Shop2Wheels

Kalpana Purushothaman asked:

World Elders’ Day at Karunashraya

One year old. That’s how old my daughter, Maansi, has turned today. We kept thinking of what we should do to celebrate this first and major milestone in her life. Music has been so much a part of my life that it only seemed natural that there should be lots of it on this special day too. I spoke to a few other friends who are part of Sonata’s Josh band to check out if we could do a music show together. We decided to do a simple show for the inmates of Karunashraya, a hospice on Airport Road, Bangalore. In fact, this was a program that we had been planning for several months now, but we finally decided to go ahead and do it on Oct 1st – incidentally the World Elders’ Day too.

Karunashraya, for those who have not been there, is a beautiful place with an amazing blend of simplicity and serenity. We were welcomed by Mr. Kishore Rao, the Managing Trustee, who gave us a brief introduction about Karunashraya and the work being done there.

The Karunashraya team, along with my dear friend Anna of iVolunteer, had organized everything beautifully and we had a lovely stage by the side of a beautiful stone pool with fishes. We had our audience all around the pool – most of them in wheelchairs, some of them on their beds and the staff sitting on the steps. I can’t describe what it feels to see a tired face light up in recognition when a favourite song is played or the joy that I felt when I saw an old lady lying on her bed clapping her hands in time to the music. Our entire Josh band enjoyed singing and performing for this truly special audience. We had requests for old Raj Kumar songs as well as the latest hip numbers and the band obliged them all. Our joy was doubled when a few inmates came up and sang for us too!

Behind all the laughter and the music, one could sense the presence of that unspoken something too. Pain… Almost every inmate at Karunashraya lives with pain in some form or the other and yet, what we felt after spending time with them was not despair. What we felt, was deep thankfulness for the lives we have. For the health we have and take for granted. For our loved ones who are there for us through the good and not-so-good times. Gratitude and admiration for the goodness in human beings that makes people at Karunashraya reach out to other suffering people in such simple, yet profound ways. To help individuals live their last days with dignity as Mr. Kishore Rao so simply and succinctly put in. What a cause to dedicate one’s career and life to!

We came away completely humbled by these brave people who smiled and applauded our show through their own pain. Also thought–provoking was the attitude of the entire Karunashraya staff who are so cheerful despite being in such close quarters to death and so much pain. The selflessness and patience that the entire Karunashraya team has, is admirable and all of us in the corporate world would do well to learn a thing or two about commitment and dedication to one’s work from them.

The Karunashraya staff had prepared a simple and delicious lunch topped off by some yummy fruit cake given by the parents of one of the patients. We were really touched when he shared that his son who had not been responding for several days had shown some positive signs and was responding after our show! The cake was his gift to the entire Josh band. On that sweet and happy note, all of us went home – enriched and blessed by what we had shared and experienced. I couldn’t have asked for more for my daughter on her special day.

Kalpana Purushothaman, Bangalore

October '05

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Tina Shaw asked:

A class 3 powered wheelchair is used for driving on most roads, including highways and dual carriageways but not on motorways.  It has an upper speed limit of 8mph and can be driven on roads to a maximum speed of 8mph and on pavement and paths of up to 4mph.  If you're thinking of buying a class 3 powered wheelchair you will need to familiarise yourself with the regular maintenance and also the legal requirements for the day to day use of your wheelchair. 

What do I need to do?

You don't need a driving license but will need to know and follow the Highway Code.  To gain confidence it would be a good idea to find a local course to teach you how to safely drive your powered wheelchair, they will have a comprehensive list of all the do's and don'ts.   No special clothing is needed but anything you wear that is reflective will alert other motorists to your position. Regularly check your lights are working and always turn them on at night.  Find out how far your wheelchair can travel in between battery charges and make allowances for older batteries, as they won't hold the charge for as long as a newer battery.  Your wheelchair should be serviced according to your dealer's recommendations and should undergo a safety check at least once a year.

Features

A class 3 wheelchair must have certain features including indicators, a horn and a rear view mirror.  It has an amber flashing light that must be used when driving on dual carriageways and can also be used when driving on roads as a warning light to other motorists. 

Parking

Follow normal parking rules and make sure that you park legally. 

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Jai Gaitonde asked:

Life has become much more convenient to a number of customers in the United States because of the availability of residential elevators equipped with safety features. These home elevators offer convenient access to all levels of your home.

Exceptional Safety Features

Residential elevators are equipped with open platforms or fully enclosed cabins with safety gates. To avoid opening in between the floors, the doors and gates have a safety interlink. The area of the platforms and height of the cab are the two factors that limit the size of the elevator. Most of the home elevators come with safety features such as:

• Under-platform sensors

• Backup power facility

• A manual system in case of a power outage or mechanical malfunction

• Handrails on platforms

• An emergency telephone or communication system

• Emergency stop buttons

• Emergency lighting

• Locked power cabinets

• Alarms

• Automatic controls

For a Comfortable Floor-to-Floor Transportation

Owing to the advanced safety features, the residential elevators are ideal and safe solutions for the users. These provide a quiet, comfortable and safe ride from floor to floor. Besides this, you can transport heavy items such as groceries, laundries or anything else between the floors. Besides adding convenience to your lifestyle, you can increase the value of your home. The elevators with the ability to climb steep angles and round corners make you free from various mobility barriers at your residence. Depending on the structure of elevators, the maximum traveling and load carrying capacity may vary.

Wide Range of Elevator Models

A variety of residential elevator models with standard and optional features are available in the market to suit your budget, taste and needs. From the roped hydraulic elevators, electric winding drum elevators and vacuum elevators, you can avail of the best quality elevators ranging from standard to custom designs. Most of the sleek and compactly designed elevators are perfect to fit in your spacious multistory or two-floor buildings.

Residential elevators equipped with excellent safety features are less complex and less expensive than commercial elevators.

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Jane Toombes asked:

When we think of winter sports, one place immediately comes to mind and that is Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia. Not only is it a world renowned destination it is also the home of the Winter Olympic Games to be held in 2010. Muchmor Canada Magazine takes a look at what Whistler can offer.

Whistler has been voted #1 for 12 years running by U.S. based SKIING Magazine. It also has one of the longest ski seasons in the world (November to July). Located just two very scenic hours north of Vancouver this resort is a Canadian tourism icon with over two million visitors every year.

The resort is within the Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia with two mountains to enjoy: Whistler and Blackcomb, each with its own unique features. Because of the coastal position of the resort, temperatures remain moderate throughout the winter season, rarely dropping below -10? in the valley and -15? in the alpine.

Whistler Village is the centre of the resort and has a strong sense of community. There is a town hall, police station, fire station, medical clinic, museum, library and over 200 shops and 90 restaurants. There are also plenty of public washrooms, telephones and visitors centres.

The village is pedestrian only, so no need for a car to explore the area. A free shuttle bus is on hand to help you get around if you feel the need.

The resort also offers a public transit system called the Whistler and Valley Express, also known as WAVE. The service offers convenient routes throughout the Village and its various neighbourhoods.

The nightlife in Whistler is excellent with bars, restaurants, clubs and plenty of live music to enjoy. Everyone is sure to find something that meets their needs. The list of places to stay whilst in Whistler is almost as endless as the snow. Everything from luxury hotels to reasonably priced chalets and B&B’s are available. If you are in the market for luxury then you might want to consider the Fairmont Chateau Whistler or the Four Seasons Resort. There is also the Hilton Resort, the Westin Resort and the two Pan Pacific Resorts at Mountainside and Village. You will also find luxury condos, homes and chalets available. Of course if you don’t want to spend that much money on a hotel room then there are many more reasonably priced hotels available. You might prefer a private chalet which again range from luxury five-star to more modest, though no-less beautiful three-star.

If you want to bring your cat or dog with you, Whistler offers some excellent pet-friendly accommodation as well as doggie daycare facilities. There are lots of trails and parks where you can walk your dog, although all dogs must be on a leash in the village.

The 2008/09 winter season will see the opening of the brand new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Opening on December 12th 2008, the world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will stretch from the top of Whistler Mountain to the top of Blackcomb Mountain traveling a distance of 4.4 kilometres (2.73 miles) in just 11 minutes. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will be the longest, highest gondola of its type in the world and will provide a breathtaking journey for visitors – winter and summer. The $52 million Gondola will make it easier than ever to enjoy the largest lift-serviced ski terrain in North America. Every lift ticket purchased automatically includes access to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, so everyone can try it out.

There is so much to do in Whistler such as skiiing, heli skiing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ziplining, tours and spas.

Whistler prides itself on being an international resort with accessibility to all people, including disabled travellers.

There are several accessible transportation options for getting to Whistler. If you're driving to the resort, there are designated disabled parking spaces in the parking lots in and around Whistler. The community's public bus service and local taxi company both have designed wheelchair accessible options.

Many hotels are accessible by wheelchair and have special facilities. You should ask about any required facilities before you book to be sure you will get the services you require.

Whistler Village is accessible with pedestrian-only streets, paved access to the Valley Trail, close proximity to transportation, and wheelchair access to the Whistler Mountain gondola for skiing and sight-seeing.

Whistler is considered "the largest gay-friendly mountain resort in North America." Many hotels are TAG Approved® which means they offer non-discriminatory policies including sexual orientation and treat heterosexual and domestic partners equally in personnel policies; they provide diversity and sensitivity training for employees and employ staff that reflects the diversity of the community, including gay and lesbian employees in all levels of employment.

The best time to fully enjoy Gay Whistler is during WinterPRIDE week. This is Canada’s biggest gay ski week and next year will take place between February 1st and 8th 2009. This will be the 17th year the event has taken place and it gets bigger and better every time.

Mr. Gay World will be crowned during WinterPRIDE. Twenty-four men will compete for the title and the winner will work with the international delegation to lead them in a coordinated effort to fight for equality for all humans, specifically the LGBT community.

The Mr. Gay World Competition in Whistler will have various challenges that will test each of the delegates strength in leadership, charisma, intelligence and being a positive role model and ambassador / spokesperson for the global cause of equality, respect and understanding.

Read about all things Canada with Muchmor Canada Magazine

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Catherine Harvey asked:

The run up to the Olympics begins years in advance of the event itself with countries bidding for the right to hold the international event in their country, attracting tourists from around the globe and boosting the country's economy way beyond what it actually costs to stage the event itself.

We have recently seen an impressive display of what the world's athletes can achieve when they pull together with the Olympics in Beijing. The world's finest gathered together to display the physical prowess and the way their achievements have brought them to be the world's best. But what of those people whose passion in life is their sport yet through personal injury are no longer able to participate? Should they just accept their fate and become couch potatoes whilst watching the Olympics on the TV screen?

Absolutely not. In 1948, the Stoke Mandeville Games began. This was essentially for war veterans who had suffered a personal injury to the spinal cord that had left them without the use of their lower limbs. These games proved so successful that they were held again in 1952, this time including war veterans from Holland making the games an international event. It is believed that this was the original pre-cursor for the Paralympics that began in Rome in 1960.

However, the name has taken on a slightly different meaning since 1976 because it's not simply paraplegics that can enter the competition but also those who have suffered personal injury that leaves them with tetraplegia or quadriplegia. These are often conditions a person is left with after suffering a severe spinal cord injury and result in a person being paralysed in either the lower, upper or all limbs.

The categories of disability now covered by those that enter the Paralympics are; amputees, those with cerebral palsy or intellectual disability, wheelchair bound or visually impaired persons. Another, cover-all, category is that of Les Autres. This encompasses any personal injury or disability that results in deformities, dwarfism, MS or some such disability.

The Paralympics has proved a highly popular goal for those with disabilities to aim towards. From its inception with four hundred athletes to the latest event with 3,806 competitors, it just goes to show what an inspiration this event is. It is a well documented fact that mind over matter is a strong influence on the human body and while it may not be a cure-all it will certainly instil the will to continue with a worthwhile life.

For those who have never seen the Paralympics, we're not talking about simple table tennis tournaments here. Summer sports cover many categories including; archery, cycling, rowing, swimming, athletics, football, sailing, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis. The winter games will cover sports like skiing, ice hockey and wheelchair curling among other sports.

Adaptations are made to allow for the disability or the equipment involved to assist the athlete but these are truly competitive sports requiring great energy and stamina, even more than an able bodied athlete would need to muster, given the added difficulties that need to be overcome.

Disabilities to the degree that would allow a participant to make it the Paralympics are brought about by various reasons, from car accidents to medical negligence, from birth defects to sporting accidents. It simply goes to show that there is always something worth pushing on for and it gives hope to those who don't wish to participate that much can be achieved, even with such difficulties to overcome.

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Adam Hefner asked:

A manual wheelchair is an excellent solution for anyone whose physical problem, injury, or illness affects only their ability to walk but not their physical condition in general. People with mobility problems caused by other conditions may require extra help in order to remain mobile and independent. These people may require motorized wheelchairs, scooters, or power-base chairs.

Motorized wheelchairs come in three basic designs: power wheelchairs, motorized versions of manual wheelchairs, power-base wheelchairs, heavier wheel bases with a mounted chair, and scooters, a platform with a motor and chair in back and a steering mechanism in front.

A physical therapist or doctor can help you decide what kind of mobility device you should use if your physical condition includes a lack of muscle strength, motor skills, or coordination which lowers your mobility. If you are currently in physical condition to walk short distances you can use a power scooter for longer distances, but if your doctor thinks your condition may worsen in the future, you may want to get a power wheelchair now instead of later. Power wheelchairs are more compact and easier to use at home, do not require strength or motor ability to operate, and without the platform and steering apparatus, you can sit in a power wheelchair as easily as in any other chair.

Not being able to easily get in and out of a power scooter is a good reason to get a power wheelchair. Power-base wheelchairs and scooters have similar seating options, with seats resembling car driver seats or "pilot seats", or seats which resemble office seats. Because you don't have to step up onto a platform, a power wheelchair can be a better option than a power scooter even if you are capable of walking with a cane or walker but need a motorized device for longer distances. Comfortable recliners are also available with an electric lift for people who have trouble standing from a sitting position. The chair pushes you forward to a standing position, where you can then walk with a cane or walker.

If you don't have any trouble sitting and standing and you have the necessary arm strength and coordination but due to your physical condition cannot walk extended distances or push yourself in a manual wheelchair, a power scooter may be right for you. The steering apparatus requires some arm mobility, but if necessary you can buy a model designed to be operated with one hand. If you have no arm mobility, a power wheelchair can be operated with minimal hand strength and coordination. Weight can be a factor for some wheelchair or scooter users, but heavy duty models are available. Heavy duty power-base wheelchairs can be purchased which carry more than 600 pounds.

Talk to your doctor about your mobility situation and what you can do to keep moving. Just about any mobility problem can be solved with motorized wheelchairs, scooters, and power-based wheelchairs.

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Gary Zivkovich asked:

Power Wheelchairs is one of the most essential medium to serve the hospitals and transport needs.

The power wheelchair provides easy mobility to the person to get the good services to the customers. It is one of the most essential hospital equipments to serve the handicapped person. The power wheelchair is available in different models as per the needs. It is design in such a way that it will provide comfortable situation as per needs.

There are some key features of powered wheelchairs:

1. Design of the power wheelchair is one of the most important things to get the proper services as per your needs. It is design in such as way that it provides good comfort as per your lifestyle. There are various types of wheelchairs are designed to give better comfort as per your needs.

2. The power wheelchair is available in proper design and you need to get the good support to provides the most suitable to get the proper design and prices of various models of the power wheelchair as per your needs.

3. The power wheelchair is avaiable to the children as well as elder person for the motilities. The hospital and transport industries are one of the most crucial sectors to use the wheelchair. There are different types of chairs avaiable in the market like manual wheelchair, electric wheelchairs, custom made wheelchairs and sport wheelchairs. You ca also get the parts and accessories of the wheelchair from the suppliers.

4. You need to purchase the wheelchair from the market. There are various types of wheelchair available in the shopping malls and company show room. You can also purchase the wheelchair online.

5. Most of the wheelchair producers produce the wheelchair gives services to the customer as per the customer service agreements.

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Rc Rougeux asked:

Are you shopping around for power scooters? They can really transform the life of someone who feels trapped inside and is unable to get out and enjoy the outdoors because of limited mobility due to arthritis, weak legs, a bad back, or some other condition. Here are the questions you want to ask the sales person when you are shopping for a scooter:

1. How long has this model been out for? (A model that's been out for a few months or a few years will have been "road tested" by other users so it will uncover any problems before you get it).

2. Is it front wheel drive (sometimes called "mid" wheel drive) or rear wheel drive?

3. What is the clearance on this scooter? (This will help you know how big of bumps you can go over if you have to).

4. How much does this power scooter cost?

5. What features does it have?

6. What is the difference between this scooter and power scooters that are slightly more expensive and slightly less expensive. (Asking this question will help you determine how they are pricing their extra features…you might find a less expensive scooter that suits your needs or you might find that a slightly more expensive scooter is far more appropriate for you).

7. How fast will this scooter go? (Of course you don't want to join a race, but it's important to know how fast it goes because you don't want to be surprised by the top speed if you accidentally press it to go that fast).

8. How far will the scooter go on this battery?

9. How long with a recharge take?

10. Should I purchase two batteries and simply switch them back and forth?

11. What accessories are available for this scooter?

12. How much more does a canopy cost?

13. Which tires do you recommend for the type of driving that I am most likely to do? (Here, you'll have to tell the sale associate what kind of driving you do: do you stay mostly indoors or do you like to go outdoors or do you like a mixture of both? If you like to go outdoors, you'll have to tell the associate whether or not you live in an area that can get muddy or snowy.)

14. How often should I get my scooter tuned up? (Remember, power scooters are just like cars in that they need to be tuned up periodically).

15. Is there a service plan and a warranty?

16. Are there other options available? (Don't buy the first power scooter you see that is in your price range without checking on the available options

Power scooters can provide you with a renewed sense of independence and freedom. Use this list of questions to help you find the right power scooter for your needs.

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James Asudi asked:

COMPANY PROFILE OF VICTORIA SAFARIS

Victoria Safaris is an African tour operator, Luo owned and managed with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. A family member staying in Vancouver Canada manages the branch as a Canadian contact and director in Marketing of the company. With a branch office in Vancouver - Canada, and associate companies in South Africa, Egypt, Uganda and Tanzania. Victoria Safaris, targets the up market traveler and special interest groups such as students, the physically impaired, corporate clients and the budget traveler (backpackers) etc.

Ownership and Management services

Victoria Safaris is a Kenyan family owned and managed company, privately registered in Kenya by the registrar of Companies; and operating under Tour Operator license issued annually by the Kenya Ministry of Tourism; and lastly, we are members of KATO (Kenya Association of Tour Operators - Member No. 390).

The origin of the owners; The Asudi Family, is around Lake Victoria, thus the name – Victoria Safaris. The family originate from a small village; Ulafu in East Alego location, Siaya district. This village is located 8 kilometers from the ancestral home of the USA President Elect – Senator Barrack Obama in Nyan’goma Kogelo in Alego.

Our safaris and tours are Niche (out-of-the-ordinary) with special attention to unique destinations such as the untapped virgin Western Kenya tourist circuit and Kenya -Uganda – Tanzania Lake Victoria circuit. Other tours include sight seeing safaris to view Tanzania wildlife, the Lake Victoria region, the Lake Victoria Islands, the Indian Ocean Beaches and Islands. We are the founders of Slum tours in Kenya, we take our clients to the famous Kibera Slums for community tours and others in various towns in Kenya, We specialize in Disability tours (wheelchair travel in East Africa) and Home stays in both urban and Rural set ups in East Africa mainly for the Peace corps and other Volunteer community tourists into East Africa. We are the specialists in Transit Tours and Filming tours in Kenya among others (see below list).

Our Packages

The activities that we offer are also wide ranging and apart from the traditional wildlife viewing tours our clientele are able to go on the following adventures: -

Eco Tourism 

Family tours

Museums and Archeological tours

Home Stays in Urban and Rural set ups in East Africa

White Water Rafting on River Nile and River Tana

Bungee Jumping on River Nile 

Gorilla Tracking in Uganda and Rwanda

Boating and Fishing on Lake Victoria

Cultural tours and Safaris around the Great Lakes

Community Development tours in Western Kenya

Wildlife Lodge and Camping Safaris in East Africa

Wildlife Safaris and Beach Holidays in Africa

Bird watching tours in East Africa

Birding tours inside and around lake Victoria

Maasai Mara Wildebeest Annual Migration

Aquaculture tours

Youth tours

Sports Tourism

Golf tours

Scuba Diving and Dhow sailing

Snorkeling and surfing

Marine Parks tours

Educational, Research and Study tours

Conference tourism in East Africa

Helicopter tours in East Africa

Disability and wheelchair Access Tours

Mountain Climbing on Wheelchair tours

Health Tourism

Health & HIV/Aids Community tours

Photographic and Filming Tours

Bicycle (cycling) tours

Rock Climbing tours

Walking(Trekking) tours

Solo Women tours

Agro and Agricultural Tours

Pro poor tourism

Slum tours in Kenya

Kibera sums tours

Incentive and Team building tours

Western Kenya tourism circuit tours

Transit Tourism

Environment Tours

Beach Holidays

Balloon Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania

Cultural Wedding and Honeymoon adventures

Our Mission

Our mission is the provision of quality services to our clients while conserving the rich flora and fauna so abundantly found in the regions that we visit.

Our Vision

To be one amongst the best Tour Operators in the East African market in the field of Travel and Tourism.

Our Services

We are a registered and Licensed Tour Operator Company, members of KATO (Kenya Association of Tour Operators - Member no. 390) with experienced staff in arranging tailor-made safaris for travelers of all budget levels. Our staff have unrivalled knowledge about wildlife and African cultures. We at Victoria Safaris are dedicated to giving you a personal and professional service while helping you plan a perfect Safari, with expert, informed advice whether you are a first time or experienced traveler. We do not have fixed departures like most tour operators, but rather we customize each itinerary to suit the individual's or group's wishes. Whether you are traveling for leisure or business, come and experience the Ultimate African Adventure with us. We have side trips and short tours which make excellent add-ons to any safari and for those with only a short time to spare, will let you experience some of the African Adventure.

We offer expertly planned itineraries incorporating the best of East Africa’s irresistible attractions including - The Maasai Mara and Serengeti Wildebeest Annual Migration, Lake Victoria safaris, East Africa Beach Holidays, Gorilla Tracking in Uganda and Rwanda, Team building and incentive tours, Water rafting and Bungee Jumping on the River Nile and River Tana, Cultural Wedding in the African wilderness, Balloon Safaris in Maasai Mara and Serengeti National parks, Mountain Climbing to mention a few which gives you a superior touring and sightseeing experience.

Our Staff

Our staff and expert film coordinators have years of experience in facilitating various filming projects from location hunting to securing licenses and permits. We’ll handle all your logistic needs and indeed, meet your expectations and more.

Why Us?

Our services are dependable, reliable and efficient - thus earning us reputable recommendations the world over. Our services are competitively priced to give the best satisfaction for your money. We believe you will want to work with us as much as you have many choices for assistance in planning your trip to Africa because we offer the following which many do not.

Personal Service in approach

On all destinations we guarantee excellence of service in our area of expertise. You can rest assured that we are dealing in what we know and what we do best. Our mission is the provision of quality services to our clients while conserving the rich flora and fauna so abundantly available in various regions of our visit.

Our teams’ mission is to satisfy each client or group in an individual way, by offering them not just a pre-set package off the shelf but rather unique adventure and safari activities.

Client consultative Tour Package

We take the time to discuss your interests, travel style, budget, and timeframe - all the factors that can influence your trip - to ensure we suggest a tour that's just right for you.

Expertise and Know how

Our staff have traveled to many different safari camps, lodges, and hotels throughout Africa. With collective experience in the tour industry, we know that we have to keep our ears and eyes open for news and updates. There is no better substitute than first hand knowledge when it comes to designing your tours and Safaris.

Timely and flexibility in response

Your time is valuable and we are committed to using it effectively. Therefore, our goal is a 24-hour response time to your enquiry. Continually, we update you on the status of your request, keeping you informed with a keen attention to detail and efficiency - while retaining our creativity and flexibility.

Efficiency in Communication

Our Tour guides and safari vehicles are equipped with High Frequency radios and or Mobile phones to ensure that your safari is problem free. And with a team of experienced multi-lingual driver-guides, we feel that we certainly have the know how to make your safari a memorable one.

Competitive in pricing

we believe that our tours offer you the best value for your money. We will always work with you to make the most of your given budget to allow you to enjoy quality service and provide the little 'extras' that make your tour that much more unique. All services, accommodations, ground operators and travel arrangements are continually monitored and evaluated, to ensure that we are providing you with the quality of product and service you are looking for.

Activities

Our activities begin when you touch down in any of our destinations in Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania including Zanzibar. With the wide range of options available, we believe that there is something to interest every traveler to East Africa. We offer an unrivalled choice of quality escorted tour packages packed with exciting daily sightseeing highlights and features.

Our tours are designed to make the best use of your vacation time and we strike a careful balance between organized sightseeing and other exciting highlights allowing plenty of time for our tour directors and guides to educate you about East Africa. In addition to giving introductory briefings upon arrival, our tour directors and guides provide information relevant to your immediate location throughout the course of the safari.

Our staff is ever ready to answer questions, give explanations, and teach you a little African History and Folklore as you go along. A great deal of care and effort goes into the selection of our tour guides as we would like you to travel in the company of true friends. Our groups are kept small, and we use luxury minibuses and 4x4 wheel drive Land Cruisers for our safaris.

We at Victoria Safaris are eager to go the extra mile to ensure you have an unforgettable safari. Alego is our home, Kisumu is our city, Nairobi our Capital City, Kenya our country and Africa is our continent, "tourism" is our only business, and we are passionate about it. So, for the trip of a lifetime, experience the African Flora and Fauna with the "in" people to go "out" with – Victoria Safaris.

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Dave Text asked:

As you start planning for special event in your life, it always comes down to thinking of the perfect place to have it. From large stylish weddings, birthday celebrations, or other intimate gatherings, reception halls provide the facade you want to imply to your guests.

As you start planning for special event in your life, it always comes down to thinking of the perfect place to have it. From large stylish weddings, birthday celebrations, or other intimate gatherings, reception halls provide the facade you want to imply to your guests. There are various designs that one can see on reception hall, be it with a hotel, casino, ballroom, theatre, and the like. They say that the reception hall usually represent the establishment. It should depict the impression of warmth, elegance, and a sense of comfort.

Here is a list of some establishments, which caters to various special events, and possessing very elegant reception hall designs.

New York

1. Charisma Ballroom

Contact Information

Address: 71-46 Main Street, Kew Gardens, NY 11367

Telephone Number: 718-268-2800

Fax Number: 718-268-2803

Contact Person: Banquet Manager

The Charisma Ballroom is a type of business that is family owned and supervised. It was established during the year 1975. Hence, this location is well known for its spacious and stylish ballroom, night-club ambiance, and its courteous, attentive service. For more than thirty years, it has been providing its guests with delightful professional banquet organization and planning, individualized for each client's taste and preference. This is whether it is a formal or informal occasion.

With lots of options to choose from, the renowned Charisma Ballroom's Banquet Manager as well as Party Consultants would be more than happy to provide you with their expertise, capturing your visions and ideas for your special day and making it happen. So what are you waiting for? Let your dreams come true at Charisma Ballroom.

Features:

• Seating Capacity: 300

• Venue Type: Ballroom, Standard, Night Club

• Cuisine Options: Spanish / Latin, Italian, American

Amenities Offered:

• Bridal Room

• Open Sunday

• Coat Check

• Available Imported Beer

• Available Buffet Menu Premium Liquor,

• Audio and/or Visual Equipped

• Accepts Major Credit Cards

2. Home for Water

Contact information:

Address: 525 West 30th St., New York, NY 10011

Telephone Number: 212-616-1655

Fax Number: 212-616-1653

Contact Person: Banquet Manager

The glamorous Home for Water will provide you the ultimate location for corporate events and functions such as awarding events, fundraising events, social gatherings, product launches, press conferences, business and/or sales meetings, fashion schools and/or shows, cocktail receptions, conventions and conferences among others.

The place is designed to suit your every need in mind. Moreover, they will be more than happy to provide assistance to your multimedia presentation as well as recording, dining, floral, and seating, along with music, coat check, hosting, photo documentation, ticketing, and internet connection necessitites.

Features:

• Site Fee: 5000

• Seating Capacity: 200

• Outside Catering Allowed

• Venue Type: Conference Hall, Loft, Waterfront

3. Shop Studios

Contact Information:

Address: 442 West 49 Street, New York, NY 10019

Telephone Number: 212-245-6154

Contact Person: Ben Moore

Shop Studios has an approximately 3000 sq. ft. Of studio loft and an outdoor veranda, providing you with beautiful and majestic skyline views. They will also provide you with a full kitchen, along with floral designs, as well as decorating and lighting services.

Features:

• Site Fee: 5000

• Seating Capacity: 100

• Cocktail/Stand Up Capacity: 150

• Outside Catering Allowed

• Venue Type: Loft

Amenities Offered:

• Wheelchair

• Bridal Room

• Open Sunday

• Tables and Chairs,

• Wi-Fi Internet Access

• Audio and/or Visual Equipped

4. Gallery Viet Nam

Contact Information:

Address: 345 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 11377

Telephone Number: 212-431-8889

Contact Person: Banquet Manager

The Gallery Viet Nam is located within a marker building with its specialty on American and Vietnamese modern artisans and painters. The 2,000 sq. ft. space prides itself with its exotic art, vaulted ceilings, illuminated floor, magnanimous vintage skylight as well as bare brick walls. The Gallery is also available for formal dinners and cocktail receptions. The much acclaimed Viet Cafe provides the catering service which offers their specialty, Vietnamese cuisine as well as European and French fusion menus.

Features:

• Seating Capacity: 110

• Venue Type: Restaurant (Private Room), Loft

• Cuisine Options: Vegetarian, Asian, French, and other international cuisines

Amenities Offered:

• Wheelchair

• Open Sunday

• Onsite Ceremony

• Coat Check

5. Maurya Resturant and Banquet Hall

Contact Information:

Address: 63-108 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park, NY 11374

Telephone Number: 917-941-0234

Telephone Number: 718-997-6462

Contact Person: Randhir Khullar

The Maurya Resturant and Banquet Hall has a South Asian feel and can definitely cater to your partying needs. With a beautiful design to match any joyous atmosphere or events, one can celebrate their special moments here, whether it may be a wedding ceremony, an engagement party, anniversaries, sweet 16 occasions, corporate events, and others.

Hence, the Maurya Resturant and Banquet Hall offers you services that will best suit your ideas and needs. You can get pleasure from their Indian cuisine appetizers like Tandoori Mixed Grill, pakoras, soups and samosa.

Dinner menus comprise of a wide vegetarian food selections such as mattar paneer, alu gobi, malai kofta, and others. They also serve non-vegetable items like chicken vindaloo, shrimp bhuna and lamb curry. Once you check their location you will surely be impressed!

Features:

• Seating Capacity: 650

• Venue Type: Conference Hall, Ballroom, Restaurant (Private Room)

• Cuisine Options: Asian, American, Continental, Vegetarian, and other international cuisines

Amenities Offered:

• Valet Parking

• Wheelchair

• Open Sunday

• Coat Check

• 24 hour Security

• Available Imported Beer

• Available Buffet Menu

• Premium Liquor

• Accepts Major Credit Cards

Florida

6. Stardust Event Center

Contact Information:

Address: 2571 12th Street, Sarasota, FL 34237

Telephone Number: 941-365-6888

Telelphone Number: 941-544-9682

Contact Person: Banquet Manager

Stardust Event Centre is known to posses a 24,000 sq. ft. clear span facility that can accommodate about 1260 people. It also has a built-in entertainment surround sound, lighting, projector and a full screen video.

Hence, charter bus service is also available within the premises so as to transport its guests to their destined facility or affair. One can hold their wedding reception, proms, homecomings, quinceaneras, fund raising events, sporting events, trade shows and fashion shows here at the Stardust Event Centre.

Features:

• Seating Capacity: 1260

• Outside Catering Allowed

• Venue Type: Conference Hall, Ballroom

• Cuisine Options: Continental, American, Kosher, Italian, Russian, Asian, Mediterranean, Latin/Spanish, French, Vegetarian, and Child Menu

Amenities Offered:

• Parking Lot

• Valet Parking

• Wheelchair

• 24 hour Security

• Bridal Room

• Open Sunday

• Onsite Ceremony

• Coat Check

• Available Imported Beer

• Available Buffet Menu

• Audio and/or Visual Equipped

• Accepts Major Credit Cards

Pennsylvania

7. La Luna Banquet Hall

Contact Information:

Address: 4610 Bensalem Blvd., Bensalem, PA 19020

Telephone Number: 215-633-8395

Contact Person: Banquet Manager

Sophisticated, elegant, exquisite details, romantic, the La Luna Banquet Hall is a one of a kind location for you to celebrate your ideal wedding reception, jubilee, graduation, anniversary gala or other special moments in your life. This is the perfect place for lasting memories.

Hence, the La Luna Banquet Hall has a stylish facility situated in the Lower Bucks County, PA. Utterly remodelled with a beautiful and unique Mediterranean style with wood parquet floors, and marble bathrooms, it will provide you with warmth and convenience you deserve.

Aside from this, it also provides its guests with an open-air experience of the old European street and combined with a piazza inspired courtyard as well as a fountain. Preferred excellent caterers are provided for wedding packages. With personalize service and wonderful location; your invited guests will surely be thrilled!

Features:

• Seating Capacity: 275

• Venue Type: Ballroom

• Cuisine Options: Continental, American, Kosher, Italian, Russian, Asian, Mediterranean, Latin/Spanish, French, Vegetarian, and Child Menu

Amenities Offered:

• Parking Lot

• Valet Parking

• Wheelchair

• Bridal Room

• Open Sunday

• Open Sunday

• 24 hour Security

• Onsite Ceremony

• Outdoor Ceremony

• Coat Check

• Available Buffet Menu

• Audio and/or Visual Equipped

• Pre-Fixed Menu Selection

8. Marjeane Caterers

Contact Information:

Address: 320 South Broad Street, Lansdale, PA 19446

Telephone Number: 215-855-3510

Fax Number: 215-362-7351

Contact Person: Brian Lutz

Marjeane Caterers provides excellent cuisine, cordial services, as well as personal attention to each factor in your event. This will go beyond your expectation. Moreover, it will definitely delight all your guests. You will surely have the best time in you life here at Marjeane's!

Features:

• Seating Capacity: 300

• Cocktail/ Stand-up Capacity: 500

• Venue Type: Standard

• Cuisine Options: Continental, American

Amenities Offered:

• Parking Lot

• Wheelchair

• Bridal Room

• 24 hour Security

• Open Sunday

• Garden

• Onsite Ceremony

• Gazebo

• Coat Check

• Available Imported Beer Available

• Available Buffet Menu Available

• Premium Liquor

Connecticut

9. Birch Meadow Banquet Facility

Contact Information:

Address: 76 East Dudley Town Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002

Telephone Number: 860-242-9600

Fax Number: 860-683-8301

Contact Person: Banquet Manager

You are always welcome at the Birch Meadow Banquet Facility. They are a brand new state of the art facility. Birch Meadow has beautiful grounds and ballrooms for any kind of event. They are committed to giving their customers the exceptional service and food you deserve. They can also provide you with a tour of their facility, you can simply give them a call.

Features:

• Seating Capacity: 200

• Venue Type: Standard, Ballroom

• Cuisine Options: American, Italian, Vegetarian, International / Other

Amenities Offered:

• Parking Lot

• Wheelchair

• Open Sunday

• Garden

• 24 hour Security

• Onsite Ceremony

• Outdoor Ceremony

• Gazebo

• Imported Beer Available

• Buffet Menu Available

• Premium Liquor

10. New Sorrento Italian Ristorante & Banquet Center

Contact Information:

Address: 32 Newtown Rd., Danbury, CT 06810

Telephone Number: 203-748-1322

Telephone Number: 203-790-5939

Fax number: 203-748-6030

Contact Person: Banquet Manager

The New Sorrento Italian Ristorante & Banquet Center will surely delight you with its beautiful restaurant which can provide you with mouth watering meals your guests will love! It is the best place for all occasions! You are more than welcome as one of their lucky guests.

Features:

• Seating Capacity: 110

• Venue Type: Restaurant (Private Room)

• Cuisine Options: Italian, Continental

Amenities Offered:

• Parking Lot,

• Open Sunday,

• Available Imported Beer

• Available Buffet Menu

• 24 hour Security

• Premium Liquor

• Pre-Fixed Menu Selection

• Accepts Major Credit Cards

Michigan

11. Blue Dress Barn

Contact Information:

Address: 3893 Territorial Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Telephone Number: 269-944-1751

Contact Person: Banquet Manager

This picture perfect reception hall is situated within the historic White-Washed Barn. With its unique and poignant design, everyone will surely have beautiful and lasting memories here at the Blue Dress Barn.

Features:

• Seating Capacity: 280

• Outside Catering Allowed

• Venue Type: Garden, Mansion

• Cuisine Options: International

Amenities Offered:

• Parking Lot

• Valet Parking

• Wheelchair

• Bridal Room

• 24 hour Security

• Open Sunday

• Onsite Ceremony

• Outdoor Ceremony

• Outdoor Reception

• Coat Check

• Internet Access

• Accepts Major Credit Cards

New Jersey

12. Pantagis Renaissance

Contact Information:

Address: Park & Mountain Avenues, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

Telephone Number: 908-322-7726

Contact Person: Eleni Pantagis

The Pantagis Renaissance serves as a wonderland for all kinds of occasions. It has a polished marble Italian floors and stylish spiral staircases which leads to the stunning ballroom areas framed with intricate woodwork. This enchanted place also has cathedrals ceilings made out of stained glass, along wit accompanied gold leaf mirrors.

Hence, the Pantagis Renaissance also possesses a beautiful wedding chapel with bridal suites. They also provide catering services with a touch of culinary art for everyone's delight. These entire specialties are all offered for an affordable price!

Features:

• Seating Capacity: 350

• Venue Type: Ballroom, Standard

• Cuisine Options: Continental, American

Amenities Offered:

• Parking Lot

• Valet Parking

• 24 hour Security

• Available Buffet Menu

• Premium Liquor

• Bridal Room

• Onsite Ceremony

wheelchair sports