While most visitors trek to Alaska to enjoy the mild summers with (sometimes) unending daylight, more intrepid travelers will brave the offseason in order to experience the Alaska that most people imagine: cold, snowy, windy weather worthy of an artic parka. The Interior (which makes up most of the state) may reach into the 90s(F) in the summer, but can fall below -60 (F) in the winter.  The coldest recorded temperature was -80(F) in 1971.

This largest US state is home to islands, volcanos, mountains, glaciers and more coastline than all the other states combined. Plan for ice fishing, mountaineering, ice climbing, or cross-country skiing — and that barely scratches the surface. Watch polar bears, whales, moose, caribou and countless other species in their native habitats. Remember to bring appropriate gear, esp. if camping out in the Artic. Parkas (with hoods), boots and gloves are essential when traveling off-season into the northern-most corners of Alaska. Rent a cabin for the winter to experience the “real Alaska.”

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with avoiding the Artic — parkas, skiis, and snowshoes, etc. — and cruising the coastline during the warm summer months or taking in Alaska’s historic landmarks and cultural sites.  The state boasts eleven cultural groups and a rich, history that predates the establishment of the arrival of Europeans in 1741 by hundreds (if not thousands) of years.  However it will always be the wilderness of Alaska that calls to most visitors — sea, mountain, animals, snow and ice.

Some students dream of interning at a small startup company, being there when it takes off, and hopefully being kept on as it fly into stardom. There has not really been a way for students to find these companies unless they happen to already know someone who is starting a company right now. StartupRoots is working to change this.

From the time they are born, kids are by far some of the most particular people on earth. They only like certain foods, which may change depending on the day. They only want to wear certain clothes, regardless of whether or not they match. Choosing a room design is no exception. And like most things kid related, the key is fun.
color is a big deal when it comes to kid approved design. Fun and bright are the words most often used to describe the colors that kids choose. Whether it is green, blue, red, purple, or some combination of them all, as long as you need sunglasses your child is sure to approve. It is important, as a parent, to draw the line. Many studies have shown that too many bright colors can cause overstimulation. If you are going to use a bright color, consider painting just one or two walls rather than all four. If you are going to be changing the window design as well, perhaps consider a lighter color for the curtains or valence to help balance the room out. Big, funky shapes are also high on the list of kids favorite design elements. Whether it is art work on the wall or a big funky mirror, kids love unique accessories. This can also be incorporated into the bedding and window coverings . A great way to get more ideas and tips is to search online . There you will find pages of room ideas and samples.
If you really want to create a room that you are sure your child will approve of , ask them. Of course, you are the adult and should therefore be overseeing the project and making the ultimate decision. But what better way for them to feel involved and take full ownership of their room than for them to be a part of the process?

As a kid, I had a great affinity for trains, no matter what the size.  I loved especially the miniature railroads that are designed with children in mind, and one of the best of these is located in another favorite of mine, the city of Austin, Texas.  You’ll find on that city’s southwest side, just east of the Mopac Expressway, and off Barton Spring Road, the Zilker Zephyr Miniature Train.  A part of the concessions at Zilker Park, the train is a pleasant diversion for parents and their kids, running on a narrow-gauge, light rail track, which leisurely takes you and your family along scenic Barton Creek and Austin Town Lake.  The train departs every hour at the top of the hour on weekdays and every half-hour on weekends, as long as the weather allows, and only costs a few dollars.

You can bring food and drink onboard, which you can purchase at a nearby concession stand.  The train itself circles a large field in the park, comes round the river and then back again.  There’s a number of ducks and geese and plants native to central Texas, which you can point out to kids as you go.   You may want to note that parking can be hard to find on a weekend, and that part of the ride may be in the sun.  Definitely bring a hat.  If you’re traveling, check into one of the fine Austin hotels and come have one of the best miniature train rides in Texas.

If you’ve never been to Austin before, you should have a great time, just exploring the city’s natural environment, from Zilker Park and the Barton Springs Pool, to Austin Town Lake.  At dusk, you can watch over a million bats fly from under the Congress Avenue Bridge.  Depending on the age of your kids, this can be a fascinating and thrilling experience.  Take your time, though, and get to know this wonderful city.

I vote moving into one of the Saas Fee hotels for a whole season. If I run out of money than I will just have to wash some dishes. Anything to be able to walk outside and say to myself,”Wow, How did I get here?” It would be like living in a dream every single day. No matter what sorts of troubles there were in life there was always a breath taking view to make you feel better. I am sure you could meet the locals in like a day so there could be a kind word or two from them as well. Yup! With all the mountain activities to do how could you get bored. Think of the great shape you would finally be in if all there was to do was hike and ski and breath.

Make your rounds to some of the other neighborhoods to branch out your friendships. Near by you have Saas-Balen, Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell. From any of these little towns you can find your self doing all sorts of activities. The local glaciers on Dom and Allalinhorn keep the winter sports going all year round. Which is fine with me. I am the odd ball who like winter most of the year. Visitors can take part in some skiing, snowshoe trekking, ice climbing and canyon climbing. There are plenty of lifts to get you to the start of any down hill experience.

What do you do in town itself? Well there is plenty of restaurants and nightclubs to go grab a hot tot-tie in. There are even some modern restaurants like the highest revolving restaurant in the world. There are lots of ways to get around but you wont get to do it in a Ferrari. There are no cars allowed accept the garbage trucks. But never fear you will be able to catch tram or small electric vehicle to get around the area. If you really do decide to move to Saas-Fee you can go back to school. There is a great European Grad School here too. Well, I’m in.