A Taste of Trani

One of the most striking things about this Puglian city that is situated 42 kilometres north of Bari on Italy’s eastern coast, is the ancient port that was founded strategically along old communication routes. Once considered one of the most important ports in the region, it is impossible not to be impressed with the scenery. Up to 600 boats bob up and down in the water at any one time and there is a row of restaurants that offer typical Pugliese dishes such as Orichette with cime di rapa and polpette di pane al sugo – pasta with broccoli, and meatballs in a tomato salsa respectively. In addition, there are several bars, churches and in the distance, the spectacular cathedral. The port is also where, during the warm summer evenings, groups of friends meet up, sit on the ancient wall aligning the harbour or on one of the wooden benches, to talk about their day as the street lights illuminate the night sky.

Close to the port and in a favoured position overlooking the shores of the Adriatic is the 11th century Romanesque cathedral that is dedicated to the town’s patron saint, San Nicola Pellegrino, the young pilgrim who died in 1094. Saint Nicholas arrived in Trani as a sign from God to “enrich the town”. Where the cathedral now dominates was once the Episcopal Church of Santa Maria where Saint Nicholas fell ill. Open to the public, the inside of the cathedral is equally as fascinating and inspiring. Intricate architecture and decorations honouring a number of saints are plentiful. The Crypt of San Nicola that was started in the early 12th century and finished in 1142 is a spacious and well-lit room consisting of 28 columns of Greek marble. The cathedral is also used as the back-drop of several scenes in the new film by Colombian director Andres Arce Meldonado. Billed as the Italian Oceans 11, it stars actors such as Don Johnson and Gerard Depardieu, as well as popular Italian actors Barbara Bouchet and Giancarlo Giannini who played Mathis in Casino Royale.

To the left of the cathedral is the equally impressive Castello Svevo. Built by Federick II in 1233, the castle is situated in Piazza Manfredi, the square named after Manfred, Federick’s illegitimate son. Its four imposing towers are set at each corner with the smaller towers facing towards the sea. Once used for military purposes, the castle has also been used for a variety of public functions such as the wedding of Manfred and Elena d’Epiro in 1259. During the 16th century the castle was used as a top security prison and a couple of centuries later, in 1799 it was used for less joyous reasons, being the place where noble Tranese who were considered too idealistic were killed and their bodies were then thrown into the sea. Today the castle has a distinctive stone bridge that leads to its main entrance and provides an insight into days gone by. The central courtyard has displays describing its varied history. Surrounded by a deep moat that was once directly linked to the sea, the castle houses a museum where it is possible to see the remains of Frederick II’s marble decorations, along with other artefacts that were recovered during careful restoration work.

Trani is divided into two parts, the main square Piazza della Repubblica with its roads that lead to each part of the town’s outer quarters, and the alluring centro storico that is often referred to by French visitors as a “Little Paris.” The ancient cobbled streets from via La Giudea to via Porta Antica twist and turn through stone arches adorned with dedications to the Madonna, and the rows of historical stone built houses, some of which date back to the 18th century. In the middle of the centro storico, time feels as though it’s standing still. The sheer narrowness of the streets and echo of footsteps on the cobbles beneath your feet add to the feeling of having been transported back to an earlier century. Perhaps this is why the centro storico is regularly used as the location of wedding photographs when the bride and groom pose in front of ancient doorways. It is among the streets in the historical centre where many small and characteristic churches can be found such as the Chiesa di San Donato that’s situated close to the tower clock dating from 1473 which has the town’s coat of arms emblazoned upon it. Then there is one of many Jewish churches, the church of Santa Maria Novo, built in 1244 that proudly boasts as being the oldest synagogue in Europe, and the 10th century church in via San Martino that is incredibly small yet atmospheric, the floor of which is two metres below street level. At night, the centro storico becomes bewitching with an almost ethereal feel except for the occasional voice that can be heard coming from one of the old yet sturdy apartments that were constructed using marmo di Trani, the well-known local limestone.

Heading towards the opposite side of the port is where the public gardens that date from the 19th century are situated. Offering paths lined with flowers and rows of pine trees, as well as an aquarium and fountain that are enjoyed by a group of tortoises, the ville communale overlooks the ocean below and provides a particularly striking panorama – to its right is the monastery of Colonna, and to the left, the cathedral. Regularly attracting crowds of families, particularly on sunny Sunday mornings, the ville, that in itself has plenty of history, provides an area of tranquillity for a quiet and relaxing read or a pleasant stroll. It is here where the Monumento ai Caduti rests, a monument erected in 1923 in honour of those that fought during World War I. Sitting proudly on either side of the monument are two replica canons from World War II, one of which weighs a staggering 2000 kg. However, it’s the medieval style arc, known as the Fortino di Sant’Antonio, located to the left of the entrance to the gardens that really catches the eye. Built in 1400 the arc is said to have once been the location of a raised bridge and today houses a small and long-abandoned ancient church. It leads to a platform that presents another splendid view of Trani’s port and cathedral from a very different and fine angle.

Slightly out of the town centre on the coast road in the direction towards Bisceglie, is part of the town known as Colonna, home to the church of Santa Maria della Colonna and alongside it is the monastery, both of which were founded in 1098 and once belonged to the Franciscans. The outside of the abbey has decorative elements typical of Roman architecture with rows of large arcs as well as a charming rose window that is arguably the central focus of the monastery. In the church itself, the Crocifisso di Colonna, the Colonna Cross is conserved. The cross is associated with an intriguing story. In 1480, the cross that is adorned with an effigy of Jesus was stolen by a group of Turks. As they made their way with the cross by boat, they suddenly came to a standstill. One of the group, fearing the cross was blocking their way, attacked it with a sword causing the nose of the effigy to Jesus to bleed. The cross was hurled into the sea and was later found halfway between Trani’s port and the monastery. Every year at the beginning of May there is a dedication to this important day that is celebrated with a grand procession through the town’s streets. Today the monastery is used mainly for cultural events and concerts whereas the church hosts a number of events including weddings. In fact last year the church was the venue of the wedding between a popular Italian comic and his Tranese bride.

The weekly Tuesday market that is situated slightly out of the town centre is always bustling with locals and is certainly worth a stroll, if only to hear the local dialect Tranese. However, it’s the summer months in particular that really depict Trani in a mesmerising light, mainly due to the series of summer concerts and 3-day festival in honour of Saint Nicholas at the end of July. This unique Pugliese town has an innocent yet fascinating appeal and is situated in an unspoilt part of Italy that does not disappoint.

How Much Does a Hyperbaric Oxygen Tank Cost?

The Cost of a Hyperbaric Oxygen Tank in Las Vegas
Let’s look at a breakdown of the factors affecting the cost of hyperbaric oxygen tanks, along with associated price ranges for each factor:

Size & Intended Use
● Personal Use Chambers. They are small, single-person chambers for the home that cost $5,000–$20,000. They are intended for non-critical therapy and wellness purposes.

● Medical-Grade Chambers. They cost more because of their advanced safety features and therapeutic capabilities. Depending on size and features, wheelchair-accessible or multi-patient chambers cost $75,000 to $200,000.

Type
● Mild Hyperbaric Chambers. They run at lower pressures (1.3 ATA) for wellness and recovery, costing $5,000–$15,000.

● Hard-Shell Hyperbaric Chambers. High-pressure models (up to 3 ATA or more) are for serious medical conditions. They cost $20,000 to $100,000 for personal models and over $75,000 for medical-grade models.

Brand
● Chambers are generally between $5,000 and $20,000 for personal use from brands like OxyHealth, Summit to Sea, and Hyperbaric Clearinghouse.

● High-end chambers can cost several hundred thousand dollars from brands like Sechrist Industries and Perry Baromedical.

Additional Costs
● Installation. If you install a hyperbaric chamber, costs can add up, especially the bigger ones.

● Maintenance. Depending on the complexity of the chamber, you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars a year on regular maintenance.

If you want to learn more about this magnificent therapy, we strongly suggest you read our article about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Las Vegas.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Hyperbaric Chamber?
Building a hyperbaric chamber in Las Vegas, Nevada, costs a lot. Let’s break it down:

● Depending on its complexity, chambers can cost $10,000 to $50,000 to design and engineer.

● Durable and safe materials can vary widely in price. Materials alone can cost over $100,000 for a standard chamber.

● Construction of a hyperbaric chamber requires skilled labor. Labor costs can range from $15,000 to $50,000.

● Tests and safety inspections add $5,000 to $20,000 to the overall project cost, depending on their level.

● A medical-grade chamber may require infrastructure modifications. It might cost between $10,000 and $50,000 to install.

● Inspections, certifications, and permits for medical-grade chambers can add $5,000 to $15,000.

● Control systems, oxygen supply, and safety systems cost between $10,000 and $30,000.

Can I Buy My Own Hyperbaric Chamber?
Yes, you can buy your own hyperbaric chamber. Thanks to increased availability in recent years, individuals can now buy and use hyperbaric chambers at home. It’s important to keep a few things in mind:

● You can choose a single-user or a multi-user chamber.

● Options are a wellness or medical chamber (requires a prescription).

● Find out what the rules are for hyperbaric chambers in Las Vegas.

● Think about the cost, which ranges from a few thousand to tens of thousands.

● If you don’t have enough space, ensure you can handle maintenance.

● Be sure to check with a healthcare professional before you buy anything.

How Much Does Oxygen Tank Therapy Cost?
The cost of oxygen tank therapy can vary widely based on several factors. For example, portable oxygen concentrators are designed for ongoing, daily use. They extract oxygen from the air, typically costing between $2,000 and $3,500. On the other hand, compressed or liquid oxygen tanks, which are for short-term or mobile use, can cost from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000.

If you plan to use the therapy for temporary conditions, you might find rental options cost-effective ($50 to $200 monthly). However, long-term use, such as chronic conditions, justifies buying equipment economically.

A cost-saver factor is insurance. Your insurance may cover the cost of the therapy, which is considered a medical necessity. On the other hand, additional supplies and accessories like masks, tubing, and carrying cases add to your cost since regular replacement of supplies is typically needed.

Let’s talk about delivery methods. The continuous flow method provides a constant stream of oxygen. Therefore, it generally costs more. However, the pulse dose method delivers oxygen only when the user inhales, so it is often cheaper in the long run.

Every Oxygen tank needs regular maintenance and oxygen refills. The problem is that they add to the cost. You might need to pay up to several hundred dollars annually for maintenance and around $20 to $50 per oxygen refill.

How Long Do Hyperbaric Chambers Last?
The lifespan of a hyperbaric chamber depends on several factors:

Hyperbaric Chamber Lifespan

● Monoplace chambers can last for several decades. You can get 15 to 20 years out of a monoplace chamber with proper care.

● Multiplace chambers are usually constructed to have a lifespan of 20 years or more, depending on the usage and maintenance.

Factors Affecting the Hyperbaric Chamber Lifespan

● Chambers made with high-quality materials and robust construction techniques tend to last longer.

● Well-maintained chambers can last longer and have fewer issues. Components such as oxygen delivery systems, communication systems, and safety features must be checked and serviced.

● The chambers of busy medical facilities may suffer more wear and tear than one used less often. If well-maintained, even frequently used, chambers can last long.

● The environment also affects the lifespan. Generally, chambers in controlled environments last longer than those in harsher environments.

● Repairs and upgrades may be needed over time. Chambers can work longer by parts availability and upgrades.

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Expensive?
Several variables affect how much hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) will cost. A list of the most important factors in Las Vegas are:

Type of Hyperbaric Chamber

● Monoplace Chambers. These single-person chambers can cost from $200 to $400 per session.

● Multiplace Chambers. These larger chambers can accommodate multiple patients simultaneously, and they might be slightly less expensive per person, ranging from $150 to $350.

Condition Being Treated

● Mild Conditions. Minor injuries and wellness treatments cost around $150 to $300 per session.

● Serious Medical Conditions. Severe medical conditions like wounds, decompression sickness, or carbon monoxide poisoning can cost $250 to $400 per session.

Number of Sessions Required

The treatment cost can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands based on the number of sessions required.

Insurance Coverage

You can expect a reduced out-of-pocket cost if the treatment is deemed medically necessary and the insurance company covers the treatment.

Provider and Facility

It’s possible that the session costs could be on the higher end of the ranges in Las Vegas, as mentioned above, especially at well-equipped medical facilities.

Geographical Location

These prices might be slightly higher in Las Vegas, where medical services are more expensive because of higher operating costs.

Conclusion
Hyperbaric oxygen tank prices depend on chamber type, location, treatment duration, and extra services. The initial investment may seem challenging, but the health benefits and quality of life may be worth it.

Discover the Power of Healing with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Dynamic Spine & Sport Rehabilitation in Las Vegas. Our center specializes in various advanced therapies, focusing on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Our mission is simple. Enhancing our patients’ and their families’ health and well-being in Las Vegas by delivering exceptional care within a welcoming environment.

Holistic healing is what we do at our facility. Among our services are wellness concierge services, expert concussion management, and specialized treatment for injuries sustained in accidents or at work. Let Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy transform your life today.

Steps On How To Prepare For Your Upcoming Trip

At this point, you must be very excited for your upcoming vacation or out-of-town adventure and you promise to make out the best of everything to make it the best of your travel experience. But let me ask you some simple and easy questions. How do youprepare for your upcoming trip? Have you made your hotel reservations already? Have you done your research? Is everything ready and well arranged? If your answer is no to any of these questions then think twice. Perhaps, there are lots of preparations you shall need.

Those are just few of the many essential questions you should ask yourself before leaving. Preparing for your upcoming trip may not be as simple as you can imagine. Many people who do not consider these steps properly might be facing a lot of problems and hassles. In this article, we will give you these simple points to remember to make your preparation simple.

One should know about the place he or she is going to visit. This way, you will be prepared for possibilities like sickness, shortage of budget or even problems relating to transportation. Make a thorough research of its location, in-land transportation and price-range of the food in prominent restaurants you wish to visit. Also, plan your activities ahead so you could make the most of your time in that location. It must be very painful to your budget if you failed to prepare these aspects.

Travel blogs are made by people who want to share their thoughts based on their experience during their journey. Reading plenty of these sources would give you an idea on what it is like to stay in that place. In addition, it opens an opportunity for you to gather more detailed information about the place. Reading them well will give you an idea on how to stay and feel like in that place. Expert travelers are not only relaying information about the destination but they are also giving you some tips and actual picture on the right things to make on that places.

If your favorite travel blog does not provide enough information about the place, then visit online forums. Consider it as your valuable source of information as you could interact and ask people who have gone this place. Start looking for thread relating to the place you are planning to visit. Forums are great and ideal places where you could get pieces of advice and ask an array of question. More so, they are good places to get recommendations of budget hotel or even tour services.

It is very essential to keep the documentation of your travel and itinerary. More so, you do not want to forget anything important while traveling so make a list of the things you need to bring or pack. This way you could think of important things you really need for your journey.

The last step you may need to make is to prepare your luggage at least two days before the scheduled date. This way, you can double check and you can still be able to remember things you may have forgotten. With these simple steps, you can surely prepare for your upcoming trip without a sweat.