VoIP, IP-PBX & TDM Phone Systems Atlanta

A Simple Yet Powerful Tip to a More Effective PowerPoint Presentation

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:43:59 +0000

The fear of silence

For many of us who are not accustomed to public speaking, stage fright can get the better of us when we are tasked with making a presentation. And in our fear of presenting, we tend to ramble on and on without pausing. This happens because we are anxious. And this in turn causes us to speak faster and faster. Another reason why we speak so fast is because we are uncomfortable with even a second of silence. Silence has often been associated with ignorance and incompetence, and we do not wish to appear so. But do pause for a minute (second). By doing so, you allow your audience time to digest the information a bit at a time. Well-digested information stays in their system!

The school lecturer

Do you recall the lecturer in school that went on and on? I bet you can. The experience is somewhat like going to the fire hydrant for a sip of water. You are fact-blasted in the face. So it is the same with your audience. When you pause even for just 2 seconds, it gives the audience time to digest your points. You will also find that they develop a confidence in you when they can see that you are bold enough to hold their attention for those few moments. Each time you pause, you are also giving yourself time to think through your next point. Your audience will feel and appreciate that you are able to manage their attention and understand their needs. For your pauses to be even more effective, you should look your audience in the eye as if to say, “Are you with me so far?” By doing so, your presentation becomes a two-way traffic instead of one-man talking to himself.

Applying it to PowerPoint Presentation

So how do we apply this useful technique to your PowerPoint presentation? The same way. When you advance from one slide to the next, it is very important that you pause in between. The greater the amount of information on the new slide, the longer your pause should be. I have often tried this technique and it always works for me. Conversely, whenever I dive into a new slide without pausing, I find the audience is not with me. Why is this so? This happens because they are still grappling with the new information that is displayed on the screen. And if you, like many others out there, love to display your entire four pointers at one go, then you find yourself doing somersaults to draw back their attention. Remember, your must never display all your points at one go. It will be like that sip from a fire hydrant. Wet, overwhelming and unpleasant. Always use the “On-click” feature in PowerPoint’s animation section to hand hold your audience point by point. When you do this, they will walk away with a better understanding of your presentation. So there you go. Remember to make those pauses and give your audience a time to reflect.

Kelvin is a dynamic and eloquent communicator and an experienced trainer of Power Presentations workshops. He is a certified Microsoft PowerPoint specialists and also specialises in giving corporate slides makeovers. To receive free tips and techniques on PowerPoint Presentations, visit http://www.figtree.com.sg/ezine-tips

Author: W. H. Kelvin Lee
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Lowest Price Prototype PCB Assembly

7 Ways to Increase Productivity

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:43:56 +0000

1. Brainstorm with Managers, Supervisors, Employees, Family and Friends, seek their opinions without any repercussions. Ask a child! Explore all possible ways to achieve your goal. Write them down. Sleep on them.

2. Implement the viable ideas from your brainstorming session. Set up a trial period as a test to work out any kinks.

3. Manage your time effectively. Have a to do list, review it daily. Adapt your plan if challenges occur. to complete your tasks. Examples – Make return calls at a certain time. Set a timer when making calls, so you do not waste time.

4. Simplify your life. Help others with their goals. Whether home of work – look at the process steps to accomplish tasks. Are those steps still necessary. Modify as needed.

5. Have a list (know what you intend to do). Write down your procedure steps, it is easier for you to remember and you can share with others. Keep a notebook or paper handy to capture your wondering thoughts throughout the day. Review in the evening to find what you can use to enhance your goals.

6. Help others to be productive. It is more enjoyable to have assistance and share the load. You, and others, will learn from the experience. Reward individuals whose ideas become implemented – gift certificate, cash prize, acknowledgement in company paper or newsletter.

7. Have a cup of tea. Take time to enjoy and relax throughout the process time of selecting and brewing the tea. Anticipate the first sip. Ponder quietly. Become refreshed wwwith each sip. Re-set your balance.

Gloria-Jean Brown – http://www.CoachingbyGJ.com

Author: Gloria-Jean Brown
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: WordPress plugin Guest Blogger

Touched by a Ghost

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:43:52 +0000

One night as I lay alone in my bedroom, I could swear I kept feeling something touching my hair. I first turned around and expected to see one of my children standing by the side of the bed. No such luck. I brushed off my shivers and then as I was about to fall asleep, I felt it again. Being the scaredy cat that I am, I put my head of my covers and eventually dozed off. I was glad I had central air conditioning.

The next day on coffee break, I mentioned my experience outside at the crowded picnic tables. Before I knew it, I was bombarded with tall tales of the unknown that lasted almost the entire summer. That first day, as we were walking back into the elevator, one of the older women shrugged her shoulders at me and nonchalantly stated, ‘Face it girl, your house has a presence.” I could not help but roll my eyes.

While I laughed off most of what the ladies had to say that summer, I had not forgotten about it. Here is short compilation of what the average American office workers that I know had to say about ghostly mischief.

1. Feeling of being watched or one of being touched. I was told that, “Ghosts get bold. They will sometimes touch you to make sure you are real.” I need to prove to them I am real? You getting this?

2. Strange behavior in your pets. This was one that the entire crew agreed upon. “Animals can sense what we cannot,” exclaimed one girl,” My dog chases our ghost right out the door.” Hmmmm. My dog chases his tail and partakes in other activities I don’t exactly fight enlightening. Maybe I need a new dog?

3. “Shadows. I see shadows out of the corner of my eye,” one of the accountants noted. I try to see them head on, but they run from my view.” I noticed she had really long hair. It made me wonder if her shadows were her chestnut locks.

4. Missing Objects. This was a favorite among the coffee break crew. I was told that ghosts will move your glasses, or take a sip from your drink. So, the next time, you think you poured yourself a cup of coffee and suddenly your mug is empty. Well, you get the point. I had enjoyed that excuse. Made me realize I am not forgetful. The ghosts took my keys. I wonder if that would work for a sick day at the office.

5. Noises and odors. Creaks, squeaks, footsteps, coughing, and laughter. The list goes on but the one thing they all have in common is the owner of the home cannot explain them. One lady said one evening before she was preparing for bed, an overpowering odor of cologne took over her bedroom. That was how she knew her ghost had come back. She thought he was gone when he had not made his presence known, but after a year, he showed back up and let her know through the smell of his perfume. Possibly, I cannot hear anything in my house because my kids are always screaming or making some kind of noise and some of the odors that go on when their friends cramp into the bedroom to play video games. Well, now that is scary.

6. Moving Objects. Kitchen chairs ajar, closed door opened, couches moved and curtains drawn. According to the work crew, ghosts want us to know they are there and if we ignore them, they will leave us little reminders. I made a joke that I would not mind my kitchen chairs being moved. Easy vacuuming. That produced a few raised eyebrows.

7. Electrical items. Last but not least, there were more stories spoken on this than anything else. The flickering of lights, TV’s changing channels, and radios blaring an old tune on a station you are sure you never set. I know I have experience the channel phenomena by sitting on the clicker.

Day after day, we sat around on break and I listened to so many different types of stories. One morning, one of the ladies announced I looked tired. She claimed they all knew the ghost was pestering me and I was not getting any sleep. She was correct but I was not about to admit myself into the circle of the paranormal office workers. I worked in the lab of the building, not in marketing or logistics. This stuff didn’t fly with the other white coats. They all agreed it was not an evil ghost but a child-like one. Opening her pursue, she tried to hand me a stick of weeds. “It is sage. Just burn it throughout the house, tell the ghost you are tired and it needs to leave you be.” I smiled but declined the offer.

Later that afternoon as I was making my way past the marketing department, I saw that bundle of weeds in my co-worker’s “out” basket. I moved closer to it. There on a posty note was my name. At first, I started to walk by it, but backtracked, smiled that she was not in her cubicle, and took the sage. Ya know, just in case. While I will never admit to the group whether or not I used it, they did comment that I was looking so much better. So well rested. I smiled and sipped at my coffee as I watched the fall season clouds move in over the horizon.

Maryann Paige is a paranormal author who resides in the Hudson Valley of New York. Visit her at [http://www.maryannpaige.com] and [http://www.talesoferotichorror.com]

Author: Maryann Paige
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

Lowes Home Improvement Employment – See The Difference & Make The Difference!

Abhishek Agarwal — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:30:58 +0000

A company which started out in 1946, the Lowe’s Home Improvement Company was first a hardware store in a humble municipality and is now included in the Fortune 500 companies within the United States. Employment opportunities under the Lowe’s Home Improvement Company are offered in the locations and stores of the said company in over 49 places in the US.

According to the latest tally done in year 2006, there are about 1,400 stores built nationwide. With the stable background that the company has, who can refuse to work under them?

If you happen to be interested in applying for the employment opportunities offered by Lowe’s Home Improvement, there are, of course, effective tips that could help you in the process of looking for the suited and best job for you. There are a lot of Lowe’s Home Improvement job placements where you can choose to apply. Basically, the company has in-store jobs, distribution employment and corporate careers and some other posts where you can practically choose the kind of work that you would like to have.

For the category under the in-store job opportunities, you can choose from store operations and administrative positions. Also, there are also posts from customer service representatives to human resources staff as well as managers and supervisors. Store operations and administrative positions include credit or SOS coordinator, administrative manager, human resources manager, operations managers, store loss prevention manager, assembler, product service associate, receiving and stocking manager, and loss prevention specialist.

Meanwhile, customer service representatives are usually assigned to take positions like cashier, sales manager,customer service associate, department manager customer service, department manager sales floor, and installed sales manager. However, if you prefer having corporate careers, the company is also offering jobs that you might be interested with. Careers that you can apply for are related with real estate, business development, contact centers, corporate accounting, business solutions, installed sales, external reporting, engineering, strategic planning, engagement managers, store operations, and many others. Other options that job seekers may find are related with repairs, construction, distribution, and remodeling.

If you are willing to work for Lowe’s home Improvement Company, you can get competitive offers and a lot of benefits. The company offers a fair income for its employees as you want. Also, the company allows their employees to choose their own plans for them to fully grow inside the company. Sample of these plans are vision plans, life insurance, PPO medical plans, flexible spending accounts for child care and health expenses, short term disability, accident plan, sick pay, long term disability, among others.

In addition, prescription drug plan, pre-paid legal plans, and home and auto insurance are available for their employees. Also, even part-time employees of the company can avail of a medical plan. They also provide expense-paid vacations and holiday trips. They also offer their employees with discount stock purchase plan, 401 K plans, and merchandise discount.

Abhishek is a Career Counselor and he has got some great Career Planning Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 71 Page Ebook, “Career Planning Made Easy!” from his website http://www.Career-Guru.com/769/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Author: Abhishek Agarwal
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Tissot virtual reality

What Is A Virtual Assistant & What Do They Do?

Renee Cloud — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:30:51 +0000

A Virtual Assistant is an independent contractor / business owner & professional office administrator, who provides professional business support services & outsourcing services for your business or projects. They don’t come into your office or home, {hence the name Virtual Assistants or VA ‘s} they provide services in a virtual / online capacity by using the internet, phone, email, fax, various courier services, postal mail & instant messaging services, just like most outsourcing companies. Some specialize in a huge variety of areas such as business support, office management, business management, real estate, marketing, construction, secretarial services, business development etc… The list is endless.

WHAT DO THEY DO & WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES DO THEY PROVIDE?

They provide a variety of business support/ business related services, secretarial services & outsourcing services in many areas. Virtual Assistants provide some of the following services:

Business Consulting

Outsourcing

Creative Design Services ( writing, art, design, advertising, film etc..)
Business Coach

Computer Specialist

Research & Analysis

Web Analytics

Office Management/ Support

Business Management

Email Services

Personal Assistant

Real Estate Services

Data Entry/ Typing

Marketing

Purchasing/ Procurement Services

And More!

Some people use Virtual Assistants to handle personal emails, update their websites, send out press releases, they help people to start-up their business, copy writing services, resume services, thesis/dissertation / manuscript services, they help you in finding employees, set appointments, book travel plans, keep personal or family schedules, client maintenance, they can help you with your ezines/ newsletters, taxes, database management, help you to improve your business operations and more. Virtual Assistants can assist you in doing a lot of things to help you maintain or get your business going & help you with personal projects.

HOW CAN I FIND A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT & HOW MUCH DO THEY COST ?

Finding one is easy . A lot of them can be found on the internet, Virtual Assistant organizations/ associations/ forums, just type Virtual Assistant into a search engine, also check out their blogs or press releases. You can also talk to people who have used their services. You don’t have to have a business or employees to use their services. If you have the need to treat someone like an employee, or you have to have someone in the office with you, then a Virtual Assistant is not for you. They are providing you help & they run a business just like you are, so they are not your employees. They can provide assistance along with your current employees or help you find employees. If you just need one for a one time project most of them can accommodate you and also provide full-time permanent support.

There are well over 5,000 of them worldwide and growing everyday. Most of them charge between $ 10 –$ 75 per hour. Some of them have a flat fee for some projects. Well, you may say that’s a lot. In actuality it’s not, when you compare what you are already paying a current full-time employee to the price of a Virtual Assistant. You pay a regular in-house employee rate of pay / salary, sometimes double or triple their hourly/ salary wage. It is more expensive to pay an in-house employee than a Virtual Assistant.

They don’t come with all the issues/ problems that a regular employee would like federal/ state/ city regulations, being late to work, wasting time on the job, cost of buying equipment/ office space/ training, other business expenses. A Virtual Assistant is 100% focused on your work, they only bill you for the work that they complete & they pay their own business expenses. As companies & entrepreneurs move more of their business operations to the internet Virtual Assistants become more of the obvious solution for staffing or business problems. So contact one today, to help with your business or project needs!

In an effort to relieve some business stress, get organized, stay organized and stay on top of things try outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant. Outsource some of your business operations or administrative office tasks to Clerical Business Solutions. Clerical Business Solutions is “The Solution To Your Business Needs !”, it’s owned & operated by Renee Cloud “I provide cost-effective business services to help simplify your life & business.”Outsourcing is a strategic solution for business and it can help to alleviate stress, reduce some of your burden of day-to-day business operations or tasks,reduce your work hours and keep you on top of things. Contact Renee Today! Email: info@clericalsolutionsinc.net

Author: Renee Cloud
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
iPhone/iPad apps

VoIP – Security & Emergency Services Issues – An Australian View

Tim ONeill — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:24:48 +0000

You only need to view a few forums or grab a few news articles to see that debates regarding encryption and other security aspects of VoIP are rife and ongoing. Whilst Skype currently receives much mention in Blogs regarding encryption, I believe this is narrow minded and an industry view approach needs to be adopted.

Security aspects

The Australian Communications Industry Forum (acif) suggest that world research into security issues relating to Voice Over Internet Protocol produces a very similar list including eavesdropping, denial of service, identity related attacks, spam over internet telephony and viruses.

Acif wisely advise VoIP providers that “As VoIP becomes more widely deployed in Australian business and the community the threat level will inevitably increase accordingly”. They further suggest “… that security issues have the potential to cause serious harm to the acceptance of VoIP as a viable alternative to traditional phone services” and therefore it is in their interest “…to act now and address these issues”.

Emergency Services Aspects

If the service provider is providing a standard telephone service as defined by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, it is mandatory that they provide emergency service access to 000 and 106 services.

As many familiar with VoIP would know, the issue is not only with access to emergency service number(s) ie 000 and 106 services for Australia, 911 in the United States, 999 and 112 in the United Kingdom, but in Australia the location of the caller is critical as this dictates which state and area the emergency services call centre transfers the caller to.

Significant advice is provided by acif to service providers attempting to ensure that Standardised Mobile Service Area (SMSA) codes is attached when a customer makes an emergency services call. Additionally they direct that information such as Carriage Service Provider Code and Alternate Address Flag must be provided to the Integrated Public Number Database (IPND) to flag with emergency services “… that the calling address may not reflect the physical location of the caller”.

Rightly so, acif are blunt in the fact sheet message to service providers which warns:
“The lives of your customers may be at stake. So it is absolutely critical that you allocate the correct CLI and SMSA codes as well as ensure that you provide the necessary information to the Integrated Public Number Database”.

Source: [http://www.acif.org.au/__data/page/13230/VoiceOverIP_Emergency_Services.pdf]

But is one point still missing here. The assertion is that these processes will allow emergency services to be warned that the caller may not be in the physical location of the calling address and that confirmation will be necessary. But what happens in those cases where someone is able to dial the emergency services number but then collapses or is incoherent, or a young child dials the number but cannot give further details or the well trained superdog dials the number … you get the point.

So whilst Australia is a minnow in the global VoIP developments, it is useful to note the industry forum noting the warning signs that these issues pose to the industry.

The Author has an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering. For further information, books or VoIP items, please visit [http://www.voipworking4you.info]

Author: Tim ONeill
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Get my ex back

VoIP – A Service Worthy of Reliance

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:24:43 +0000

The field of telecommunication has advanced by leaps and bounds in the past few years. With numerous new services and technologies being introduced; communication and its quality both have increased considerably. One such service, which has been around for a few years and continues to gain the attention of millions worldwide, is the VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol service that enables users to send and receive voice messages. The service makes use of Internet connection. As the Internet connection is typically fixed for digital signals and data-sound or voice signals can only be sent over such a medium when they are converted into a digital format.

In actual the voice signals are converted into packets of data and then transmitted. At the receiving end this digital data is again converted into a voice signal. One of the chief advantages of this service is the enhanced voice or signal quality due to minimum distortion. In addition, as Internet service is available in almost every organization and home; there are no additional installation charges for the service.
The mentioned advantages of VoIP services have lead to their high demand worldwide. Consequently this has lead to an increased competition among the service providers with many more companies launching similar services at lower and more competitive prices.

One commonly observed impression about the VoIP service is the average user’s hesitancy to select it over the traditional phones. A great many people tend to think that since VoIP service has recently been introduced, it is not a very reliable service. On the contrary, the efficiency of VoIP service surpasses all other voice technologies and services and is most definitely a service worthy of reliance.

Those who are new to the service should make sure they are well aware of a certain important points. The most important of these is the type of package they opt for. These packages are generally for various users depending on their usage and needs and thus select one that would best suit your needs and demands. Users who have extensive usage of long distance calls should opt for packages that specifically offer free or unlimited long distance calls. Similarly, if your calls are basically limited within your own area or city; then opting for the previously mentioned package would surely be of no use. For this reason, wisely choose a package plan considering the calls, their frequency and the costs in mind. As VoIP is a service transforming an analog voice signal into a digital one and then again converting it back to analog form at the receiving end; it makes use of additional hardware for the purpose. Most often this hardware is offered by your service provider himself and you do not to have to purchase it separately from the market.

However, if you do have to invest in a good hardware then make sure that the hardware specifications match your software version in order to avoid any discrepancies. The growing VoIP market demand has made possible this service being available at rates lower than one could imagine. Moreover, as different companies try to launch more user-friendly packages and deals in order to attract their customers; the service and its popularity are definitely on the rise.

Wifinotes.com is great site where you can learn about wifi wireless technology, wifi wireless network, mobile communications, IT Certifications and also find computer networking tutorials.

Author: Hamza Ejaz
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Awe Inspiring Pictures

Koh Samet in Thailand – Silversand Resort Review & 10 Tips on the Island

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:07:43 +0000

Koh Samet is an island or ‘koh’ in transliterated Thai. It is close to Rayong which is about 2 hours from Bangkok by private car or taxi. The island is roughly the shape of Thailand itself.

We caught a bus from the Eastern Bus Terminal in Bangkok which is close to the Ekkamai BTS Skytrain Station on Sukhumvit Road.

We went as a group of four and paid 15 baht each from mid-Sukhumvit Soi 22 in a taxi. The bus trip cost 157 baht each. They told us it would take 2 1/2 hours but it was 3 1/2 hours before we reached the Ban Phe Pier which is where our Koh Samet boat was to leave.

The bus stopped quite often to let people on and off. The trip was unpleasant because although it was a reasonable quality of bus, the driver decided to play a TV program blaringly loud. The program was a Thai sitcom or soap opera and it was far too loud to be ignored.

The program was performed by adults but it was so infantile that it was unwatchable. Luckily, either the TV or the DVD player system broke down about an hour into the journey. But it was not long before it was replaced by Thai music which was also played very loudly. The speakers in the bus were arranged in a way
that this noise could not be avoided.

Again luckily I had bought some ear plugs. They were the wax kind that reduce noise the most and they are essential for budget travel in Thailand. I have traveled on Thai buses before.

I noticed a few things in particular on the journey to the Pier. There were a large number of partially completed industrial, commercial, and residential buildings which had been abandoned part way through construction. This represents, of course, a tremendous waste of resources and labour and was very surprising. I think many of them may have been built in the mid-nineties boom period, and then failed through lack of finance.

The building were spaced, in many cases all on their own and not part of a group of buildings or industrial area. This is a very inefficient way to run business because of the extra costs.

Another thing I noticed were vast tracts of land – if you added the individual pieces together – with long grass on them which were carrying no stock at all. The grass was just growing and no one was making any money from it. Another waste of resources, and valuable land. Thailand has some of the most fertile land in the world and as I come from New Zealand, it always seems like a great shame to me; this agricultural waste.

Finally, there were many quite beautiful temples on the trip which occupied choice positions – at least looking from the bus travelling down the motorway. In some cases the temples were on the only raised piece of land in the immediate area, and this fact showed their importance to Thai people.

We got to the Rayong late and quite hungry. After purchasing tickets for Koh Samet – 100 baht each return – we had lunch at the Iier which was ok. The Som Tam was excellent but the bill of 400 baht seemed a little high.

The boat trip was in an old blue twin decked motor boat. It was enjoyable for me being back in salt air again after a long absence from it. Once we reached Koh Samet we had to find some accommodation. After talking to a few people we found that the best beaches which were close were called Ao Phrao and Ao Phai.

There are some good maps at the entrance to the Koh Samet Pier and also an information office with a person who spoke quite good English. Ao Phrao was twice as far as Ao Phai and also more expensive.

Before we had gone very far, the taxi/ute vehicle stopped and an official of some kind appeared wanting 200 baht from all foreigners and 40 baht from the Thais. Frankly, I was disgusted. I have seen this double pricing before at the Sarika Waterfall in Nakhon Nayok.

We had no choice but to pay. It was apparently some kind of National Park fee, as part or all of Koh Samet is a National Park. It was interesting that they did not charge us this at the beginning of the journey as we might have just got on the boat and gone back to Rayong. No, it was charged after we had gone too far to walk back easily carrying our packs!

We agreed on a fare of 40 baht each in a ute taxi to Ao Phrao but got off at Ao Phai. We were charged 30 baht each.

They do not spend any of this money on the roads because the roads were dreadful. Unbelievably bad in fact. Bits of concrete edges exposed, pot-holes everywhere and generally an absolute mess which is strange because the island has one of the lowest annual rainfalls in Thailand.

There were bits of reinforcing wire sticking out of decayed grey slabs of concrete in some places. It was the case all over the island except in a couple of small sections of road.

It is very important if hiring a motorcycle in Koh Samet to check that it has off-road tyres because you most certainly need them. Road tyres on a motorcycle would make riding them impossible, such is the state of the roading system.

We looked at two places to stay; the Silversand Resort and a European-run resort which was some distance from the beach. The tout had told us it was 50 metres from the beach, but it was more like 400 metres. This second place was quite cheap at 800 baht a day including wifi and World Cup Football.

We decided to stay at the Silversand Resort. They told us that every room had wifi internet.

The normal price was 2,500 baht for a room with a sea view. We looked at one of these, and the only sea view was a sliver of water through the gap between the two villas in front of the room we were looking at – no sea view at all.

We should have taken this as a sign of what was to come!

We got a standard room without a sea view at 1,200 baht per night which was discounted from the regular price of 1,500 baht (according to the brochure). The air conditioning worked, but the safe deposit box and the wifi internet did not.

At the office they said there was no problem with the internet. Other people were using it. We approached other people and they could not get internet either. The couple in the room next to us were not able to get internet at any time in the first two days.

Again we were told there was no problem. It was our computers. We tried all the passwords and other
usernames they gave us and nothing worked. We had to go outside the resort where the rates were 2 baht per minute; about double the price in Bangkok. This added considerably to the cost of our rooms.

The Silversand Resort found the next day, they said, that they had given the wrong usernames out to guests. The new ones didn’t work either. They had clearly lied about the wifi system. It was not until our last night of the three nights we stayed that the internet worked.

The staff continued to lie to us and to other guests while usually giggling at the same time in that unique Thai way when they have when they have been caught out.

When we tried to get our bills reduced because of the extra costs we incurred they told us wifi was free and therefore they could not refund those extra costs because we had not been charged for wifi. The fact that we needed wifi and checked before paying for our rooms did not matter to them. It was typical of this third-rate resort.

They Silversand Resort had an internet cafe and for the first day they even insisted on charging us 2 baht per minute for it. The staff member in the internet cafe was very rude, at one point shoving me to get to the LAN cable. We all went outside the Resort for internet. They waived the fee on the second day but I did not go back there because of the staff member.

The food which we ate at the Silversand Resort was very ordinary, and we took most of our meals outside at restaurants. There was a fly problem in the Resort around food. As soon as you got food in front of you the flies came – many and big and aggressive. To eat at the Silversand Resort I had to eat with one hand and wave the flies away continuously with the other. I did not see the state of their kitchen.

The Silversand Resort also had loud music which continued every day until 3 am. It did not end there because there were two construction projects going which started up in the morning including the use of concrete grinders. These noises did not wake me up fortunately but made it less than pleasant to sit outside the room.

The beach was ok, and it was fenced off showing the sandy bottom areas. But I can not recommend this Resort as a good place to stay. We were very disappointed and we would never dream of going back there.

Further down the beach we went to a fire dancing show put on by another resort which was quite spectacular, except for the accelerant fumes. Also, a ball of fire landed in the audience from a misjudged throw – no one was hurt thankfully. It was a show worth going to but sit well back from the big cans of accelerant.

At the entrance to the Silversand Resort, there is motorcycle hire at 400 baht per day for an automatic or 300 baht for a manual transmission. We hired a couple of bikes but we quickly discovered when riding them that they were much cheaper closer to the pier; around 250 baht per day.

We drove all over the island on motorcycles and it was so beautiful. There are many resorts on the island and many different prices. The only let-down was the amount of rubbish which seemed to be scattered around the dwellings of the locals. Other a magic motorcycle ride!

Rooms were also much cheaper away from the resorts. We had not found them on the internet when we searched online from Bangkok. Prices are as low as 500 to 700 baht. It is best to find accommodation in Koh Samet on arrival, especially if it is low season.

If you have not been there before, as we had not, then the temptation to take the first reasonable thing you find is high. It is best to travel to Koh Samet Island early in the morning from Rayong so that you can spend a couple of hours looking around for the best accommodation deals. It is always the panic that sets in – for me anyway – late afternoon and early evening if I don’t have a place to stay.

Near the Silversand Resort is the Ao Phai Travel Agency. In Bangkok you get about 32.2 baht per US$ at the moment. Here we were charged additional fees of 3% to change US$ 100.

Of course you have no option if you have come without plenty of baht. It is best to change money in Bangkok or another mainland centre before travelling to Koh Samet.

Overall, prices were a lot higher than the mainland. Food, accommodation, clothing, and bars were all considerably more expensive. The beaches were nice especially Ao Noina which we swam in first and also where we watched locals digging with spoons for shellfish on the beach.

This was my first time in the water in Thailand and I was very surprised at the warmth of the water. It was very enjoyable, as are most Koh Samet beaches.

Most of the Thais on the Island are friendly and offer a ready smile to visitors.

Koh Samet can be affordable but the budget traveller should consider the following 10 Tips to get the best value from their stay:

1. Get accommodation on arrival. It can be as low as 300 baht per night.
2. Hire motorcycles outside and away from the resorts if you are staying in the resorts.
3. Do not buy clothes, sunglasses or shoes on Koh Samet.
4. Change the money you will need into baht before you travel to the island.
5. Check that the wifi internet operates before you pay for your room. If not, negotiate a lower price.
6. Take your own coffee and tea – our resort had none in the rooms – and no jug either.
7. Take a photo of a motorcycle you hire before you leave on it as proof of pre-existing damage.
8. If you do not like loud music try and see if there is any before you rent your room.
9. Just relax and do not expect Western service standards or the truth necessarily.
10. Avoid the Silversand Resort – not a good place to stay!

For more free information please visit Thailand Travel.

Author: Michael Edgerston
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Koh Samet in Thailand – Silversand Resort Review & 10 Tips on the Island

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:06:21 +0000