Wednesday, July 31, 2019

The Return: Shadow Souls Chapter 5

Elena got into the backseat of the Jaguar and put on a plush aquamarine T-shirt and jeans underneath her nightgown, just in case a police officer – or even someone trying to help the owners of a car apparently stalled by a deserted highway – stopped by. And then she lay down in the Jag's backseat. But although she was now warm and comfortable, sleep wouldn't come. What do I want? Really want right now? she asked herself. And the answer came to her immediately. I want to see Stefan. I want to feel his arms around me. I want to just look at his face – at his green eyes with that special look that he only ever shows to me. I want him to forgive me and tell me that he knows I'll always love him. And I want†¦Elena felt herself flush as a warmth went through her body, I want Stefan to kiss me. I want Stefan's kisses†¦warm and sweet and comforting†¦. Elena was thinking this as for the second or third time she shut her eyes and shifted position, tears once again welling up. If only she could cry, really cry, for Stefan. But something stopped her. She found it hard to squeeze out a tear. God, she was exhausted†¦. Elena tried. She kept her eyes shut and turned back and forth, trying not to think about Stefan for just a few minutes. She had to sleep. Desperate, she gave a mighty heave to try to find a better position – when everything suddenly changed. Elena was comfortable. Too comfortable. She couldn't feel the seat at all. She bolted upright and froze, sitting on air. She was almost hitting her head against the Jag's top. I've lost gravity again! she thought, horrified. But, no – this was different than what had happened when she had first returned from the afterlife, and had floated around like a balloon. She couldn't explain why, but she was sure. She was afraid to move in any direction. She wasn't sure of the cause of her distress – but she didn't dare move. And then she saw it. She saw herself, with her head back and her eyes closed in the backseat of the car. She could make out every tiny detail, from the wrinkles in her plush aquamarine shirt to the braid she'd made from her pale golden hair, which, for the lack of a hair tie, was coming unbraided already. She looked as if she were serenely sleeping. So this was how it all ended. This is what they'll say, that Elena Gilbert, one summer day, died peacefully in her sleep. No cause of death was ever found†¦. Because they could never see heartbreak as a cause of death, Elena thought, and in a gesture even more melodramatic than her usual melodramatic gestures, she tried to fling herself down on her own body with one arm covering her face. It didn't work. As soon as she reached out to begin to fling herself, she found herself outside the Jaguar. She'd gone right through the ceiling without feeling anything. I suppose that's what happens when you're a ghost, she thought. But this is nothing like the last time. Then I saw the tunnel, I went into the Light. Maybe I'm not a ghost. Suddenly Elena felt a rush of exhilaration. I know what this is, she thought triumphantly. This is an out of body experience! She looked down at her sleeping self again, searching carefully. Yes! Yes! There was a cord attaching her sleeping body – her real body – to her spiritual self. She was tethered! Wherever she went, she could find her way home. There were only two possible destinations. One was back to Fell's Church. She knew the general direction from the sun, and she was sure that someone having an O.O.B. (as Bonnie, who had once gone through a spiritualist fad and had read lots of books about the subject, familiarly called them) would be able to recognize the crossing of all those ley lines. The other destination, of course, was to Stefan. Damon might think she didn't know where to go, and it was true that she could only vaguely sense from the rising sun that Stefan was in the other direction – to the west of her. But she'd always heard that the souls of true lovers were connected somehow†¦by a silver string from heart to heart or a red cord from pinky to pinky. To her delight, she found it almost immediately. A thin cord the color of moonlight, that seemed to be stretched taut between the sleeping Elena's heart, and†¦yes. When she touched the cord, it resonated so clearly to her of Stefan that she knew it would take her to him. There was never a doubt in her mind as to which direction she would take. She'd been in Fell's Church. Bonnie was a psychic of some impressive powers, and so was Stefan's old landlady, Mrs. Theophilia Flowers. They were there, along with Meredith and her brilliant intellect, to protect the town. And they would all understand, she told herself somewhat desperately. She might not ever have this chance again. Without another moment's hesitation, Elena turned toward Stefan and let herself go. Immediately she found herself rushing through the air, far too quickly to take note of her surroundings. Everything she passed was a blur, differing only in color and texture as Elena realized with a catch in her throat that she was going through objects. And so, in just a few instants, she found herself looking at a heart-wrenching scene: Stefan on a worn and broken pallet, looking gray-faced and thin. Stefan in a hideous, rush-strewn, lice-infested cell with its damned bars of iron from which no vampire could escape. Elena turned away for a moment so that when she woke him he wouldn't see her anguish and her tears. She was just composing herself, when Stefan's voice jolted through her. He was awake already. â€Å"You try and try, don't you?† he said, his voice heavy with sarcasm. â€Å"I guess you should get points for that. But you always get something wrong. Last time it was the little pointed ears. This time it's the clothes. Elena wouldn't wear a wrinkled shirt like that and have dirty, bare feet if her life depended on it. Go away.† Shrugging his shoulders under the threadbare blanket, he turned from her. Elena stared. She was in too many kinds of distress to choose her words: they burst from her like a geyser. â€Å"Oh, Stefan! I was just trying to fall asleep in my clothes in case a police officer stopped by while I was in the backseat of the Jag. The Jag you bought me. But I didn't think you'd care! My clothes are wrinkled because I'm living out of my duffel bag and my feet got dirty when Damon – well – well – never mind that. I have a real nightgown, but I didn't have it on when I came out of my body and I guess when you come out you still look like yourself in your body†¦.† Then she threw up her hands in alarm as Stefan swung around. But – marvel of marvels – there was now a tinge of blood in his cheeks. Moreover, he was no longer looking disdainful. He was looking deadly, his green eyes flashing with menace. â€Å"Your feet got dirty – when Damon did what?† he demanded, enunciating carefully. â€Å"It doesn't matter – â€Å" â€Å"It damn well does matter – † Stefan stopped short. â€Å"Elena?† he whispered, staring at her as if she had only just appeared. â€Å"Stefan!† She couldn't help holding out her arms to him. She couldn't control anything. â€Å"Stefan, I don't know how, but I'm here. It's me! I'm not a dream or a ghost. I was thinking about you and falling asleep – and here I am!† She tried to touch him with ghostlike hands. â€Å"Do you believe me?† â€Å"I believe you†¦because I was thinking about you. Somehow – somehow that brought you here. Because of love. Because we love each other!† And he spoke the words as if they were a revelation. Elena shut her eyes. If only she could be here in her body, she would show Stefan how much she loved him. As it was, they had to use clumsy words – clichs that just happened to be uniquely true. â€Å"I will always love you, Elena,† Stefan said, whispering again. â€Å"But I don't want you near Damon. He'll find a way to hurt you – â€Å" â€Å"I can't help it,† Elena interrupted him. â€Å"You have to help it!† † – because he's my only hope, Stefan! He's not going to hurt me. He's already killed to protect me. Oh, God, so much has happened! We're on our way to – † Elena hesitated, her eyes flicking around warily. Stefan's eyes widened for an instant. But when he spoke his face was deadpan. â€Å"Someplace where you'll be safe.† â€Å"Yes,† she said, just as seriously, knowing that phantom tears were now racing down her bodiless cheeks. â€Å"And†¦oh, Stefan, there's so much you don't know. Caroline accused Matt of attacking her while they were on a date because she's pregnant. But it wasn't Matt!† â€Å"Of course not!† Stefan said indignantly, and would have said more, but Elena was racing on. â€Å"And I think that the – the litter is really Tyler Smallwood's because of the timing, and because Caroline's changing. Damon said that – â€Å" â€Å"A werewolf baby will always turn its mother into a werewolf – â€Å" â€Å"Yes! But the werewolf part is going to have to fight the malach that's already inside her. Bonnie and Meredith told me things about Caroline – like how she was scuttling on the floor like a lizard – that just terrified me. But I had to leave them to deal with that so that I could – could get to that safe place.† â€Å"Werewolves and were-foxes,† Stefan said, shaking his head. â€Å"Of course, the kitsune, the foxes, are much more powerful magically, but werewolves tend to kill before they think.† He struck his knee with his fist. â€Å"I wish I could be there!† Elena burst out with mixed wonder and despair, â€Å"And instead here I am – with you! I never knew I could do this. But I haven't been able to bring you anything this way, not even myself. My blood.† She made a helpless gesture and saw the smugness in Stefan's eyes. He still had the Clarion Loess Black Magic wine she'd smuggled to him! She knew it! It was the only liquid that would – in a pinch – help keep a vampire alive when no blood was available. Black Magic â€Å"wine† – nonalcoholic and never made for humans in the first place, was the only drink that vampires really enjoyed aside from blood. Damon had told Elena that it was magically made from special grapes that were grown in the soil at the edges of glaciers, loess, and that they were always kept in complete darkness. That was what gave it its velvety dark taste, he'd said. â€Å"It doesn't matter,† Stefan said, undoubtedly for the benefit of anyone who might be spying. â€Å"Exactly how did it happen?† he asked then. â€Å"This out of body thing? Why don't you come down here and tell me about it?† He lay back on his pallet, turning aching eyes on her. â€Å"I'm sorry that I don't have a better bed to offer you.† For a moment the humiliation showed clearly in his face. All this time he'd managed to hide it from her: the shame he felt in appearing before her in this way – in a filthy cell, with rags for clothes, and infested with God knew what. He – Stefan Salvatore, who had once been – had once been – Elena's heart truly broke then. She knew it was breaking, because she could feel it inside shattering like glass, with each needle-like shard skewering flesh inside her chest. She knew it was breaking, too, because she was weeping, huge spirit tears that dropped on Stefan's face like blood, translucent in the air as they fell, but turning deep red when they touched Stefan's face. Blood? Of course, it wasn't blood, she thought. She couldn't even bring anything so useful to him in this form. She was really sobbing now; her shoulders shaking as the tears continued to fall onto Stefan, who now had one hand held up as if to catch one†¦ â€Å"Elena – † There was wonder in his voice. â€Å"Wha – what?† she keened. â€Å"Your tears. Your tears make me feel†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He was staring up at her with something like awe. Elena still couldn't stop weeping, although she knew that she had soothed his proud heart – and done something else. â€Å"I d-don't understand.† He caught one of her tears and kissed it. Then he looked at her with a sheen in his own eyes. â€Å"It's hard to talk about, lovely little love†¦.† Then why use words? she thought, still weeping, but coming down to his level so she could snuffle just above his throat. It's just†¦they're not too free with the refreshments around here, he told her. As you guessed. If you hadn't – helped me – I'd've been dead by now. They can't figure out why I'm not. So they – well they run out before they get to me, sometimes, you see – Elena lifted her head, and this time tears of pure rage fell right onto his face. Where are they? I'll kill them. Don't tell me I can't because I'll find a way. I'll find a way to kill them even though I'm in this state – He shook his head at her. Angel, angel, don't you see? You don't have to kill them. Because your tears, the phantom tears of a pure maiden – She shook her head back at him. Stefan, if anyone knows I'm not a pure maiden, it's you – – of a pure maiden, Stefan continued, not even disturbed by her interruption, can cure all ills. And I was ill tonight, Elena, even though I tried to hide it. But I'm cured now! As good as new! They'll never be able to understand how it could happen. Are you sure? Look at me! Elena looked at him. Stefan's face, which had been gray and drawn before, was different now. He was usually pale, but now his fine features looked flushed – as if he had been standing in front of a bonfire and the light was still reflecting off the pure lines and elegant planes of his beloved face. I†¦did that? She remembered the first tear droplets falling, and how they had looked like blood on his face. Not like blood, she realized, but like natural color, sinking into him, refreshing him. She couldn't help but hide her face again in his throat as she thought, I'm glad. Oh, I'm so glad. But I wish we could touch each other. I want to feel your arms around me. â€Å"At least I can look at you,† Stefan whispered, and Elena knew that even this is like water in the wasteland to him. â€Å"And if we could touch, I'd put my arm around your waist here, and kiss you here and here†¦.† They spoke to each other this way for a while – just exchanging lovers' nonsense, each sustained by the sight and sound of the other. And then, softly but firmly, Stefan asked her to tell him all about Damon – everything since they'd started. By now Elena was cool-headed enough to tell him about the incident with Matt without making Damon sound too much like a villain. â€Å"And Stefan, Damon really is protecting us as best he can.† She told him about the two possessed vampires who had been tracking them and what Damon had done. Stefan merely shrugged and said wryly, â€Å"Most people write with pencils; Damon writes people off with them.† He added, â€Å"And your clothes got dirty?† â€Å"Because I heard a great big crash – which ended up being Matt on top of the car,† she said. â€Å"But, to be fair, he was trying to stake Damon at the time. I made him get rid of the stake.† She added, in the barest of whispers: â€Å"Stefan, please don't mind that Damon and I have to – to be together a lot right now. It doesn't change anything between us.† â€Å"I know.† And the amazing thing was that he did know. Elena was bathed in the deep glow of his trust for her. After that they â€Å"held† each other, Elena snuggling weightlessly above the curve of Stefan's arm†¦and it was bliss. And then abruptly the world – the entire universe – shuddered at the sound of a gigantic slamming sound. It jerked at Elena. It didn't belong in here with love and trust and the sweetness of sharing every part of her self with Stefan. It began again – a monstrous booming that terrified Elena. She clutched uselessly at Stefan, who was looking at her with concern. He didn't hear the clanging that was defeaning her, she realized. And then something even worse happened. She was torn out of Stefan's arms bodily, and she was rushing backward, back through objects, back faster and faster until with a jar she landed in her body. For all her reluctance she landed perfectly on the solid body that until now had been the only one she'd known. She landed on it and melded into it and then she was sitting up and the sounds were the sounds of Matt rapping at the window. â€Å"It's been over two hours since you went to sleep,† he said as she opened the door. â€Å"But I figured you needed it. Are you all right?† â€Å"Oh, Matt,† Elena said. For a moment it seemed impossible that she was going to be able to keep from crying. But then she remembered Stefan's smile. Elena blinked, forcing herself to deal with her new situation. She hadn't seen Stefan for nearly long enough. But her memories of their short, sweet time together were wrapped in jonquils and lavender and nothing could ever take them away from her. Damon was irritated. As he flew higher on his wide, black crow's wings, the landscape beneath him unfolded like a magnificent carpet, the breaking day making the grasslands and rolling hills glow like emerald. Damon ignored it. He'd seen it too many times. What he was looking for was una donna splendida. But his mind kept drifting. Mutt and his stake†¦Damon still didn't see why Elena wanted to take a fugitive from justice along with them. Elena†¦Damon tried to conjure up the same irritated feelings for her as he had for Mutt, but just couldn't manage it. He circled down toward the town below, keeping to the residential district, searching for auras. He wanted a strong aura as much as a beautiful one. And he'd been in America long enough to know that this early in the morning you could find three sorts of people up and outdoors. Students were the first, but this was summer, so there were fewer to pick from. Despite Mutt's assumptions, Damon seldom sank to high school girls. Joggers were the second. And the third, thinking beautiful thoughts, just like†¦that one down there†¦were home gardeners. The young woman with the pruning shears looked up as Damon turned the corner and approached her house, deliberately hurrying and then slowing his stride. His very footsteps made it clear that he was delighted to take in the floral extravaganza in front of the charming Victorian house. For a moment the girl looked startled, almost afraid. That was normal. Damon was wearing black boots, black jeans, a black T-shirt, and black leather jacket, in addition to his Ray-Bans. But then he smiled and at the same moment began the first delicate infiltration of la bella donna's mind. One thing was clear even before that. She liked roses. â€Å"A full flush of Dreamweavers,† he said, shaking his head in admiration as he looked at the bushes covered with brilliant pink bloom. â€Å"And those White Icebergs climbing the trellis†¦. Ah, but your Moonstones!† He lightly touched an open rose, its petals moonlight-colored but shading to palest pink at the edges. The young woman – Krysta – couldn't help smiling. Damon felt the information flow effortlessly from her mind to his. She was just twenty-two, not married, still living at home. She had precisely the kind of aura he was looking for, and only a sleeping father in the house. â€Å"You don't look like the type to know so much about roses,† Krysta said frankly, and then gave a self-conscious laugh. â€Å"I'm sorry. I've met all sorts at the Creekville Rose Shows.† â€Å"My mother is an avid gardener,† Damon lied fluently and without a trace of misgiving. â€Å"I guess I got my passion from her. Now I don't stay in one place long enough to grow them, but I can still dream. Would you like to know what my ultimate dream is?† By this time Krysta felt as if she were floating on a delicious rose-scented cloud. Damon felt every delicate nuance with her, enjoyed seeing her flush, enjoyed the slight tremor that shook her body. â€Å"Yes,† Krysta said simply. â€Å"I'd love to know your dream.† Damon leaned forward, lowered his voice. â€Å"I want to breed a true black rose.† Krysta looked startled and something flashed through her mind too quickly for Damon to catch. But then she said in an equally hushed voice, â€Å"Then there's something I'd like to show you. If – if you have time to come with me.† The backyard was even more splendid than the front and there was a hammock gently swinging, Damon noted with approval. After all, he would soon need a place to put Krysta†¦while she slept it off. But at the rear of the bower was something that caused his pace to quicken involuntarily. â€Å"Black Magic roses!† he exclaimed, eyeing the wine-dark, almost burgundy-colored blooms. â€Å"Yes,† Krysta said softly. â€Å"Black Magics. The closest anyone has ever gotten to a black rose. I get three flushes a year,† she whispered tremulously, no longer questioning who this young man might be, overwhelmed by her feelings which almost took Damon with her. â€Å"They're magnificent,† he said. â€Å"The deepest red I've ever seen. The closest to black ever bred.† Krysta was still trembling with joy. â€Å"You're welcome to one, if you like. I'm taking them to the Creekville show next week but I can give you one in full bloom now. Maybe you'll be able to smell it.† â€Å"I'd†¦like that,† Damon said. â€Å"You can give it to your girlfriend.† â€Å"No girlfriend,† Damon said, glad to get back to lying. Krysta's hands shook slightly as she cut one of the longest, straightest stems for him. Damon reached out to take it and their fingers touched. Damon smiled at her. When Krysta's knees went boneless with pleasure, Damon caught her easily and went on with what he was doing. Meredith was right behind Bonnie as she stepped into Caroline's room. â€Å"I said, shut the damn door!† Caroline said – no, snarled. It was only natural to look to see where the voice was coming from. Just before Meredith cut off the only sliver of light by shutting the door Bonnie saw Caroline's corner desk. The chair that used to sit in front of it was gone. Caroline was underneath. It might have been a good hiding space for a ten-year-old, but as an eighteen-year-old Caroline had curled into an impossible position in order to fit there. She was sitting on a pile of what looked like shreds of clothing. Her best clothes, Bonnie thought suddenly, as a twinkle of gold lam flashed and was gone when the door shut. Then it was just the three of them together in the darkness. No illumination came from above or below the door to the hall. It's because the hall is in another world, Bonnie thought wildly. â€Å"What's wrong with a little light, Caroline?† Meredith asked quietly. Her voice was steady, comforting. â€Å"You asked us to come and see you – but we can't see you.† â€Å"I said come and talk to me,† Caroline corrected instantly, exactly as she always had in the old days. That should have been comforting, too. Except – except that now that Bonnie could hear her voice sort of reverberating under the desk, she could tell it had a new quality. Not so much husky as – You really don't want to be thinking this. Not in the midnight darkness of this room, Bonnie's mind told her. Not so much husky as snarly, Bonnie thought helplessly. You could almost say Caroline growled her answers. Little sounds told Bonnie that the girl under the desk was moving. Bonnie's own breathing quickened. â€Å"But we want to see you,† Meredith said quietly. â€Å"And you know that Bonnie's scared of the dark. Can I just turn on your bedside lamp?† Bonnie could feel herself trembling. That wasn't good. It wasn't smart to show Caroline you were afraid of her. But the pitch-blackness was making her tremble. She could feel that this room was wrong in its angles – or maybe it was only her imagination. She could also hear things that made her jump – like that loud double clicking noise directly behind her. What had made that? â€Å"All rrright then! Turrn on the one by the bed.† Caroline was definitely snarling. And she was moving toward them; Bonnie could hear rustling and breathing getting closer. Don't let her get to me in the dark! It was a panicked, irrational thought, but Bonnie couldn't help thinking it any more than she could help stumbling blindly sideways into†¦ Something tall – and warm. Not Meredith. Never since Bonnie had known her had Meredith smelled like rancid sweat and rotten eggs. But the warm something took hold of both Bonnie's upraised hands, and there were strange little clicking noises as they clenched. The hands weren't just warm; they were hot and dry. And the ends poked oddly into Bonnie's skin. Then, as a light by the bedside went on, they were gone. The lamp Meredith had found put out a very, very dim ruby light – and it was easy to see why. A ruby negligee and peignoir had been tied around the shade. â€Å"This is a fire hazard,† Meredith said, but even her level voice sounded shaken. Caroline stood before them in the red light. She seemed taller than ever to Bonnie, tall and sinewy, except for the slight bulge of her belly. She was dressed normally, in jeans and a tight T-shirt. She was holding her hands playfully hidden behind her back, and smiling her old insolent, sly smile. I want to go home, Bonnie thought. Meredith said, â€Å"Well?† Caroline just kept smiling. â€Å"Well, what?† Meredith lost her temper. â€Å"What do you want?† Caroline just looked arch. â€Å"Have you visited your friend Isobel today? Had a little talk with her?† Bonnie had a powerful urge to slap that smug smile off Caroline's face. She didn't. It was just a trick of the lamplight – she knew it had to be – but it looked almost as if there was a red dot shining in the center of each of Caroline's eyes. â€Å"We visited Isobel at the hospital, yes,† Meredith said expressionlessly. Then, with unmistakable anger in her voice, she added, â€Å"And you know very well that she can't talk yet. But† – with a triumphant little pounce – â€Å"the doctors say she will be able to. Her tongue will heal, Caroline. She may have scars from all the places she pierced herself, but she's going to be able to talk again just fine.† Caroline's smile had faded, leaving her face looking haggard and full of dull fury. At what? Bonnie wondered. â€Å"It would do you some good to get out of this house,† Meredith told the copper-haired girl. â€Å"You can't live in the dark – â€Å" â€Å"I won't forever,† Caroline said sharply. â€Å"Just until the twins are born.† She stood, hands still behind her, and arched her back so that her stomach protruded more than ever. â€Å"The – twins?† Bonnie was startled into speaking. â€Å"Matt Junior and Mattie. That's what I'm going to call them.† Caroline's gloating smile and impudent eyes were almost too much for Bonnie to stand. â€Å"You can't do that!† she heard herself shouting. â€Å"Or maybe I'll call the girl Honey. Matthew and Honey, for their daddy, Matthew Honeycutt.† â€Å"You can't do it,† Bonnie shouted, more shrilly. â€Å"Especially with Matt not even here to defend himself – â€Å" â€Å"Yes, he did run away very suddenly, didn't he? The police are wondering why he had to run. Of course† – Caroline lowered her voice to a meaningful whisper – â€Å"he wasn't alone. Elena was with him. I wonder what the two of them do in their spare time?† She giggled, a high, fatuous giggle. â€Å"Elena isn't the only person with Matt,† Meredith said, and now her voice was low and dangerous. â€Å"Someone else is, too. Do you remember an agreement you signed? About not telling anyone about Elena or bringing publicity around her?† Caroline blinked slowly, like a lizard. â€Å"A long time ago. In a different lifetime, for me.† â€Å"Caroline, you're not going to have a lifetime if you break that oath! Damon would kill you. Or – have you already – ?† Meredith stopped. Caroline was still giggling in that childish way, as if she were a little girl and someone had just told her a naughty joke. Bonnie felt cold sweat break out all over her body at once. Fine hairs lifted on her arms. â€Å"What are you hearing, Caroline?† Meredith wet her lips. Bonnie could see that she was trying to hold Caroline's eyes, but the copper-haired girl turned away. â€Å"Is it†¦Shinichi?† Meredith moved forward suddenly and grasped Caroline's arms. â€Å"You used to see and hear him when you looked in the mirror. Do you hear him all the time now, Caroline?† Bonnie wanted to help Meredith. She did. But she couldn't have moved or spoken for anything. There were – gray threads – in Caroline's hair. Gray hairs, Bonnie thought. They shone dully, much lighter than the flaming auburn Caroline was so proud of. And there were†¦other hairs that didn't shine at all. Bonnie had seen this brindled coloration on dogs; she knew vaguely that some wolves must look the same. But it was really something else to see them in your girlfriend's hair. Especially when they seemed to bristle and quiver, lifting like the hackles of a dog†¦. She's mad. Not angry mad; insane mad, Bonnie realized. Caroline looked up, not at Meredith, but straight into Bonnie's eyes. Bonnie flinched. Caroline was gazing at her as if considering whether or not Bonnie were dinner or just garbage. Meredith stepped to stand beside Bonnie. Her fists were clenched. â€Å"Don't starrre,† Caroline said abruptly, and turned away. Yes, that was definitely a snarl. â€Å"You really wanted us to see you, didn't you?† Meredith said softly. â€Å"You're – flaunting yourself in front of us. But I think that maybe this is your way of asking for help – â€Å" â€Å"Harrrrdly!† â€Å"Caroline,† Bonnie said suddenly, amazed by a wave of pity that swamped her, â€Å"please try to think. Remember back when you said you needed a husband? I – † She broke off and swallowed. Who was going to marry this monster, who a few weeks ago had looked like a normal teenage girl? â€Å"I understood you back then,† Bonnie finished lamely. â€Å"But, honestly, it won't do any good to keep on saying Matt attacked you! No one†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She couldn't bring herself to say the obvious. No one will believe something like you. â€Å"Oh, I clean up rrrreal prrretty,† Caroline growled and then giggled. â€Å"You'd be surprrrised.† In her mind's eye, Bonnie saw the old insolent flash of Caroline's emerald gaze, the sly and secretive expression on her face, and the shimmering of her auburn hair. â€Å"Why pick on Matt?† Meredith demanded. â€Å"How did you know he was attacked by a malach that night? Did Shinichi send it after him just for you?† â€Å"Or did Misao?† Bonnie said, remembering that it was the female of the twin kitsune, the fox spirits, who had spoken the most to Caroline. â€Å"I went out on a date with Matt that night.† Suddenly Caroline's voice was a singsong, as if she were reciting poetry – badly. â€Å"I didn't mind kissing him – he's so cute. I guess that's when he got the hickey on his neck. I guess I might have bitten his lip a little.† Bonnie opened her mouth, felt Meredith's restraining hand on her shoulder, and shut it again. â€Å"But then he just went crazy,† Caroline lilted on. â€Å"He attacked me! I scratched him with my fingernails, all up and down one arm. But Matt was too strong. Much too strong. And now – â€Å" And now you're going to have puppies, Bonnie wanted to say, but Meredith squeezed her shoulder and she stopped herself again. Besides, Bonnie thought with a sudden twinge of alarm, the babies might look human, and there might only be twins, as Caroline herself had said. Then what would they do? Bonnie knew the way adult minds worked. Even if Caroline couldn't dye her hair back to auburn, they would say, look what stress she's been under: she's actually going prematurely gray! And even if the adults saw Caroline's bizarre appearance and strange behavior, as Bonnie and Meredith just had, they would dismiss it as being due to shock. Oh, poor Caroline, her whole personality has changed since that day. She's so frightened of Matt that she hides under her desk. She won't wash herself – maybe that's a common symptom after what she's been through. Besides who knew how long it would take these werewolf babies to be born? Maybe the malach inside Caroline could control that, make it seem to be like a normal pregnancy. And then suddenly Bonnie was snatched away from her own thoughts to tune into Caroline's words. Caroline was through growling for the moment. She sounded almost like the old Caroline, offended and nasty, as she said, â€Å"I just don't understand why you should take his word over mine.† â€Å"Because,† Meredith said flatly, â€Å"we know both of you. We would have known if Matt had been dating you – and he wasn't. And he's hardly the kind of guy to just show up at your front door, especially when you consider how he felt about you.† â€Å"But you've already said that this monster that attacked him – â€Å" â€Å"Malach, Caroline. Learn the word. You've got one inside you!† Caroline smirked and waved a hand, dismissing this. â€Å"You said these things can possess you and make you do things out of character, right?† There was a silence. Bonnie thought, if we have said it, we've never said it in front of you. â€Å"Well, what if I admitted that Matt and I weren't dating? What if I said that I found him driving around our neighborhood at about five miles an hour, just looking lost. His sleeve was torn to pieces and his arm was all chewed up. So I took him inside my house and tried to bandage his arm – but suddenly he went crazy. And I did try to scratch him, but the bandages were in the way. I scratched them off him. I even still have them, all covered in blood. If I told you that, what would you say?† I'd say that you were using us as a dry run before telling Sheriff Mossberg, Bonnie thought, chilled. And I'd say that you were right, you probably can clean up pretty normal looking when you make an effort. If you'd just stop that childish giggling and get rid of the crafty look, you'd be even more convincing. But Meredith was speaking. â€Å"Caroline – they've got DNA tests for blood.† â€Å"Of course I know that!† Caroline looked so indignant that for a moment she forgot to look sly. Meredith was staring at her. â€Å"That means they can tell if the bandages you've got have Matt's blood on them or not,† she said. â€Å"And if it flows in the right pattern to match your story.† â€Å"There isn't any pattern. The bandages are just soaked.† Abruptly, Caroline strode over to a dresser and opened it, plucking out a length of what might have originally been athletic bandage. Now it shone reddish in the faint light. Looking at the stiff fabric in the ruby light, Bonnie knew two things. It wasn't any part of the poultice that Mrs. Flowers had put on Matt's arm the morning after he'd been attacked. And it was soaked with genuine blood, right to the stiff tips of the cloth. The world seemed to be spinning around. Because even though Bonnie believed in Matt, this new story scared her. This new story might even work – provided that no one could find Matt and test his blood. Even Matt admitted that there was time unaccounted for that night†¦time he couldn't remember. But that didn't mean Caroline was telling the truth! Why would she start out with a lie, and only change it when the facts got in the way? Caroline's eyes were the color of a cat's. Cats play with mice, just for amusement. Just to see them run. Matt had run†¦. Bonnie shook her head. All at once she couldn't stand this house any longer. It had somehow settled into her mind, making her accept all the impossible angles of the distorted walls. She had even grown accustomed to the awful smell and the red light. But now, with Caroline holding out a blood-soaked bandage and telling her that it was Matt who had bled all over it†¦ â€Å"I'm going home,† Bonnie announced suddenly. â€Å"And Matt didn't do it, and – and I'm never coming back!† Accompanied by the sound of Caroline's giggling, she whirled, trying not to look at the nest Caroline had made under her corner desk. There were empty bottles and half-empty plates of food piled in there with the clothes. Anything could be under them – even a malach. But as Bonnie moved, the room seemed to move with her, accelerating her spin, until she had gone twice around before she could put out a foot to stop herself. â€Å"Wait, Bonnie – wait, Caroline,† Meredith said, sounding almost frantic. Caroline was folding her body like a contortionist, getting back under the desk. â€Å"Caroline, what about Tyler Smallwood? Don't you care that he's the real father of your – your kids? How long were you dating him before he joined up with Klaus? Where is he now?† â€Å"Forrr all I know he's dead. You and yourrr friends killed him.† The snarl was back, but it wasn't vicious. It was more of a triumphant purr. â€Å"But I don't miss him, so I hope he stays dead,† Caroline added, with a muffled giggle. â€Å"He wouldn't marrrry me.† Bonnie had to get away. She fumbled for the doorknob, found it, and was blinded. She had spent so long in ruby dimness that the hall light was like the midday sun on the desert. â€Å"Turrn off the lamp!† Caroline snapped from under the desk. But as Meredith moved to do it Bonnie heard a surprisingly loud explosion and saw the red-swathed shade go dark by itself. And one thing more. The hallway light swept across Caroline's room like a beacon as the door swung shut. Caroline was already tearing at something with her teeth. Something with the texture of meat, but not cooked meat. Bonnie jerked back to run and almost knocked over Mrs. Forbes. The woman was still standing in the hall where she had been when they went into Caroline's room. She didn't even look as if she'd been listening at the door. She was just standing, staring at nothing. â€Å"I have to show you out,† she said in her soft, gray voice. She didn't lift her head to meet Bonnie's or Meredith's eyes. â€Å"You might get lost otherwise. I do.† It was a straight shot to the stairs and down and four steps to the front door. But as they walked, Meredith didn't say anything, and Bonnie couldn't. Once outside, Meredith turned to look at Bonnie. â€Å"Well? Is she more possessed by the malach or the werewolf part of her? Or could you tell anything from her aura?† Bonnie heard herself laugh, a sound that was like crying. â€Å"Meredith, her aura isn't human – and I don't know what to make of it. And her mother doesn't seem to have an aura at all. They're just – that house is just – â€Å" â€Å"Never mind, Bonnie. You don't have to go there ever again.† â€Å"It's like†¦Ã¢â‚¬  But Bonnie didn't know how to explain the fun-house look of the walls or the way the stairs went down instead of up. â€Å"I think,† she said finally, â€Å"that you'd better do some more research. On things like – like possession of the American kind.† â€Å"You mean like possession by demons?† Meredith shot her a sharp look. â€Å"Yes. I guess so. Only I don't know where to start listing what's wrong with her.† â€Å"I have a few ideas of my own,† Meredith said quietly. â€Å"Like – did you notice that she never showed us her hands? That was very strange, I thought.† â€Å"I know why,† Bonnie whispered, trying not to let the sobbing laughter out. â€Å"It's because – she doesn't have fingernails anymore.† â€Å"What did you say?† â€Å"She put her hands around my wrists. I could feel them.† â€Å"Bonnie, you're not making any sense.† Bonnie made herself speak. â€Å"Caroline has claws now, Meredith. Real claws. Like a wolf.† â€Å"Or maybe,† Meredith said in a whisper, â€Å"like a fox.†

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Nurse Anesthetist

Finnie 1 Kerra Finnie Mrs. Todt English III 2 March 2012 Nurse Anesthetist Since 2010 there has been a high demand for Nurse Anesthetist in the United States. A career with a high salary is appealing. With the challenges and hard work of a nurse anesthetist, one must understand the steps and dedication of a person of this type of medical role. To become a Nurse Anesthetist the general requirements are to have an RN license and a bachelor of science degree, either in nursing or an appropriate science.After getting an RN license, one year of work in critical care conditions has to be completed. When the year is over, an application is sent to a program, the application will then be compared to other applicants. More than one year working as an RN will higher the chance of the application to get in because experience in this field of nursing is important. When an applicant is accepted into a Nurse Anesthetist program they are required to attend an admissions interview.No foods or drinks should be brought to this interview, attendants will want to look formal and successful with their wardrobe. These schools are demanding and life changing. They also cause a ton of stress. Most programs last 24-33 months (Andrus 1a). In order to graduate a program a B grade point average must be maintained. After taking all steps a total of 6 years is the amount of time spent in college. You must be willing to dedicate a huge chunk of your life to your education – the information and data you learn will be Finnie 2 oliminous; the many hands-on skills require practice, practice, and tenacity (Freemark 2a). The extra time in college gives a greater knowledge of the anatomy. As a nurse anesthetist there are many choices in the medical field to choose from. Nurse Anesthetist do not possess complex technical capabilities of the doctors they assist, but they provide a wide range of services to support the doctors (McNutt 1). Interviews, reviewing charts, learning physical history, and doing preoperative teaching and developing a nesthesia plan with the anesthesiologist are all duties of a nurse anesthetist. Nurse Anesthetist administer 65% of the 26 million anesthetics given each year (Marquand 1a). The number one priority of a Nurse Anesthetist is the safety of a patient (Inglis 1a). To make a patient feel comfortable while in surgery the nurse anesthetist stays bedside while monitoring vital signs. The Nurse Anesthetist is also held to the responsibility of knowing anesthesia depth, blood loss, body temperature, and positioning.The proper amount of medicine must be given, if anything goes wrong it is a matter of life or death. A patients status can change at any time. In emergency situations there may be no way to get full information on the patient (Marquand 2). With the demand as high as it is for Nurse Anesthetist, it is the leading cause of the high paid salary. Directly after graduation, a nurse anesthetist can get a job with a starting salary averagi ng about $118,000.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Beijing Liao and Jin City Wall Museum

Beijing Liao and Jin City Wall Museum China has a very rich heritage and history that dates back more than a thousand years. Apart from relics and various artifacts that can tell us about the past, museums are essential gateways in explaining what life was like some thousand years ago. The Beijing Liao and Jin City Wall Museum keeps watch over a lot of China’s history. Many travelers and visitors do not flock the museum because of the notion that it is difficult to find. The trick is simply to plan your visit. You have to expect it might take you a long time to get there but it’s a trip you should not miss. There are two bus stops that can connect you to the museum. The Youanmenwai bus stop is closer. It is at least 500 meters or a 7-minute walk from the bus stop. Bus numbers 19, 48, 72, 88, 377, 454, and 474 can take you there. Another bus stop is the Caihuying or Daguanyuan and you can take any of these buses 19, 49, 59, 122, 361, 716, 717, 744, and 800. From this stop, you will need to walk 800-meters north. The building looks unassuming against the apartment blocks around it. It is made of gray brick with an arched glass window. The museum is built underground so it may be easy to overlook it against the other buildings surrounding it. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9AM to 4PM. Entrance is free. Beijing Liao and Jin City Wall Museum is divided into two sections: the underground part and the historical displays. The underground part or the Shuiguan site is where the historic original water gate is located. The water gate goes as far back as the 12th century during the Jin dynasty. It is one of the very few gates that have been preserved and survived being burnt by the Mongolian troops. The museum is unique in this sense that it is built on an old aqueduct or water gate. This is why the Beijing Liao and Jin City Wall Museum is a Beijing Cultural relic site. The water gate was primarily used as a means to enter the city walls, which were built to protect the ancient Beijing against invasion. Another part of the museum is the artifacts. Most of the displays are from the Liao and Jin dynasties. The first floor of the museum, though is dedicated to Buddhist artifacts and daily tools from the Han and Qin dynasties. Precious pottery and very detailed calligraphy from the Jin dynasty are also displayed. The museum has also displayed what has been excavated from the site, namely the roof ornaments, tiles, and tablets. One of the museum’s highlights is the gravestone of Lu Hui which is one of the best preserved white marble stones that had been dug up along the Liangshui River. The museum also boasts of solitary exploration since not a lot of tourists find their way there. Make no mistake it houses artifacts that you cannot see in other museums. It is worth your time.

Marketing plan on the composition - the Mind the Gap Assignment

Marketing plan on the composition - the Mind the Gap - Assignment Example The designer was Raymond Scott. From around 1960 with commencement with silver apples and white Noise bands, the electronic music has perpetually filtered through into pop music with its eventual financial marketability conducted in 1980s and the advancement of the Synth Pop. Historically, the genre has gone forward to grab grooves in the 70s and funk or disco in the electronic composition. After that electronic become an original entity of itself resulting in the spinning of the new sounds and subsequent subgenres. The initial breakthrough began in post- disco environment on the environs of Chicago (Kotler & Scheff, 2006, Pp56). Mind the Gap! Is an independent record that I have composed ad plans to introduce my talented friend based in Cyprus who has will then compose the lyrics to the music. The music borrows from the events of experienced when train comes close to the platform. The independent single invests hugely in the ever growing funs of electronic music that anticipates locally composed electronic music. Currently, the music genre assumes close to 10% percent of the market share for close to 10 years. Globally , the music is hugely valued by close to 3 billion people mainly youths who consumes the audio contest in terms of the CDs, MPs, sheet music and file downloads with further licensed deals(King & Feist, 2009, Pp45).

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Genetic Engineering and Conservation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Genetic Engineering and Conservation - Essay Example Today, most species face stress factors ranging from global warming, habitat destruction to conflicts and poaching leading to the great reduction in numbers of some species. Conservationists are seeking the help of modern science for designing interventions to control these losses. Genetic engineering is the science of altering one's gene by introduction of a foreign gene for beneficial purposes such as adaptation. Genetic engineering has already contributed to the growth of the agricultural sector making the Genetically modified seed sector alone worth $ 15 million (Thomas et al,2013). However, genetic engineering is not considered a modern strategy since it was used even decades back to make plants more tolerant to certain conditions such as temperature and pest attack, thereby making the genetic tool a reliable tool. Genetic engineering could be used to introduce lost genetic diversity among a threatened population to enable stabilization. For example, in Florida, the population of Florida Panther increase by 100% after members of another closely related species-Puma concolor stanleyana was introduced which worked by decreasing inbreeding (Thomas.et al,2013). Genetic engineering would play an important part in refining this methodology. Another way in which genetic engineering could aid conservation is by recognizing certain beneficial genes and introducing them into vulnerable species. Aquaculture researchers recognized an allele in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that made them withstand high heat. These genes could be introduced through modern tools into the genomes of fish eggs to make them more tolerant of changing conditions.

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Healthcare services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Healthcare services - Essay Example One manifestation of these policies is the appointment of Patient Information Strategy Project Manager (PISPM) at the North Devon Primary Care Trust (PCT). North Devon PCT developed a strategy to involve the public and provide multiple services to enhance the understanding of patient needs within the PCT. They also aim to improve the knowledge based from the patients and general publics' opinion. PISPM post's performances have strengths and weaknesses but they also play an important role in leading this strategy. By improving North Devon Information Strategy, value will be added in developing a greater public involvement in North Devon PCT. Patient & Public Involvement Definition Patient & Public involvement and other allied terms are used to covey a variety of meanings. Public involvement refers to the involvement of individual patients, together with health professionals, in making decisions about their own health care (Florin & Dixon 2004). According to the Department of Health, patient and public involvement is not just about structures, it is a cultural change. It is about empowering patients and the public to have a role in health care society. ... Through these practices, the way to address the needs of the growing number of people with chronic conditions will now be appropriate and effective. Hennessy (2002) pointed out that involving individual encourages and empowers them. The sense of ownership improves health outcomes and patient experiences. On the other hand, the Trusts will also benefit from this involvement. It will provide a more responsive service, which meets the local needs. Involvement in NHS activities encourages staff to consider alternative ways of meeting the care needs and look at providing services from a different perspective which is that of the patients' perspective. Florin & Dixon (2004) indicated that involving the public may help ensure health policy decisions better reflect the values of the community. It will make services more responsive to the individuals and communities who uses them and that more responsive services will lead to improved health. Patient & Public Involvement Policies Policies to encourage public involvement in the NHS are not new. Previous governments have used various policies in an attempt to encourage democratic and informal decisions in the NHS. A review of policies from 1948 to 1997 showed that public involvement in the NHS decreased over this period (Harrison, Milewa and Dowswell 2002). In contrast, Klein & New (1996) reviewed the period from 1990 and concluded that there had been a moderate increase in democracy in the NHS. Since the Labor government came to power in 1997, a new raft of policies has been introduced with the stated aim of increased public or patient involvement. The NHS Plan, published in July 2000, aimed to give the

Friday, July 26, 2019

Rdms.group project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Rdms.group project - Essay Example The id fields, which will be used as unique field (i.e. primary key for the table), will be taken as AutoNumber data type so that it can automatically inserted for any new records in table. For AutoNumber data type, Long Integer field size is always taken (in Microsoft Office Access). For foreign key fields, Number data type with Long Integer field size will taken so that it can be easily linked with primary key fields. For name, description fields, we will take Text data type with field size 50 character. The 50-character size will be enough for storing student name, student type description and class name. The Student table will be linked with tables Student_Type. The Class_Registered table will be linked with two tables Student and Class_Type. The relationship between Student and Student_Type table will be One-To-Many (1:N). The relationship between Student and Class table will be Many-To-Many (M:N) and will be represented by two relationships: One-To-Many (1:N) relationship between Student and Class_Registered table and One-To-Many (1:N) relationship between Class_Type and Class_Registered

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Ebay Case Analysis 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ebay Case Analysis 2 - Essay Example In the event that a sale materializes, the customers pack, insure, and ship the sold items to the buyer. The buyer, on the other hand, handles the payment and verification of the sold items. Collectively, the outlined measures make eBay’s model scalable† (expandable devoid of a proportional rise in cost). #2. eBay’s possible rationale for expanding internationally The speedy development of internet technologies has yielded to the emergence of e-business companies (Dutta 684). eBay offers a broad range of products, globally expanding and generating a community for all clients to join eBay. The potential rationale for eBay international expansion hinges on the desire to increase its: number of registered users, user activity, PayPal transactions, user gross merchandise volume, and number of listings. eBay’s global presence seeks to take advantage of the growing online shopping usage (Hitt, Ireland, and Robert 235). # 3. International arenas for eBay: France a nd Japan The CAGE Distance framework highlights cultural, administrative, geographic, and economic differentials or distances between countries that ought to be addresses when coming up with international strategies. CAGE framework can also be employed to dissect patterns of trade, information, capital, and people flows. In terms of cultural distance, there is â€Å"wide† cultural distance owing to different languages, diverse ethnicities (absence of connective ethnic and social networks), diverse values, norms, and dispositions (Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson 236). With regard to geographic distance, both France and Japan are far-off the parent company’s location; nevertheless, the rise of globalization and the advancement of ICT has facilitated trounced over geographical distance. Hence, Japan and France can still remain desirable markets for eBay. # 4. Alternative vehicles that eBay has used to pursue international expansion There are several components that can be ci ted as contributing to eBay’s strategic plan for growth. In its expansion efforts, eBay employs investment and acquisition strategy. eBay is a very diverse entity and services that the company avail is appealing to individual customers, as well as large corporate customers (Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson 235). eBay’s corporate strategy centers on diversifying business to products offered, as well as customer base and global reach. eBay keeps on changing, adapting, and highlighting fresh ways to master its environment. # 5.Issues and problems that eBay is facing In the case, eBay is attempting to address one prominent problem: Competitions, as other players such as Yahoo! push for a slice of the market. eBay pursues to have the largest user base to attempt to fend off the growing competition, which means that it has to try to lure customers from its competitors. With regard to entering the Japanese market, eBay was hoping to take advantage of the giant market given that J apan had evolved to become the second largest market for person-to-person auctions. However, Yahoo, in a joint venture with Softbank, had already made successful inroads into the Japanese market to the level of commanding a sizeable market share. As a result, eBay faces the problem on whether it should cut its losses and exit the Japanese market. With regard to the acquisition of iBazar, eBay was counting on

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Journal about the text, Shame of the Nation, pages 1-37 Essay

Journal about the text, Shame of the Nation, pages 1-37 - Essay Example are major schools with nearly 99 percent of students being black or Hispanic. His claims are based on his visits to sixty different schools across eleven states. The chapter reveals that apart from racial segregation in urban community public schools, there is also a distinct culture of ensuring that non-white population is repeatedly reminded of their inferior status. The schools lack modern amenities and black children are forced to chant, ‘I can.. I have confidence that I can learn’ (34) thereby implying that do not have the abilities and they can only try. The schools subtly promote discrimination as children are not exposed to the whites on a regular basis. The peer pressure therefore often becomes the major element that dissuades them to compete on equal basis. The blacks seem to have no expectations from a society that still looks down on them. thus, Kozol’s distress is genuine when he says that it is the ‘most destructive and long lasting message a nation possibly could give its children’ (37). America is one the greatest democracy of the world which revels in its diversity. But Kozol has shown that racial discrimination is still prevalent and practiced under the guise of legal jargon. Education is the most important platform that facilitates empowerment of the people, It is especially important for people who have been marginalized for centuries and require the support of knowledge to improve not only their social and economic status but also for competing on intellectual basis with the mainstream population. But education would not be able to play its role if it is imparted within an environment of discrimination. Kozol has shown a distressing front of urban public schools who deliberately emphasize that blacks are not equal to white but have to work towards their betterment not equality. It is also very painful revelation that segregation in schools is open and is being practiced under federal

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Contract Law 2014-2015 Assesment problem with case history I will Essay

Contract Law 2014-2015 Assesment problem with case history I will supply case history as a word document - Essay Example The common law has 3 basic fundamentals in making of a contract namely agreement, contractual intention and consideration. Agreement as an essential of the basic law means that the parties ought to come to a legal agreement. Basically, an agreement can only be met when one party presents an offer, when this offer gets accepted by the other party, it becomes an agreement. The courts apply an objective test to determine whether the parties have arrived at an agreement. In the case study, when Brian decides to purchase the phone at EverEager, he and the company come to an agreement that he would pay a once-a-month payment direct deduction of  £35 for a period of one year1. In contract law, an offer is the willingness of a party on a contact on the specific terms. The offer is made with the objective that it should serve as the binding role once it gets accepted by the individual to whom it’s addressed. An offer can be directed to a single person or to a specific group of individuals. The Brian vs. EverEager is based on a single person. An offer is usually made by either words or by conduct. In the case study, Brian is handed the document by the assistant of the mobile phone company EverEager, he goes through it and signs. This offer is done by written words. An acceptance refers to the final and absolute expression of agreement to the terms and conditions of the offer. In this case there ought to be an objective expression, by the receiver of the offer, of a will to be bound by the terms. Acceptance of an offer has no lawful effect unless it gets communicated to the offerer. The general rule of contract law is that a postal appearance is effective only when the letter of acceptance gets accepted. If acceptance takes place through an immediate medium such as email, it will effective at the period and place of receipt. It is also vital to note that an offerer cannot instruct that the offerers silence aggregates

Final Speech Essay Example for Free

Final Speech Essay Through the new King Henry V’s speech to his brothers after their father’s death Shakespeare deals with the realities of succession, the difficult negotiation between governmental stability and a confused power struggle, and the death of a king while trying to keep his character true to their personality. This speech touches on everything from politeness and external observation, to the fear that naturally comes in a shift of power, to different kinds of mourning. Hal, newly King Henry V, must take his place as king and reassure everyone of the continuing stability of the kingdom, demonstrate a proper degree of public mourning as both a subject and the son of the former king, and deal with his own grief. When he says â€Å"this new and gorgeous garment, majesty, sits not so easily on me as you think† (Henry IV, Part 2, 5. 2. 44-45) he is not just simply trying to dismiss any jealousy or thought of resistance amongst his brothers, but he is also telling the absolute truth. Just like he did with the eulogies of both Hotspur and Falstaff in earlier parts of the play, Hal continues to use honesty in order to lend a more genuine tone to his otherwise fairly formal words. He reassures them of his intention to support them by bluntly telling them that he knows they fear what he may do, implying even that they might fear for their own lives, but that it â€Å"is the English, not the Turkish court, not Amurath an Amurath succeeds, but Harry Harry. † (Henry IV, Part 2, 5. 2. 7-49) He introduces and dispels the comparison between himself and a ruler who literally strangled his brothers, addressing the most extreme possibilities quickly. By the end, he assures them that not only will he not harm them; he will protect them and do well by them â€Å"I’ll be your father and your brother too. Let me but bear your love; I’ll bear your cares. † (Henry IV, Part 2, 57-58) In that, he additionally introduces the potentially uncomfortable issue of personal relationships. Once their brother, he is now also their king; once his brothers, they are now his subjects. He works with this beautifully, referring to their mourning and sadness for the death of their father as â€Å"a joint burden laid upon them all† (Henry IV, Part 2, 5. 2. 55) before he moves on to the things he promises, connecting himself with them in one way even as he has to separate himself from them in another. In this speech Hal starts off responding to a greeting by the chief justice by saying that his new robe doesn’t fit him as comfortably as the justice might think. Then turning to his brothers he tells them he knows that their sadness over their father’s loss is now mixed with the fear of him now being king. He mentions to them that they are in an English court, not the Turkish one and unlike the Turkish king, Amurath, he is not going to have his brothers killed when he inherited his father, King Amurath’s, crown; he explains saying he is â€Å"but Harry Harry† (Henry IV, Part 2, 5. 2. 49) basically saying he is a Harry, following another Harry and they have no reason to worry. He tells his brothers to be sad because being sad truly suits them. He explains that they look so regal in their sorrow that he too will put in the sense of sadness, saying he will also wear it in his heart. He warns them to yes be sad, but don’t let it become anything more than a burden that they all share jointly. He assures them that as far as he is concerned, he will be both their father and their brother now. That they are to just trust him with their love, and they can trust him to care of them. He concludes his speech by saying they should keep weeping for Harry, who is dead and he will keeping mourning also, but he says one Harry still lives, and he will convert those tears one by one into hours of happiness. This speech is important for Hal to give because it is not only Hal talking to and reassuring his brothers but also introduces him as the new King Harry V. Hal defines and explains his newly adjusted relationship with his brothers, explains that the kingdom is stable and there is no worrying over if anything bad would come out of the shift in power, and finally he tries to battle with how he wants mourn his father and what is the correct way to mourn him according to his new position as king. Hal was motivated to give this speech after the death of his father as he explains to his brothers that he must take his place as king keep the kingdom stable, and explaining to them the appropriate amount of public mourning for them as the sons of the former king. His final motive is subtle but he dismisses any jealousy or thoughts of confrontation amongst his brothers. Hal flawlessly and eloquently delivers his speech that maintains the balance between a familiar conversation with family and the regal words of a king. Revealing ultimately that the wild rebellion he previously upheld was truly an act and has so far worked in his favor going from a pub-crawler with the drunks to a newly regal king who would never be suspected of having such a rebellious past. In an earlier version of Hal’s speech there is not much change from that version to the newer version of the speech. In the older version of the speech something’s that have changed is the grammar and spelling. Many of the words in the older text are spelled wrong either with different letters or extra letters added to the end. In total there are thirty one misspelled words with either different letters or extra addition of letters. Most of the different letters include an ‘f’ where an‘s’ should be in most words or the addition of an ‘e’ at the end of the word. There are also more parentheses around more words in the old text versus the new. In the newer version these words are part of the text rather than in parentheses where they could potentially be excluded depending on the preference of the actor or director. Although many of the words are misspelled the meaning between the older version and the regular text are extremely similar. The true meaning and the imagery and meaning of the words in the speech have not been affected by the different in the different versions of the text. Throughout the speech there is recurring imagery both in his words exactly and some underlying imagery. The underlying imagery is centered on atonement, and the burden of leadership and duty. Atonement is an underlying image specifically for Hal, who has spent most of his time hanging around with the pub-crawlers, atonement has to become part of his new reign. He has planned all along to become a responsible king and at his fathers deathbed, he promises that his reign will be great. After he is crowned, and again during his speech to his brothers he promises those assembled that his actions as king will atone for his past. Also underlying in the speech Hal speaks of the crown as a burden. The duties of kingship come first, surpassing friendship. Hals crown will make the betrayal of Falstaff and the Eastcheap crowd a necessity. Even more important than the underlying imagery is the imagery of his exact words centered mostly on brothers and sadness. Hal refers to his brothers as a whole addressing them as ‘good brothers’. He addresses them as brothers at key parts in his speech giving the imagery that they are a united, unchanging force. He seems to use brothers to give a slightly personal feel to his regal words and to show that even though the dynamic of their relationship has changed they are still and always have been brothers. In Shakespeare’s other plays brother is used almost the same way. It is used to show a close relationship between people or showing the personal unity between or amongst a group. Shakespeare has also used the imagery of brothers when someone in power is addressing a group of people he needs something from or in a speech before battle. The other imagery of sadness and of loss is also important in his words, mostly the sadness and loss of losing his father but also the loss of more than life itself but also the loss of old friends through circumstance like when Hal loses his friends when he accepts his new role as king, though Falstaff still believes himself to be Hals friend, they rarely interact. The time is past for Hal and Falstaff; Hals throne demands it, and Henry V will betray the man who has been his surrogate father and friend. The speech that the new King Henry V delivers to his brothers after their father’s death touches on many different topics, emotions, and has hints of imagery that effect everyone he is speaking to. Hal must now take is fathers and show to everyone that his rebellious days are behind him. In the speech Hal has to desperately balance the familiarity of his family with the new responsibility as king and to make sure everyone knows that no one will be harmed and there is no need for jealously. By the end of the speech it is clear that Hal realizes the burden that has now been put on him but he makes his intentions clear as he ends his speech with â€Å"But Harry lives that shall convert those tears by number into hours of happiness.

Monday, July 22, 2019

A summary of the Chapter ‘We Cheer Jim Up Essay Example for Free

A summary of the Chapter ‘We Cheer Jim Up Essay In the chapter ‘We Cheer Jim Up,’ Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer are faced with the challenge of stealing Jim from Tom’s Aunt Sally Phelp’s plantation without being caught. The fact that they have to dig Jim out of a small, dark shack does make this task much harder for the two boys, especially since it is guarded with dogs and other African American slaves. Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer both scheme together to come up with a brilliant plan. They even lie to a slave about their relation to Jim, so to keep their actual friendship with Jim, and their plot to free him, secret. Â  In this chapter, Huck actually feels extremely guilty for committing a sin—stealing some-one’s slave. Normally, Huck enjoys the thrill of living on the edge and engaging in unlawful activities. However, he suddenly feels very apprehensive about this act he and Tom are about to commit and even questions Tom about this. Â  His experience of being held hostage by his drunken father has also enabled Huck to cope and deal with difficult situations in a more mature manner than when he lived with the widow. Nevertheless, Huck is faced with a personal conflict within himself. While he desperately wants to free Jim, he is bothered by the potential consequences that he and, especially Jim, will have to face if caught. A main theme being developed in this chapter is the idea of superstition. The slave that takes Huck and Tom to the shack to see Jim talks about nothing but witches and how he is constantly pestered by their voices. Every sound he hears, he believes it is the witches returning to trouble him. This chapter also introduces one powerful symbol. One might say that the tiny shack symbolizes the bondage African American people experienced on plantation farms back in those days. The darkness and dismal conditions of the shack where Jim was chained and confound also represents the cruel treatment run-away slaves, and African slaves in general, were treated.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Tourism Market in Mozambique

Tourism Market in Mozambique Abstract Tourism is the movement of people to destinations away from their place of residence for any reason other than following an occupation, remunerated from within the country visited for a period of more than 24hours. It is one of the worlds fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment for many developing countries. Since crossing many of the primary needs of the population, when harnessed it can be a key instrument to poverty alleviation and socioeconomic promotion and given to its sustained growth and resilience, can also contribute to facing the main global challenges of our societies Mozambique is a country with a great potential to become a tourist destination at regional and international levels which origins from the relevant characteristics of its natural resources, cultural and historic value. But, despite the countrys tourism potential, the increase in investments and number of international tourists arrivals as well as its proximity to South Africa which is one of the worlds top tourist destinations, it still far from the expected and has little expression to the regional and international levels as a tourist destination. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a greater understanding on tourism market in Mozambique as a tourist destination by analyzing the tourism market development from 2004 to 2009. The research study was based in literature review for theory and problem discussion and the data collected from the Mozambiques Tourism Ministry reports on tourism demand from 2004 to 2009. The study shows that the high costs of tourism services for the local people and their small capacity of investment are the main factors for the slow development of domestic tourism. The tourism development in Mozambique is different when analyzing each province and type of tourists. Leisure and holidays is the main reason for visiting the country, followed by business and conference and, lastly visit relatives and friends. It also shows that its important to create guidelines to brand destinations differently and design specific tourism plans, according to specific characteristics of the tourist zones, create new marketing strategies which aim not only international tourists but also domestic tourists and specific policies for domestic tourism development, create incentive programs which stimulate and encourage the use of local architecture design and materials by local and foreign investors, create policies that stimulate and facilitate participation of the local communities in tou rism projects, employment, training food furnishings and crafts and, complementary products. 1. Introduction Tourism is the movement of people to destinations away from their place of residence for any reason other than following an occupation, remunerated from within the country visited for a period of more than 24hours (wikibooks.org). It is one of the worlds fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment for many developing countries. With destinations not only in industrialized countries, but also in less developed countries in East Africa, Central America and South East Asia, when harnessed, tourism can be a key instrument to poverty alleviation and socioeconomic promotion, since crossing many of the primary needs of the population. (World Tourism Organization, 1996). According to Salgado e Cravo (1999), tourism industry employs about 204.000.000 persons in all over the world, generates 655.000 millions of dollars in taxes and pays 1.7000.000 millions in salary which make it a very important activity in the world. Due to the income generated by the consumption of goods and services by tourists, the taxes levied on businesses in the tourism industry, and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism, it has become vital for many countries and a popular global leisure activity(www.sidestore.com/) and also a factor of social stability, mutual understanding among individuals and peoples and acquired an important cultural and moral dimension. Tourism can be an efficient tool to advance international peace and understanding. It is growing steadily and needs to be viewed in its social, cultural and ethical dimensions and therefore in its potential to alliance of civilizations. It shares with religions and civilizations values such as tolerance, respect of diversity, respect of nature, rediscovery of oneself and of the others. Given its sustained growth and resilience, the sector is in fact, in ideal position to contribute to facing the main global challenges of our societies (www.world tourism.org). According to the manila declaration, 1980, tourism is an essential activity for the life of nations due to its direct effects on cultural, social, educational and economic sectors of the national societies and their international relationships. Its contribution to national economy and international trade makes it a significant factor in world development and one of the main economic activities in the world through its function i n national economy, international transactions and in securing balance of payments equilibrium. Tourism that focuses on natural environments is a large and growing part of the tourism industry. While it can contribute in a positive manner to socio-economic development and environmental protection, uncontrolled tourism growth can also cause environmental degradation, destruction of fragile ecosystems, and social and cultural conflict, undermining the basis of tourism. The intangible nature of tourism industry services makes its quality control difficult but crucial and more difficult for potential costumers to evaluate and compare service offerings. In addition, instead of moving the product to costumer, the costumer must travel to the product which means spent money and time. As an industry, tourism has many components comprising to the overall travel experience. Along with transportation, it includes accommodations, food and beverage services, shops, entertainment, aesthetics and special events. To overcome this hurdle tourism, related businesses, agencies and organizations need to work together to package and promote tourism opportunities and align their efforts to assure consistency in product quality (Mahoney and Warnell, 1987). The different definitions of tourism in each country, the difference in census techniques, the great mobility of tourists and its several motivations, the heterogeneity tourism types are some reasons which make the to urism a difficult statistic object in definition and measurement (Salgado e Cravo, 1999). Manila declaration 1980 says that tourism resources (space facilities and values) are available in various countries in risk of deterioration and destruction and belong to heritage mankind. The development of tourist activities cannot be prejudicial to economic and social interests of the population in tourist areas, to the environment and to the natural resources. The national and international communities and the states are responsible for preservation and conservation of historical, cultural and religious sites at all times. In order to maximize tourisms poverty reduction potential, multiple strategies may be required that combine action at the destination, at national policy level, and internationally. Since one organization cannot operate effectively at all three levels, complementary actions by different stakeholders are required at all levels to enhance the positive outcomes of tourism. The destination level relies primarily on initiatives by private companies, NGOs, and the communities themselves. Nationally the governments can reduce obstacles to informal sector participation. Internationally, the promotion of responsible consumer and business behavior and the establishment of enforceable international industry codes of conduct can also contribute towards poverty reduction potential of tourism (Ashley, Boyd and Goodwin, 2000, p6). 1.1. Significance of the research Mozambique is a country with a great potential to become a tourist destination at regional and international levels which origins from the relevant characteristics of its natural resources, cultural and historic value. Its distinct local style consists of a blend of African, Arab and Portuguese influences and provides a contrast to the other southern African countries, offering an unique historical and cultural heritage, tropical beaches, coral reefs, spectacular landscapes, intriguingly rich architecture and small desolated islands close to the coast, Mozambique is one of the most enticing tourist destinations in Southern Africa. In 2001, the country received about 400 thousands tourists, about 80% of the arrivals in Tanzania which is a country with the same natural characteristics and product lines but without the same proximity and access routes to south africa (one of the worlds top tourist destination). In the same period, South Africa received 6 million of tourists and according to WTO, is expecting to receive 30 million tourists in 2020.The tourism contribution to the Gross Domestic Product in Mozambique was also relactively low (1,2% in 2001). In 2002, the country received 900 thousands tourists mostly from the neihgboring countries. In south Africa, the sector contributes with about 8% to the national economy, in Sub-Saharian Africa with about 6.5% of the GDP and in the world with 10.2% of the GDP. According to tourism in Mozambique.wikipedia.The free encyclopedia, by the end of 1990s tourism was the best growing sector of Mozambiques economy and in 2005 the country registered the fastest growth rate in the world. Despite the countrys tourist potential, the obvious increase in investments and number of international tourists arrivals as well as its proximity to South Africa, it stills far from the expected and has little expression to the regional and international levels as a tourist destination, so, this research intends to analyze the tourism market development in Mozambique as a tourist destination from 2003 to 2008 and identify how to attract new tourist markets. 1.3. Problem discussion Tourism is an attractive tool for economic development, especially in the developing world and has assisted many developing countries to move away from a dependency on agriculture and manufacturing (Tooman, 1997 cited by Kabia, 2005). Chosen for its ability to bring in needed foreign exchange earnings, income and employment; it has become a popular addition to economic development policies in many African, Asian, South and Central American countries. Although it seems to be adding substantially to the economic growth of many of these regions, many developing countries are not reaping to full benefits from tourism. More than two thirds of the revenue from international tourism never reaches the local economy because of high foreigner exchange leakage. Understanding the many ways that tourism profits can leak out of an economy and, devising strategies to minimize could make tourism a more effective economic development agent (kabia, 2005). Worldwide, international tourist arrivals in 1999 are estimated at approximately 700 million, resulting in over $500 billion in tourist receipts and tourism generates nearly 250 million jobs worldwide (kabia, 2005).the increasing fascination potential economic benefits for destination areas(kabia, 2005).In the past two decades increased attention to the negative social, cultural and environmental impacts of tourism has also emerged, calling for more careful planning and management of tourism development (WTO, 1996). According to (Harrison Husbands, 1996 cited by kabia, 2005) achieving sustainable tourism (the one that maintains economic benefits and limits associated negative impacts), lie in minimizing negative impacts by strategies such as environmental and social impact analysis, community control and segmenting markets. The potential economic benefits of tourism are a major attraction for developing countries due to three pro-tourism arguments: the trend in demand for international travel is projected to continue at astonishing rates due to the economic stability and travel preferences of people in the developed regions such as Europe, Asia and North America ; the income elasticity of demand for tourism means that the household incomes of people in the developed world increase, more disposable income will be directed towards travel and, developing countries are in need of foreign exchange earnings to support their economic development initiatives and to satisfy the demands of their residents (kabia, 2005). Today traveling for pleasure (leisure, recreation holidays and visiting friends and relatives) is the most common form of traveling. People have a number of different motivations for traveling. Some people travel for sun, sand and sea while others, are most interested in cultural and sporting activities associated with the travel. When surveyed people tend to list the following reasons for travel (Walker, 2004): To experience new and different surroundings To experience different cultures To rest and relax To visit friends and family To view or participate in sporting recreational activities According to the same author, longer life spans (people live longer and have better health), flexible working hours, early retirement, greater ease of travel, tendency to take shorter but more frequent trips and increase on standard of living are factors contributing to an increase on number of traveling in the coming years. The future travel patterns are vary hard to predict but there are number of trends and factors that will definitely impact on how, where, when and why we are going to travel. Visitors often come from particular socioeconomic layer of the population of industrialized countries and capital surplus, which requires relatively sophisticated market research to identify and analyze and profiles the preferences of these visitors. Although in these countries a prosperous minority exists that is capable of undertaking domestic tourism, many inhabitants lack the income and wherewithal to travel, so, the research must not focus only on measurement of domestic tourism but on ways and means to improve access of underprivileged layers of the population to holidays and travel, and on devising economical, but adequate means of supply (accommodation and transportation) to achieve this aim (kabia, 2005) As we know, when harnessed, tourism can be a key instrument to poverty alleviation and socioeconomic promotion, since crossing many of the primary needs of the population. 1.4. Research approach According to Denscombe, 1998, the research approaches can be divided in two: qualitative and quantitative. A quantitative study is associated with numbers as the unit of analysis, analysis, large scale studies, a specific focus, researcher detachment and a predetermined research design while a qualitative study is associated with words as the unit of analysis, description, small scale studies, holistic perspective, researcher involvement and an emergent research design. This thesis is a research quantitative since it uses numbers as unit of analysis of the tourism market as a tourist destination in Mozambique. According to Fretchling (2001), the careful forecaster will inquire into how the data to be used was collected and processed to understand what measurement anomalies may be present and how much of the variation through time is due to sampling error. My study was based in already existing data records, which made it difficult to predict and prevent eventual mistakes occurred dur ing the data collection process, but some studies indicate that is difficult to determine the economic performance of the tourism sector in Mozambique due to difficulties in collecting data and statistical indicators of some revenue like, average rates of occupancy and international flows in the country. 1.5. Outline of the thesis The presented thesis is basically composed by four parts: Introduction this part introduces the area of study, presents the significance of the research, problem discussion, research approach, outline of the thesis and finally the purpose of the thesis. Methodology this part gives a brief and clear description of the methods used when conducting the study. Mozambiques tourism sector overview this part presents a general description on tourism in Mozambique Findings, conclusions and recommendations the final part, reaches and describes the research purpose by analyzing, commenting and suggesting on how to improve the performance of the tourism sector in Mozambique. 2. Research purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a greater understanding of tourism market in Mozambique as a tourist destination by analyzing the tourism market development from 2004 to 2009, through: characterizing the tourism market development in Mozambique from 2004 to 2008; Identifying some of the main constraints and contributing factors to tourism development in Mozambique. Identifying how to attract new tourism markets 3. Methodology 3.1. Literature review To make the study clear and well planned, first was used the method of library research which means that the information was taken from different sources related to tourism industry. Denscombe (1998, p. 58) cited by tese2, says that a research should always start with a literature review that: shows that the researcher is aware of the available existing work already undertaken in the area identifies what the researcher takes to be the key issues, the crucial questions and the obvious gaps in the current state of knowledge provide signposts for the reader about where the research is coming from it allows the reader to see which theories and principles have been influential in shaping the approach adopted in the proposed research In this study, databases Elsevier Direct Science was used in order to find full text studies from academic journals that are related the area of research using search words such as: Tourism, Ecotourism, Tourism analysis, Destination, Destination Marketing, Destination Management, Tourism in developing countries, Tourism market in Mozambique. Public libraries, websites like, jstor.org, WTO.org, MINTUR.org, as well as textbooks and doctoral thesis were also used to find more theory, gain more insight and latest information about the research area. The research was based on data records on tourism market demand in Mozambique from 2004 to 2009 received from the Ministry of tourism, planning and cooperation department. 3.3. Research strategy The research strategy consists of a quantitative method for collecting and analyzing data. Tourism demand data can be compiled from administrative reports such as counts of tickets sold, passenger carried for transportation. Theme parks, museums and other attractions also produce administrative records. Commercial lodging places in most countries are required to keep careful records of the number of guests and length of stay. Sample surveys and direct observation are also techniques used to estimate tourism demand data. (Fretchling, 2001). These are also the main methods used in Mozambique to estimate the tourist demand. Due to lack of resources in terms of time and money I had to limit myself to the Mozambiques Tourism Ministry reports on tourism demand. The information collected was related to Mozambiques tourism market from 2004 to 2008. Information retrieval, libraries and other related information centers were also consulted and, relying on the data collected that enabled to organize and guide this study and its analysis, was written this research report. 4. Tourism in Mozambique 4.1. Mozambiques tourism sector overview 4.1.1. General information about Mozambique Mozambique is located on the southeast coast of Africa, to the east is the Indian Ocean; to the north, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia; to the west, Zimbabwe and South Africa and to the south Swaziland and South Africa. The country has a total area of 799380 km ² with approximately 20 millions of inhabitants of a diverse cultural environment with several ethnic groups and religions (tourism guide) ¼Ã…’it is ranked 33rd country in the world according to its size. It is formed by 11 provinces and its capital is Maputo. Portuguese is the official language but the linguistic diversity is one of its main cultural characteristics. Each ethnical group has its own language and for the majority of the population, mainly in rural areas, the national idioms are the mother tongue and the one most used on a daily basis (tourism guide). Most educated people speak English which is used in schools and business as second or third language. Altogether this accounts to approximately 43 different languages. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Mozambique). There are many religions in Mozambique but the 1997 census showed, 23.8% Catholics, 17.8% Muslims, 17.5% Zionist Christians, 17.8% other, 23.1% none (www.indexmundi.com/mozambique/religions.htm). 4.1.2. Tourism in Mozambique Mozambique is a country of contrasts and extreme beauty, with attractions ranging from crystalline beaches, nature reserves and parks, plenty of opportunities for fine adventure and business travel and a huge historic and cultural value which attract tourists from all over the world interested in adventure, leisure, business, ecotourism, religious tourism and others(MINTUR, 1999). The country is now investing on recovering of its wildlife, with a great variety of nature reserves, and its likewise devoting resources to tourism with a high quality hunting safaris, but at the same time working to develop greater awareness of the natural environment. In the towns and cities, a great diversity of history and culture is melded into the architecture and the pulse of daily history life can be felt from the bustle of the markets to the striking handicrafts, from the museums to the bars and restaurants (tourist guide, 2007). Due to its nature diversity composed by tropical and crystalline beaches, with hot water creating opportunities to practice fishing and aquatic sports, sub aquatic richness composed by varieties of species, animals, coral reefs and rich in archaeological finds with great ecological value is known as the Indian pearl (MINTUR, 1999) and considered one of the worlds new sanctuaries (tourist guide, 2007). 4.1.3. Tourism development in Mozambique Tourism has become regulated and supported by the colonial government in the second half of the 50ths with the creation of the first information and tourism centers and establishment of the first tourist zones. In this period the tourism was basically characterized by safari tourism with international character (around 50% of tourists were Americans) leading to regeneration of the campsite service to the detriment of the hotels. After the independence (in 1975) there was a great depression in national tourism industry as result of the difficult relationship with the two countries in the region which formed the main market (south Africa and Zimbabwe), lack of technician to plan and manage the tourism sector, the armed conflict that destroyed the tourist infrastructure as well as the flora and wildlife, and blocked access to communication and transportation. The tourism industry was basically constituted by international cooperation missions. The end of the civil war (in 1992) and the development of the structural adjustment program defined a restoration program for tourism sector considering tourism as a sector of maximization of foreign currency entry and job generation, to enhance regional development and distribute its benefits to all areas of the country as well as to project a prestigious image of Mozambique abroad and promote greater involvement of national enterprises in tourism undertakings. Due to the speed and decentralization in evaluation and approval of projects, improvement of security in business environment, resulting from the new program implementation, there was a rapid growth of investment in the sector, goods and services as well as travel agencies and promotion of national and domestic tourism campaigns. According to (MINTUR, 1999), the ministry of tourism is the central organ of the state which is responsible, in accordance with the principles, aims and tasks defined by the government, for the application of the policy for the tourism in the public, private and community domains. The tourism law, is the instrument used, was established bearing that Mozambique has tourism resources that place it in a favorable and competitive position in the regional and international tourism market, and considering that tourism needs to be developed in a sound, sustainable way in accordance with its cross cutting nature, recognizing tourisms eminently dynamic character in promoting jobs and generating foreign currency, and the need to bring existing legislation up to date, it is incumbent upon the state to update relevant legal instruments (MINTUR,1999). 4.1.4. Tourist zones Mozambique is very rich in natural resources (land, sea, fauna and flora). The type of land and climate has created three different varieties of vegetation, dense forestland in the high parts of north and centre of the country, woodland and savannah in the south and mangrove along the coastline. In terms of wildlife a variety of species can be found in these ecosystems as well as beautiful landscapes and views along the coast and in the higher mountainous areas (tourism guide, 1999). The tourist zones in Mozambique are subdivided into three (north, center and south) with different geophysics characteristics, socio economic development and tourist profiles (Salgado e Cravo, 1999). a) North (rich in cultural resources) With a unique identity in Southern Africa, the region is composed by Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa and Zambà ©zia provinces. (3) Due to its great touristy potential and tourism products which need to be exploited is called the Jewel of Tourism (2) Tourism is mainly concentrated in Nampula, Nacala and Pemba cities. (2) Is an exclusive destination for international and regional markets, with beaches and tropical islands, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing activities, with a strong cultural influence and Strong market opportunities for eco and hunting tourism (3) There is a growing interest by investors in new project infrastructure such as hotels, hostels, campsites and others. (3) The marine life and the beauty of probably one of the worlds most beautiful archipelagos, the Quirimbas archipelagos, the forest intact and extensive part of the Niassa Reserve and the unique biodiversity of Lake Niassa.(2) In this region, outstands, ilha de moà §ambique (mankind heritage by UNESCO), Ibo island (with a wonderful marine life), Quirimbas archipelago,Niassa reserve and Niassa lake (tourism guide, 1999) a) Mozambique island b) Mozambique island c) Niassa Lake d) Ibo island b) Center (rich in natural resources) Composed by Sofala, Manica and Tete provinces, this region is based on nature and wildlife, characterized by business facilities, beaches, exotic animals (is what really attracts tourists) around conservation and preservation of wild species areas. Its an exclusive destination for adventure tourism and ecotourism for specialized markets (Hiking, appreciation of birds, hunting, fishing, ecotourism) and important to the business market and sun, sand and sea tourism for domestic and regional markets (3) The city of Beira is the countrys second city and an important regional economic center. Its port plays an important role in linking Mozambique with Zimbabwe and other neighboring countries located in the center and the citys tourism is based on commerce and trade.(2) In this region highlights are, Gorongoza national park (was one of the most famous in southern Africa), Chimanimani and Marromeu reserves and, electrical barriers of Cahora Bassa and Chicamba Real (tourism guide, 1999). a) Gorongoza national park b) Gorongoza national park c) Electrical barrier of Cahora Bassa d) Electrical barrier of Chicamba Real c) South (rich in coastal and marine resources) Composed by Maputo, Maputo City, Gaza e Inhambane provinces,is a perfect national and regional destination for sun, sand and sea and water sports holidays (3). This region is benefiting from considerably higher levels of development and has the best infrastructure of the whole country and concentrates almost 50% of the national tourism (over 50% of the total of registered establishments and 65% of the total beds). With a vast coastline with beaches and tropical waters and marine resources of exceptional quality (3), and beautiful landscapes, the region is characterized by business and leisure tourism. Maputo concentrates business tourism, while leisure tourism basically composed by diving, eco-tourism and culture (3) is progressing satisfactorily in various parts of Maputo, Gaza and Inhambane provinces. (2) The tourist infrastructures in this region are accessible and of the most varied ranges.The beaches of Vilanculos, bazaruto,Bilene, Xai Xai, Macaneta are essential for a good family tourism, Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane are the major poles of attraction for watersports tourism practitioners and enthusiasts.(2) The fact that this part of the Mozambican tourist attractions have derived from the ecological environment, the occurrence of natural phenomena, reinforces the interest of tourists to know and enjoy the privilege of coming in contact with such beautiful landscapes.(3) The highlights are Limpopo National park, Bazaruto archipelago, and special elephants reserve (Tourism guide, 1999). a) Elephants reserve b) Limpopo national park c) Aechipelago of Bazaruto d) Aechipelago of Bazaruto 5. Literature review 5.1. Destination 5.1.1. Definition Destinations have emerged as the fundamental unit of analysis in tourism (WTO, 2002) and form pillar in any modeling of the tourism system as most tourism activities take place at the destination (Pike, 2005). A tourist destination is defined as a physical space where visitors spend at least one overnight (WTO) or as the focus of facilities and services designed to meet the needs of tourists (Cooper et al, 1998). It includes tourism products such as support services and attractions, and tourism resources within one days return travel. It has physical and administrative boundaries defining its management, and images and perceptions defining its market competitiveness (WTO). A tourist destination describes a geographical space which provides all parts of a destinations supply (attractions, amenities and access) to satisfy the needs of specific tourism segments during their vacation or it includes elements of the supply chain: accommodation and gastronomy, entertainment and leisure time amenities, transportation, information. While these services are delivered by different suppliers, they are offered to their consumers as one unit. The destinations dimension or size is perceived differently by the visitors depending on: its distance to the visitors place of origin, its popularity and image as well as the visitors travel experience (Kloiber ¼Ã…’2008). According to Buhalis (2000), it can be characterized as the six frameworks: Attractions (natural, man made, artificial, purpose built, heritage, special events) Accessibility ( entire transportation system comprising of routes, terminals and vehicles) Amenities (accommodation and cat