French Learning Sites - A Good Way to Learn French Quickly?

Submitted By: Bob Beach

If you do a quick search you will find the internet is awash with French learning sites. You would think that was a good thing, right? Lots of free French lessons online, why not take advantage? Sometimes "free" can be worth every penny though - or to put it another way, virtually worthless. So are these sites really a good way to learn French quickly?
Let's cut to the chase. With an online French class, as with anything else, there's seldom any such thing as "un repas gratuit" - a free lunch. The site may not charge you directly but someone has to pay sometime. In the main they are either supported by small ads, or they are promoting a product or service which will pay them a commission.
So what? Is that a bad thing? We've all got to make a living, after all.
Unfortunately, if you have a look around you will find that a lot of so-called free online French lessons are nothing more than a platform for adverts. If you can be bothered to wade through them, and a procession of annoying pop-ups, you might find something worthwhile - but I wouldn't "retenez votre souffle" - don't hold your breath.
But - and it's an important "but" - luckily not all French learning sites are like that. Some provide us with a valuable service, and manage to cover their costs with subtle promotion or advertising that doesn't waste our time. If you can find those, then they can make beginning to learn French a very pleasant experience. It follows, then, that if you are enjoying yourself you will learn French more quickly.
So while you might have to spend a while finding quality French lessons online, it can certainly be worth the effort. After all, you're not paying, so even learning a few useful French phrases will get you comfortable and give you confidence - which is very important. With a bit of luck you'll learn useful and interesting things about French life and culture while you are at it.
Eventually you will probably find that online French learning sites can only provide so much. If you want to learn fluent French you will get to the point where you want a more comprehensive course. When you do, the free sites can still be of help. Some of them will be promoting French downloads, and you should be able to get some free sample lessons to help you decide which is best for you.
So are free online French lessons a good way to learn French quickly? If what you want to do is to give yourself a start and to explore the language, and if you have the patience to keep looking for the decent ones, then yes, there's a lot of really useful information out there on the internet. If you're in a position where you have to learn French fast - for example if it's a work-related placement in France - you will probably want to invest in a French download straight away. It will cost you a few dollars but modern interactive French courses are the fastest and easiest way to really get to grips with your new language. They can be quite fun too!

Published At: Isnare.com

Spend Your Family Holidays Turkey Underground.

Submitted By: Davide Smith

Everyone knows that above ground family holidays, Turkey offer plenty of opportunity for sun, sea and sand. However, if the bright sun is dazzling your eyes or you’re simply looking for something a little more unique, why not head underground?
Istanbul’s Cisterns
Istanbul is a sprawling mass of beautiful Byzantine cisterns that exist from the time when Istanbul was known as Constantinople and even James Bond has paid them a visit. The city has hundreds of gloomy cisterns, but the grandest of all these and the only one worth visiting on your family holidays Turkey is the Basilica Cistern, also known as the Sunken Palace Cistern. The Basilica Cistern covers 2.4 acres and can hold over 21 million gallons of water. Its sheer size means that it is easy enough to get lost in; so keep an eye on your little ones.
Although, when James Bond visited in the film “From Russia with Love”, we imagine that getting lost, or remaining hidden, was his main intention. In a scene, Sean Connery is seen sailing past a forest of marble columns and these are in the Basilica Cistern.
Underground Cities in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a must visit destination on your family holidays. Turkey’s mass of fairytale chimneys are more commonly viewed from above ground where hot air balloons are the common means of transport. If you want a slightly more unique Cappadocian experience then why not head underground? Subterranean towns extend seven to eight levels into the ground and the largest and most impressive of these towns is Kaymakli. This ancient Hittite city consists of rolling doors that prevent intruders from entering and even elaborate churches carved into the rock. These underground cities are unusually cool and can provide a welcome respite to Turkey’s immense summer heat.
Caving in Turkey
If your family has a feel for action and adventure, then family holidays in Turkey are the perfect place to get adventurous. Almost one third of Turkey is covered by underground caves and the best place in the country for caving is the Taurus region. This region begins at the Aegean Cost and continues through to Iran and the east. Caving is also known as spelunking and with over 40,000 caves; Turkey is a spelunker’s paradise. The longest cave is Pinzrozu Cavern, located 16km west of Beysehir Lake. However, the deepest cave is the beautiful Cukurpinar Sinkhole in Anamur.
Stay Under the Sea
If you still haven’t had enough of Turkey’s underground, then why not stay underneath the sea on your family holidays, Turkey? Istanbul’s underwater hotel has been rumoured since 2008, but whispers are that it’s due to open at the end of 2010. The seven-star hotel will consist of a number of underwater capsule rooms each 550 square feet. The resort is owned by Poseidon Resorts, who are building a similar resort in Fiji. However, the Turkish hotel will sit on the Bosphorus Strait, with the Sea of Marmara to the South. All rooms will have excellent underwater visibility and guests may be able to make out reef sharks, dolphins and sea turtles swimming past their bedtime windows.

Published At: Isnare.com

How To See The Magical Northern Lights

Submitted By: Mark Scriven

For a truly magical sight, nothing comes closer than the exquisite Northern lights phenomena. There are now numerous adventure travel companies that offer organized trips to experience the Northern Lights in both Lapland and the arctic wastes of Canada. By incorporating this magical experience into a holiday, you will have an experience like no other.
The Northern lights have astounded the Sámi people for many centuries and it is thanks to this curiosity that there is now up to 20 folk tales regarding the existence of the lights. Of course, due to the advances in science we are aware of the reason behind the phenomenal lights, which is by electrically charged particles in space hitting the earth’s atmosphere. However, regardless of this, the Northern lights are still a view worth experiencing and are guaranteed to leave you feeling breathless. There are many spots where you can view the lights for yourself, such as various areas within the UK, but for a truly exciting experience, an organized trip to Lapland or Canada will provide you with the experience of a lifetime.
For example, in Whitehorse, Canada, known as ‘the wilderness city’, you will be spoilt for choice with masses of beautiful landscapes such as the Yukon River which runs through the town. With a fantastic backdrop for various adventure activities and a fantastic history behind it, this is the ideal location in which to combine fun with the Northern lights in all of their glory.
Whitehorse has it all for a truly magical holiday with its combination of modern conveniences and natural wilderness which makes it the perfect place in which to kick back and relax or embark on some adventure! The town is home to the famous Yukon Quest Trail dogsled race every single year - something which is sure to put a cherry on your trip.
However, for those looking to really fill in their weekend with some fun, there is plenty to do here. Whilst on your vacation you can enjoy a tour of Whitehorse city, a trip to the Yukon Wildlife preserve, snowmobiling and whatever else may take your fancy. This is a fantastic town in which to experience some adventure and nature while you await the glorious Northern lights display.
For those looking to embark on a spot of skiing in between their viewing of the lights, then a vacation in the quaint village of Luosto in Lapland is the one for you. Almost completely surrounded by the fells of central Lapland, Luosto offers you the brilliant combination of wilderness and action from the ski resort with the comfort and coziness from your own log cabin or hotel room. Those lucky enough to experience the Aurora Borealis on all three occasions will be returning home feeling truly privileged.
Your trip could also include a range of action and adventure in the form of snowshoe treks, a snowmobile safari to ‘Aurora House’ to view the lights, a husky safari and even a trip to the Amethyst mine. In short, providing you with a vacation like no other and a great way in which to experience all your surroundings have to offer you.
The best time in which to view the lights is between 9pm and 1am, so if you’re a bit of an early bird, there’s a chance you may miss this fantastic opportunity! However, once the displays begin, you will be enthralled by the small stationary glow into the night sky which will intrigue you before you become completely astounded by the build up into a spectacular show.
Of course, being a natural phenomenon you cannot be guaranteed that you will view the lights whilst on your holiday, but you can be guaranteed that you will be provided with the trip of a lifetime. For those who are lucky enough to view the lights in all their glory, the image of the lights dancing across the night sky will be forever etched in their memory and one they will never forget.

Published At: Isnare.com