In the last few years, medical tourism has become extremely popular within the US. There is an increasing tendency among Americans to travel out of the country for elective surgeries and procedures; and this trend has also been observed in Western Europe, Australia and Asia. It is estimated that around 500,000 Americans travel abroad for medical treatment each year to take advantage of affordable healthcare and medical procedures.

Medical tourism is a term coined by the media that defines going to another country to get medical treatment. Practically all over the world, people are not just going abroad for vacations, but are clubbing their vacation with a medical procedure. It is estimated that medical services in other countries cost 10 percent to 90 percent less than what it costs in the United States. This fact has given medical tourism in America an impetus.

This does not mean that health associations, insurance companies and healthcare providers in the US are not aware of this growing trend. They are; and many health insurance companies are now offering coverage for certain medical procedures that the insuree can have done in another country. In addition, the insurance providers are also offering discounted rates if the person opts for medical tourism.

From cosmetic surgery to dental care to hip replacement are available at cost effective prices in countries like Mexico, India, Thailand, Argentina and Malaysia. In fact, many facilities in these countries are accredited by the Medical Association accrediting boards in the United States.

The reason why medical tourism has become so popular is because of the rising cost of health insurance and healthcare in the United States. The attraction to be able to save money and couple the medical procedure with a holiday is very strong. This is also one source of finding treatment for Americans who are uninsured, and the cost of traveling, staying and the medical procedure works out much cheaper than what the person would have paid in the US.

Tanzania is known as one of the greatest countries in the world to take a safari holiday in. Many people who go there often take a premade itinerary which has been put together be a tour operator as standard, however others choose to create their own customised itinerary that include specific National Parks and Game Reserves or sights they want to see.

Each reserve in Tanzania has its own special and unique qualities about it, to get an idea of what you can see and do in different parks in this country, I have compiled a guide on some of my favour Tanzanian wildlife reserve destinations. 

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Crater is a volcanic caldera in which the majority of the wildlife is mostly located on the ground, or crater floor. The walls surrounding this area reach to around 2,000 feet high, and ensure that the animals are safe from dangers such as poachers. All of the legendary African ‘big five’ can be spotted on the crater flood, which are made up of rhino, lion, elephant, leopard and Cape buffalo. 

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is quite possibly the most famous wildlife park in the world. It extends from North-Western Tanzania, to the Masai Mara of South-Western Kenya. Something that makes the Serengeti very unique, is the fact that it plays host to one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world, the ‘great migration’. The migration sees over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle journey from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara plains in their huge numbers, seeking fresh grass to graze upon. 

Tarangire National Park

Not only is Tarangire famous for seeing lots and lots of elephants, but it is also renowned for the gigantic baobab trees that grow in great populations there. These trees grow to be hundreds of years old, and can reach gigantic sizes in mainly width, but also height. Tarangire is not a large park, so is a pretty safe bet for seeing a large variety of animals sharing the same space. 

Selous Game Reserve

Selous was originally named after the famous big game hunter and explorer Sir Fredrick Selous. It is the largest reserve in the world of its kind, spreading over an area of 55,000 Kilometres Square, in South-Eastern Tanzania. Selous is home to a large population of wildlife, however it is spread around its huge area, presenting a good park for any safari goers wanting a wildlife viewing challenge.

With an average of one million tourists arriving each year, tourism is Kenya’s number one industry, and vital to the nation’s economy. However, the “Dark Continent” has a reputation: life is cheap, violence is brutal and Kenya’s capital is commonly referred to as “Nairobbery”. But how accurate is this picture? What is the reality for ordinary tourists visiting the world’s premier safari destination? This article examines the security situation in Kenya and suggests practical measures you can implement to stay safe during your visit.

Theft and mugging are the main threats to tourists while travelling in Kenya (or Africa generally). The average wage across the continent is about one US dollar per day. So even if you consider yourself the most budget-conscious, cash-strapped backpacker, your western possessions are often irresistible to people who are struggling to feed their families. Often, theft is not malicious, rather it is opportunistic. So the easiest solution is not to provide the opportunity; do not tempt people by carelessly leaving things around. Ways to do this include:

· Do not wear jewellery (watches, necklaces, loop earring that can easily be grabbed)

· Ensure you check your change and put all your money safely away before stepping out of the bank, foreign exchange office or shop.

· If you like it, lock it. Hotels often have safe boxes to store your valuables. So if you do not need it for the day, store it securely.

Harassment is another safety concern, not because you are in physical danger necessarily, but more because it can make you feel uncomfortable and nervous. There is a market for young African men to basically sell themselves to older foreign women. The woman will fall in love with this charming, handsome, charismatic man and soon find herself paying tuition fees, buying him a car, or maybe even a ticket out of his life and into an elite Western lifestyle in the woman’s home country. Sometimes it ends well (I can be as romantic as the next person!), but more often it ends in heartbreak. The upshot is that single white females are often the target of unwanted male attention. Be polite, but firm. Tell him you have a husband already (this does not necessarily deter him however, as the rules around promiscuity and fidelity are a bit different across cultures). Walking alone at night is definitely to be avoided. Always go out with two or three other people and take a taxi after dark.

Scams can be a problem, whereby locals appeal to the sympathetic hearts of well-meaning travellers. They may take on the role of a political refugee and request money for their family or they might pretend to be students collecting contribution for their schools. Use of common sense is your main weapon against such tricks. If you’re not sure whether to believe it, you are probably right and your money is better in your pocket.

Violent crime can be avoided by simply complying with the demands of the assailant. The majority of Kenyans do not bear animosity towards foreigners and so violence would not be their first preference – they just need money. Most of the violence and hate is directed between the different tribes that share this nation, and that is where most of the brutal stories originate.

Finally corruption is an issue that everyone in the country (local and visitor alike) must battle with everyday, in particular from the police. Kenyan policemen are poorly paid and thus very susceptible to corruption and crime and extortion and bribery are not uncommon practices. Traffic police have been found to be the most corrupt people in Kenya. The best way to avoid becoming a target of corruption is to be aware of the law and ensure you are not doing anything illegal. Some Kenyan laws that may be different to your home country include:

· Homosexual acts are illegal in Kenya.

· Penalties for drug offences can be severe and include lengthy jail terms.

· Travellers are not allowed to work in Kenya, even in a volunteer capacity, without a valid work permit. Offenders may be fined, jailed or deported.

· Destroying Kenyan currency of any denomination is against the law.

· Smoking in public places (including while walking on the street) is banned. Offenders caught smoking outside designated smoking areas face a substantial fine and/or jail for up to six months.

· It is illegal to take photographs of some official buildings. If in doubt, seek advice from an official before taking any photos.

· Distributing religious material in public without a licence is illegal.

There are also local customs to be aware of. By observing how locals are behaving you can easily fit in, but one custom that regularly fails to be adhered to, and which often causes offence, is that of dress. There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Kenya, particularly in coastal and rural areas.

So is it safe to travel to Kenya? The Australian government travel advisory says you should “exercise extreme caution” but you can still go. And that is my conclusion also. With common sense, awareness of your surroundings and some street smarts, your visit to Kenya should be trouble free. That is not a promise though! There are no guarantees in this game. All I am suggesting is that not every visitor to Kenya finds difficulty and there is a very good chance you will have an awesome trip.

In my next article I will examine Kenya’s security in light of the March 2013 elections and how it may affect tourism next year. And don’t forget to register with your home country’s embassy or high commission in Kenya for the duration of your visit. This means that if disaster does strike, they will know you are there and can help you. For Australian’s, http://www.smartraveller.gov.au is the website to register your travel.

HUMAN beings at times can communicate through signs and gestures in a relationship especially between a man and woman through deep stare into each other’s eyes.

The art of love and kiss is important in any relationship and if given space can amount to certain chemistry that ignites the flames of love.

We sometimes communicate in our relationships without uttering a single word.

Communication is important not only in love but also at work and other professions that one may find themselves into. Like in any profession, communication between lovers is important to cement their relationship and keep each other close.

The shapes of the lips of your partner and the manner they move when smiling, laughing or chatting can make someone fall head over heels.

Kissing has been perceived as a sumptuous feast and nourishment for ones relationship. It remains unclear how the action itself as non-verbal communication came into being. One things since time immemorial is that loved ones have been kissing since around Caveman period.

The culture of kissing varies depending with tribes from time to time. The Eastern people greet each other by brushing of lips in both sides of the cheeks and the Western greet each other by brushing lips even with married women.

Parent’s often show love to their kids by kissing their foreheads yet some men of the cloths from various congregations greet each other by kissing at the back of the hand.

In the holy script (The bible) one of Jesus followers as a traitor, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus through “kissing”. There is need as human beings to use out experiences and knowledge when sealing our relationships to ask whether your kiss is genuine or it is for betrayal.

Kiss between lovers is drove by passion, love, excitement and submission.

At times saliva if it resurfaces in large dose can spoil everything.

Those who kiss should well take care of their mouth from odour and keep their teeth clean.

With the prevalent of HIV/AIDS, it remains unclear whether it is the safest form on intimacy to be practiced around the world. There have been some rumours circulating around that good kissers are the best in upping the adulthood game.

Through kiss I observed that even in love expression we can communicate silently, which may cause shivers and leave one frail. There are no scales to rate if a person is the best or the waste kisser unless if your partner has the yardstick to do so hahahahah!

This team is based in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the oldest teams of NHL. It was founded in the year 1926, while National Hockey League was founded in 1917. It belongs to the Western Conference, Central Division. Definitely, a team from such a huge city has millions of fans in the U.S.A. and in the rest of the world. All of them have great hopes for such team. Nevertheless, the previous story of “Blackhawks” does not have too many Stanley Cup wins. The team won the main title 3 times. The last was dated in the season 1960-1961. Afterwards, Chicago did not know the pleasure of such victory.

Nevertheless, everything has changed since the year 2008, when Joel Quenneville was appointed as a new head coach of the team. He in collaboration with general manager Stan Bowmen and other coaches led the Blackhawks to an amazing record for the modern hockey. The team won 3 more Cups in the course of some 6 years!

Such achievement was not a surprise in far past. Nonetheless, in comparison to previous times now we have many teams that are quite equal. Therefore, even one title in 10 years may be referred to a real success.

When talking about Chicago before the era of Bowmen and Quenneville, the results were awful. The last time the team reached the stage of play-offs was in the season 2001-2002. However, after changes in coaching stuff, the team lived through a real rebirth.

The coach factor did a great deal. The innovations of Quenneville brought splendid results. Thanks to excellent selective work of Bowmen, the team obtained young and perspective players, as well as experienced ones. The rookies Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews turned into real world-class leaders, who lead their national teams. Nevertheless, they became real stars in Chicago.

In strong collaboration of coaching stuff and players, the team from Illinois set a novice record of the modern hockey and it can be called a real “miracle on the ice”. It can be compared with that amazing US Olympic hockey team that won golden medals in the year 1980. That was a real miracle, because a team of teenagers from different universities and colleges conquered the experienced monsters of world hockey.

Something similar was done by the Blackhawks. The first success of their “hat-trick” came in the season 2009-2010. Quenneville needed only 3 seasons to reach his first trophy. Afterwards, the team from the United Center (the main arena of the team) was taken seriously by the opponents. Notwithstanding, the opponents were not able to stop Hawks in seasons 2012-2013 and 2014-2015.

In respect of modern tendencies of North American hockey, such success is almost impossible. However, the guys from Chicago made it quite possible. How could it happen? Some would say that this is a long and hard labor of each member of the team. The others would say that this is pure luck. However, the case of “luck” would hardly work for three times in six years. Probably, both thoughts should be united.

It is fair enough that the Blackhawks reached such success. Many players of the team have already won multiple personal awards for the regular seasons and play-offs games. Stan Bowmen is probably the best general manager of the last decade. The genius of Joel Quenneville speaks for himself. Chicago regularly reaches the stage of play-offs, has already won 3 Stanley Cups and shows impressive hockey each season. It is not surprising that the he was included to the coach team for the upcoming Cup of Canada, which is the most prestigious hockey tournament of all times.

During the last season, the Blackhawks could not win the Cup. However, on the average, they win this trophy once per two years. Consequently, the new 2016-2017 season is probably another successful year for them. Thus, we may talk about novel record of 4 wins in 8 years.

While not being as sought after compared to the neighbouring Western Cape, it’s contribution to South Africa’s historical past is immense. It was here where Nelson Mandela was born and in 2000, a museum opened its doors to coincide with the tenth anniversary of his release from jail. The museum can be found at Qunu on the N2, south of Umtata.

The Eastern Cape is furthermore abundant in natural magnificence too along with a balmy coastline appealing to surfers, amazing inland vistas of rolling farmlands and secret valleys not forgetting the Wild Coast. It’s reckoned to be one of the planet’s most luscious strips of seaside woodland.

The province’s most westerly shoreline accommodates the tail end of the world famous Garden Route, making it a pretty simple decision to carry on north-eastwards along the African shoreline, in the direction of the Eastern Cape.

The Eastern Cape is additionally a great safari holiday location with three malaria-free national parks, the Addo Elephant, Mountain Zebra and the Tsitsikamma National Park. Shamwari, between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, was the earliest private conservation initiative in the Eastern Cape. It has been a great achievement, both in terms of environmental ethics and as an exceptional holiday place, offering an ultra luxurious gambling or safari experience.

Port Elizabeth is the primary metropolis in the Eastern Cape and undoubtedly one of South Africa’s best kept secrets. As well as being a really good base for day excursions, PE (as it is known) has a diverse variety of shores and some excellent golf courses. Within the urban centre limits are nice walks, several great mountain bike trails, excellent surfing and sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and fantastic scuba diving.

You have most likely heard of the “Big Five” and yet the Eastern Cape is home to the “Big Seven”. Together with the conventional “Big Five” (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino), you may also discover the Great White Shark and the Southern Right Whale.

Kenya is made up of about 40 tribes. These are categorized into the Bantu, Nilotic and Cushitic speaking people. The biggest group is the Bantu speakers and the Kikuyu dominate the group. The Bantu originated from western Africa, the nilotic people came from Sudan and the Cushitic people came from Somalia and Ethiopia. The cushitic people are mainly pastrollists and they mostly live in the arid parts of the country. This is the northern part of Kenya.

Kikuyu make up the greater part of the population of Kenya. They are more than 21% of the entire country’s population. They occupy the fertile slopes of Mount Kenya. As a result, they are farmers. The other main tribes are the Kisii, meru. kamba. luo, luhya swahili and Masai. The smallest tribe in Kenya is the elmollo and it is being threatened by intermarriege. Soon it might not exist anymore.

Most people of Kenya are traditionally farmers, pastollists or traders. Westernization has introduced other forms of livelihood but agriculture remains the backbone of the Kenyan economy. The most famous people of Kenya are the Masaai. This is because of there culture. It is known and embraced the world over. It is a major tourist attraction in the country and it earns a substantial amount of revenue from it. The Masai artifacts and jewel are very popular especially with people from the western countries. Today the official language of the people of KENYA is English while Kiswahili is the national language. In all major towns, kiswahili is the main language used.

The Mother City has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and something to offer everyone. It is no surprise that South Africa was one of the first countries outside of Europe to earn blue flag status for some of her beaches – there are three on offer in and around Cape Town.

The blend of 2 oceans (the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean) and hence 2 different styles of beach, divided by a 1000m high peninsula, leaves Cape Town an unrivalled holiday destination.

Bikini Beach

Awarded the Blue Flag, this is a small beach by the harbour in Gordons Bay. A very fashionable area and plenty of facilities. Be aware that the water height drops quickly at this beach.

Strand Beach

Situated on the False Bay, ½ an hours drive from Cape Town, is a long sweeping beach with a waves to suit all ages, rock pools and a sea swimming pool are there for children, watch the sun set behind Table Mountain and admire the spectacular Hottentots Holland Mountains. Parking is plentiful although on sunny weekends it can become incredibly busy along the Beach Road, there are a few Ice cream shops along the beach.

Grotto Beach

Situated alondside the quaint town of Hermanus, Grotto Beach is long and white, dunes and mountains surround the beach, there is a small playground, a barbeque area and a restaurant close by, whale watching can be enjoyed from the beach around July to December.

Sandy Bay

Famed as the nearest nudist beach to Cape Town, and also popular with gays. Sandy Bay is close to the surf spot of Llandudno.

Camps Bay

Set in the elegant Cape Town suburb, this is the city’s favourite beach, Camps Bay beach has a variety of good facilities and is easily accessible by all. Gorgeous views can be enjoyed all day long. The water here can be very cold and the wind can pick up in a second!

Clifton Beaches

4 small, enclosed beaches separated by rocks and are the most fashionable beaches in the whole of the country, surrounded be extremely expensive apartments, this is one of the richest areas of the Western Cape. The beaches are more sheltered than Camps Bay but there is a steep walk down to the beaches and once you are on the beach there are no services except people selling soft drinks and ice cream – so make sure you have everything with you! Clifton ‘s First Beach offers the best surf, Second and Third are the hot places be seen, and Fourth beach is far more suitable for families, with easiest access, and the calmest waters.

Elands Bay

Northwest of Cape Town is a very popular surfer spot with some of the best breaks in the country, generally Elands Bay is too windy for sunbathing and is too cold for some swimmers.

The Middle Ages, a period in European history that followed after the fall of the Western Roman Empire is usually dated to year 476 when Germanic chieftain Odoacer deposed the last Western Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus. The event is traditionally considered as the end of the classical antiquity and beginning of the Middle Ages.

On the other hand, year 476 is not universally accepted as the beginning of the Middle Ages because the Empire was already in ruins when Odoacer deposed Romulus Augustulus. The decline of the western half of the empire dates back to the 3rd century when it nearly collapsed due to economic crisis, civil war and external threats.

The Roman Empire managed to survive the so-called Crisis of the 3rd Century but the latter caused far-reaching economic, social, cultural and institutional changes that greatly contributed to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. After the empire permanently split into two halves in 395 the western part become unable to repulse the barbarian invasions. The Western Roman Emperors were forced to allow the barbarian tribes to settle on the Roman territory in return for providing military assistance.

The barbarian military leaders turned against the Roman authorities from time to time and grew stronger over time. The Western Roman Emperors were rulers only formally after the mid-5th century, while the real power was de facto in hands of barbarian military leaders. Odoacer therefore overtook the rule from Romulus Augustulus only formally. The deposition of the last Western Roman Emperor was culmination of a process that started a lot earlier and has not caused any major disruption at the time.

Due to the fact that the process that led to fall of the Western Roman Empire took place gradually some historians do not consider the deposition of Romulus Augustulus by Odoacer as the end of the classical antiquity and beginning of the Middle Ages. They suggested other events with far-reaching impact on the course of history such as the beginning of the Migration Period (375), the Battle of Adrianople (378), permanent division of the Roman Empire into two halves (395), the Sack of Rome (410) and death of the last de jure Western Roman Emperor Julius Nepos (480). In addition, some scholars proposed events related to religion which has played a major role throughout medieval times. Some of the most common religion-related start dates for Middle Ages include the issue of Edict of Milan (313) that ended the persecution of the Christians, closure of the last pagan school in Athens (529) and the Muslim conquest of North Africa (647).

Aigues Mortes in the Camargue region of France is a perfectly preserved medieval walled city which has changed little since the Middle Ages and is surrounded by fields, canals and saltpans. It originated in the early thirteenth century when King Louis IX wanted his own royal port on the Mediterranean as all the ports on the south cost of France were owned by the Germanic King of Aragon and the Pope. He therefore brought a deserted piece of marshland about two kilometers from the sea and subsequently fortified the site and developed a port with the name Aigues Mortes derived from the Latin Aquae Mortuae meaning dead waters.

Early settlers here lived from fishing and salt farming. Often labouring in miserable conditions in the heart of a labyrinth of saltwater ponds, murky marshes, dunes and pine groves. They did find a different use for the salt during the fifteenth century when Aigues-Mortes was attacked and occupied by a force of Burgundians. When the town was retaken and the Burgundians killed the townspeople had to dispose of a mountain of bodies. To ward off disease the corpses were piled on top of one another to form a tower and covered with salt. The tower has since been called the Burgundians Tower.

Aigues-Mortes became a thriving sea port, but as rival ports came about and access to the sea was eventually blocked the trade decreased and people moved away. The town stagnated but was maintained as a fortified city for coastal defense. Since there was nothing to attract people there during that time it has remained as a virtually in tact thirteenth century fortified town which is a fascinating place to stay in or visit.

The Place St Louis is a sunny square in the centre of the town full of restaurants and with the Lady of the Sands Church which was one of the first buildings constructed in Aigues Mortes with its main altar originating from Psalmody Abbey. L´Hotel de Ville is also here and is a fine example of a typical seventeenth century town hall. There are also two seventeenth century churches which are worth visiting: the Chapel of the Grey Penitents has a striking altarpiece and the Chapel of the White Penitents has a number of very interesting large eighteenth century paintings.

Offering plenty to see and do, there are flea and antique markets held on Saturday mornings during the summer months and general markets selling fresh produce and local crafts on Wednesday and Sunday mornings all year round

A selection of the many festivals here include the “Pecheurs des Cris” which is a circus street theatre performing during the spring and summer. The “Nuits” and the festival of of Saint Louis take place in August , and finally the town holds its fete at the beginning of October.