Those who went to one of the helicopter schools and then obtained a helicopter pilot license can opt for a small private two-seater aircraft, such as the Zeus. This particular helicopter is sent to you as a kit but you may be able to assemble it into a fully functional helicopter within 350 hours. The small four stroke gasoline-powered engine is mounted in a vertical position but you may also replace it with an automobile engine if you prefer the latter. The whole aircraft only weighs approximately 1,700 pounds.

A common helicopter that you may find in helicopter sales is the Robinson R22, which is obviously very popular because of its relatively low price. Like the Zeus, it can seat two people and it has an inexpensive piston engine. Naturally, comfort is compromised in exchange for the low cost but it may suffice for traveling relatively short distances. Of course, for longer distances and for company use, the bigger helicopters are required. You may want to consider aircraft that are produced by companies like AgustaWestland in the UK and Italy. This company is even selling pre-owned helicopters, such as the Agusta Bell AB206B, the Agustawestland B206 Jet Ranger II, the Agustawestland AW109S, and the Agustawestland AW109E.

However, remember that if you plan to do the flying yourself, then you will might not enjoy the ride although if you really love flying helicopters this may not be true. Perhaps, an option that you may want to consider aside from looking for helicopter sales is to charter a helicopter whenever you need it. Some of the helicopters that are usually available for chartering are the Single Squirrel Helicopter, the Bell Jetranger Helicopter, the Agusta 109 Helicopter, the Eurocopter EC-120 Helicopter, and the Twin Squirrel Helicopter. The Single Squirrel can carry five passengers and has a maximum cruising speed of 140 mph. The Bell Jetranger can take four passengers and its maximum cruising speed is 125 mph. the Agusta 109 is a twin helicopter that can carry six passengers and its maximum cruising speed is 160 mph. The Eurocopter EC-120 can take four passengers and its maximum cruising speed is 140 mph. The Twin Squirrel is a twin-engine helicopter with seats for five passengers and its maximum cruising speed is 140 mph.

The most popular attraction is the Gateway Arch which can be seen from miles away and is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and was designed in 1947 but completed in 1965. It stands 630 feet tall and is 630 wide at the base making it the largest memorial in the United States. You can take a trip up to the top inside the arch for amazing views for those that do not have a fear of heights. Below the arch is a museum following the great migration of people that settled west of the Mississippi River. That is why this memorial is also refereed to as the Gateway to the West.

Another great attraction to visit in this city is the St. Louis Art museum which was built in 1904 for the World’s Fair event. This museum is in a magnificent building and holds a wide variety of art from modern pieces to ancient relics. Many world famous artists are also featured in this grand museum like Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Picasso. It is located in Forest Park which is also a great place to spend some time in. It is larger than New York City’s Central Park and it has the St. Louis Zoo and the Muny which is the largest and oldest outdoor musical theatre in the country.

If you want to see a wonderful part of the city that is kind of a Little Italy of sorts, head to what is known as The Hill. Famous baseball athletes Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola both grew up on the Hill where you can find the city’s best Italian restaurants. Plaques are on the homes of these baseball greats as well as several other famous residents of this small neighborhood.

Speaking of baseball, a great place to visit is the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum. It is located near Busch Stadium in downtown. This place will be moving in the next year to a new location of Ballpark Village which will be better for larger amounts of visitors.

On a recent gay adventure tour through Northern Thailand we spent an entire day in a cooking class in Chiang Mai. This is probably one of the best ways to get an authentic experience and understanding of local cooking. The day started with a visit to a market to gain an understanding of the produce, spices, herbs and meats available in Thai cuisine. Fresh and fragrant ingredients are selected and we are then off to learn how to prepare a typical Thai meal. Now, we’re not talking 3 courses here. You actually learn how to make a variety of courses including of course Pad Thai and Tom Yum Soup. The instructor first shows you how to prepare the ingredients and then you take charge and create your own meal. In a word – delicious!! Who knew cooking Thai was so much fun. Course after course is demonstrated and prepared and you leave with a real sense of accomplishment and an understanding of what great Thai food is all about.

Having this first-hand knowledge of the local cuisine makes it that much easier to make your way through local restaurants and markets. You’ll know what to look for and what to order. A good tip is to check out where the locals are eating. If you want a real sense of great food – then eat like a local. The busier the restaurant with locals – then the better the food will be and probably quite inexpensive. This holds true for probably any restaurant in the world.

Travelling through Europe and knowing how to eat on the cheap is sometimes a challenge but the same principal as above holds true. Eat like a local and you will avoid the tourist traps. In most of the western European countries it is customary to have a light breakfast – continental of course. No heavy hot American breakfasts here. Go light in the morning with some bread and cheese and a croissant and a piece of fruit. Lunch is always on the go! And by on the go, I mean that you can easily pick up a baguette and cold meats from a local butcher and baker and create your own little picnic. If you feel like you need a jolt of coffee order at the bar and enjoy the coffee standing up. As soon as you sit down at a table you will pay more – that’s typically where you will find the tourists. Europeans, especially in the Mediterranean countries of Spain and Italy eat quite a late dinner. So, if you don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb then be prepared to eat past 10pm. This might sound strange but if you want to eat like a local, then show up late & enjoy a late dinner.

Dining throughout the world whether you’re in Thailand or Italy is a social event. It brings people together to laugh, share and learn. Take the opportunity to learn more about a people, its food and culture by stepping away from the typical guide book recommended restaurants and venturing into local cafes, bars, bistros and stalls to sample food, glorious food. It’s what gay travel is all about!