A Black Cemani Cock

 Have you ever seen this breed of chicken? I feel sorry now; I should have photographed this cock closer. Instead, I stayed inside the car and took a shot from a distance. The result isn’t clear enough to see.

 

For your information, Cemani is one breed of chicken, originating in Indonesia. Cemani is a village name -near Solo (Central Java Province, Indonesia). The breed can be found in Central and East Java Province, Madura and Sumatra. Many crosses and variants are found.

 Cemani chicken, especially the perfect black ones, can have a very high value in Indonesia, because it is believed that they have mystical powers.

The most important characteristic of Cemani is that they are completely black: black plumage with a greenish shine, black legs and toe nails, black beak and tongue, black comb and wattles, black meat and bones and even (?) black blood and organs. The unique characteristics make them usually used in rituals and for medicine (source:feathersite.com)  

Camera Critters

 

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Shopping Tips for Galway City Tourists

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After you have chosen from among the many fine hotels in Galway City and booked your entire stay in the city, it is time to plan your itinerary. What are you thinking of doing in the city? Do you want to go sightseeing and exploring the city? Do you want to try out local food fares? One of the things which people do not forget to do when visiting new places is to go shopping, be it for souvenirs or other local offerings. 

Galway City, one of the loveliest places in Ireland, has a laid back atmosphere but quite a festive mood. The city streets are lined with charming shops which are just perfect for the browsing tourist looking for something to take home with him or her as a souvenir of the unforgettable Galway trip made extra special by the impeccable service of the hotels in Galway. What are some of the best places to go to in Galway for a shopping trip?

1.   High Street Area. Some of the most famous shops are located in the High Street area. The ever popular Kenny’s Bookshop is a place where can easily get lost for hours among the vast selection of books and the art gallery. If you wish to go to Kenny’s Bookshop, you should set aside a bit of time to check the photographs which are signed by famous and rich people who have also been in the store.

2.   If you are a lover of crafts, you would be glad to know that High Street is the home of small shops which offer souvenir items which run the gamut of goodies from glassware, pottery, novelty gifts and knitwear. There are also pubs and eateries which you can go to in case you get hungry from all the shopping you have been doing.

3.   Eyre Square Area. All shopping expeditions in Galway city should start from Eyre Square area. It is the heartbeat of Galway’s shopping districts. It has a lot of high street names, as well as retail outlets which will delight your senses. The Eyre Shopping Square has more than 100 stores which sell a full range of products from handcrafted goods, food and various fashions.  Eyre Square Area is quite unique because it has a part which is integrated with a section of the 14^th Century city wall.

4.   Galway Market. The Galway Market is held every weekend between Market Street and Shop Street.  There is an endless variety of market stalls which will enthral your senses. There are local foodstuffs from seafood, pasta and local cheese on sale. Some stalls also sell candles, jewellery, clothing and handcrafted wares. The market is open every Saturday and bank holiday from eight in the morning until six in the evening.

5.   Kirwan’s Lane. Located just off Cross Street, Kirwan’s Lane is part of the city which has a medieval feel. It has a rich heritage and it has been lovingly restored to its former glory. There are quality craft shops everywhere you look. There are also splendid bistros and cafes. 

Article by Elissa Joyce is a freelance writer who enjoys exploring Galway City, she writes about Hotels in Galway.

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Tips to Keep Your Mattresses Clean and Hygienic

After a hectic day routine, we all like to sleep on a comfortable and cozy bed. But is it only the comfort that matters in a mattress? Mattress is an important element of sleep and it should be kept clean and hygienic throughout its life. Also, only a clean and well maintained mattress will provide you the most comfortable sleep at the end of the day.

As a matter of fact, the mattress cleaning task is not at all an easy job. People often neglect it due to involvement of too much time and efforts. This happens when you don’t take initial precautions to prevent dust mites, dirt and other allergens. Whenever you will visit a showroom and buy a mattress your salesman will always advise you to perform routine maintenance to increase the life of your mattress. But, i suppose many of you do not even bother to ask what exactly a routine maintenance involves. Well, if you seriously have forgotten to ask about this to your salesman, then keep on reading ahead. Here, we will guide you with few simple and effective maintenance tips so you can have a good and hygienic sleep. 

Tips To Maintain Your Mattresses

Mattress Covers: Whenever you buy a mattress make sure you buy a set of mattress protectors as well. These covers will protect you the surface of your mattress from dust and allergies. Some are specifically designed to reduce the need of vacuuming and dust mite allergies. You can find them in any general home furnishing store or in local stores that keep household items. Alternatively, you can also wrap your mattress with a mattress bag itself to create a protective shield. It is always advised to choose washable mattress covers that are easy to replace.

Mattress Cleaners: There are a wide range of products available in the market specifically designed for mattress cleaning. Instantly buy some good mattress cleaners if you have children or pets at home. A good mattress cleaner can be used for removing stains of drink spills, urine, etc.

Flip Your Mattress:  It is always advised to flip the mattresses after every 6 months so that the bottom side also gets fresh air. Flip the mattress from both the angles i.e the bottom should become the top and the head side should be the foot side.

Wash It Up: You can use upholstery shampoos to clean any stubborn dirt particles on the surface of your rest assured mattress. Another alternative is to use mild detergents or washing soaps. You must apply them only on the affected area with the help of a sponge and warm water. Make sure the area is completely dry before you put back the mattress on the bed. Also, was your mattress covers at least once a month and place them back only when they are completely dry.

Vacuum Once a Month:  It is advisable to run a vacuum cleaner on the mattresses rest assured at least once a month to remove dust from the surface and corner of your mattress. This practice will remove any dry skin that has collected on the mattress cover and sheets. 

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