Choosing Your Vacation Walking Shoes
Word Count:
336
Summary:
Carefully chosen walking shoes will make a world of difference on your vacation. Your feet are as unique as your personality so just any old shoes won't do.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right walking shoes for you.
Find an athletic store that has qualified people who can evaluate your walking gait. They can then point you toward a shoe that will match your style.
Your feet will swell on a walk. So pick a walking shoe that is about a size bigger than you ...
Keywords:
vacation, travel, walking, hiking, shoes
Article Body:
Carefully chosen walking shoes will make a world of difference on your vacation. Your feet are as unique as your personality so just any old shoes won't do.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right walking shoes for you.
Find an athletic store that has qualified people who can evaluate your walking gait. They can then point you toward a shoe that will match your style.
Your feet will swell on a walk. So pick a walking shoe that is about a size bigger than you usually would buy. Or, if possible, try on your shoes after a long walk.
Fit your shoes while wearing the same socks that you will be wearing on your vacation.
Consider the type of walking you will be doing. Hiking boots are good for poorly maintained trails, off trail or cross country hikes. But they are heavy and stiff. Stick with walking or running shoes for walks on paved or maintained trails.
Make sure there is room at the toes and the sides. Even a small amount of rubbing will produce blisters.
Cushioned shoes provide comfort and are great for non rugged walking surfaces. They usually have a little less support.
Lightweight is important when you are walking all day. You can afford to give up a little support for light weight when you are walking on pavement or maintained trails.
Avoid flared soles and heels that are more than an inch higher than the sole in front. These types of shoes are not good for a walker's gait.
You want a flexible shoe that will twist and bend at the ball of the foot.
If you have wide or narrow feet make sure that you get a shoe that is sized for you. Don't settle for a standard width shoe. You will regret it.
The success of your vacation can depend on having a comfortable pair of shoes to walk in. Take the time to find the right one. It is worth it.
Showing posts with label walking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label walking. Show all posts
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Camino de Santiago de Compostela:A Modern Pilgrimage
Camino de Santiago de Compostela:A Modern Pilgrimage
Word Count:
586
Summary:
Pilgrims have been treading the paths to Santiago de Compostela for a thousand years and even today continue to flock there. So what's so special about this city in northern Spain? Read on to find out.
Keywords:
camino de santiago, walking, cycling, Santiago de Compostela, pilgrimage, travel
Article Body:
The need to go on pilgrimages has always been a human characteristic. People have long trodden paths to destinations that promised miracles or penance, or to atone for sins. And even in this rational age, people are drawn on spiritual quests to the sacred sites of the world. In the Christian world, few sacred sites are more famous that Santiago de Compostela in Galacia, northern Spain. Pilgrims have walked this route for more than 1000 years. And nowadays, over 100000 pilgrims annually make the journey that ends at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. What draws them there?
One of the oldest extant pilgrim routes is the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, or The Way of St James in English. This way is in fact made up of a collection of old pilgrimage routes which lead to Santiago de Compostela in Galacia in north west Spain. Here a cathedral has stood since the 9th century.
According to legend, the appearance of the remains of the Apostle Saint James led to the construction of Santiago de Compostela in the ninth century. It soon became a pilgrimage destination on a par with Jerusalem and Rome.
Of all the many paths that lead to Santiago de Compostela, the most popular is known as the French Way. This is a 750 kilometer route that begins in France and crosses the Pyrenées at either Somport or Roncesvalles.
Modern pilgrims make this journey for a number of reasons, only some of which are spiritual. In fact over 100,000 pilgrims from over a 100 countries make the journey each year on foot, bicycle, donkey, or horseback. And that's just official pilgrims holding a pilgrim's 'passport'. Most conclude however that it is a moving experience and rewarding in ways they did not anticipate
So for whatever reason you may wish to travel this trail, you can do so on foot or bicycle. Here are some pointers for the journey.
Firstly, you should get a Pilgrim's "credencial" by registering in a town such as Roncesvalles on the border with France. This document identifies you as a bona fide pilgrim and permits you to stay in the small inns known as refugios or albergues in Spain. These hostels dot the routes along the pilgrim's ways and often cheap or even free accommodation. This usually takes the form of dormitory beds and accommodation is generally limited to one night.
The credencial is also necessary for getting your Compostela, the certificate awarded to pilgrims on completing the way. To earn this you need to walk a minimum of 100 kilometers or cycle least 200 kilometers on your pilgrimage. To get your compostela, you need to have you credencial stamped in the towns you pass though on your pilgrimage. This proves you've walked the route recognized by the Pilgrim Association of St James.
Many take the pilgrimage for secular reasons. It's a scenic route wending its way through vineyards, farms, orchards of apples and pears, herbs and vegetable gardens and a varying landscape marked with with villas and quaint villages set high in the mountains.
Whatever the reason for the pilgrimage, finally arriving at the great Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a moving experience. True pilgrims embrace the statue of the Saint James and often break down in tears of happiness. And even those who traveled for pleasure find themselves affected in ways they can't explain.
So if you're considering a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostelo, don't hesitate. Whatever your motives, you'll have a wonderful experience and who knows, it could change your life.
Word Count:
586
Summary:
Pilgrims have been treading the paths to Santiago de Compostela for a thousand years and even today continue to flock there. So what's so special about this city in northern Spain? Read on to find out.
Keywords:
camino de santiago, walking, cycling, Santiago de Compostela, pilgrimage, travel
Article Body:
The need to go on pilgrimages has always been a human characteristic. People have long trodden paths to destinations that promised miracles or penance, or to atone for sins. And even in this rational age, people are drawn on spiritual quests to the sacred sites of the world. In the Christian world, few sacred sites are more famous that Santiago de Compostela in Galacia, northern Spain. Pilgrims have walked this route for more than 1000 years. And nowadays, over 100000 pilgrims annually make the journey that ends at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. What draws them there?
One of the oldest extant pilgrim routes is the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, or The Way of St James in English. This way is in fact made up of a collection of old pilgrimage routes which lead to Santiago de Compostela in Galacia in north west Spain. Here a cathedral has stood since the 9th century.
According to legend, the appearance of the remains of the Apostle Saint James led to the construction of Santiago de Compostela in the ninth century. It soon became a pilgrimage destination on a par with Jerusalem and Rome.
Of all the many paths that lead to Santiago de Compostela, the most popular is known as the French Way. This is a 750 kilometer route that begins in France and crosses the Pyrenées at either Somport or Roncesvalles.
Modern pilgrims make this journey for a number of reasons, only some of which are spiritual. In fact over 100,000 pilgrims from over a 100 countries make the journey each year on foot, bicycle, donkey, or horseback. And that's just official pilgrims holding a pilgrim's 'passport'. Most conclude however that it is a moving experience and rewarding in ways they did not anticipate
So for whatever reason you may wish to travel this trail, you can do so on foot or bicycle. Here are some pointers for the journey.
Firstly, you should get a Pilgrim's "credencial" by registering in a town such as Roncesvalles on the border with France. This document identifies you as a bona fide pilgrim and permits you to stay in the small inns known as refugios or albergues in Spain. These hostels dot the routes along the pilgrim's ways and often cheap or even free accommodation. This usually takes the form of dormitory beds and accommodation is generally limited to one night.
The credencial is also necessary for getting your Compostela, the certificate awarded to pilgrims on completing the way. To earn this you need to walk a minimum of 100 kilometers or cycle least 200 kilometers on your pilgrimage. To get your compostela, you need to have you credencial stamped in the towns you pass though on your pilgrimage. This proves you've walked the route recognized by the Pilgrim Association of St James.
Many take the pilgrimage for secular reasons. It's a scenic route wending its way through vineyards, farms, orchards of apples and pears, herbs and vegetable gardens and a varying landscape marked with with villas and quaint villages set high in the mountains.
Whatever the reason for the pilgrimage, finally arriving at the great Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a moving experience. True pilgrims embrace the statue of the Saint James and often break down in tears of happiness. And even those who traveled for pleasure find themselves affected in ways they can't explain.
So if you're considering a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostelo, don't hesitate. Whatever your motives, you'll have a wonderful experience and who knows, it could change your life.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Are There Any Good Restaurants On Walking Street?
Are There Any Good Restaurants On Walking Street?
Word Count:
441
Summary:
Most single guys know that Pattaya's Walking Street is a haven of go-go bars but many don’t know about the great restaurants.
Keywords:
street, food, favorite, seafood, vendors, bars, street vendors, walking street, meal, walking, chicken, thai food, lobster
Article Body:
There are a bunch of great places to eat that will suit every budget. You can choose from local street vendors or you can splurge on a fantastic seafood dinner.
The street vendors are mostly located just off of Walking Street down the small lanes or sois. They sell everything from bar-b-que on a stick to rice and noodle dishes. Prices are very cheap and you can get a meal or a snack for les than 2 dollars.
If you want Thai food in a nicer setting, there are many restaurants up and down the street. You can get western or Thai food at reasonable prices.
Some of the bars also offer food or provide menus that you can easily order from. You can order any item on the menu and have your full course meal while enjoying your favorite adult beverage.
If you are in the mood for seafood, there are 3 or 4 restaurants that have your favorite fish, lobster or crab on ice or still swimming around. Your meal will be excellent and cost about 25% of what you would pay at home. And the view of Pattaya Bay is magnificent. King Seafood is my favorite.
If seafood isn’t your favorite, you can always get Italian. Don Joe's is right on Walking Street and overlooks the bay. You can get pizza, pasta or lasagna in a great location with superb service. Many of the bars located near Don Joe's can provide a menu and will let you eat in the bar while you have a cold beer.
Another favorite of mine are the kebab sandwiches that some of the vendors sell. You will see chicken, pork or lamb on a vertical spit and you can get a sandwich with all the trimmings for about 50 Baht – or $1.50 US. The meat will be trimmed and put into pita bread and then you can add cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Catsup and other sauces are also available. Chicken kebabs are my favorite and the girls in the bars will be happy to grab one for you.
Probably the best part of Walking Street is that you can get food any time of day or night. Whether eating local style at one of the many street vendors, or going for the crab or lobster at King Seafood it is entirely up to you. You can even get a burger and fries if you want. And dessert is available too – you can get an Italian ice or some fresh fruit.
Walking Street is a fun place to go to for the bars and the girls but it is also a super place to get some excellent food.
Word Count:
441
Summary:
Most single guys know that Pattaya's Walking Street is a haven of go-go bars but many don’t know about the great restaurants.
Keywords:
street, food, favorite, seafood, vendors, bars, street vendors, walking street, meal, walking, chicken, thai food, lobster
Article Body:
There are a bunch of great places to eat that will suit every budget. You can choose from local street vendors or you can splurge on a fantastic seafood dinner.
The street vendors are mostly located just off of Walking Street down the small lanes or sois. They sell everything from bar-b-que on a stick to rice and noodle dishes. Prices are very cheap and you can get a meal or a snack for les than 2 dollars.
If you want Thai food in a nicer setting, there are many restaurants up and down the street. You can get western or Thai food at reasonable prices.
Some of the bars also offer food or provide menus that you can easily order from. You can order any item on the menu and have your full course meal while enjoying your favorite adult beverage.
If you are in the mood for seafood, there are 3 or 4 restaurants that have your favorite fish, lobster or crab on ice or still swimming around. Your meal will be excellent and cost about 25% of what you would pay at home. And the view of Pattaya Bay is magnificent. King Seafood is my favorite.
If seafood isn’t your favorite, you can always get Italian. Don Joe's is right on Walking Street and overlooks the bay. You can get pizza, pasta or lasagna in a great location with superb service. Many of the bars located near Don Joe's can provide a menu and will let you eat in the bar while you have a cold beer.
Another favorite of mine are the kebab sandwiches that some of the vendors sell. You will see chicken, pork or lamb on a vertical spit and you can get a sandwich with all the trimmings for about 50 Baht – or $1.50 US. The meat will be trimmed and put into pita bread and then you can add cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Catsup and other sauces are also available. Chicken kebabs are my favorite and the girls in the bars will be happy to grab one for you.
Probably the best part of Walking Street is that you can get food any time of day or night. Whether eating local style at one of the many street vendors, or going for the crab or lobster at King Seafood it is entirely up to you. You can even get a burger and fries if you want. And dessert is available too – you can get an Italian ice or some fresh fruit.
Walking Street is a fun place to go to for the bars and the girls but it is also a super place to get some excellent food.
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