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A Handful of the Best of Sicily

There are so many amazing things to see and do on the wonderful island of Sicily that we could easily go on and on, but we decided to hand pick the very best. So here we happily present five, one for each finger, of our favorites…. CONTINUE READING >> 

There are so many amazing things to see and do on the wonderful island of Sicily that we could easily go on and on, but we decided to hand pick the very best. So here we happily present five, one for each finger, of our favorites.

1. Taormina

This ancient town has been a strategically important city for more than a few handfuls of centuries due to its position high on a hill, and the nearly impenetrable Saracen Castle that guards it from above. First as a citadel for the Sicels, who gave Sicily its name, then later the Greeks followed by the Romans.

Any visit to Taormina, which is considered by The Nomadvisor to be one of the best places to stay in Sicily, must include a stop at the Ancient Greek Theatre. Thought to have been originally constructed around 300 BC as a classical Grecian amphitheater, the Romans rebuilt it several centuries later after they took control of the island.

Most of what remains today is the brickwork from that reconstruction, but we also saw evidence of some marble columns left over from the original Greek architecture.

But we have to hand it to whoever built it, they did it right because it is still in use today for plays and concerts.

Another don’t miss spot in Taormina is the Piazza del Duomo. The square is in front of the cathedral and centered around an ornate fountain from 1635. But more important to us was that this is the ultimate location for stunning views of Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and the highest in Europe.

2. Siracusa

This was once one of the Mediterranean’s most powerful cities and much of the fortifications are still visible along the coastline. As with all of Sicily, the history is an intriguing mixture of Greek and Roman with some Middle Eastern and modern Italian thrown in.

With that in mind, we took a look at another amphitheater, known simply as the Greek Theater. It predates the Romans by some five hundred years and is one of the largest ever made by the ancient Greeks.

Near the theater is an ancient quarry known as the Latomia del Paradiso. Here caves were cut into the rock walls as stone was removed for construction projects and often theseexcavations were used as prisons.

The most famous of these is known as the Ear of Dionysius.

The name could come from the shape of the cave but, after hearing the acoustics from the inside, we concluded that it must have more to do with the amazing sound qualities within the cave.

3. Ragusa Ilba at Night

The city was devastated by an earthquake in 1693, which means that almost everything has been built after that. Yet this is still one of the most captivating towns we have ever walked through. No doubt the fact that we entered just as darkness was falling and one by one the buildings lit up against night sky had something to do with that feeling.

Especially exquisite was the sight of the radiant blue dome atop the Duomo di San Giorgio dominating the town from above. It was well worth simply taking a seat to enjoy the view and a glass of wine for a while.

4. Modica

The city is truly ancient, going back over three thousand years. While it was also stuck by the earthquake, it was not completely destroyed and the blend of old and new has earned the city the honor of being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The buildings packed in on the hillside made for an amazing sight, but without a doubt our favorite thing about Modica, was a tour of Sicily’s oldest chocolate maker, Antica Dolceria Bonajuto.

The family has been processing cocoa beans for six generations, since 1880. But their secrets go back even farther, as they use the methods of the Aztecs brought to Sicily via Spain in the 16th century.

Luckily we sampled the finished product before entering the kitchen; otherwise it might have been impossible to keep our hands out of the cookie jar so to speak.

5. Food

While Sicily is certainly a part of Italy, it also retains many unique qualities, especially in its cuisine. One obvious aspect is that since it is an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, seafood is front and center.

Of course there is pasta, in too many forms to count, and incredible breads, along with almost every vegetable under the sun.

All of these and more will appear on The Sicilian Plate. Most every restaurant has their own version featuring local fish, salamis, cheeses, peppers, and various veggies, but no two were ever the same. Every plate yielded a delicious surprise.

One last bit of advice. Olives are particularly prominent, they grow almost everywhere and are a part of almost every meal. However, we learned a very valuable lesson, never, ever eat an olive right off the tree. The bitter taste might just take a few days to get off of the tip of your tongue.

Now that is some hand-y advice.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

5 Reasons to Add Ecuador to Your Travel Bucket List

Tired of all the same uninspired vacation suggestions? Do you want to get off the beaten track and experience a completely unfamiliar part of the world? Then look no further than Ecuador… CONTINUE READING >> 

Are you looking for an exciting new travel destination for your next international holiday? Tired of all the same uninspired vacation suggestions? Do you want to get off the beaten track and experience a completely unfamiliar part of the world?

Then look no further than Ecuador. Ecuador is a small country located on the west coast of South America, and it is an undiscovered gem in the tourism world. Most visitors to the continent tend to flock to the more popular travel destinations of Peru and Brazil, but Ecuador goes largely under the radar. Yet for the intrepid traveler, there are all kinds of wonders and delights to discover in this wonderful country.

So what makes Ecuador so great?

The Galapagos Islands

You’ve probably heard of them, but did you know they belong to Ecuador? The Galapagos Islands are famous for being the location where Charles Darwin formulated his theory of evolution and are also home to some of the world’s most unique and diverse wildlife, including ancient gigantic tortoises and black iguanas. Add to this the fact that it is one of the remotest spots on the planet teeming with lush green jungle and surrounded by the bluest ocean you’ll ever see. You’ll never want to return to civilization again.

The cities

Ecuador is home to some of the most fascinating cities in the world. It’s capital, Quito, sits at 3000m above sea level, making it the second-highest city in the world. Nestled in the middle of a rugged mountain landscape, it’s one of the most unique places to visit in Ecuador, brimming with ancient churches and gorgeous 16th-century colonial architecture. You could spend hours wandering the maze of streets, exploring the historic quarter, and sampling wares from the numerous market stalls. The city also sits on the equator, and you’ll have the opportunity to stand on the line separating the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

The mountains

The natural scenery of Ecuador is breathtaking. Snow-capped mountains, pristine sandy beaches, and dense, green rainforests make up one of Earth’s most diverse landscapes. Take a visit to see the active volcano of Cotopaxi, Ecuador’s second-highest summit. And for the truly adventurous, there are several peaks to climb and multi-day treks to explore.

The adventure

The city of Banos is the adventure capital of Ecuador. However you like to get your adrenaline fix, you are sure to find it here. From epic hikes and climbs to bungee jumping off bridges and white water rafting, you can do it all here amidst the most beautiful scenery imaginable. Many travelers arrive here and stay a lot longer than they planned.

The food

No international trip is complete without sampling the local cuisine, and Ecuador has endless culinary delights to offer. Soup is a staple of Ecuadorian cooking, and there plenty of baked goods and breads to enjoy. Fish lovers will not be disappointed with the irresistible taste of seafood ceviche and the mouth-watering fish stew encebollado. And for those with a sweet tooth, Ecuador is often regarded as home to the world’s best chocolate.

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Assisting Kids with Homework | Guidelines for Parents

Children tend to be more successful in their studying when their parents take a more active role in their schoolwork. Over the years, research has demonstrated that parental involvement in homework shows the kids that whatever they are doing is significant….
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Children tend to be more successful in their studying when their parents take a more active role in their schoolwork. Over the years, research has demonstrated that parental involvement in homework shows the kids that whatever they are doing is significant.

Of course, it is important to reiterate that helping a kid with homework is not the same as having to spend hours hunched over the desk or completing tasks for the learner. Even by just showing planning and study skills, parents can remain supportive and assist with tricky tasks. In this article, we explore useful ways in which parents can take an active role in helping children with assignments.

Why Is Parental Involvement Important?

Parents play the role of the very first teachers kids have and are an important source of motivation. According to research, parents who are involved in the learning of their children help in improving the kids’ academic performance. With homework, there are many dynamics involved, and you have to be careful not to demand too much or do the tasks for the kid. Although showing support to your kid is important for modelling positive learning behavior, there needs to be restraint in terms of how much assistance you can provide without depriving the young one of a chance to learn.

Some children resist homework because they lack motivation, and it hard to fault them. After all, having spent the whole day learning, exhaustion may be a factor. Although the debate on whether homework has some negative elements continues, assignments can play a significant role in fostering independent learning. When properly designed and assigned, homework helps kids to get improved engagement with class material.

Some parents have the impression that they should not be involved in homework as it is the duty of the kids. While it is true that children should be allowed to do their assignments, there is a role parents can play. Your role is that of manager, monitoring, motivating, and organizing as well as offering positive feedback on progress. Being present and interested shows that child that homework is an important task that should be treated with seriousness.

Tips for Assisting with Homework

Homework is becoming increasingly complex, while children are having to deal with more distractions and responsibilities than ever. Although debate on whether or not homework is important continues, research shows that parents have an important role to play in helping kids with tasks. Here are some insights on how to make the most of homework time.

    • Be More Interested and Involved

Recent studies show that parental engagement in school activities tends to improve student involvement, enthusiasm, and academic performance. Your involvement as a parent could mean taking part in events and communicating with teachers. You can also encourage and help with creating learning-friendly environments at home. When deadlines are close, there is always the possibility to order assignments from such online companies as Write-My-Paper-For-Me.com.

    • Help the Kids Take Responsibility

Indeed, most kids don’t like doing homework. Rather than questioning the value of homework, you ought to assist your child to see the good side of completing assignments on time. Encourage the child to see homework as a learning process rather than a chance to perform. Remind the kid that the skills he or she learns while working on assignments can prove important later in life.

    • Provide Praise and Encouragement

Homework can be frustrating for kids, and your positivity can make a huge difference. Being present and offering support helps the child feel appreciated. Offer feedback and praise for tasks completed and milestones reached.

    • Serve as a Role Model

Children learn better from what they see rather than what they are told. The perfect way to assist children to develop positive attitudes about homework is by modeling what you would like them to do. So, if your child finds a task complicated, you can model what you would like to be done as an example. You can also create a reading culture by reading through a book as the child works on homework.

Outlined here are a few tips on how to assist children with homework. Remember, planning is important in every academic task that students are asked to complete. When your kids get frustrated with assignments, help them create plans and manage their time. Make sure that child reads and understands the homework. You can then help with splitting the task into smaller and easily comprehensible chunks. You can then develop a timeline for completing the homework, making sure that there is enough time to get adequate sleep.

Author bio:
Jennifer Walter is a psychology professor, an independent researcher, writer, and contributor. He is the guru to hundreds of students, the author of hundreds of analysis studies, and the voice behind most liked articles on content creation and strategy at privatewriting.com.

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The Connection Between Anxiety and Substance Addiction

While different forms of anxiety have various symptoms, they all negatively impact the patient’s mental health, who often feels powerless and uses substances to control their feelings and emotions…. CONTINUE READING >> 

Anxiety is a word used to define a wide range of mental health conditions that affect millions of patients. While you may understand that general concept of anxiety, you may be surprised by its countless implications, and in addition, its connection with substance abuse. As for many other mental health issues, recovery is possible, but it’s essential to understand what factors unearth addiction and how mental health triggers substance abuse.

A patient is diagnosed with anxiety when they experience feelings of dread or worry regarding an imminent event or an event with an uncertain outcome. But in terms of medical diagnosis, anxiety is just a general term used to point to several different mental health issues that all gather under the same name. While different forms of anxiety have various symptoms, they all negatively impact the patient’s mental health, who often feels powerless and uses substances to control their feelings and emotions.

Anxiety symptoms can compromise the patient’s life because they disrupt their everyday activities (academic, familial, social, or professional obligations). Expecting for anxiety symptoms to pass away isn’t a solution, professional help is required to improve the symptoms.

Common signs of an anxiety attack

But how can you tell if you suffer from anxiety? Are there specific symptoms to look out for? Here is a list of signs that point out to a mental health condition.

– You’re feeling on edge, irritable, or nervous

– You have a constant sense of doom, panic, or impending danger even if most times you have no reason to experience it

– You have an increased heart rate or tachycardia

– You often find your hands and legs trembling

– You’re sweating for no reason and breathe rapidly

– You’re frequently tired and feeling weak

– You lack concentration

– You struggle with insomnia

– You deal with gastrointestinal problems

Are anxiety and substance abuse connected?

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America released a study that reveals that social anxiety conditions often travel in the company of substance abuse because people struggling with mental health often use drugs or alcohol to feel more comfortable or less inhibited in situations they would otherwise find stressful. Anxiety prevents them from determining when they abuse a substance or use drugs or alcohol in an amount dangerous for their health. Most don’t even know they suffer from an anxiety disorder that requires professional treatment like the one offered at Malibu Rehab. They don’t realize how much substance abuse and mental health conditions take from them until they lose their loved ones. The fear of talking to someone else about their emotions isolates themselves from everyone.

The first step to get help when experiencing these associated conditions is to recognize the problem’s warning symptoms. Losing interest in hobbies, personality changes, or substance abuse are always red flags. The only way to relieve a significant substance dependence is to get professional help in a center specialized in medical detox and recovery.

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Benefits Of Weather Alerts For School Safety

School safety is hard to keep up. Both human and ecological variables put your students, staff, and guests in danger consistently. We as a whole realize that planning for crises is the initial move towards forestalling them, however human blunder actually exists. Is it true that you are ready for weather crisis at your school?

The most ideal approach to shield your students from hazardous weather is by utilizing computerized weather alarms for your potential benefit. Here are the 5 school safety advantages of automated weather alarms. Keep in mind that certain weather apis can be used to make automated weather alarms for schools which can literally save your say in bad weather conditions.

Results Customized For Your Area

One of the most disappointing parts of weather gaging is that most free weather suppliers just give you the current conditions at the closest air terminal – which can be miles away. These conditions are bad for settling on choices that effect school safety. Wouldn’t you like to know what the current conditions are at your precise area?

Mechanized weather cautions are most grounded when they depend on conditions at your school. The most ideal approach to accumulate conditions at your school is with your own personal school weather station. That way, you can screen significant weather conditions like temperature, stickiness, and tempest conjectures for the zones that issue to you most. Web representation instruments that permit you to set your own personal zones and edges are additionally an incredible method to accumulate basic weather conditions at your school.

No Human Error

Regardless of how incredible your dynamic is, there is consistently a danger for human blunder. This is escalated with regards to settling on choices about the weather. Weather examples can change in a (lightning) streak, so choosing to call students inside is in many cases a dubious circumstance. Also, the danger of a bogus caution additionally harms the validity of future choices. Robotized weather cautions dependent on ongoing conditions at your area removes the pressure from safety. Frameworks that incorporate boisterous horns and strobe lights are difficult to disregard or debate.

Enhanced Protection In School Timing

While the main need of most schools is to show students and set them up for the future, a nearby second need is guarding students. There are a lot of hazardous circumstances that can introduce themselves at your school, and serious weather is certainly one of them.

Students adventure outside for a great deal of reasons all through the school year. Certain classes like rec center may expect students to utilize open air offices during the school day. Grounds with numerous structures may likewise expect students to wander outside in the middle of classes. Try not to leave your students helpless before the components in these circumstances. By utilizing computerized weather alarms and alerts, students, instructors, and staff will all know about when it isn’t protected to be outside. Along these lines, you don’t need to ruin the break.

Top Museums to Visit In Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is known for many things, including the strong presence of the steel industry and a rebounding economy. The Steel City has been revitalized in recent years, becoming home to many quality entertainment options and other amenities. One thing’s for sure, if you happen to close on one of the Pittsburgh houses for sale and move into the area, then there won’t be a shortage of places for you to visit and see. One of the most interesting things about Pittsburgh is the abundance of museums located in the city. There are many great museums in Pittsburgh, all covering various topics of regional and national history. What are the best museums to visit in the Steel City, and what do they have to offer? Here are the top museums to visit in the Pittsburgh area.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

One of the best museums to visit while in the Steel City is the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The museum is extremely well known, being one of the most famous and well-recognized history museums in the country. Here you can see one of the largest dinosaur exhibits in America, as the museum displays actual fossils of the behemoths that ruled our planet. Although dinosaurs may be the main attraction, there also are other exhibits within the museum. These exhibits cover many topics, ranging from Native Americans, Ancient Egypt, and minerals and geology. Natural history is an absolutely fascinating topic to learn about, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one of the best places in the country to take it all in.

Andy Warhol Museum

Art museums are relatively common, but you likely have never seen an art museum like this before. The Andy Warhol Museum is exactly what you might expect from the name, a museum that is entirely dedicated to the works of the great artist Andy Warhol. Andy Warhol was an extremely famous artist who was a pop culture icon during the 1900s. Warhol was key in popularizing the artistic movement known as pop-art, and was so famous that one of his paintings sold for over a hundred million dollars. The Andy Warhol Museum honors his life and legacy, being the biggest museum that is dedicated to a singular artist. The museum has many exhibits and paintings that Warhol completed throughout his life, making it the perfect monument to his work. If you want to learn about a Pittsburgh icon, you should absolutely check out the Andy Warhol Museum.

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

The best thing about museums is getting to learn about new topics. Due to this, museums are often common destinations for parents with children. Well, there’s no better children’s museum in Pittsburgh than the aptly named Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. The museum has many exhibits designed to help children learn and educate themselves. These exhibits cover a wide range of topics, and some are even hands-on and interactive. If you’re looking for a family-friendly trip that is highly educational, then a visit to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is the perfect option.

Bicycle Heaven

An extremely unique museum in the Pittsburgh area is Bicycle Heaven. The museum more than lives up to its name, being a museum that is entirely dedicated to bicycles. In fact, Bicycle Heaven is the largest transportation museum in the world that is dedicated to bicycles. The museum has thousands of bicycles on display, including some used during famous movie or television scenes. The museum is completely free to enter, thanks to its partnership with many local prop agents. It’s absolutely fascinating to see such a unique and unusual collection of items, so you definitely should give Bicycle Heaven a look if you find yourself in the Steel City.

The Best Vacation Spots During The Off Season


With summer coming to a close and winter quickly approaching, many busy vacation spots are starting to slow down. It is the perfect time to plan your family vacation that you may have missed during the hustle and bustle of the summer…
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With summer coming to a close and winter quickly approaching, many busy vacation spots are starting to slow down. With kids going back to school and the days getting a bit shorter, it is easy to shift into a work or winter mode. However, there are several vacation destinations that are absolutely perfect to visit during the off season. With fewer crowds, lower prices and comfortable temperatures it is the perfect time to plan your family vacation that you may have missed during the hustle and bustle of the summer season. Here are a few of our favorite places to visit during the off season.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks are barrier islands off the coast of  North Carolina. They separate the main land from the Atlantic Ocean. They are most known for their beautiful beaches, state parks, and diving sites. Drawing in thousands of surfers and tourists from all over each year, the fall or winter is the perfect time to  visit. The heavily crowded beaches will be the most peaceful and serene thing you have ever seen. You may even be the only person on the beach at times. The island offers plenty of shopping, outdoor adventures, family friendly activities, and many delicious, fresh seafood restaurants to choose from. It is the perfect place to escape to during the offseason. To find the best and most unique places to stay, click here.

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

North Myrtle Beach is a family- friendly city in South Carolina.  It is part of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of Atlantic Beaches on the east coast.  Home to Cherry Grove, Barefoot Landing, The House of Blues, and Alligator Adventure, North Myrtle Beach offers the attractions of the city in a quiet and serene town. Once everyone has headed back home from the summer, you are capable of going to all and any attractions without the headache of the lines and more importantly the heat. Often prices will be much cheaper for vacation rentals as well as some of the activities you may be interested in doing.  For more details on Cherry Grove, click here, and for more details on North Myrtle Beach, click here.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Much like North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach is much more calm and quiet during the off season. Though there are many who come to get away from the snowy winter. Come and stay for a week or a month, the attractions and beaches will be yours to conquer. From golfing to christmas shows at the Carolina Oprey and Pirates voyage, there is plenty to keep you busy without the crowds. Though those who live in Myrtle Beach will think it is cold, 50°F, for many it will feel nice and crisp. The weather makes playing golf in the middle of the day a lot more enjoyable than in the summer when it is 100°F and humid. Myrtle Beach will also have quite a dip in prices due to their summer vacationing market. This offers travellers the chance to experience the beach without the hefty summer price tag and heat. To find a hotel in Myrtle Beach, click here.

St. Simons Island, Georgia

Located in southern Georgia, St.Simons Island is a part of 4 other barrier islands. The islands consist of St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Jekyll Island. St. Simons is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, award-winning championship golf course, and its unique atmosphere. While it is a beach market, it is much more quiet year round, so during the off season it is perfect for a relaxing stay, company retreat or even a place to gather during the holidays. The island is rich in history and culture so there is plenty to do and see while you are staying on the island. Tour the top of the lighthouse and check out the museum attached to it on your way down. You will love the panoramic views that the lighthouse offers. To find the perfect vacation rental in St. Simons Island, click here.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Located in North Georgia, the Blue Ridge mountains offer a winter escape like no other. From hiking, biking, to skiing and snowboarding, there will never be a dull moment in the mountains. Though many think of mountain trips in the winter months to be pretty common, luckily most rentals are an individual, secluded cabin. This creates the perfect atmosphere for family reunions, or even company getaways. Cabins come in a variety of sizes from small to large, and some even include a game room and hot tub in the cabin.  North Georgia is not only the perfect place to visit during what most would consider the off season, but also during summer. They have so much to see and do, it doesn’t matter what season it is you are sure to have a great time. For more information on cabin rentals, click here.

St. George Island, Florida

St. George Island is located off of the Florida panhandle in the northern Gulf of Mexico. While the panhandle is often known as the forgotten coast, there are plenty of reasons not to miss out on everything these areas have to offer. St. George Island is a quaint, 22 mile barrier island with some of the best untouched, serene beaches that the sunshine state has to offer. The spacious, and empty beaches are perfect for family outings and activities like fishing, swimming and paddling in the clear gulf waters. The water and weather stay nice and warm year round so no need to worry about packing a jacket when visiting in the off season. No matter the time of year St. George Island is a great place to relax and thaw yourself out from the chilly winter. To book your perfect vacation house click here.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs is a city in northern Colorado’s Yampa Valley. It is known for being the home to the Howelsen Hill ski area and the Steamboat Springs Ski Resort.  Steamboat Springs has a variety of different things to do such as skiing, snowmobiling and for those not so fond of snow sports, you can visit the hiking or biking trails, or take a soak in the many hot springs. Steamboat Springs offers something for everyone in the family or group to take part in. From swimming pools to soaking tubs the history and culture of the town will be something to remember forever. Though winter may be approaching quickly, Steamboat Springs thrives in the winter months, so no need to worry about things being closed. For more information on Steamboat Springs, click here.

No matter where you decide to go, there are many accommodations that you can choose from. If you are more focused on getting away from the cold weather, than maybe a nice beach vacation would be perfect, however if you are looking for a more thrilling experience, try hitting the slopes in Colorado or Georgia.

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