10 Must-dos When In Dublin

March 21st, 2010 by admin



Few places around the world lend a friendlier hand than Dublin. The Emerald Isle offers wonderful hospitality, complemented by its warm and friendly hosts. A cosmopolitan city, Dublin is rightly proud of its rich heritage, but also presents a modern face in keeping with contemporary culture.

1. Trinity College

Housing the Book of Kells, a near two century old manuscript written by monks, Trinity College is Dublin’s oldest university, built in 1592.

2. Christ Church Cathedral

Dublin’s oldest building dates back nearly one thousand years to 1038. It was built courtesy of the invading Vikings, a monument to serve a powerful army.

3. Dublin Castle

Dating back to the Norman invasion, this wonderful example of medieval architecture captures the artistic influence of the time. Magnificent painted ceilings and crystal chandeliers portray the Ireland of one thousand years ago.

4. National Gallery of Ireland

Monet and Picasso are just two of the influential artists on display in the city’s largest gallery. Some 2,500 paintings give a flavour of a historic past and present.

5. Guinness Storehouse

Ireland’s most famous export was once brewed in this famous old building. Since relocated, the Guinness Storehouse now delights in telling its visitors how one of the world’s favourite beverages came to be.

6. Temple Bar

Contrasting Dublin’s historic ancestry, Temple Bar brings the city right up to modern day with its cosmopolitan mix of bars, restaurants, shops and art galleries.

7. Smithfield Village

More eating, drinking and shopping can be found at Smithfield Village, a newly renovated development. A walk to the top of the Chimney presents magnificent, panoramic views of Dublin.

8. Grafton Street

Big name department stores trade alongside local craft shops in the busiest shopping area of Dublin. Traditional Irish gifts and souvenirs can be found more easily in the adjacent Nassau Street.

9. Pint of Guinness

No visit to Ireland would be complete without a tipple of the world famous Irish Guinness. Locals say it tastes better in its home city. Well, there’s only one way to find out!

10. Irish Grand National

You can smell the money amongst the punters present at one of the great sporting events of the calendar. Join the runners and riders during the month of April to witness the Irish Grand National.

It is good to check out the insurance products sold on line

March 21st, 2010 by admin



Since 2002 I have been running insurance and self catering holiday home advertising websites as an introducer agent under the terms of  the UK’s FSA regulations. This means I cannot offer advice, speak to any clients or accept money on behalf of an insurance provider. This is of course not at all bad with an automated system like at jml.insurance.co.uk, as this means people can find a product and then access the insurance company’s own site for more information and even contact them direct about any concerns.

One of the problems of being an introducer affiliate is actually making sure that you receive commission for affiliate sales as some companies tracking systems are not as good as others.

I have found with certain providers we instantly get a notification of a sale, others might have this but in addition have established agents areas where you can actually see day to day activity.  I have also had to monitor their payment process.

Fortunately the majority pay directly into our bank account and we receive a notification saying payment will be made on a given date. Occasionally they forget (not intentionally but by a clerical upset) and have to be reminded.   

Over the years I have purchased landlords property insurance, travel insurance, car hire excess insurance and overseas property insurance using the online links. This has been a great way to see if the system works or not and it is most reassuring to know it does.

As technology has improved in most cases the tracking has improved as well.  Recently I was sent a household insurance reminder and wanted to change the level of cover  from the renewal date. The insurance broker told me about the revised price and I thought I would shop around.

I immediately went into the jml-insurance.co.uk site and followed the link to an insurance company that specializes in overseas property insurance, holiday and second home insurance and also main residence insurance.

I filled out their online questionnaire and within a few minutes was phoned back for the adviser to obtain further information. A quote was emailed within minutes.  As this was a lot more competitive, but covered exactly what was covered by the original insurance company, I arranged car payment on line and it was all set up.

A couple of days later the policy documents arrived in the post. Prior to that I had logged into the agents area of the insurance company’s website and saw the word “sale” recorded.  Had nothing happened with this transaction or others that I and my family had carried out I would have been onto the company in question very quickly.  I certainly don’t want to be in a situation whereby the website is generating enquiries and sales for insurance companies without our receiving our commission.

Whenever I need to rent a car I usually use a car hire  provider that advertises on the jmlvillas.com site and again keep any eye out for commission from these companies as well.

Asia the Best Place

March 21st, 2010 by admin



Welcome to Asia the best place! Plan a trip to explore what the continent of Asia has stored for travelers- from the mystical land and plethora of natural beauties to beautiful landscape, from idyllic sea resorts to rolling hills, from lush green forests to gentle breezes showering aroma of spices and flowers, Asia has it all. Undoubtedly, no other continent boasts greater extremes than Asia. Being home to many such geographic blessings it also boast for its rich cultural histories. Asia has also grounded many spiritual place infused with the gods of past and present. You’ll be amaze to discover the unique flavors of several religions such as the Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and many more. Don’t miss the Architectural wonders and sacred spaces abound from the temples of Angkor or the Great Wall of China. Myanmar, Nepal and Afghanistan have managed to flaunt for having some of rich architectural wonders and amazing structures. For discovering Asian continent all you need to do is to open your eyes, mind and heart and experience its unique flavor.

Mind blowing landscaping makes Asia the best place, discover the sublime coastlines to snow capped mountains, rolling landscapes fed by the monsoon rains and the beautiful cities. Discover the aroma of spices and flowers from India or the household shrines in Thailand imparting a sweet perfume to the thick air. One cannot miss the highlights from trekking Malaysia’s steamy jungles or explore the rich wildlife nestled along the southern India. It will be a unique experience to ride horses through the Mongolian steppes or skiing through the Japan’s Alps and dodging falling coconuts on of the continents of many remote islands. Food is something that hits the traveler’s list, try out some of lip smacking Indian curries or gulp at the local dish from a roadside stall or try out the hearty bowl of Japanese ramen. With its colors, smells, flavors, cultures and personalities, you’ll find Asia is deliciously rewarding experience. Generally, most demanding and loved places to visit the Asian countries are- Bali, China, India, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Japan and United Arab Emirates.

Among all the best places of Asia, China takes a privilege to boast for having the most ancient civilization in the world. Among the most appreciating things are the barren highlands of Tibet via the Silk Road to the bewildering Forbidden City at Beijing or the well-known Great Wall of China or the magnificent numerous thousands of Terracotta Warriors and Horses at the tomb of Qin Shi’huang in Xi’an. Lifestyle of Shanghai or the breath-taking scenic beauty of Yunnan and the beautiful landscape forms enough of reason among the travelers to give a repeated visit.

Hong Kong makes Asia the best place, however the country is not cheap but it offers many interesting sites to offers to their visitors. Shopping malls, shopping complexes, roadside shops or street shopping attract the shopaholics. Efficient transportation facility enhances the visitors to have smooth journey while planning for shopping or for sight seeing. Hong Kong is all about its breathtaking view and listening to local tunes while slurping your noodles.

Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and India are known for its various attractive places of visit, home to many adventure sports and Asia’s best places to visit. Treat for history lovers should not miss to discover the history and culture of India. Don’t miss the Golden Triangle; comprising of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Indonesia and India is highly blessed with authentic beaches, take out some time to glare the wonderful seaside while soaking some sun or cherish at the views of lovely beautiful pine forests, babbling streams or orchards.

Japan is all set to take your breath away with its high-speed trains taking you from one end of the country to another with few seconds of time. Make sure to visit the karaoke bars or view at the mountain top temples or spend some worth full time at Zen garden. Adventurous lovers will lover Nepal; the gigantic Himalayan Mountains is known to be one of the prime spot of attraction to give repeated visit. Get yourself engaged with mountaineering, trekking or white-water rafting along the steep mountain rivers.

« Previous Entries Next Entries »