to inhibit the growth of many cancers. They help to prevent vascular changes that promote tumor growth.

You do not have to travel to California to find the pomegranate. But while in California, lets embark on a pomegranate exploration. Today, as we are looking at all the beautiful fields of red pomegranates, it is time to uncover the mystery. This is the pomegranate adventure!

Fall is the time to harvest all those beautiful red fruits. You will find plenty of fresh pomegranates in the produce section of most markets. However, the freshest pomegranates will come from the small road-side stands on the highways of California. Here they are fresh, having just been picked. You will also often find fresh bottled Pomegranate Juice in these little stands. All Pomegranate Juice is delicious, but the fresh juices sold at the road-side markets are the best.

So other than sitting around and trying to get the fruit off a bunch of tiny seeds, what do you do with this fruit? My personal favorite is to use the fresh fruit and make fresh juice. For this though, you need a good juicer that will separate the seeds from the fruit. After that is done, here are a few ideas to get you going.

Antioxidant Rich Smoothie *
Serves: 2 Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
8 cups organic baby spinach or kale
1 cup pomegranate juice (fresh or bottled)
1 cup blueberries, frozen or fresh
1 cup strawberries, frozen or fresh
8 fresh dates, cut in half
2 tablespoons flax seeds, ground
1/2 avocado

Instructions:
Blend all ingredients together. This is delicious & very healthy!

*Taken from the library of Dr. Fuhrman with a few adaptions for my use

This smoothie is excellent to start your day with. I usually have enough that I use half for breakfast and the other part for lunch. It is delicious! It is filling! It is nutritious!

HIBISCUS-POMEGRANATE ICED TEA***

Makes: 8 servings, about 1 cup each

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including 2 hours chilling time)

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup loose Hibiscus Tea leaves—I like the fresh leaves off my Hibiscus Tea Plant

4 cups boiling water

1 cup Pomegranate Juice

4 cups cold water

Lemon or lime wedges for garnish

*** This is also good with Fig leaves or Jasmine Leaves instead of Hibiscus Tea Leaves

This tea is one of my favorite thirst quenchers on a hot summer day. I also like to add a touch of Green Tea sometimes. This is a fun recipe! It is a marvelous tea. It is one that is very adaptable! Enjoy!

POMEGRANATE WATER

Take 8 cups of cold water

1 cup Pomegranate Juice

Mix and chill.

Fruit waters are a must have in my refrigerator! I usually keep two or three different flavors at a time. It is a marvelous way to stay hydrated. It has very little juice, so it is awesome for those watching their weight! It is a fun way to drink your water! What a splendid drink for a hot summer’s day!

Now that you have a few ideas to start with, it is time for a pomegranate adventure. Now is the time to travel on down to Southern California. The pomegranates are being harvested! The juices are freshly made. The fields full of ripe red fruits are everywhere! And those California sunsets, are magnificent!

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Sleeping Beauty Castle Enchantment

September 21, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Magical Sleeping Beauty Castle

Sleeping Beauty Castle is an enchanted castle in the land of make believe. It is surrounded with extraordinary beauty! It is magical! It vibrates with color! It is astonishing! Sleeping Beauty Castle is the center of Disneyland, California USA. Come, let’s celebrate!

This extraordinary castle found it’s beginning in Germany. Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, provided the inspiration! Walt Disney provided the magic! Add a few French touches! Season it with imagination! Spice it with grandeur! Paint it with love! Then you have….Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Fantasyland is the core to a magnificent Disneyland experience. Walt Disney is the source of all things magical! Sleeping Beauty Castle is his handiwork! His genius and creativity is seen throughout the castle. His vision for greatness is everywhere! His use of color is phenomenal! The sound effects are outstanding! The panorama view of Sleeping Beauty Castle is both mystical and miraculous. It’s extraordinary architecture is astounding! Sleeping Beauty Castle is a world of grander!

Sleeping Beauty Castle soars 77 feet into the air! It was built with a special architectural design. This design is known as forced perspective. It appears to soar so much higher. The majestic spirals reach to the sky! Many seem to go beyond! The clouds seem to touch the top! The projection is amazing! This is the world of magic. It is a world of creativity. It is a place where the party never ends! It is Sleeping Beauty Castle!

Beginning in 1957, visitors were able to walk through this fascinating castle. During this walk-through they could view many re-enactments of the story of Sleeping Beauty. The animated story is fantastic! It is incredulous! It is believable! It is the land of make believe brought to life!

Sadly this fascinating walk-through was closed after the November 11th terrorists attracts. These amazing displays of fantasy grew silent. The walk-through remained closed for several years. It was not until the summer of 2008 that things began to change. In July of 2008 it was re-opened to visitors. It opened with all the original grander! It has all the spectacular colors! It is the story of Sleeping Beauty! It is complete with enhanced technology! Technology, that had not been available back in the 1950’s! The result is miraculous! It is magical! It is the world of Walt Disney!

May 22, 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of Disneyland USA. The “World Of Color Celebrate” began to add many colorful lighting effects to the night! Colors flash through the air! Fantasyland characters come alive. They fill the streets! They fill the skys! The views of the castle are spectacular! The colors engulf the castle spires. The magic extends into the night! It is is astonishing! It is Disneyland USA!

Sleeping Beauty Castle receives a fresh coat of paint! The castle is covered with diamonds! The diamonds glow and sparkle in the night! Glitter is added. The castle twinkles day and night! In the day it is a fairy-tale. In the night it is magic. Welcome to the world of make believe!

“Paint the Night” is introduced at the kick-off celebration! Welcome to Disney’s anniversary party! The sky is alive with color! Light shows enhance the magic. This is the party without end! It is unbelievable! It is magical! It is spectacular! It is Disneyland USA!

This is a party without end. The opening night is a 24 hour event. It is only the beginning! The celebration continues! The fun is contagious! The magic lives on!

“Disneyland Forever” becomes the newest fireworks show. Fireworks fill the air! Disney characters explode in the sky! Color is everywhere! The thunder roars! The lights explode! The entire park lights-up. The castle is shrouded in mystery! The diamonds sparkle in the light! The fireworks are astonishing! The patterns are amazing! The displays of color are spectacular! Welcome…..the party is beginning!

The year 2015 has quickly become an unforgettable year! It is time to celebrate in the land of magic! It is a celebration without end. It continues into the next New Year! Then it continues to the next! This is Disneyland forever! There is no end! There is only a beginning!

Disneyland is unbelievable entertainment. Sleeping Beauty Castle is at the center. It is magnificent! It leaves you speechless! There are no words. It is unique! It has never been done! It is the heart of Walt Disney. Come, let’s celebrate!

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