Everyone you tell about an impromptu trip will be skeptical (there will be many strained smiles and versions of “oh… wow!”), but those vacation days will prove that you could co-exist without self-destructing or flaming out the relationship. Rather than cracking the relatively new foundation, a whirlwind trip will solidify your feelings—though, there will be a few pitfalls that could wreak havoc, so below are a few tips on how to avoid them! Travel during off-season A truth of any relationship that's only a few months old: You guys aren't great communicators yet. That's not your fault; nobody’s assembled the full run-down of sensitivities, language tics, and off-limit topics after only a handful of weekends hanging out together at fourth date-caliber bars. You don't even have their birthday memorized yet! The mind-meld takes time! save your summer in Rome until after you've had a few more reps, when you're both more accustomed to how you respond to pressure. Consider booking two different flights back. You’ll take a bit of solace in knowing that if things went real bad overseas, at the very least you aren’t going to have to spend nine hours sitting next to each other in Basic Economy. That would give you way too much time to stew over the various reasons in which You Are Not Right For Each Other. Instead, have an ejector seat handy. This shouldn't be taken as a toxic prenup agreement, either. You're allowed to harbor a few doubts when you're only ankles-deep in a relationship; that makes you a (somewhat) responsible new couple! Pack a guidebook. You're best off letting some other authority—like a guidebook, or an audio guide, or even a tour group—take the wheel, so you two can just enjoy each other. Walking around with Fodors Paris 2020 on your waist isn't the biggest fit in the world, but trust me, transforming into 50-something sundowners as soon as the plane lands is a seamless way to get comfortable. Embrace your inner lameness. It'll allow you to envision what traveling with the person will be like a decade from now. Feel free to get a little blissful. You're far from home throwing caution to the wind with a new partner. This sort of stunt requires a good amount of Garden State-style yuppie idealism, and while nobody should spoil themselves with humblebrags about how #adventurous they are, I do think everyone on a potentially irresponsible vacation is allowed some leeway to marvel at how their impulsiveness is, for once, a force for good in their lives. Some of the best memories I had from the trip were our dizziness, "I can't believe we actually did this!" If you’re still unsure, hang on to when you feel the time is right! We’re filled with help and advice for you and your new couple, give us a call or email us today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan.
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When you think of tropical cruises, you likely imagine lazy days of sunbathing under Caribbean palm trees with a fruity drink in your hand. But did you know that parts of Asia, Australia and the Middle East are considered tropical, too? Despite their vast differences, tropical regions do have commonalities. They're warm, particularly in the summer months, and humidity levels are usually high. Many are home to rainforests and a variety of flora and fauna that thrives in such environments. Volcanoes can be found in many of these destinations, as well, and exotic fruits and seafood are often plentiful. If you've been to the Caribbean before and want to try something new without totally sacrificing time at the beach, here’s a list of some of our favorite tropical cruises! Caribbean The Caribbean is the quintessential region for beach bums, but there's so much more to it than clear, blue water and soft sand. From conch fritters and waterfall hikes to straw markets and high-end shops dripping with diamonds, there's a lot to experience. The Caribbean is broken into three regions -- eastern, southern and western. Although they lie outside of the tropic zone, ports in Bermuda and the Bahamas are often found on Caribbean sailings, too. Panama Canal and Central America Named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Panama Canal is a feat of engineering so impressive that a cruise through it is well worth the price. There are different types of sailings, including full transits and partial transits, but they all visit culture-rich destinations in countries like Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and, of course, Panama. Cuba Cuba's allure lies in the nostalgic, vintage vibe that has resulted from decades of government restriction. With a handful of cruise lines visiting, Cuba has long been a popular destination for travelers outside the U.S. Low crime rates and a slower pace make this a great destination for leisurely exploration. While you're there, try volunteering or chatting with locals about their way of life. Asia With some of the industry's newest and largest ships positioning themselves in China, Asia cruising is heating up. However, it's Southeast Asia -- Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia -- that you'll want to visit for an experience that's truly tropical. You can reach these destinations on oceangoing cruises and river sailings. Middle East Middle East cruises offer a convenient way to see a less-traveled part of the world -- one that boasts ideal sunbathing weather and pristine beaches. In addition to fun in the sun, you'll find impressive skyscrapers, markets that will make shopaholics salivate and chic areas that scream of wealth and decadence. These voyages feature ports like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, Muscat and Aqaba, among others (although, technically, all but Muscat fall just outside of the tropics). Africa Due to a combination of Arab Spring, attacks on tourists and pirates in the Gulf of Aden, Africa cruises have declined in popularity in recent years. Most of the African continent lies within the tropical zone. But, with the exception of the Seychelles, most African cruise ports -- Cape Town, Durban, Maputo, Port Elizabeth -- lie just outside of the tropics. Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco calls are also common on these itineraries, with the ports of Cairo (Port Said), Alexandria, Tunis and Tangier also falling just beyond the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Sailings there offer everything from the pyramids and camel rides to cultural experiences. South Pacific These sailings, calling on Polynesian islands in the Pacific, are almost purely tropical, and they provide access to some of the world's friendliest cultures. Learn ancient dances, try local foods and bask in the sun while you do it. Stops on South Pacific itineraries might include Pago Pago, Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Noumea, Port Vila, Suva and many more. Australia Northern Australia lies within tropical borders. Although many Australia and South Pacific itineraries overlap, some cruise lines offer voyages that sail around the Australian coast, including ports like Darwin, Cairns, The Kimberley and The Whitsundays, as well as Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide, the last five of which fall outside the tropic designation. Once the site of a penal colony, Australia is famous for its laid-back vibe, its penchant for all things beachy and boozy and its disdain for tipping. We are filled with cruise recommendations! Give us a call or email today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan. Paris is known for many things, like the Eiffel Tower, romance, and cafes. But it’s also known for its food. Here are a few bites you shouldn’t pass up on your trip to Paris. Macarons Macarons (also called French macaroons, not to be confused with coconut macaroons) are a convection created with meringue cookies that sandwich a flavored filling. These cookie sandwiches showed up in Paris in the 1830s from Parisian confectioners and were made popular by Laduree, a famous French bakery. It wasn’t long until the macaron became famous world-wide. It even has its very own day to celebrate! But even though these tasty treats are accessible just about everywhere these days, there’s something about trying them in the country they originated. Croissants These are a staple in Paris. They are convenient, easy to eat on the go, and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways, including on their own or as part of a sandwich. The croissant became popular in France because of Marie Antoinette. The story is that she wanted the baker to replicate her favorite bakery treat from her hometown in Austria. Over time, this treat became lighter and fluffier into what we know as the croissant now. Some say that you know if a croissant is good if you don’t need to do anything to it. However, French people like to indulge at their weekend brunch and add jam or chocolate to their croissants. Baguette Another staple in Paris is the baguette. In the 1920s, laws were in place that prohibited bakers from starting to bake until after 4:00 in the morning. These laws prevented them from having fresh bread in the mornings. The bakers had to be creative to find ways to have bread freshly baked for the mornings and wound up changing the bread’s shape into the baguette we know today. This allowed the bread to bake faster and made it possible for the dough to receive the maximum amount of exposed heat, which gives it that thick crust. The baguette has been an iconic symbol of France ever since. Like the croissant, it’s a great grab-and-go snack and versatile in the ways you can enjoy it. One way people will enjoy a baguette is to cut it in half with butter and jam. It also pairs wonderfully with chocolat chaud, which is similar to a hot chocolate. Butter This is a unique one, but the butter in Paris is a must-try, specifically the Le Beurre Bordier. Here is how this butter is different from the rest: They only use milk from local farmers who demonstrate the best farming practices. They also take their time when making the butter. Bordier wait 72 hours to use the milk once they get it from the cows, where milk used to make a typical brick of butter is only left to sit for 6 hours. This extra time allows the cream to develop its flavor. They even knead the butter at a much slower speed. It’s also unique because the butter is slightly different based on what season it is. The cows’ diet vastly alters how the butter comes out. When the cows graze on fresh grass in the summer, the butter is much more yellow, smoother, and tastes more savory. In the winter, the butter tends to be lighter in color due to the grass. It’s also more brittle and tastes sweeter. They also only make the butter on-demand, so you know you’ll be getting the freshest butter! French Onion Soup French Onion Soup is a comforting soup that has become widely popular. There are no definitive stories on the origin of the French Onion Soup, but many that in the 1800s, low-income workers would use the leftover onions that they were selling to make soup to keep them warm. The soup started as just the broth, which uses caramelized onions and beef broth. In the 1900s, people started seeing this dish in restaurants. The recipe had expanded with the addition of baked bread with a layer of cheese crumbled on top. They then bake the soup until the cheese layer gets crispy and golden brown. When the soup started being served in restaurants, it became more acceptable amongst all the people to enjoy, not just the working and low-income families, and it's now a staple in French cuisine! These were only a few must-try dishes to try in Paris, but it's safe to say that there are many more to discover! Give us a call or email us today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan. From Blue Crush to The Endless Summer, many of us have only experienced surfing through movies, often leaving us wishing we could be surfing somewhere ourselves. Do you know some of the most popular spots in the world for surfers to flock to?
Kauai, Hawaii If you were wanting to see where the heart of surfing began and to see what Hawaii has to offer, check out Kauai during the summer months. However, if you're more experienced, visit the South Shore from November to February where you can see ocean swells that are as large as 30 – 40 feet.
Southern California Maybe you want to stay on the mainland and see the sunny state of California; don’t worry, there are plenty of places to surf here!
Puerto Escondido, México
Biarritz, France When you think of France, do you immediately think of Paris and the Eiffel tower? Did you know that there are places in France recognized for their beaches and surf spots? Fun fact: Biarritz was the birthplace of surfing in Europe and the surf is so good, many well–known surfers visit just to surf there. Biarritz, France is located in the southwest Aquitaine region where you will find some of the most iconic beaches: La Côte des Basques and Grand Plage.
Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa A town known for how welcoming they are to their guests from all around the world, people love the balance of the small–town feel yet a big city for bringing people together. Jeffrey’s Bay, also known as J–Bay, has multiple beaches that have great surfing conditions for all levels of experience, especially during the months of March through October.
Uluwatu, Indonesia This is a unique place to visit especially if you’re an experienced surfer. This popular location can get a bit crowded, so it tends to be more competitive.
No matter if you are a surfer or not, if you want to learn, or are just fascinated by the sport, you can find some neat surf spots while traveling that are worth checking out, and we are filled with suggestions for you! Give us a call or email us today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan. 1. Relationships with suppliers You know when you’re visiting your neighborhood restaurant where the servers are familiar and give you a new dessert to try with your meal sometimes? Companies and people love to reward loyalty and the same is true about travel providers. Travel advisors have relationships with these companies and their staff and want to keep that relationship mutually beneficial! The suppliers know that if they can keep their travel advisors’ clients happy, they’ll be more likely to send more people their way. Sometimes this can translate into extra attention, free upgrades, or even things like chocolate-covered strawberries in your room! 2. Knowledge about products What’s the best travel insurance and should you get it? If something were to go wrong or there were any last-minute changes, which suppliers have the best cancellation policies? Ask your advisor! They treat knowledge about travel like it’s their job (because it is!) 3. Better rates / added benefits You won’t always get better rates booking with an advisor, but you’ll often get more value added. In the age of online booking, it’s easier than ever to find “deals” online, but when you go through a massive online booking company, oftentimes, you’re not seeing the whole picture. Is that hotel room so cheap because it’s on the side of the building next to train tracks and faces a brick wall? With an advisor, you know exactly what you’re getting and what added benefits are coming along with it. Travel advisors also stay updated on what kind of sales are happening. If they know you’re looking for a river cruise to Europe and a big sale starts, they’ll know to pass that information along to you! 4.Translating dreams to reality How do you take your vague notion about a dream vacation and turn it into reality? Ask your travel advisor! They’re able to translate your wants into real locations and help you identify what pieces of your trip will matter the most. 5.Travel logistics How much time do you need for a layover? Would it make the most sense to rent a car, hire a driver, or something else altogether? If even starting down that train of thought is giving you sweaty palms, take a deep breath and call your travel advisor. 6.Peace of mind In the unfortunate event that something does go wrong, having someone on your side to help you through it and advocate for you is invaluable. Instead of being stuck internationally frantically trying to track down all of the people you need to call, you can make one call to your travel advisor and trust them to figure out the best plan for you. 7. They get to know you The more you use a travel advisor, the more valuable they are. With each trip you take through them, the more feedback you’re able to give them on what worked for you and what you’d skip next time, making each subsequent trip even further beyond perfect, to start planning your next trip, give us a call or email us today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan. Traveling with children can seem daunting, especially if you're traveling internationally. With long flights and long travel days, differences in cultures, and many other obstacles that can occur, it makes sense why some parents might be reluctant to bring their children on the journey with them. However, traveling with your children, particularly internationally, can provide a vast number of benefits to your children's lives. Here are just a few reasons that you should bring your offspring along on your travels. Learning Firsthand Most children learn about other countries' history and cultures in their classrooms at school, but when you travel with your children, they get to experience these places firsthand. Your kids will get submerged into different cultures and learn about the people, traditions, food, agriculture, and much more. This can help children better understand and learn while at school since they can relate it to their personal experiences. More Adaptable When you travel, no matter how prepared, there is always an opportunity for a roadblock to arise, such as lost luggage or a late flight. Many things are out of our control that interfere with our plan, which is a part of traveling, and it is an excellent way for children to learn to problem-solve and make the best of these situations when they happen. Children may also learn that there could be different amenities than what they are used to at home. And depending on where you are traveling to, items or tools may not be as accessible as they usually would be, which is another great way children learn to adapt and go with the flow. Compassion As you are traveling, your children may meet other kids from those countries and might learn that those kids' way of living looks different from their own. They might recognize the differences in socioeconomic backgrounds and realize that not all children in the world have as much as they have, leading them to compassion towards others who do not have as much and appreciating what they do have. Memories I bet many people can recall most, if not all, the trips they have taken. What about the first toy you were gifted? Can you remember all the toys you had when you were younger? Toys are wonderful, but they're not generally as impactful as the memories we create with traveling. When children grow up, they can look back and recall all their memories from traveling, whether those memories were good, funny, or bizarre, and remember the ones they spent time with and met along the way. Self-Discovery When traveling to new countries, we might be stepping out of our comfort zone a little bit. Yet, each time we do, we feel a bit more confident in ourselves. Similarly, with children, someone might be nervous about the activities/excursions that you have planned. When they start to travel, and these opportunities become more common, they get braver and confidence starts to build within them. This confidence then rolls over to when they are back into their regular routine of life. Traveling can also help children figure out their interests more imaginatively and creatively by seeing the world firsthand. For example, maybe you notice that your child loves the adventure aspect of traveling, and each time you travel to a new country, they want to figure out all the outdoor adventures they can do. Maybe your child is interested in art and is intrigued by the details of buildings and desires to visit art museums. Learning this about themselves can help guide them in figuring out hobbies they want to involve themselves in or even potential career pathways that might be enticing for them. Taking on responsibilities is another aspect of self-discovery that children might learn while traveling. At some point, all children will have to learn to take on responsibilities. When you give children responsibilities while traveling, this can provide children with more confidence in their own abilities. Maybe their responsibilities at first are to make sure they have their belongings, and when moving hotels or going between airports, they must oversee their items. These responsibilities might increase by having them plan a portion of the trip (with guidance, of course). Not only can this build confidence in children, but it keeps them involved and allows them to express what their interests are. Bringing your children on international trips can seem overwhelming, but we genuinely believe that you and your children can benefit from these types of travels together, let us help you plan your family trip! Give us a call or email us today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan. When thinking of tropical locations or relaxation vacations, most people talk about warm sun beating down on their skin, clear, blue ocean waters, and white sand between their toes.
That sounds nice, right? But what about pink sand between your toes? Yes, there are places that actually have pink sand, and they’re beautiful! Pink sand gets its color from broken coral pieces, calcium carbonate materials from marine creatures, as well as seashells. Sometimes, the sand has the slightest highlight of pink, but the shoreline and the water’s edge is where the pink will be most vivid. There are quite a few areas with pink sand beaches, but here are some that stand out to us! 1. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda This beautiful beach is located on Bermuda’s South Shore and is a great place to visit if you’re looking for some relaxation. This beach is also family friendly, with many activities such as snorkeling, boogie boarding, and paddle boarding. Because this beach is shaped like a horseshoe (hence the name), it’s sheltered from larger waves. Bars near the beach make it easy to grab some burgers and fish sandwiches, ice cream, and Bermuda’s national drink, the Rum Swizzle. 2. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas This beach is located on a small island of the Bahamas (it’s so small you can travel to Harbour Island by foot!). Not only is the beach here stunning, there are so many great activities to take part of one of the coolest activities you can do at Pink Sands Beach is to take a boat tour to go swim with pigs! Yes, pigs! You’ll boat over to a smaller island where you can swim alongside these porkers and even feed them. From there you’ll head over to another island where you can partake in a Bahamian food tasting! If you’re not into swimming with pigs, that’s okay, you can always just set up a towel on the beach and enjoy the views and play in the crystal clear, blue waters! 3. Pink Beach of Barbuda, Caribbean Sea This island is found in the northeastern Caribbean and consists of small village communities and is known for its natural beaches. What’s cool about this island is that one side of Barbuda is touched by the Atlantic Ocean, with its dark blue color and beaches filled with driftwood, while the other side of the island is touched by the Caribbean sea, which is where you can find the pink sand beaches and bright blue waters. Take in the natural beauty, relax and interact with locals. Barbuda isn’t known for its tourism, so you won’t see organized events and activities that you would in larger resort towns, nor will you find tourist attractions or nightlife on this island. Instead, expect blissful peace. 4. Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece This is an island that is located on the southwest coast of Crete, Greece. It’s more of a sandbar, meaning it can be submerged under the water at certain times. If you’re hanging out in Crete, you can wade out to the island, but don’t expect to see any beach chairs there, though! If you’re up for this adventure you’ll be rewarded with sightings of rare plants and sea creatures, such as the loggerhead sea turtles. Take note – if you’re caught removing any plants or animals, you could be given a big fine! Most of the time, you’ll see the stunning pink sand on the island and when the sand is pink, it is very pink. However, there can be times where you don’t see the pink sand: this is due to wind conditions, the season, and even the tide motions. But even if you don’t see the sand in its pink beauty, you’ll always be able to feel the softness of the sand on this island. It’s been described as “soft as dust.” The waters surrounding are warm and calm, so it’s a great spot to bring young ones to play. This island can get busy, so if you’re looking for more of a relaxed environment, it’s recommended to go during the late spring and early summer. If you’re ready to start planning your adventure, give us a call today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan. Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure. Those who have made their decision and are ready to embark on a new adventure, we have some advice for you… Here are four mistakes to avoid while traveling during COVID: 1. Adding Numerous Countries to Your Itinerary When you start planning your adventure abroad amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it's best to stick to one or two countries until the virus is well under control. You'll be able to relax on your adventure without worrying about additional transits, quarantines, testing requirements, and ever-changing guidelines. Here's your chance to take the time to really get to know a place and embrace the art of slow travel. 2. Not Checking Cancellation or Change Policies Before Booking Flights Most of us have heard the stories of travelers who lost thousands of dollars on a canceled vacation in 2020 that wasn't covered by travel insurance. Beware when purchasing insurance policies during the pandemic, as many programs do not cover claims arising from COVID-19. Look for information directly on the company's website. Many carriers are offering exceptional change and cancellation policies during the pandemic. Policies do vary by airline and business, If using a travel agent for your bookings and for some multi day tours, make sure you are aware of their policies as well. 3. Forgetting to Get a COVID-19 Test Before Flying, and for Departure This might be the most important item to check off your list. You will not want to forget to schedule your test before a trip abroad no matter where you're traveling, since entry requirements can change in an instant and often do. Most countries that mandate a test require a negative certificate that has been issued within 72 hours of boarding. Schedule a test two mornings before your departure, so that you receive your certificate the same evening and can print it out in preparation for your flight. And as for your return to the U.S., it is now mandatory by CDC regulations that ALL public entering present a negative COVID test. 4. Waiting to Fill Out Your Paperwork in Person No one likes filling out paperwork, and you'll see a lot of it while flying during COVID — sometimes multiple forms for entry into one country. A smart way to handle this is to print and fill them out in advance. Protocols for airports and countries vary, so be prepared for anything and everything, including potential visits to the immigration office for more questioning (and possibly missing your connecting flight). Even if you've filled out the paperwork in advance, keep a pen handy. Some entry restrictions are changing so fast that a country can make a switch in their forms on a moment's notice. This new traveling environment is new for all of us, it’s something none of us have experienced before. But as experts on the past “normal” of traveling, we can assure you we’ll be able to differentiate and guide you in the right direction and know what exactly you can be doing to avoid having a hard time planning your getaway as COVID regulations are still taking place. Give us a call or email us today to receive more of our help, and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan. We know it is often difficult picking which products will serve you best when traveling. Here at Get Busy Livin’, we are always looking for products that will stay with us in the long run, are economically friendly, and will be perfect for our needs, whether it is a quick 2-day business trip, or a 2 week family vacation.
Here are some of our favorite carry-on bags we love to use, and recommend when going on a getaway. 1. Away Carry-On This is a strong and sturdy suitcase, and it looks smart. The handle is long, and slides out easily, doesn't rattle around like other flimsier models. Wheels are good quality. The body is quite durable and scratch resistant, the zipper is good quality, oh and there's even a lock. It holds a lot of stuff for how small it is, and it is expandable which is helpful for people who sometimes overpack. With a 39.8-liter capacity and some tight rolling, you will be able to fit approximately five-days worth of clothing in an Away carry-on, if you’re not taking big coats. It has a zip compartment for shoes, accessories and toiletries, as well as a water-resistant laundry bag to pack away your dirty clothes. If you’re not into a capsule wardrobe, there’s a compression pad to help you out. This is definitely one of our favorite bags, and we hope you look out for it! Buy: ($225 Regular Price) here 2. TravelPro Platinum Elite Carry-On This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.The large pocket on the front of this bag opens up folder style just as it should, perfect for those who typically rummage through it while standing at the airport or hotel lobby. It spins and moves like a dream. The hardware is well integrated into the design; with the deep color and leather trim, this is a formal looking suitcase. The interior is both thoughtful and attractive. This is a great bag that will definitely meet most of your traveling purposes! Buy: ($217 Regular Price) here 3. IT Max Space Carry-On You’ll never have to pick between weight or packing capacity again with this MaXpace collection from IT luggage carry-on. MaXpace boasts a modern twist on hyperlite luggage while maximizing packing capacity. This original design doesn’t cut any corners – literally! With a unique base and top platform, this collection allows you to pack out the entire dimensions of your luggage without losing valuable corner spaces. It is suitable for any travel, with great spinner wheels! You definitely want to give this one a try… and we’re sure you’ll want to get every color after. Buy: ($70 Regular Price) here 4. CALPAK Oh-Joy Carry-On This amazing, kid-friendly bag with a fun patterned interior is the perfect size, rolls easy, and adorable to look at. The colors and gold accents are so fun and even without packing cubes it's super easy to keep organized with the pockets, zippers, and straps. Buy: ($165 Regular Price) here If you’re still unsure of the right path to help you pack, we’re happy to help with some more recommendations. Give us a call or email us today and let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan. |
AuthorDan Laiosa, Archives
August 2021
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Photo used under Creative Commons from Rüdiger Stehn