Carved Soapstone
Carved Soapstone
Where can I travel in Liberia?
The mere thought of a vacation is enough to make you feel relaxed. It is the time when you are free to take a break from your busy schedule and can spare out your free time for your family members. And there’s no better place to go than to Liberia in West Africa. The capital city of this lovely country is Monrovia and has an estimated population of 3.5 million people. English is considered to be the official language in Liberia. This country is also known to offer intrepid adventurers with fascinating glimpse into what was previously a wonderfully hospitable and fascinatingly enigmatic society. In the capital, Monrovia, the nightlife is all-embracing with dozens of crowded nightclubs, discos and bars open until the wee hours. Most of the nightlife is centred on Gurley Street and the Providence Island that has a bandstand and an amphitheatre where performances of traditional African music and dances are staged. Liberia’s motels, restaurants and hotels include the Bw El Sitio Hotel and Casino, the Four Seasons Costa Rica hotel, the Casa De Linford hotel, the Villas Sol Hotel and Beach Resort and the Paradisus Playa Conchal all suite Beach and Golf Resort hotel, which serve a variety of American, European, Asian, Chinese, Lebanese and African dishes. Here, you will enjoy sampling some of the most unusual West African cuisines in ‘cookhouses’ which serve rice with traditional Liberian dishes. Liberia produces a lot of its own brands of alcoholic drinks which are readily available like the Ginger beer and Palm wine which are very popular. Do you love shopping in a pocket-friendly way? Well, Monrovia offers you some of the shopper’s elegant boutiques and shops as well as modern, air-conditioned supermarkets which compete with old-fashioned stores. Liberian handicrafts include carvings in sapwood, camwood, ebony and mahogany, stone items, soapstone carvings, ritual masks, metal jewellery and figurines and reed dolls of the Loma. As you enjoy your stay in the rich Liberia, there are various activities that you can do like experiencing the Liberian culture at the Kendeja National Cultural Center, go fishing in Lake Piso or make an interesting day's excursion tour of the Firestone Rubber Plantation, one of the largest in the world. Wildlife and nature enthusiasts are also not left behind as they can still visit the Sapo National Park that is home to a great variety of plants and animal species. Or you could opt to go for swimming and boating at some of Liberia’s sandy beaches which include the Bernard’s Beach, the Caesar’s Beach, the Cedar Beach, the Cooper’s Beach, the Elwa Beach, the Kendaje Beach, the Kenema Beach and the Sugar Beach, all of which charge a small entrance fee. Visit some fascinating attractions like the Centennial Pavilion, the Providence Island, Mount Wuteve and Mount Nimba which are simply breathe taking. The tallest man-made structure of Africa, the mast of former Paynesville Omega transmitter, is also situated in Liberia, not forgetting the adrenaline charged skydiving season which is best around December to May. Now, based on her climate change, the best time to visit Liberia is during the dry season, between November and April. With lots of things to do and so many places to go and see, you will hardly realize when the vacation might come to an end! You won’t be disappointed.
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Soapstone Counter Top: New Style for an Old Favorite
What Is Soapstone?
Soapstone counter tops are silky smooth and feel somewhat soapy when touched. Soapstone is commonly used in chemistry labs since it resists acid and does not stain or absorb liquids. Soapstone is even used in fireplaces and wood stoves for it's ability to retain and evenly distribute heat.
In recent years, a soapstone counter top has regained popularity as homeowners look for stylish and unique options for their kitchen counter tops.
Soapstone, also called steatite or soap rock, is a metamorphic rock that is composed mostly of talc. It is produced when the tectonic plates are subducted, and has been used for carving in many cultures for thousands of years. Along with talc, soapstone also contains different amounts of chlorite, amphiboles, and even magnesium.
Characteristics
Soapstone is becoming a more popular alternative for countertops and sinks because it is nearly indestructible and requires very little maintenance. Strong, heat and stain resistant like granite, it is also very simple to install and can fit almost any household budget.
Soapstone counter tops will not burn or stain, and acids cannot etch soapstone like marble or other stone countertops. Contractors can easily cut soapstone on job sites, which makes it a much easier material to deal with than marble or granite.
Colors and Design
Soapstone has a limited color range, but colors differ depending on where in the world it was quarried. An untreated soapstone counter top normally has a solid light green or gray color to it, but applying a coat of mineral oil can darken it to a shiny black.
Some varieties of soapstone, most commonly found in Brazil and other Southern American countries, contain white veins similar to those found in marble. This variety of soapstone tends to be softer and potentially more easily damaged. Soapstone works best for those who are looking for a dark theme in their kitchen, and matches exceptionally great with stainless steel appliances.
Soapstone Sinks
Soapstone sinks are also very popular due to the large basins, integrated drain boards and many other features that can make a smart, stylish and functional addition to your project. Soapstone is easy to work with and virtually any custom size or shaped sink can be created; however, many soapstone dealers have basic sink shapes and sizes for purchased.
Care and Cleaning
Soapstone counter tops are highly resistant to heat and chemicals, so regular household cleaners can be used without worry. Always use a cutting board since nicks and scratches can occur when using knives or other sharp objects directly on the surface. The good news is that blemishes can easily be buffed out with some sand paper and mineral oil.
Sealing is unnecessary, but mineral oil is commonly applied in order to quickly darken the soapstone. This color change will happen naturally over time, but many people prefer the shiny black surface you get from mineral oil.
Cost and Installation
Cost of soapstone varies from company to company, especially since different companies sell different types of soapstone from all over the world. A higher quality slab of soapstone can run for a few thousand dollars, but is well worth the cost since a soapstone counter top will last a lifetime. Soapstone Sinks also vary in price, mostly depending on the size and shape of the sink. Custom jobs require estimates to be made by the supplying company, but typically range from about $300 to $3000.
Soapstone has been used for centuries in household construction. Soapstone has many desirable characteristics and a proven durability. The darker colors are certainly sleek and modern, but also work well with rustic or country designs. If your installing a new countertop, definitely consider soapstone. You'll enjoy it's beauty and years of happy use!
About the Author
Author Ryan Burden publishes CountertopSpecialty.com, which provides expert guidance and information on custom countertops AND . . . produces a nice income. Perhaps YOU have a business or passion that you'd like to turn into online profits. Learn how with Websites That Work.
