Written By Carter Gross
Giethoorn, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, beckons travelers to experience a unique and enchanting world where cars are replaced by canals and the pace of life slows to a leisurely drift. Known as the "Venice of the North," this picturesque village captures the essence of a bygone era, where thatched-roof cottages line the water's edge, and the only sounds that break the silence are the gentle lapping of water and the occasional quack of a passing duck.
Giethoorn stands as a testament to a simpler way of life. The absence of cars creates a haven of tranquility, allowing visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of modern living. As you navigate the waterways on a traditional punt or whisper-quiet electric boat, you'll be transported to a world where the stresses of traffic jams and honking horns are replaced by the soothing rhythm of paddles in the water.
One of the most captivating features of Giethoorn is its charming architecture. Thatched-roof cottages with colorful gardens flank the canals, creating a postcard-perfect scene at every turn. These centuries-old houses exude a timeless charm, and wandering along the narrow pathways, you will find yourself immersed in the rich history and culture that permeates every corner of the village
Giethoorn offers a range of activities for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, exploring the quaint shops and cafes that dot the landscape. Visit the Giethoorn Museum to delve deeper into the history of this unique water village. For those seeking a bit more excitement, rent a canoe or paddleboard and navigate the waterways at your own pace.
Rent a boat Geithoorn.net
The village is connected by a network of charming bridges that arch gracefully over the canals. Each bridge provides a unique vantage point for capturing the beauty of Giethoorn. Make sure to include snapshots of the vibrant flowers that adorn the bridges and gardens, adding pops of color to the serene surroundings.
No visit to Giethoorn is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating along the canals, providing a perfect setting to enjoy traditional Dutch dishes. Capture the essence of local flavors, whether it's freshly caught fish, cheese platters, or hearty Dutch pancakes.
Giethoorn's beauty changes with the seasons, making it a destination worth exploring year-round. Spring brings blooming flowers, while summer offers warm days for boating. Autumn paints the village in hues of red and gold, and winter transforms Giethoorn into a magical wonderland with frozen canals.
Giethoorn, with its car-free canals and storybook cottages, offers a tranquil escape into a world where time seems to stand still. The village's unique charm and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a break from the ordinary. So, set sail on the waterways of Giethoorn and let its timeless beauty capture your heart.
U.S. Department of State
In keeping with the Department of State’s commitment to facilitate legitimate travel to the United States, Secretary Blinken decided yesterday to apply several National Interest Exceptions to all regional travel restrictions currently in effect as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students seeking to commence studies in the fall, certain academics, journalists, and individuals who provide critical infrastructure support in countries affected by a geographic COVID-19 restriction may now qualify for a National Interest Exception. This includes qualified applicants who have been present in Brazil, China, Iran, or South Africa.
The pandemic continues to limit the number of visas our embassies and consulates abroad are able to process. As always, visa applicants should check the website of the nearest Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date information about visa appointment availability.
As the global situation evolves, the Department continues to seek ways to process more visa applications, in line with science-based guidance from health authorities, and with the health and safety of staff and applicants as our priority.
For more information, please visit U.S. Visas News page.
For press inquiries, please contact [email protected].
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.
We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions—like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces—in public places until we know more.
These recommendations can help you make decisions about daily activities after you are fully vaccinated. They are not intended for healthcare settings.
People are considered fully vaccinated:
If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.
If you’ve been fully vaccinated:
For now, if you’ve been fully vaccinated:
Until we know more about those questions, everyone—even people who’ve had their vaccines—should continue taking steps to protect themselves and others when recommended.
Updated Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Travel plans sometimes change and you may want a refund for a purchased airline ticket or other related services such as baggage or seat fees. This page contains useful information to determine whether you are entitled to a refund for air fare or services related to a scheduled flight.
In the following situations, passengers are entitled to a refund of the ticket price and/or associated fees.
In the following situations, passengers are not entitled to refunds except under very limited circumstances:
Note: While airlines are not required to issue a refund for non-refundable tickets, they are free to do so or they may issue a credit or travel voucher for future use on the airline. Airlines must also comply with the promises they make, and in some instances, they may be willing to offer passengers accommodations or other benefits that they are not required to provide. Contact the airline directly to inquire about additional accommodations or benefits.
What if I purchased or reserved my ticket through a travel agent or online travel agency?
The refund/reservation requirement for airlines does not apply to tickets booked through online travel agencies, travel agents, or other third-party agents. However, these agents are free to apply the same or similar procedures to provide equivalent or similar customer service.
If you purchased your ticket through an online travel agency (or other agent), you should contact the travel agent directly to obtain a refund before contacting the airline.
How quickly is an airline, travel agent, or online travel agency required to process a refund?
If a passenger is owed a refund, an airline, travel agent, or online travel agency must process it within seven business days if the passenger paid by credit card, and 20 business days if the passenger paid by cash or check.
All of the CalWORKs and Alternative Payment Programs described below provide vouchers for families to obtain care in licensed child care centers, licensed family child care homes, or license-exempt care. The family may choose the type of care that their child receives.
CalWORKs Stage One Child Care
This program provides child care to CalWORKs families when they first become employed or engaged welfare-to-work activities. CDSS administers the Stage One child care program through the county welfare departments.
CalWORKs Stage Two Child Care
CalWORKs families move to this program when the county welfare departments (CWD) determines they are stable. The CWDs have the flexibility to determine when a family’s situation is stable. Families remain in Stage Two until they have been off cash aid for two years. The California Department of Education contracts with Alternative Payment Program agencies to administer this program.
CalWORKs Stage Three Child Care
Families that have exhausted two years of CalWORKs Stage Two child care transition to Stage Three. This program provides care as long as funding is available and the family remains eligible. The California Department of Education contracts with the Alternative Payment Program agencies, which administer this program.
Alternative Payment Program
This program is also funded by California Department of Education through contracts with the Alternative Payment Programs (APPs). The APPs may also contract with the county welfare department to administer Stage One Child Care. The APPs help eligible families arrange child care services and pays for those services directly to the child care provider. The APPs also support families and providers by offering assistance and consumer information about various services and resources available to them.
All direct contracts for subsidized child care are administered through the California Department of Education (CDE). The CDE contracts directly with child care centers and Family Child Care Home Education Networks for a fixed number of child care slots. Title 5 contracted programs must meet Title 5 and Title 22 regulations. However Title 5 regulations require more stringent ratio and staff qualification than Title 22 programs.
The Direct Service Contract Types are listed below:
Aug. 18, 2020
Prescription co-payments often lead to significant out-of-pocket costs for older adults.
Several programs from the federal and state government, as well as drug manufacturers, may help you save money on prescriptions.
The average person with Medicare spends over $600 on prescriptions each year. If you have multiple chronic conditions, chances are you’re paying even more. Affording your medications can be expensive, but there are programs that can help you save money.
If you or a loved one has Medicare, the first benefit to consider is Part D Extra Help. This program from Social Security and Medicare helps save money on Part D drug plan premiums and co-payments at the pharmacy. To get Extra Help, you must have low income and resources. Learn more from Social Security.
Don’t qualify for Extra Help? Your state may also have savings programs. Currently, 20 states offer a State Prescription Assistance Program (SPAP) to people who meet certain age, disability, chronic condition, and/or income requirements. SPAPs may help pay your premiums, deductibles, or medication co-payments.
Sometimes you can save money on medications by shopping around for different Medicare coverage. From October 15 to December 7 each year is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which allows people with Medicare to join, switch, or leave Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
Here are three ways you can find out what coverage may suit your needs:
You’ve probably seen commercials for medications on TV that end with, “If you have trouble affording your medication, Drug Company may be able to help.” That assistance comes from Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs), which are run by drug manufacturers to offer free or discounted brand-name medications to consumers. PAPs may be especially helpful to those who lack insurance coverage or have significant medication costs.
Most of the major manufacturers offer PAPs and related resources for people who take their medications. For example, Pfizer’s RxPathways program connects people to insurance support, co-pay assistance, and medicines for free or at a savings. Other PAPs are offered by Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and several foundations that provide disease-specific assistance, such as for people with diabetes. (Note: Some of these programs may have limitations for people with other Medicare drug coverage.)
Several national charity programs exist that can help people with Medicare afford their medications. Many of these specifically focus on assisting people with chronic conditions and rare diseases. Get a list of programs and links to their eligibility criteria.
NCOA’s free, confidential tool BenefitsCheckUp.org can help you screen for all of the major PAPs, SPAPs, and Part D Extra Help. BenefitsCheckUp® also can identify other programs that may allow you to free up money in your budget—from taxes to food to home utilities and more.
Many individuals and families in the San Diego region face financial obstacles that prevent them from a healthy and quality life. We can help people access financial assistance and public benefits to help them get back on their feet. Call 2-1-1 to learn more about available resources.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable cash-back tax credit for low-income working families and individuals. It is one of the most effective tools in America to lift families out of poverty.
California joined 24 other states and the District of Columbia to adopt a state EITC, known as CalEITC, to supplement the federal EITC. In its first year, the CalEITC boosted the income of about 385,000 people, who received close to $200 million from the credit. If you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under the age of 6, you may be eligible for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC).
Eligibility for both the federal and state EITC is based on your earned income and you must file a tax return to qualify, whether you are required to or not. For tax year 2020, families and individuals who earned wages or self-employment income up to $30,000 may qualify for CalEITC. If your wages are more than $30,000, you may still be eligible for the federal EITC.
Review the chart below to see how much you may get when you file your tax year 2020 return.
| Number of qualifying children | California maximum income | CalEITC (up to) | IRS EITC (up to) |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | $30,000 | $243 | $538 |
| 1 | $30,000 | $1,626 | $3,584 |
| 2 | $30,000 | $2,691 | $5,920 |
| 3 or more | $30,000 | $3,027 | $6,660 |
The Young Child Tax Credit was introduced in tax year 2019. If you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under the age of 6 as of the end of the tax year, you may qualify for up to $1,000 through this credit.
Don’t pay to have your taxes prepared! If you earned less than $66,000 in 2020, call 2-1-1 to schedule a no-cost tax assistance appointment at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site! Due to COVID-19, additional safety protocols will be in place at in-person sites. Select sites will also offer drop-off and drive-up services.
Visit https://www.myfreetaxes.org/online for free online self-filing. There is no income limit to file online.
Effective January 1, 2020, California residents must maintain minimum essential health care coverage for themselves and their dependents. You may have to pay a penalty when filing your tax return unless you have minimum essential health care coverage.
Subsidies are available through Covered California and we can help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Updated Mar. 9, 2021
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.
We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions in public places like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces until we know more.
People are considered fully vaccinated:
If it has been less than 2 weeks since your shot, or if you still need to get your second dose, you are NOT fully protected. Keep taking all prevention steps until you are fully vaccinated.
If you’ve been fully vaccinated:
For now, if you’ve been fully vaccinated:
Until we know more about those questions, everyone — even people who’ve had their vaccines — should continue taking basic prevention steps when recommended.
Want to learn more about these recommendations? Read our expanded Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People, and corresponding Science Brief, and recommendations for healthcare providers.
Washington (CNN) The Department of Homeland Security plans to begin requesting social media information on applications for immigration benefits and foreign travel to the US, an expansion of data collection already taking place.
Tammy Searle
Instructor
After you spend a few minutes with Tammy it will become apparent that she enjoys teaching any aspect of technology or safety.
Tammy has been an entrepreneur for 24 years and is nationally recognized as a Child and Senior advocate.
Since 2011, she has worked with various cruise lines to teach passengers across the globe.
Tammy has traveled to nearly 50 countries teaching internet safety, travel safety and technology classes. During these travels, she has gained quite a bit of insight and knowledge about the concern for personal safety Worldwide.
She takes her hands-on experience to create extremely informative courses.
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