ALCATRAZ LIGHTHOUSE, SAN FRANCISCO BAY, CALIFORNIA

This lighthouse lies on the same land as the famous Alcatraz Prison

At the time when it was built there was a huge demand for gold. Lots of ships (small ones at that) would get the gold together, but when the weather turned bad the ship men needed aid on their journey.

The original lighthouse was built in 1852 and lit in 1854, but then it got damaged by an earthquake in 1906. Then in 1909 it got re-built into a 84 foot tower instead, and built near the cell house (pictured above).

Lighthouse keepers lived in the base of the tower, and would climb the walls to clean the lens and fill up the oil lamps.

But in 1963 not long after the prison closed, the lighthouse keepers left and the an automated light and rotating beacon was put into place.

The actual lighthouse quarters were destroyed by a fire in 1970. Now it is in the hands of the United States Coast Guard who operate it, and the light still shines to this day!

In 1972 the lighthouse and prison became part of the Golden Gate Nation Recreation Area, and is now a popular tourist spot.


I have surfed the Internet trying to look for an 1852 original lighthouse picture, drawing, painting etc, so i could show you the before an after but struggled.
If anyone reading knows a resource, please let me know as i would love to add it to my post here. Thank you.

TRAVEL NURSE & THERAPIST RECRUITMENT

Some jobs can take you all over the country or the world if you want them too. Like travel nurse and Travel Therapist positions for instance.

Doing roles like this enables you to do the job you are paid for, whilst enjoying the travel experience and seeing the sights etc.

If your looking to get into this yourself, or your a company looking to recruit staff for travel job positions, you could take a look at the www.nurse.tv website.

This is a USA based travel nursing agency where you can apply online and search for jobs.

You get a great package in your role that would include free private housing, a loyalty programme, guaranteed hours, travel expenses allowance, excellent pay and plenty more.

This is a good database for recruiters, that will save alot of time and hassle. You can even search through online resumes of people who have registered on the system and are looking for work.

Recruiters can also post free unlimited advertisements onto the system for 'help wanted'. If a person matches your criteria an email will be sent with their full resume.

Plus this helps that you wont have to phone or fax to get the information that you need.

DIGITAL PHOTO TRAVEL CLOCKS

I really like the idea of these digital travel clocks, as they are not only practical but great if you get home sick.

You can upload quite a few of your own pictures from your computer using the USB cable.

The clock and alarm would work in the same one any normal bedside clock would with a snooze button etc, but this way you get to wake up to a friendly face if your travelling alone.

There are many different types you can get. This particular one is from the makers Stratton.

CAR NEWS, PHOTO'S, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

Do you love your cars and want to find out which one is the best one for you?

Or maybe you just want to keep up to date with the newest upcoming cars like the 2010 chevrolet malibu?

Then you will probably like the Car Connection website.
Here different types of cars are reviewed and rated. Whether your looking for a 2 door door, SUV's, vans, trucks, hybrid, luxury cars or simply some Chevrolet Volt Specs

You will be able to find out which ones are best if you travel alot, family friendly cars or a sports type car if you prefer.

There are plenty of photos you can look at for the car enthusiast, and classifieds to browse through too if your thinking of purchasing a new vehicle.

You can even get quotes from a few companies for car insurance or finance.
The classifieds are poetically good, as you are able to search for a car in any area of the USA.

All you have to do is type in for example 2010 ford explorer, or narrow it down by how many miles you want to keep within your location or zip code. Then you can either sort by price or date added to the system.

PLUG IN MOSQUITO KILLER

Mosquitoes are around in the day and not just the night time unfortunately.

To protect yourself indoors you could try this Plug-in Mosquito Killer by LifeSystems.

You just put one of the 15 special tablets provided into the slot and plug into the wall. The tablets slowly let off harmless and odourless to humans insecticide.

Each tablet will give you about 8-10 hours of usage, and the dual voltage plug in can be used worldwide. It becomes effective in less than a minute!

The only thing about this that would probably bug me (excuse the pun!) is if the mosquitoes were in the air at the time of death, they might land on your face as you sleep *shudder!* Or you could just use a mosquito net i guess!

FASTER, CHEAPER, CONVENIENT TRAVEL: Ashford Railway Station

Nobody likes to be travelling for longer than they have too. Airports are a typically known for the hanging around for hours and delays etc.

Have you ever considered using train services to get to your destination instead?

At the UK's newly opened Ashford International you can get to over 100 destinations in Europe. You can easily book online in a matter of minutes, whether you looking to go for a personal or business trip.

There are a few different packages you can choose from: Standard, Business Premier or Leisure Select.

I'll give you a brief idea of what each package would include, but even the Standard still offers great benefits.

People always seem to think of Standard as 'basic and economy', but you still get the convenience of checking in 30 minutes before, and select food and drink from the bar buffet.

The Leisure Select package includes exclusive carriages, reading materials and a meal served at your seat.

The Business Premier is similar to the Leisure Select, but as it reads it's more ideal for 'business' trips really. You will be seated in dedicated business premier carriages, where you can enjoy Wii Fii access, spacious seating, power sockets at your seat and fast track check in.

It looks really good, and from Ashford you can get to the continent in just an hour. I don't have to tell you that this is a much faster and cheaper option than an airport.

TRAVEL ESSENTIAL: Antibacterial Hand Gel

If your going on holiday make sure you pack an antibacterial hand gel in your essentials bag.

These become really handy in times where you haven't got access to any water or in countries with poor sanitation.

All you have to do is simply squirt the gel onto your hands, and it will absorb into your skin in less than a minute.

I find them great to use before i eat, after i have touched something unsanitary or just to refresh my hands a few times a day in general.

There are many different types you can get, but they are all pretty much the same. I would recommend the pocket size ones if your out and about.

You can pick up from supermarkets or many health/travel online shops.

ESCORTED EUROPEAN TOURS

I love going on holiday, but there always seems to be alot of worries like how do i get there?, where are the best places to visit?, will my hotel be a good standard? etc.

Then i came across the American based Grand escorted europe tours site, that offer over 40 different package tours including Paris, London, China, Australia, USA and many more.

The beauty of these tours is that you don't have to worry about a thing. From the moment your holiday starts when you step out your door, a driver will pick you up from your home and take you to the airport.

Then when you arrive at your guided european tours destination your first class accommodation has already been sorted, your meals and places where you can visit. An experienced tour guide will be able to let you know all about the culture, people and history.

This is something you probably wouldn't have known or learnt if you went to visit a landmark on your own. Plus it helps you get passed that 'language barrier'. The escorted european tours guide will be able to do all that for you.

The Nile Cruises are particularly appealing, as you will travel via a fully equipped motor coache, that have nice panoramic windows, air conditioning and reclining seats.

You can choose from the 3 different packages - SuperLeisure™ tours, Explore and Discover™ and Loud and Clear™ depending on what your preferences are for your activity enjoyment.

The Loud and Clear™ package allows you to have headphones to listen to your tour guide, that can be used 60 feet away from your group. Good if your one that likes to go off and explore and enjoy your own space.

Grand European tours has been running since 1979, and can offer you an unconditional 'fixed price deal' to Europe and the rest of the world.

ALCATRAZ PRISON, SAN FRANCISCO BAY, CALIFORNIA

The History:

It was decided that Alcatraz Prison should be built in 1933-1934. The Alcatraz Lighthouse that lay on the island since 1853 sadly was torn down to make room for the prison.

The island had already had a history of war and imprisonment previously, as it was used for as a military base and for different types of war and military prisoners over the years.

The idea was that the prison would make it hard for prisoners to escape or even consider escaping from, seeing as it was in the middle of nowhere and surrounding by icy cold oceans.

Alcatraz back in 1895

Did any famous prisoners reside there?

Yes, Al 'Scarface' Capone, 'Doc' Barker, George 'Machine Gun' Kelly and Robert Stroud the 'Birdman Of Alcatraz' all resided there temporarily.

Inside the prison

What happened to Alcatraz?

As you can imagine it was expensive to run, as all items including food, water, magazines, cigarettes etc had to be bought in on a ship. The ship also had to bring there and back the prison guards, the prisoners visitors and the prisoners themselves.

In the end there was no option but to close it down in 1963.

One of the prison cells

What has it become now?

The unused prison is now a popular tourist attraction. It attracts nesting birds, and access is limited during their nesting season.

Can i visit there?

You can take trips to pass the island on most cruises or take a ferry boat from Fisherman's Wharf to get inside.

I have been told that you should prepare yourself for a bit of a walk once you arrive, or you can take the shuttle that runs every hour. It would be wise to take food and drink with you, as there are no amenities.

GET THE BEST AIRFARE DEALS BY EMAIL

Information Example

It's not always easy to go scouring around the Internet looking for the best airfare deals. Wouldn't it be nice to just have the information sent to you instead?

Well you can have that at website myairdeals.com. They will send you relevant up to date personal emails on airfare deals from airlines and travel agents.

All you would have to do is select your routes of interest when you sign up. This will be what airport(s) your looking to fly from, destination you want to go to and finally your email address.

If your not keen on having emails sent to you, you can also subscribe using RSS or widget. It's really quick, simple and convenient.

PORTABLE CAMPING GAS HEATER

It's not always possible or convenient to light a traditional fire when your out camping.

But those cold nights can soon creep up on you. It would be useful if you took a portable gas heater with you, like this one from Sunncamp.

The heater is 1.3kw and connects easily to a gas cartridge (you would need to buy a 220g butane one separately).

It comes with a handy carry travel friendly handle, ignition, 2 different heat directions and variable heat control.

Please be extra cautious if you use in your tent. Although i would recommend you probably use outside only due to the fumes, and the dangers of falling to sleep whilst it's still on.

UNDERGROUND BUNKER HOME: Village Of Vals, Switzerland

I love it when an unusual house is made from something you probably wouldn't even think possible.

In Switzerland in the village of Vals this underground bunker and tunnel has been made into a modern designer residence.

Extra stunning by night

The creators Search and Christian Muller architects designed this appealing home, and it comes with all the rooms, fixtures and fittings you would expect to find in your own house.

Special areas were also added like an underground pathway. The pictures here really give you an insight of what life would be like living here. I think it's fascinating.

Underground pathways

As you can see from the airel view of the house below, it would be quite hard to find - can you see it?

Here are some more pictures:

Entrance

Kitchen

Study

Lounge

Stairway to the upper floor

Could you live here?

WORLDWIDE ACCOMODATION FINDER

Simple Search criteria

What do you look for when your doing a hotel search for your short break and holidays? Price comparison?, User Reviews?, Accommodation Pictures?

If you have scoured the Internet you probably know it's not usually as simple as that, without going to a few different sites.

But there is a hotel finder site called Hotels Combined, that offer all of the above and more - and you can see everything from one place.

Whether you looking for Hong Kong Hotels, a romantic break in Venice or any other destination from around the world, the website enables you to do a quick easy search.

Example of Hotel Results Search

All you have to do is select your destination, input your check in and out dates, guests staying, rooms required and you are taken to a list of suitable hotels.

Lets say you selected a search for accommodation in Paris, the results page will show you the price of all hotels in the area, so you can easily compare them against each other. You can see all the features the hotel has to offer, as well as pictures, a map, user reviews/ratings and nearby attractions.

It's very informative and i found it really useful to help me in my decision making.

Hotel Details Pages

Hotels combined are also looking to spread the word about their great service such as a blog post, a Tweet or becoming a fan on Facebook.

For doing this an amount of money will be sent to a Hotels Combined Charity that are World Vision, WWF and Make-A-Wish.

You can find out more about the site and the charity by using the links within this post.

DESERTED TOWN IN ITALY TO BE RE-DEVELOPED: Balestrino

The actual origins of this town are still a bit of a mystery, as it was constructed really slowly in pieces over centuries. We do know though that in the 1100's it was owned by the Benedictine abbey of San Pietro dei Monti.

Residents were evacuated from this beautiful hilltop town in 1953 due to movements in the earths surface. Italy had been hit by many earthquakes in this 19th century period.

The town was abandoned for the reason: 'geological instability' as it was considered dangerous to live in.

Some residents actually built new homes along the main road which was considered a safe area, and it has 500 permanent occupants living there. You can expect to find a grocery store, pharmacy, post office and 3 restaurants.

In the abandoned area you can still see the ruins of the Church of St. Andrea, the Church of St Giorgio and cemetery, the Chapel of Monte Croce. You are also able to see right over the Mediterranean Sea and mountains from many parts.

This area has remained untouched for many years, and is still in a good preserved condition, that is it currently undergoing an application for planning permission for re-development to bring it back to life.

I wonder if this will be allowed considering its earth quake past? An earthquake hasn't hit for years, but when will the next one be? And how will they be able to secure the unstable ground?

SAFE EUROPE TRAVEL: Euro Trains

Alot of people don't like the idea of flying or taking a ferry to their destination.

Have you ever thought about using Euro Trains instead?

If your travelling from the United Kingdom you can reach destinations such as Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Netherlands and Lille, via Euro Trains high speed train service.

Starting prices are from just £59.