Worcester Travel Guide in the Winelands - South Africa

The town of Worcester in South Africa was founded in 1822. The town today is mainly the service centre for the surrounding wine and fruit growing areas in the Breede River Valley. Worcester lies at the N1 freeway connecting Cape Town and Johannesburg and is an ideal place for a stopover, since it has some interesting tourist attractions to offer.

At the Kleinplasie open-air museum one can gain an insight into the living conditions of the first settlers. A farm from the 18th century, a hut of the Trekboers and a Khoikhoi camp have been rebuilt and furnished true to detail. Actors in historical dresses reinvoke the rural life of the old days. Visitors can watch how they manufactured soap, rolled tobacco, forged horseshoes, milled wheat, spun wool and much more.

To the wine lover, Worcester offers a big Wine Tasting Centre, where one can savor the excellent Breede River wines. Definitely worth a visit is the KWV Brandy Cellar, where one can gain an insight into art of brandy distillation.

Another attraction is the Karoo National Botanical Garden, about one kilometer north of Worcester. In this 144 hectare semi-desert nature reserve one can find a whole spectrum of Karoo plants.

Glider-flying enthusiasts find the only glider flying airfield in the Cape in Worcester. The Cape Gliding Club owns a whole range of one or two-seater glider planes, a towing aircraft and a tarred runway. Flying activities are usually limited to the weekends only. Visitors are welcome and can, under the supervision of a teacher, try flying themselves. Thermal winds and weather conditions in the Breede River Valley are excellent most of the year.

Worcester lies on the main route to and from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. With its wide range of services and commercial facilities, it has become the business and shopping centre for the entire valley and surrounding towns.

Things to See and Do:

Kleinplasie:

The Complex (next to the Robertson Road) comprises the agricultural showground's, an Open Air Living Museum, restaurant and wine cellar, as well as the Reptile World.

Kleinplasie Open Air Living Museum:

The unique open air museum depicts the lifestyle of the early pioneer farmers. Throughout the year a variety of activities are presented.

Karoo National Botanical Garden:

This jewel of a garden with 144ha of natural semi-desert vegetation and 10ha of landscaped gardens, features the unique plants of the drier parts of the country. Its greenhouse boast world famous collections of stone plants.

Brandy Route:

During the 325th brandy producing year in South Africa in 1997, the world's first Brandy Route was introduced, causing a stir amongst the world media. Public awareness was roused and brandy-lovers set about finding out more about the production and finer side of this noble fruit of the vine, by visiting the cellars along the Brandy Route.

The KWV Cellar, the largest of its kind in the world, is one of eight cellars on the Brandy Route. It's uniqueness lies in the 120 Woudberg potstills, huge maturation cellar and demonstrations of the ancient craft of barrel-making by the coopers.

The Olof Bergh Solera Cellar, at Goudine, is the other cellar in the Worcester region. Small but prolific, it accommodates 22 Woudberg copper potstills, similiar to those used in Cognac, France, for the distillation of high quality colombar wines. It is the only cellar in South Africa to practice the famous Spanish Solera method of maturation and blending.

Institute for the Blind:

Visitors are invited to come and see how the visually impaired are trained and how they work.

Institute for the Deaf:

Visitors are invited to come and see how the hearing impaired are trained and how they work.

Nuwe Hoop Centre for the Hearing Impaired:

A centre where children between the ages of three and twenty one years receive formal and technical training. Visitors are welcome.

Architectural Walking Routes:

Worcester was laid out according to a definite plan with parallel streets. This enables the visitor to take an easy walk through town and visit some prime examples of early architecture. Brochures are available at the Tourism Bureau.

Gift and Antique Shops:

Several interesting shops are dotted around town.

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za

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The da Vinci Robot is Cutting Edge Technology for Cardiac Surgery

We've come a long way from the days when the first open heart surgery operation took place in terms of cardiac rehabilitation programs. There may be a number of significant reasons for this progress including progress in the area of the surgery itself. One significant improvement is that of using robotic heart surgery and the impact that has on the recovery of the patient. The da Vinci surgical robot is being used quite regularly by skilled surgeons in the Chicago area.

The procedures are becoming more comfortable for the heart patients and thus an easier recovery. By using robotic-assisted surgical technique and allowing minimally invasive and extremely exacting surgical techniques, the patient has less trauma to their body, there is less pain and scarring which leads to faster healing and a reduction in the risk of infection. There is also the possibility of less blood loss during the surgery so the body is stronger coming out of the operation.

The use of robots in cardiothoracic surgery throughout the country may be on the increase but out of all of the hospitals, the Chicago area has perhaps some of the most prominent hospitals on the leading edge technology. The reasons for this commitment can be attributed to a number of reasons, but the number one reason is the patients. The focus on taking care of patients and on the path to healing is a driving force that allows this attention to detail. Being on the leading edge is not always the easy route to take.

Many places are limited by the cost, many are limited by ego or the fear to be the leader and some take the bull by the horns and step up to the task of figuring it out and getting it right. This type of leadership is common at Riverside and it bespeaks of the risks allowed and encouraged to help patients get in and get out with the least amount of trauma and injury. That is what doctors are and should be about. Do no harm. It is a long road to get people to understand that technology is a great assistant. For those who have been on the long road to being a trained surgeon it is hard to imagine wanting to take the time and effort to learn a new skill and become proficient at using a new tool.

In the United States and Canada it typically takes six to nine years as a resident to become a fully qualified cardiothoracic surgeon. This of course is after medical school and after undergraduate school. The dedication to their craft is undeniably astounding. The benefit to all this comes out when the patient now leaves the hospital after a few days instead of a few weeks. Not only are we able to do more with the heart and surgery, we are able to be more accurate and less invasive, all to the benefit of the patient.

There many hospitals in the Chicago area. Choosing one for general healthcare or a specialty area like cardiothoratic surgery can be tough. Riverside Medical Center offers premier healthcare services in the Chicago area including robotic heart surgery with the da Vinci surgical robot and cardiac rehabilitation programs. Rest assured that you can get the information you are looking for at RiversideHealthcare.org.

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How Do the Gartner Snakes of the Manitoba Interlake Survive the Cold Canadian Wintertime?

How do Manitoba garter snakes survive the cold Canadian prairie winter? Although snakes evolved in the tropics, some of these slimy often feared creatures of the wild and mythology have over the eons evolved to have adapted to cooler and even downright cold climates. Yet snakes for sure cannot survive if actually frosty frozen. How on earth do these creatures survive the cold Canadian winters? The answer simply is that these snakes seek shelter in the ground below the cold "frost " line and essentially hibernate there doing the long winter months.

The red-sided garter snake that is known to inhabit the "Interlake" regions of the Canadian province of Manitoba ranges further north than any other snake in North America , winters in communal dens, which sometimes can contain up to 8,000 snakes.

These winter dens are called "hibernacula" or simply "winter dens". Some of the largest concentrations of these are in the area west of Lake Winnipeg, in the "Interlake" region of Manitoba west of the major centers of Gimli and Winnipeg Beach. These dens are sinkholes in the local limestone rock produced simply when underground caverns have collapsed. The resulting fissures and crevices in the limestone bedrock give the snakes access to depths below the frost line, a necessity since winter temperatures in the region can often dip to minus forty degrees centigrade which translates into - 40 degrees Fahrenheit as well. Its so cold in these areas that the local have electric "block " in the engine blocks of their cars which they plug into standard ac electrical jacks in order to start their cars in the dead of the - 40 degrees January winter cold temperatures.

What is even better is that when spring arrives, usually in early May that hundreds and hundreds of snakes will pour out of the dens onto the rocks and rockfaces. You would think that you are seeing a sight of more snakes in one place than anywhere else in the world and you are most likely correct.

By early autumn these same garter snakes are now fat and firm with lots of carbohydrates and fat from their summer of feeding. Once they return to their dens they will not feed again for the next six or seven months. They will live off their fat reserves from the summertime feedings. Interestingly these same snakes seem to arrive at the dens earlier than need be - in fact it can be a month of so before they really need to arrive. This is yet another adaptation learnt and time tested from nature. As the fall days get shorter and winter is closer, temperatures are generally on the cooling trend. Snakes being cold blooded become sluggish during the cooler weather. It's a case of getting the work done while the iron is hot.

Soon it will the winter season. These garter snakes will be safely underground in their winter dens. It may be cold outside - very cold - yet these smart garter snakes , who along with nature sit tight hibernating in temperatures that are a couple of degrees above freezing. You might well think that these simple garter snakes are smarter than many of the people you meet in your travels. Its as if they know to plan ahead, to save food and energy and get out of the cold and go "south " for the winter.

Jadran Z.E. Transcona
Fish Lake Manitoba Narrows Walleye
http://www.sellyourmanitobacottage.com
http://www.fishlakemanitobanarrows.com
http://www.qualityhotelwinnipeg.com/

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6 Unique Apartment Pets

Nothing makes apartment living fun like a playful pet. Fido and Felix bring a number of new elements to an apartment other than the additional smell. On any given day pets add companionship, humor, personality, and tons of fun to even the most monotonous dwellings. Although dogs and cats lead the pack of domesticated pals there are a number of untraditional, unique, and exotically extravagant creatures available. So, if you are seeking a cute, small, or just out of the ordinary companion check out the little buggers that round out my list of Top Six Unique Apartment Pets.

6) Pot-Bellied Pigs- While slightly destructive at times, Pot-Bellied Pigs can be as easy, if not easier to train than dogs. They're playful, curious, caring, surprisingly odorless, and they don't bark. Natural "rooters" and highly intelligent, these pets can get quite stubborn in their desperate search to feed their addiction to food, learning to open cabinets, drawers, bins, and find their way into making a real mess of the kitchen. Keeping food locked up is only a fraction of commitment to caring for these lovable little oinkers. Pot-Bellied Pigs may require much care, financial, and time commitment, but make an extremely fun pet and incredible family member.

5) Hedgehog- Although not a very social animal, a tamed hedgehog can make a nice furry friend. With a life-span of 4-6 years, Hedgehogs are relatively easy to care for and are easy to feed with high quality cat food. When they feel threatened these animals will roll into a ball, poking out the prickly spines on their back. These spines are not a big danger, but getting a hedgehog used to human handling is one of the biggest steps in making them comfortable and you avoiding getting poked. A seemingly quiet animal, they don't require a lot of attention and are great at entertaining themselves.

4) Chinchillas- Pets don't get much softer or cuddlier than one of these very soft, furrycreatures. Like most exotic mammals on this list, if handled from a young age Chinchillas bond very closely with their human owners. For a smaller animal they have quite the extensive life span, lasting about 15 years. An active and playful animal by nature, having a spacious cage and many toys available for the Chinchilla will add to their happiness and natural comfort level. Surprisingly, these little guys bathe in dust to keep their coat silky and smooth, so having a dust bath is a necessity. Does anyone else see the irony in the fact that an animal can bathe itself in dust to maintain a clean, shiny coat of fur?

3) Ferrets- A very mischievous animal, Ferrets can be highly entertaining. One of the more common animals on this list, Ferrets are known to sleep long hours (up to 18 hrs/day) and be very active during dawn and dusk. Most will adapt their sleeping and active times to fit that of their owner's schedule. While they do have a reputation for having a musky smell, Ferrets are typically fixed and descented before being sold. Ferret owners should always try to be aware of the whereabouts of their pet as a ferret's curiosity can lead it anywhere in the home. Living roughly 6-8 years, Ferrets make a really awesome and extremely fun apartment pet.

2) Prairie Dogs- One of the most social, playful, and active animals on this list, Prairie Dogs can make incredibly fun pets for an apartment. If trained very young to be around humans, these furry creatures become affectionate and very caring to their owners. With this need for affection, they require a good amount of attention. Feeding on rabbit pellets, hay, and the occasional treat, it's fairly easy to keep a Prairie Dogs' belly full. Make sure to have many chewable toys available as they do like to chew on things and you don't want them to chew on you.

1) Sugar Gliders- This is the ultimate apartment pet. Sugar Glider's are extremely social and bond naturally with their human owners. This in mind, these animals do require quite a bit of daily attention and interaction as without it they can at times become depressed or even die. A marsupial, the Sugar Glider is quite comfortable hanging out in a shirt pocket all day, cuddling close to its owner. They are a very endearing and non-aggressive pet that typically lives 12-14 years, so will make a wonderful long time pet that'll connect well with its owner. Being small, fun, and easy to care for makes the Sugar Glider the perfect apartment pet!

That rounds out the list of Top Six Unique Apartment Pets. There are an increasing number of viable pet options for apartment dwellers out there, so make sure and look around and weigh those options to find the perfect pet for you and your place.

Visit ApartmentHomeLiving.com for more information on apartments and living for fun!

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As a Managing Partner of Apartment Home Living, Jeff wants to help you find the right apartment by getting to know you. Not only where you want to live & what you want to pay, but what you like. This way, we can help you find an apartment that fits your personality, not just your budget.

At AHL Apartmentites have a platform to share their own stories, get great info & tips on apartment living, read Jeff's entertaining blogs/stories, find Answers to a wide array of apartment related questions, and have a ton of fun sharing their love of apartment living with others. Don't forget to go and set up your own MyPlace page to really get the full Apartmentite experience!

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