A Call and A Challenge To Conserve Water

Imagine, if you're so thirsty but when you tried to get water from the faucet, you just squeezed a drop. Can you cook without water? Can you keep a good personal hygiene without water? In short, can you live without water? If you answered NO, then you must act now.

Recent studies showed that the Philippines is facing a water crisis over the next 10 years unless new sources are developed to meet growing demand.

"There is a [Japan International Cooperation Agency] study that says that in 2025 if we will not conserve water, there may be some problems. But of course we can always start conserving now and look for other sources," said Edgar C. Lopez, Philippine Waterworks Association president.

"Groundwater in the Philippines may be depleted by the year 2050," a University of the Philippines professor said in a report based on a study that started in 2006.

Top 5 European Festivals in 2011

American festivals are usually one-day affairs with a parade and may feature cotton candy but European festivals are completely different. These festivals often last from four days to a month featuring unique attractions and activities. Our sponsor Anytrip.com, who offers cheap hotels in Paris, London and around the world, has come up with a list of the many festivals to see and experience in Europe:

Dusseldorf Carnival

This carnival is held in Germany each year from November to March. There are parades such as the Rosenmantag Parade featuring everything from clowns parading down the street on stilts to beautifully decorated floats. On the Thursday preceding Ash Wednesday, women converge on the town hall to seize the right to govern for a day. During the 'Drag Queens Race' men race through the streets wearing high heels and sporting dresses of all lengths to include accessories.


St Patricks Festival

This event began in 1995 in Dublin to bring some of the long neglected traditions of St. Patrick's Day to the homeland. In 2011 the festival is expected to attract 650,000 live spectators with countless more being given access via TV and online streaming. There will be music of all genre as well as crafts, art displays and fireworks. One outstanding attraction of this festival is a 150' tall Ferris Wheel.

Edinburg Hogmanay Festival

This festival takes place in Scotland every year to ring in the new year. The word 'Hogmanay' means holiday and that is definitely what guests and natives enjoy for four days. There are special film screenings along with Torchlight parades through and around beautiful Gothic castles. Not unlike festivals around the world, one of the major highlights is a gigantic fireworks display.

Kiruna Snow Festival

This festival takes place in Sweden from January 29th to 31st each year. There are snow sculpting contests which not only attract children but serious artists both on the professional and amateur level.

As with many festivals, the Kiruna Snow Festival would not be complete without a fashion show featuring clothing for all reasons and all seasons. The Mr. Snowman contest is quite different from what the name implies since this is a contest where men vie for a strongman title. Among the special foods offered at the Kiruna Snow Festival are reindeer burgers and bear steaks.

Couleur Cafe Festival

This 3 day festival in Brussels features live musical performances on several stages. Among the guests slated to appear in 2011 is Snoop Dogg.

Whether you're looking for snow, good food, live music, carnival atmosphere a European Festival has everything your heart could desire.

Eco-Luxury Photo Safaris

When you go hunting for intimate photos of the creatures who roam wild Africa, you certainly don't want to inflict damage on their native habitat, which is why conscientious tourists are increasingly opting for eco-luxury photo safaris. By creating an attitude of stewardship instead of exploitation, these eco-sensitive tour companies are developing ongoing relationships with the indigenous communities in the area and helping them support sustainable practices instead of having to sacrifice their natural resources to industry.

Many tour companies play a major role in setting up wildlife reserves with sustainable practices in the areas they later bring their guest. These activities quite often become a source of commerce for the indigenous communities who are encouraged to act as stewards of the land. As a member of one of their tours, you can experience the wildlife up close and personal without disturbing their natural home while ensuring their future.

But being up close to wildcats, grazing herds and solitary hunters of the savannah does not mean you have to "rough-it" by any means, these tour companies provide lovely bungalows with impressive main lodges set up throughout the regions bordering Cape Town. There you will find everything you would expect from a luxury hotel, including restaurants with wine cellars, trendy rooms decorated with local "free trade" artwork and built with sustainable materials, full rejuvenating health spas and even astronomy night dinners under the stars.

Eco-luxury photo safaris are a wonderful way to spend a honeymoon, romantic getaway or educational vacation adventure geared for the whole family. Your safari can be custom designed to include your favorite activities, whether they include mountain climbing, scuba diving or just watching from a safe, comfortable distance.

Guest post contributed by Cape Town villa company Cape Portfolios.
Photo by Euroangel

A Tour of England's Most Beautiful Gardens

Sprawled across England are some of the world's most spectacular designer gardens. From the centuries old to the modern to the otherworldly, these gardens are guaranteed to thrill seasoned gardeners to the average traveler alike.

1) THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN

Decades old and sadly forgotten after the Second World War, it was only in the last part of the 20th century that Heligan made its revival into the sprawling botanical gardens there today. Its 200 acres are divided into four parts; The Northern Gardens, the Jungle, the Wilder Estate, and Horsemoor Hide & Wildlife Project.

The Northern Gardens are the original gardens restored to their former glory and contain fruit, historic flowers, and a grotto hidden amongst the ferns. The Jungle section follows a raised boardwalk among ponds and tropical plants. Hidden in Wilder Estate are flocks of horn sheep, tranquil lakes, and sculptures hidden in the plant life. There is also a restaurant on the estate, meaning the Lost Gardens of Heligan is easily made into a day-long excursion.

2) SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN

Well loved in the UK is Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Watched over by the National Trust, the garden is divided into enclosed sections or "rooms". The famous White room has all white flowers year round and in the distance you can see Sissinghurst Tower. Other areas include a rose, cottage, and herb garden in addition to the Orchard, the Lime Walk, and the Nuttery. Wandering through each cosy, enclosed room is a romantic, intimate experience.

3) LEVENS HALL

Levens Hall has the finest, and oldest, topiary in England. This award-winning garden has winding paths which are flanked by yew, box hedges, and flowers such as tulips. The trees are all cut into fantastic, painstakingly maintained shapes. On the estate are also an ornamental vegetable garden, a tea shop, a historic house open for viewing and worth a visit on its own, and a park dating back to medieval days that is home to black deer and a rare breed of horned goat. While the topiary garden is formal and clean cut, the park is undeniably about the beauty of pure nature and provides a pleasant contrast.

Photo by: Sissinghurst Garden, England

Green Job: 5 Places in Any Country to do Gardening for a Living

If you have a green thumb, gardening can be a good profession anywhere in the world. Gardeners work at places where lawns, gardens, and trees need professional care. Depending on the country and season, gardeners and groundskeepers are responsible for preserving the condition of the soil, and planting, watering, and pruning flowers, shrubs and trees. Often, gardeners are called upon for their creative flair, whether it’s adding garden accessories, decorative garden lighting fixtures or simply designing a new layout which increases its visual appeal.

Many community residents are frustrated in trying to keep their lawns in good condition due to health issues or difficulties relating to age. After obtaining a relevant work visa (if applicable) start with offering your services to senior citizens in and people who are getting ready to go on vacation. Also, check with local lawn services. Once you have built a good reputation and a small clientele, offer your services to businesses and institutions that have gardens around their buildings, such as:

1) Resorts and Hotels

In any country you go to, there are always resorts and hotels. These establishments usually have massive grounds which employ gardeners and landscapers to maintain the appearance, health, and condition of grass, flowers and trees.

2) Schools and Colleges

Again, there Schools and colleges use gardeners to cut, fertilize and water their lawns.

3) Churches, Temples, Mosques, Monuments and Cemeteries

These places hire gardeners to take care of lawns and gardens. Often they can involve landscaping and manicuring gardens and flower displays.

4) Housing Developments

Depending on the economic growth of the country you live in, housing developments that exist often employ gardeners to and maintenance of grass, trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers.

5) Apartment Complexes

Villas and apartments hire gardeners and groundskeepers to provide care for grass, trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers.

If you enjoy the outdoors, you can easily turn a gardening hobby into a profession. It is easy to start a gardening business, whether you want to work full-time or just a few hours a week.

Photo by: Eurostar

Four Flower Markets to Visit in Europe

1) The Floating Flower Market in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is home to the only floating flower market in the world! It ranks amongst the top must see markets in all of Europe. The floating flower market is located on the Singel Canal and stalls are located in houseboats along the canal. Known for the wide variety of bulbs, the floating market offers tulips and a plethora of other bulbs. The market ships all over the world, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty all year round.

2) Columbia Road Flower Market in London

Columbia Road is a world famous flower market in London. It is open just one day a week, on Sunday mornings and early afternoons. The narrow Victorian street becomes a bustling market of traders, with the shops selling homewares, garden candles and unique, quirky handmade welcome mats. Visitors will want to meander from cart to cart and seek the best deals, before deciding upon final purchases. Be sure to bring a camera along, to capture the dazzling beauty of the fresh flowers that line the street.

3) Flower Market on the Seine in Paris

The oldest flower market in Paris is located in the shadow of Notre Dame and Saint Chappelle, the famous stained glass chapel. The market lines both sides of the narrow street, and offers a profuse selection of cut flowers, greenery, and potted plants. The ornamental plants hang from baskets and are a blaze of colors and textured foliage. There is no lack of flowers and plant material that can be used to enhance a patio, balcony, or side garden. Cut flowers can be taken back to a place of lodging and enjoyed for the duration of the stay in Paris.

4) Neuenheimer Marketplatz in Heidelberg, Germany

This flower market is nestled in Neuenheim, just across the river from Heidelberg. The market is only open twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Visitors will want to be at the market soon after it opens at 7 a.m., to get the best selection of flowers. Cameras and picture taking is encouraged, as growers display their wares with beaming pride.

Photo by: Eurostar