A Guide to Public Transport in Paris!

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Author: Suze

It is very easy to get around the city during the day, as the means of transport abound. The public transport system in Paris and its surrounding area is generally very reliable. The public means of transport include the metro, taxis and buses.

Greenbuilding In Verona From The 4th To The 6th Of May 2011

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By: Michele de Capitani

The fifth Greenbuilding, the international exhibition and conference on energy efficiency and sustainable architecture, will be held in Verona from the 4th to the 6th of May 2011. For three days eco-friendly houses, passive houses, energy-efficient buildings and wood buildings will be protagonist in Verona.

In an epoch where issues like energy waste, polluting emissions and the need to spare energy and to find alternative sources are constantly discussed, an event like Greenbuilding is certainly very important. Moreover, the event is one of the main Italian happenings as far as the promotion of products and technologies for an energy efficiency architecture are concerned, and through the years it has developed and gained the appreciation of professionals coming not only from Italy, but also from abroad. Thus if you want to know all the latest news in this field, Greenbuilding is the event not to miss.

Buying a Business in Italy - Vineyard

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It is the wine lovers' dream. To own a vineyard in Italy and enjoy the fruits of your labours by sitting under a leafy pergola on a warm summer's evening drinking a bottle or two from your very own harvest.

Italian wine is famous all over the world. There are over a million vineyards from north to south and Italy's varied terrain produces a great variety of wine from the sweet sparkling Moscato from Piemonte to the spicy purple Salice Salentino from the bottom of Puglia in the south.

Its population drinks more wine per head than any other country (an average of 59 litres) and it is the world's biggest wine maker, producing 4.7 billion litres of wine in 2008.

Buying a Vineyard in Italy

It is perfectly possible to buy your own vineyard, so the most obvious thing to do is to centre your search either around an area of the country you would like to live in or around an area whose wine you like. The ideal is to combine the two and find a vineyard producing wine you enjoy in an area you and your family would be happy living in.

There a number of small vineyards for sale all over the country. Owning a small vineyard (from a hectare of vines upwards) usually means that it produces enough for your own consumption and may be the perfect starting point if you are inexperienced.

On the other hand, there are also going concerns for sale with their own winery attached and which produce enough wine to sell.

The 'dream' property for making a living has between 20 and 40 hectares of vineyards. Twenty hectares should produce about 130,000 bottles of wine.

The Vineyard Experience

If your vineyard in Italy is just a hobby, then it doesn't mater too much if you have little or no experience. There will be plenty of locals on hand to teach you and if it all goes wrong, there's always next year.

If you are intending to take on a going concern without experience then you have two options:

Buy a vineyard with its own production team in place or get as much experience as possible beforehand by working on vineyards, going on courses and getting qualifications. Although there are romantic stories on TV about people with no experience managing massive vineyards single handed by learning on the job, these really are the exceptions. It makes far more business sense to take on a vineyard with a manager if you don't know what you are doing.

It may sound romantic, but running is a vineyard is basically an agricultural enterprise and you are basically a farmer. As such you need to speak good Italian to deal with suppliers and distributors as well as the workers looking after the vines and also the taxman.

Organic and Biodynamic Vineyards

One idea should you decide to buy a vineyard is to specialize. You have probably heard of organic wine known as vino biologico made from uve da agricoltura biologica (organic grapes) and, although these are harder to find than normal vineyards, they do come up for sale. The advantage of buying an already established organic set-up is that the time has already been spent eliminating chemicals and pesticides. It takes longer starting from scratch.

But how about taking things a step further and aiming for a biodynamic vineyard? This method of production is based on the philosophy of Rudolph Steiner and involves applying special preparations to the vines as well as handling and processing the wine is a specific way. The guidelines are laid down by the Demeter association and the movement is growing in popularity in Italy. One such vineyard is La Gaia which makes multi award winning wine. Read about its biodynamic approach here.

A Vineyard and Agritourism

An alternative to running a vineyard in order to make a living from the wine is to buy a property with a small working vineyard which then may allow you to offer agritourism holidays. As we have written about in another article you can only offer farm holidays if you are actually a working farmer and a vineyard may allow you to do just that. You will need to get advice from your local chamber of commerce or commercialista (accountant).
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What NOT to do When Moving Internationally

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Moving overseas is generally a very exciting time in your life. However, you know that it's not going to be an easy job. Considering how many things need to be done and the huge change to your life, it's certainly worth taking the time to think about what to realistically expect.

Regardless of your reason for moving, you will never regret doing things the right way. It may only take you a day or two to get to your new country, but it will truly take weeks or months of ocean shipping for your belongings to get there. Don't you think that many people have moved overseas and then realized how many common mistakes they made in the process? Absolutely. Accept the fact that regardless of how well you try to do, you are probably going to make some mistakes. The primary thing is to do as well as possible to avoid added stress, money and time.

1) One major mistake that people make when moving overseas is to think of it as an escape. Making an international move is much different than taking a vacation overseas. Regardless of where one lives, there are going to be stresses, disappointments and problems. As a matter of fact, moving in itself can be quite stressful, perhaps causing you to periodically wonder if you should move at all.

2) Don't be unrealistic about what you are doing. No matter where you live, you are going to have to continue paying bills, working and dealing with relationships. It's important to have a positive mindset and yet know that the move will be stressful at times and also know that day-to-day living will commence. All of your problems are not going to miraculously disappear by making an international move. In fact, it's best to resolve as many issues as possible before moving and therefore, feel like you can move on with your life rather than escaping from current problems.

3) Don't expect things to be the same in your new country, but plan on lots of change. Don't ever forget that you are now the foreigner, the visitor, the stranger in this new country. Just assume that you are going to be misunderstood and make some mistakes. For example, if you are moving to England, you will find that they live by an entirely different set of rules and regulations. Rather than argue or complain about this, just accept the fact that you are no longer in your home country. Also, if you complain or argue too much, people in your new country will begin to dislike you because you will appear arrogant and surly.

4) Do not make negative comments about their cars, food, laws, weather, culture or homes. Slowly acclimate yourself, being kind and courteous at all times. In some countries, people are more formal at first, so accept that and be polite in all circumstances. Do not act arrogant and aggressive, but let it be known that you are new and need some help from time to time. Unless you are absolutely positive of the correct usage, do not use their slang and never try to speak with their accent. You will be amazed at how helpful people will be if you remain respectful and courteous and ask for their assistance.

5) Do not make any long-term commitments to anyone. Your move is likely based on some type of relationship with friends, employers, and business associates. These people are going to try to help you make good choices about moving, getting a job, a home, etc. However, it is important to remember to give yourself plenty of time before making any commitments at all. Don't sign your name on any important contracts until you are certain of what they entail. You need to reserve the right to your own preferences by waiting and avoiding a bad situation later. Take your time and spend a few months, even a year, in your new country before making any major decisions such a buying a home, a job, or a vehicle.

6) Find a reputable international moving company as soon as possible. Most likely, you are going to have to ship by ocean in order to move all of your belongings. You have paid good money for your belongings and you need to know that they will be well taken care of. As soon as you know that you are moving overseas, you need to start getting information from various moving companies. You need to get a minimum of three quotes from reputable international moving companies. It's possible that you do not yet have your visas yet, but representatives from the companies will need time to come to your home and access everything to go on your inventory form. They will need to know about every single thing in your home that needs to be moved.

There are always possible problems, especially during the difficult task of relocating. Thankfully, most of them can be avoided by careful thought and planning. Give yourself plenty of time and realize that although you might make some mistakes along the way, you will soon be in your new country, learning a new culture, and broadening your horizons.



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Have a Perfect Vacation Today without Breaking the Bank!

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These days with the world still coming out from a global recession, there are quite a number of things one can do to have a great inexpensive vacation. Especially with the hotel and hospitality industry, which were affected by the economic slow down, there are many bargains and deals that are available. Here are some of the things one can do when searching for the perfect vacation without breaking the bank:

- Go online to search for great deals on hotels. The internet is still the initial place to go to when looking for deals for staying in hotels. Sometimes, all you have to do is to email some of the places and see if they offer great rates. Cardiff Bay Hotels may have weekend rates that are great for local residences and offer substantial discounts on weekends for the locals. Cardiff is a bustling trading city especially when it comes to the maritime industry. On weekends, business slows down as businessmen who are there on the weekdays go home to their families. By asking around, you can probably find a couple of posh hotels willing to give great rates on their rooms or services offered.

- Plan ahead. By planning your vacation ahead of time, you can get good prices on airfares, room rates and other items as well. Airplane fares purchased a month in advance can be low as 50% off the regular rate, and booking hotels ahead of time, you can ask for a better rate. Even renting cars ahead of time will get you better packages as well. By booking ahead of time, you assure the host a guaranteed income and they can respond to you by giving ample discounts or upgrading the services that will make your vacation worthwhile.

- Make an itinerary of the trip. By managing your time on your vacation, you will be able to optimize that vacation to your particulars. A vacation may not necessarily be full of activities but being able to plan some does help. Some people though wish to not do anything during their vacation but get ample rest and downtime with their significant other and that is fine. But for those with families, especially young children in tow, then being able to plan things, especially going to theme and amusement parks need to be planned well. Such planning includes giving directions on where to meet or what to do when they get lost of separated. It may happen so preparing for it is good.
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• Global hotel rates sink to seven-year low (financialpost.com)

How to Get an International Driving Permit

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If you plan on tooling around a foreign country in a rental car, chances are you might find yourself needing an International Drivers Permit. This is a special document that works in conjunction with your standard license to give you rights to operate a vehicle in a country other than America.

Before you take off for your destination country, it is a very good idea to make sure you know the requirements for driving. If you need a permit, you will want to get one in advance of your trip. Obtaining an international driving permit involves a multistep process. Fortunately, it is not very difficult to follow.

The steps you will need to follow to get a permit include:

Making sure your license does not need to be renewed - In order to obtain an International Drivers Permit, you will have to have a valid license in your home state. If your expiration date is approaching, go ahead and get your license renewed. If your license expires while you are abroad, your permit will no longer be valid.

Get passport photos - When you fill out the application for your permit, you will find it calls for two passport photos. To get these, just make an appointment with a local photography studio or check with stores that develop film. Some drugstores, for example, will take and develop passport photos on site.

Fill out the proper paperwork - The driving permit will call for an application process. You can obtain applications through the American Automobile Association or the American Automobile Touring Alliance. Both organizations offer permit applications online via their web sites. There is a fee attached to the permitting process, but this can change from time to time. To find out how much, just contact one of the two organizations directly.

Send in the application - Be sure to fill out and send in the application well in advance of your trip. Processing can take some time, so the earlier the better.

Once you have your permit in place, there is still more to consider before driving in a foreign country. To make sure you do not run into problems down the road, be sure to:

Check into insurance requirements - Depending on the country you intend to visit, you may be required to purchase additional automobile insurance. Find out before you go so you know what to expect and what to budget for.

Brush up on the rules of the road - Foreign countries can have very different laws for motorists. Be sure you understand the rules for where you are going. It is also a very good idea to study up on road signs and their meanings.

When your standard license is paired with an international drivers permit, you will find that the world can literally become your oyster. This combination gives you legal privileges to operate a vehicle in some 150 countries outside America. To truly enjoy the freedom this can provide, be sure to follow the local laws and study up on the rules before you go.

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7 Tips to Fit in Like a Native When You Travel to Italy

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Are you visiting Italy soon and wondering how you are going to survive without speaking Italian?

Well, you are really lucky as the Italians are a nation of communicators, even if you can't speak their language.

For a start, you'll notice everyone greets you either with a 'Buon Giorno' in the morning, or 'Buona Sera' in the late afternoon/evening. So these are two short phrases you want to learn straightaway.

Whether you are visiting relatives, on a business trip
or just going on vacation, it will be wise to know a few rules of the land before you go:

1. In Italy the pedestrian crossings tend to be there to add a splash of color to the road, Italians rarely use them, preferring instead to take their chances wherever it's convenient for them to cross.

2. Cars, scooters and motorbikes tend not to stop or even slow down at a pedestrian crossing, unless there is a set of traffic lights.

3. Don't expect to eat a full meal if it is outside the regular eating hours of most Italians, which is between 12.00 noon and 3.00pm and 7.00pm - 11.00pm. If you want to eat
between those times, visit the variety of cafe bars in every Italian town or city for a snack.

4. If you just want a quick coffee or espresso, you will need to queue at the cash desk or the 'cassa' to pay for your drink beforehand, then give your receipt to the bar person, or 'barrista' and tell him your order.

5. Most cafe bars have waiter service only at the tables, both inside and outside, so don't attempt to serve yourself and sit down at a table, as the waiter will not be pleased.

6. Italians love their style and are keen to present a good image or bella figura, so avoid wearing shorts and a t-shirt for dinner in a restaurant, as this attire is considered too casual.

7. Finally... enjoy, enjoy, enjoy all that Italy has to offer and as the Italians say 'Buon divertimento!'

Are You Making 2010 the Year to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship?

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Your friends and family members may well be discussing your presents state of mind if you have announced that you intend quitting your regular job and heading out to see to follow your dream cruise ship job. But since this is what your heart's desire is, why not make 2010 the year to do it?
Although it is a risk, it has huge benefits and rewards, your chance to travel and see the world being one of the greatest.
Can you deal with strict rules and regulations for months at a time?
Would you be able to handle cramped living quarters for extended periods of time?

Once you have a good understanding of what a cruise ship job is all about, you will need to decide on what type of job would match your skills and experience. You may not actually be changing your career path, but rather choosing a job that complements your experiences and skills.

Careers at sea are unique in many aspects. A couple of home truths about your dream cruise ship job are that not only do you work a seven day week, but you may end up sharing a cabin with another crew member.

Having taken these factors into consideration and if finding a job on a cruise ship is still at the top of the list for 2010, then here's what you need to know:

Some of you may have already started sending off your resumes, but are sitting back and taking a wait and see approach. That won't work.

Some of you may not have sent any resumes out yet, but have filled out a number of online applications. Has that worked for you? Probably not.

And then there are others that have waited for January 1, 2010 to roll around in order to make the resolution that they will start to pursue their dream job.

Well, it's already March, so there's no time like the present. You require a plan and a strategy that you intend to implement.

First of all, reassess your cover letter and resume. Are you making any of our Top Resume Mistakes?

You will need to start following up on your applications once you have started sending them out, and that is not just the online applications, either. This is what separates those that get hired from those that don't because many people only apply once and then give up when they haven't heard back.

It is often a long process applying for a cruise ship job and if you wait even one more day you may miss your perfect opportunity!


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Ex-crewmember, hiring specialist and best-selling author Neil Maxwell-Keys has written an extensive *free* report which shows how you can get a job on a cruise ship, quickly and easily. Claim your copy now =>

http://www.WorkOnCruiseShips.com
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