A luxury safari itinerary for October/November 2008

Day 1

Depart at 2130 from London's Gatwick Airport on the Air Namibia flight SW386 travelling in Business Class to Windhoek.

Days 2 and 3 

Arrive at 0745 and connect with a scheduled light aircraft flight to Wolwedans Boulders Camp where you stay for two nights (inclusive of meals and activities).

On Day 2 you will be taken on a scenic flight over the expansive dunes of Sossusvlei.

The Namib Rand Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful desert regions in Africa with a marvellous diversity of desert landscapes set in a brilliant range of colours. The reserve seems to have drawn elements of some of Namibias most spectacular scenery within its borders and you can see touches of the apricot-coloured Sossusvlei dunes, the haunting beauty of the Skeleton Coast and the red sands of the Kalahari in this privately owned conservation area.  Altogether the area is 180,000 hectares, restricted to thse staying at Wolwedans Lodges.

The Nature Reserve is a conservation area which the owners are careful to protect and within it live a wide range of beautiful creatures inclured bat-eared fox, spotted hyena, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, red hartebeest and African wildcats amongst others. The beautiful ranges of dunes have fascinating desert adapted vegetation and the area has over a 100 species of birds.

Wolwedans Boulders Camp is a remote and extremely exclusive camp, accommodating just eight guests in four huge tented rooms each with comfortable furniture, en-suite bathrooms and spectacular views out across the miles of surrounding desert.  the spacious main area has a lounge and dining area and a superb open fireplace where guests can relax and in the evening discussing stories of the days events.  The guides at Wolwedans are highly qualified and particularly knowledgeable about the conservation aspects of the Reserve and will take you around it in specially adapted 4x4 vehicles and on nature walks.  You can also enjoy a hot air balloon ride at dawn or a scenic light aircraft flight over the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei.

Days 4 to 7

After your morning activity you will be returned to the airstrip where you board a scenic light aircraft flight to the Skeleton Coast Camp where you stay for four nights (inclusive of meals and activities).

The Skeleton Coast Camp is one of the most remote in Africa, located in the heart of the six hundred thousand acre Skeleton Coast Park which runs south from the Angolan border down the Atlantic Coastline.  The camp comprises of seven spacious tented rooms with proper beds, furniture and en-suite bathroom set on "an island" in a beautiful dry river bed.  A huge leadwood tree has been used as part of an open air dining room and the landscape around the camp is typical of the wilderness of the area, surrounded by great white dunes.  There is a spacious lounge/dining room with a library, big armchairs, historic photographs and a single dining table where guests dine with their guides, recounting the days adventures.

The Skeleton Coast was an area much feared by seafarers who were regularly driven onto the shore by the onshore winds, confused by the dense fogs caused by the cold Antarctic current and as you stand on the utterly deserted coastline as the Atlantic breakers crash in, you can imagine the sense of desolation they must have felt, and can still see the remains of the shipwrecks littering the coastline, together with huge seal colonies.  One such colony, at Cape Frio, has 30,000 seals, which line the shores as far as the eye can see.

Although the landscape is utterly remote, the temperatures are consistently between 25 and 30 degrees celcius - very pleasant and as you explore the rich, diverse desert scenery, your expert guides uncover a wealth of natural history.

Each day you will spend most of the day exploring the National Park, on one day travelling north towards teh Angolan border and on another, for example, travelling almost the entire length of the spectacular Hoarusib River Canyon.  The scenery is by some margin, the most spectacularly beautiful in Namibia and every hour you will encounter some new scenic marvel.  Most of the time you will be travelling inland, passing giant mountain ranges, and at other times being driven across multi-coloured sweeping dunescapes where the different rock minerals have created sands of starkly varying colours at times resembling a "giant whipped cream dessert".

Part of your time will be spent travelling down the Hoarusib River Gorge with its amazing geology; causing dramatic, near vertical fault lines, partially covered in bright yellow sand fringed with vegetation which clings to life brought by the tiny amount of river water.

The sight of majestice desert elephant, giraffe or oryx in this starkly beautiful desert environment seems incongruous and your first thought will be why animals should even attempt to live in such a difficult environment.  However, they are in excellent condition and over centuries have learnt to thrive.  Part way down the Hoarusib Gorge you encounter astonishing "clay castles" - towering clay deposits which resemble in their shapes and height, cathedrals that have eroded bit by bit at times over the millennia by the 5mm of rain which falls each year.

Days 8 to 10

After your morning activity you will be returned to the airstrip where you board a light aircraft flight to Damaraland where you stay for three nights in the suite at mowani Mountain Camp (inclusive of meals and activities).

The Uniab delta is one of the few rivers running to the Skeleton Coast and is a beautiful green haven for birds and wildlife in tihis otherwise dry desert area. You will be able to explore the delat by vehicle and on foot before heading inland to the fascinating mountain deserts of Damaraland.

Nestling among the rugged boulders on a ridge that provides panaramic views over teh surrounding area, mowani creates the impression of an African village.

Accommodation is in twelve beautifully decorated twin bedded en-suite tents with eco-friendly solar lighting and furnishing designed especially for comfort and convenience. The luxury tents are a great source of relaxation.  Comfortably hidden in your own private hide-away, you will be pampered by crisp white linen, en-suite bathrooms and of course, your own wooden deck offering an open view of the wonderful Damara landscape.  There is a poll deck lodged between boulders and the boma provides a place for a sundowner or discussions around the campfire.

There are plenty of ways to relax at Mowani Mountain Camp.  Discover the pool deck, lodged between the boulders where you can soak up the sun whilst enjoying a refreshing drink and admiring breathtaking views.  Adventures and activities available at Mowani include hot air ballooning, drives in search of the elusive desert elephant and black rhino and hiking through magnificent scenery.

Staying at Mowani Mountain Camp, a traveller can easily join in an excursion to explore the historical site of Twyfelfontein.  Twyfelfontein is a rare example of Bushmen engravings and paintings occuring at the same site.  This wonderful archaeological site offers more than 2,500 engravings as well as various paintings and is probably the finest example of rock engravings in Southern Africa.

Days 11 to 13

After your morning activity you will be returned to the airstrip where you board a light aircraft to The Fort in Onguma Game Reserve where you stay for three nights (inclusive of meals and activities).

The Fort is located on Fishers Pan on the private 20,000 hectare Onguma Nature Reserve just to the east of the Etosha National Park.  The reserve is scenically attractive with large expanses of open savannah grassland dotted with desert adapted trees.   The permanent waterholes of the reserve provide a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife including attractive giraffe with eland, hartebeest, oryx, kudu and impala gathering in good sized herds particulalry at the end of the dry season.  The reserve also has giraffe, zebra and pre-historic black rhinoceros which have recently returned to the reserve after an absence of many years.  All the plains game and antelope attract the attentions of the local big cats and cheetah, leopard and lion are all frequently seen.  In addition to the game viewing on the private reserve which can be carried out with Onguma's expert guides by semi-open vehicle both during the day and at night, and on foot you can also venture into the main Etosha National Park with its shimmering salt pan and abundant wildlife which includes large populations of elephant.

The Fort is the most luxurious property in the Onguma game reserve and accommodates guests in twelve spacious suites wath an en-suite bathroom including an indoor and outdoor shower and a large deck area where guests can relax in between with exciting game viewing activities.  Stone features heavily in the decor at The Fort with superb grey and brown furnishings and the rooms and main area at the lodge draw their character from their natural surroundings.  In the local Herero language, Onguma means, "the place you don't want to leave" and the combination of natural beauty, exciting game viewing, luxurious accommodation and unparalleled service that guests experience at The Fort leaves them agreeing wholeheartedly with this statement.

Days 14 and 15

After your morning activity you will be returned to the airstrip where you board a light aircraft flight to Serra Cafema where you stay for two nights (inclusive of meals and activities).

Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in southern Africa, located right on the banks of the fast flowing Kunene River which forms the boundary between Namibia and Angola whose big black rugged monutains give the camp its name.

Serra Cafema is set in a haven of beautiful old albida trees and luxuriant vegetation and the shade of the trees, the abundant birdlife and the sound of the river rapid create a relaxing and attractive environment from which to explore the fascinating desert landscapes.

You can explore Kunene by boat, you can go walking along the banks of the Kunene and in neighbouring valleys and can take quad bike excursions across the fragile dunescapes, all in the company of highly expert desert guides.  To move further afield the camp is equipped with desert adapted four wheel drive vehicles which take you across magnificent multi coloured ranges of sand dunes with razor sharp edges and provide opportunities to visit little oasis where smaller desert adapted animals can be seen.  It is also possible to visit one of the statements of Himba tribes' people who for centuries have adapted their lives to survive among these harsh landscapes with their flocks of goats and deep understanding of the ways of surviving and even flourishing in the extreme north of Namibia.

The accommodation at Serra Cafema has been completely refurbished during 2007 and comprise of immensely spacious tented suites, each set on a raised wooden deck with a cooling thatched roof, large bed, comfortable furniture including armchairs on the veranda and full en-suite w.c. and shower.  The very attractive setting makes Serra Cafema an ideal place for a relaxing desert hideaway, yet there is also a great deal to do here and it is somewhere you can delve into the fascinating living deserts of Namibia.

Day 16

After spending the day at leisure you will be returned to the airstrip where you board a light aircraft flight to Windhoek.  Arrive and connect with the flight SW385, departing at 1940 travelling in Business Class to London's Heathrow Airport.

Day 17

Arrive at 0555 (local time)

Alle 15.30 arriviamo a Ferrara (anticipo per accaparrarsi la posizione in prima fila sotto Paul Banks). Propongo di passare dietro al Castello, prima di andare agli ingressi e iniziare la lunghissima fila.

Sulla via incrociamo due tipi vestiti di nero, occhiali da sole, cappelli con tesa eleganti, uno dei due alto, con una canottiera che lascia intravedere una carnagione chiarissima. Io e la mia amica ci guardiamo, un sospetto ci accomuna. Questa gente viene dal backstage, e quello alto dei due assomiglia proprio... proprio a... LUI.

Non convinti tiriamo dritto, ed entriamo in piazza. Tuttavia ci coglie subito un rimorso. Pensiamo all'unisono, CHE CAVOLO, ERA LUI! Istantaneo il dietro front, ci mettiamo all'inseguimento. Scorgiamo i due men in black nei pressi di un bar. Stanno entrando. Corriamo.

Giungiamo davanti al bar. Ci passiamo davanti due o tre volte, sbirciando dentro. Si è levato gli occhiali. I due occhi turchese che sono emersi non mentono: si tratta di Paul Banks in persona, a pochi centimetri da noi!

Intanto cu accorgiamo che un ragazzo e una ragazza romani stanno facendo pressocchè quello che facciamo noi, e lei ci chiede: "è lui?", e io: "sì, è lui, che si fa?" - "entriamo?" - "certo che entriamo!!".

Entriamo in quattro nel bar. I due musicisti non si sconvolgono e continuano indisturbati a ingerire caffè e pizzette. Irrompo nella scena con un fatidico "Excuse me... Mr Banks?". Si gira. E' fatta. I suoi occhi turchese si posano su di noi. "Yes!" fa lui.

Prende le redini del discorso la ragazza romana: "If I pay you this -indica la pizzetta- can you take a photo with me? I'm not a stalker!" Paul sorride incredulo. "Maybe I got too much sun on my head", continua lei. Mi sa che il sole lo ha preso davvero, e decidiamo per il suo bene di interromperla.

Paul si dimostra subito molto disponibile, e accontenta dapprima la ragazza. Poi è il turno della mia amica. Il cantante le chiede: "Ma la foto la devo fare io a te, o noi due insieme?". Direi che la fama che si porta dietro di uomo quasi asociale è subito cancellata, si mette addirittura a far battute! Arriva il mio turno, mi posiziono accanto a lui, vado per allungare la mia macchina fotografica alla mia amica, ma Paul me la strappa di mano: "Don't worry, let me do it. I'm quite good at such things". Ci rimango secco. Dirige l'obiettivo verso noi due, e scatta una foto perfettamente centrata e messa a fuoco.

Dopodiché Paul e l'altro prendono le loro cose e si siedono ai tavolini all'esterno. I ragazzi romani ringraziano e tornano in piazza. Noi restiamo al bar a chiacchierare emozionati con la barista. Anche lei, donna sulla cinquantina, li aveva identificati, confrontandoli con il volantino del Bands Apart.

Siamo sfacciati, e la mia amica decidere di prendere il suo caffè (dopo due Red Bull che aveva già ingurgitato), e di prenderlo proprio al tavolino esterno, poco più in là di Paul & Friend. Li ascoltiamo parlare pacatamente (in realtà è solo Paul a parlare, voce bassa e distesa, sigaretta alla mano. L'altro si limita ad ascoltare ed annuire). Paul parla di musica, di canzoni, di Busta Rhymes (Busta Rhymes?? Questa alla prossima me la dovrà spiegare). Noi intanto chiamiamo amici e parenti, per spargere la notizia.

Tuttavia non siamo soddisfatti. Vogliamo l'autografo. Siamo già attrezzati, perché a casa speravamo nell'evento: abbiamo carta e penna. Ci alziamo e ci dirigiamo al tavolo. La mia amica imbarazzatissima rivolge ugualmente la parola a Paul "Excuse me... don't kick me!", ma Paul è sempre disponibilissimo. Gli porge carta e pennarello, lui le chiede come si chiama, e le scrive il nome, seguito dall'autografo. Finalmente ci presenta il suo accompagnatore: ce lo introduce come Former Dave (si scriverà così?), tastierista in prestito alla band. Già che ci siamo facciamo firmare anche a lui. Stessa procedura per me, stringiamo le mani ai musicisti, diciamo che è un vero piacere conoscerli, e ci si vede allo show.

E scappiamo via, imbarazzati, emozionati, deliziati, estasiati.

Our first topic for this new publication is going to be copyright and instructional materials, but our runner-up was LibGuides. And because I'm also interested in LibGuides, I'm going to do a quick focus post on 'em.

If you don't know about LibGuides, they're a proprietary turnkey system for creating web-based research guides, created by a company called Springshare. They allow librarians to quickly and easily add Facebook applications, YouTube videos, meebo (web-based chat) widgets, polls, a rating system for suggested resources, and other neat things to their web pages. Overall, the idea is to make library web pages more interactive and user-friendly, while removing the technological burden from non-techy librarians. This is not a free service (annual licenses run from $899 to $2499), and the pages are hosted by LibGuides, not the library. (Although they say they're willing to talk if you really want to do your own hosting.)

You can see some examples of library research guides created using LibGuides here.

A selective list of readings includes...

• The Librarian in Black blog post
  Sarah bullet-points a lot of the key functions of the tool, and nutshells it as a "swanky-looking wiki with a lot of open source features pulled all together in one place." A good starter post for anyone considering the LibGuides option.
• Library Support Staff blog post
  More critical of the pricing model for the tool. "This, to me, is packaging Library 2.0 like a database subscription." Which, good point. However, I'm pretty sure there are libraries who are willing to pay for the convenience that LibGuides offers, or who don't have Systems departments that can host and support all the features that LibGuides offers. Those libraries might accept the cost. (Though I hope they'd also put some money into training their staff to do these things for free in future.) Also critical of some of the fine print in the license agreements (with a link.) To their credit, Springshare addresses some of these points in the comments.
• BiblioTechWeb blog post
  Much more enthusiastic review of the tool. Scott is very happy with the way LibGuides interfaces with Facebook tools, which is sort of a mixed bag for me. (My last "Focus on..." post was about Facebook, and included some research showing that students don't want to use FB for research, they want to use it for gossip. Also, I keep seeing articles saying that FB is already getting old, so I'm not sure it's the technology I'd want to tie to.) Scott works at a library that has actually used LibGuides, so he has hands-on experience.
• "Beyond HTML: Developing and re-imagining library web guides in a content management system" in Library Hi Tech, 24(1), 2006
  I skimmed, I admit! A case study of using a CMS to create web guides at Georgia State University Library, and a good overview of why libraries should move toward using a CMS (or similar tool) for publishing their subject guides. Essentially: consistent look & feel, clearer information architecture, no skill barrier for publishers, reusability of content, and usually version control and good customization. Georgia State moved from the Wild West of Front Page to the more civilized climate of a homegrown CMS after doing a comparison of several licensed and open source CMS providers. I don't want to stray too far into CMS territory here, but for any librarian who wants to understand a bit more about why CMS = good (or what CMS = at all), this is good background reading to compare with what Springshare is offering.
• Oregon State University's open-source alternative (ICAP)
  Look at that, someone's gone ahead and made a free, open-source LibGuides tool! I have no idea why I haven't heard more about this project. ICAP stands for Interactive Course Assignment Pages. My one nitpick (and it's minor!) is that while the ICAP site looks great, it's maybe pitched a little toward tech-savvy Systems librarians who know why "Uses the MVC pattern" is a benefit (?), when in reality it's non-tech-savvy subject librarians who are going to be the real drivers on using the tool. Be sure to check out their Publications page, too, for more about the project.
• Creating a Library Database Page with Drupal
  Okay, this one's a little more tech-y, but again, it's an interesting alternative to the LibGuides model. Leo Klein screencasts the process of setting up a resource page (he calls it a "library database page," which is confusing to me--he means a page that lists licensed databases, so basically a research guide) in Drupal, an open-source CMS. Too much detail for most viewers who aren't actively pursuing Drupal solutions right now, but still interesting as a way of getting the under-the-hood view of managing sites with Drupal.

A tale mancanza sopperisce un'utilissima estensione del browser Firefox, Linkification. Essa è in grado di trasformare tutti gli url che si presentano sotto forma di testo in veri e propri link ipertestuali (direttamente cliccabili) in maniera totalmente trasparente all'utente, contestualmente al caricamento della pagina che li contiene. Non sarà più necessario quindi selezionare l'url e trascinarlo o copiarlo nella barra degli indirizzi. E' estremamente comoda, leggera e funzionale ed effettua (se l'opzione correlata è attiva) conversioni anche di url contenenti protocolli non direttamente trattabili dai browser (ad esempio, ed2k://) per poterli aprire all'interno di programmi specifici mediante un semplice click del mouse e ultimo, ma non meno importante, l'hyperlink generato rispetterà lo stile dei css della pagina senza creare antiestetici effetti nella sua visualizzazione!

Scaricate ed installate l'estensione collegandovi a questa pagina.

With no particular agenda in mind, I'm doing the first one on Facebook. So, here we have it:

Focus on...Facebook

Bisson, C. "What does Facebook matter to libraries?" Maison Bisson. January 30, 2006.
Asks how well existing library services serve students in Facebook.

Bumgarner, B. "You have been poked: Exploring the uses and gratifications of Facebook among emerging adults." First Monday 12, 11-5, Nov 2007.
The abstract concludes with the delightfully frank observation, "Essentially, Facebook appears to operate primarily as a tool for the facilitation of gossip."

Charnigo, L. & Barnett-Ellis, P. "Checking out Facebook.com: The impact of a digital trend on academic libraries." Information Technology and Libraries. 26:2, March 2007, 23-34.
Link to UCB resource; requires log-in. Haven't read this one yet. From the abstract: "This article reports on a survey of 126 academic librarians concerning their perspectives toward Facebook.com, an online network for students."

The ECAR study of undergraduate students and information technology, 2007
Check out the full study link, and do a quick search on "Facebook." 80% of students use social networking tools daily, but most prefer not to use them for work or school. Student quote: "It would be crossing the line for my advisor or instructors to find me on Facebook. But it's open to everyone!"

Kroski, E. Top ten Facebook apps for libraries, part 1. iLibrarian. August 1, 2007.
Includes apps for Slideshare, Libguides, MyFlickr, the UIUC Facebook app that lets users search the library catalog and databases from inside FB. Edit the URL to get parts two and three.

Lupsa, C. "Facebook: A campus fad becomes a campus fact." The Christian Science Monitor. Dec 13, 2006.
Includes a sidebar history of Facebook and poll results on students' opinions on FB privacy issues.

Stephens, M. "Social networking services." Library Technology Reports. 43: 5, Sep/Oct 2007, 45-51.
Link to UCB resource; requires log-in. Gives an overview of MySpace, Facebook, Ning, and Hennepin County PL's Bookspace. Gives practical suggestions for what a library can do to start offering services in FB or another social networking tool.

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http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/library/asapinfo/

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Fixed cables are being installed in the Laptop areas in the Auchmuty Foyer and in the AIC which will mean that lending of laptop cables can eventually be phased out.

Connecting your laptop to the wired or wireless network does not enable printing to the network printers or access to applications loaded on the lab PCs or MACs - it provides INTERNET ACCESS ONLY.

For more information see http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/it/labs/laptop.html
or
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/it/wireless/index.html

The Cultural Collections  is situated on level 2 of the Auchmuty Library. It is the home of the historical and cultural memory of the University and its regional context. Our opening hours are 9.00 - 5.00pm Monday to Friday. You can also locate University Theses and Handbooks.

You can read more on their UoN Cultural Collections Blog page which you access here on the right hand  side.

Describe your product and how it works.
The Bear Hug Ring Sling is a basic design ring sling that works well for people new to babywearing who are looking for a carrier that is easy to use and versatile.

Are there any special design features?
With a gathered shoulder, it allows the wearer to gain maximum comfort when wearing, no matter the size of the bub. Each ring sling has a pocket built into the tail that is perfect for holding keys/wallet/phone etc. when popping in and out of shops.

What age/weight baby is this product suitable for? From birth to toddler (aprox. 16kgs)

What type of wearer would you recommend this product to?
Anyone who is after a carrier that is easy to use. Our ring slings are also perfect for the family who wants both mum & dad to be able to use the same sling.

Are there any sizing issues buyers need to be aware of before purchasing? As our Ring Sling is a one size fits most, there is no need to be too concerned about fit.

Any other details to add?
Our Ring Slings are made of 100% cotton drill in a range of colours. Each sling comes with a glossy photo instruction booklet to help our customers better understand the joy of babywearing!

Website:  http://www.bearhugbaby.com.au

Tell us a little about your business/products.
Bear Hug Baby has a wide range of carriers for babies through to toddlers. Ring Slings, Pouches, Wraps & Square Tais. We also carry other babywearing accessories such as Baby Legs & the Tummy 2 Tummy Babywearing DVD.

When did you start your business?
BHB has been running for just over 3 years. We made our very first sale in July 2004.

Tell us how you discovered babywearing and what impact it’s had on you.
When our daughter was born, I knew I would need something to help me get out and about with both her and our son. Our son, Connor is autistic, and having both hands free is very important.

When our first daughter was a baby, wearing her was the only way I was able to get around daily tasks with Connor, as well as get him & myself out of the house. I did some more reasearch on what was available as Rhiannon got heavier, and found a serious lack of products available in Australia, so set about making them myself.

What led you to start your business?
I kind of just stumbled across the business side of things really. I got requests from friends, & then friends of friends, and it just blossomed from there.

What motivates you in your business and what makes it enjoyable for you?
Being at home with my 3 kids is the most motivating factor. The most enjoyable thing is receiving emails/phone calls/letters from customers thanking us for helping them out. I love to hear the little stories that my customers have to tell me of how babywearing has saved their sanity!

What do you find challenging about producing and/or selling baby carriers? Keeping up with demand is getting way too much. We are currently in the process of expanding quite a bit, and finding the right people to help us has been a challenge in itself.

What is the best thing about babywearing for you?
I love being close to my baby! I love that she can sleep soundly on me, or happily chat away when I'm working, out and about or tending to the other kids. She doesn't miss out on a thing because she is always right there in the thick of it!

Do you have any other special interests or causes?
BHB has recently signed up with the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation here in Brisbane, to donate $2 from every sale to their Working Wonders Foundation. We have spent quite a bit of time in the hospital with Connor over the past 6 years, so this is our way of giving something back.

What do you get up to in a typical day?
After getting Connor off to the therapy centre or school, the daily task of answering emails, processing orders & returning phone calls is always first. Then it's onto making up or packaging orders and usually a trip to the post office. There is always time squeezed in for playing with a bit of play dough, finger painting, baking & outside play. That is my favourite part of the day :-D

Describe your product and how it works.
The Baby ring sling has a  special shoulder fold, which is anatomicall for wearers shoulder.  It has a pocket as well, and a toy loop.

Are there any special design features?
100Knots Ring Slings are anatomically designed for mum and baby.  The shoulder part is specially made to cup the mother's shoulder while the rings perfectly fit in the hollow under the mum's shoulder.  That specially developed and registered unique shoulder design that enables sling to perfectly mould into wearers body is a trademark that distinguishes 100Knots Ring Sling from other quality carriers.

It also features pocket on the front side, so you can easily carry it to the store as both: baby carrier and a purse! Our sling has an inbuilt loop as well which can be used for carrying the dummy or a toy within an easy reach for the baby.

What age/weight baby is this product suitable for?
All products are suitable from birth to age of 4 or up to 16 kg.

What type of wearer (lifestyle, personality etc) would you recommend
 this product to?
They are suitable for any lifestyle. For busy mums, for hiking, shopping, home use...

Are there any sizing issues buyers need to be aware of?
Ring sling is one size fits all.

Davvero un video chiaro ed immediato.

Some rooms are equipped for rehearsing presentations or group viewing of DVDs, others have whiteboards for group brainstorming.

For more information go to the Room Bookings page

Describe your product and how it works.

Each picanini pouch is made up in good quality strong cotton fabrics, fully lined with soft muslin lining. It is tubular in design and comes with 'how to fit' instruction and presented in a little cloth bag for easy storage.

Are there any special design features?

I have made it adjustable by using a unique ajustable feature (invented by me) so it can be worn by both Mum & Dad with one simple easy to do adjustment.

What age/weight baby is this product suitable for?

Depends on baby....but it's best to introduce baby to a picanini straight away. The best part being that the baby feels secure next to Mum or Dad's heart in a loving "cradled position" and will sleep quite peacefully while the wearer can get on with things (hands free).   It is possible to place baby in a sitting position in the sling on the hip once baby can hold up it's head.   But then the wearer will be required to place their arm around bub for safety.

What type of wearer would you recommend this product to?

Anyone really ... the trendies l o v e the camou, the eco friendlies the Hemp ... the picanini is just so useful to use when going for a walk or shopping or doing things around the house.....handy also for feeding and then settling bub..

Are there any sizing issues buyers need to be aware of before purchasing?

I offer to make up each picanini order to the measurements of the customer and pride myself in having v. satisfied customers as a result.

Any other details to add?

It's a good quality baby sling at a very competitive price.