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Sealand Travel Club Welcomes You To A Villa Vacation On St. Barthelemy
December 27, 2009
St. Barthelemy
Welcome To St. Barthelemy with Sealand Travel Club
Sealand Travel Club would like to introduce you to the island of St. Barthelemy, otherwise known as St. Barts. Located in the Caribbean, it is one of four islands which makes up the French West Indies. The other islands of the collective include Guadeloupe, Martinique and St. Martin.
Once a Swedish Colony, the influence can still be seen on the island today from street names to architecture. Now as it is a part of France, the French influence is the dominant influence on the island and French is the main language of the island as well.
History of St. Barts with Sealand Travel Club
The history of St. Barts, as far as written record, begins in 1648 when France claimed it as their own. In 1784, France gave the island to Sweden in exchange for trade rights, but it was sold back to France in 1878, where it has remained since. The main city on the island of St. Barts is the city of Gustavia, named after King Gustav III of Sweden, but the oldest is the village of Lorient. Swedish grave markers can still be found today in this small village, another remnant of the Swedish history of the island of St. Barts.
Beaches of St. Barts with Sealand Travel Club
Sealand Travel Club welcomes you to the beaches of St. Barts on your vacation to the French West Indies. There are 21 beaches on this small island, but there are only a few that stand out as the best beaches to visit while vacationing on the island of St. Barts. The beaches in St. Barts are popular for several reasons.
Shell Beach is popular for its in town location and cliff diving, Grand Cul de Sac is popular for its calm waters, making it family friendly and St. Jean Beach is located near the accommodations on the island. If you are searching for the best beaches for other reasons, perhaps these other beaches will be of interest to you as well.
Flamands Beach has shade, rolling surf, and is the largest beach on the island. If you body surf, then this may be the beach for you. Gouveneur Beach is known for its ideal snorkeling and swimming opportunities. If you yearn for solace, check out Colombier Beach. One of the most difficult to reach, it offers you calm water, peace and solace on your St. Barts Vacation.
Villas On St. Barts with Sealand Travel Club
While there are traditional accommodations including hotels and motels on the island of St. Barts, Sealand Travel Club encourages you to try something new. Villas are easy to find and located frequently near some of the finest beaches on the island. Wake up to the sound of the waves and the beauty of the sun reflecting of the clear blue waters of the Caribbean. Hundreds of villas are found on the island from small and quaint to large and luxurious, the choice is up to you.
For between $400-$6,000 a night, you can spend the night in an oasis on the beach. Small one bedrooms with air conditioning and pools can be a little as $300 to $400 a night, the price of a nice hotel, and for this, you can have your own space, a kitchen, bath and a beach view. Many offer jacuzzis and private beaches as well. All the comforts of home, peace and quiet and an escape from everyday life. Villa vacations on St. Barts are a great way to vacation in this tropical paradise. Sealand Travel Club invites you to live the good life on St. Barts and a Villa vacation.
The Great Theater Arts of Japan
July 1, 2009
Japanese Temple in Tokyo
Japanese performance art is some of the most remarkable, contemplative and innovative in the world’s history.
Going to Japan means great food, amazing culture, thriving energy and unique performance. Second to Kyoto’s temples, the great artforms of Japan have transformed how the rest of the world views theater.
When in Tokyo, begin with the highly popular Kabuki-Za Theater in the Ginza prefecture.
What one notices immediately is the vibrancy in the crowd. Westerners are accustomed to a quiet, passive audience. With Kabuki, the audience is more chatty and alive. You can eat during the performance, for example. Kabuki performance would be the ‘coarsest’ of artforms in Japan, but more accessible. So, be sure to arrive early and get a good seat. Kabuki is very special, and definitely not to be missed.
The most refined artform in Japan is the ancient “No” Drama.
Normally, one performance lasts for 7 hours so be prepared for a long afternoon. The movement within the No Drama is languid, slow and meditative. The music is in rhythm (usually) with the movement, and can be very different for the western ear. Having an open mind is required for the No Drama. Be prepared to be dazzled at the stability and stillness, with some extraordinary dance mixed in. With no Japanese artform should you expect to follow the story, along the lines of American Theater. Rather, you should view it as an experience unlike any other.
The Bunraku puppets are best viewed in Osaka, which is a quick train ride from Kyoto.
The National Bunraku Theater might be the finest facility to view any performance in Japan. It is a short ride from the train station, and well worth the visit. The ticket prices for Japanese Theater can be rather high so expect to pay Broadway prices. What one notices right away is the puppeteers. The men, dressed in black, are in full view along with the amazing puppets. Their skill is nothing short of remarkable. The puppets spring to life with a skill unseen in the west. Also, be prepared for some spectacular effects. Bunraku is known for building remarkable scenic effects to close out the various acts within the show. So, be sure to pay attention, as you won’t want to miss these very special moments.
Ultimately, your goal is not to understand ‘what happens’.
The Japanese theater forces you to leave your western-cultural biases behind. Instead, view these forms as something new to experience and feel your way through. After viewing, you will be out and about in busy Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto…likely thirsting for the quiet serenity experienced within the theater.
Brought to you by: Sealand Travel.
Last Minute Deals for Sealand Travel Club Members
June 30, 2009
Island Walk
Sea land Travel Club is offering some fantastic deals on travel this month, but they are ending soon so they can be replaced by new fantastic travel deals.
If you are looking for a new travel destination, here are some great options, but remember you have to book soon and you can only take advantage of these offers if you are a member of Sealand Travel Club, so join today!
How about Belair Beach Hotel in Philipsburg, St. Maarten?
If you have always thought about traveling to St. Maarten, but thought it would cost to much, now is your chance to experience this island paradise.
If 7 days at the Belair Beach Hotel with 2 bedrooms for only $350.00 sounds good to you, then book your vacation now with Sealand Travel Club or forever hold your peace as this offer expires on July 4th 2009.
The Belair Beach Hotel is located on Little Bay Beach and offers wonderful views of the Caribbean. Featuring wonderful amenities such as air conditioning,, kitchen and two bedrooms. Only 3 minutes away from Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten and only 20 minutes away from the French capital. Wonderful people, great views, fantastic service and many great activities abound for the island traveler.
Don’t forget, all US Citizen need a passport if traveling out of the country.
If island life is not what you are looking for, this next deal may be for you. Again, time is short to book this trip, but Sealand Travel Club is here for you no matter what your perfect vacation is.
Maybe 7 days in Greenlinks Golf Resort in Naples Florida is just what you are looking for, and for $250.00 how could you go wrong?
If you book this trip by July 11th 2009 you could be golfing in style in no time at all.
Featuring 2 bedrooms and a fully appointed kitchen with microwave, living room, dining area, 2 cable tvs, and many other great options available to you. Situated within Lely Resort Golf and Country Club, be prepared for a golf outing that will be hard to match. You will also enjoy the heated pool, outdoor jacuzzi, tennis courts, and fitness room.
With 36 holes of championship golf designed by some of the best golf course designers in the world such as Trent Jones Sr., you can be sure that this golf outing will be one for the books! Of course you will be in Florida, and you certainly will not be lacking in a life outside the course. Gorgeous beaches, museums, galleries, and hundreds of restaurants are all nearby and just waiting to cater to you.
Sealand Travel Club only offers the best and these trips are just a taste of what you could be a part of if you join Sealand Travel Club today.
Remember, these great vacations end soon, and you may lose your chance to take advantage of what Sealand Travel Club is offering.
Please call our office for exact pricing on your specific case. CALL 877-572-0204 All hot weeks are very limited & subject to availability. If you are interested in something listed or unlisted, please call as soon as possible. At these low prices they will not last long! Price may not include sales taxes, if applicable.
Top Ten U.S. Amusement Parks
June 26, 2009
Couple driving a bumper car
Everyone loves amusement parks, but with hundreds to choose from, which one do you visit this year?
This is a countdown of the top ten amusement parks in the U.S. with highlights from each one. Choose your own adventure this year and have a family vacation you will never forget!
10. Sea World, California
Located in San Diego California, Sea World is your adventure under the sea. With a focus on all things water, if the ocean is what you crave, Sea World California is the place to be. This year take time to see the Summer Nights show. Instead of closing down at dark, things heat up here in the summer. Imagine a 320 foot tower shining red white and blue lights down on the water below on various acts performed by some of the oceans most amazing creatures. New this year is the “Sea Lions LIVE” a comedy show featuring sea lions. Dolphins doing amazing acrobatics and Shamu surrounded with LED screens and much more await at Sea World, California.
9. Great Adventure, New Jersey
Found in Jackson, New Jersey, the largest Six Flags in the country offers a water park, roller coasters, and your very own wild safari! Here you will find 13 amazing roller coasters including the new Bizarro, a multi-sensory ride experience. Hurricane Harbor, part of six flags is located next door and is a 45 acre tropical themed water park including a million gallon wave pool, and last but not least a 350 acre safari with over 1,200 animals roaming outside in an African like setting waiting for you to cruise through.
8. Busch Gardens, Florida
Located in Tampa Bay, Florida, Busch Gardens offers a variety of attractions including wild animal shows, Broadway style shows, a world class zoo with more than 2,500 exotic and endangered animals and huge, amazing roller coasters including the SheiKra, a floorless super fast roller coaster in the middle of the park. Climb 200 feet up and drop 90 degrees straight down!
7. Sea World, Florida
Sea World Orlando, Florida offers a journey to the bottom of the sea with live shows, wild sealife exhibits and special events throughout the summer. Be sure to check out the many amazing exhibits filled with live creatures both endangered and just amazing including: Shark Encounter, Wild Arctic, Dolphin Cove, Manatee Rescue, Turtle Point and much more.
6. Universal Studios, California
Located in Hollywood, California, step into the movies you love! Here is your chance to get a behind the scenes look at how they make all those amazing movies that keep us all entertained throughout the year. The rides change to fit the times, you used to be able to ride in the sky like Elliot from ET, now you can get cursed on the new Revenge of the Mummy ride, or take an 84 foot plunge through Jurassic Park. Whatever you choose to do, there is always more to look forward to.
5. Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida
Similar to the California location get into the movies we all love and remember. Rides always change and there is always something new for returning visitors to do or see.
4. Disney MGM Studios Theme Park, Florida
One of four theme parks in Walt Disney World Resort here you are offered a chance to get behind the scenes of everything Disney. Including live shows, backstage tours and magic that can only be Walt Disney. Experience the past and the present Walt Disney from the heyday in the 30’s and 40’s to now, including the American Idol Experience, one of the newer attractions.
3. Epcot, Disney World, Florida
Another theme park located within Walt Disney World Resort, the future is wild here. Dealing with technological advancements and innovation, learning can be fun at Epcot. The best part of the Disney theme parks is that they are ever-changing to keep up with the newest trends and are always looking to the next and newest thing to amaze and inspire you.
2. Magic Kingdom, Disney World, Florida
Definitely a family experience you and your family will never forget. Disney is part of all of us, young and old. Travel through seven different lands all starting at Cinderella’s Castle in the center of the park. Pay tribute to Walt Disney and enjoy everything Disney has to offer. Parades, fireworks, Disney characters and great rides await at Magic Kingdom, Disney World.
1. Disneyland, California
Of course, Disneyland is number one. There are some must sees at this, the top amusement park in the U.S. Hit the Indiana Jones adventure and travel deep into the secret chambers in the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, or meet and greet your favorite characters. Celebrate every night with a breathtaking fireworks display and visual effects all to Disney music both you and your family can all relate to. Free fall in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, or if Monsters INC is more your style then jump on and race with them through Monstropolis to save Boo. Disneyland really does make dreams come true.
Fire up for Fireworks at Mt. Rushmore
June 18, 2009
Mt. Rushmore Fireworks
What better way to celebrate our country’s freedom than by a spectacular fireworks display on the fourth of July?
You see them in your hometown but I am sure that most of you like me are ready to see something new and better. Most people think Washington when they think patriot fireworks shows, but what about Mt. Rushmore, one of the wonders of the world?
Mt. Rushmore is a tribute to four of the finest Americans in history, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
Each face is 60 feet high and 500 feet up overlooking the Black Hills in South Dakota. They were constructed between 1927 - 1941 by Butzon Borglum to commemorate our four fathers in history.
Leading to the Grandview Terrace, walk through 56 flags representing the states and territories. A truly spectacular sight to behold on any day, but imagine what it would be like to sit below these flags, look up at these amazing sculptures commemorating our freedom and see fireworks exploding in the background highlighting every feature you may not even notice in the light.
“A monument’s dimensions should be determined by the importance to civilization of the events commemorated…Let us place there, carved high, as close to heaven as we can, the words of our leaders, their faces, to show posterity what manner of men they were. Then breathe a prayer that these records will endure until the wind and rain alone shall wear them away.” Butzon Borglum
In 1923 state historian Doane Robinson suggested carving giant statues in the Black Hills. Mt. Rushmore was chosen by Butzon Borglum himself. The faces chosen were based on our history and its battles. George Washington, commander of the Revolutionary army and our first President. Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and our third President. Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President and the man who restored the Union and ended slavery in the U.S. Finally, Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th President who encouraged progressive movements in the U.S. in conservation and business, and also happened to be a hero to Butzon Borglum.
Coined the Shrine of Democracy at its 1930 dedication, Butzon Borglum was hired to create a monument, but he created more than that, he created a shrine to our freedom, our independence, and our country. On the weekend that you will be celebrating our countries freedom, why not celebrate at Mount Rushmore.
The celebration at Mount Rushmore begins on the third of July and ends on the 4th with a Memorial Lighting ceremony and the United States Air Force Heartland Band Brass Ensemble.
Fireworks are on the third of July and are preempted by B-1 flyovers and patriot music sung by Robert Moore and also played by the Air Force Brass Ensemble. There are events scheduled all day. So when choosing a place to celebrate our independence this year, why not choose a memorial that exemplifies the U.S. and head to Mount Rushmore for a display you are not soon to forget.