The first night we jumped (splashed) right into the thick of the activites by joining the festive throngs for the rollicking Royal Street Stroll. It is described as a “unique NOWFE event that brings together New Orleans’ greatest gifts: rare antiques, fine art, live jazz and stunning historic architecture with the world’s outstanding wines. Shop the enchanting galleries of Royal Street while experiencing wine and food offerings at each stop.”

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Hilton Hotels Corporation recently announced short and long term goals and objectives towards building sustainability into the core fabric of its businesses worldwide. Christopher J. Nassetta, President & CEO, outlined directional targets for improvement in the company’s sustainability performance throughout the next five years within systemwide hotels globally. By 2014, goals for the Hilton Family of Hotels are to:

• Reduce energy consumption from direct operations by 20%
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What is a second mortgage? Second mortgage is a type of mortgage which is subordinate to another mortgage loan against the same properties like house, apartment, flats and many more. It is called “subordinate” because first you will get your first mortgage approved and paid, then you will get the second mortgage paid. That’s why people also call second mortgage is the backup for the first mortgage.

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Last night in Paradise….and I’m trashed…

Hi, my name is Dave and I am rather drunk…

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The Italians don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, though they do have a name for it: il Giorno del Ringraziamento. There was a big turkey dinner organized for grateful expatriates in Bologna, but it wasn’t happening until the weekend after Thanksgiving Thursday. What is it about the actual day of Thanksgiving that demands mashed potatoes, stuffing and family? Luckily, I had my little sister Anna out visiting, and she helped me realize all three of those requirements.

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Along the coast in the Mayan Riviera you can also find many nice hidden beaches that not many people know about, perhaps only the locals. One of these is a beach called x-cacel. this beach is located between Playa del Carmen andTulum. It’s located right next to the town of Akumal. It’s kind of hard to find this beach because there is no sign for it, but if you ask some of the locals at Akumal, they will be able to tell you where it is.

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Thai Airways has initiated projects to support and create increased awareness amongst the company's employees in the areas of environmental awareness and climate change.

• “THAI Plants Life for Planet Earth"- The company's “THAI Plants Life for Planet Earth" project continues THAI's reforestation efforts at the Education Center for the development of Hui Sai in Cha-am district, Petchburi province. Water tanks will be provided to the center, for the transport of water used in further developing forest area. (The project will be conducted for the second time on June 14, 2008)

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The World Computing Grid is the world’s largest public computing grid and they are currently calling for more Argentines to participate in their network.The “grid” is made up of thousands upon thousands of users who donate their unused computer time to projects that benefit humanity:Rice for the World, AfricanClimate@Home, and Help Conquer Cancer are a few of their current projects.According to the Clarín,today there are 1,377 Argentines volunteering their computers and many, many more are needed.All you have to do is download the free software and you can join this global community.

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The main train station in Florence, Italy is also known as Santa Maria Novella, I am assuming this is because it is located right behind the church of the same name.

The train station is located on the fringe of the historic center of the city. It is an easy walk to many of the hotels, however, if you are staying in a hotel near the Duomo, the Uffizi or the Ponte Vecchio and have luggage you may need to take a taxi. Without luggage you can easily walk to the Duomo and Uffizi. I find it difficult to roll luggage for a long distance on cobblestone streets.

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A wave of eco-consciousness has heightened demand for all things green - including travel. Consumers are looking for vacations that are not only fun, but also environmentally-friendly. Hotels boast everything from green cleaning products and energy-efficient light bulbs to water conservation programs and ecologically sustainable activities.

The Equus Hotel in Oahu Island, Hawaii uses earth-friendly bamboo materials heavily in its décor and emphasizes ecologically sustainable activities such as horseback tours, hiking the trails, canoeing and surfing. Closer to land, Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, FL was recently given Florida’s Green Lodging Designation in 2007 for its water conservation efforts, green cleaning products and ENERGY STAR appliances in all guest rooms. In Los Angeles, The Kyoto Grand is an active participant in the Green Lodging Program and has reached its "leadership" level. More and more resorts are taking notice and acting accordingly.

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