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The employment situation can be quite uncertain for newcomers to Greece and therefore many people choose to try teaching English as a foreign language, on a full or part-time basis. It can bring in a good income whether it is your preferred career choice, or you wish to do it short-term until another career choice pans out.

Qualifications and Experience

There are many language schools or frontistiria in Athens and all over Greece, to which you could apply for work. In order to get a job in one of these schools, it is still not strictly necessary to have a formal teaching qualification such as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). Often all that is required is a university degree (in any subject) from a UK or US university. That said, if you are uncertain about your ability to teach English and want to ensure that you start off in this line of work with the necessary skills, a course would be useful. It would provide you with some teaching theory, knowledge of English grammar (let’s face it, many of us have never formally studied English grammar in any great depth, even though we speak and write English everyday) and give you some valuable experience of teaching in a classroom, since this is included in most courses. When applying for jobs, you will find vacancies that specify that previous teaching experience is required and others for which no experience is necessary.

It does not matter if you do not speak a lot of Greek. Native English speakers are often valued for other reasons such as having what is seen as a “proper” accent. Many people also swear by the approach of not speaking your students’ language, so that they hear only English being spoken for the duration of the lesson. You will find ways to make yourself understood. In my experience of language teaching, it can even be counter-productive if your students know that you speak their language well, because they may be too easily tempted to speak to you in Greek when they find it hard going.

Finding work

Teaching English as a foreign language jobs are widely advertised in newspapers and on the Internet all year round and most often from August to October. As well as applying before in Greece, you can also go to door-to-door around the frontistiria with your CV, again in the August to October period. If you are visiting them in person, it is not recommended that you spend time doing this any earlier than August because the schools often do not consider their recruitment needs much before the beginning of the academic year.

Pay and working conditions

Pay and conditions offered by language schools will vary enormously, so it is important to check these out in detail first before accepting a contract. If time is on your side, it may be worth speaking to several schools rather than taking the first job you are offered. Also, if you work in a frontistirio it is quite likely that you will be working mainly in the afternoons and evenings, since this is when children and adults are free to take their lessons.

Making some extra money

Many people who teach English as a foreign language in a school, also do private English on the side and this can become a lucrative activity in itself. Working in a language school for a few months is a good way to meet students and advertise the fact that you do private English lessons, on a one-to-one basis. It can be difficult to get the first few, but then through word of mouth, you’ll get more if you do a good job – that great social network of mums and dads on the school run can work wonders! The University of Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) exam system seems to be the most widely known and respected in Greece, many people who want to be taught privately are preparing to sit a Cambridge exam or some other type of test. It is therefore worth familiarising yourself with the system – there is an enormous amount of free information on the Internet, including lesson plans, tips, exam practice etc. The exams which are most commonly sat by students are the “First Certificate in English” (which many people still refer to by its old name: “Lower”), “Certificate of Proficiency in English” (known as “Proficiency”), and “Certificate in Advanced English” (commonly referred to as “Advanced”). More information is available from the Cambridge ESOL web site (www.cambridgeesol.org).

What private students will want from you varies a great deal. Some may just want a conversation class, others may just be starting on the Cambridge examinations path and there will be some who are already at a very high level and may need detailed coaching on specific grammar points or on vocabulary for a particular purpose e.g. business English. And given these differences, the amount of preparation required on your part and the fee per hour you are able to charge will probably vary too. I will finish with a word on advertising. My experience has been that I have paid out money for two newspaper ads, which got back zero replies! What has worked well for me is local advertising – you need to use your imagination. I put a card in local shops and a small notice in the back window of my car and you can see people reading it at every traffic light! Just beware of getting calls on your mobile phone while you’re driving – not good! As I said before, word of mouth should kick in too once you have your first couple of lessons.

If you are thinking about getting wooden flooring for your home it’s critical that you have an understanding what the various wood terms mean. There are huge array of online flooring retailers, and its important to understand there are several different factors which all influence how the flooring appears, and makes each wooden floor look different from another. It is very unlikely that the wooden floor you saw in the showroom or on the internet will look exactly the same as the final product in your home.

Part of the appeal of hardwood floors is that they are all unique. One factor which effects the appearance of the wood is how close the wood is to the bark of the tree, this is called sapwood. The closer to the outside of the tree, the lighter the colour the wood will appear. The grain of the wood is another major factor, this can vary is direction and also changes in appearance depending on the colour of the wood fibers. The growth rings of the tree are also a significant factor when determining how the wood looks. Tightly packed layers of wood are likely to result in a darker colour, these are formed when only a marginal layer of wood is added per year during a growing season. Other factors which can have an effect on the wood are mineral Streaks. These occur when trace elements are in the water, resulting in grey and olive markings. Knots are also a big factor in the appearance of your flooring, and are produced where branches of a tree have been encased, as the tree has grown. Often lower grade flooring will have more knots in it than higher grade.

One of the main benefits of wooden flooring is its durability, and also the ease with which damage can be repaired. But because it is a natural product, as opposed to an artificial one, it is also prone to expand and contract during changes in the weather or season. This needs to be taken into account when your floor is fitted.

style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">For many years copper has been
the main raw material used by the Mexican artisans of Santa
Clara del Cobre for the fabrication of their beautiful artisan
items. Originally artisans relied on the natural supply of
copper of their lands for the fabrication of their items. But
has the supply of the original sources has decreased and the
demand for items as copper sinks (http://www.copper-sink
s-mexico.com) has increased they have had to think and look
for new and alternate sources of copper material.

style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Thankfully they have found a
reliable source of copper in the recycling industry. Trucks
loaded with tons of copper junk coming form many parts in
central Mexico arrive every week and deliver their precious load
to the artisans shops. Artisans pay the load of copper according
to the cleanness of the material, the cleaner your copper the
closer you will get to be paid at international market prices
for pure copper, that lately has been increasing steeply making
this recycling business more profitable for the copper
gatherers. Though all junk serves, artisans specially avoid junk
made of copper wires covered with too much soldering due to the
harming potential that this impurities have for the very
characteristic look of their handmade copper items.

style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The high demand and good price
paid for copper junk has created a new industry of copper
gatherers in central Mexico with a number of benefits for the
environment turning old useless junk yards into a profitable
mine of copper and preserving natural copper sources for more
strategic applications. And at the same time style="mso-spacerun: yes"> it has also benefited
the economy of the abundant population of this region of Mexico
that has seen a growing industrialization in recent years.

style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">So now many people may have one
more reason to buy a copper sink; that they are environmental
friendly.

If you are thinking about going to Brazil, I think you are a very smart person. Brazil is an exciting country with plenty to see and do and a very warm people who love to receive and share with whomever is receptive enough to make friends with them.

I would start by Rio of course. Rio is a very big city and just like any other city around the world, you have to be careful. Rio has many wonderful places that are sure to take the breath away. Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, The Vista Chinesa, Tijuca Forest and so on and so forth. The beaches in Rio are an experience for the newcomer. In Ipanema beach, every day when the sun goes down, everyone watches in silence and finally clap in awe of the beauty of the scenery. The best place to go to the beach in Rio depends on what kind of person you are.

If you are young and want to mingle and see interesting brazilian youth exuding their charm and unbelievably beautiful bodies, go to Posto 9 in Ipanema, where they play footvolley all day, the boys and girls are golden and there’s everything you could possibly want on a beach day for you to enjoy. Vendors walking by selling everything from popsicles to hammocks and sun glasses to shrimp cabobs. The service is nice. Now, if you are a family and you are looking to really just enjoy the sun and beach on a weekday (weekdays are much better at the beach in Rio), then I suggest you try the Barra da Tijuca beach. It is so vast it never really seems to be that full (except on Sundays when the so called ’suburbanos’ are there). But even then it’s nice.

Personally, I like the Botanical Gardens on Sundays. It’s quiet and nice and you can see a lot of very cool things, feed the fish and pelicans on the pond and rest under a Pau Brasil tree. The beach is way too full to be nice on the weekends. Or to take a nice hike up the many hidden waterfalls that make you forget entirely that you are right in one of the biggest cities in the world. It feels more like a tropical jungle.

If you have plenty of time to really get to know Brazil, like 3 or 4 weeks, I suggest getting a Brazil pass, it’s a ticket that costs around $500 US and that it allows you to travel by air to 5 major brazilian cities. My suggestion goes as follows: Start with Rio because it’s the major hub but don’t spend too much time there. Just enjoy the beauty of it for a few days, take a few of the escorted jeep tours around the forests of Rio, visit Corcovado and Sugar Loaf, go to the beach and then move on. Next stop, Salvador. This is one of the coolest places you are going to be at in the world. It’s a mixture of New Orleans, Kenya, Jamaica and Paradise beaches, all with the Brazilian “tempero” a seasoning that only in Brazil you will find.

In Salvador, you will see Capoeira rodas, music in the streets and art and life everwhere. It’s a must. Since you are already in Bahia, o Morro de Sao Paulo is not too far and neither is Trancoso, these are classical beaches where you need not worry about shoes. It’s all sandy and it doesn’t cost much to stay there either. You will experience a level of warmth and service that might make you want to forget the States and move there. Visit both and then move on.

So, with 4 more air tickets to spend, I’d do the following: Go to the Amazon and take a jungle tour in Manaus. There is no reason not to see the most beautiful rainforest in Brazil and the world and it will enrich your life just to have been there and be able to tell the stories.

Next, a stop in Minas to visit the old town of Ouro Preto which seems like the entire town was sculpted by an artist and it’s fun and sweet. Not very dangerous either. Relax here and take the time to enjoy the best brazilian cuisine you will find in the entire country of Brazil.

After this, on your way back to Rio, go visit Buzios and make sure you get souvenirs there and go walk on rua das Pedras. It’s classy and supposedly Brigitte Bardot (the French actress) used to walk around topless there.

That’s it for today. Please be sure to visit Brasil101.com for more Brazilian Travel, Tourism in Brazil, Brazilian Business and of Course, Brazilian Soccer info. http://www.brasil101.com

Hawaii is made up of several islands and Kauai is one of the most famous and certainly has many activities to occupy tourists on vacation. In fact, Kauai has so many things to do that you may not want to travel to any of the other islands because you are having so much fun! In fact, the Hawaiian island of Kauai is the oldest of all the Hawaiian islands and is known for its dense and beautiful foliage and flowers as well as its amazing strands of beaches. Whether you are heading to Kauai on a family vacation, honeymoon or business trip you will find plenty of activities geared to you. The following suggestions are just a few of the many activities awaiting you on tropical Kauai island.

Kauai Activity #1 Helicopter Ride A helicopter ride is an amazing experience in itself, but when you are flying over the breathtaking landscape of Kauai you will certainly be blown away. The reason is because on the helicopter ride you will get an up close view of the most amazing waterfalls, cliffs, and foliage you have ever seen. Another benefit you will receive when taking a helicopter tour is an up close view of Mountain Waialeale, which without taking a helicopter tour you will be unable to see. This activity can be a little on the expensive side, however if you want to take the most amazing photos you should definitely do so.

Kauai Activity #2 Movie Tours Kauai is very popular as a location for movies and over the years many movies have been filmed there, at least in part. As a result, there are movie tours you can take to see where different movies were filmed and learn a little more about the filming process. For example, South Pacific, Gilligan’s Island, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park and many other movies have locations that are part of the movie tours in Kauai. So, if you are a movie fan, or simply a fan of one of these movies, you might enjoy taking a bus, jeep, or even helicopter tour of these locations.

Kauai Activity #3 Koke’e State Park and Waimea Canyon Exploring Koke’e State Park and Waimea Canyon provide tourists an incredible view of Kauai. Within the State Park there are many different hiking paths that lead to Waimea Canyon as well as others that take you to other strategic areas for viewing. The Park is huge so you can spend a whole day exploring. Make sure you take a hiking path to the Canyon where you will be amazed with all the colors that make up this 10 mile long and two mile wide canyon. It is simply awe-inspiring to take in and you should spend some time simply appreciating nature and the beauty of Kauai.

Kauai Activity #4 Waialua River Valley The only river in Hawaii that can be traveled offers amazing boat and kayak trips for tourists. This provides an amazing view of foliage, wildlife, as well as the Fern Grotto. Spend the day navigating the river in a kayak or boat and truly enjoy the beautiful scenery of the island and the Waialua River.

Kauai Activity #5 Limahuli Garden and Preserve One of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the United States, Limahuli Garden and Preserve offers guests 1000 acres of flora and fauna. There are guided tours if you are interested in an in depth tour and learning more about the garden and its plants and flowers, or else you can tour the botanical garden on your own.

Kauai Activity #6 Play Golf Kauai does not have a lot of golf courses, but the ones it does have are out of this world and were designed by PGA heavyweights like Jack Nicklaus. As a result, if you enjoy playing golf then you must check out at least one of these amazing courses on Kauai Island. If you are visiting in the fall you might want to attend the PGA’s Grand Slam, of course you would need to buy tickets early.

Kauai Activity #7 South Shore The South shore of Kauai is absolutely amazing in its beauty. You will enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches, the deep blue ocean, and the unbelievable sunsets. Also, most every day the sun is shining so you can work on your tan or simply engage in some of the fun beach activities in and around Poipu.

Kauai Activity #8 Sugar Plantation Tour If you are interested in learning a little of the history of the islands while you are on vacation you should definitely tour the sugar plantation in order to get an idea of how the island survived for more than one hundred years. You can take a tour or else visit the free museum, depending on your schedule and budget.

Kauai Activity #9 Luau Hawaii is known for luaus and when you are on Kauai you should definitely attend a luau. There are many that take place and your hotel may be the best place to view this Hawaiian tradition.

Kauai Activity #10 Na Pali Coast Last, but certainly not least, is a tour of the Na Pali Coast. This is considered one of the most amazing areas in Kauai, however you can’t reach it on foot. You will need to take a Zodiac raft or else a helicopter tour in order to really get a great view of the area. You will be overwhelmed for sure and this tour should be first on your list!

There are plenty of other activities to keep you busy when you are on Kauai from eating in some of the finest restaurants, shopping, playing tennis, and simply enjoying the beauty that is Kauai. However, the length of your vacation will determine how many activities you can actually take in, as well as your budget. So, try the top 10 list here and if your wallet and schedule allow check out some of the other amazing opportunities available on the island of Kauai.

This is my favorite Massachusetts scenic drive, but especially during the fall foliage season.

Stretching for 63 miles from the Massachusetts-New York border to Millers Falls on the Connecticut River is a stretch of road known as The Mohawk Trail. It offers one of Massachusetts most beloved and popular fall foliage scenic drives area.

Attractions in the region of the Mohawk Trail are Mount Greylock, The Bridge of Flowers, Glacial Potholes, a natural marble bridge formed by erosion, state forests, old Indian hiking trails, and a plethora of country inns, gift shops, and arts and craft attractions.

The trail more or less follows the footpath trade and travel route used by the peoples in this part of the northeast since postglacial age. The path was well trodden and used to move between the Hudson and Connecticut River valleys.

Anytime of the year traveling this same path by road through this part of the Berkshire Hills is relaxing and inspiring… but especially during fall foliage season when everything is cloaked and carpeted in vibrant autumn colors.

This fall foliage scenic drive covers most of the major attractions and plenty of time for stopping and admiring the view or picking up an antique or two. The drive is approximately 65 miles but you should allow all day for viewing in an unhurried and gentle manner.

Start on Route 7 in Lanesborough, just south of Route 2. Follow Lanesborough one mile north to Rockwell Road on the right. This road leads to the summit of Mount Greylock.

The trip to the summit offers splendid view of the valleys and other peaks in the area. A few miles on Rockwell Road is the Mount Greylock Visitor center. Here you can get trail maps and general information about the area.

At the summit is the War Memorial Tower. The climb to the top of a 92-foot-tall tower at the summit provides magnificent views of five states. Once your summit viewing is complete take the Notch Road down to meet the Mohawk Trail on Route 2 in North Adams.

North Adams celebrates the autumn season with the North Adams Fall Foliage Festival and Parade. This is usually the last weekend of September or the first weekend of October. In North Adams is the Western Gateway Heritage State Park, which features an exhibit on the building of the Hoosac Tunnel. Close by east of North Adams off Route 2 and 8 is Natural Bridge State Park.

Follow Route 2 east out of North Adams ascending the Hoosac Mountain Range until Hairpin Turn and then onto the Western Summit. Here you can stop and admire the vistas of Mount Greylock, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and the valley below.

How fast or slow you take the next part of the journey depends on time. Continuing on Route 2 east takes you though Charlemont where the famous “Hail to the Sunrise” statue stands in Memorial Park.

The eastern end of this scenic drive on the Mohawk Trail on Route 2 takes you out to Shelburne Falls where you can view The Bridge of Flowers – a transformed trolley bridge – and the Glacial Potholes below Salmon Falls, where time has produced interesting geological pools.

Scattered throughout this drive are state parks, hikes along ancient trails, scenic views, and of course specialty shopping and dinning opportunities. So as you wind your way around on this tour take time to enjoy this area of a window into the area’s heritage.

For more information and details on the Mohawk Trail region visit the trails official web site at www.mohawktrail.com.

If you’re asking yourself where to go for a vacation and holiday, you have to ask yourself what kind of holiday and vacation you’re looking for. No point visiting ancient cities if you’re not into digging bones and historical stuff! Also take into consideration whether you’re taking your family along or not, are the kids going to be coming along? Are you thinking of going on a holiday and vacation with your close friends or colleagues? Do you share similar interests? What is your purpose of going for a holiday or vacation – for relaxation or exploration?

Once you’ve answered all the questions above, you will find it easier to find the perfect holiday spot to go to.

If you and your family members are into camping and finding some fun adventurous activities to indulge in, one of the finest private camping destinations is Acres of Wildlife. Acres of Wildlife is fast gaining its footing in the holiday and vacation industry. it is a completely private sanctuary for nature lovers in the midst of 300 acres of privately owned land and surrounded by 4,000 acres of luscious greenery.

If you’ve never been airborne (apart from being in an airplane) before, perhaps you can fit ballooning into your holiday and vacation plans! And not to mention, if you’re going with the love of your life, imagine being proposed to in mid air. And if you’ve never been to Barbados before, perhaps, this could be just the time to plan a vacation there. Barbados is indeed a land rich in culture, music, good food and breathtaking beaches. This is a good place for people who are looking to detach themselves from everyday life and just de-stress. By the way, you can find pretty good pampering spas and massage parlors there too – go indulge yourself. If you want to pamper yourself while you’re on a holiday, go all the way!

Another amazing way to spend a holiday is to spend it out in the sea, on a luxurious yacht. Although vacationing on a yacht is not for those who get easily seasick, many others find it tranquilizing and absolutely spectacular. Watching the sunset in the middle of nowhere, cruising peacefully and calmly past boating people, watching the busy city and knowing you are out here doing deservedly nothing! For sure, spending a vacation on a yacht is quite unlike anything else – the experience is undoubtedly unique.

You will never forget the holiday, not during this lifetime, if you swam with dolphins before. And this is precisely what you can and SHOULD plan to do on this holiday! And there is only one place on this planet where you can get to swim with the rarest and smallest dolphins (the New Zealand dolphin) and that is in Akaroa Harbour in New Zealand’s South Island. I promise you this…you’ll never forget this experience. And if this is what you’re planning to do during your vacation, don’t forget to bring the camera along!

Florida is more than just laser-light shows, thrill rides and miles of concrete. We’re also beaches, lakes, rivers and parks. Come and visit ‘undiscovered Florida’.

If you are planning your first Florida vacation, Central Florida is your likely destination. After all, Disney, Universal and SeaWorld are big draws, and worth visiting. But what about after you have finished with the big three attractions? Instead of visiting yet another theme park, venture into natural Florida – the real Undiscovered Country.

Where Dinosaurs Roam: One place you can visit is our own ‘lost world’ – Everglades National Park. Located in South Florida, the Everglades are almost primeval. Dinosaurs (in the form of alligators and crocodiles) sun themselves on banks. Giant blue herons and wood storks fly overhead, looking like pterodactyls. Tiny ghost orchids are elusive, seeming to live up to their name.

Atlantis Revisited: How about a park that is almost entirely underwater? John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Florida Keys is a watery delight. Snorkeling and diving are both terrific, among the best in Florida. Not into getting wet? Take a glass-bottom boat ride and gasp at the wonders below the waves.

Cool Water, Bright Sky: Tube down a spring-fed river at Ichetucknee Springs State Park in North Florida. Bring your own float or rent one from one of the many roadside vendors. The water is crystal clear and rather cool – it stays around 70 degrees all year long. The water is refreshing, though, for the days can be quite hot. And the float is decidedly beautiful.

Journey to the Center of the Earth: See Florida from a new perspective – underground! You may not exactly journey to the earth’s core, but Florida can be pretty amazing below ground in Florida Caverns State Park in the Florida Panhandle. Stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones await you and your camera. Aboveground, take a stroll on one of the many gorgeous trails that meander through the park.

From the Sea to the Sky: Canaveral National Seashore in Central Florida is worlds away from its near neighbor, Kenney Space Center. At Canaveral, expect a beautiful beach, serene and sun-bright. You can also enjoy boating, hiking, swimming and fishing. Bird-watching is also a popular pastime, as is kayaking in the park’s back country.

Florida Loving: Do you want to get away from the crowds? For years, Lover’s Key State Park in Southwest Florida was only accessible by boat. Not to worry if you are boat-less because now there is a bridge you can cross into this slice of paradise. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the beaches are sandy and the water calm. Shelling is popular, as are canoeing, kayaking and fishing.

These are only a few of the wonderful places that await you in natural Florida. After you’ve seen the bright lights and big cities, come relax with us in our parks and beaches. Discover a whole new reason to come back and see us again. And when you are planning that next Florida trip, come visit http://www.great-florida-vacations.com for more ideas of places to visit.

One of the hottest trends today in the world of nuptials is the destination wedding. More and more couples about to tie the knot have therefore come as no surprise that this island ranks as the #1 choice in the Caribbean for destination weddings and honeymoons. Some locations: an elegant Great House in Montego Bay, a hidden garden in Ocho Rios or the dramatic cliffs of Negril at sunset. Incorporate some Jamaican “flavor” into the proceedings with local culinary delights such as jerk chicken or grilled lobster and tap into the island’s rich musical heritage with a steel drum band or live reggae performance. Your Jamaica wedding can be as casual or formal as you wish, as under-stated or extravagant- if you can imagine it, then it’s “no problem”. Accommodation options abound with all-inclusive resorts, hotels with old-world charm, cozy inns and sumptuous private villas available to suit the individual requirements of the wedding party and guests. Experienced wedding planners, either independent or affiliated with the hotels and resorts, take the headache out of the organizational details allowing bride and groom to enjoy the moment. Best of all, when you get married in Jamaica, your honeymoon is literally at your doorstep. A destination wedding in Jamaica combines the thrill of vacationing in the tropics with the joys of a marriage celebration. The “wedding” becomes a multi-day event creating the perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Outside of the organized wedding events, guests can occupy themselves with all the activities and attractions Jamaica offers; including river rafting, dolphin encounters, watersports and heritage tours. For a list of local wedding contacts, visit the Jam-boree website at www.jam-boree.com.

Stretch that wedding budget! Getting married in Jamaica is surprisingly affordable and compares favorably with the expense of a wedding back home. The costs for wonderful food, gorgeous flowers, white-glove service, lively entertainment and breath-taking locations represent exceptional value that can offset the principal additional expenses: travel and accommodations. Taking advantage of the dramatic drop in prices outside of the “peak”, late December through mid-April, season and the wedding packages offered by many hotels and resorts will allow you to achieve further savings. With Jamaica’s nearly year-round reliable weather a memorable Jamaica wedding, that will not break the bank, awaits you.

Practical Matters With a valid license, couples need only be on the island for 24 hours before they can be married and officials to preside over the ceremony are available for most religious affiliations. No blood tests are required but officials will ask for a certified copy of a birth certificate, proof of divorce or death of spouse where applicable, and written parental consent for minors.

**for more information visit www.jam-boree.com, Jamaica’s visitor website, the complete source for travel and tourism information featuring hand-picked deals on vacation packages, hotels, villas, flights and car rentals**