Herbert Can Be Ever Ready

Mauritius is one of the Mascarene Islands located just off the coast of Africa.  This is a tropical island with a climate that is characterized by dry and moderate winters, and hot and humid summers.  The island has a series of monsoon storms with weather during this time being stormy and a bit unpredictable.  These storms happen during the summer months, so many of the travelers find that the best time for a visit is during the winter months, and they find accommodations in any one of the best hotels.  Mauritius is a city very cosmopolitan in nature with a variety of cultural and ethnic groups living together in a tolerant way.

It is this spirit of tolerance that creates an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness, two of the many characteristics that draw many visitors year after year.  The capital of the island is Port Louis, which has been the major site of the export business of the sugar industry on the island for many years.  The sugar cane plantations that cover the island and the production of sugar accounts for the amazing economic growth of the island, although the tourism industry is not far behind.  The official language on the island is English, however the languages of French, Hindi, and Creole are widely spoken as well.

The island itself is beautiful in an ephemeral kind of way, with palm tree lined beaches of pristine sand.  The beauty of the beaches and the clear blue water and the famous cloud filled skies has provided inspiration for many artists who have traveled to the island over the years, and are a perfect backdrop for those interested in any of the myriad of outdoor activities, including hikes, mountain bike, surfing, and scuba diving just to name a few.  And for those just interested in a chance to relax and unwind, the island offers many opportunities to such as well.  The beaches are ideal for long walks or for lounging about sunbathing, a nice retreat from a hectic world.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 11:29 am under Art, Travel
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Committing to a goal, be it losing a substantial amount of weight, or going back to school and attaining a degree, can create an ecstatic feeling, and anxious to begin feeling.  For who of us does not want all of our most important dreams to come true.  Many people may be tempted to just jump right in, without a plan.  However one must be aware of the need for a plan, for an organizational development plan.

Short term goals are the key to successful completion of the end goal.  It is the goal that is accomplished each day which gets one closer to that end goal, and it is those small goals that must serve to keep one motivated with that initial burst of enthusiasm. When one begins a management training course, or any other study that requires time, one may question themselves, if that burst begins to wear off, as some of the goals seem so far away, so far into the future.  But in making a plan and following it, one can keep that feeling, make sure that that goal is worth it.

A plan is what it takes to remain motivated.  It is similar to create one’s own support system, and that is in the form for many people as a written list, and the keeping of a record of the progress and the individual successes.  This will keep the focus, until finally those small goals simply become a habit, a change in the way we go about organizing our time and our energy.  For some this is the recreation of different rituals, mantras, and plans.

The mantra may be the beginning step, it will serve to focus the mind and create one’s own enthusiasm.  Changing ritual habits are important for those with aspirations to loose weight to those making the transition from working in the office to setting up a home base.  Changing one’s habits may be the first step in organizing and planning to attain those long term goals.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 5:43 pm under Business
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Saint Magnus Church is the only one in Britain that has a dungeon which is referred to as “Marwick’s Hole” although no one knows just exactly who Marwick was.  Throughout history the cathedral has had many near misses and partial destruction.  Much renovation was necessary after the occupation of it by Oliver Cromwell, when it was used as an army barracks as well as a horse stable in 1951.  Lightening wiped out the spire in 1671 as well as much of the interior of the cathedral as well.

There is much debate surrounding the identity of remains that were found in the dungeon.  During the cathedral’s renovation in 1919, a box of bones was discovered which contained amongst them, a skull.  The skull indicated severe trauma to the head, and it was believed that these were in fact, the remains of Saint Magnus himself.  Magnus was deemed a martyr following his murder on Easter in the early 1100’s.  The skull was re-examined later by R.W. Reid, a professor from Aberdeen University,  and by the Reverend George Walker from the East Parrish Church in Aberdeen.

That examination in 1925, seemed to confirm the identity of the bones as to those of Saint Magnus.  Apparently the evidence of the wounds to the skull, were consistent in the history of the death of the Saint.  The bones were then returned to the cathedral following the examination, where they continue to draw those interested who travel to the site and stay in one the Kirkwall hotels, hoping to draw some of their own conclusions.

Now days, there is some debate concerning the conclusions of 1925.  Don Brothwell is a an anthropologist who specializes in forensic science, who has been studying the case for some time.  His conclusion is that the wounds do not in fact match accounts of the murder, and that the earlier version is incorrect.  This has struck an emotional chord ever since he published an article in 2004 stating his findings.  To this day, those in the village of Kirkwall insist that these are the remains of their beloved Saint.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 9:26 pm under Travel
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There are some fabulous bed and breakfasts, quaint resorts and luxury Windsor hotels located in this beautiful region of the country of England. There is also a great supply of historic landmarks and major cultural icons and attractions. Perhaps one of the most famous factors associated with both name Windsor and the area is England’s royal family itself, also known as the House of Windsor. Queen Elizabeth II is the current reigning monarch and matriarch of the royal family. Her son, Prince Charles is second in line followed by his son Prince William.

Prince Charles had William as well his second son with Princes Diana, whom he had married in 1981. Prior to their marriage, Diana had been Lady Diana of Spencer. While it may seem that she came from a more removed royal heritage, her pedigree was still pretty impressive. Princess Diana was a descendent of King Charles II, though it was through illegitimate lineage on her father’s side. Interestingly, there have been programs in that have traced the illegitimate descendents from the British crown and have surprised unexpected commoners with the news that they are from the royal lineage. This is more for fun and entertainment, and really should not be compared to Diana’s status, as it actually demonstrates a much more solid tradition and heritage. Although, one other interesting factors is that she was also illegitimately descended from King James II, through an unrecognized daughter.

Tracing the royal genealogy can be a tricky venture, as there are always detours and interruptions as well as compounding factors to any of the royal houses and their descendents. However, this in no way makes the British monarchy and currently reigning Windsor family and less appealing or interesting. Tourists and locals alike are always captivated by news and photos of the young princes and since the paparazzi privacy agreement has expired, the two captivating brothers are more visible and photographed than ever before.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 5:31 pm under Travel
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I had just finished a big database project at work involving redundant redundant backup (don’t ask) when a friend with a passport and not much else to do said “Meet you in Johannesburg!” so naturally, what was I going to say but “Um, right!” and and hoped to meet Steve at some point. So I had little time to pick one of the Hotels Johannesburg travelers choose from. It’s quite a flight from Canada so I had time to pour over brochures and literature. We landed in Dakar Senegal to refuel the plane but we couldn’t get out and it was great when the plane finally landed, and it was chilly.

While on the plane I read about a zebra farm in Marulani about 150 kms north of the city. I hoped I could get Steve to come up there with me but he’s not so big on the outdoors (if we even met up). He’d probably want to head to the new Newtown district, a cultural precinct in Johannesburg’s heart. I guess they’re gearing up for the 2010 World Cup in football and this is apparently a great source of pride, a way to showcase the country’s painters and song in amongst the gritty warehouses and and squares. I couldn’t wait to see the cafes and the skyline of the city in what promises to be a wonderful place for galleries and, well, having a beer. There will be time to sneak off to the many game parks in the country, after we’ve crossed the Nelson Mandela Bridge and see the renewal of this area. I looked forward too to dining at Gramadoelas to try the mussels in cream sauce with garlic and the crayfish cooked with curry. But right now I just wanted to get to my room and try to catch up with Steve and have a beer.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 4:19 pm under Travel
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Warwick England has many diverse scenic elements and landmarks. Many are naturally created and many others are man made. The region also has an intriguing history, as does all of England the United Kingdom. Tourists often visit the area and stay in a Warwick hotel to visit the diverse historic landmarks. One of the most famous and also visually stunning is the Warwick Castle, which is located in Warwickshire. The castle dates back to Medieval England and is believed to have been built around 1068. It is an amazing structure that has served many functions and seen many owners. In 1978 it was purchased by The Tussauds Group and was turned into a tourist center.

The castle was built by William the Conqueror and from 1088 its traditional owner was the Earl of Warwick. In 1153 the castle was taken by Henry of Anjou, who would later become King Henry II. Throughout the centuries it has been used for many purposes. It has been the holding place for war prisoners and was even used to imprison King Edward IV. One of the more prominent groups of battle prisoners were the ones captured during the Battle of Poitiers in the thirteen hundreds.

William the Conqueror was the king of England from 1066 until his death in 1087. He was officially titled William I and came to the throne after having been the Duke of Normandy. He was also sometimes referred to as William II due to his position as having been the second Duke of Normandy. In addition, he was believed to have been born illegitimately and was sometimes referred to as William the Bastard. His reign was an important and impactful one and he brought many changes to the country and its future. Two of the most acknowledged aspects of his reign were the bringing in of French Norman culture and changes in the English language.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 4:07 pm under Travel
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My husband and I will be attending the Canterbury Festival this year. We’ve heard so much about it from our very good friends who live in Canterbury, they keep begging us to come down every year, stating the Canterbury may be as wonderful as our Edinburgh Festival, but it’s much older and much more interesting. That last part, we found hard to believe, but our friends aren’t know to exaggerate. So, this year, after the Edinburgh Festival we decided to take up our dear friends offer and see if their boasting is all true or just hype.

We had our friends book a room for us in a Canterbury Hotel, they wanted to put us up, but my husband and I prefer the comforts of a hotel room rather than putting out our friends. The Festival occurs in October at the Canterbury Cathedral, the Gulbenkian Theater and other various smaller venues in and around Canterbury’s City Center. When we arrived our friends took us to our hotel room and gave us the low down. The Festival grew out of tradition of the Cathedral Play around the late 20’s which became formalized as a festival by the Dean of Canterbury. World War II interrupted the festival and it didn’t start up again until the 80’s. Today, it’s one of Southeast England’s most important arts festivals.

Thomas Becket murder was written for this festival by T.S. Eliot’s classic ‘Murder in the Cathedral’ in 1935. Currently, and new tradition of the Cathedral play was reinstated with a special commissioned work called ‘Dallas’ Sweetman’, by Sebastian Barry. So, far my husband and I were quite impressed with this festival. We attended dance, comedy, music, opera, exhibitions, and Canterbury’s own Fringe Festival, which is, like the Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival, out growing the regular festival and which offers a more diversified array of theater, arts and music. Our dear friends were correct, this festival was more interesting than our Edinburgh festival, the difference was how much more friendly and less uppity the performances and the people were. We let go and let loose. We had fun.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 12:07 pm under Entertainment, Travel
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The country of South Africa is rich with cultural and natural history.  This is quite true for the city of Johannesburg.  When one visits the city they will find a vast array of museums, that contain relics and items from the past as well as the present.  They vary from museums of natural history to museums set on the sites of historical events.  When one ventures out of their Johannesburg boutique hotels front door  one embarks on a journey of the mind, a journey that involves each one of the senses.

The Dynamite Factory Museum displays the history of dynamite and other explosives.  The records give emphasis to the history of how the explosives where used throughout the history of mining, diamond mining and the continued mining of gold in Johannesburg today.  These two industries have shaped the history and continue to add to the destiny of the future of South Africa.  The Adler Museum of Medicine was created by Doctor Cyril Adler in 1962.  This museum has collected and preserved any and all material that illustrates medical history, not only that of South Africa, but of medical history in general.  The South African Airways Museum is another museum dedicated to science and technology.  The collection at the museum consists of older airplanes to jet engines.  There is also a section that is filled with memorabilia and artifacts all surrounding the history of aviation, as well as a library with a vast collection of books.

One of the museums that is dedicated to site history is that of Constitutional Hill.  This is the home of the court, and is also set on the location of the Old Fort Prison.   Throughout the times of apartheid this was a place of punishment.  Political activists that stood up for democracy were imprisoned here, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.  The Hector Peterson is located on the memorial site of a twelve year old boy, Hector Peterson.  In 1976, a student demonstration led to a terrible outcome.  The museum accounts the history of the riots and is named for the young boy as he was the first of five hundred and sixty six people that were shot by the police that day.  Many of the other site specific museums illustrate similar accounts of horrific events, but they also celebrate the perseverance of the people of the country throughout the years of turmoil, and they serve to give hope and strength to future generations.

Filed by Herbert Jones at 12:22 pm under Travel
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