Cooma - Gateway to the Aussie Snow Country

That title might upset those south of the NSW - VIC border, but for those 
from NSW, Cooma is in fact just that.  

The once quiet country town has become a vibrant year round destination and launch point for those heading to the ’snowy’. Winter brings the skiers and 
snow borders and summer those wishing to see the high county to walk, horse ride,, fish or just relax. 

Few people realize that the Australian alpine/ snow region is in fact larger than the whole of 
Switzerland. Although the mountains aren’t as high as other ski regions of the world it remains a 
favorite winter time destination for skiers Australia wide. 

In recent years the alpine region has also become a popular summer time getaway destination.  And this increase in tourism has raised the profile of Cooma along with it. It has become the hub 
for the whole region and being just a four hour drive from Sydney and just over an hour from 
Canberra the weekends bring hordes from the north. 

So Cooma is worth a visit no matter what the season.

On a recent flying visit to Bangkok I stayed at a new hotel called Vie. 
Whilst not the Oriental it is new and has to be one of the better rooms I have 
stayed in over the years.  

The staff were tremendous and really fell over backwards to assist in any way possible. 

If any of you have been to Bangkok you will be painfully aware of the 
horrendous traffic conditions that plague the city.  Getting around at any hour can be more than a challenge. This is where the Vie comes into it’s own as it is in such a great location. The skytrain station  
is next door,and it’s only a two or three hundred meter walk to MBK and the 
Siam district shops. You really can’t get more central than that.

The hotel itself is not huge with 24 floors and rooms that range from 
standard to sub penthouses and suites. 

There is an annex at the front of main building that houses meeting 
rooms, a restaurant and cocktail bar on each floor with a very nice pool on the top 
floor.  The pool is interesting as the end overlooking the street is glass only!

So for a great location, place to stay have a look.  

I have been to Kruger National Park and saw some amazing sites. A Hyena at 3 meters with nothing between it and me was something I will never forget!

This however is one of the most amazing pieces of footage ever ….

OK…. I am opening myself up here but I am desperate to update this WP Theme and finally have a header that is representative of what this …a blog that Baby Boomer Lifestyle should represent. I originally planned that this to be about superyatchs etc, but this credit crunch has hit us all hard. Don’t get me wrong - we should all aim high, but perhaps a more tempered approach is warranted in this economic climate!

OK some in - all in. What of the category selection? To me travel, health, technology ie the internet are paramount. Retirement also important but has geographical considerations. What do you consider important for you? That is all you Baby Boomers and Cuspers out there?

What do you guys out there think? I hope there is someone out there that can give a few pointers.

Hot on the heals of the last entry I want to show that all these reports are biased. Although for 2008 the Best Country Brand has Australia in No1 position again. (also see the Best Country Brand 2007 report).

The top 10 rankings were;

Australia
Canada
USA
Italy
Switzerland
France
New Zealand
United Kingdom
Japan and
Sweden

Countries are ranked across 30 distinct categories providing a rich perspective on strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. The rankings speak to qualities that compel consideration and assets that shape country reputations, perceptions and experiences. New categories to this year’s rankings include best country brand for “Standard of Living,” “Political Freedom” and “Advanced Technology.”

For this report click on Best Country Brand 2008