View of Disney World

A Print-Sized View of Disney World

A nine-year old expert tells you the attractions not to miss

What is an American childhood without the ritual pilgrimage to Disney World, the magic Mecca in Orlando. Sure, you can consult the many guides to Disney World that line the slelves of many bookstores. But all these guides were written by adults for adults. Would you trust anyone over 13 to tell you about Space Mountain? To remedy these inefficiences, expers sent a 9-year boy for a kid's eye view.

First of all : Leave your parents at home. I'm not suggesting that you hop on a plane by yourself, but if you can, go with your grandparents. The trouble with parents is that they are always telling you not to do this, not to do that, to stop fighting with your brother or sister, or to improve your manners. Grandparents, on the other hand, just let you have fun and they don't care too much what you eat. One day, for example, all we had for lunch were cookies and cream milk shakes,

My second piece of advice: three days is not enough. We left Wednesday and came back Sunday, so we had about three and a half days to see stuff. We saw lots of things and went on lot of rides but not nearly enough. I'd suggest that you convince whoever is taking you to stay for five or so days. That way you get to try lots of things, go on your favorite rides more than once, and still have enough time for swimming and just goofing around.

Here's the best way to plan your day: leave your hotel early in the morning. You want to walk through the gates just as the park is opening. That way you'll get to the best rides before long lines form. Plan on having lunch either in the park or back at your hotel.  (The turkey dogs were not very good). Take a rest, or go swimming, then head back to the Magic Kingdom., EPCOT, or whatever, late in the afternoon.

Now, here is what you must see. The expert's rated each attraction in stars (from 1 to 5).

The Haunted House Lady. Photo by Elena.

The Magic Kingdom

Space Mountain, 5 stars: This is a very scary, exciting, fast and dark ride. The reason it's scary is that it's so dark inside that you can't see the track the car is on. You don't know where you're going – just like when I'm driving with my mom, but even scarier. I'd say kids eight and up would be too afraid. The line doesn't look long from outside, but it is. It moves pretty fast. Plan on waiting 25 to 45 minutes no matter when you arrive.

The Haunted Mansion, 3 stars: This ride is more fun than scary – although they do try to scare you. Hands pop out of graves, ghosts peek around corners, and there are lots of illusions. Kids 4 to 10 will like this. It's a long wait, usually about 25 minutes.

Splash Mountain, 4 stars: Be prepared for a 45-minute wait; this is one of the most popular rides in the Magic Kingdom. With scenes of Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear; and Brer Fox along the side, you race through swamps, caves and bayous. The climax is a five-story drop in the briar patch. You get wet, but not that wet. Kids four and under might get too scared by the ending, though they'll enjoy everything else. It's a good ride, but not worth waiting over 40 minutes,

Epcot Center

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, 5 stars: A short scientist wins an award for a shrinking invention. During a demonstration of the experiment, however, everything goes wrong. Instead of shrinking a family's luggage, he ends up shrinking the audience. Among other things, a scary cat almost eats you, and a snake slithers by. There are lots of special effects that make you think it's real. Good for all ages, including parents, though three-year-old might get scared. Don't worry about long lines – over 500 people can fit in every 20 minutes or so.

The living seas, 4 stars: One of the most educational attractions in the park, but it's also a lot of fun. You learn about fish and manatees – a huge, endangered species that looks like a cross between an elephant and a whale. You see divers feeding all sorts of fish, including sharks and dolphins. Usually not much of a wait.

MGM Studios

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: You should get here either before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m., because even though the Stunt Theater can hold 2,000 people, it is almost always filled. The show is funny and exciting. The stunts are as spectacular as they are in the movies. Great for all ages, but boys will probably like this more than girls.

Disney-MGM Animation Studio, 4 stars: Heros take you around the studios showing you exactly how cartoons are made. At one point, you go to Never-Never Land with Peter Pan, You see the animators drawing and lots of other neat things. It's interesting for older people (like my grandparents) but also not too complicated for younger people (like me). And there usually isn't much of a line.

The Making of the Lion King, 3 stars: You see who draws all the characters, see the people who become the characters' voices, and get a good idea about how the movie was put together. It's a lot like the Animation Studio, but seeing both gives you a much better idea of how it all works. Arrive 10 minutes before the show starts to be sure to get in. Good for all ages.

Star Tours, 4 stars: A robot takes you on his flight but things get totally out of control. Your ship shakes, rattles and rolls as you hurl through space at warp speed. You're attacked by meteors but you get back to your base safely, A super ride. Plan to wait about 20 minutes.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, 3 stars: Don't go if you get scared, but if you're up to it, it's great. You take an elevator up to the fifth floor of the Hollywood Towers Hotel, and then things start getting weird. Before it's over, you<re not sure which way is up.

Adam Jensen Deus ex Machine. Photo by Elena.

Las Vegas Isn't Just for Gambling

Las Vegas Isn't Just for Gambling

America's Sin City reinvents itself as a family resort.

The slot machines spew quarters reassuringly, but across the lobby, a 20-foot barge is making its way through artificial mists into what appears to be an Egyptian tomb. The Luxor, a large glass pyramid with a miniature river running through it, is one of four megaresorts that cater to families. Meanwhile, the initial Vegas family resort and parent to the Luxor, Curcus Curcus, recently built a $90 million theme park. The new times are here, it's a makeover time in Sin City.

In just the past 20 years, the budget-boosting magic of legalized gambling has swept across the country, revitalizing ailing post-industrial cities and bringing untold wealth to once obscure Indian reservations. To compete, Las Vegas is turning itself into a kind of Disney World Mark II. From the Camelot-themed Excalibur to MGM's 33-acre amusement park, to Treasure Island's reenactments of naval duels with full-sized replicas of pirate ships, the new hotels offer Disneyesque fun while still providing the adult games that Las Vegas is known for.

Las Vegas's biggest payoff for families is the price. That's because the hotels still make most of their money through gambling. Some shows are expensive, but lodging and food are cheap – all the better to lure parents to the gambling tables.

A not very large glass pyramid. Photo by Elena.

Gambling

How to walk away

What is gambling? Gambling is risking something of value in a game of chance.

Examples of gambling: Lotteries, casinos, playing cards for money, slot machines, Video Lottery Terminals (VLT), Bingo, Sports betting, Internet gambling.

When is gambling a problem?

• When gambling affects your relationship with family and friends
• When it causes you problems at work or school
• When it causes money problems
• When it makes you physically and mentally ill

What are the signs of problem gambling?

• Having financial problems or arguments about money
• Gambling until you win or spend all your money
• Gambling more than your planned or intended to
• Lying about your losses
• Feeling guilty about your gambling
• Being criticized about your gambling
• Being sure that past losses can be won back
• “Chasing losses” – feeling the need to gamble again to win back losses
• Gambling to escape your problems
• Promising to stop and then gambling again
• Neglecting your family, work or school in order to gamble

Remember that help is available for the gambler and or their family.

Gambling makes you physically and mentally ill. Illustration: © Megan Jorgensen.

SAT

What the SATs Mean to You?

The tests have changed, and so has the scoring system

Three letters – S.A. and T. - strung together form an acronym that manages to strike terror in the hearts of students and parents alike. The SAT, revised and and renamed in a number of occasions, the Scholastic Assessment Test (the A used to stand for aptitude), is the most widely used college entrance exam in the United States, with over one million high school students taking it in one year.

The point of the SAT, its defenders maintain, is to predict a student's future college performance by testing reasoning skills in both verbal and mathematical areas. Unlike many other standardized tests, the SAT purportedly measures a student's potential for academic work rather than solely assessing knowledge already learned.

Critics claim, however, that the SAT does not measure skills so much as knowledge, and that knowledge is not a fair indication of future academic performance. Others contend that the SAT's method of assessing skills is inherently biased and unfair. What is indisputable is that the SAT is one of the key factors used by colleges and universities in making admissions decisions, and that a low SAT average can mean the difference between getting into the school you want and an also-ran.

To quiet critics, the exam's sponsor, the College Entrance Examination Board, working with the test's creator, the Educational Testing Service, undertook a major overhaul of the exams in various occasions. The test was changed in name, format, content, scoring...

Everything has changed. Photo by Elena.

The revisions came after years of extensive research and field testing, according the College Board. The revised SAT recognizes the increased diversity of students in the education system, as well as changes in how and what these students are being taught in secondary school.

The new reading comprehension section contains longer passages with more emphasis on analysis, and the revised math questions demand that students write their answers on a grid rather than pick a multiple choice answer. The scoring system was recalibrated as well. The purpose of the re-centering of test scores was to bring the average score for each section back to 500, which was the average when the scoring method was devised in 1941. Over the past decades, average scores have dropped to the low of mid-400s.

The recalibrating means that by answering the same number of questions correctly, the average student will get approximately 80 extra points on the verbal section and 20 extra points on the math section. As in the past, 1600 remains the perfect score for the math and verbal components combined.

The grade inflation caused by the resetting of the scale is, of course, no secret to college admissions offices. Rather than increasing an individual's chance of being accepted by a school known for expecting high test scores, the revised scoring is supposed to give those who take the exam a better indication of how they did compared to others. If, for example, a student gets a 510 on the verbal exam, she will know that she scored a little above average.

How accurate is the test in predicting academic success? It depends. Some schools, such as Brown University, report that they have observed no marked correlation between scores and academic performance. At Harvard University, where the average combined SAT score is 1400, officials indicate that SAT scores art typically well correlated to academic performance, particularly during the freshman year.

But it is a mistake to make too much of SAT scores, warn many experts in admissions. For a clearer picture of future academic success, it's essential to look at a bigger picture, which includes a student's high school grades, class rank, and extracurricular activities.

Reykjavík on Two Wheels

Reykjavík on Two Wheels

Biking is an increasingly popular activity in Reykjavík, both as a hobby and as a way of transportation. The city has plenty of green spaces and there's wilderness as well, just outside the city limits. Renting a bike to explore the city is not just a recipe for a great afternoon, it's also a great way to see another side of the city than most people get to see.

Heaven on Wheels

Most cyclists are drawn to the less busy path outside of Reykjavík's center. There are a number of paths along the coast that will take you around the Seltjarnarnes pininsula, such as Saebraut to the north and Aegissida to the south.

Another popular area is Ellidaardalur valley, a lush, green nature preserve centered around the Ellidavath lake and the treams that run from it along the valley. If you really feel like getting lost in the great outdoors, then hit the much larger Heidmörk wilderness south of Ellidaardalur. The cycling path brings you all sorts of landscapes from evergreen forest (a rarety in Iceland, you might have noticed) to scrub and lava fields.

In the City

Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around Reykjavík and to get to know the city. Be aware that some drivers are not used to sharing the road with cyclists, so take care. The city has made strides in introducing bike lanes, but you can also bike on sidewalks, walking paths and the street, as long as you don't interfere with traffic or pedestrians.

Bike tours are organized year round (bikes and helmets provided) where you'll get beyond the city center to discover some of the city's extensive green spaces. If you're up for a real adventure, rent a scooter to zoom along the coast and explore the wilderness on the outskirts of town.

Icelandic Farm. Photo by Olga

A Bicycling Tour across the Capital

• Old Harbour – Start your tour from the old harbour area in the city centre. This area used to belong to the fishing industry, but when that moved to the new harbour, there were plenty of empty buildings left. These buildings were taken over by artists, designers, new boutiques and restaurants and the area is quickly becoming one of the most interesting places to explore in Reykjavík. The view over the ocean and the mountains isn't bad either.
• Grotta- Ride along the seaside all the way to the northernmost tip of the Reykjavík peninsula. The Grotta lighthouse with a backdrop of the ocean view is very picturesque and in the winter, this is a great spot for norther lights viewing.
• Aegissida – Get back on your bike and head along the coastline on the other side of the peninsula. This is the Aegissida coastline, a popular recreational area for the inhabitants of west Reykjavík. You'll likely find plenty of locals running, cycling, or just walking their dogs in the fresh sea air.
• Nautholsvik – The geothermal beach at Nautholsik is one of the most popular spots in Reykjavík on sunny summer days. The yellow sand and heated water make for a little slice of the tropics in the middle of Reykjavík (at least if you close one eye and squint a little).
• Perlan – On the forest-clad hill by the beach (another rarity in Iceland) is the Perlan building. The name means the pearl, which makes perfect sense for the glass dome atop six giant hot water reserve tanks. The view from the 360 degrees deck at the top is one of the best in Reykjavík.
• Hallgrimskirkja – Finally, ride from one Reykjavík landmark to another, from Perlan to Hallgrimskirkja church. At 74.5 m. Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest building in Reykjavík proper and the view from the top, over the colourful little houses of the city centre is quite charming.

Ribsafari

Ribsafari

Rib Boat Trip in Vestmannaeyjar

Have a blast in the islands! A ride you won’t forget

About the Ribsafari company: All Ribsafari members are islanders and have lived and worked in Westman islands (Vestmannaeyjar) all their lives. Since birth the have been going on trips on RIB boats and visited the islands all surrounding the main island Heimaey. We are extremely proud of our beautiful islands. And of course we want you to experience them as a local.

Join Rivbsafari in terrifc trips sailing around the islands, we will introduce the islands to you and the life we live here. Just check out our Tripadvisor Reviews as you can see our customers have really enjoyed our trips. You can choose from various trips all dependent on your interest and time. The enterprsie is opened really at all hours so you just need to contact us or drop by at the harbour in Vestmannaeyjar.

Vestmnannaeyjar is a town and achipelago off the south coast of Iceland. The islands were formed by a submarine volcanic eruption and the largest island, and the only inhabited one, is Heimaey. The other islands are visited frequently by the locals for bird hunting and egg collection.

Vestmannaeyjar is a fishing village as rich fishing grounds surround the islands. The islands are inhabited by millions of birds and whales can often be seen around the islands. The islands are mostly known for their fishing legacy, beautiful nature, birdlife, volcanic eruption, Turkish invasion, perfect golf course and all sorts of summer feasts.

One Hour Small Islands Trip

This is the most popular tour | A 60 minutes sailing in Vestmannaeyjar on a RIB Speedboat.

During this trip you will sail by the small islands around Vestmannaeyjar, the elephant rock (the largest elephant head in the world), other unique rock formations, a lot of wildlife, nature and sea caves, among them Klettshellir, which is mostly known for its perfect acoustics and Kathellir in the islands Haena. You will get to know the history of Vestmannaeyjar. Go on the perfect trip to get both a thrill and great guidance.

If we you lucky you will also see some whales and seals.This is a sightseeing tour with a twist as you get an adrenalin kick at the same time on our RIB Boats. The guides will take good care of you and you will certainly have a blast.

Ribsafari. Photo in public domain

2 Hour Round Trip

Go further – See more!

A trip to remember as you will see “everything”

A two hour sailing in Vestmannaeyjar on a RIB speedboat. During this trip we will sail with you to the most popular islands in our archipelago. You will see the elephant rock, a lot of wildlife, nature, islands and sea caves. You will get to know the history of Vestmannaeyjar and see unique rock formations.

In good sea conditions we will even sail to Súlnasker, which is without a doubt the most magnificent island or skerry in Westman islands. The island’s cliffs rises up 60-70 meters and stands on four posts. If we are lucky we will also see some whales and seals.

This is a sightseeing tour with a twist as you get an adrenalin kick at the same time on our RIB Boats.

Our guides will take good care of you and you will certainly have a blast.

Luxury Trips

Our VIP/Luxury trips Iceland Vestmannaeyjar are private trips where you’ll experience something unique. Sail around the islands of Vestmannaeyjar and bounce on the waves while checking out the archipelago’s nature, wildlife and sea caves. We’ll take you to spots where you’ll feel isolated and free from everyday life. You’ll enjoy something new, different and fun while getting the inside scoop from native islanders that know the history of the islands and their inhabitants inside out.

Your own private dining spot

After or during the trip we can take you to a private creek or some other private spot. There you will wine and dine like there is no tomorrow. We’ll arrange a trip for you from A-Z and ensure that you or your group get a trip that fulfills a bucket list wish.

Special tours

Tailor Made Trips

Do you have a specific spot you want to see or have something unique in mind? You might want to go on a fishing trip, or photography, or bird watching trip.

With Special Tours Iceland we can offer you something unique or you come up with a special request which we of course try to fulfill.

What are Special Tours Iceland? Special tours can be e.g.

    If you want to go specially to an island such as Surtsey

    If you want to just focus on photographing puffins or other seabirds we can take you to that spot where you will just focus on the photographing

    Or even if you want to have a picnic at a romantic spot.

    You can than also decide at what time you want to sail. You can even rent our boats with captain and an assistant and the trip takes you wherever you want to go.

Group trips

Go on Iceland Group Trips with Ribsafari with your family, friends, co-workers, students and/or business partners. Or make the day perfect for the bachelor/ette.

We can offer you sailing around the Westman islands for groups adding water ski rides, doughnut dragging or parasailing.

During the trip we can offer you light dishes and drinks on board. Or you can have a picnic in a bay for some time but that is more or less a luxury trip.

FAQ for Ribsafari

It is best to book in advance via our website (you can contact us also via mail: info@ribsafari.is or tel. +354 661 1810), we only sail if we have put together a group of six people or more so we might need to cancel our trip or move you to a another trip.

We are situated just on the harbor in Vestmannaeyjar, 2 minutes walk away from where Herjólfur ferry lands

We usually cruise at 20-25 mph but normally end the trips a little bit faster.

Each boat takes 12 passengers and we operate two boats

We can custom-make trip for groups and individuals

We do not serve any refreshments on boards but we can provide you with custom-made “nip-nap” or luxury “wine and dine” trips.

The trips can be dependent on weather and if it is really windy we do not sail, and you wouldn’t want to sail either – but we will of course repay your trip or find another time in collaboration with you.

Safety and other issues

We provide every passenger with protective clothing; float suit and life jacket. We have equipment for children from up to one years old but on scheduled trips we recommend the children to be at least four years old but you can always book a private trip for your friends and family.

The float suit is warm however we recommend you to bring a hat and gloves. It is also best to wear sneakers or hiking shoes on the trip – we don’t recommend high heels or sandals.

Ribsafari ensures the safety and security of its passengers and we go through safety rules prior to every trip.

We do not sail with passengers who have back problems or are pregnant as the boat is riding on waves and it can be bouncy.

Alcohol and drugs and Ribsafari’s trips do not go hand in hand. Ribsafari can refuse to take people on trips that are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

I can wear your glasses during the trip however we will give you protective glasses to wear over them so that they will not fly off during the trip.

You have to declare that you are physically fit prior to engaging in a Ribsafari trip

We can keep your personal belongings at our office space however we do not take responsibility for them.

Safety equipment

Both of our boats have the following safety equipment: Rubber lifeboats: Big Eagle for 25 people and Giant for 16 people. Top of the art sailing equipment, fire extinguishers, emergency torches, distress flares, emergency radio and Emergency locator transmitters.

At the beginning of each trip Rigsafari’s employees always go through the safety issues with our passengers.

Employees of Ribsafari have the following licences:

    65 brl captain licence

    Marine engine drive licence for 750 kw

    ROC (Radiotelephone Operator’s Certificate)

    All employees have finished courses in maritime

Safety and emergency management and have years of experience as sailors and handling RHIB.