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Nothing matches an afternoon of polo in the tropical surroundings of Barbados. Beautiful ladies in haute couture, squired by an array of dashing men, gather to watch the sport of kings while sipping champagne amidst the sound of hoof beats. There is also afternoon tea, a fully stocked bar — or in Bajan parlance, “bar solid” — and most often a delicious Bajan buffet is served. It is truly an afternoon of civilized fun for the international set.

Once a local pastime enjoyed by a few enthusiasts, the game of polo is now an important and well respected event on international sporting and social calendars. Not to be played by the faint of heart, polo is a very enthralling spectator sport. Apart from interclub matches which start in January, there is a 14 goal Colombian Emeralds Barbados Open in March this year, as well as visits from teams from South Africa, Argentina, the USA and England.

The quality and profile of Barbados polo as improved over the years with much better facilities being offered. Apart from the Barbados Polo Club at Holders Hill, three new polo fields have opened at Waterhall, Lion Castle and Clifton, all of which offer breathtaking views over rural Barbados. The influx and recruitment of top quality, high handicap overseas players has given the local teams the opportunity to play alongside some high quality polo players. The polo ponies have also improved significantly, most of which have been imported from well-known polo breeding countries like Argentina.

The Barbados Polo season runs from January to April this year.

Billy O’Dell is, with wife Carolyn, owner of the Barbadan catering company Food Affairs and owner of BarbadosBarbados.com, online concierge to Barbados.

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Ever wondered if you could deal directly with manufacturers… in China?! It’s easier than you think.

First Impressions:

I visited China in Autumn 2005 with a group of business associates and must admit that I was amazed, both by the warm reception we received wherever we went, and at the factories we toured. Having never been there before, and having only news accounts of “difficulties” between China and the U.S. to fuel my imagination, I assumed things would be overly formal and official at best at worst, cold and we would be “watched” constantly. I was so wrong on both counts. We were treated as welcome visitors and had only to ask the hotel staff for something to have it almost magically produced.

Lost in Translation:

Outside of the hotels and manufacturing facilities, doing business in the streets and in small shops was, at most times, terribly difficult. We had arranged our factory visits and business meetings with our contacts in China, and there were no problems on that side when it came to language. But once we stepped out on our own, we rarely found anyone - even in tourist gift shops - who could communicate in English at all. Next time I visit China, I’ll hopefully be armed with a few more basic Mandarin phrases, but for everyone visiting, even just for leisure, I’d recommend hiring translators to assist you.

Cash in China:

Another word of warning: business owners back home in the States may be suitably impressed by your Gold Card, but to the Chinese shopkeeper it’s just a pretty piece of plastic that won’t buy a cup of Chinese tea. Even in the large cities, you’re going to have to carry around Chinese Yuan (aka Renminbi) in cash if you want to be able to go shopping or eat at a restaurant. I have to say, the upside of this is that you won’t find yourself going over budget. But with the incredibly low Chinese retail prices, that probably wouldn’t happen anyway.

Low Retail Prices:

Once you’ve overcome the communication difficulties you’ll be amazed to find the bargains you’ll find in the small shops. For a start, it’s an electronics paradise. Just make sure you do your homework on what will and won’t work back in the States. Of course it is easy to load yourself up with personal purchases, but the real value is getting even more ideas of attractive products to start selling back home.

Factories in China:

Our visit to a manufacturing plant in Huizhou left us all . . . well, ‘impressed’ hardly seems like a strong enough word. The building, on the outside was sort of drab looking with banners hanging here and there but inside was quite a different story. First of all we were treated as if we were VIPs instead of mid-level managers from Kenosha. Most importantly, however, the level of automation in this factory was remarkable, even by American standards and, when you look at the numbers, you see that the productivity is really impressive. It’s no longer a mystery to this American why China is finding such a willing market in America.

Back Again:

I wish I had more than the seven days we were able to stay in China, but it won’t be long before I’m back, this time with a group of my friends who have been listening to me talking about the business opportunities since I got back and who now want to go out there to get a piece of the action for themselves.

Sarah Fairfax visited China 2005 and sent this testamonial to Chinavasion. For free information on how you can go to China and start buying direct from chinese suppliers visit this site: http://www.chinavasion.com/travel.php

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Have you ever marveled that how fascinating it would be to explore and experience mesmerizing gifts of nature in the manner you had always desired? For instance many of us have a latent craving to feel the rude and unsympathetic rocks by trekking over them, conquer the snow capped peaks by brushing against the abandoned boisterous winds and swing in the lap of gushing ice cold water A terrific idea to turn such smoldering dreams to reality is a trip to the remarkable Himalayan region. Himalayas are perhaps the most beautiful, mysterious, complacent and intrepid well-wishers of the countries they border. Standing firm at their place, these immobile yet gallant warriors are recognized globally for more than one reason. It is not just their scenic splendor that drives people crazy but the exotic activities in this region also magnetize people from all over the world.

The Himalayan region is thus a hub for incredible divinely aura and multitude of adventures. The foremost and most popular activity in the province of sky-scraping mountains is trekking. Trekking is an expression of human nature to attain heights despite of numerous odds. For many people it is a form of walking done to relish and survey the majestic beauty of hills and their surroundings.

The Himalayan region that invites trekkers from every corner of the world is a host to numerous ideal trekking spots. The Annapuma Trek in Nepal, Langtang Valley Trek in the Himalayan National Park and the Everest trek are the most admired ones. People opt for these sites according to their taste. All the treks have their own bewitching features that instigate you to move ahead while knowing them. Trekking is done in various styles. The Nepal Camping Trek and Nepal Tea House Style are quite dominant styles. The humble and cooperative sherpas (male residents in Himalayan region) are available to guide way and techniques to climbers.

The second thrilling activity in the Himalayan region after trekking, rock climbing and the like is white water rafting. Rafting is a wonderful way to play with water and swim across all the ups and downs in life with courage. The Himalayan county is endowed with perennial rivers such as Ganges, the sacred Indian river, the Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Zanskar, Kali and the Tons.

The Ganges, particularly offers an enthralling rafting opportunity. The GIO’s Camp Rapid Descent is the rocking area for rafters. Its perfect location on sandy beaches acts as a vent to the traveler’s sporting spirit because games such as volleyball, rock climbing, swimming and kayaking can be enjoyed here. Fun and excitement never bids goodbye even on the shores of Alaknanda, Bhagirathi and the rest. The crystal clear water of these rivers is also a host to numerous swimmers.

Camping is even akin to an exciting and thrilling sport in the Himalayan expanse. It is a perfect style to experience the serenity enclosed by this region and also to fathom the district of bountiful mysteries with your family. Chail, Sangla Valley and Tabo are three ideal sites for camping. While Chail is known for attractions like Choor Chandni peak, apple orchards and deodar trees, Sangla Valley is popular as a luxury camping site and Tabo is frequently visited for the great Tabo Monastery therein.

Wild camping taken up here is also a form of camping that is basically a step towards an amicable relationship between human beings, wild animals and their habitats. This camping is quite informative and is an excellent way to teach love and respect for all living beings and environment.

All in all the world’s youngest and highest mountain ranges have something to contribute to each of its visitor’s lifetime memories.

Mansi aggarwal writes about himalayan trek Learn more at http://www.himalayantravelspots.com

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