THE WHATS AND HOWS OF HAPPINESS

Although people differ in their views of what makes them happy, there are some universal situations that might give us an immense pleasure. And I am not talking about money, it is simplier than that. Any idea?

On top of everything, our families and friends are the most important people we need to be in touch with in the different moments of our lives, either good or bad. They are the ones that don´t let us feel alone by providing emotional support, which is priceless. Secondly, our beloved ones teach us that helping others, as they do with us, uplifts a person´s spirit like nothing else does. Doing something for nothing is a highly rewarding experience.

Personal and professional success also has a fundamental importance for our happiness. It will make us feel self-confident, willing to take risks and eager to try new experiences. Thus, we will have a positive attitude towards life. Another source of happiness is freedom, as it gives us the absolute right to do what we really want, say what we really think and make our own decisions.

So, after concluding that not everything is materialism, that happiness and pleasure can be found in even the simplest and most intangible everyday life moments: At the end of your work day, would you choose to make extra hours or to spend some time with your friends at the pub?

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

It is the 1940s. She is wearing a polka dot knee-length dress. When he gets home from work in the evening, everything is spick-and-span. She has already laid the table and a warm dinner is awaiting them. Mamy years separate us now from those days. However, have things really changed?

On the one hand, some people believe it it women´s duty to stay at home and juggle woth whisks, baby battles, books, a cell phone, a hair dryer and diskettes. In other words, they are supposed to keep the house and bring up the children; they have to be intellectual, and they should, as well, be available at all times, and pretty and modern. And, as if all this was not enough, they are expected to have their husband´s dinner ready by the time they arrive.

On the other hand, there are those who think that women have the right to have a job, too. And this is what many couples do these days. They leave their kids in the hands of nanny most of the day while they go out and make money ( to support the home and family ). In fact, many kids claim that their parents have no time for them. It is childminders who raise them, playing the part of parents.

In the era of sexual equality, it would be somewhat of an anachronism to expect women to stay at home raising the kids ans feel rewarded. It is up to each couple to strike a balance between professional duties and house chores.

PARADISE CITY


However old you are, and whichever your interests are, there is no way you can miss the charm of this city. Jaw-dropping scenery, relaxed, cheerful lifestyle, surprisingly warm people: there is no place that matches the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

The picturesque city is situated in the west of the United States, more precisely, in the centre of California. Its crystal clear water and the impressive mountains surrounding it, give an incredible view, and provide its visitors with a great number of sports to practise all year round: skiing and snowboarding are the winter favourites, and aficionados have a wide variety of ski resorts to choose from; trecking, mountain climbing, horse-back riding and mountain biking start appearing in spring, together with the sweet-smelling flowers and exotic birds. Summer comes on July 21st, and with it do rafting, kayak, diving, kite-surf and wakeboard. Colourful trees and falling leaves indicate it's time for bears to start hibernating, and for people to replace swimming suits for pullovers.

If you are not a sportsperson, there are many other activities you can engage in. If you don't feel like exercising, or if the weather isn't superb, you can go to the cinema, the casinos, or bowling, or enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many international cuisine restaurants.

The people in Tahoe are really friendly, helpful and trustworthy. Not only would you be surrounded by 'gringos', but also, and mainly, by people from all over the world. This would enable you to learn about various different cultures, and make friends you wouldn't make elsewhere.

All in all, Lake Tahoe, with its incomparable wildlife, its variety of activities, and its mixture of cultures, makes a great place to visit, and even (why not?) to live in.