Fun Above & Below The Waves At Koh Samui
By Johny K

The sea is great place to spend time enjoying the region’s tropical beauty and marine life. Samui is becoming a water sports Mecca, with a range of options for those who want to get wet. The warm seas that surround Koh Samui have long played an integral role in the island’s allure, with few visitors able to resist the temptation of the waters that gently lap Samui’s beaches. Right now, there have never been so many ways for people to take a dip around Samui. Here are just a few of the most popular options for water babes who need an H2O fix during their time in paradise.

One of the most popular water sports worldwide is scuba diving and the Gulf of Thailand, with a rich diversity of marine life and favourable year-round conditions, is now firmly set as one of the world’s premier dive holiday destinations. Whilst the teeming seas are an important part of the area’s popularity, another key selling point is the huge variety of dive sites to visit. Koh Samui has it’s own ‘house’ reefs that are suitable for novices, whilst more challenging dives await experienced divers at nearby Sail Rock or in the National Marine Park. For the clearest waters and most choice though, local dive operators also offer day trips to the stunning island of Koh Tao, where more than a dozen quality dive sites await discovery. Whether you’re a hardened diver seeking some exciting dive experiences, or a nervous novice, keen to take your first breaths in this amazing environment, there is a diving option for everyone off Samui.

If going under the waves doesn’t appeal, there are other ways to immerse yourself in to the deep blue world, the most popular of which is snorkeling. Many reefs lie directly off Samui and most visitors can’t resist the urge to don a mask and snorkel and have a look at what lies beneath. As with diving, your snorkeling possibilities are by no means restricted to the immediate area. One of the more popular tours incorporating snorkeling is an adventure trip to the Ang Thong National Marine Park. This also includes a few hours kayaking amongst the park’s striking collection of fifty limestone rock islands and formations, as well as a chance to see the ‘golden bowl’, a hidden lake that is completely encircled with majestic cliffs and was the inspiration behind Alex Garland’s best selling novel: The Beach.

If it’s the marine life you’d like to focus on then take a day tour to Koh Tao, where the clear waters and splendid array of shallow and bountiful reefs make for some of the best snorkelling anywhere in the world. Day trips also usually include a visit to famous Koh Nangyuan, an exquisite trio of verdant jungle islands connected by stunning, white sandbar beaches. Few visitors to Nangyuan are left disappointed and the views below the waters certainly match the breathtaking beauty above.

Back above the water, for more of an adrenaline rush, Koh Samui is now also home to one of the most exciting water sports of modern times: kiteboarding. Kiteboarding Asia is a company that has been on the island for five years and now also boasts three centers in Phuket, Hua Hin and Chumpon. Often called the new windsurfing, the sport also incorporates aspects of both wakeboarding and surfing to provide a truly thrilling experience.

These are the main but by no means the only seafaring options off Koh Samui, There are plenty of other water sports available such as jet skiing, taking a ride on a banana boat, hiring Kayaks to explore the beaches and rocky coves or renting Hobie cats and other craft for a spot of self-skippering. Add in other popular activities such as leisurely sunset dinner cruises, fishing trips that allow you to catch and barbecue your own supper, or perhaps even chartering a junk for a luxurious jaunt around the Thai Gulf and you’ll soon find that it’s possible to spend every day of your holiday either on, in or under the beautiful waters around Samui.

Johny is currently living on Samui Thailand and is working on a number of travel websites. If you are looking for a great Samui hotel then do visiting http://www.mysamuiholiday.com. Read more about Koh Samui in his Samui Guide.

Source: Absolute Babe Fun Above & Below !]]>

Absolute Babe!

Originally uploaded by peeprs23

Fun Above & Below The Waves At Koh Samui
By Johny K

The sea is great place to spend time enjoying the region’s tropical beauty and marine life. Samui is becoming a water sports Mecca, with a range of options for those who want to get wet. The warm seas that surround Koh Samui have long played an integral role in the island’s allure, with few visitors able to resist the temptation of the waters that gently lap Samui’s beaches. Right now, there have never been so many ways for people to take a dip around Samui. Here are just a few of the most popular options for water babes who need an H2O fix during their time in paradise.

One of the most popular water sports worldwide is scuba diving and the Gulf of Thailand, with a rich diversity of marine life and favourable year-round conditions, is now firmly set as one of the world’s premier dive holiday destinations. Whilst the teeming seas are an important part of the area’s popularity, another key selling point is the huge variety of dive sites to visit. Koh Samui has it’s own ‘house’ reefs that are suitable for novices, whilst more challenging dives await experienced divers at nearby Sail Rock or in the National Marine Park. For the clearest waters and most choice though, local dive operators also offer day trips to the stunning island of Koh Tao, where more than a dozen quality dive sites await discovery. Whether you’re a hardened diver seeking some exciting dive experiences, or a nervous novice, keen to take your first breaths in this amazing environment, there is a diving option for everyone off Samui.

If going under the waves doesn’t appeal, there are other ways to immerse yourself in to the deep blue world, the most popular of which is snorkeling. Many reefs lie directly off Samui and most visitors can’t resist the urge to don a mask and snorkel and have a look at what lies beneath. As with diving, your snorkeling possibilities are by no means restricted to the immediate area. One of the more popular tours incorporating snorkeling is an adventure trip to the Ang Thong National Marine Park. This also includes a few hours kayaking amongst the park’s striking collection of fifty limestone rock islands and formations, as well as a chance to see the ‘golden bowl’, a hidden lake that is completely encircled with majestic cliffs and was the inspiration behind Alex Garland’s best selling novel: The Beach.

If it’s the marine life you’d like to focus on then take a day tour to Koh Tao, where the clear waters and splendid array of shallow and bountiful reefs make for some of the best snorkelling anywhere in the world. Day trips also usually include a visit to famous Koh Nangyuan, an exquisite trio of verdant jungle islands connected by stunning, white sandbar beaches. Few visitors to Nangyuan are left disappointed and the views below the waters certainly match the breathtaking beauty above.

Back above the water, for more of an adrenaline rush, Koh Samui is now also home to one of the most exciting water sports of modern times: kiteboarding. Kiteboarding Asia is a company that has been on the island for five years and now also boasts three centers in Phuket, Hua Hin and Chumpon. Often called the new windsurfing, the sport also incorporates aspects of both wakeboarding and surfing to provide a truly thrilling experience.

These are the main but by no means the only seafaring options off Koh Samui, There are plenty of other water sports available such as jet skiing, taking a ride on a banana boat, hiring Kayaks to explore the beaches and rocky coves or renting Hobie cats and other craft for a spot of self-skippering. Add in other popular activities such as leisurely sunset dinner cruises, fishing trips that allow you to catch and barbecue your own supper, or perhaps even chartering a junk for a luxurious jaunt around the Thai Gulf and you’ll soon find that it’s possible to spend every day of your holiday either on, in or under the beautiful waters around Samui.

Johny is currently living on Samui Thailand and is working on a number of travel websites. If you are looking for a great Samui hotel then do visiting http://www.mysamuiholiday.com. Read more about Koh Samui in his Samui Guide.

Source: Absolute Babe Fun Above & Below !

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Hayden Panettiere bikini

Originally uploaded by chevyalex99

Young and vibrant at the beach!

Overview - Leap Year 2008
By Wendy Brock

There are many possibilities for the upcoming leap day. The current economy isn’t exactly stable and a recession could be announced. Will this leap day mark new proclamations to regulate our economy? In 1794, George Washington set Jay’s Treaty in effect. It settled difficulties between the U.S. and Great Britain over commerce and navigation.

The ominous war in Iraq could come to an end. If the old saying “history repeats itself” is true, the war probably won’t end on this leap day. In 1944, General Douglas MacArthur led the invasion of the Admiralty Islands. Will our generals lead historical invasions in the Middle East?

Why is a leap day inserted in February every four years and who made this rule? In ancient Rome, political leaders added an extra day to the end of a ruler’s term if the ruler was favored. In some cases, this was happening every year. So what was the result? The seasons were thrown off.

According to NASA, an Alexandrian astronomer named Sosigenes advised Roman emperor Julius Caesar to add the extra day. Caesar created the Julian calendar system because it takes the earth longer than 365 rotations to circle the sun. The exact rotation is 365.24219. This may seem like a small amount, but in actuality, without the leap year, the seasons wouldn’t occur during the proper time of year. If we don’t have a leap year, winter could take place in July and summer during December.

Julius Caesar declared February 29th as the leap day because of other holidays during the month of February. If he would have added the day at the first of the year, the Roman holidays would fall at the wrong times. The Julian calendar was later replaced.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII, decreed the use of the Gregorian Calendar, which we now use. What was wrong with Caesar’s Julian calendar? It was somewhat too long, causing the vernal equinox to move inward. Since this effect also caused the day Easter is celebrated on to move closer to Christmas, Gregory adopted the following rule:

“Every year that is exactly divisible by four is a leap year, except for years that are exactly divisible by 100; the centurial years that are exactly divisible by 400 are still leap years. For example, the year 1900 is not a leap year; the year 2000 is a leap year.”*

Looking at the upcoming leap day on February 29, 2008, we can only wait with anticipation at what may come. Everyone everywhere can make their own memorable historical events. Maybe plans for proposal to marry or party plans will come your way. Maybe you will want to make a time capsule to open on February 29, 2012. Another idea is to plan a list of goals for the next four years to achieve by the next leap year. The history of February 29, 2008 is up to you. What will you do?

* Introduction to Calendars. (13 September 2007). United States Naval Observatory.

As a published writer in Pentacle Magazine and a former news reporter for NPR, I love the discovery of a good story and delivering it to an audience. My love of writing and sharing knowledge is emphasized in my articles on various subjects such as beauty, family, writing, and cooking.

View all of my articles at: http://www.helium.com/user/show_articles/35372

My blog: http://www.wendybrock.blogspot.com

Source: Hayden Panettiere bikini]]>

Hayden Panettiere bikini

Originally uploaded by chevyalex99

Young and vibrant at the beach!

Overview - Leap Year 2008
By Wendy Brock

There are many possibilities for the upcoming leap day. The current economy isn’t exactly stable and a recession could be announced. Will this leap day mark new proclamations to regulate our economy? In 1794, George Washington set Jay’s Treaty in effect. It settled difficulties between the U.S. and Great Britain over commerce and navigation.

The ominous war in Iraq could come to an end. If the old saying “history repeats itself” is true, the war probably won’t end on this leap day. In 1944, General Douglas MacArthur led the invasion of the Admiralty Islands. Will our generals lead historical invasions in the Middle East?

Why is a leap day inserted in February every four years and who made this rule? In ancient Rome, political leaders added an extra day to the end of a ruler’s term if the ruler was favored. In some cases, this was happening every year. So what was the result? The seasons were thrown off.

According to NASA, an Alexandrian astronomer named Sosigenes advised Roman emperor Julius Caesar to add the extra day. Caesar created the Julian calendar system because it takes the earth longer than 365 rotations to circle the sun. The exact rotation is 365.24219. This may seem like a small amount, but in actuality, without the leap year, the seasons wouldn’t occur during the proper time of year. If we don’t have a leap year, winter could take place in July and summer during December.

Julius Caesar declared February 29th as the leap day because of other holidays during the month of February. If he would have added the day at the first of the year, the Roman holidays would fall at the wrong times. The Julian calendar was later replaced.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII, decreed the use of the Gregorian Calendar, which we now use. What was wrong with Caesar’s Julian calendar? It was somewhat too long, causing the vernal equinox to move inward. Since this effect also caused the day Easter is celebrated on to move closer to Christmas, Gregory adopted the following rule:

“Every year that is exactly divisible by four is a leap year, except for years that are exactly divisible by 100; the centurial years that are exactly divisible by 400 are still leap years. For example, the year 1900 is not a leap year; the year 2000 is a leap year.”*

Looking at the upcoming leap day on February 29, 2008, we can only wait with anticipation at what may come. Everyone everywhere can make their own memorable historical events. Maybe plans for proposal to marry or party plans will come your way. Maybe you will want to make a time capsule to open on February 29, 2012. Another idea is to plan a list of goals for the next four years to achieve by the next leap year. The history of February 29, 2008 is up to you. What will you do?

* Introduction to Calendars. (13 September 2007). United States Naval Observatory.

As a published writer in Pentacle Magazine and a former news reporter for NPR, I love the discovery of a good story and delivering it to an audience. My love of writing and sharing knowledge is emphasized in my articles on various subjects such as beauty, family, writing, and cooking.

View all of my articles at: http://www.helium.com/user/show_articles/35372

My blog: http://www.wendybrock.blogspot.com

Source: Hayden Panettiere bikini

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Here we go with another Celebrity Sunday at Seymore Bikini Blog.

This week we have Lauren Conrad from the MTV reality shows Laguna Beach and The Hills. Lauren has been the subject of many male sex fantasies over the last several years.

Lauren Conrad is a hot, sexy blonde with a killer bikini body that just makes you want to see more. She has great medium sized boobs and an incredible ass. As you can see by these pictures, Lauren is very comfortable showing off her curvy beach body and having a good time in front of everyone.

I especially love the boogie board photo with her bikini bottom pulled down exposing her sexy butt crack. Just makes you want to spank that ass!

Tags: ass, boobs, butt crack, laguna beach, lauren conrad, medium sized boobs, mtv, pussy, sexy blonde, sexy butt, the hills

The Top Destination Proposals
By Jill Renee

While finding the perfect ring to propose with can be an exhaustive search, what really seems to confuse many is the actual proposal itself. When and where to pop the question can be stressful at best, and since it’s a story that you’ll both be telling for the rest of your lives together, getting it right is incredibly important.

With that in mind, more and more couples are turning to the destination proposal as a way to give the beginning of their lives together a unique twist that makes it their own. While the destination proposal will certainly take quite a bit of planning, with a little help from friends and family, and a nice sized bank account, the following destinations are a great way to ask that special someone to spend the rest of their life with you.

Venice, Italy

A city built on the water, there are few cities in the world more romantic than Venice. While proposal locations within Venice are numerous, I suggest skipping out on St. Mark’s Square and taking a gondola ride for the proposal. The combination of singing, privacy, scenery, and the tradition of kissing while passing under bridges, is the perfect combination for a proposal that will stick in her mind forever.

Paris, France

The city of lights is sure to light up her face when you show her the diamond engagement ring you’ve selected for her while standing atop the Eiffel Tower. With a view of the city that can’t be rivaled, you’re sure to take her breath away when you get down on one knee hundreds of feet in the air with all of Paris as your backdrop. Rumor has it that this was the method Tom Cruise used when he proposed to Katie Holmes.

Agra, India

Home to a monument of love India provides an ideal proposal location. The Taj Mahal is a magnificent building built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. With amazing views, a garden that is breath-taking on a bad day, and amazing architecture, the Taj Mahal is the perfect place to show her how much you care.

Hawaii

Whether it’s on a beach at sunset or atop a volcano at sunrise, giving her the diamonds you’ve selected in Hawaii is sure to give her a story to make all of her friends jealous. With scenic beaches and amazing views from atop numerous volcanoes, Hawaii has long been used for destination weddings, and now it’s perfect for the destination proposal as well.

Rockefeller Center, New York City

The ice rink at Rockefeller Center has long been a location for those seeking a destination proposal, and it’s still an amazing choice to this day. The perfect location to get down on one knee in front of friends and strangers, when you slip that wedding ring on her finger, her answer is sure to be greeted by the applause of those in attendance.

Verona, Italy

Few don’t know the story of Romeo and Juliet, and what could be more romantic than proposing under Juliet’s famed balcony at the Casa di Giulietta located in Verona? The lovely architecture and the balcony will make her feel like the fabled Juliet, and what woman can turn down her Romeo with an engagement ring in hand?

Las Vegas, NV

While Vegas has certainly earned its reputation for quickie weddings and even faster divorces, there is a certain air of excitement and fun to the city. While a proposal in front of the fountains at the Bellagio while the music plays is romantic, there’s also the option of visiting Paris, Las Vegas and making use of their Eiffel Tower for those that just can’t make it to the real one in Paris. Remember, just because you get engaged in Vegas, doesn’t mean you have to get married in Vegas - so take your time and plan a great wedding.

Grand Canyon, AZ

For those that appreciate the great outdoors, there are few places more great and outdoors than the Grand Canyon. With spectacular views available from the Grand Canyon Skywalk and numerous helicopter tours running daily, a visit to the Grand Canyon is sure to take your breath away, and hers when you finally pop the question.

Disney World, FL

While it is certainly known for being every child’s dream vacation, that doesn’t mean you can’t tap into your inner child for your proposal. A visit to Disney World is especially great if you already have children or have children from a previous relationship. Getting the kids involved will help them feel like they’re a part of the proposal, and whether you get down on one knee in front of Epcot Center or Cinderella’s Castle, you can be sure that there will be plenty of people around to congratulate you on your engagement.

Aspen, CO

When it comes to outdoor sports, Aspen certainly has the market covered in the US. If skiing is something you both enjoy, a proposal on the ski lift or at the bottom of the slope after a run can both be memorable. With an abundance of accommodations available you can be sure to find a romantic getaway in Aspen, and enjoy yourselves a bit while you’re there.

While all of these locations are great, it’s by no means a comprehensive list. Cruises are great when you want to get away from everybody, and visiting wine country is great if you’re both into wine and food. When choosing a place for your destination proposal the key is to take both of your interests into account and plan a vacation that will be both memorable for the proposal and enjoyable for the location. As long as you do that, how can she say no?

Jill Renee is the president of Danforth Diamond, a leading online retailer of diamond engagement rings, diamonds, and wedding rings.

Source: Microkini Sirens…]]>

Sirens…

Originally uploaded by Paula Anddrade

The Top Destination Proposals
By Jill Renee

While finding the perfect ring to propose with can be an exhaustive search, what really seems to confuse many is the actual proposal itself. When and where to pop the question can be stressful at best, and since it’s a story that you’ll both be telling for the rest of your lives together, getting it right is incredibly important.

With that in mind, more and more couples are turning to the destination proposal as a way to give the beginning of their lives together a unique twist that makes it their own. While the destination proposal will certainly take quite a bit of planning, with a little help from friends and family, and a nice sized bank account, the following destinations are a great way to ask that special someone to spend the rest of their life with you.

Venice, Italy

A city built on the water, there are few cities in the world more romantic than Venice. While proposal locations within Venice are numerous, I suggest skipping out on St. Mark’s Square and taking a gondola ride for the proposal. The combination of singing, privacy, scenery, and the tradition of kissing while passing under bridges, is the perfect combination for a proposal that will stick in her mind forever.

Paris, France

The city of lights is sure to light up her face when you show her the diamond engagement ring you’ve selected for her while standing atop the Eiffel Tower. With a view of the city that can’t be rivaled, you’re sure to take her breath away when you get down on one knee hundreds of feet in the air with all of Paris as your backdrop. Rumor has it that this was the method Tom Cruise used when he proposed to Katie Holmes.

Agra, India

Home to a monument of love India provides an ideal proposal location. The Taj Mahal is a magnificent building built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. With amazing views, a garden that is breath-taking on a bad day, and amazing architecture, the Taj Mahal is the perfect place to show her how much you care.

Hawaii

Whether it’s on a beach at sunset or atop a volcano at sunrise, giving her the diamonds you’ve selected in Hawaii is sure to give her a story to make all of her friends jealous. With scenic beaches and amazing views from atop numerous volcanoes, Hawaii has long been used for destination weddings, and now it’s perfect for the destination proposal as well.

Rockefeller Center, New York City

The ice rink at Rockefeller Center has long been a location for those seeking a destination proposal, and it’s still an amazing choice to this day. The perfect location to get down on one knee in front of friends and strangers, when you slip that wedding ring on her finger, her answer is sure to be greeted by the applause of those in attendance.

Verona, Italy

Few don’t know the story of Romeo and Juliet, and what could be more romantic than proposing under Juliet’s famed balcony at the Casa di Giulietta located in Verona? The lovely architecture and the balcony will make her feel like the fabled Juliet, and what woman can turn down her Romeo with an engagement ring in hand?

Las Vegas, NV

While Vegas has certainly earned its reputation for quickie weddings and even faster divorces, there is a certain air of excitement and fun to the city. While a proposal in front of the fountains at the Bellagio while the music plays is romantic, there’s also the option of visiting Paris, Las Vegas and making use of their Eiffel Tower for those that just can’t make it to the real one in Paris. Remember, just because you get engaged in Vegas, doesn’t mean you have to get married in Vegas - so take your time and plan a great wedding.

Grand Canyon, AZ

For those that appreciate the great outdoors, there are few places more great and outdoors than the Grand Canyon. With spectacular views available from the Grand Canyon Skywalk and numerous helicopter tours running daily, a visit to the Grand Canyon is sure to take your breath away, and hers when you finally pop the question.

Disney World, FL

While it is certainly known for being every child’s dream vacation, that doesn’t mean you can’t tap into your inner child for your proposal. A visit to Disney World is especially great if you already have children or have children from a previous relationship. Getting the kids involved will help them feel like they’re a part of the proposal, and whether you get down on one knee in front of Epcot Center or Cinderella’s Castle, you can be sure that there will be plenty of people around to congratulate you on your engagement.

Aspen, CO

When it comes to outdoor sports, Aspen certainly has the market covered in the US. If skiing is something you both enjoy, a proposal on the ski lift or at the bottom of the slope after a run can both be memorable. With an abundance of accommodations available you can be sure to find a romantic getaway in Aspen, and enjoy yourselves a bit while you’re there.

While all of these locations are great, it’s by no means a comprehensive list. Cruises are great when you want to get away from everybody, and visiting wine country is great if you’re both into wine and food. When choosing a place for your destination proposal the key is to take both of your interests into account and plan a vacation that will be both memorable for the proposal and enjoyable for the location. As long as you do that, how can she say no?

Jill Renee is the president of Danforth Diamond, a leading online retailer of diamond engagement rings, diamonds, and wedding rings.

Source: Microkini Sirens…

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Carly Banks is still one of my favorite adult models. Her soft awesome body looks fantastic in any bikini including this pink and white micro bikini.

As usual with Carly Banks, she does not keep her bikini on for long. She puts her bikini bottoms in her mouth as she strips out of her thong bikini laying on her pool float. She spreads her legs wide open and gives us a naughty camel toe pussy view.

She plays on the pool float as she removes her bikini. Carly then gets out of the pool and poses in some very erotic positions as she shows off her nice big boobs and awesome round ass. I think I will call her tomorrow and propose marriage.

Tags: adult models, awesome body, big boobs, camel toe, Micro Bikini, pool, pussy view, thong, thong bikini

Hot hot hot! Check this gallery and you will see how hot this babe is. Dont forget to check out this site i really offer to check out this site content bikini dream really know how to give bikini model content. Very sexy girl posing with army colored bikini nice perfect tits wet body sunny day and nice ass all what i need now this cold winter day.

Austin - The Gem Of Central Texas
By Ronnie Bredahl

The Austin Metro Area is part of the I-35 growth corridor in Central Texas. The Austin area experienced the largest increase in household income in the State of Texas and was one of the fastest growing US cities in the 1990’s, growing in population by nearly 48 percent. In 2007, the city was the 3rd fastest growing metro area (population over 500,000) behind Fort Worth, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona.

The Austin Metro area includes the cities and towns of Austin, Bastrop, Buda, Cedar Park, Dripping Springs, Georgetown, Kyle, Lakeway, Lago Vista, Leander, Lockhart, Pflugerville, Round Rock, San Marcos, and Taylor. There are five counties that make up the area including Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson. Austin is located within Travis County and Round Rock is located in Williamson County.

Austin, the capital of Texas, is home the University of Texas, the 5th largest campus in the nation. Major industries in the area include technology, education, retail, healthcare, and state government. People are drawn to Austin not only for business, but for its scenic beauty. If you have never been to Texas, you may have pictures in your head of flat, barren land and tumbleweeds rolling across the plains. While this may be true for areas of North and West Texas, Austin is made up of lakes, rivers, limestone cliffs, greenbelts, and Texas Hill Country. The city supports a liberal political environment in the midst of a very red state. With thirty-seven percent of Austin adults between the ages of 18-34 (median age of 32), Austin is a very young city full of energy. You can see this first hand by taking an evening stroll through the warehouse and entertainment district of West 4th and 6th Streets in Downtown Austin. Here is where you will find the true meaning of why Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World.” The nightlife in this town competes with towns twice its size. The density of bars and clubs on 6th Street is only matched by famous Bourbon Street in New Orleans (but without the constant fowl smell). Oh yeah, and the people are much friendlier!

For the outdoorsmen/woman, Austin offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in the nation. Along Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, there are over 14 miles of natural trails and hundreds of acres of greenbelts, very rare for a large urban city. Wakeboarding is also a popular sport among the boating enthusiasts in the area (and there are many). Lake Travis in Northwest Travis County in over 63 miles in length and over 2 miles wide at its widest point. On the weekends at the lakes, you will find boats tied along side each other and hundreds of go-lucky partiers enjoying the breathtaking views.

Despite a national downturn in real estate prices, the Austin housing market is thriving on the migration of people and businesses into the area. According to the US Census Bureau, the Austin Metro Area population to 1,513,565, a 4.2% increase for 2006. The average price for a single-family home in Austin increased 6% in 2007 to $251,641. Austin area home sales and prices experienced steady and stable growth over the past few years, contributing to the overall economic health in Central Texas.

Regardless of whether the economy goes up or down, Austin will always be a desirable place to live and people will continue to flock to the region. In the many annual surveys conducted by various media outlets, here are some of the categories Austin always ranks high: after-dark, characteristics, cityscape, culture, food/dining, people, shopping, Singles scene, live music, clubbing, cocktails, housing affordability, environmental awareness, safety, best barbeque, cheap eats, most fit city, athletic/active, attractive, friendly people, vintage shopping, wild weekend, underground arts scene, cleanliness, and public parks/spaces, am I boring you? The list goes on and on. Surprisingly, Austin lives up to the hype! Google “Austin, Texas” and you’ll be hard-pressed to find negative comments about this awesome town!

Ronnie Bredahl is a life-long Austin resident and broker/owner of Austin Referral Realty. He current lives in the Travis Country Neighborhood of Southwest Austin, Texas.

Source: Gem Of Central Texas]]>

winnie2-3red2

Originally uploaded by microkini_fan

Austin - The Gem Of Central Texas
By Ronnie Bredahl

The Austin Metro Area is part of the I-35 growth corridor in Central Texas. The Austin area experienced the largest increase in household income in the State of Texas and was one of the fastest growing US cities in the 1990’s, growing in population by nearly 48 percent. In 2007, the city was the 3rd fastest growing metro area (population over 500,000) behind Fort Worth, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona.

The Austin Metro area includes the cities and towns of Austin, Bastrop, Buda, Cedar Park, Dripping Springs, Georgetown, Kyle, Lakeway, Lago Vista, Leander, Lockhart, Pflugerville, Round Rock, San Marcos, and Taylor. There are five counties that make up the area including Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson. Austin is located within Travis County and Round Rock is located in Williamson County.

Austin, the capital of Texas, is home the University of Texas, the 5th largest campus in the nation. Major industries in the area include technology, education, retail, healthcare, and state government. People are drawn to Austin not only for business, but for its scenic beauty. If you have never been to Texas, you may have pictures in your head of flat, barren land and tumbleweeds rolling across the plains. While this may be true for areas of North and West Texas, Austin is made up of lakes, rivers, limestone cliffs, greenbelts, and Texas Hill Country. The city supports a liberal political environment in the midst of a very red state. With thirty-seven percent of Austin adults between the ages of 18-34 (median age of 32), Austin is a very young city full of energy. You can see this first hand by taking an evening stroll through the warehouse and entertainment district of West 4th and 6th Streets in Downtown Austin. Here is where you will find the true meaning of why Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World.” The nightlife in this town competes with towns twice its size. The density of bars and clubs on 6th Street is only matched by famous Bourbon Street in New Orleans (but without the constant fowl smell). Oh yeah, and the people are much friendlier!

For the outdoorsmen/woman, Austin offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in the nation. Along Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, there are over 14 miles of natural trails and hundreds of acres of greenbelts, very rare for a large urban city. Wakeboarding is also a popular sport among the boating enthusiasts in the area (and there are many). Lake Travis in Northwest Travis County in over 63 miles in length and over 2 miles wide at its widest point. On the weekends at the lakes, you will find boats tied along side each other and hundreds of go-lucky partiers enjoying the breathtaking views.

Despite a national downturn in real estate prices, the Austin housing market is thriving on the migration of people and businesses into the area. According to the US Census Bureau, the Austin Metro Area population to 1,513,565, a 4.2% increase for 2006. The average price for a single-family home in Austin increased 6% in 2007 to $251,641. Austin area home sales and prices experienced steady and stable growth over the past few years, contributing to the overall economic health in Central Texas.

Regardless of whether the economy goes up or down, Austin will always be a desirable place to live and people will continue to flock to the region. In the many annual surveys conducted by various media outlets, here are some of the categories Austin always ranks high: after-dark, characteristics, cityscape, culture, food/dining, people, shopping, Singles scene, live music, clubbing, cocktails, housing affordability, environmental awareness, safety, best barbeque, cheap eats, most fit city, athletic/active, attractive, friendly people, vintage shopping, wild weekend, underground arts scene, cleanliness, and public parks/spaces, am I boring you? The list goes on and on. Surprisingly, Austin lives up to the hype! Google “Austin, Texas” and you’ll be hard-pressed to find negative comments about this awesome town!

Ronnie Bredahl is a life-long Austin resident and broker/owner of Austin Referral Realty. He current lives in the Travis Country Neighborhood of Southwest Austin, Texas.

Source: Gem Of Central Texas

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