Have you always wanted to travel the world? Almost every individual has this desire to travel but some of them hesitate at the thought of travelling to English-speakingcountries. A lot of people have this hesitation that is not unfounded. It can be quite nerve-racking to travel to a foreign country that you have never ever been to with very little knowledge of their language. It can be quite a challenge to communicate while getting around the city if you know very few English words.
If you want to travel to all parts of the world and experience various cultures then you should start by trying to learn English. You can learn English by taking lessons from a native English speaker. By taking English lessons, you will be able to learn how to speak the language well. This way, when you finally travel to a foreign country you can communicate in English really well.
It can be very frustrating to get lost in a foreign country and have a hard time asking for directions from the locals just because you cannot communicate well in English. It is just not possible to ask for directions to the museum by making hand gestures. The locals may lose patience with you and just walk away or maybe even think you are crazy. When you learn English you can read all the English street signs very well so there might not even be any need for you to ask for directions from the locals. This is nthe reason why it is important to learning English if you want to travel all over the world.
Even if you travel to other countries that do not have English as their native language, being able to speak well in English can still be very useful. After all it is not possible to force yourself to learn the native language of all the countries that you wish to visit. This can take years and years to accomplish. If you learn English then that should be more than adequate to get you through your travels all over the world. This is because English is a universal language. Even if you travel to a non-English speaking country there is still bound to be a few locals that you will meet along the way that can speak English fluently. If you ever need directions then you can just ask around for some locals or fellow tourists who can speak English as well as you do. One way to learn English is by Skype with a native speaker. For more details visit our link.
By : Rodney Marsh
Wednesday 10 October 2012
Monday 8 October 2012
Get Paid to Travel the World – and Never Hold a Job - travel magazine, travel guides
Who wouldn't want a fun job that involves traveling to different beautiful locations?
The allure of travel is a great incentive. Most people would give up their careers just to get such jobs. They are categorized as travel jobs and nowadays, they are some of the most sought after careers.
A good number of travel job positions are, for a lot of reasons, very competitive. Therefore, if you want to land one, you must improve your qualifications and have an impressive resume. Fortunately, there are other kinds of travel jobs that do not require too much education. Sometimes, your enthusiasm and determination is enough to get you hired.
Some travel jobs rely on skills and resourcefulness. Travel can be a resource for businesses. You can use your trips to make or find products that you can sell; the journey can be used for inspiration to create writings that anyone can utilize as a marketing tool to generate sales.
In any form, travel jobs are generally fun. Now if you want one, consider these examples. Maybe you have what it takes to become successful in these careers.
Fun Travel Job #1: Cruise Ship Employee
Working on cruise liners lets you travel to different tourist destinations. The environment is full of fun and amusement and you can also meet a lot of interesting and beautiful people.
Cruise Liners offer plenty of jobs. In fact, they have a lot of positions to fill because cruise ships have so many areas of responsibility and they offer countless of services to on board patrons.
If you have adequate skills in a particular field, you can try your luck and apply to a cruise company. Just be sure that you have good people skills and great enthusiasm. Entry level jobs are relatively easy to get but they may only have satisfactory compensation. Low level jobs may have meager salaries but you can get tips especially if you are constantly in contact with vacationing clients. Vacationers are usually generous and always in a good mood.
You can climb up the career ladder quickly if your work performance is excellent and beyond expectations.
Fun Travel Job #2: Travel and Tour Organizer/Guide
Do you like to lead group travels? Be a travel organizer/guide. The job is fun and easy especially for persons with the penchant for traveling and organizing.
People skills are required along with a vast knowledge of history, geography, and arts to some extent. You will be educating people on the journey while making their experience enjoyable and worthwhile. As a guide, you must be prepared for any unforeseen events and must be able to carry out contingency plans with confidence and calm demeanor.
You can become affiliated with an agency or work as a freelancer or as a contractor. Tips and bonuses from clients is also a common occurrence.
Fun Travel Job #3: Travel Photographer
Traveling offers a lot of scenic view and cultural activities which translate into excellent photo opportunities. If you have the skills and equipment to capture beautiful pictures, you can become a travel photographer and earn money for every snapshot you make.
You can sell photos online or simply get hired by interested businesses. Publishers of travel magazines and newspapers are the usual buyers but some business establishments like hotels and resorts may be in need of your service.
travel magazine, travel guides, travel tips, travel news, tourism news
By : Rajat Leblanc Singh
The allure of travel is a great incentive. Most people would give up their careers just to get such jobs. They are categorized as travel jobs and nowadays, they are some of the most sought after careers.
A good number of travel job positions are, for a lot of reasons, very competitive. Therefore, if you want to land one, you must improve your qualifications and have an impressive resume. Fortunately, there are other kinds of travel jobs that do not require too much education. Sometimes, your enthusiasm and determination is enough to get you hired.
Some travel jobs rely on skills and resourcefulness. Travel can be a resource for businesses. You can use your trips to make or find products that you can sell; the journey can be used for inspiration to create writings that anyone can utilize as a marketing tool to generate sales.
In any form, travel jobs are generally fun. Now if you want one, consider these examples. Maybe you have what it takes to become successful in these careers.
Fun Travel Job #1: Cruise Ship Employee
Working on cruise liners lets you travel to different tourist destinations. The environment is full of fun and amusement and you can also meet a lot of interesting and beautiful people.
Cruise Liners offer plenty of jobs. In fact, they have a lot of positions to fill because cruise ships have so many areas of responsibility and they offer countless of services to on board patrons.
If you have adequate skills in a particular field, you can try your luck and apply to a cruise company. Just be sure that you have good people skills and great enthusiasm. Entry level jobs are relatively easy to get but they may only have satisfactory compensation. Low level jobs may have meager salaries but you can get tips especially if you are constantly in contact with vacationing clients. Vacationers are usually generous and always in a good mood.
You can climb up the career ladder quickly if your work performance is excellent and beyond expectations.
Fun Travel Job #2: Travel and Tour Organizer/Guide
Do you like to lead group travels? Be a travel organizer/guide. The job is fun and easy especially for persons with the penchant for traveling and organizing.
People skills are required along with a vast knowledge of history, geography, and arts to some extent. You will be educating people on the journey while making their experience enjoyable and worthwhile. As a guide, you must be prepared for any unforeseen events and must be able to carry out contingency plans with confidence and calm demeanor.
You can become affiliated with an agency or work as a freelancer or as a contractor. Tips and bonuses from clients is also a common occurrence.
Fun Travel Job #3: Travel Photographer
Traveling offers a lot of scenic view and cultural activities which translate into excellent photo opportunities. If you have the skills and equipment to capture beautiful pictures, you can become a travel photographer and earn money for every snapshot you make.
You can sell photos online or simply get hired by interested businesses. Publishers of travel magazines and newspapers are the usual buyers but some business establishments like hotels and resorts may be in need of your service.
travel magazine, travel guides, travel tips, travel news, tourism news
By : Rajat Leblanc Singh
Saturday 6 October 2012
How to Travel the World for Only $1,000 a Month
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." - St. Augustine
Do you believe that it's expensive to travel? Have you ever excitedly looked over a glossy brochure of your dream vacation, only to discover that it will cost you thousands and thousands of dollars for a single 10 day vacation?
If this has happened to you, I can understand. I too would dream about traveling the world, but get disenhearted when I saw those expensive price tags placed on travel.
But I have learned that travel is NOT expensive. You see, travel agencies want you to believe that it costs a LOT of money to travel. That way they can jack-up the prices of tours to earn a bigger commission for themselves. They want you to think that you must have money, a lot of money, to be able to travel.
This kind of thinking does not help the majority of us. It distances us from our dreams.
A fact that most people don't realize, is that world travel can be down-right cheap. It can actually be cheaper, a lot cheaper, than staying at home.
It amuses me that travel agencies try to SELL travel. They try to get you to pay for things that you can do all by yourself. They try to keep this a secret, but -
You Don't Need Them.
What do people do when they travel anyway? They get a place to sleep, eat, use transportation systems and spend money on entertainment and a few miscellaneous things like laundry, clothes and souvenirs.
What do you do at home? You pay the rent, buy your food (and sometimes go out to eat), you drive or use the bus, and you spend money on entertainment and a few miscellaneous things like cable and utilities.
Travel costs are really the same damn thing as staying at home; the big difference is that you'll be seeing and doing a lot of different things.
Let me ask you this: If I were to offer you a place to stay in your home-town, meals, entertainment for you of my choosing, and have a strictly scheduled shuttle-bus that takes you where I want you to go and when, and I'll only charge you $10,000 a month for the BASIC package, would you accept it?
Not only would you not accept it, but you'd
LAUGH IN MY FACE!
So why do travelers consistently do this very-same thing? Why do they pay travel agencies a ton of money for the very things they can do all by themselves, for a lot cheaper, and for a lot more freedom and flexibility?
World travel is not expensive at all if you know how to do it. It is easily possible to travel the world for only $1,000 a month or less; that's only about $33 a day.
How much do you spend on a normal day at home?
Here is an example of a single-person's average monthly expenses in the United States (this is a modest estimate):
Rent: $800 a month
Food: $300
Transportation (gas, insurance): $400
Utilities (phone, internet, electricity, water, cable): $300
Entertainment: $300
Misc. (clothes, gifts, doctor bills): $400
Total: $2,500
Now let's sum-up the average monthly costs of world travel (when you know how to do it):
Hotels: $300
Food: $150
Transportation: $300
Utilities: $0.00
Entertainment/Site-Seeing: $200
Misc. (internet cafes, souvenirs, clothes): $50
Total: $1,000
Let's break this down by day:
Hotel: $10
Food: $5
Transportation: $10
Entertainment/Site-Seeing: $6.67
Misc.: $1.67
Daily total: $33.34 USD
World travel costs less than staying at home, and offers a lot more freedom.
I'm sure you're thinking that I am grossly under-estimating travel costs. But actually, the expenses above can be a LOT cheaper.
Did you know that in some countries you can book a three- star hotel for $10? Or that you can get comfortable accommodation for as low as $0.50 to $6.00 per night? Are you aware of the tens of thousands of people across the globe that invite travelers to stay at their homes - for free?
How about food? Full-blown buffets are offered for $0.50. Lunches with soup, the main course, a soda and dessert can be had for $1.50. Some companies will even pay you to dine at their restaurants!
Transportation? How about taxis that go anywhere in the city for $2. Inter-country buses for $20 to $50. Or international flights at 80% off?
By balancing your travels with expensive countries and cheap countries, your average travel costs can be just $1,000 a month or less.
Remember, people actually live in the countries that are foreign to you. In some countries the average monthly wage is only $150 - but it is enough to live on.
If they're not paying thousands and thousands of dollars a month to be where they are, then why should you?
In many places, with just $1,000 a month to spend, far from living like a pauper, you'll be living like a king.
By : Thomas Carroll
Do you believe that it's expensive to travel? Have you ever excitedly looked over a glossy brochure of your dream vacation, only to discover that it will cost you thousands and thousands of dollars for a single 10 day vacation?
If this has happened to you, I can understand. I too would dream about traveling the world, but get disenhearted when I saw those expensive price tags placed on travel.
But I have learned that travel is NOT expensive. You see, travel agencies want you to believe that it costs a LOT of money to travel. That way they can jack-up the prices of tours to earn a bigger commission for themselves. They want you to think that you must have money, a lot of money, to be able to travel.
This kind of thinking does not help the majority of us. It distances us from our dreams.
A fact that most people don't realize, is that world travel can be down-right cheap. It can actually be cheaper, a lot cheaper, than staying at home.
It amuses me that travel agencies try to SELL travel. They try to get you to pay for things that you can do all by yourself. They try to keep this a secret, but -
You Don't Need Them.
What do people do when they travel anyway? They get a place to sleep, eat, use transportation systems and spend money on entertainment and a few miscellaneous things like laundry, clothes and souvenirs.
What do you do at home? You pay the rent, buy your food (and sometimes go out to eat), you drive or use the bus, and you spend money on entertainment and a few miscellaneous things like cable and utilities.
Travel costs are really the same damn thing as staying at home; the big difference is that you'll be seeing and doing a lot of different things.
Let me ask you this: If I were to offer you a place to stay in your home-town, meals, entertainment for you of my choosing, and have a strictly scheduled shuttle-bus that takes you where I want you to go and when, and I'll only charge you $10,000 a month for the BASIC package, would you accept it?
Not only would you not accept it, but you'd
LAUGH IN MY FACE!
So why do travelers consistently do this very-same thing? Why do they pay travel agencies a ton of money for the very things they can do all by themselves, for a lot cheaper, and for a lot more freedom and flexibility?
World travel is not expensive at all if you know how to do it. It is easily possible to travel the world for only $1,000 a month or less; that's only about $33 a day.
How much do you spend on a normal day at home?
Here is an example of a single-person's average monthly expenses in the United States (this is a modest estimate):
Rent: $800 a month
Food: $300
Transportation (gas, insurance): $400
Utilities (phone, internet, electricity, water, cable): $300
Entertainment: $300
Misc. (clothes, gifts, doctor bills): $400
Total: $2,500
Now let's sum-up the average monthly costs of world travel (when you know how to do it):
Hotels: $300
Food: $150
Transportation: $300
Utilities: $0.00
Entertainment/Site-Seeing: $200
Misc. (internet cafes, souvenirs, clothes): $50
Total: $1,000
Let's break this down by day:
Hotel: $10
Food: $5
Transportation: $10
Entertainment/Site-Seeing: $6.67
Misc.: $1.67
Daily total: $33.34 USD
World travel costs less than staying at home, and offers a lot more freedom.
I'm sure you're thinking that I am grossly under-estimating travel costs. But actually, the expenses above can be a LOT cheaper.
Did you know that in some countries you can book a three- star hotel for $10? Or that you can get comfortable accommodation for as low as $0.50 to $6.00 per night? Are you aware of the tens of thousands of people across the globe that invite travelers to stay at their homes - for free?
How about food? Full-blown buffets are offered for $0.50. Lunches with soup, the main course, a soda and dessert can be had for $1.50. Some companies will even pay you to dine at their restaurants!
Transportation? How about taxis that go anywhere in the city for $2. Inter-country buses for $20 to $50. Or international flights at 80% off?
By balancing your travels with expensive countries and cheap countries, your average travel costs can be just $1,000 a month or less.
Remember, people actually live in the countries that are foreign to you. In some countries the average monthly wage is only $150 - but it is enough to live on.
If they're not paying thousands and thousands of dollars a month to be where they are, then why should you?
In many places, with just $1,000 a month to spend, far from living like a pauper, you'll be living like a king.
By : Thomas Carroll
Thursday 4 October 2012
Enjoy Traveling the World 10 Minutes at a Time
Everyone dreams of being able to travel around the world. However, we all do not always have the option to enjoy this type of travel. Travel is a wonderful way to learn new things about the world. The more you can travel, the more likely you will have an opportunity to learn about different cultures, societies, and ideals.
To be successful in your travels require some help. Many websites are dedicated to helping those who wish to world travel. You can learn from the experiences of other travelers so that you do not make the same mistakes they may have. Learn tips to help enhance your trip. Imagine if you could create a special database of facts that you could rely on each time you make plans to travel. Enjoy the benefits of traveling without the hassles that most people have to deal with. In just ten minutes, you can learn a great deal that will help you travel more efficiently and safely.
If you have ten minutes to spare during a break, you can check out what 10minutetravel has to offer. In less time than most people take for a break, you can learn some interesting facts about any place you might be interested in learning about. Pictures and special information that most people do not know about an intended location are provided on this site. You can read articles from people who have actually been to the place you want to go. Some history about the location you want to visit is also provided.
If you are one of those who just enjoy visiting places from a distance, you can still enjoy it all from the safety of your computer. Pictures, videos, and important information are provided to allow you the best chance of learning what you need to know to enjoy traveling (whether it is virtual or physical) the world.
By : Aren Williams
To be successful in your travels require some help. Many websites are dedicated to helping those who wish to world travel. You can learn from the experiences of other travelers so that you do not make the same mistakes they may have. Learn tips to help enhance your trip. Imagine if you could create a special database of facts that you could rely on each time you make plans to travel. Enjoy the benefits of traveling without the hassles that most people have to deal with. In just ten minutes, you can learn a great deal that will help you travel more efficiently and safely.
If you have ten minutes to spare during a break, you can check out what 10minutetravel has to offer. In less time than most people take for a break, you can learn some interesting facts about any place you might be interested in learning about. Pictures and special information that most people do not know about an intended location are provided on this site. You can read articles from people who have actually been to the place you want to go. Some history about the location you want to visit is also provided.
If you are one of those who just enjoy visiting places from a distance, you can still enjoy it all from the safety of your computer. Pictures, videos, and important information are provided to allow you the best chance of learning what you need to know to enjoy traveling (whether it is virtual or physical) the world.
By : Aren Williams
Tuesday 2 October 2012
Worldwide Travel - Travel the whole world
Worldwide travel is the dream of everyone who loves traveling, but due to high prices of airlines and expensive airfares it is not possible for everyone. Traveling is the most relaxing activity which refreshes and recharges you. Traveling is full of fun, excitement and adventure. There are approx 193 countries in this world where you can travel. Each has its own culture, religion, tradition and lifestyle.
Due to availability of cheap airfares and low cost flights, a worldwide travel has now become possible. Large numbers of airlines are offering low airfares for your travel. Now, you can travel to destination at any corner of the globe. You just need to choose the destination, where you wish to travel. You can travel for holidays, studies, honeymoons and business trips.
For your air travel, you need to search for the best airlines with which you can travel. For this you need to get the information regarding all this. You can take the help of internet, which will give you hundreds of options. There you will find many travel and tour operators providing all the facilities for your travel. These companies will help you to find cheap flights, discount flights, packages and various other similar services.
The famous destinations for holidays are Australia, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Cape Town, India, Thailand, Mauritius, Goa, Malaysia, Manila and many others. Take the cheap flights, cheap packages, travel insurances, car hire, etc., for your travel to the destinations worldwide.
Avoid peak season travel to any destination which you are traveling. You will get all the information on the internet, about the place, its people, culture, food, etc. You can take discount flights, long haul flights, and cheap flights for your air travel. Travel the whole world, by taking advantages of cheap flights and low airfares. A cheap flight doesn't mean low grade flights, but it means flights with low airfares and low prices.
Visiting different destination every time will be a learning experience. When you explore different destinations, you will come to know various things about that place, people, language, food habits, lifestyle and various other things.
By : Jack Smith
Due to availability of cheap airfares and low cost flights, a worldwide travel has now become possible. Large numbers of airlines are offering low airfares for your travel. Now, you can travel to destination at any corner of the globe. You just need to choose the destination, where you wish to travel. You can travel for holidays, studies, honeymoons and business trips.
For your air travel, you need to search for the best airlines with which you can travel. For this you need to get the information regarding all this. You can take the help of internet, which will give you hundreds of options. There you will find many travel and tour operators providing all the facilities for your travel. These companies will help you to find cheap flights, discount flights, packages and various other similar services.
The famous destinations for holidays are Australia, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Cape Town, India, Thailand, Mauritius, Goa, Malaysia, Manila and many others. Take the cheap flights, cheap packages, travel insurances, car hire, etc., for your travel to the destinations worldwide.
Avoid peak season travel to any destination which you are traveling. You will get all the information on the internet, about the place, its people, culture, food, etc. You can take discount flights, long haul flights, and cheap flights for your air travel. Travel the whole world, by taking advantages of cheap flights and low airfares. A cheap flight doesn't mean low grade flights, but it means flights with low airfares and low prices.
Visiting different destination every time will be a learning experience. When you explore different destinations, you will come to know various things about that place, people, language, food habits, lifestyle and various other things.
By : Jack Smith
Sunday 30 September 2012
Peru Travel: The Wari Culture
The Peruvian highlands are generally less visited than other more famous areas of the country such as Cusco or Puno. However they possess some hidden gems that should not be missed on a trip to Peru. This culturally rich region abounds with archeological sites, fascinating unspoiled traditions and particularly hospitable people that will make your trip to Peru unforgettable
One of the many interesting sites of Rio Mantaro Valley, in the central sierra, which will ravish all history addicts is the impressive ruins of the ancient capital of the Wari Empire. Fairly unknown by the majority of tourists to Peru, the Wari is a fascinating culture which once encompassed several hillsides outside Ayacucho, between 600 and 1,100 AD. The Wari site is located about 14 miles (23km) north of Ayacucho, and is believed to have been home to over 50,000 at the peak of its development.
The Wari, also spelled Huari, were a militaristic, expansionist and very religious society in the 7th century who managed to conquer most of Peru where they established a strong and oppressive empire, imposing their own language and culture on their subjects. The Wari empire reached its apogee in the 9th century before fragmenting into several sub-groups which were eventually conquered by the Incas.
There are several Wari sites remaining in Peru, the best known being Cerro Baul, north ofMoquega in the far South of the country, Toro Muerto, which are petroglyphs about three hours from Arequipa, the Pachacamac site south of Lima, Pikillacta nearby Cusco, and Wilcahuain near Huaraz. The capital city in the highlands near Ayacucho is the most impressive remnant of the Wari culture.
The influence of the Wari culture on Peruvian history has been particularly strong as they were the first to built roads connecting their outposts, system later extended by the Incas. Their massive buildings were made to resists earthquakes often feature polygonal rock blocks, an architectural element which the Incas also adopted. The Waris are also known for their extraordinarily refined tapestries and woven textiles, among the best produced by any culture in the world. Some well-preserved examples can be seen in several museums in the country.
By : Hortense Soulier
One of the many interesting sites of Rio Mantaro Valley, in the central sierra, which will ravish all history addicts is the impressive ruins of the ancient capital of the Wari Empire. Fairly unknown by the majority of tourists to Peru, the Wari is a fascinating culture which once encompassed several hillsides outside Ayacucho, between 600 and 1,100 AD. The Wari site is located about 14 miles (23km) north of Ayacucho, and is believed to have been home to over 50,000 at the peak of its development.
The Wari, also spelled Huari, were a militaristic, expansionist and very religious society in the 7th century who managed to conquer most of Peru where they established a strong and oppressive empire, imposing their own language and culture on their subjects. The Wari empire reached its apogee in the 9th century before fragmenting into several sub-groups which were eventually conquered by the Incas.
There are several Wari sites remaining in Peru, the best known being Cerro Baul, north ofMoquega in the far South of the country, Toro Muerto, which are petroglyphs about three hours from Arequipa, the Pachacamac site south of Lima, Pikillacta nearby Cusco, and Wilcahuain near Huaraz. The capital city in the highlands near Ayacucho is the most impressive remnant of the Wari culture.
The influence of the Wari culture on Peruvian history has been particularly strong as they were the first to built roads connecting their outposts, system later extended by the Incas. Their massive buildings were made to resists earthquakes often feature polygonal rock blocks, an architectural element which the Incas also adopted. The Waris are also known for their extraordinarily refined tapestries and woven textiles, among the best produced by any culture in the world. Some well-preserved examples can be seen in several museums in the country.
By : Hortense Soulier
Thursday 27 September 2012
Travel the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Marrakech
A Marrakech holiday is one full of exotic and rich culture. As you wander the souks and sample the tagine, you will experience a world a million miles away from your own. But outside of the city walls there is an entirely different world awaiting you. Your holiday in Marrakech will take a different turn as you journey the Route of 1000 Kasbahs towards the Atlas Mountains.
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate, known to the Moroccans as 'the door of the desert', is the first stop for those wishing to take their Marrakech holidays out of the city. South of the High Atlas Mountains, the Berber province has become known for the fortified city or ksah, Ait Benhaddou. This beautifully structured, mud-brick fortification contains many wonderful examples of Kasbahs and, though most inhabitants have moved on, it still houses twelve families who repair the damage the ksah suffers with each heavy rainfall. As you make your way up through the city you'll pass collections of goods crafted by these dwellers, which you can buy as an entirely unique souvenir of your trip. A particularly impressive example of the Moroccan Kasbahs, Ait Benhaddou has been the setting for many successful movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Alexander and The Mummy.
Dades Gorge
Travel a little further into the Atlas Mountains themselves, and you will find the Dades Gorge. The marvellous colours of the valley are the first thing to notice, with the green riverbed lined with volcanic red rock. Impressive Kasbahs are dotted over the landscape, blending in with the soil and rocks so that you have to look twice to see them. The winding roads take you through the magnificent scenery and lush palms of the mountains, and past fascinating landscapes, including the bizarre rock formation known as 'the Monkey Fingers' due to its uncanny resemblance. Venturing into the Dades Gorge allows you to see breathtaking backdrops unlike anything you will see in Marrakech. Holidays to Morocco are enormously enriched by the colourful landscapes of the Dades Gorge.
The Skoura Oasis
Found in the middle of the Dades Plain, the Skoura Oasis radiates an air of peace. The immense palm groves make visitors feel as if they have been wrapped up in nature itself. However the main reason to visit the Skoura Oasis, other than the sense of tranquillity, is to view the Amerhidl Kasbah. This 17th Century Kasbah is immortalised on the back of the 50 dirham note, and is one of the more fascinating Kasbahs in Morocco. You can take a tour of the mud-brick building, venturing through prayer rooms and kitchens that have been preserved all these years and be amused when your guide shows you traditional artefacts along the way, such as old-fashioned door locks and hairbrushes, to see if you can work out how they were once used. Resembling an Eastern castle, you can gaze out over the ramparts at the desert views and rows of palm trees, enjoying the peace after what was likely to have been a frantic start to your holiday in Marrakech.
Todra Gorge
Slightly less secluded but equally magnificent is the Todra Gorge, found on the east side of the mountains. Cool your feet in the stream running through the gorge, and watch as Moroccan families go about their business - swimming, washing fruit, and even doing their laundry. One of the most dramatic sights to be seen in Morocco, standing at the bottom of this cut in the mountain looking up at the dizzying height of the walls above, you will be glad that you ventured out of Marrakech. Holiday makers from all over Morocco travel to the Todra Gorge regularly, in order to enjoy the cool, fresh streams running through the gorge.
Marrakech holidays are undoubtedly full of dramatic and fascinating culture that you are unlikely to have experienced before. But the areas surrounding Marrakech and stretching into the Atlas Mountains have so much to offer. For truly outstanding landscapes, be sure to head out of Marrakech along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs.
By : Nick Wrightman
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate, known to the Moroccans as 'the door of the desert', is the first stop for those wishing to take their Marrakech holidays out of the city. South of the High Atlas Mountains, the Berber province has become known for the fortified city or ksah, Ait Benhaddou. This beautifully structured, mud-brick fortification contains many wonderful examples of Kasbahs and, though most inhabitants have moved on, it still houses twelve families who repair the damage the ksah suffers with each heavy rainfall. As you make your way up through the city you'll pass collections of goods crafted by these dwellers, which you can buy as an entirely unique souvenir of your trip. A particularly impressive example of the Moroccan Kasbahs, Ait Benhaddou has been the setting for many successful movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Alexander and The Mummy.
Dades Gorge
Travel a little further into the Atlas Mountains themselves, and you will find the Dades Gorge. The marvellous colours of the valley are the first thing to notice, with the green riverbed lined with volcanic red rock. Impressive Kasbahs are dotted over the landscape, blending in with the soil and rocks so that you have to look twice to see them. The winding roads take you through the magnificent scenery and lush palms of the mountains, and past fascinating landscapes, including the bizarre rock formation known as 'the Monkey Fingers' due to its uncanny resemblance. Venturing into the Dades Gorge allows you to see breathtaking backdrops unlike anything you will see in Marrakech. Holidays to Morocco are enormously enriched by the colourful landscapes of the Dades Gorge.
The Skoura Oasis
Found in the middle of the Dades Plain, the Skoura Oasis radiates an air of peace. The immense palm groves make visitors feel as if they have been wrapped up in nature itself. However the main reason to visit the Skoura Oasis, other than the sense of tranquillity, is to view the Amerhidl Kasbah. This 17th Century Kasbah is immortalised on the back of the 50 dirham note, and is one of the more fascinating Kasbahs in Morocco. You can take a tour of the mud-brick building, venturing through prayer rooms and kitchens that have been preserved all these years and be amused when your guide shows you traditional artefacts along the way, such as old-fashioned door locks and hairbrushes, to see if you can work out how they were once used. Resembling an Eastern castle, you can gaze out over the ramparts at the desert views and rows of palm trees, enjoying the peace after what was likely to have been a frantic start to your holiday in Marrakech.
Todra Gorge
Slightly less secluded but equally magnificent is the Todra Gorge, found on the east side of the mountains. Cool your feet in the stream running through the gorge, and watch as Moroccan families go about their business - swimming, washing fruit, and even doing their laundry. One of the most dramatic sights to be seen in Morocco, standing at the bottom of this cut in the mountain looking up at the dizzying height of the walls above, you will be glad that you ventured out of Marrakech. Holiday makers from all over Morocco travel to the Todra Gorge regularly, in order to enjoy the cool, fresh streams running through the gorge.
Marrakech holidays are undoubtedly full of dramatic and fascinating culture that you are unlikely to have experienced before. But the areas surrounding Marrakech and stretching into the Atlas Mountains have so much to offer. For truly outstanding landscapes, be sure to head out of Marrakech along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs.
By : Nick Wrightman
Tuesday 25 September 2012
THE NILE RIVER
THE NILE RIVER
The Nile is the longest river in the world, stretching north for approximately 4,000 miles from East Africa to the Mediterranean. Some people believe that the river Nile has its source at th Ripon Falls in Uganda where it leaves Lake Victoria. The Nile has been a source of contention between Egypt and the East African Countries namely Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.
Studies have shown that the River (Iteru, meaning, simply, River, as the Egyptians called it) gradually changed its location and size over millions of years. The Nile flows from the mountains in the south to the Mediterranean in the north. Egyptians travelling to other lands would comment on the "wrong" flow of other rivers. For example, a text of Tuthmosis I in Nubia describe the great Euphrates River as the "inverted water that goes downstream in going upstream."
Three rivers flowed into the Nile from the south and thus served as its sources: the Blue Nile, the White Nile and the Arbara. Within the southern section between Aswan and Khartoum, land which was called Nubia, the River passes through formations of hard igneous rock, resulting in a series of rapids, or cataracts, which form a natural boundary to the south. Between the first and second cataracts lay Lower Nubia, and between the second and sixth cataracts lay upper Nubia.
Along most of its length through Egypt, the Nile has scoured a deep, wide gorge in the desert plateau. At Aswan North of the first cataract the Nile is deeper and its surface smoother. Downstream from Aswan the Nile flows northerly to Armant before taking a sharp bend, called the Qena. From Armant to Hu, the River extends about 180 kilometres and divides the narrow southern valley from the wider northern valley.
Southern Egypt, thus being upstream, is called Upper Egypt, and northern Egypt, being downstream and the Delta, is called Lower Egypt. In addition to the Valley and the Delta, the Nile also divided Egypt into the Eastern and Western Deserts.
The Nile Valley is a canyon running 660 miles long with a floodplain occupying 4,250 square miles. The Delta spans some 8,500 square miles and is fringed in its coastal regions by lagoons, wetlands, lakes and sand dunes.
The Delta represented 63 percent of the inhabited area of Egypt, extending about 200 kilometres from south to north and roughly 400 kilometres from east to west. While today the Nile flows through the Delta in only two principal branches, the Damietta and the Rosetta, in ancient times there were three principal channels, known as the water of Pre, the water of Ptah and the water of Amun. In classical or Graeco-Roman times, these were called the Pelusiac, the Sebennytic, and the Canopic branches. There were additionally subsidiary branches or artificially cut channels.
The most dominant features of the Delta as the sandy mounds of clay and silt that appear as islands rising 1-12 meters above the surrounding area. Since these mounds would not be submerged by the inundation, they were ideal sites for Pre-dynastic and Early Dynastic settlements, and indeed evidence of human habitation has been found. Perhaps these mounds rising above the water table inspired the ancient belief of creation as having begun on a mound of earth that emerged from the primordial waters of Nun.
There were several major oases of the Western desert, which comprised about 2/3 of Egypt: the Fayoum, where during the Middle Kingdom period the capital of all Egypt was situated, and which increasingly became one of the most densely populated and agriculturally productive area in Egypt, the Bahriya, where many sarcophagi of the Graeco-Roman period have been found, the so-called Golden Mummies, Kharga and Dakhla, which were known for their excellent wines, and Siwa, whose Oracle of Amun was consulted by Alexander the Great to demonstrate that he was the true successor to the kingship of Egypt.
The Eastern Desert was exploited in Pharaonic times for its rich minerals.
The mere mention of the name of the Nile evokes for modern man images of Pyramids, great temples, fantastic tales of mummies, and wondrous treasures. But the Nile represents life itself to the people of Egypt, ancient and modern. In fact, for thousands of years, the River has made life possible for hundreds of thousands of people and animals, and has shaped the culture we today are only beginning to truly understand.
The River filled all areas of life with symbolism. In religion, for example, the creator sun-god Ra (Re) was believed to be ferried across the sky daily in a boat (compare that to the Greeks and Romans whose non-creator sun-god rode across the sky in a chariot driven by fiery horses, and Hymns to Hapy (Hapi), the deity personifying the Nile, praise his bounty and offerings were left to him, and the creation myths, as mentioned earlier, revolve around the primordial mound rising from the floodwaters surrounding it; in ritual where Nile creatures such as the hippopotamus, whose shape the goddess Tawaret took, or the crocodile, called Sobek, or Heket (Heqet), the frog, deities deemed powerful in the processes of childbirth and fertility, were revered, in writing, where floral signs such as the lotus and papyrus figured prominently, in architecture, where the very structure of temples emulated the mounds of the Nile and its waves, from the bottom to the top of capital columns and the trim on walls, and in travel, where models of boats have been found dating from the fifth millennium BCE.
The god Hapy was earlier mentioned as being the personification of the floods and ensuing fertility. Two Hymns to the Nile, one probably composed in the Middle Kingdom, the second written later in the Ramesside period, praise Hapy and the river for its renewed life for Egypt.
"Hail to you Hapy, Sprung from earth, Come to nourish Egypt Food provider, bounty maker, Who creates all that is good! Conqueror of the Two Lands, He fills the stores, Makes bulge the barns, Gives bounty to the poor." (from the Middle Kingdom hymn as translated by Lichtheim)
From the earliest times, the waters of the Nile, swollen by monsoon rains in Ethiopia, flooded over the surrounding valley every year between June and September of the modern calendar. A nilometer was used to measure the height of the Nile in ancient times. It usually consisted of a series of steps against which the increasing height of the Inundation, as well as the general level of the river, could be measured. Records of the maximum height were kept. Surviving nilometers exist connected with the temples at Philae, on the Nubian Egyptian border, Edfu, Esna, Kom Ombo, and Dendera, as well as the best-known nilometer on the island of Elephantine at Aswan.
The ancient Egyptian calendar, made up of twelve months of 30 days each, was divided into three seasons, based upon the cycles of the Nile. The three seasons were: akhet, Inundation, peret, the growing season, and shemu, the drought or harvest season. During the season of the Inundation, layers of fertile soil were annually deposited on the flood-plain. Chemical analysis has shown how fertile the Nile mud is. It contains about 0.1 percent of combined nitrogen, 0.2 percent of phosphorus anhydrides and 0.6 percent of potassium.
Since most of the Egyptian people worked as farmers, when the Nile was at its highest and they could not plant, they were drafted by corvee into labor projects such as building Pyramids, repairing temples and other monuments and working on the king's tomb.
Herodotus, the great Greek philosopher, wrote of the Nile: "the river rises of itself, waters the fields, and then sinks back again; thereupon each man sows his field and waits for the harvest." The great historian also called Egypt the gift of the Nile. This description would lead the casual reader to imagine Egypt as being a great paradise where the people simply sat and waited for the sowing and harvesting to need be done. But the ancient Egyptians knew better. Too high a flood from their river, and villages would be destroyed; too low a flood and the land would turn to dust and bring famine. Indeed, one flood in five was either too low or too high.
The rock inscription called the Famine Stela, dated in its present form from the Ptolemaic period, recounts an incident, (whether real or fictitious is not currently known for certain), from the period of King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty. The King writes to a governor in the south, describing himself as disheartened over the country's seven-year famine. The King learns from a priest of Imhotep that if gifts are given to the temple of Khnum, the creator-god of the region, who it was believed had control over the Nile and it's flooding, then the famine would be ended.
Many modern travellers to Egypt today take a Nile cruise as part of their package. And why not? To see the land as its people do, one must journey on the river. A felucca is often the water vehicle of choice.
The Nile flowed from south to north at an average speed of about four knots during inundation season. The water level was on average about 25-33 feet deep and navigation was fast. That made a river voyage from Thebes (modern Luxor) north to Memphis (near modern Cairo) lasting approximately two weeks. During the dryer season when the water level was lower, and speed slower, the same trip would last about two months. At the great bend near Qena, the Nile would flow from west to east and then back from east to west, slowing down travel. No sailing was done at night because of the danger of running aground on one of the many sandbank and low islands.
When one cruises on the Nile, one might pass by the ancient and significant sites of Karnak itself, Luxor, on the other side of the river from Karnak, Dendera, with its grand temple to the goddess Hathor, Abydos, with its marvelous temple built by Seti I as well as being the site of Earlier Dynastic tombs, Esna, with its temple to the potter and creator-god Khnum, lord of the region who was credited as having the power over the river and its richness, Edfu, with its temple to Horus, Kom Ombo, with its double temple to Sobek and a form of Horus called Haroeris, and Aswan itself, with its mighty modern dam. Truly, the Nile is the Heart of the ancient and modern land of Egypt.
By : Alphaxad
The Nile is the longest river in the world, stretching north for approximately 4,000 miles from East Africa to the Mediterranean. Some people believe that the river Nile has its source at th Ripon Falls in Uganda where it leaves Lake Victoria. The Nile has been a source of contention between Egypt and the East African Countries namely Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.
Studies have shown that the River (Iteru, meaning, simply, River, as the Egyptians called it) gradually changed its location and size over millions of years. The Nile flows from the mountains in the south to the Mediterranean in the north. Egyptians travelling to other lands would comment on the "wrong" flow of other rivers. For example, a text of Tuthmosis I in Nubia describe the great Euphrates River as the "inverted water that goes downstream in going upstream."
Three rivers flowed into the Nile from the south and thus served as its sources: the Blue Nile, the White Nile and the Arbara. Within the southern section between Aswan and Khartoum, land which was called Nubia, the River passes through formations of hard igneous rock, resulting in a series of rapids, or cataracts, which form a natural boundary to the south. Between the first and second cataracts lay Lower Nubia, and between the second and sixth cataracts lay upper Nubia.
Along most of its length through Egypt, the Nile has scoured a deep, wide gorge in the desert plateau. At Aswan North of the first cataract the Nile is deeper and its surface smoother. Downstream from Aswan the Nile flows northerly to Armant before taking a sharp bend, called the Qena. From Armant to Hu, the River extends about 180 kilometres and divides the narrow southern valley from the wider northern valley.
Southern Egypt, thus being upstream, is called Upper Egypt, and northern Egypt, being downstream and the Delta, is called Lower Egypt. In addition to the Valley and the Delta, the Nile also divided Egypt into the Eastern and Western Deserts.
The Nile Valley is a canyon running 660 miles long with a floodplain occupying 4,250 square miles. The Delta spans some 8,500 square miles and is fringed in its coastal regions by lagoons, wetlands, lakes and sand dunes.
The Delta represented 63 percent of the inhabited area of Egypt, extending about 200 kilometres from south to north and roughly 400 kilometres from east to west. While today the Nile flows through the Delta in only two principal branches, the Damietta and the Rosetta, in ancient times there were three principal channels, known as the water of Pre, the water of Ptah and the water of Amun. In classical or Graeco-Roman times, these were called the Pelusiac, the Sebennytic, and the Canopic branches. There were additionally subsidiary branches or artificially cut channels.
The most dominant features of the Delta as the sandy mounds of clay and silt that appear as islands rising 1-12 meters above the surrounding area. Since these mounds would not be submerged by the inundation, they were ideal sites for Pre-dynastic and Early Dynastic settlements, and indeed evidence of human habitation has been found. Perhaps these mounds rising above the water table inspired the ancient belief of creation as having begun on a mound of earth that emerged from the primordial waters of Nun.
There were several major oases of the Western desert, which comprised about 2/3 of Egypt: the Fayoum, where during the Middle Kingdom period the capital of all Egypt was situated, and which increasingly became one of the most densely populated and agriculturally productive area in Egypt, the Bahriya, where many sarcophagi of the Graeco-Roman period have been found, the so-called Golden Mummies, Kharga and Dakhla, which were known for their excellent wines, and Siwa, whose Oracle of Amun was consulted by Alexander the Great to demonstrate that he was the true successor to the kingship of Egypt.
The Eastern Desert was exploited in Pharaonic times for its rich minerals.
The mere mention of the name of the Nile evokes for modern man images of Pyramids, great temples, fantastic tales of mummies, and wondrous treasures. But the Nile represents life itself to the people of Egypt, ancient and modern. In fact, for thousands of years, the River has made life possible for hundreds of thousands of people and animals, and has shaped the culture we today are only beginning to truly understand.
The River filled all areas of life with symbolism. In religion, for example, the creator sun-god Ra (Re) was believed to be ferried across the sky daily in a boat (compare that to the Greeks and Romans whose non-creator sun-god rode across the sky in a chariot driven by fiery horses, and Hymns to Hapy (Hapi), the deity personifying the Nile, praise his bounty and offerings were left to him, and the creation myths, as mentioned earlier, revolve around the primordial mound rising from the floodwaters surrounding it; in ritual where Nile creatures such as the hippopotamus, whose shape the goddess Tawaret took, or the crocodile, called Sobek, or Heket (Heqet), the frog, deities deemed powerful in the processes of childbirth and fertility, were revered, in writing, where floral signs such as the lotus and papyrus figured prominently, in architecture, where the very structure of temples emulated the mounds of the Nile and its waves, from the bottom to the top of capital columns and the trim on walls, and in travel, where models of boats have been found dating from the fifth millennium BCE.
The god Hapy was earlier mentioned as being the personification of the floods and ensuing fertility. Two Hymns to the Nile, one probably composed in the Middle Kingdom, the second written later in the Ramesside period, praise Hapy and the river for its renewed life for Egypt.
"Hail to you Hapy, Sprung from earth, Come to nourish Egypt Food provider, bounty maker, Who creates all that is good! Conqueror of the Two Lands, He fills the stores, Makes bulge the barns, Gives bounty to the poor." (from the Middle Kingdom hymn as translated by Lichtheim)
From the earliest times, the waters of the Nile, swollen by monsoon rains in Ethiopia, flooded over the surrounding valley every year between June and September of the modern calendar. A nilometer was used to measure the height of the Nile in ancient times. It usually consisted of a series of steps against which the increasing height of the Inundation, as well as the general level of the river, could be measured. Records of the maximum height were kept. Surviving nilometers exist connected with the temples at Philae, on the Nubian Egyptian border, Edfu, Esna, Kom Ombo, and Dendera, as well as the best-known nilometer on the island of Elephantine at Aswan.
The ancient Egyptian calendar, made up of twelve months of 30 days each, was divided into three seasons, based upon the cycles of the Nile. The three seasons were: akhet, Inundation, peret, the growing season, and shemu, the drought or harvest season. During the season of the Inundation, layers of fertile soil were annually deposited on the flood-plain. Chemical analysis has shown how fertile the Nile mud is. It contains about 0.1 percent of combined nitrogen, 0.2 percent of phosphorus anhydrides and 0.6 percent of potassium.
Since most of the Egyptian people worked as farmers, when the Nile was at its highest and they could not plant, they were drafted by corvee into labor projects such as building Pyramids, repairing temples and other monuments and working on the king's tomb.
Herodotus, the great Greek philosopher, wrote of the Nile: "the river rises of itself, waters the fields, and then sinks back again; thereupon each man sows his field and waits for the harvest." The great historian also called Egypt the gift of the Nile. This description would lead the casual reader to imagine Egypt as being a great paradise where the people simply sat and waited for the sowing and harvesting to need be done. But the ancient Egyptians knew better. Too high a flood from their river, and villages would be destroyed; too low a flood and the land would turn to dust and bring famine. Indeed, one flood in five was either too low or too high.
The rock inscription called the Famine Stela, dated in its present form from the Ptolemaic period, recounts an incident, (whether real or fictitious is not currently known for certain), from the period of King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty. The King writes to a governor in the south, describing himself as disheartened over the country's seven-year famine. The King learns from a priest of Imhotep that if gifts are given to the temple of Khnum, the creator-god of the region, who it was believed had control over the Nile and it's flooding, then the famine would be ended.
Many modern travellers to Egypt today take a Nile cruise as part of their package. And why not? To see the land as its people do, one must journey on the river. A felucca is often the water vehicle of choice.
The Nile flowed from south to north at an average speed of about four knots during inundation season. The water level was on average about 25-33 feet deep and navigation was fast. That made a river voyage from Thebes (modern Luxor) north to Memphis (near modern Cairo) lasting approximately two weeks. During the dryer season when the water level was lower, and speed slower, the same trip would last about two months. At the great bend near Qena, the Nile would flow from west to east and then back from east to west, slowing down travel. No sailing was done at night because of the danger of running aground on one of the many sandbank and low islands.
When one cruises on the Nile, one might pass by the ancient and significant sites of Karnak itself, Luxor, on the other side of the river from Karnak, Dendera, with its grand temple to the goddess Hathor, Abydos, with its marvelous temple built by Seti I as well as being the site of Earlier Dynastic tombs, Esna, with its temple to the potter and creator-god Khnum, lord of the region who was credited as having the power over the river and its richness, Edfu, with its temple to Horus, Kom Ombo, with its double temple to Sobek and a form of Horus called Haroeris, and Aswan itself, with its mighty modern dam. Truly, the Nile is the Heart of the ancient and modern land of Egypt.
By : Alphaxad
Thursday 20 September 2012
While Traveling the World Avoiding Problems Is Simply Hard
People tend to pack a lot of unnecessary stuff when preparing to travel somewhere. Not only that your bags will get heavier and you'll end up paying for extra luggage but you could also get arrested and not knowing why.
First of all, take your time to consult the list of prohibited items in the country you are about to visit. For safety issues some common items are prohibited almost everywhere in the world. Even if you care for your own safety don't think about taking weapons with you or you'll end up having to go back home.
Also anything that might cause suspicions like gun-shaped lighters or toys, metal forks, knives, razors, hammers, scissors are prohibited. For sure you'll find some to buy in the country you'll spend your holiday. If you plan to practice sports there, you should know that baseball bats or golf clubs are on the "absolutely not" lists in airports for your handbag. Not to mention lighter fluids or fireworks.
Also you have to know that other items like liquids, gel products, shampoos, sun screen, creams, toothpaste in small amounts can be taken normally on planes but only if stored in transparent food bags.
Odd as it might seem in some countries you are not allowed to take vegetables or fruits with you. Citrus fruits, pome fruits, stone fruits, tropical or temperate fruits, berry fruits, beans, potatoes, garlic, onion, shallots are for example prohibited in South Australia. Fruits and veggies that are allowed there include coffee berry, pineapples and olives.
Anything you pack should be verifiable, not wrapped in gift paper.
Even if you have to take two flights to get where you want to, you should know that some items you were allowed to take in the first plane could be strictly forbidden in the second one. So you'd better consult the lists of the airline and keep your bag as simple as you can.
By : world travel
First of all, take your time to consult the list of prohibited items in the country you are about to visit. For safety issues some common items are prohibited almost everywhere in the world. Even if you care for your own safety don't think about taking weapons with you or you'll end up having to go back home.
Also anything that might cause suspicions like gun-shaped lighters or toys, metal forks, knives, razors, hammers, scissors are prohibited. For sure you'll find some to buy in the country you'll spend your holiday. If you plan to practice sports there, you should know that baseball bats or golf clubs are on the "absolutely not" lists in airports for your handbag. Not to mention lighter fluids or fireworks.
Also you have to know that other items like liquids, gel products, shampoos, sun screen, creams, toothpaste in small amounts can be taken normally on planes but only if stored in transparent food bags.
Odd as it might seem in some countries you are not allowed to take vegetables or fruits with you. Citrus fruits, pome fruits, stone fruits, tropical or temperate fruits, berry fruits, beans, potatoes, garlic, onion, shallots are for example prohibited in South Australia. Fruits and veggies that are allowed there include coffee berry, pineapples and olives.
Anything you pack should be verifiable, not wrapped in gift paper.
Even if you have to take two flights to get where you want to, you should know that some items you were allowed to take in the first plane could be strictly forbidden in the second one. So you'd better consult the lists of the airline and keep your bag as simple as you can.
By : world travel
Friday 14 September 2012
Hangzhou Travel - The "City of Heaven"
Hangzhou Travel "The City of Heaven"
Hangzhou is the "City of Heaven" and is beyond dispute the finest and noblest in the world, according to Marco polo, the great Italian traveler. Now it is renowned for its historic heritage and natural beauty and known as the most beautiful city in China. Hangzho is located in the northeast of Zhejiang Province, China. It is the capital of the province as well the provincial economy, politics, education and culture center.
Hangzhou was among one of the six ancient capitals (along with the present Beijing, Xian, Luoyang, Kaifeng and Nanjing) in Chinese history. In the times of Wu & Yue and Southern Song Dynasty, Hangzhou reached its prime in terms of economic and political development.
A Hangzhou travel is regarded as an experience of the beautiful southern China's scenery and its rich historical heritage. One of Hangzhou's most popular sights is West Lake. The lake covers an area of 6 square kilometers and includes some of Hangzhou's most famous historic and scenic places. The area includes historical pagodas, cultural sites, as well as the natural beauty of the lake and hills. There are "Ten Scenes of the West Lake", a collection of ten scenic views formed during the Southern Song Dynasty. They are distributed around and within the lake, and serve to show the charms of the West Lake through a use of varying locations, varying seasons, and varying times of day. Each scene is unique, and when taken together, are said to present the essence of West Lake scenery, and form the core of any West Lake tour. Following you will have a chance to appreciate the tea ceremony art in the Tea Plantation. For the rest of the day enjoy your free time to explore this heavenly beautiful city.
Lingyin Si (also Soul's Retreat Temple) is believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanghou, as well as one of the largest and wealthiest in China. Like most of the other landmarks in Hangzhou, Linyin Temple has witnessed numerous destructions and reconstructions. Nowadays, this temple is thriving as a destination for both pilgrims and tourists, home and abroad. It features a large number of grottos and religious rock carvings, the most famous of which is the Feilai Peak ("the peak that flew hither").
Hangzhou is also well known for its fame in silk industry and tea plantation. Hangzhou silk is best in the world since the past 1000 years from Tang Dynasty. Silk products are vast in Hangzhou, among which the Hangzhou Satin is the most famous and successful export products. The layered weaving process is labor intensive and produces fabulously luxurious fabric that feels great next on the skin. For visitors coming to Hangzhou, tailors are available everywhere who make dresses, shirts and other clothing from silk and satin, just within several days.
The West Lake Dragon Well Tea, grown on the hills surrounding the city, is Hanghzou's specialty. It is also called Longjing Tea, one of the best green teas in China. Dragon Well Tea is most famous for its unique fragrance and flavor; flat, slender strips of tea leaves in bright green liquid. Furthermore, Dragon Well Tea aids one's health in many ways regardless of your age. It is used to deter food poisoning, refresh the body, stop cavities, fight viruses, control high blood pressure, lower the blood sugar level, and to prevent cancer. Hence, Dragon Well Tea is regarded as the elixir for health and is widely sold and accepted all over the world.
Hangzhou Cuisine is the representative of Huaiyang Cuisine (in Zhejiang Province), one of China's eight cuisines. Hangzhou Cuisine is featured for freshness, tenderness, softness, smoothness and sweetness of its dishes with mellow fragrance. Famous dishes like West Lake Sour Fish, Dongpo Pork, Longjing Shrimp Meat, Jiaohua Young Chickens, Steam Rice Flower and Lotus Leave Wrapped Pork, etc. are widely known and loved home and abroad.
The climate in Hangzhou is humid subtropical with three distinctive seasons. The best time for the enjoyable Hangzhou tours is from spring to autumn.
Here is normal Hangzhou Highlight Tour that is from China Connection Tours:
Day 1 Hangzhou Arrival
Arrive in Hangzhou. Check into a hotel near the West Lake. Enjoy your free time around the lake.
Day 2 Hangzhou city tour with lunch.
Today you visit the beautiful West Lake by boating. After lunch for Hangzhou dishes in a local restaurant, you will visit the Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak and then the Six Harmony Pagoda. Of course you won't miss the Tea Plantation visit to enjoy the famous Dragon Well Tea.
Day 3 Hangzhou
Depart from Hangzhou, ahead for next destination.
By : Eric Xu with China Connection Tours
Hangzhou is the "City of Heaven" and is beyond dispute the finest and noblest in the world, according to Marco polo, the great Italian traveler. Now it is renowned for its historic heritage and natural beauty and known as the most beautiful city in China. Hangzho is located in the northeast of Zhejiang Province, China. It is the capital of the province as well the provincial economy, politics, education and culture center.
Hangzhou was among one of the six ancient capitals (along with the present Beijing, Xian, Luoyang, Kaifeng and Nanjing) in Chinese history. In the times of Wu & Yue and Southern Song Dynasty, Hangzhou reached its prime in terms of economic and political development.
A Hangzhou travel is regarded as an experience of the beautiful southern China's scenery and its rich historical heritage. One of Hangzhou's most popular sights is West Lake. The lake covers an area of 6 square kilometers and includes some of Hangzhou's most famous historic and scenic places. The area includes historical pagodas, cultural sites, as well as the natural beauty of the lake and hills. There are "Ten Scenes of the West Lake", a collection of ten scenic views formed during the Southern Song Dynasty. They are distributed around and within the lake, and serve to show the charms of the West Lake through a use of varying locations, varying seasons, and varying times of day. Each scene is unique, and when taken together, are said to present the essence of West Lake scenery, and form the core of any West Lake tour. Following you will have a chance to appreciate the tea ceremony art in the Tea Plantation. For the rest of the day enjoy your free time to explore this heavenly beautiful city.
Lingyin Si (also Soul's Retreat Temple) is believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanghou, as well as one of the largest and wealthiest in China. Like most of the other landmarks in Hangzhou, Linyin Temple has witnessed numerous destructions and reconstructions. Nowadays, this temple is thriving as a destination for both pilgrims and tourists, home and abroad. It features a large number of grottos and religious rock carvings, the most famous of which is the Feilai Peak ("the peak that flew hither").
Hangzhou is also well known for its fame in silk industry and tea plantation. Hangzhou silk is best in the world since the past 1000 years from Tang Dynasty. Silk products are vast in Hangzhou, among which the Hangzhou Satin is the most famous and successful export products. The layered weaving process is labor intensive and produces fabulously luxurious fabric that feels great next on the skin. For visitors coming to Hangzhou, tailors are available everywhere who make dresses, shirts and other clothing from silk and satin, just within several days.
The West Lake Dragon Well Tea, grown on the hills surrounding the city, is Hanghzou's specialty. It is also called Longjing Tea, one of the best green teas in China. Dragon Well Tea is most famous for its unique fragrance and flavor; flat, slender strips of tea leaves in bright green liquid. Furthermore, Dragon Well Tea aids one's health in many ways regardless of your age. It is used to deter food poisoning, refresh the body, stop cavities, fight viruses, control high blood pressure, lower the blood sugar level, and to prevent cancer. Hence, Dragon Well Tea is regarded as the elixir for health and is widely sold and accepted all over the world.
Hangzhou Cuisine is the representative of Huaiyang Cuisine (in Zhejiang Province), one of China's eight cuisines. Hangzhou Cuisine is featured for freshness, tenderness, softness, smoothness and sweetness of its dishes with mellow fragrance. Famous dishes like West Lake Sour Fish, Dongpo Pork, Longjing Shrimp Meat, Jiaohua Young Chickens, Steam Rice Flower and Lotus Leave Wrapped Pork, etc. are widely known and loved home and abroad.
The climate in Hangzhou is humid subtropical with three distinctive seasons. The best time for the enjoyable Hangzhou tours is from spring to autumn.
Here is normal Hangzhou Highlight Tour that is from China Connection Tours:
Day 1 Hangzhou Arrival
Arrive in Hangzhou. Check into a hotel near the West Lake. Enjoy your free time around the lake.
Day 2 Hangzhou city tour with lunch.
Today you visit the beautiful West Lake by boating. After lunch for Hangzhou dishes in a local restaurant, you will visit the Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak and then the Six Harmony Pagoda. Of course you won't miss the Tea Plantation visit to enjoy the famous Dragon Well Tea.
Day 3 Hangzhou
Depart from Hangzhou, ahead for next destination.
By : Eric Xu with China Connection Tours
Saturday 8 September 2012
New Zealand Luxury Travel - The Effects of the Recession and the Boom Bust Cycle
The current recessionary environment sweeping the world has been notable for both its severity, and also its wide ranging scope. Travel, and in particular luxury tourism, is sentiment-driven consumption, and is therefore highly susceptible to the current recessionary mindset.
The decision to travel requires the means and the will. In a recessionary environment, both of these factors can be affected. The effects of a recession on the means are obvious: jobs are lost; investment portfolios are compromised and devalued. What is less obvious however is the effect of a recessionary mindset on the will to travel. Tourism is all about feeling good. People take luxury tours to enjoy themselves. Even though a recessionary environment might not affect the personal means of certain market segments, the general negative environment surrounding a recession is often enough to take away the feel-good factor, and therefore the will to proceed with a sentiment driven purchase.
The inbound New Zealand tourism industry is in a unique position in that our distance from almost all of our major markets makes travel to this country expensive. The cost of getting to New Zealand further encourages travelers to stay longer, thereby making their vacation even more comparatively expensive. Recognizing this paradigm, the New Zealand Tourism Industry has through the years focused on the value added segments of the tourism industry, including the luxury sector. This is an understandable position to take but does the inevitable high cost/value positioning of our tourism product make us more susceptible to recessionary down-turns? The answer to this question is complex. Our high cost/value tourism product feeds directly into a boom-bust cycle of demand. The higher cost aspect of our tourism makes us highly susceptible to the downturn of an economic cycle -the bust! Ironically however, while the distance to New Zealand underpins our high cost tourism product, it also makes the demand for the same high value product non-perishable. Put simply, a trip of this magnitude is anticipated so much that the desire to do it remains for many years even if current economic circumstances do not allow it. Any demand that is unfulfilled does not perish, but is simply deferred until circumstances improve, with a resulting deferred boom in the industry.
In summary then, the relatively isolated location of New Zealand makes it highly susceptible to a boom-bust tourism cycle. In a recessionary phase, the high comparative cost of our tourism product exacerbates a drop in demand. However the high comparative value of our luxury tourism product often results in that drop in demand being deferred until the recessionary cycle is over, with a resulting tourism boom.
It is critical for the success of tourism businesses to understand this boom-bust cycle, and use a planning horizon that covers both the boom and the bust parts of the economic cycle.
By : David Francis
The decision to travel requires the means and the will. In a recessionary environment, both of these factors can be affected. The effects of a recession on the means are obvious: jobs are lost; investment portfolios are compromised and devalued. What is less obvious however is the effect of a recessionary mindset on the will to travel. Tourism is all about feeling good. People take luxury tours to enjoy themselves. Even though a recessionary environment might not affect the personal means of certain market segments, the general negative environment surrounding a recession is often enough to take away the feel-good factor, and therefore the will to proceed with a sentiment driven purchase.
The inbound New Zealand tourism industry is in a unique position in that our distance from almost all of our major markets makes travel to this country expensive. The cost of getting to New Zealand further encourages travelers to stay longer, thereby making their vacation even more comparatively expensive. Recognizing this paradigm, the New Zealand Tourism Industry has through the years focused on the value added segments of the tourism industry, including the luxury sector. This is an understandable position to take but does the inevitable high cost/value positioning of our tourism product make us more susceptible to recessionary down-turns? The answer to this question is complex. Our high cost/value tourism product feeds directly into a boom-bust cycle of demand. The higher cost aspect of our tourism makes us highly susceptible to the downturn of an economic cycle -the bust! Ironically however, while the distance to New Zealand underpins our high cost tourism product, it also makes the demand for the same high value product non-perishable. Put simply, a trip of this magnitude is anticipated so much that the desire to do it remains for many years even if current economic circumstances do not allow it. Any demand that is unfulfilled does not perish, but is simply deferred until circumstances improve, with a resulting deferred boom in the industry.
In summary then, the relatively isolated location of New Zealand makes it highly susceptible to a boom-bust tourism cycle. In a recessionary phase, the high comparative cost of our tourism product exacerbates a drop in demand. However the high comparative value of our luxury tourism product often results in that drop in demand being deferred until the recessionary cycle is over, with a resulting tourism boom.
It is critical for the success of tourism businesses to understand this boom-bust cycle, and use a planning horizon that covers both the boom and the bust parts of the economic cycle.
By : David Francis
Sunday 2 September 2012
Travel the New York Main Attractions in 9 Hours
Going around the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building to Times Square, New York features a plethora of iconic landmarks, enchanting tourist spots and some historic sites. Anybody visiting New York would obviously want to see them all and not miss any. But the question is how many of them can you truly see within 9 hours.
Here are some of the memorable places you must see and the onus is therefore on you to suitably chalk out your itinerary. If you are going to come away from New York without seeing any of these, then it can be said that your trip to New York was incomplete.
Empire State Building Tour, the New York's tallest building, is an Art Deco masterpiece that was opened in 1931. Tourists can avail the elevator up to the 86th-floor observatory deck and have a commanding view of the streets of Manhattan.
New York Sky-ride - Located on the second floor of the world-famous Empire State Building, the New York Sky-ride is an exciting, fun-filled, family-friendly virtual tour simulator - the only such tour simulator in NYC. During this 30-minute tour, you will soar high above the streets of New York, viewing many NYC landmarks such as Times Square, Yankee Stadium, and the Statue of Liberty.
United Nations Building provides visitors the rare opportunity to see the world body where the leaders of the world meet to discuss all crucial international issues.
South Street Seaport is one of the most alluring areas in New York. Have a great shopping experience here and dine at any of the top New York restaurants and partake in the most exciting NYC nightlife
Museum of Modern Art is arguably the most prestigious NYC museum and art gallery. The museum features some of the most famous paintings of all time.
Central Park is one of the most salubrious parks in New York City. Spread over 843 acres, the park offers tons of things to do in NYC. Participate in the famous Central Park Carousel and the Wollman Ice Skating Rink.
Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest and longest suspension bridges in the United States. This iconic bridge, a National Historic Landmark since 1964, spans the East River and connects the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Grand Central Station: With 44 platforms and 67 tracks along them, Grand Central Terminal, also known as Grand Central Station, is the longest train station in the world and one of the most unforgettable sights in New York City.
Madame Tussaud Museum, in Times Square, houses some of the life-like celebrity wax figures. Watch all your favorite celebs, historical personalities, and sportsperson.
Ripley's Believe It or Not - One of the more recent additions to Times Square, 'Ripleys Believe It or Not' showcases the strange and celebrates the weird from around the world.
You can avoid paying high entrance fees at the NYC attractions. Instead, you and your family members should purchase the New York Explorer Pass. With so many pass options, you will be able to view all of the sights and many landmark sites at discounted rates.
The New York Pass provides free entry to more than 50 NYC attractions and discounts on sightseeing tours, stores, theaters, restaurants and more. The sights include the Empire State Building Observatory, Statue of Liberty tour, Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and American Museum of Natural History, Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum, NBC Studio Tour, Central Park Zoo, and many more!
By : Larry Daron
Here are some of the memorable places you must see and the onus is therefore on you to suitably chalk out your itinerary. If you are going to come away from New York without seeing any of these, then it can be said that your trip to New York was incomplete.
Empire State Building Tour, the New York's tallest building, is an Art Deco masterpiece that was opened in 1931. Tourists can avail the elevator up to the 86th-floor observatory deck and have a commanding view of the streets of Manhattan.
New York Sky-ride - Located on the second floor of the world-famous Empire State Building, the New York Sky-ride is an exciting, fun-filled, family-friendly virtual tour simulator - the only such tour simulator in NYC. During this 30-minute tour, you will soar high above the streets of New York, viewing many NYC landmarks such as Times Square, Yankee Stadium, and the Statue of Liberty.
United Nations Building provides visitors the rare opportunity to see the world body where the leaders of the world meet to discuss all crucial international issues.
South Street Seaport is one of the most alluring areas in New York. Have a great shopping experience here and dine at any of the top New York restaurants and partake in the most exciting NYC nightlife
Museum of Modern Art is arguably the most prestigious NYC museum and art gallery. The museum features some of the most famous paintings of all time.
Central Park is one of the most salubrious parks in New York City. Spread over 843 acres, the park offers tons of things to do in NYC. Participate in the famous Central Park Carousel and the Wollman Ice Skating Rink.
Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest and longest suspension bridges in the United States. This iconic bridge, a National Historic Landmark since 1964, spans the East River and connects the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Grand Central Station: With 44 platforms and 67 tracks along them, Grand Central Terminal, also known as Grand Central Station, is the longest train station in the world and one of the most unforgettable sights in New York City.
Madame Tussaud Museum, in Times Square, houses some of the life-like celebrity wax figures. Watch all your favorite celebs, historical personalities, and sportsperson.
Ripley's Believe It or Not - One of the more recent additions to Times Square, 'Ripleys Believe It or Not' showcases the strange and celebrates the weird from around the world.
You can avoid paying high entrance fees at the NYC attractions. Instead, you and your family members should purchase the New York Explorer Pass. With so many pass options, you will be able to view all of the sights and many landmark sites at discounted rates.
The New York Pass provides free entry to more than 50 NYC attractions and discounts on sightseeing tours, stores, theaters, restaurants and more. The sights include the Empire State Building Observatory, Statue of Liberty tour, Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and American Museum of Natural History, Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum, NBC Studio Tour, Central Park Zoo, and many more!
By : Larry Daron
Wednesday 29 August 2012
What to Expect When You Travel To Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia
If you think the small city of Magelang doesn't offer much, you couldn't be more wrong. Home of accommodations like Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa, Indonesia's most-visited temples, and sprawling lush landscapes, the city's awe-inspiring wonders certainly prove that size doesn't matter.
Magelang is located in Central Java, Indonesia. Though covering a relatively small area, the Indonesian city envelops plenty of amusements and diversions for the leisure traveler. It features structures that house its prized heritage, modern attractions and establishments for convenience, and a gateway to some of the country's most treasured landmarks.
Museum Pangeran Diponegoro
Formerly the Karesidenan Kedu building, the site honors the location where Prince Diponegoro, one the nation's heroes, was arrested by the colonial government during the onslaught of the Java War. The chair on which he once sat, along with other artifacts, remains on display within its halls.
Shopping districts
Along Jalan Pemuda is Magelang's very own version of Chinatown, where the Chinese-Indonesian community mostly resides. Roughly translating to "Youth Street", it is lined with several shops, markets, and restaurants. The Town Square, located at the city center, is another spot where visitors can access Magelang's most convenient attractions. These include prominent department stores, cinemas, banking institutions, and business offices.
Parks
Magelang is bordered on the east by the Elo River and on the west by the Progo River, the latter of which can be easily accessed through the Kyai Langgeng Park. Located 1 km from the city center, the 28-hectare property offers a family-friendly environment with playground fixtures, rare plants, sprawling greenery, and rafting activities.
Temples
Probably one of the most famous landmarks and reason to visit Magelang, Borobudur lies just a few minutes from the city. The majestic and truly captivating Mahayana Buddhist monument was built around the 9th century and declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This incredible landmark includes 6 square platforms, topped by 3 more circular ones, and decorated with remarkably detailed relief panels and over 504 Buddha statues. On top of the eye-catching structure is a grand dome, located at the center of the platform, and surrounded by more Buddha statues. The ancient shrine is often the destination for Buddhist pilgrims and, of course, tourists that seek to witness the temple in all its glory.
Sports Complexes and Resorts
For a more contemporary and luxurious holiday in Magelang, the city also offers a variety of establishments for a lavish getaway. The International Golf and Country Club opened in 2006 in the middle of town with an 18-hole greenery designed by Douglas Duncanson and Jababeka. There is also the plush Magelang resort called the Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa, where guests can retreat to serene, well-appointed spaces while relishing the view of the Borobudur Temple and surrounding landscapes.
By : Bookhotelsonline
Magelang is located in Central Java, Indonesia. Though covering a relatively small area, the Indonesian city envelops plenty of amusements and diversions for the leisure traveler. It features structures that house its prized heritage, modern attractions and establishments for convenience, and a gateway to some of the country's most treasured landmarks.
Museum Pangeran Diponegoro
Formerly the Karesidenan Kedu building, the site honors the location where Prince Diponegoro, one the nation's heroes, was arrested by the colonial government during the onslaught of the Java War. The chair on which he once sat, along with other artifacts, remains on display within its halls.
Shopping districts
Along Jalan Pemuda is Magelang's very own version of Chinatown, where the Chinese-Indonesian community mostly resides. Roughly translating to "Youth Street", it is lined with several shops, markets, and restaurants. The Town Square, located at the city center, is another spot where visitors can access Magelang's most convenient attractions. These include prominent department stores, cinemas, banking institutions, and business offices.
Parks
Magelang is bordered on the east by the Elo River and on the west by the Progo River, the latter of which can be easily accessed through the Kyai Langgeng Park. Located 1 km from the city center, the 28-hectare property offers a family-friendly environment with playground fixtures, rare plants, sprawling greenery, and rafting activities.
Temples
Probably one of the most famous landmarks and reason to visit Magelang, Borobudur lies just a few minutes from the city. The majestic and truly captivating Mahayana Buddhist monument was built around the 9th century and declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This incredible landmark includes 6 square platforms, topped by 3 more circular ones, and decorated with remarkably detailed relief panels and over 504 Buddha statues. On top of the eye-catching structure is a grand dome, located at the center of the platform, and surrounded by more Buddha statues. The ancient shrine is often the destination for Buddhist pilgrims and, of course, tourists that seek to witness the temple in all its glory.
Sports Complexes and Resorts
For a more contemporary and luxurious holiday in Magelang, the city also offers a variety of establishments for a lavish getaway. The International Golf and Country Club opened in 2006 in the middle of town with an 18-hole greenery designed by Douglas Duncanson and Jababeka. There is also the plush Magelang resort called the Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa, where guests can retreat to serene, well-appointed spaces while relishing the view of the Borobudur Temple and surrounding landscapes.
By : Bookhotelsonline
Thursday 23 August 2012
Travelling the Canning Stock Route
The outback of Australia is a hot, dry, desolate place, full of spiders, scorpions and not ONE Blooming Onion in sight; it's nothing at all like the steakhouse! But this is the kind of stuff that adventourists live for: The off-chance of being stranded without water or GPS for days, pitted against the elements, wondering if they'll ever live to gaze upon the tender eyes of their loved one just…one…more…time.
First, A Little History
Australia is a continent that was built on the backs of British convicts, gold explorers and other adventurers. As these foreigners started settling Australia, they brought over their livestock, equipment, and technology; they also brought over parasites.
In the late mid-19th century the face of Australia was developing rapidly. New cities were springing up along the coast to house the influx of immigrants. Immigrants preferred to settle the coast because its climate was more moderate and access to the ocean facilitated international trade.
But, while some struck it rich, others fell on hard times. Imported cattle in eastern Kimberly--a region in Western Australia--were discovered to be carrying the boophillis tick. The tick, in turn, was a carrier of the Babesia parasite--a blood parasite that caused malaria-like symptoms in those infected.
Authorities feared the spread of the parasite and ordered a ban on shipping eastern Kimberly cattle, giving a near monopoly on beef to the cattle ranchers in western Kimberly.
Faced with the loss of their livelihood affected ranchers needed a solution. The ranchers reasoned that the ticks would not survive in the dry desert climate and proposed that the government create a stock route so they could walk their cattle to the markets on the west coast.
The government was keen on reducing beef prices and agreed to begin surveying a route that these ranchers could take.
Many speculated that it would be impossible to create a route in such an inhospitable terrain, but the government, nevertheless, commissioned Alfred Canning to do so. And so, Canning set out to do what previous expeditions concluded as an impossibility.
Canning resorted to brutal tactics, enslaving local aboriginal people to find underground water sources along the route. Canning ultimately succeeded in finding a giant sub-artesian basin in this barren landscape and sinking close to 50 water wells along an 1,850km route from Halls Creek to the mining town of Wiluna in the west.
The Canning Stock Route
The route was opened up for commercial cattle driving in 1910, but the first parties that attempted to cross the route suffered terrible fates. The aboriginals resented the foreigners--because let's be frank, colonialists were kind of asshol-ish in their tolerance and respect for other cultures--and killed those that attempted to cross. Word spread of this added danger, and ranchers began to fear walking this desolate and dangerous route.
Between the route's opening in 1910 and final livestock drive in 1959, the route was seldom used.
In the 1970's adventurous travelers reinvented the Canning stock route as something of a novel adventure and began walking and cycling it. In 2005, Jakub Postrzygacz became the first person to traverse the entire track without backup, travelling alone by bicycle for 33 days.
Today, the Canning Stock Route is one of the world's great four-wheel drive adventures. The track is unmaintained and remains open only by the passage of vehicles, so travelling the route you will get an untainted taste Australia's natural offerings. Along the way you will be exposed to starry skies, exotic wildlife, and incredible scenery.
There are different ways you can do the stock route. You can do it as part of an organized two-week tour, where you will be supplied with freshly-prepared meals, fine wine, and a curated look at the various landmarks along the route. Or, you can go solo and do the I-need-to-keep-going-or-else-I-will-die-here,-oh-god,-what-just-bit me?-I-hope-it's-not-poisonous.-It-is-poisonous!-I'm-swelling-up!-For-the-love-of-god, what-happened-to-all-my-water adventure.
By : TheAdvenTourist
First, A Little History
Australia is a continent that was built on the backs of British convicts, gold explorers and other adventurers. As these foreigners started settling Australia, they brought over their livestock, equipment, and technology; they also brought over parasites.
In the late mid-19th century the face of Australia was developing rapidly. New cities were springing up along the coast to house the influx of immigrants. Immigrants preferred to settle the coast because its climate was more moderate and access to the ocean facilitated international trade.
But, while some struck it rich, others fell on hard times. Imported cattle in eastern Kimberly--a region in Western Australia--were discovered to be carrying the boophillis tick. The tick, in turn, was a carrier of the Babesia parasite--a blood parasite that caused malaria-like symptoms in those infected.
Authorities feared the spread of the parasite and ordered a ban on shipping eastern Kimberly cattle, giving a near monopoly on beef to the cattle ranchers in western Kimberly.
Faced with the loss of their livelihood affected ranchers needed a solution. The ranchers reasoned that the ticks would not survive in the dry desert climate and proposed that the government create a stock route so they could walk their cattle to the markets on the west coast.
The government was keen on reducing beef prices and agreed to begin surveying a route that these ranchers could take.
Many speculated that it would be impossible to create a route in such an inhospitable terrain, but the government, nevertheless, commissioned Alfred Canning to do so. And so, Canning set out to do what previous expeditions concluded as an impossibility.
Canning resorted to brutal tactics, enslaving local aboriginal people to find underground water sources along the route. Canning ultimately succeeded in finding a giant sub-artesian basin in this barren landscape and sinking close to 50 water wells along an 1,850km route from Halls Creek to the mining town of Wiluna in the west.
The Canning Stock Route
The route was opened up for commercial cattle driving in 1910, but the first parties that attempted to cross the route suffered terrible fates. The aboriginals resented the foreigners--because let's be frank, colonialists were kind of asshol-ish in their tolerance and respect for other cultures--and killed those that attempted to cross. Word spread of this added danger, and ranchers began to fear walking this desolate and dangerous route.
Between the route's opening in 1910 and final livestock drive in 1959, the route was seldom used.
In the 1970's adventurous travelers reinvented the Canning stock route as something of a novel adventure and began walking and cycling it. In 2005, Jakub Postrzygacz became the first person to traverse the entire track without backup, travelling alone by bicycle for 33 days.
Today, the Canning Stock Route is one of the world's great four-wheel drive adventures. The track is unmaintained and remains open only by the passage of vehicles, so travelling the route you will get an untainted taste Australia's natural offerings. Along the way you will be exposed to starry skies, exotic wildlife, and incredible scenery.
There are different ways you can do the stock route. You can do it as part of an organized two-week tour, where you will be supplied with freshly-prepared meals, fine wine, and a curated look at the various landmarks along the route. Or, you can go solo and do the I-need-to-keep-going-or-else-I-will-die-here,-oh-god,-what-just-bit me?-I-hope-it's-not-poisonous.-It-is-poisonous!-I'm-swelling-up!-For-the-love-of-god, what-happened-to-all-my-water adventure.
By : TheAdvenTourist
Friday 17 August 2012
The Direct Train From Delhi
The Direct Train from Delhi which begins at 5'o clock in the morning takes you to the Centre of India - Bhopal. From the railway station we take you to the Hotel where the food of your choice will be served as Dinner. The night is at your disposal. In the morning after the refreshing Breakfast, we leave off for Khajuraho. The Morning Breakfast will be served early, so that we can leave by 9 a.m. It will be 12 0'clock in the afternoon by the time we will reach Khajuraho.
Khajuraho, the UNESCO World Heritage Site depicts the 22 live Temple made by the Chandelas in the 10th and 12th Century. It took 100 years to make these beautiful Temples of the Shikhara Temple Styles. Take a round around these and see the engraved rock - cut architecture of these temples. With all the beautiful surroundings, the Khajuraho Temples are a marvel to see.
Your night stay will be here in the 5 star Hotel / 4 star hotel near the Khajuraho Temple. Dinner with the Inter - Continental Dishes will be served in the Hotel. The morning shall see you at the Khajuraho Airport from where you shall be deported to the Pink City of Rajasthan.
Day 3:
As soon as you reach, the cab outside the Airport will be waiting to take you to the Hotel. After the Traditional Welcome of Tilak and Phoolmala (Garland ), you will be shown off to your room. After a little refreshment we will take you to a city tour with the round about of the Lake Palace. This Palace known for the Bird Shooting and its five levels under the water, is a well known destination of Jaipur - the Pink City of Rajasthan. In the evening you can shop at the local markets of Jaipur or just roam around. If you wish to shop, then look for Rajasthani Shoes called Mojaris or the Ghaghra Choli. After this we shall take you to the most famous Man Made Village of Jaipur called Choki Dhani. Enjoy the Rajasthani Culture among the fireworks, camel ride and the rajasthani delicacies. Its one of the best experiences you will have. The night will be spent here in the nice and cosy air - conditioned huts of Choki Dhani.
Day 4:
After the breakfast the say bye to the Choki Dhani and set afoot on the luxury coach to see the other attractions of Jaipur City. First of all we shall take you to the most famous Palace of Jaipur - the Hawa Mahal/ Wind Palace. With thousands of Jalis in the Honeycomb style, it is famous for its brilliant architecture. Painted in dark pink it also houses the museum containing the relics of the Queen and the King.
From here we move to the place where the Rotating Hotel is present. Both a famous hotel and a popular market, it has what the Jaipur Sells as the Blue Pottery. In addition to the Blue Pottery, you can shop for the Rajasthani Silver Jewellery, Artificial Jewellery, Meena Ka Kaam and Mojaris.
After the lunch in a good hotel which serves the Multi Cuisine we move on to the City Palace. Known for its beautiful grounds and the combination of red and creme color; see the Kings and Queens Palace. The Queens Palace known as the Chandni Mahal is inside the City Palace. With enough ground for the courtiers and various functions, it is painted with the beautiful paintings of gold and dark blue. Green too has been added in some places.
The City Palaces arranges for the Dinner in a Royal Manner. T o give you a feeling how the Kings and Queens used to have dinner in the old days, we have arranged for your dinner here. Enjoy the Royal Feast!
The night shall be spent in your Hotel.
Day 5:
The new day shall see you hopping on the Train towards Jaisalmer. Known for the sand dunes, its a perfect place for a new adventure. The lunch shall be served on board.
You shall set off for the Sand Dunes in the Evening after light refreshments. Then here you are, in the Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer. With the vast stretch of the Sand and the Camels with you, it will be a different experience. Spend the night listening to the folk songs and dancing to the Rajasthani Tunes as the food is being prepared here. The Tents shall furnish for the night. The morning shall see you back with the Guide.
Day 6:
After a heavy breakfast and refreshment we shall take you to Barmer - the City of Palaces. Open your eyes to one of the many beautiful Palaces of Barmer. Each Palace has its own uniqueness. So here you shall be, walking from one corridor to another, watching the beautiful paintings and the surroundings - spending your entire half day at leisure. The next day too, shall be your rest day. You can spend your day as per your wish - either watching the city or playing the Golf else resting the entire day enjoying the life of a Palace - the choice is your. The Dinner shall be a lavish Rajasthani Feast with cuisine of Dal Bati Choorma, Papadi Dal, Gatte Ki Sabzee, Methi Paak, Bajre Ki Roti, Moong ka Halwa, Dry Fruit Chutney and so on....
Day 7:
The next morning after the breakfast you can see the Barmer city and can do a little shopping. In the afternoon after the lunch, we shall go ahead for another beautiful Destination - Agra. By the evening you will reach Agra. The night stay shall be at another good Hotel of the City.
Day 8:
The breakfast will be served in the Hall. A lavish Breakfast of the Uttar Pradesh shall be served in the morning / or as per your taste. After the breakfast, hop on the A/C Coach to see the building which comes under the Seven Wonders of the World - The Taj Mahal. Made by Shah Jahan in the memory of his Beloved Queen Noorjahan, this architectural Marvel stands here from 1700 A.D. After a good watch we will move to the Agra Fort. The third largest fort of the Country, the Agra Fort is the place from where Shah Jahan used to watch Taj Mahal in his seclusion. With a private Mosque, its a beauty undaunted.
After the lunch in the hotel you are at your ease to take a Guided Tour of the City. The Dinner Shall be served in the Hotel.
Day 10:
Next morning after the breakfast you will be in the Capital of India - Delhi. Keep your bags in the Hotel, as the day would be spent at seeing the marvels of the Capital.
The first place we will see is the Raj ghat. The last place of the Father of the Nation, Raj Ghat comes as a quiet place. From here we shall go to the Red Fort of Delhi. Beautiful and large, it will take at least two hours of yours. Near to the Red Fort is the famous market of Delhi - Chandni Chowk. Shop here till your pockets are empty as its famous for its traditional indian dresses. Eat the chaat and drink the lemon here.
In the evening you can see the Lotus Temple. Made in the Shape of a Lotus, this Baih Temple is also a Meditation Centre. The dinner will be at the Hotel.
Day 11:
After a refreshing Breakfast we will take you to Qutub Minar. This leaning Minar, still stands today as the Architectural Marvel. Take a round of the Minar and then hop on to see the Akshardham Temple. This Huge Temple spread in 100 acres of area, is the beautiful example of the Hindu Architecture.
Spend your evening in the Cannaught Place Market - the most sought after shopping market of delhi for Souvenirs. In C.P. Shop for Kashmiri Papiermache, Pashmina Shawls, Indian Sarees, Ghagra Cholis, Artifact s, Paintings and so on..... You can spend the time here at your leisure and have dinner in the good hotels of Connaught Place. Our Coach shall take you back to the hotel in the night.
By : Rafael Chumbe
Khajuraho, the UNESCO World Heritage Site depicts the 22 live Temple made by the Chandelas in the 10th and 12th Century. It took 100 years to make these beautiful Temples of the Shikhara Temple Styles. Take a round around these and see the engraved rock - cut architecture of these temples. With all the beautiful surroundings, the Khajuraho Temples are a marvel to see.
Your night stay will be here in the 5 star Hotel / 4 star hotel near the Khajuraho Temple. Dinner with the Inter - Continental Dishes will be served in the Hotel. The morning shall see you at the Khajuraho Airport from where you shall be deported to the Pink City of Rajasthan.
Day 3:
As soon as you reach, the cab outside the Airport will be waiting to take you to the Hotel. After the Traditional Welcome of Tilak and Phoolmala (Garland ), you will be shown off to your room. After a little refreshment we will take you to a city tour with the round about of the Lake Palace. This Palace known for the Bird Shooting and its five levels under the water, is a well known destination of Jaipur - the Pink City of Rajasthan. In the evening you can shop at the local markets of Jaipur or just roam around. If you wish to shop, then look for Rajasthani Shoes called Mojaris or the Ghaghra Choli. After this we shall take you to the most famous Man Made Village of Jaipur called Choki Dhani. Enjoy the Rajasthani Culture among the fireworks, camel ride and the rajasthani delicacies. Its one of the best experiences you will have. The night will be spent here in the nice and cosy air - conditioned huts of Choki Dhani.
Day 4:
After the breakfast the say bye to the Choki Dhani and set afoot on the luxury coach to see the other attractions of Jaipur City. First of all we shall take you to the most famous Palace of Jaipur - the Hawa Mahal/ Wind Palace. With thousands of Jalis in the Honeycomb style, it is famous for its brilliant architecture. Painted in dark pink it also houses the museum containing the relics of the Queen and the King.
From here we move to the place where the Rotating Hotel is present. Both a famous hotel and a popular market, it has what the Jaipur Sells as the Blue Pottery. In addition to the Blue Pottery, you can shop for the Rajasthani Silver Jewellery, Artificial Jewellery, Meena Ka Kaam and Mojaris.
After the lunch in a good hotel which serves the Multi Cuisine we move on to the City Palace. Known for its beautiful grounds and the combination of red and creme color; see the Kings and Queens Palace. The Queens Palace known as the Chandni Mahal is inside the City Palace. With enough ground for the courtiers and various functions, it is painted with the beautiful paintings of gold and dark blue. Green too has been added in some places.
The City Palaces arranges for the Dinner in a Royal Manner. T o give you a feeling how the Kings and Queens used to have dinner in the old days, we have arranged for your dinner here. Enjoy the Royal Feast!
The night shall be spent in your Hotel.
Day 5:
The new day shall see you hopping on the Train towards Jaisalmer. Known for the sand dunes, its a perfect place for a new adventure. The lunch shall be served on board.
You shall set off for the Sand Dunes in the Evening after light refreshments. Then here you are, in the Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer. With the vast stretch of the Sand and the Camels with you, it will be a different experience. Spend the night listening to the folk songs and dancing to the Rajasthani Tunes as the food is being prepared here. The Tents shall furnish for the night. The morning shall see you back with the Guide.
Day 6:
After a heavy breakfast and refreshment we shall take you to Barmer - the City of Palaces. Open your eyes to one of the many beautiful Palaces of Barmer. Each Palace has its own uniqueness. So here you shall be, walking from one corridor to another, watching the beautiful paintings and the surroundings - spending your entire half day at leisure. The next day too, shall be your rest day. You can spend your day as per your wish - either watching the city or playing the Golf else resting the entire day enjoying the life of a Palace - the choice is your. The Dinner shall be a lavish Rajasthani Feast with cuisine of Dal Bati Choorma, Papadi Dal, Gatte Ki Sabzee, Methi Paak, Bajre Ki Roti, Moong ka Halwa, Dry Fruit Chutney and so on....
Day 7:
The next morning after the breakfast you can see the Barmer city and can do a little shopping. In the afternoon after the lunch, we shall go ahead for another beautiful Destination - Agra. By the evening you will reach Agra. The night stay shall be at another good Hotel of the City.
Day 8:
The breakfast will be served in the Hall. A lavish Breakfast of the Uttar Pradesh shall be served in the morning / or as per your taste. After the breakfast, hop on the A/C Coach to see the building which comes under the Seven Wonders of the World - The Taj Mahal. Made by Shah Jahan in the memory of his Beloved Queen Noorjahan, this architectural Marvel stands here from 1700 A.D. After a good watch we will move to the Agra Fort. The third largest fort of the Country, the Agra Fort is the place from where Shah Jahan used to watch Taj Mahal in his seclusion. With a private Mosque, its a beauty undaunted.
After the lunch in the hotel you are at your ease to take a Guided Tour of the City. The Dinner Shall be served in the Hotel.
Day 10:
Next morning after the breakfast you will be in the Capital of India - Delhi. Keep your bags in the Hotel, as the day would be spent at seeing the marvels of the Capital.
The first place we will see is the Raj ghat. The last place of the Father of the Nation, Raj Ghat comes as a quiet place. From here we shall go to the Red Fort of Delhi. Beautiful and large, it will take at least two hours of yours. Near to the Red Fort is the famous market of Delhi - Chandni Chowk. Shop here till your pockets are empty as its famous for its traditional indian dresses. Eat the chaat and drink the lemon here.
In the evening you can see the Lotus Temple. Made in the Shape of a Lotus, this Baih Temple is also a Meditation Centre. The dinner will be at the Hotel.
Day 11:
After a refreshing Breakfast we will take you to Qutub Minar. This leaning Minar, still stands today as the Architectural Marvel. Take a round of the Minar and then hop on to see the Akshardham Temple. This Huge Temple spread in 100 acres of area, is the beautiful example of the Hindu Architecture.
Spend your evening in the Cannaught Place Market - the most sought after shopping market of delhi for Souvenirs. In C.P. Shop for Kashmiri Papiermache, Pashmina Shawls, Indian Sarees, Ghagra Cholis, Artifact s, Paintings and so on..... You can spend the time here at your leisure and have dinner in the good hotels of Connaught Place. Our Coach shall take you back to the hotel in the night.
By : Rafael Chumbe
Saturday 11 August 2012
Expose on South America Travel - The Luxury Landscape Unfolds
(1888PressRelease) By 2013 we will see the luxury market in South America explode as groundbreaking boutique hoteliers such as Rogerio Fasano and Aman open game-changing resorts.
I have seen the future of South America and I advise you to get out your darkest sunglasses because this future is as bright as a solar flare. The eyes of the world are on South America, especially as Brazil hosts the region's first Olympic Games in 2016.
I will make a case that by 2013 we will see the luxury market in South America explode as groundbreaking boutique hoteliers such as Rogerio Fasano, Aman Resorts, Relais & Châteaux and others create a new impression: that South America can bring it!
We have discovered long ago that the unparalleled natural beauty of South America is as complex as its nations. From the rainforests of the Amazon, the Atacama Desert and the unspoiled Galapagos Islands, to the majestic peaks of the Andes and the glaciers of Patagonia, the landscape is awe-inspiring, the wildlife stunning and the differing cultures utterly beguiling. However, we have seen little sophistication and world-class luxury outside the iconic Orient Express properties. With the exception of a few breakthrough gems such as the Ponta Dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort in Floripa, the Cavas Wine Lodge in Mendoza and the Estrela d'Aqua in Trancoso, which are all affiliated with Relais & Châteaux, South America has disappointed those who have sought to explore the region's beauty in the highest standards of comfort and luxury.
But here is the good news. Over the next year we will see Aman Resorts, St. Regis, The Singular and Fasano among others open new exciting, "game-changing" properties that will compete with anything in Europe or Asia. This breakthrough moment can't come soon enough.
Brazil:
Brazil has been slow to adapt to luxury-until now. In the past, North American agencies seldom arranged trips only to Brazil. The standard in luxury travel was the "South American circuit:" a guided tour for 40 people that lasted three weeks. You started out in Rio de Janeiro, probably staying at the Copacabana Palace, then flew to Buenos Aires and Bariloche, crossed the Andes, and stopped in Lima and Machu Picchu before returning home. What made it a luxury tour were services like a private guide or a suite instead of a room. But you always used the same hotel or resort the economy group used. There were no luxurious, extravagant, and custom-made experiences for upscale travelers. "Maybe that is because Brazilians were not sure what luxury tourism was supposed to be," Jack Smith, reported in a recent Robb Report issue. During the 1970s, when a military junta ruled the country, the government neglected tourism, labeling it as elitist. "When they finally decided to promote tourism as a way of generating revenue, they didn't promote the arts, our museums, our cuisine, or our culture," Luiz Augusto, president of Rio's State Syndicate of Tourist Guides told me while I was visiting the city. The main reason for coming to Rio was the "women". The ads always showed a girl posed seductively in a tanga and saying, 'come see me in Rio,'" he pointed out. But that has changed.
In Brazil, the Fasano Hotel Group will be the most ambitious over the next three years. Fasano already opened a small charming Fasano in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay, this year, adding to their collection of boutique hotels in Sao Paulo & Rio de Janeiro. Fasano now plans to open 3 more boutique hotels in Brazil in 2012 & 2013. The first will be in Salvador with 75 rooms. With an Art Deco and Art Nouveau style, Fasano will open at the Castro Alves Square, right in front of the Baia de Todos os Santos. A former headquarters for the "Jornal A Tarde" newspaper, the 1930 building will undergo a full renovation, though it will keep its original façade. There will be a roof top pool overlooking the gorgeous bay. The second Fasano will open in Belo Horizonte, a bustling business city. Offering 85 rooms in the Liberdade Square, Fasano will be located in the heart of the cultural center of the city, where the main museums are located. The third and maybe the most ambitious will be on the chic beach of Trancoso, Bahia, with 40 rooms and 38 villas. Trancoso is known for its gorgeous beach coast with enormous palm trees. Fasano will have its own private beach, just 1.5 km away from the Quadrado, which is where all the best restaurants and stores are located. This cozy small town, with its narrow streets covered with old pavements, reflects a quaint atmosphere, with one story colored houses, making it one of nicest destinations in Brazil.
Aman Resorts have plans to open a property in Angra dos Reis, 2.5 hours south of Rio by the end of 2012. The Amanoca Resort will be nestled within 70 acres of beach and with the majority of the resort being accessible by paths and golf carts. Designed by the world-renowned and award winning Jean-Michel Gathy of Dennison International. Plans include a 20-suite Amanresort and Spa, sophisticated dining alternatives, private library and customized multi-media theater, beach club with a full complement of water sport activities. The marina will have dedicated crewed yachts exclusive to the resort. Maison Des Reves will be a new Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel in Paraty, a historical UNESCO town 3.5 hours south of Rio.
Txai Resorts will open Txai Ganchos in Florianopolis, Santa Catrina in the south of Brazil. The newest project of the Txai chain located in Florianopolis, a few minutes from Ponta dos Ganchos. A huge project which will include a 5 star hotel, residential houses and small studios. The acclaimed philosophy of living and hosting well from such resorts Txai Itacaré has been translated into pure forms and then wedged into a preserved area on the Emerald Coast, surrounded by the culture from the Azores, and fishing and sea culture along the Santa Catarina coastline.
In Brazil, occupancy is at 85% or higher. Rio will be supercharged by both the 2014 Rio World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics. Brazil is expensive right now to Americans due to the rising value of the Real versus the Dollar; however local Brazilians are driving the luxury business. Although most of the luxury properties are coming from outside Brazil, local Brazilian Oil Tycoon Eike Batista is dragging Brazil out of the "old Brazil ways" in to the "world's most exciting emerging market". Real estate in Rio has grown 385% in the past 4 years, and Eike Batista almost single handedly reeled in the Olympics with his own money, getting "City of God" director to film the presentation that won them the Games. Eike is also restoring Rio's age old Gloria Hotel in the historical downtown area or Rio.
Argentina, Chile & Peru:
Argentina, Chile & Peru are also seeing amazing changes to their luxury markets but have been able to keep the cost in-line with the rest of the international market, making it easier to sell than Brazil at the moment.
In Argentina we will see a new St Regis in Buenos Aires and Entre Cielos in Mendoza. We recently had an inspection at the Loi Suites in Puerto Iguazu and we were very impressed with the hotel. It is a very charming property in the Iryapu jungle, surrounded by vegetation and wildlife; it is located only 15 minutes from the Argentine waterfalls and 20 minutes from the IGU airport. We definitely think this would be a good option for those who cannot afford the rates at Hotel das Cataratas but still want to receive high-level service in a charming 5 star property.
Chile will see the new hotel group called The Singular open in Patagonia and in Santiago. Ignacio Maza, Vice President Signature Travel Network, recently reported in their intranet blog, the following review for The Singular Patagonia: The popularity of Patagonia, both Chilean and Argentinean regions, continues to grow. The area has much to offer intrepid travelers, including endless landscapes, jagged peaks, gigantic glaciers, stunning vistas, and a wide range of explorations available. Unfortunately, the number of lodging options is limited and it can be difficult to find space during peak season, which runs from November to March, when the weather is mildest and sunniest. The Singular is a new brand that will launch a series of unique, different and authentic hotels in various destinations in Chile. The first hotel to open will be The Singular Patagonia. The hotel opens November 1st and is located in Puerto Bories, at the end of a sound called Ultima Esperanza. The Singular will feature the best and largest spa in Patagonia, as well as a heated swimming pool. The restaurant will serve first-class cuisine from its own interactive kitchen. So, on days when the weather is stormy or rainy, there will be a number of indoor options to offer your clients, including cooking classes, spa treatments, lectures, and visit to the hotel's own museum featuring a history of the region. The Singular Patagonia will be joining our Signature hotel collection shortly, and we will be first to feature this unique property in North America.
Hotel investments in Peru will reach a historic record in 2011 totaling USD 475.4 million, a 324.5 percent rise compared to this year (USD112 million), Peru's Hotel Society (SHP) reported. Forty-two new hotels will open in 2011 and also in 2012, while only 28 hotels will officially open in 2013. Some projects foreseen for next year include Westin hotel from Libertador chain, JW Marriot in Cusco and the Westin in Lima. This first Westin in Peru is a very modern hotel and the tallest building in Lima with a spa, convention space and luxurious suites. According to etravelblackboard.com, Cusco and its surrounding region is also seeing an increased investment in the luxury sector and 2011 sees the opening of with a new Aranwa Boutique Hotel, a JW Marriot Hotel, and the expansion of the Orient Express owned Monasterio Hotel with a new boutique hotel: Palacion Nazarenas opening by 2012.
The last five years has already seen a dramatic rise in boutique and luxury hotels around Cusco: the Hotel Casa Cartagena, the Andean Wings, the Rio Sagrado by Orient Express in Urubamba, Aranwa in Urubamba, the new Luxury Collection Tambo del Inka Hotel from Libertador Hotels, and seven new hotels from the Casa Andina group.
The 'eco market' is another key area for investment with openings such as the San Agustin Paracas opening by 2012 on the South coast. This new resort, located 300 Km south of Lima and close to the World Heritage Listed Nazca Lines, will be one of the most modern ecological resorts and multifunctional hotels in the country. The project includes 120 rooms in two buildings and will be powered by solar energy. Peru posted a 72.4 percent growth in the last eight years, which is considered the best economic performance in South America, and this year is expected to grow 8.5 percent or more.
VIP Tour Group is a Luxury Tour Operator offering the highest level of tours to South America. We work with the best luxury hotels, private villas and private yachts creating tailor made itineraries throughout South America. VIP Tour Group currently serves Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Michael Eiseman is the founder of VIP Tour Group and proudly serves as a Director of the Brazil Tour Operators Association.
By : Donald Hood
I have seen the future of South America and I advise you to get out your darkest sunglasses because this future is as bright as a solar flare. The eyes of the world are on South America, especially as Brazil hosts the region's first Olympic Games in 2016.
I will make a case that by 2013 we will see the luxury market in South America explode as groundbreaking boutique hoteliers such as Rogerio Fasano, Aman Resorts, Relais & Châteaux and others create a new impression: that South America can bring it!
We have discovered long ago that the unparalleled natural beauty of South America is as complex as its nations. From the rainforests of the Amazon, the Atacama Desert and the unspoiled Galapagos Islands, to the majestic peaks of the Andes and the glaciers of Patagonia, the landscape is awe-inspiring, the wildlife stunning and the differing cultures utterly beguiling. However, we have seen little sophistication and world-class luxury outside the iconic Orient Express properties. With the exception of a few breakthrough gems such as the Ponta Dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort in Floripa, the Cavas Wine Lodge in Mendoza and the Estrela d'Aqua in Trancoso, which are all affiliated with Relais & Châteaux, South America has disappointed those who have sought to explore the region's beauty in the highest standards of comfort and luxury.
But here is the good news. Over the next year we will see Aman Resorts, St. Regis, The Singular and Fasano among others open new exciting, "game-changing" properties that will compete with anything in Europe or Asia. This breakthrough moment can't come soon enough.
Brazil:
Brazil has been slow to adapt to luxury-until now. In the past, North American agencies seldom arranged trips only to Brazil. The standard in luxury travel was the "South American circuit:" a guided tour for 40 people that lasted three weeks. You started out in Rio de Janeiro, probably staying at the Copacabana Palace, then flew to Buenos Aires and Bariloche, crossed the Andes, and stopped in Lima and Machu Picchu before returning home. What made it a luxury tour were services like a private guide or a suite instead of a room. But you always used the same hotel or resort the economy group used. There were no luxurious, extravagant, and custom-made experiences for upscale travelers. "Maybe that is because Brazilians were not sure what luxury tourism was supposed to be," Jack Smith, reported in a recent Robb Report issue. During the 1970s, when a military junta ruled the country, the government neglected tourism, labeling it as elitist. "When they finally decided to promote tourism as a way of generating revenue, they didn't promote the arts, our museums, our cuisine, or our culture," Luiz Augusto, president of Rio's State Syndicate of Tourist Guides told me while I was visiting the city. The main reason for coming to Rio was the "women". The ads always showed a girl posed seductively in a tanga and saying, 'come see me in Rio,'" he pointed out. But that has changed.
In Brazil, the Fasano Hotel Group will be the most ambitious over the next three years. Fasano already opened a small charming Fasano in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay, this year, adding to their collection of boutique hotels in Sao Paulo & Rio de Janeiro. Fasano now plans to open 3 more boutique hotels in Brazil in 2012 & 2013. The first will be in Salvador with 75 rooms. With an Art Deco and Art Nouveau style, Fasano will open at the Castro Alves Square, right in front of the Baia de Todos os Santos. A former headquarters for the "Jornal A Tarde" newspaper, the 1930 building will undergo a full renovation, though it will keep its original façade. There will be a roof top pool overlooking the gorgeous bay. The second Fasano will open in Belo Horizonte, a bustling business city. Offering 85 rooms in the Liberdade Square, Fasano will be located in the heart of the cultural center of the city, where the main museums are located. The third and maybe the most ambitious will be on the chic beach of Trancoso, Bahia, with 40 rooms and 38 villas. Trancoso is known for its gorgeous beach coast with enormous palm trees. Fasano will have its own private beach, just 1.5 km away from the Quadrado, which is where all the best restaurants and stores are located. This cozy small town, with its narrow streets covered with old pavements, reflects a quaint atmosphere, with one story colored houses, making it one of nicest destinations in Brazil.
Aman Resorts have plans to open a property in Angra dos Reis, 2.5 hours south of Rio by the end of 2012. The Amanoca Resort will be nestled within 70 acres of beach and with the majority of the resort being accessible by paths and golf carts. Designed by the world-renowned and award winning Jean-Michel Gathy of Dennison International. Plans include a 20-suite Amanresort and Spa, sophisticated dining alternatives, private library and customized multi-media theater, beach club with a full complement of water sport activities. The marina will have dedicated crewed yachts exclusive to the resort. Maison Des Reves will be a new Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel in Paraty, a historical UNESCO town 3.5 hours south of Rio.
Txai Resorts will open Txai Ganchos in Florianopolis, Santa Catrina in the south of Brazil. The newest project of the Txai chain located in Florianopolis, a few minutes from Ponta dos Ganchos. A huge project which will include a 5 star hotel, residential houses and small studios. The acclaimed philosophy of living and hosting well from such resorts Txai Itacaré has been translated into pure forms and then wedged into a preserved area on the Emerald Coast, surrounded by the culture from the Azores, and fishing and sea culture along the Santa Catarina coastline.
In Brazil, occupancy is at 85% or higher. Rio will be supercharged by both the 2014 Rio World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics. Brazil is expensive right now to Americans due to the rising value of the Real versus the Dollar; however local Brazilians are driving the luxury business. Although most of the luxury properties are coming from outside Brazil, local Brazilian Oil Tycoon Eike Batista is dragging Brazil out of the "old Brazil ways" in to the "world's most exciting emerging market". Real estate in Rio has grown 385% in the past 4 years, and Eike Batista almost single handedly reeled in the Olympics with his own money, getting "City of God" director to film the presentation that won them the Games. Eike is also restoring Rio's age old Gloria Hotel in the historical downtown area or Rio.
Argentina, Chile & Peru:
Argentina, Chile & Peru are also seeing amazing changes to their luxury markets but have been able to keep the cost in-line with the rest of the international market, making it easier to sell than Brazil at the moment.
In Argentina we will see a new St Regis in Buenos Aires and Entre Cielos in Mendoza. We recently had an inspection at the Loi Suites in Puerto Iguazu and we were very impressed with the hotel. It is a very charming property in the Iryapu jungle, surrounded by vegetation and wildlife; it is located only 15 minutes from the Argentine waterfalls and 20 minutes from the IGU airport. We definitely think this would be a good option for those who cannot afford the rates at Hotel das Cataratas but still want to receive high-level service in a charming 5 star property.
Chile will see the new hotel group called The Singular open in Patagonia and in Santiago. Ignacio Maza, Vice President Signature Travel Network, recently reported in their intranet blog, the following review for The Singular Patagonia: The popularity of Patagonia, both Chilean and Argentinean regions, continues to grow. The area has much to offer intrepid travelers, including endless landscapes, jagged peaks, gigantic glaciers, stunning vistas, and a wide range of explorations available. Unfortunately, the number of lodging options is limited and it can be difficult to find space during peak season, which runs from November to March, when the weather is mildest and sunniest. The Singular is a new brand that will launch a series of unique, different and authentic hotels in various destinations in Chile. The first hotel to open will be The Singular Patagonia. The hotel opens November 1st and is located in Puerto Bories, at the end of a sound called Ultima Esperanza. The Singular will feature the best and largest spa in Patagonia, as well as a heated swimming pool. The restaurant will serve first-class cuisine from its own interactive kitchen. So, on days when the weather is stormy or rainy, there will be a number of indoor options to offer your clients, including cooking classes, spa treatments, lectures, and visit to the hotel's own museum featuring a history of the region. The Singular Patagonia will be joining our Signature hotel collection shortly, and we will be first to feature this unique property in North America.
Hotel investments in Peru will reach a historic record in 2011 totaling USD 475.4 million, a 324.5 percent rise compared to this year (USD112 million), Peru's Hotel Society (SHP) reported. Forty-two new hotels will open in 2011 and also in 2012, while only 28 hotels will officially open in 2013. Some projects foreseen for next year include Westin hotel from Libertador chain, JW Marriot in Cusco and the Westin in Lima. This first Westin in Peru is a very modern hotel and the tallest building in Lima with a spa, convention space and luxurious suites. According to etravelblackboard.com, Cusco and its surrounding region is also seeing an increased investment in the luxury sector and 2011 sees the opening of with a new Aranwa Boutique Hotel, a JW Marriot Hotel, and the expansion of the Orient Express owned Monasterio Hotel with a new boutique hotel: Palacion Nazarenas opening by 2012.
The last five years has already seen a dramatic rise in boutique and luxury hotels around Cusco: the Hotel Casa Cartagena, the Andean Wings, the Rio Sagrado by Orient Express in Urubamba, Aranwa in Urubamba, the new Luxury Collection Tambo del Inka Hotel from Libertador Hotels, and seven new hotels from the Casa Andina group.
The 'eco market' is another key area for investment with openings such as the San Agustin Paracas opening by 2012 on the South coast. This new resort, located 300 Km south of Lima and close to the World Heritage Listed Nazca Lines, will be one of the most modern ecological resorts and multifunctional hotels in the country. The project includes 120 rooms in two buildings and will be powered by solar energy. Peru posted a 72.4 percent growth in the last eight years, which is considered the best economic performance in South America, and this year is expected to grow 8.5 percent or more.
VIP Tour Group is a Luxury Tour Operator offering the highest level of tours to South America. We work with the best luxury hotels, private villas and private yachts creating tailor made itineraries throughout South America. VIP Tour Group currently serves Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Michael Eiseman is the founder of VIP Tour Group and proudly serves as a Director of the Brazil Tour Operators Association.
By : Donald Hood
Sunday 5 August 2012
Come and Experience Live Life with Bungee Jumping at the Source of River Nile in Uganda
When you think of the word 'Bungee jumping', instantly images of being flung off a bridge with only a single rubber band spring to mind. Sounds crazy? Well that's half the point. Uganda is full of interesting things. It is hard for me to describe how i felt when i was flung from that top. But for sure, this is a "must not miss" when you visit Uganda.
Bungee jumping! It's all about doing something that you couldn't believe that you could do and overcoming your inner most fears. For sure it's a wild adrenalin rush, but it has also been developed with a series of ropes, and back up ropes which makes it possible to jump off a bridge and still be able to yell "I did it" at the end.
It felt as if I could fly with my arms stretched widely in imitation of flight. Wind rushed through my hair and my cheeks pressed strongly against my face as I accelerated to toward the water.
In that remarkable feeling of slow motion, I had plenty of time to think, I could even enjoy the view as the cliff face flashed past in a blur and the river rose up to meet me.
Puffy white clouds seemed miraculously within reach and within seconds my fingers combed through the waters of the Nile. I hadn't imagined the whole movement to be so graceful and the splashes on my face emboldened the reality of the water touch.
I had only seconds to enjoy the proximity of the water before the latex rubber retracted and I was accelerating skywards.
This part of the bungee jumping had been given no thought as I had been so focused on the initial plunge and whether this enlarged rubber band would halt my speedy descent - after all the most common use of the rubber is to hold up women's underwear.
I had never intended to bungee jumping but afterwards as the adrenalin pumped through my body and the rush took over, I struggled to contain the excitement. This had been one of the best decisions I had made in some time.
It remains one of the most bizarre and unforgettable experiences of my life; to force myself to leap from a platform at what seemed like an impossible height above the Nile.It reminded me the escapades i passed through when i went for mountaineering in Mt Rwenzori
am'i a jumpmaster? no no..........
The jump master in charge of the platform had kindly assured me that the most dangerous thing about bungee jumping was driving on the road between Kampala and Jinja
As I sat nervously in the Congolese kings' chair a soft cotton towel was wrapped around my ankles. Cam and Phil calmly explained the foot-tie system which was developed in New Zealand and this made me firm to continue with my bungee.
They said that I would be attached by my ankles and that the webbing bound firmly around my lower legs would pull tighter as I jumped - I was fine with that.
Nile High Bungee is one of the most spectacular sights you can imagine. The views from the bungee tower are sensational and when the tower is not in use for jumping a troop of Vervet monkeys stand guard against the Nile.
The views over the source of the world's longest river lead you to dozens of heavily forested islands with flocks of long-tailed cormorants swimming in the swirling currents below and crowds of onlookers cheering from the nearby bar.
Nile High is 44m above the inviting waters of the Victorian Source of the Nile and this gives jumpers the opportunity to water touch - a single splash in the river on the first bounce; and you can do it with a friend!.
The tower can jump 235kgs at once so you can choose a big friend, a bicycle, chair, kayak or just about anything you can imagine.
By far the most popular way to jump is using the ankle tie but there is the option of a full-body harness as well.
This means you can somersault from the edge or choose any form of freestyle that will give you the best bragging rights in the photographs.
Is it safe?
Absolutely... The company has in place a number of checks and balances, including very thorough and comprehensive task analysis and inspection routes which ensure we are operating at or above the very high standards that have been set elsewhere in the world.
Nile High Bungee tower operates to the most exacting standards set by law in Australia/New Zealand Standard Code of Practice for bungee jumping.
Commercial bungee jumping originated in New Zealand and advice was sought from the construction, adventure tourism and alpine industries. The standard is reviewed bi-annually and is altered or updated as new innovations or situations arise.
Every item of operational equipment gets extensively tested and then assigned an appropriate working life span; calculated as the expected length of time, or amount of use, the equipment can with stand before its performance is likely to be degraded to the point where it is only three times stronger than the expected working safety load.
The equipment in use is recorded by staff as it takes place and then compared to recommended times and instances. Our adherence to this code is entirely voluntary.
The company self-governs its policies and procedures and provides an avenue where any staff member can take safety issues to the right people and ensure that the situation is solved to the satisfaction of all concerned. It is of my pleasure to encourage you to save sometime and visit this place at the source of the Nile and have fun with Bungee jumping.
By : Twinomugisha Charles
Bungee jumping! It's all about doing something that you couldn't believe that you could do and overcoming your inner most fears. For sure it's a wild adrenalin rush, but it has also been developed with a series of ropes, and back up ropes which makes it possible to jump off a bridge and still be able to yell "I did it" at the end.
It felt as if I could fly with my arms stretched widely in imitation of flight. Wind rushed through my hair and my cheeks pressed strongly against my face as I accelerated to toward the water.
In that remarkable feeling of slow motion, I had plenty of time to think, I could even enjoy the view as the cliff face flashed past in a blur and the river rose up to meet me.
Puffy white clouds seemed miraculously within reach and within seconds my fingers combed through the waters of the Nile. I hadn't imagined the whole movement to be so graceful and the splashes on my face emboldened the reality of the water touch.
I had only seconds to enjoy the proximity of the water before the latex rubber retracted and I was accelerating skywards.
This part of the bungee jumping had been given no thought as I had been so focused on the initial plunge and whether this enlarged rubber band would halt my speedy descent - after all the most common use of the rubber is to hold up women's underwear.
I had never intended to bungee jumping but afterwards as the adrenalin pumped through my body and the rush took over, I struggled to contain the excitement. This had been one of the best decisions I had made in some time.
It remains one of the most bizarre and unforgettable experiences of my life; to force myself to leap from a platform at what seemed like an impossible height above the Nile.It reminded me the escapades i passed through when i went for mountaineering in Mt Rwenzori
am'i a jumpmaster? no no..........
The jump master in charge of the platform had kindly assured me that the most dangerous thing about bungee jumping was driving on the road between Kampala and Jinja
As I sat nervously in the Congolese kings' chair a soft cotton towel was wrapped around my ankles. Cam and Phil calmly explained the foot-tie system which was developed in New Zealand and this made me firm to continue with my bungee.
They said that I would be attached by my ankles and that the webbing bound firmly around my lower legs would pull tighter as I jumped - I was fine with that.
Nile High Bungee is one of the most spectacular sights you can imagine. The views from the bungee tower are sensational and when the tower is not in use for jumping a troop of Vervet monkeys stand guard against the Nile.
The views over the source of the world's longest river lead you to dozens of heavily forested islands with flocks of long-tailed cormorants swimming in the swirling currents below and crowds of onlookers cheering from the nearby bar.
Nile High is 44m above the inviting waters of the Victorian Source of the Nile and this gives jumpers the opportunity to water touch - a single splash in the river on the first bounce; and you can do it with a friend!.
The tower can jump 235kgs at once so you can choose a big friend, a bicycle, chair, kayak or just about anything you can imagine.
By far the most popular way to jump is using the ankle tie but there is the option of a full-body harness as well.
This means you can somersault from the edge or choose any form of freestyle that will give you the best bragging rights in the photographs.
Is it safe?
Absolutely... The company has in place a number of checks and balances, including very thorough and comprehensive task analysis and inspection routes which ensure we are operating at or above the very high standards that have been set elsewhere in the world.
Nile High Bungee tower operates to the most exacting standards set by law in Australia/New Zealand Standard Code of Practice for bungee jumping.
Commercial bungee jumping originated in New Zealand and advice was sought from the construction, adventure tourism and alpine industries. The standard is reviewed bi-annually and is altered or updated as new innovations or situations arise.
Every item of operational equipment gets extensively tested and then assigned an appropriate working life span; calculated as the expected length of time, or amount of use, the equipment can with stand before its performance is likely to be degraded to the point where it is only three times stronger than the expected working safety load.
The equipment in use is recorded by staff as it takes place and then compared to recommended times and instances. Our adherence to this code is entirely voluntary.
The company self-governs its policies and procedures and provides an avenue where any staff member can take safety issues to the right people and ensure that the situation is solved to the satisfaction of all concerned. It is of my pleasure to encourage you to save sometime and visit this place at the source of the Nile and have fun with Bungee jumping.
By : Twinomugisha Charles
Tuesday 31 July 2012
The sights and sounds of Benghazi, Libya
The Benghazi city of Libya in Africa is considered as the second biggest city in the country. Located on the eastern border of the Gulf of Sirte, Benghazi is reputed as a significant commercial center of the region. Its beautiful location near the sea makes it a fashionable attraction for locals and appeal tourists equally and making them keen to book the cheap flights to Benghazi. The city is quite modern in its overall ambience, having been all but destroyed during World War II, the spots and marks of that destruction can be still largely in the neighborhoods of the city even if one can still enjoy the lively and fashionable local markets, and it acts as a good start from which to travel around the neighboring Green Mountain area, as well as several Roman ruin places next to the coast. Let's take the flights to Benghazi and discover the undiscovered beauty of Benghazi.
During past times, Benghazi used to be the capital of Libya along with Tripoli and this has originated main advancements in the development of the city. In the recent times, Benghazi is now the capital of the district of Cyrenaica and races with Tripoli in a lot of business phases that also draw lots of business person to take the flights to Benghazi for newer trading openings.
At night, the city of Benghazi can be cherished more because of its multicolored lights lit on wider avenues and boulevards. The city buildings have striking lights that add color to the dark night sky. While touring the city through the flights to Benghazi, you can be captivated with their greener parks. The most famed one is the Al-Bosco which is a zoological garden park. 23 July Park is also advisable to visit since it is a well facilitated beautiful park. Furthermore, if you desire to observe the city's bright lights at night, then, don't miss the Al Da'waa al-Islamiya which is a government building. The building is very splendid to view while it competes with the stars in showing off its vivid radiant beauty. The Juliana Bridge also has the same bright beauty sharp by its indication on the river. So, take now the flights to Benghazi and have pleasure with the all inviting beauty of the city. Besides, if you want to spectator the historical past of the city showed through their architecture, then arrange your tour in the Green Old Downtown.
By : awais minhas
During past times, Benghazi used to be the capital of Libya along with Tripoli and this has originated main advancements in the development of the city. In the recent times, Benghazi is now the capital of the district of Cyrenaica and races with Tripoli in a lot of business phases that also draw lots of business person to take the flights to Benghazi for newer trading openings.
At night, the city of Benghazi can be cherished more because of its multicolored lights lit on wider avenues and boulevards. The city buildings have striking lights that add color to the dark night sky. While touring the city through the flights to Benghazi, you can be captivated with their greener parks. The most famed one is the Al-Bosco which is a zoological garden park. 23 July Park is also advisable to visit since it is a well facilitated beautiful park. Furthermore, if you desire to observe the city's bright lights at night, then, don't miss the Al Da'waa al-Islamiya which is a government building. The building is very splendid to view while it competes with the stars in showing off its vivid radiant beauty. The Juliana Bridge also has the same bright beauty sharp by its indication on the river. So, take now the flights to Benghazi and have pleasure with the all inviting beauty of the city. Besides, if you want to spectator the historical past of the city showed through their architecture, then arrange your tour in the Green Old Downtown.
By : awais minhas
Wednesday 25 July 2012
how to travel the world cheap
'Man must treat the beasts of this land as his brothers.
What is man without the beasts?
If all the beasts were gone,
Man would die from a great loneliness of spirit.
For whatever happens to the beasts,
also happens to the man.
All things are connected.'
Chief Seattle
Speech of 1854
Most people are now aware that we have some serious environmental issues facing us in the next few decades. The recent tsunami in Indonesia was a tragic reminder of the fragile balance of nature. There is nothing much we can do to stop these kind of events happening, except to install early warning systems. But global warming can be stopped or slowed down if and when we stop using fossil fuels and turn to renewable energy sources. The technology is being developed or already exists; wind and wave power, hydrogen fuel and nuclear fusion.
What can never be reversed if we let it happen is the loss of the diversity of life on our small, green and blue planet. The list of endangered species is growing all the time. Environmental awareness has been a long time coming. In a way we are the victims of our own success, at least in the West. Population growth makes it ever more difficult to preserve the wilderness areas which are so necessary for the survival of wildlife.
'When I was a boy in Scotland, I was fond of everything that was wild...
I loved to wander in the fields to hear the birds sing,
and along the shore to gaze and wonder at the shells and the seaweeds,
eels and crabs in the pools when the tide was low;
and best of all to watch the waves in awful storms thundering
on the black headlands and craggy ruins of old Dunbar Castle'.
John Muir
The first modern environmentalists, in a general way, were probably Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Thoreau, but the man who made a deep and practical impact was a Scot named John Muir. He was born in 1838 in Dunbar, not very far from where I was born, and he left Scotland for California at the age of twenty-eight. He called himself a 'poetico-trampo-geologist-botanist and ornithologist-naturalist'. Today he is known as the father of America's national parks. On August 5th, 2004, former President Bill Clinton said of him, "One of the Americans who inspired Theodore Roosevelt to conserve our national forests was the naturalist John Muir, who once said, 'Everybody needs beauty as well as bread - places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul'. In today's fast-paced, high-tech world, Muir's words are even more compelling".
Another influential writer was Henry Beston. In 1928, after spending a year in a small wooden house on the Great Outer Beach of Cape Cod, he wrote an inspiring little book called 'The Outermost House', which contained the following passage:
'We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals. Remote from universal nature, and living by complicated artifice, man in civilization surveys the creature through the glass of his knowledge and sees thereby a feather magnified and the whole image in distortion. We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves.
And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.
They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth'.
The Outermost House
Henry Beston
My own special interest is the wolf, that most misunderstood of all animals. Down the ages wolves have been the subject of much fear, hatred and mis-information and yet, of all the larger predators it is the least harmful to people. In a way, we know more about the character of wolves than we do about our closest relatives - the great apes - because their descendants are all around us, lolling about in front of the fire, or digging holes in the garden.
And yet the wolf has been hunted and persecuted almost to the edge of extinction. There have been no wolves in Britain for 300 years. The last one was probably killed at Helmsdale, some 40 miles north of where I live in the Scottish Highlands.
That the Vikings had a respect for the strength and sagacity of wolves is evidenced by the names given to ancient Nordic kings - Beowulf, Beadowulf, Wulfstan, etc. Even ealier is the legend of Romulus and Remus. The twins were found abandoned on the banks of the Tiber by a she-wolf, who fed them with her milk. When they grew up, Romulus built the city of Rome on the spot where the wolf had found them. Although no evidence to support the story has come down to us, there are plenty of authenticated stories of similar incidents, including three from Lucknow in India dated from 1844, 1954 and 1976.
One man who was centuries ahead of his time as a protector of animals was the Italian priest who became the patron saint of animals and the environment. Francis of Assisi was very much a lone voice, at one point pleading with the people of Gubbio to feed the notorious wolf which had been ravaging their flocks. His insight was all the more profound considering the relentless cruelty with which 'Brother Wolf', as Saint Francis called him, has been persecuted in the past fifteen hundred years.
In Anglo-Saxon times January was set aside especially for hunting wolves. It was known as wolfmonat or wolf month. Medieval folk-lore is full of stories about devil-wolves with dripping jaws and evil, slitty eyes. There are woodcuts of wolves with cloven hooves, carrying off little children, and there are children's stories like Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, and various tales about were-wolves.
The subject of all these stories must indeed be a ferocious animal, but in fact there is no authenticated instance of anyone being attacked by a wolf. I don't say it couldn't happen; I just say you're more likely to be struck by lightning.
That it is possible for people and wolves to live in the same world has been demonstrated by the various wolf programs on-going in north-west Montana, the Yellowstone area, Central Idaho and North Carolina. There is also a scheme, backed by Greenpeace and various politicians to re-instate the wolf in certain areas of the Scottish Highlands. In the U.S. ranchers are being re-imbursed for any livestock losses - which are surprisingly light - by an organisation called Defenders of Wildlife. This is what they say on their website:
'Some of the nation's most prominent biologists have estimated that protecting habitat for wide-ranging predators such as wolves will conserve 90% or more of overall biological diversity. Because wolves can require home ranges of several hundred square miles, their conservation can help to preserve a host of other species making use of the same habitat.'
It was the 'Defenders' organisation which led the successful fight to restore the gray wolf to it's former habitat in Yellowstone Park, and they are currently battling against recent legislation in Alaska to allow the 'hunting' of wolves from light aircraft and snowmobiles. This degrading and inhumane practice was banned in 1972 until last year, and ignores the weight of scientific thinking. It has received widespread public opposition. Alaskans have voted against aircraft assisted wolf hunting twice; in 1996 and 2000.
Killing wild wolves is supposed to boost the numbers of caribou and moose for the benefit of hunters, but biologists say that the larger prey species elude wolves 97% of the time, and that by eliminating sick and old animals, predation actually strengthens the gene pool.
Richard Fiennes, the distinguished U.K. scientist and biologist has summed up the case for the wolf as follows:
'The wolf appears to retain a respect for human beings, and is reluctant to attack them. Not so man, who now fears and abominates the wolf and does all in his power to destroy him. Alas, he fails to recognize in the wolf's descendants, whom he has domesticated, the great virtues and loveable characters of the ancestral wolf. If wolves must become extinct in some areas, let us yet give what honour is due to him where we can.
The old traditions of this gentle creature's savagery and ferocity linger on, and man's hand is against him, even when he does no harm. There are still enormous regions of the world, in America and Russia, where he can be left unmolested; let him so remain.'
The Order of Wolves
Richard Fiennes
When I look at my dogs, I see a wolf,
and when I look at a wolf, I see my dogs.
By : Samantha Gorukr
What is man without the beasts?
If all the beasts were gone,
Man would die from a great loneliness of spirit.
For whatever happens to the beasts,
also happens to the man.
All things are connected.'
Chief Seattle
Speech of 1854
Most people are now aware that we have some serious environmental issues facing us in the next few decades. The recent tsunami in Indonesia was a tragic reminder of the fragile balance of nature. There is nothing much we can do to stop these kind of events happening, except to install early warning systems. But global warming can be stopped or slowed down if and when we stop using fossil fuels and turn to renewable energy sources. The technology is being developed or already exists; wind and wave power, hydrogen fuel and nuclear fusion.
What can never be reversed if we let it happen is the loss of the diversity of life on our small, green and blue planet. The list of endangered species is growing all the time. Environmental awareness has been a long time coming. In a way we are the victims of our own success, at least in the West. Population growth makes it ever more difficult to preserve the wilderness areas which are so necessary for the survival of wildlife.
'When I was a boy in Scotland, I was fond of everything that was wild...
I loved to wander in the fields to hear the birds sing,
and along the shore to gaze and wonder at the shells and the seaweeds,
eels and crabs in the pools when the tide was low;
and best of all to watch the waves in awful storms thundering
on the black headlands and craggy ruins of old Dunbar Castle'.
John Muir
The first modern environmentalists, in a general way, were probably Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Thoreau, but the man who made a deep and practical impact was a Scot named John Muir. He was born in 1838 in Dunbar, not very far from where I was born, and he left Scotland for California at the age of twenty-eight. He called himself a 'poetico-trampo-geologist-botanist and ornithologist-naturalist'. Today he is known as the father of America's national parks. On August 5th, 2004, former President Bill Clinton said of him, "One of the Americans who inspired Theodore Roosevelt to conserve our national forests was the naturalist John Muir, who once said, 'Everybody needs beauty as well as bread - places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul'. In today's fast-paced, high-tech world, Muir's words are even more compelling".
Another influential writer was Henry Beston. In 1928, after spending a year in a small wooden house on the Great Outer Beach of Cape Cod, he wrote an inspiring little book called 'The Outermost House', which contained the following passage:
'We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals. Remote from universal nature, and living by complicated artifice, man in civilization surveys the creature through the glass of his knowledge and sees thereby a feather magnified and the whole image in distortion. We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves.
And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.
They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth'.
The Outermost House
Henry Beston
My own special interest is the wolf, that most misunderstood of all animals. Down the ages wolves have been the subject of much fear, hatred and mis-information and yet, of all the larger predators it is the least harmful to people. In a way, we know more about the character of wolves than we do about our closest relatives - the great apes - because their descendants are all around us, lolling about in front of the fire, or digging holes in the garden.
And yet the wolf has been hunted and persecuted almost to the edge of extinction. There have been no wolves in Britain for 300 years. The last one was probably killed at Helmsdale, some 40 miles north of where I live in the Scottish Highlands.
That the Vikings had a respect for the strength and sagacity of wolves is evidenced by the names given to ancient Nordic kings - Beowulf, Beadowulf, Wulfstan, etc. Even ealier is the legend of Romulus and Remus. The twins were found abandoned on the banks of the Tiber by a she-wolf, who fed them with her milk. When they grew up, Romulus built the city of Rome on the spot where the wolf had found them. Although no evidence to support the story has come down to us, there are plenty of authenticated stories of similar incidents, including three from Lucknow in India dated from 1844, 1954 and 1976.
One man who was centuries ahead of his time as a protector of animals was the Italian priest who became the patron saint of animals and the environment. Francis of Assisi was very much a lone voice, at one point pleading with the people of Gubbio to feed the notorious wolf which had been ravaging their flocks. His insight was all the more profound considering the relentless cruelty with which 'Brother Wolf', as Saint Francis called him, has been persecuted in the past fifteen hundred years.
In Anglo-Saxon times January was set aside especially for hunting wolves. It was known as wolfmonat or wolf month. Medieval folk-lore is full of stories about devil-wolves with dripping jaws and evil, slitty eyes. There are woodcuts of wolves with cloven hooves, carrying off little children, and there are children's stories like Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, and various tales about were-wolves.
The subject of all these stories must indeed be a ferocious animal, but in fact there is no authenticated instance of anyone being attacked by a wolf. I don't say it couldn't happen; I just say you're more likely to be struck by lightning.
That it is possible for people and wolves to live in the same world has been demonstrated by the various wolf programs on-going in north-west Montana, the Yellowstone area, Central Idaho and North Carolina. There is also a scheme, backed by Greenpeace and various politicians to re-instate the wolf in certain areas of the Scottish Highlands. In the U.S. ranchers are being re-imbursed for any livestock losses - which are surprisingly light - by an organisation called Defenders of Wildlife. This is what they say on their website:
'Some of the nation's most prominent biologists have estimated that protecting habitat for wide-ranging predators such as wolves will conserve 90% or more of overall biological diversity. Because wolves can require home ranges of several hundred square miles, their conservation can help to preserve a host of other species making use of the same habitat.'
It was the 'Defenders' organisation which led the successful fight to restore the gray wolf to it's former habitat in Yellowstone Park, and they are currently battling against recent legislation in Alaska to allow the 'hunting' of wolves from light aircraft and snowmobiles. This degrading and inhumane practice was banned in 1972 until last year, and ignores the weight of scientific thinking. It has received widespread public opposition. Alaskans have voted against aircraft assisted wolf hunting twice; in 1996 and 2000.
Killing wild wolves is supposed to boost the numbers of caribou and moose for the benefit of hunters, but biologists say that the larger prey species elude wolves 97% of the time, and that by eliminating sick and old animals, predation actually strengthens the gene pool.
Richard Fiennes, the distinguished U.K. scientist and biologist has summed up the case for the wolf as follows:
'The wolf appears to retain a respect for human beings, and is reluctant to attack them. Not so man, who now fears and abominates the wolf and does all in his power to destroy him. Alas, he fails to recognize in the wolf's descendants, whom he has domesticated, the great virtues and loveable characters of the ancestral wolf. If wolves must become extinct in some areas, let us yet give what honour is due to him where we can.
The old traditions of this gentle creature's savagery and ferocity linger on, and man's hand is against him, even when he does no harm. There are still enormous regions of the world, in America and Russia, where he can be left unmolested; let him so remain.'
The Order of Wolves
Richard Fiennes
When I look at my dogs, I see a wolf,
and when I look at a wolf, I see my dogs.
By : Samantha Gorukr
Thursday 19 July 2012
The Impact Traveling the World Can have on your Teen
When teens sign up for a teen community service trip, they are showing that they are interested in helping other people around the world. It is very easy for someone to decide to take a trip, but taking a trip where serving others is the foundation is a great sign that your teen is on the right track. Teens who go on community service trips to different countries get a chance to travel, see amazing things and interact with people from all over the world.
If your teen has shown interest in taking a teen community service trip, it's important for both you and your teen to be prepared. When your teen goes to another country, they will encounter new cultures and may see and experience some things that will change them for the rest of their lives. As a parent, you will undoubtedly miss your teen while he or she is away, but you'll love the change you see in your child when they return from a teen community service trip.
Here are some of the changes (for the better) that many parents notice when their child returns from a teen community service trip to another location.
A More Informed World View
In the United States it is very easy for teens to get caught up in the popular culture of the day. There's certainly nothing wrong with teens having a little fun while they are young, but many teens tend to become isolated and unaware of what is going on around the world.
Teens who participate in a community service trip get to see first-hand how people in other parts of the world live. Everyone knows there are people all around the world who live differently than people in this culture, but seeing, meeting and working with people from other cultures can really impact your teen and give them a more informed, realistic view of the world.
A Desire to Get Involved
When teens go on a teen community service trip they are taking a major step in the right direction. Lots of people think about or talk about getting involved and helping others, but when your teen takes a service trip they are stepping out and really doing something.
One of the great things that happens to teens who get involved with helping others via a teen community service trip is that they want to continue helping others after their trip is complete. Teens who get a feel for really doing what it takes to reach out to people in need often find that they want to continue reaching out as a part of their regular, everyday life.
By : H.G. Peterson
If your teen has shown interest in taking a teen community service trip, it's important for both you and your teen to be prepared. When your teen goes to another country, they will encounter new cultures and may see and experience some things that will change them for the rest of their lives. As a parent, you will undoubtedly miss your teen while he or she is away, but you'll love the change you see in your child when they return from a teen community service trip.
Here are some of the changes (for the better) that many parents notice when their child returns from a teen community service trip to another location.
A More Informed World View
In the United States it is very easy for teens to get caught up in the popular culture of the day. There's certainly nothing wrong with teens having a little fun while they are young, but many teens tend to become isolated and unaware of what is going on around the world.
Teens who participate in a community service trip get to see first-hand how people in other parts of the world live. Everyone knows there are people all around the world who live differently than people in this culture, but seeing, meeting and working with people from other cultures can really impact your teen and give them a more informed, realistic view of the world.
A Desire to Get Involved
When teens go on a teen community service trip they are taking a major step in the right direction. Lots of people think about or talk about getting involved and helping others, but when your teen takes a service trip they are stepping out and really doing something.
One of the great things that happens to teens who get involved with helping others via a teen community service trip is that they want to continue helping others after their trip is complete. Teens who get a feel for really doing what it takes to reach out to people in need often find that they want to continue reaching out as a part of their regular, everyday life.
By : H.G. Peterson
Friday 13 July 2012
For the Person Who Has Traveled the World and Wants a New Adventure
For the person who has traveled the world and wants a new adventure, or the person who likes to live by the beat of their own drum, consider alternative travel options instead of the regular site-seeing or beach resort trips. Here are some ideas to help you find a vacation that you'll remember for years to come:
· Cruises are available that go beyond the typical cruise you'd expect to find sailing the seven seas. Some cruises offer the studious traveler much more, including a well-stocked library as well as workshops and lectures while at sea, usually specifically pertaining to the area of the world you're exploring.
· If you are a fan of a movie you will find travel destinations that are focused around that particular film. For example, Lord of the Rings movie-lovers will enjoy exploring the sets of Peter Jackson's take on Tolkien's middle-earth by touring the sets of the movie.
· If humanitarianism is your thing, there are many organizations, both religious and non-religious, that allow you to help people in cultures less fortunate than us. You can build wells or homes or markets for them to use. You'll feel great at the end of this vacation!
· For the adventure seekers, a far more exciting experience might be enjoyed by backpacking through rugged wilderness, mountain-climbing, or whitewater rafting.
· For the traveler on a budget, you will have a great holiday if you and a group of friends simply choose a place on a map and drive to it for a cup of coffee. Even if the drive takes all weekend, you will gain a lifetime of memories in just a few short days.
· For aficionados of a certain pleasure, be it wine, beer, food, or cigars, there are tours available for every taste in nearly every region. For example, you could spend weeks (well, actually months) sampling the fine wines of Italy, or touring the pubs if Ireland, or sampling the delectable foods of France. Whatever your pleasure, you'll find a travel destination for it.
· Or for those interested other pursuits, such as archaeology, architecture, or art, you'll find tours that are focused on your very interests.
So this year, when you're deciding what you want to do for a holiday, why choose the same old thing? Go for something daring and different and choose a vacation that will be as unique and memorable as you are. You won't forget it!
By : Edwin Ramires
· Cruises are available that go beyond the typical cruise you'd expect to find sailing the seven seas. Some cruises offer the studious traveler much more, including a well-stocked library as well as workshops and lectures while at sea, usually specifically pertaining to the area of the world you're exploring.
· If you are a fan of a movie you will find travel destinations that are focused around that particular film. For example, Lord of the Rings movie-lovers will enjoy exploring the sets of Peter Jackson's take on Tolkien's middle-earth by touring the sets of the movie.
· If humanitarianism is your thing, there are many organizations, both religious and non-religious, that allow you to help people in cultures less fortunate than us. You can build wells or homes or markets for them to use. You'll feel great at the end of this vacation!
· For the adventure seekers, a far more exciting experience might be enjoyed by backpacking through rugged wilderness, mountain-climbing, or whitewater rafting.
· For the traveler on a budget, you will have a great holiday if you and a group of friends simply choose a place on a map and drive to it for a cup of coffee. Even if the drive takes all weekend, you will gain a lifetime of memories in just a few short days.
· For aficionados of a certain pleasure, be it wine, beer, food, or cigars, there are tours available for every taste in nearly every region. For example, you could spend weeks (well, actually months) sampling the fine wines of Italy, or touring the pubs if Ireland, or sampling the delectable foods of France. Whatever your pleasure, you'll find a travel destination for it.
· Or for those interested other pursuits, such as archaeology, architecture, or art, you'll find tours that are focused on your very interests.
So this year, when you're deciding what you want to do for a holiday, why choose the same old thing? Go for something daring and different and choose a vacation that will be as unique and memorable as you are. You won't forget it!
By : Edwin Ramires
Saturday 7 July 2012
Why Backpacking is the Cheapest Way to Travel the World
Travelling the world was once a privilege reserved only for the very rich. But with the drop in accommodation, flight and other travel costs in the past few decades, it is entirely possible to go around the world on a smaller budget. The best way? backpacking.
Accommodation
With the rise in the number of travellers embarking on global travel increasing each year, the tourist industry of some of the world's most popular destinations have had no choice but to follow suit. From London to Lahore, Brisbane to Beijing, cities and towns are now home to many affordable hostels or low grade hotels where a single night stay can amount to little more than $20. Some of these cheaper alternatives aren't half bad either. You can expect all the mod cons of a western home and even indulge in the free meals included in some hostel deals. A key reason to kick-start any backpacking journey.
Flights
Low budget airlines have sprung into dominance during the last decade meaning those wanting to hop short distances between countries can do so for a price comparable to that of a long haul bus journey. Air Asia serves many popular destinations in Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, where return tickets can cost as low as $35. Western Europe is where the trend started with lines like Ryanair and Easyjet providing cheap flights between the UK and the major capitals of Western Europe. Air travel is now a completely feasible (and flexible) part of the average backpacking itinerary.
Equipment
It used to be that going abroad meant packing three quarters of your house in fear of not getting the luxuries of home in places abroad. Not so. Most destinations hot on the gap year trail are full of markets, shops and supermarkets that stock everything back home (and are often times cheaper). Suitcases are a thing of the past and as any backpacker worth their salt will know, the key to a great travel experience is to pack as lightly as possible as you can always depend on getting the things you need out on the road. From books, to blankets, to medical supplies, you needn't worry about not being able to get something on your backpacking travels.
By : Harriet Williams
Accommodation
With the rise in the number of travellers embarking on global travel increasing each year, the tourist industry of some of the world's most popular destinations have had no choice but to follow suit. From London to Lahore, Brisbane to Beijing, cities and towns are now home to many affordable hostels or low grade hotels where a single night stay can amount to little more than $20. Some of these cheaper alternatives aren't half bad either. You can expect all the mod cons of a western home and even indulge in the free meals included in some hostel deals. A key reason to kick-start any backpacking journey.
Flights
Low budget airlines have sprung into dominance during the last decade meaning those wanting to hop short distances between countries can do so for a price comparable to that of a long haul bus journey. Air Asia serves many popular destinations in Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, where return tickets can cost as low as $35. Western Europe is where the trend started with lines like Ryanair and Easyjet providing cheap flights between the UK and the major capitals of Western Europe. Air travel is now a completely feasible (and flexible) part of the average backpacking itinerary.
Equipment
It used to be that going abroad meant packing three quarters of your house in fear of not getting the luxuries of home in places abroad. Not so. Most destinations hot on the gap year trail are full of markets, shops and supermarkets that stock everything back home (and are often times cheaper). Suitcases are a thing of the past and as any backpacker worth their salt will know, the key to a great travel experience is to pack as lightly as possible as you can always depend on getting the things you need out on the road. From books, to blankets, to medical supplies, you needn't worry about not being able to get something on your backpacking travels.
By : Harriet Williams
Sunday 1 July 2012
How To Travel The World For Free!
It sounds like a dream doesn't it? Hopping onto a plane and taking a flight to the destination of your choice. Imagine collecting your flight tickets to New York, London, Goa - or wherever takes your fancy - and not having to pay a cent for them.
For a few people, this dream is actually a reality. How? Simply put they have discovered a little travel secret - namely that a lot of companies will actually pay the travel expenses for you to oversee their package or document from one country to another. Now this may bring to mind images of having to smuggle a microfilm past some dodgy russian customs ala James Bond, but the reality is nowhere near as exciting or dangerous - which is great news for the budget traveller. The even better news is that with a little know how, any adult can act as a courier and score free and deeply discounted flight tickets to the destination of their choice.
It's completely legal and can save you thousands in saved airfare every year. Courier companies are continually on the lookout for willing travellers to carry their items overseas. There is nothing sinister about it and nothing is hidden from the authorities - the traveller is paid with a deeply discounted (and sometimes free) air ticket. According to a survey by the Air Courier Association the standard saving that travellers get when they act as a courier is 85% on the normal flight price. There isn't a travel agent in the world that will match such a discount.
So what are your responsibilities as a courier? Well it's as simple as turning up to the airport on time and meeting the courier companys representative at the destination airport. As soon as you walk through the customs area at your destination, your job is over.
What are the drawbacks of this deeply discounted travel? Well for a start you're probably only going to be allowed one carry on bag as your luggage - so learning how to travel light & pack efficiently is essential. It's also important to have some degree of flexibility in terms of when you're able to fly, though usually you can get many flights comfortably in advance. You also need to be at least 18 and obviously have a valid passport.
Assuming you're ok with these drawbacks, you can really fly to just about any destination at incredibly low costs.
Ready to go? The whole world awaits you!
By : Tuks Engineer
For a few people, this dream is actually a reality. How? Simply put they have discovered a little travel secret - namely that a lot of companies will actually pay the travel expenses for you to oversee their package or document from one country to another. Now this may bring to mind images of having to smuggle a microfilm past some dodgy russian customs ala James Bond, but the reality is nowhere near as exciting or dangerous - which is great news for the budget traveller. The even better news is that with a little know how, any adult can act as a courier and score free and deeply discounted flight tickets to the destination of their choice.
It's completely legal and can save you thousands in saved airfare every year. Courier companies are continually on the lookout for willing travellers to carry their items overseas. There is nothing sinister about it and nothing is hidden from the authorities - the traveller is paid with a deeply discounted (and sometimes free) air ticket. According to a survey by the Air Courier Association the standard saving that travellers get when they act as a courier is 85% on the normal flight price. There isn't a travel agent in the world that will match such a discount.
So what are your responsibilities as a courier? Well it's as simple as turning up to the airport on time and meeting the courier companys representative at the destination airport. As soon as you walk through the customs area at your destination, your job is over.
What are the drawbacks of this deeply discounted travel? Well for a start you're probably only going to be allowed one carry on bag as your luggage - so learning how to travel light & pack efficiently is essential. It's also important to have some degree of flexibility in terms of when you're able to fly, though usually you can get many flights comfortably in advance. You also need to be at least 18 and obviously have a valid passport.
Assuming you're ok with these drawbacks, you can really fly to just about any destination at incredibly low costs.
Ready to go? The whole world awaits you!
By : Tuks Engineer
Wednesday 27 June 2012
Kenya Travel - The Awesome Travel Attractions Worth Visiting in Kenya
The 580,367km2, Kenya is one of the best tourism destinations in Africa. When tourism is at peak, over 1.8 million foreign tourists visit yearly. These visitors are the country's most significant earner of foreign cash. Though, Kenya has numerous tourists' attractions to offer, but there are a few hot destinations which are worth visiting and unique from all others.
Hosting to one of the the seventh wonder of the world, the 1530km2 Maasai Mara National reserve from July plus November hosts the world well-known wildebeest's migration spectacle. As this place is quite noisy, where you will get amazed to see the Mara River infested with large number of crocodiles, visitors from across the world pitch their camps nearby the crossing limit in hope for days get a view of these crocodiles.
The Maasai Mara has got all the "Big Five" creatures that is, the elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion plus the rhino. Mara River and Esoit Oloololo are the best places where you can view them. Tour firms also offer hot air balloon tours for visitors to enjoy the natural proceedings of the grassy open plains, from birds eye view.
In the Rift Valley, Lake Bogoria is yet another attraction for tourists as this place is known for hot springs and geyser that give up lovely water fountains with 37 degree hot. The saline spring waters are believed to be extremely helpful for the skin. This location can surely be a wonderful picnic spot as there is not much traffic of tourists here. Hippos plus gazelles make up part of the wild there as well as 135 bird species which usually comprise millions of migratory lesser flamingos that nourish themselves on the algae of the 10m deep lake.
Along the Indian Ocean waters, Mombasa is regarded for its sandy seashores, aqua green waters plus good sun. You can visit this place any time of the year as here the weather is warm for almost the whole year. For historians, Mombasa is home to Lamu, the old town, the Gedi ruins plus Fort Jesus. These sites reflect Mombasa's rich age-old historical past.
The undersea Indian Ocean coral reef paradise teems with unique beautiful fish breeds. Dhow travels are given to travelers wanting to get the feel of old maritime ocean travels.
the Nairobi National Park, which has an area of 117 km and 2 m is just 7 km from the City Centre, and this park is popular for bordering the city. Among the "Big Five" animals, its mainly the elephant that is missing in this Savannah environment. It's the ideal destination for visitors on stop over. It is where the David Sheldrick trust sanctuary that nurtures small orphaned rhinos plus elephants. The park has over 80 mammal species and 400 diverse bird species. The park is best for family excursions, bush dinners, picnics, team building exercises plus marriage ceremony.
o explore Kenya's historic past, you should surely visit the Nairobi National Museum which displays the antique handicrafts and art work. It is home to the botanical gardens where unique plant species are grown. This may include those with therapeutic properties plus ornamental plants plus natural herbs that are grown. The Nairobi Snake Park is the most amazing destinations as all the tourists come here to have a thrilling experience of various poisonous snakes cobras, African Rock Python, Mambas and many more. Coral fishes American alligators plus crocodiles are taken care of in the museum's aquariums.
By : Jamie Hanson
Hosting to one of the the seventh wonder of the world, the 1530km2 Maasai Mara National reserve from July plus November hosts the world well-known wildebeest's migration spectacle. As this place is quite noisy, where you will get amazed to see the Mara River infested with large number of crocodiles, visitors from across the world pitch their camps nearby the crossing limit in hope for days get a view of these crocodiles.
The Maasai Mara has got all the "Big Five" creatures that is, the elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion plus the rhino. Mara River and Esoit Oloololo are the best places where you can view them. Tour firms also offer hot air balloon tours for visitors to enjoy the natural proceedings of the grassy open plains, from birds eye view.
In the Rift Valley, Lake Bogoria is yet another attraction for tourists as this place is known for hot springs and geyser that give up lovely water fountains with 37 degree hot. The saline spring waters are believed to be extremely helpful for the skin. This location can surely be a wonderful picnic spot as there is not much traffic of tourists here. Hippos plus gazelles make up part of the wild there as well as 135 bird species which usually comprise millions of migratory lesser flamingos that nourish themselves on the algae of the 10m deep lake.
Along the Indian Ocean waters, Mombasa is regarded for its sandy seashores, aqua green waters plus good sun. You can visit this place any time of the year as here the weather is warm for almost the whole year. For historians, Mombasa is home to Lamu, the old town, the Gedi ruins plus Fort Jesus. These sites reflect Mombasa's rich age-old historical past.
The undersea Indian Ocean coral reef paradise teems with unique beautiful fish breeds. Dhow travels are given to travelers wanting to get the feel of old maritime ocean travels.
the Nairobi National Park, which has an area of 117 km and 2 m is just 7 km from the City Centre, and this park is popular for bordering the city. Among the "Big Five" animals, its mainly the elephant that is missing in this Savannah environment. It's the ideal destination for visitors on stop over. It is where the David Sheldrick trust sanctuary that nurtures small orphaned rhinos plus elephants. The park has over 80 mammal species and 400 diverse bird species. The park is best for family excursions, bush dinners, picnics, team building exercises plus marriage ceremony.
o explore Kenya's historic past, you should surely visit the Nairobi National Museum which displays the antique handicrafts and art work. It is home to the botanical gardens where unique plant species are grown. This may include those with therapeutic properties plus ornamental plants plus natural herbs that are grown. The Nairobi Snake Park is the most amazing destinations as all the tourists come here to have a thrilling experience of various poisonous snakes cobras, African Rock Python, Mambas and many more. Coral fishes American alligators plus crocodiles are taken care of in the museum's aquariums.
By : Jamie Hanson
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