Sunday, September 20, 2009
World's 1st Balloon Ride with a duck, sheep & rooster.
With the Albuquerque Balloon Festival just around the corner it's time for hot air. But this is actually true... today in history Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI watched the first manned hot air balloon ascent. In it were a group of unlikely characters: the Montgolfier brothers, a sheep, a rooster and a duck. Now that's a great day of recess!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sail Away
If the idea of sailing is as exciting to me, as it is to you, then you'll be jumping at these ideas.
If you're really adventurous and have a few bucks, then head toward Kenya (Lamu). The Swahilis are one of the last surviving maritime cultures in the world, and they still use hand-built Dhows for sailing (similar to a sailboat). You can go out on a daylong excursion of the seven island archipelago with a Swahili Captain. You'll be able to explore villages that date back to Sinbad the Sailor (1000 AD). How groovy is that? There are less than a handful of cars, and most of the transportation (other than by Dhow) is by donkey. Check out the Peponi Hotel (peponi-lamu.com)(Adventure Mag).
If you're looking for something stateside check out Emerald Isle Sailing (www.emeraldislesailing.com. They run some fantastic sailing trips. If you love a little adventure combined with a little luxury you'll love the trips Emerald Isle offers. They feature several expeditions from the Northern Great Bear Rainforest (you see, bears, eagles, wolves, and humpback and orca whales) to more of the same around Ketchikan, Alaska.
They still have room on their San Juan Islands tour leaving September 29. Its a 3-day cruise for $997 per person. If lucky, you'll be eating fresh caught prawns, crab, halibut, and salmon as you tour some of the most beautiful islands in the world.
If this isn't a great recess option, I don't know what is! Three spots are still available on the 54' foot Pilothouse Catch (accommodates 3 crew members and 6 passengers).
Sail away your worries while eating some of the healthiest food you can find (or catch). It's a feast for the stomach, eyes and soul.
If you're really adventurous and have a few bucks, then head toward Kenya (Lamu). The Swahilis are one of the last surviving maritime cultures in the world, and they still use hand-built Dhows for sailing (similar to a sailboat). You can go out on a daylong excursion of the seven island archipelago with a Swahili Captain. You'll be able to explore villages that date back to Sinbad the Sailor (1000 AD). How groovy is that? There are less than a handful of cars, and most of the transportation (other than by Dhow) is by donkey. Check out the Peponi Hotel (peponi-lamu.com)(Adventure Mag).
If you're looking for something stateside check out Emerald Isle Sailing (www.emeraldislesailing.com. They run some fantastic sailing trips. If you love a little adventure combined with a little luxury you'll love the trips Emerald Isle offers. They feature several expeditions from the Northern Great Bear Rainforest (you see, bears, eagles, wolves, and humpback and orca whales) to more of the same around Ketchikan, Alaska.
They still have room on their San Juan Islands tour leaving September 29. Its a 3-day cruise for $997 per person. If lucky, you'll be eating fresh caught prawns, crab, halibut, and salmon as you tour some of the most beautiful islands in the world.
If this isn't a great recess option, I don't know what is! Three spots are still available on the 54' foot Pilothouse Catch (accommodates 3 crew members and 6 passengers).
Sail away your worries while eating some of the healthiest food you can find (or catch). It's a feast for the stomach, eyes and soul.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Time out for tennis.
With the US Open going on tennis is in the air. Tennis is a wonderful way to spend your free 'recess' time. Not only is tennis a great workout, but there is usually a great camaraderie of friendship at the local tennis club. Tennis can be played solo or as doubles or mixed doubles (a man and a woman).
While playing is a workout it also is a lot of fun. The more exercise you get the better you will feel both emotionally and physically. If you can get four of your girlfriends together you can set a regular date to play doubles. Studies have shown you are more likely to participate in an activity if there are other people holding you accountable to show up.
If you don't think you're really to join the local tennis club or can't find a partner, then a great start is using the hitting wall. Make a date with yourself to go to the court and hit against the wall. This may not sound exciting, but it will get your hand-eye coordination developing and really does wonders for your swing. Start easy, hit only 15 minutes the first time and gradually work up to an hour upgrading by 15 minute increments.
Another benefit of hitting against the wall is that you're sure to run into other players who will not only offer you free advice (you know what that is worth) but this is an excellent opportunity to find a few hitting partners. If you find that tennis is your sport, you might want to talk to a local pro (or sporting goods store manager) about a good racket. Make sure you get the racket for your size and ability. Depending on the racket, you might also need stringing, and this in an art form in itself. Again, ask advice.
Be kind to yourself and get the right footwear. Tennis shoes are not the same as running shoes and as your game develops you'll need good footwear to protect your ankles and your knees. Always, wear a hat or visor to protect your eyes. If you're playing a game you'll be switching sides, and there will a good chance you will be looking into the sun at some point.
Lastly, a few private lessons go a long way. This can be a big monetary investment, but you will learn more in a few private lessons than a series of group lessons. Whatever your goals, recess is about fun. Laugh and have a good time. Unless you're going to be playing at the US Open you don't need to take the score too seriously. Relax, unwind and play. That's what recess is all about.
While playing is a workout it also is a lot of fun. The more exercise you get the better you will feel both emotionally and physically. If you can get four of your girlfriends together you can set a regular date to play doubles. Studies have shown you are more likely to participate in an activity if there are other people holding you accountable to show up.
If you don't think you're really to join the local tennis club or can't find a partner, then a great start is using the hitting wall. Make a date with yourself to go to the court and hit against the wall. This may not sound exciting, but it will get your hand-eye coordination developing and really does wonders for your swing. Start easy, hit only 15 minutes the first time and gradually work up to an hour upgrading by 15 minute increments.
Another benefit of hitting against the wall is that you're sure to run into other players who will not only offer you free advice (you know what that is worth) but this is an excellent opportunity to find a few hitting partners. If you find that tennis is your sport, you might want to talk to a local pro (or sporting goods store manager) about a good racket. Make sure you get the racket for your size and ability. Depending on the racket, you might also need stringing, and this in an art form in itself. Again, ask advice.
Be kind to yourself and get the right footwear. Tennis shoes are not the same as running shoes and as your game develops you'll need good footwear to protect your ankles and your knees. Always, wear a hat or visor to protect your eyes. If you're playing a game you'll be switching sides, and there will a good chance you will be looking into the sun at some point.
Lastly, a few private lessons go a long way. This can be a big monetary investment, but you will learn more in a few private lessons than a series of group lessons. Whatever your goals, recess is about fun. Laugh and have a good time. Unless you're going to be playing at the US Open you don't need to take the score too seriously. Relax, unwind and play. That's what recess is all about.
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