Croft Travels & Photos

History holds a great fascination for many mid-venturers. But if you've seen Buckingham Palace and the Eiffel Tower, or traced Paul Revere's route in New England, you don't need to repeat the experience. Rather, you'd prefer to stop in lesser known old cities and enjoy the ambience created by old buildings that exude their own sense of importance and romance, especially if they're not listed in guide books. To discover an ancient monastery, old fort or historic building quite by chance and wander through quiet interiors unhampered by crowds, offers an opportunity to imagine what mysteries it holds and tales of romance or tragedy.

Even your media habits don't follow the norm. Typically you read more than most -- books, magazines and newspapers -- and watch TV less. When you turn on the "tube," you are much less likely to prefer any of the top ten sitcoms or "soaps." Instead, you'll seek out dramas, special news magazine format shows, and selected sports (as football and basketball; you have less interest in baseball or hockey). Consistent with your travel interests, you particularly like fact based television shows or dramas in a historic setting, and programs that explain the workings of some of our modern marvels. You hold definitive opinions about much of what you see happening in the world, especially politics, and strongly prefer commentators who agree with your views.

In looking for destinations that will satisfy your intellectual curiosity, seek out those that measure higher for venturers. You share so many traits in common with that group that most of these places will help ensure that your next trip will hold the enjoyment and contribute to the kinds of memories that you want. But make certain these places have adequate hotels and restaurants.

Who doesn’t love a Gnome? They are a fairy tale creature that dwells in your gardens and brings luck or knowledge to your home.

Gnomes are a worldwide fascination, first made in Germany in the small town of Gräfenroda in the mid-1800s. August Heissner and Phillip Griebel made the terracotta creations as a way for people to enjoy the stores of local myths. They quickly became a favourite for gardens everywhere.

Gnomes have become targets of pranksters since the 1980s. The first was recorded in Australian 24^th September 1986 as reported in the Sydney Morning Herald. A note was left to the owner that her gnome was bored with solitude and went to see the world. He returned later with photos from his trip around the world. On the 9^th of August 2006, the Fulton Sun of Missouri, USA reported that “Edgar” had been missing for two months and returned with a package of photos that he had travelled seven states. These pranks have become the mascot for the online travel site, Travelocity, with their “Roaming Gnome” commercials a big hit with consumers.

They have even hit the music scene. Wolfmother, an Australian Rock band, include a song by the name of “Tales From the Forest of Gnomes” in their first album. Pink Floyd also had a song titled “The Gnome” on their debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. David Bowie released a song in the early 70s called “The Laughing Gnome.”

Glenbrook in the Lower Blue Mountains has its annual Gnome Convention on Australia Day, 26^th January. It is unique in the convention world and earned a spot in a book, “Gnomeland,” by Margaret Egleton.  The 2007 festivities will mark the 4^th year of the gathering. It is held at Glenbrook Park in Glenbrook, off the Great Western Highway. Booking in is between 9 and 11:00 am, judging at noon and prizes awarded at 1:00 pm. Categories are workin gnome, original garden gnome, country gnome, sportin gnome and fancy dressed gnome. 

Want more Gnomes? In Western Australia there is Gnomesville outside Wellington Mills. No one knows how it got started, but there are now thousands of Gnomes living there. They are playing cricket, flying planes, and having parties. There is even the Rolling Gnomes, Gnome Empire, There’s No Place Like Gnome and other Gnome puns. It is a popular attraction and people are encouraged to bring their own Gnomes from home. There are ones from England, New York, Sydney and others.

The World Wide Gnome Association has information posted on Gnomer’s Day.  Events suggested for the day:

Plan to have coffee with other collectors or even friends who are not collectors.
Rearrange your Gnomes for them to have a change of scenery.

Bake Gnome cookies or cakes with Gnomes designs.

Walk around your house and extend a loving smile to every Gnome.

Tell more people about Gnomes, take the Gnomes cookies to work.

When driving, place one of your largest Gnomes in the passenger seat with seatbelt on of course.

Make a red hat for yourself.

Wear your Gnome jewellery.

Do a Gnome craft project.

Read your Gnome books.

For more information visit the World Wide Gnome Association webpage, www.foundus.com .

What constitutes a dream or reality when it comes to seeking a job? When I soul searched to find what profession I would like to pursue I choose writing, with the amount of travelling I have done and wish to do in the future, I chose freelance travel writing. Starving artists selling their paintings on the side of the road are a dime a dozen, and apparently so are travel writers. There are a lot of want to be writers online, each site I surf to read what material is out there is full of them.

There are no college courses to take (journalism is offered but expensive), I used a distance course to familiarize myself with the field. I am reading every book I can get my hands on with regards to the business, marketing and travel writing. Travel Writers Association of Australia states that they do not recognize courses regarding travel writing, that the best way to learn is read others or find a mentor. Finding a niche that would be in demand is another key to getting into the market. What other courses does a person take to be a better professional in this field? I am an excellent researcher my teacher tells me, but I am having difficulties finding that opening line to hook a reader. I approach subjects to much like a historian researcher. I also need more work in proofreading, I tend to get excited and rush a story when they could be made shorter in editing.

Next obstacle is that working towards this goal takes time and doesn't make money. Most of the jobs in these mountains are waiting tables, the hospitality field.... not many knocking the door down for a 39 year old fat woman to greet their customers when young pretty things are running against you. I keep showing up at their doors though. A yank with a pending spousal visa isn't much competition against Aussies either. I have a paralegal degree that can't be used and knowledge that isn't useful either. (animal care and husbandry, USA and Australian History) I'm creative, intelligent, and hard working but wondering when did I get past my prime - I thought I just hit it.

     Top 10 reasons to pick a vacation rental over a hotel.

     1.    Vacation rentals have ideal locations near all attractions that you are looking forward to visiting. Check with rental agencies, the pamphlets you have been accumulating, or travel agents as to the closest in the area.

     2.     You have the convenience of resting in a home-like atmosphere after a day of hunting for the perfect shopping bargains, tourist attractions and sunning yourself on the sand. Kicking back on a couch just like at home, the atmosphere is cozy and relaxing.

     3.    Instead of rushing around to find a restaurant to suit everyone's tastes. You have a fully equipped kitchen to make what you know they will enjoy. Having the family sitting around the table discussing the day or what is to come is much more enjoyable in the quiet room of your own than trying to hear over the next table in a large room of talking families.

     4.     The price comparison of hotel over rentals is amazing. The average cost of a 2 bedroom unit for a week is $450, versus the average hotel of $150 a night for a week $1,050.

     5.     If you are taking kids and still want some privacy. You are will not have to rent them a second room costing you twice as much, or if smaller children no privacy at all. In a rental they have their own room with a door that closes them out of your snuggle time.

     6.     Less luggage space taken up by clothes you need for the time you are away so you can fit all those bargains you find while on your trip. Rentals have laundry facilities to wash what you take with you.  No taking dirty clothes home for you to wash when you arrive.

     7.     Less noise of the crowd also on vacation. No hearing what the room next door is doing, no party animals invading your quiet space and no rush of people in the lobby.

     8.     Rentals with pools give you quiet time in the water without the hassle of other people invading your relaxation and enjoyment.

     9.     Rentals have their own parking space next to the door. No parking on the other side of the lot to get back to your room.

     10.    For your own “peace” of mind. Knowing that everything you need is right at your fingertips.