Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Why Is Calpe Such A Popular Destination?
Why Is Calpe Such A Popular Destination?
by: Lee Smith
Calpe is a beautiful town, situated on the northern part of Alicante Province, on the Costa Blanca region. Once an ancient fishing village, Calpe has now become a large scale charming tourist town. Steeped in history, Calpe is a fantastic blend of ancient Valencian culture and modern culture. Even before the centuries, the place was visited and settled by many voyagers. The remains of Iberian tribes found on the place are a fine example for this. It has also been revealed that the Romans, Christians, and Moors once settled here. Its strategic location near Benidorm, which is only a 20-minute drive away, and such scenic towns as Denia makes it one of the sought-after destinations not only in Spanish regions but also in the world. In this article, we will discuss some of the prime attractions of the place.
Significant of the Calpe attractions is the Penon de Ifach – a towering 332 m high rock, which is the highest in the entire Mediterranean, dividing the shorelines of Calpe into two. Penon is of immense historical significance, as its foot was earlier the site of a Roman factory for drying salt fishes, and this spot is now known as the Queen's Baths. Besides, several other interesting things are associated with this landmark. Declared a sheltered natural reserve in 1987, this rock takes after the rock of Gibraltar, and renders awe-inspiring views of Costa Blanca regions and the bays surrounding it. Also, it is home to some of the rare plants as well as sea birds.
Another great attraction of the place is its golden sandy blue flag certified beaches, including Playa de la Fossa with superb facilities such as tennis courts, children's park areas, and bowling greens, and Playa Cantal Roig – a rocky as well as scenic beach. The la fossa and the bay of Gasparet are the other prominent beaches in the area.
In addition, splendid options are available for those who want to explore the history of the place, with its countryside filled with a multitude of ancient houses containing arched porticos; historic castles like the Moorish Castle overlooking the Mascarat ravine; and museums such as the Fiestas Museum and the Museum of Archeology – all of them housing historic monuments and murals. Also, worth mentioning are the Calpe's Old Town Walls and the ancient churches including Iglesia Vieja – a classic example of the Mudejar-Gothic architecture. Calpe's attractions also cover an awesome modern marina situated along the old fishing port and Calpe fish market.
Above all, Calpe offers wonderful opportunities to enjoy an excellent range of water sport activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, yachting, and waterskiing, apart from other activities like rock climbing, trekking, sightseeing, and dining, with a chain of restaurants and bars offering delectable cuisines and savoring drinks.
By road, Calpe is easy reachable via the main highways. Further, Calpe is only a 50 minutes drive from the airport of Alicante.
Calpe's pleasant climate, scenic tourist attractions and its proximity to many of the major towns, attracts holidaymakers from across the globe.
by: Lee Smith
Calpe is a beautiful town, situated on the northern part of Alicante Province, on the Costa Blanca region. Once an ancient fishing village, Calpe has now become a large scale charming tourist town. Steeped in history, Calpe is a fantastic blend of ancient Valencian culture and modern culture. Even before the centuries, the place was visited and settled by many voyagers. The remains of Iberian tribes found on the place are a fine example for this. It has also been revealed that the Romans, Christians, and Moors once settled here. Its strategic location near Benidorm, which is only a 20-minute drive away, and such scenic towns as Denia makes it one of the sought-after destinations not only in Spanish regions but also in the world. In this article, we will discuss some of the prime attractions of the place.
Significant of the Calpe attractions is the Penon de Ifach – a towering 332 m high rock, which is the highest in the entire Mediterranean, dividing the shorelines of Calpe into two. Penon is of immense historical significance, as its foot was earlier the site of a Roman factory for drying salt fishes, and this spot is now known as the Queen's Baths. Besides, several other interesting things are associated with this landmark. Declared a sheltered natural reserve in 1987, this rock takes after the rock of Gibraltar, and renders awe-inspiring views of Costa Blanca regions and the bays surrounding it. Also, it is home to some of the rare plants as well as sea birds.
Another great attraction of the place is its golden sandy blue flag certified beaches, including Playa de la Fossa with superb facilities such as tennis courts, children's park areas, and bowling greens, and Playa Cantal Roig – a rocky as well as scenic beach. The la fossa and the bay of Gasparet are the other prominent beaches in the area.
In addition, splendid options are available for those who want to explore the history of the place, with its countryside filled with a multitude of ancient houses containing arched porticos; historic castles like the Moorish Castle overlooking the Mascarat ravine; and museums such as the Fiestas Museum and the Museum of Archeology – all of them housing historic monuments and murals. Also, worth mentioning are the Calpe's Old Town Walls and the ancient churches including Iglesia Vieja – a classic example of the Mudejar-Gothic architecture. Calpe's attractions also cover an awesome modern marina situated along the old fishing port and Calpe fish market.
Above all, Calpe offers wonderful opportunities to enjoy an excellent range of water sport activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, yachting, and waterskiing, apart from other activities like rock climbing, trekking, sightseeing, and dining, with a chain of restaurants and bars offering delectable cuisines and savoring drinks.
By road, Calpe is easy reachable via the main highways. Further, Calpe is only a 50 minutes drive from the airport of Alicante.
Calpe's pleasant climate, scenic tourist attractions and its proximity to many of the major towns, attracts holidaymakers from across the globe.
Self Enlightenment While Diving in Fiji
Self Enlightenment While Diving in Fiji
by: Vickie Milazzo
We all understand the significance of agility to grow a successful business. But how agile are we really and how can agility in our personal life help us grow in our business life?
A near-drowning experience when I was a child left me wary of swimming and totally unwilling to go deeper than snorkeling along the water's surface on a trip to Fiji.
Before Tom and I went to Fiji, he had already been scuba diving many times during the preceding five years. I'd heard his fun stories, but I knew he still occasionally experienced anxiety due to a long-ago diving incident. Tom, the daredevil, with all his diving experience, having anxiety? That made it even harder for me to decide to go for it. The only way I would venture out on the dive boat was with the promise to myself that I could choose not to go into the water.
Upon arrival at the reef, the first thing the dive master talked about was sharks. "This is their world. They're in control. Don't approach or move toward them. Respect them. Respect their space." Actually, sharks didn't scare me at all. I was too afraid of the water to worry about sharks. First I had to get into the water. Then I'd think about sharks.
Several years earlier on Maui I had tried to learn to dive. On that first attempt Tom, my 14-year-old nephew Matt and I started our lessons in the pool. As soon as the water closed over my face mask and I struggled with the weight of the tank and BCD vest that threatened to drown me, I climbed out of the pool and didn't look back. Within the safety of the shore, I enjoyed a massage instead. While they took to the ocean like fish, exploring coral reefs, shipwrecks and the limitless variety of sea life, I clung to my beach chair with my self-help book.
On later vacations Tom and I worked out a compromise. He would dive, then return to snorkel with me. Although not much of a swimmer, I was a great flailer. I snorkeled in the shallows, where I could stand up when I tired from flailing or needed to adjust my mask. Yoga practice had prepared me for proper breathing and body control, and over time my confidence grew. So did the quality of my flailing. To this day my nephew calls me shark bait.
Back to Fiji: I watched a young girl with a mental disability go out doggedly every day learning to dive, while I stayed safely on the surface, afraid to leave my shallow comfort zone for the deeper unknown. I wondered who had the greater disability, she or I. Hers was real, mine only imagined. Who was more agile?
Every afternoon, Tom regaled me with stories of turtles, lionfish, hammerhead sharks and the vibrant coral he saw on his dives while I continued flailing about in the shallows. But each day I snorkeled into deeper and deeper water until finally, on day four of my vacation, I built up the confidence to approach the edge of a 300-foot wall. Looking into its depths I was suddenly no longer content to observe from the surface. My curiosity engaged, I longed to dive deep and envelope myself in the dark wonders below. I resolved to try diving again.
My first dive was in a shallow bay. I clung to the bottom, pulling up sand and sea grass at 15 feet down. Easy. Being close to the bottom gave me security and perspective, and the small success encouraged me to go for more.
On the second dive I dove longer and deeper to 25 feet. On my third dive, we boated to a sandy ledge that led to the 300-foot wall I was ready to explore. The boat rocked on five-foot swells. Tom and the dive master rolled off the side of the boat backwards – the standard diver's show-off entry. When the dive master instructed me to do the same, I said, "No way!" and headed down the narrow stepladder designed for deck shoes, not fins. No easy feat. Tom said it was typical of me to take the hard way down. Stepping from the ladder, I slid beneath the surface.
After the initial roller coaster ride associated with equalizing my ears and my anxiety, we swam along the shallow bottom to the precipice and slowly dropped into the 300-foot abyss. Surprisingly, the stability and quiet of being underwater was a wonderful respite from the swells that bounced the boat on the surface. Anyway, it does no good to scream underwater.
I was grateful that my beginner's depth was limited to 45 feet, but swimming along the side of the wall I was still clearly in another world, with nothing under my fins but darkness.
Soon I was keenly observing the sea life; coral heads, bulbs, fans and thousands of fish, all sizes and temperaments, from the diminutive clown fish bravely defending his anemone home, to the shy 35-pound sweetlips, who disappeared into his coral cavern at the first sight of us. My dive master floated serenely behind me, arms crossed, conserving breath and energy. Only his fins were moving, even when the menacing 10-foot reef sharks swam past us.
As my breathing became more relaxed and quiet, I began to hear the sounds of the sea life. Midway, Tom joined me, held my hand in celebration, and I lost all sense of time, depth – and my childhood fear. While I'll never be a fish in the water, I was now enjoying their world. Even more, I was enjoying my newfound agility.
Challenge a Fixed Viewpoint
Where would I be if I hadn't challenged my fear of water? Probably where I am now, but with less confidence. I believe the happiest people are those who are always growing and stretching. The only way to grow is to question, challenge, probe for new answers and be agile enough to try new things.
In a career, you grow or you die professionally. Most of us are willing to stretch when it comes to our careers. It's expected. You strive for a bigger paycheck, a bigger promotion, more influence or more power. Why don't we do the same in our personal lives? One always affects the other.
In life, as in your career, when you neglect growth, the passion inside you cools. Plan not only for a bigger house or an updated vehicle, but for inner growth. Try to reinvent yourself on a regular basis. You don't want to wake up five years from now and greet the same person in the mirror. You want to see a woman who has transcended her former boundaries. Refusing to grow and stretch keeps you locked in a box of your own making, just as not taking that dive might have kept me out of the deep underwater world for the rest of my life. We set up our own failure when we believe those insidious mantras, "I can't…I don't…I wasn't trained for that."
A woman in one of our seminars who was struggling with the fast-paced training became upset because she couldn't record the program. I offered to let her leave the seminar that day and take with her the DVD program to study at home at her own pace.
She refused the offer. Instead, she sat on the front row the entire six days talking to herself, escalating her frustration and not listening to a word of the seminar. At the end of the program, she was one of only a few women who failed the certification examination. Ninety-five percent of the class passed. She had sabotaged herself by self-talk. Perceiving her condition to be less than perfect, she created, then reinforced, those perceived conditions. Even if the class seemed overwhelming, she could have dramatically improved her experience by challenging her fixed viewpoint.
That's not to say we should shut our eyes to problems. Agility comes in recognizing what's not working and fixing it. But there's a difference between complaining or stirring up unrest and pointing out a situation that needs to be changed. When employees come to me with a complaint, I say, "Don't criticize – strategize and offer an alternative." I don't expect the perfect solution, but I do expect a suggestion.
I didn't always own a sizeable company. I grew up selling Avon, working at Burger King and then working as a nurse. Owning a growing company constantly challenges my viewpoints and has taught me this attitude: "Wherever you are, make the most of it by questioning, probing and challenging fixed viewpoints." Add a sense of wonder and curiosity. The more you open up to the amazing world around you, the more agility you will have.
I could easily have enjoyed Fiji without flexing my agility beyond snorkeling, but after I challenged my viewpoint, Fiji became an unforgettable, life-changing experience. Inside every woman is the agility to be anything she wants to be and to do everything her passionate vision demands.
by: Vickie Milazzo
We all understand the significance of agility to grow a successful business. But how agile are we really and how can agility in our personal life help us grow in our business life?
A near-drowning experience when I was a child left me wary of swimming and totally unwilling to go deeper than snorkeling along the water's surface on a trip to Fiji.
Before Tom and I went to Fiji, he had already been scuba diving many times during the preceding five years. I'd heard his fun stories, but I knew he still occasionally experienced anxiety due to a long-ago diving incident. Tom, the daredevil, with all his diving experience, having anxiety? That made it even harder for me to decide to go for it. The only way I would venture out on the dive boat was with the promise to myself that I could choose not to go into the water.
Upon arrival at the reef, the first thing the dive master talked about was sharks. "This is their world. They're in control. Don't approach or move toward them. Respect them. Respect their space." Actually, sharks didn't scare me at all. I was too afraid of the water to worry about sharks. First I had to get into the water. Then I'd think about sharks.
Several years earlier on Maui I had tried to learn to dive. On that first attempt Tom, my 14-year-old nephew Matt and I started our lessons in the pool. As soon as the water closed over my face mask and I struggled with the weight of the tank and BCD vest that threatened to drown me, I climbed out of the pool and didn't look back. Within the safety of the shore, I enjoyed a massage instead. While they took to the ocean like fish, exploring coral reefs, shipwrecks and the limitless variety of sea life, I clung to my beach chair with my self-help book.
On later vacations Tom and I worked out a compromise. He would dive, then return to snorkel with me. Although not much of a swimmer, I was a great flailer. I snorkeled in the shallows, where I could stand up when I tired from flailing or needed to adjust my mask. Yoga practice had prepared me for proper breathing and body control, and over time my confidence grew. So did the quality of my flailing. To this day my nephew calls me shark bait.
Back to Fiji: I watched a young girl with a mental disability go out doggedly every day learning to dive, while I stayed safely on the surface, afraid to leave my shallow comfort zone for the deeper unknown. I wondered who had the greater disability, she or I. Hers was real, mine only imagined. Who was more agile?
Every afternoon, Tom regaled me with stories of turtles, lionfish, hammerhead sharks and the vibrant coral he saw on his dives while I continued flailing about in the shallows. But each day I snorkeled into deeper and deeper water until finally, on day four of my vacation, I built up the confidence to approach the edge of a 300-foot wall. Looking into its depths I was suddenly no longer content to observe from the surface. My curiosity engaged, I longed to dive deep and envelope myself in the dark wonders below. I resolved to try diving again.
My first dive was in a shallow bay. I clung to the bottom, pulling up sand and sea grass at 15 feet down. Easy. Being close to the bottom gave me security and perspective, and the small success encouraged me to go for more.
On the second dive I dove longer and deeper to 25 feet. On my third dive, we boated to a sandy ledge that led to the 300-foot wall I was ready to explore. The boat rocked on five-foot swells. Tom and the dive master rolled off the side of the boat backwards – the standard diver's show-off entry. When the dive master instructed me to do the same, I said, "No way!" and headed down the narrow stepladder designed for deck shoes, not fins. No easy feat. Tom said it was typical of me to take the hard way down. Stepping from the ladder, I slid beneath the surface.
After the initial roller coaster ride associated with equalizing my ears and my anxiety, we swam along the shallow bottom to the precipice and slowly dropped into the 300-foot abyss. Surprisingly, the stability and quiet of being underwater was a wonderful respite from the swells that bounced the boat on the surface. Anyway, it does no good to scream underwater.
I was grateful that my beginner's depth was limited to 45 feet, but swimming along the side of the wall I was still clearly in another world, with nothing under my fins but darkness.
Soon I was keenly observing the sea life; coral heads, bulbs, fans and thousands of fish, all sizes and temperaments, from the diminutive clown fish bravely defending his anemone home, to the shy 35-pound sweetlips, who disappeared into his coral cavern at the first sight of us. My dive master floated serenely behind me, arms crossed, conserving breath and energy. Only his fins were moving, even when the menacing 10-foot reef sharks swam past us.
As my breathing became more relaxed and quiet, I began to hear the sounds of the sea life. Midway, Tom joined me, held my hand in celebration, and I lost all sense of time, depth – and my childhood fear. While I'll never be a fish in the water, I was now enjoying their world. Even more, I was enjoying my newfound agility.
Challenge a Fixed Viewpoint
Where would I be if I hadn't challenged my fear of water? Probably where I am now, but with less confidence. I believe the happiest people are those who are always growing and stretching. The only way to grow is to question, challenge, probe for new answers and be agile enough to try new things.
In a career, you grow or you die professionally. Most of us are willing to stretch when it comes to our careers. It's expected. You strive for a bigger paycheck, a bigger promotion, more influence or more power. Why don't we do the same in our personal lives? One always affects the other.
In life, as in your career, when you neglect growth, the passion inside you cools. Plan not only for a bigger house or an updated vehicle, but for inner growth. Try to reinvent yourself on a regular basis. You don't want to wake up five years from now and greet the same person in the mirror. You want to see a woman who has transcended her former boundaries. Refusing to grow and stretch keeps you locked in a box of your own making, just as not taking that dive might have kept me out of the deep underwater world for the rest of my life. We set up our own failure when we believe those insidious mantras, "I can't…I don't…I wasn't trained for that."
A woman in one of our seminars who was struggling with the fast-paced training became upset because she couldn't record the program. I offered to let her leave the seminar that day and take with her the DVD program to study at home at her own pace.
She refused the offer. Instead, she sat on the front row the entire six days talking to herself, escalating her frustration and not listening to a word of the seminar. At the end of the program, she was one of only a few women who failed the certification examination. Ninety-five percent of the class passed. She had sabotaged herself by self-talk. Perceiving her condition to be less than perfect, she created, then reinforced, those perceived conditions. Even if the class seemed overwhelming, she could have dramatically improved her experience by challenging her fixed viewpoint.
That's not to say we should shut our eyes to problems. Agility comes in recognizing what's not working and fixing it. But there's a difference between complaining or stirring up unrest and pointing out a situation that needs to be changed. When employees come to me with a complaint, I say, "Don't criticize – strategize and offer an alternative." I don't expect the perfect solution, but I do expect a suggestion.
I didn't always own a sizeable company. I grew up selling Avon, working at Burger King and then working as a nurse. Owning a growing company constantly challenges my viewpoints and has taught me this attitude: "Wherever you are, make the most of it by questioning, probing and challenging fixed viewpoints." Add a sense of wonder and curiosity. The more you open up to the amazing world around you, the more agility you will have.
I could easily have enjoyed Fiji without flexing my agility beyond snorkeling, but after I challenged my viewpoint, Fiji became an unforgettable, life-changing experience. Inside every woman is the agility to be anything she wants to be and to do everything her passionate vision demands.
Hamilton Ontario's exotic character
Hamilton Ontario's exotic character
by: Jason Seib
If you can’t go to Kenya this year, come to Hamilton.
Travellers are different. Some want to spice up their journey with sporting activities and lug around golf, fishing or skiing equipment, or haul their bikes; others will go scavenging through museums, devouring every piece of art and relic history. And then there are others who wouldn’t dare pass up the chance of gazing longingly at exotic animal species that one hardly sees in the neighbourhood back home.
Take Canada’s original safari centre located right in Hamilton. It houses more than 1,000 species of birds and animals that are let loose in game reserves. The children will be delighted. Apart from the roaming creatures, there are animal shows, nature tours, elephant swims and playing at Misumu Bay. The safari is open from May to October every year, and is managed by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. Visit admin@mionsafari.com for details.
If this safari doesn’t quench your thirst enough, there’s another exotic corner of Hamilton that will show off its collection of tropical and sub-tropical rare birds in Friends of the Aviary (telephone 1-905-546-4842). Regular public viewings outdoors are held from May through October and indoors during Sunday afternoons or by appointment.
Hamilton means Natural
The four seasons find clear expression in Hamilton. The escarpment is the place to be when witnessing the change in seasons. It carries natural and man-made settings, allowing travellers to see Hamilton in different perspectives.
One writer says that Hamilton is a distinct blend of the natural and the artificial, and the residents have taken advantage of this to make Hamilton attractive not only to first time visitors but to people who have chosen to make Hamilton their home.
Hamilton’s summer bay is a witness to man’s wholesome pursuit of pleasure. Sailing boats, jet skis, and windsurfers negotiate the relaxing waves as Bayfront Park and Pier 4 welcome aimless walkers, determined runners, and fun-seeking roller bladders.
Speaking of the natural, Hamilton maintains 1,500 kilometres of trails for hikers and bikers, and the not-so-sporty. More than 24 golf courses dot the area, and for antique shoppers, go through the maze of six communities for a whole slew of bric-a-brac.
If you missed summer in Hamilton, Fall is another great time to visit. Blinding but beautiful burnt oranges, reds and yellows add to the gorgeous backdrop, and everyone’s invited to carve out a pumpkin. And if spring is more your thing, then Hamilton has got something for you: it has the world’s largest lilac collection, in addition to the annual Tulip and Iris Show.
To gain a deeper appreciation of Hamilton, park the car and join the city’s walking tours for a taste of architecture. And again of the exotic: Hamilton’s art gallery located downtown contains over 7,000 works by British, European and American artistic talents.
For the kids: the Canada Marine Discovery Centre will satisfy their “mariner” curiosity – harbours, ocean depths, interactive exhibits, and songs and tales of the sea. A simulated Great Lakes freighter ride along with sounds of the Atlantic should add fuel to their imagination.
Hamilton isn’t short on accommodation. Visit http://www.tourismhamilton.com/accomodations_default.cfm and check out the extensive listing.
Need to worship? Cathedral of Christ the King should be an eye-opener and will offer a quiet moment after a hectic day of touring. Built in 1933, the cathedral has the finest Italian marble and 82 impressive stained windows!
Still wondering why Hamilton swings?
Copyright 2006 Jason Seib
by: Jason Seib
If you can’t go to Kenya this year, come to Hamilton.
Travellers are different. Some want to spice up their journey with sporting activities and lug around golf, fishing or skiing equipment, or haul their bikes; others will go scavenging through museums, devouring every piece of art and relic history. And then there are others who wouldn’t dare pass up the chance of gazing longingly at exotic animal species that one hardly sees in the neighbourhood back home.
Take Canada’s original safari centre located right in Hamilton. It houses more than 1,000 species of birds and animals that are let loose in game reserves. The children will be delighted. Apart from the roaming creatures, there are animal shows, nature tours, elephant swims and playing at Misumu Bay. The safari is open from May to October every year, and is managed by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. Visit admin@mionsafari.com for details.
If this safari doesn’t quench your thirst enough, there’s another exotic corner of Hamilton that will show off its collection of tropical and sub-tropical rare birds in Friends of the Aviary (telephone 1-905-546-4842). Regular public viewings outdoors are held from May through October and indoors during Sunday afternoons or by appointment.
Hamilton means Natural
The four seasons find clear expression in Hamilton. The escarpment is the place to be when witnessing the change in seasons. It carries natural and man-made settings, allowing travellers to see Hamilton in different perspectives.
One writer says that Hamilton is a distinct blend of the natural and the artificial, and the residents have taken advantage of this to make Hamilton attractive not only to first time visitors but to people who have chosen to make Hamilton their home.
Hamilton’s summer bay is a witness to man’s wholesome pursuit of pleasure. Sailing boats, jet skis, and windsurfers negotiate the relaxing waves as Bayfront Park and Pier 4 welcome aimless walkers, determined runners, and fun-seeking roller bladders.
Speaking of the natural, Hamilton maintains 1,500 kilometres of trails for hikers and bikers, and the not-so-sporty. More than 24 golf courses dot the area, and for antique shoppers, go through the maze of six communities for a whole slew of bric-a-brac.
If you missed summer in Hamilton, Fall is another great time to visit. Blinding but beautiful burnt oranges, reds and yellows add to the gorgeous backdrop, and everyone’s invited to carve out a pumpkin. And if spring is more your thing, then Hamilton has got something for you: it has the world’s largest lilac collection, in addition to the annual Tulip and Iris Show.
To gain a deeper appreciation of Hamilton, park the car and join the city’s walking tours for a taste of architecture. And again of the exotic: Hamilton’s art gallery located downtown contains over 7,000 works by British, European and American artistic talents.
For the kids: the Canada Marine Discovery Centre will satisfy their “mariner” curiosity – harbours, ocean depths, interactive exhibits, and songs and tales of the sea. A simulated Great Lakes freighter ride along with sounds of the Atlantic should add fuel to their imagination.
Hamilton isn’t short on accommodation. Visit http://www.tourismhamilton.com/accomodations_default.cfm and check out the extensive listing.
Need to worship? Cathedral of Christ the King should be an eye-opener and will offer a quiet moment after a hectic day of touring. Built in 1933, the cathedral has the finest Italian marble and 82 impressive stained windows!
Still wondering why Hamilton swings?
Copyright 2006 Jason Seib
Kenya-Africa; Animal, Lion And Sport Safari
Kenya-Africa; Animal, Lion And Sport Safari
by: Robert Muhoho
Safari in Kenya and East Africa includes Lodge or Camping Safari Kenya and Tanzania, while on an -East African Wildlife Safaris Tour luxury Lodge or budget Camping. Beach Holidays East Africa Mt Kilimanjaro, Climbing are part of adventure. Nairobi hotel bookings and airport shuttle transfers from Nairobi to Arusha moshi are also arranged.
Your Kenyan Safari
The Kenyan holiday experience is touted to be the most comprehensive in Africa. It is the only country that you will experience 3 distinct climatic conditions namely, Coastal Humid, cool highland and dry desert. The attractions here also range from the beaches 1) white sands, 2) wildlife, 3) the scenery of the great Rift Valley, 4) the green plantations of the highlands, 5) the cradle of mankind archeological sites, 6) No distinct cultural ethical endowments show-copped markets among others.
a) Wildlife Safaris Kenya has managed to maintain its wildlife in natural areas in National Parks and Reserves. The big five wildlife including Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Elephant and Buffalo is all found in these parks Including the small bovid. Among Kenyans most parks include the indomitable - Massai Mara - Nakuru National Park - Aberdares National Park - Tsavo National Park (11,000 kms equal size of Israel) - Samburu - Amboseli National Reserve - Among other 57 Parks and Reserves Nairobi National Park is the only park located within a capital city in the world. Lions, Zebras, gnus, Leopards, Rhino, Buffalo are 5minutes from the CBD.
Wildebeest Migration
The single most popular wildlife spectre in Kenya is the annual wildebeest migration to and back from Serengeti into the Maasai Mara. The wildebeest migration is such a phenomenon it involves movement of over 10 million animals crossing plains and rivers. The huge migration is such that the satellites in space picks it up as a fluid mass of black trail. The Maasai Mara lodges are usually overbooked and full in the migration months of June-Nov.
Lion and Oryx
Some years back a story extra ordinaire caught the attention of international media. This was the story of an old lioness called 'Namunyak' in Samburu National Reserve. The lioness had formed a bizarre habit of adopting 4 young Oryx for days on end. The lioness was actually protective of its adoptee(s) that she couldn't go to hunt for fear of her being killed by the males of her pride. This made her loose a lot of weight but still held on strong. On four different occasions the lioness adopted an Oryx calve after the other despite being frustrated by the male lions and disposition of others by the rangers. Namugaki is still out there in the wild while the 4th adoptee was rescued by the Kenya Wildlife Rangers can now bee seen mature at the Nairobi orphanage.
Mzee the Tortoise & Owen the Hippo
Haller Park is the former world reclaimed Bamburi Nature Trail at the coast. Reclaimed from cement Quarries of Bamburi Cement Factory the park has been fully rehabilitated with conserving trees and stocked as a zoo with giraffes, hippo gazelles Oryx, Eland, fish, snakes, etc.
A very recent and ongoing development at Haller Park has been the extra ordinary friendship between 100+ old tortoise and a young 5+ hippo. While mzee the Tortoise has seen it all unfold at Bamburi, Owen the baby hippo was orphaned after the mother died elsewhere. Now, the story is said that Own started to spend time with Mzee (Old man) upon arrival at the Park. This bond has now developed such that the two, feed, sleep and walk together. They are inseparable and Owen is especially aggressive to any intruders.
Other stories always emerge of unique unions between different wildlife species including one between a lone buffalo and a murderous black Rhino in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It all goes to show how free ranging animals take their entitled liberties.
Wildlife viewing in the Mara is done in 8 seater Mini vans and land cruiser trucks. The Mara is so beaming with wildlife that you can almost touch an elephant feeding. 1 - years one metre off the road. And that is from right next to the gate. Balloon safaris are the most satisfying way to view the gazillions of wildlife and especially the big five balloon safaris are booked on demand from Nairobi.
ii. Beach Safaris
Nothing beats a coastal holiday like one experience in the Kenya White Sand Beaches. This is especially good for visitors in need of lazing in the tropical coast sure for a tan and swim. Other water sports available along the beaches include - Water/wind skiing - Surfing - Deep sea fishing - Scuba diving - Swimming with dolphins - Jet skiing - Coral garden snorkeling and - Glass bottomed boat rides into marine parks
The accommodation facilities along our beaches range from 4-5 star deluxe with top of the range international service standards. You can make your choice between beach cottages, lodges, hotel and eco-camps
iii) Cultural Safaris
Kenya has a diverse cultural background from its over 42 ethnic groups. The most spectacular is however the Maasai warrior tribe which lives among wildlife in the Mara Reserve. The Maasai have a specifically intriguing lifestyle as they co-exist side by side with very dangerous wildlife. Their Moran warrior culture prepares young initiates into the warrior (army) age set. These Morans emerge from their clustered life in braided, red ochre hair, clad in very colourful red kikoi (cotton fabric) tyre sand als and complete with a spear, they are a sight to behold.
The Swahili culture at the coast is also very unique including their architecture, dressing, food etc. Cultural safaris are also organized around mythical stories like the Samson-like Lwanda Magere, Warriors, the Nyamgondho man who turned into a tree stamp after chasing away his wife given from the Gods.
The Bomas of Kenya offers traditional dances and foods and is located in the city far 1 day excursions. There are also National Museums that have collected artifacts from traditional societies for display in Museums in most towns in Kenya.
by: Robert Muhoho
Safari in Kenya and East Africa includes Lodge or Camping Safari Kenya and Tanzania, while on an -East African Wildlife Safaris Tour luxury Lodge or budget Camping. Beach Holidays East Africa Mt Kilimanjaro, Climbing are part of adventure. Nairobi hotel bookings and airport shuttle transfers from Nairobi to Arusha moshi are also arranged.
Your Kenyan Safari
The Kenyan holiday experience is touted to be the most comprehensive in Africa. It is the only country that you will experience 3 distinct climatic conditions namely, Coastal Humid, cool highland and dry desert. The attractions here also range from the beaches 1) white sands, 2) wildlife, 3) the scenery of the great Rift Valley, 4) the green plantations of the highlands, 5) the cradle of mankind archeological sites, 6) No distinct cultural ethical endowments show-copped markets among others.
a) Wildlife Safaris Kenya has managed to maintain its wildlife in natural areas in National Parks and Reserves. The big five wildlife including Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Elephant and Buffalo is all found in these parks Including the small bovid. Among Kenyans most parks include the indomitable - Massai Mara - Nakuru National Park - Aberdares National Park - Tsavo National Park (11,000 kms equal size of Israel) - Samburu - Amboseli National Reserve - Among other 57 Parks and Reserves Nairobi National Park is the only park located within a capital city in the world. Lions, Zebras, gnus, Leopards, Rhino, Buffalo are 5minutes from the CBD.
Wildebeest Migration
The single most popular wildlife spectre in Kenya is the annual wildebeest migration to and back from Serengeti into the Maasai Mara. The wildebeest migration is such a phenomenon it involves movement of over 10 million animals crossing plains and rivers. The huge migration is such that the satellites in space picks it up as a fluid mass of black trail. The Maasai Mara lodges are usually overbooked and full in the migration months of June-Nov.
Lion and Oryx
Some years back a story extra ordinaire caught the attention of international media. This was the story of an old lioness called 'Namunyak' in Samburu National Reserve. The lioness had formed a bizarre habit of adopting 4 young Oryx for days on end. The lioness was actually protective of its adoptee(s) that she couldn't go to hunt for fear of her being killed by the males of her pride. This made her loose a lot of weight but still held on strong. On four different occasions the lioness adopted an Oryx calve after the other despite being frustrated by the male lions and disposition of others by the rangers. Namugaki is still out there in the wild while the 4th adoptee was rescued by the Kenya Wildlife Rangers can now bee seen mature at the Nairobi orphanage.
Mzee the Tortoise & Owen the Hippo
Haller Park is the former world reclaimed Bamburi Nature Trail at the coast. Reclaimed from cement Quarries of Bamburi Cement Factory the park has been fully rehabilitated with conserving trees and stocked as a zoo with giraffes, hippo gazelles Oryx, Eland, fish, snakes, etc.
A very recent and ongoing development at Haller Park has been the extra ordinary friendship between 100+ old tortoise and a young 5+ hippo. While mzee the Tortoise has seen it all unfold at Bamburi, Owen the baby hippo was orphaned after the mother died elsewhere. Now, the story is said that Own started to spend time with Mzee (Old man) upon arrival at the Park. This bond has now developed such that the two, feed, sleep and walk together. They are inseparable and Owen is especially aggressive to any intruders.
Other stories always emerge of unique unions between different wildlife species including one between a lone buffalo and a murderous black Rhino in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It all goes to show how free ranging animals take their entitled liberties.
Wildlife viewing in the Mara is done in 8 seater Mini vans and land cruiser trucks. The Mara is so beaming with wildlife that you can almost touch an elephant feeding. 1 - years one metre off the road. And that is from right next to the gate. Balloon safaris are the most satisfying way to view the gazillions of wildlife and especially the big five balloon safaris are booked on demand from Nairobi.
ii. Beach Safaris
Nothing beats a coastal holiday like one experience in the Kenya White Sand Beaches. This is especially good for visitors in need of lazing in the tropical coast sure for a tan and swim. Other water sports available along the beaches include - Water/wind skiing - Surfing - Deep sea fishing - Scuba diving - Swimming with dolphins - Jet skiing - Coral garden snorkeling and - Glass bottomed boat rides into marine parks
The accommodation facilities along our beaches range from 4-5 star deluxe with top of the range international service standards. You can make your choice between beach cottages, lodges, hotel and eco-camps
iii) Cultural Safaris
Kenya has a diverse cultural background from its over 42 ethnic groups. The most spectacular is however the Maasai warrior tribe which lives among wildlife in the Mara Reserve. The Maasai have a specifically intriguing lifestyle as they co-exist side by side with very dangerous wildlife. Their Moran warrior culture prepares young initiates into the warrior (army) age set. These Morans emerge from their clustered life in braided, red ochre hair, clad in very colourful red kikoi (cotton fabric) tyre sand als and complete with a spear, they are a sight to behold.
The Swahili culture at the coast is also very unique including their architecture, dressing, food etc. Cultural safaris are also organized around mythical stories like the Samson-like Lwanda Magere, Warriors, the Nyamgondho man who turned into a tree stamp after chasing away his wife given from the Gods.
The Bomas of Kenya offers traditional dances and foods and is located in the city far 1 day excursions. There are also National Museums that have collected artifacts from traditional societies for display in Museums in most towns in Kenya.
Historic Hotels in Barcelona
Historic Hotels in Barcelona
by: Fionn Downhill
Among the many sights and tastes and sounds of the city of Barcelona in Spain, there are some luxurious historical hotels to compliment your stay. Your tour of Barcelona does not have to stop at the steps of your hotel. A historical hotel could make your vacation more complete.
Barcelona has been dubbed La Gran Encisera – the Great Enchantress. With its medieval romantic style, it’s hustle and bustle and the history and art; it’s a great destination spot for travelers.
Many of the historic hotels are located in the Gothic Quarter, a stretch of streets with a romantic gothic style, making the hotels’ locations convenient to sight seeing areas.
Tip to a Better Rate in a Historic Hotel in Barcelona
If you find yourself in Barcelona in a time that it is not busy and your hotel is not so full, you can usually bargain for a better rate. Business travelers can often get up to forty percent off the suggested price. Talk with the hotel attendants; don’t be afraid to ask for a discount.
Suggested Historic Hotels in Barcelona
While there are many beautiful historic hotels in Barcelona, one of the most convenient ones is the Hotels Condes De Barcelona. With over 150 guest rooms, each with an avant-garde style, the hotel is uniquely situated in a historic Nouveau building. The artistic beauty is astounding and each piece inside the hotel is customized specifically for the hotel. Located in the center of the city, it offers the convenience of public transportation for guests and is within walking distance to some of the city’s most popular destinations.
Another grand hotel is the Hotel Gotico. The deluxe hotel is a short distance from El Prat Airport, it is located in the heart of the city center and the Town Hall and the Palice of Autonomic Government. With it’s location right in the middle of the commercial district, a traveler will find everything they could want to see near by. With renovated soundproofed rooms, you’ll get a good night of sleep and the history of the hotel will keep the adventure of visiting Barcelona alive. Ask for a complimentary tour or ask about suggestions of sights to see in the city. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful.
For a moderate priced hotel, the Mesón Castilla offers a Castilian fascia. For the best atmosphere this small hotel offers a convenient position to shops. It offers attractive views of the city and modest sized rooms. Its antique filled interior offers a history of its own.
How to Pick the Right Historic Hotel in Barcelona
When you travel to Barcelona, picking the right hotel for you may be important. If you are going to be in Barcelona for a short while, it would be better to select one that is closer to the areas of the city you plan to see. Having your hotel closer to your sightseeing destinations makes it convenient to get there and back from your hotel.
If you plan to stay longer and see much more of Barcelona, you might consider reservations at two hotels, one on one side of the city for the first part of your trip and another hotel on the latter part and on the other side of the city. This lets you enjoy two different hotels within the tourist areas of Barcelona, making it even more enjoyable.
For more historic hotel suggestions, contact your travel agent or visit Turisme de Barcelona.
by: Fionn Downhill
Among the many sights and tastes and sounds of the city of Barcelona in Spain, there are some luxurious historical hotels to compliment your stay. Your tour of Barcelona does not have to stop at the steps of your hotel. A historical hotel could make your vacation more complete.
Barcelona has been dubbed La Gran Encisera – the Great Enchantress. With its medieval romantic style, it’s hustle and bustle and the history and art; it’s a great destination spot for travelers.
Many of the historic hotels are located in the Gothic Quarter, a stretch of streets with a romantic gothic style, making the hotels’ locations convenient to sight seeing areas.
Tip to a Better Rate in a Historic Hotel in Barcelona
If you find yourself in Barcelona in a time that it is not busy and your hotel is not so full, you can usually bargain for a better rate. Business travelers can often get up to forty percent off the suggested price. Talk with the hotel attendants; don’t be afraid to ask for a discount.
Suggested Historic Hotels in Barcelona
While there are many beautiful historic hotels in Barcelona, one of the most convenient ones is the Hotels Condes De Barcelona. With over 150 guest rooms, each with an avant-garde style, the hotel is uniquely situated in a historic Nouveau building. The artistic beauty is astounding and each piece inside the hotel is customized specifically for the hotel. Located in the center of the city, it offers the convenience of public transportation for guests and is within walking distance to some of the city’s most popular destinations.
Another grand hotel is the Hotel Gotico. The deluxe hotel is a short distance from El Prat Airport, it is located in the heart of the city center and the Town Hall and the Palice of Autonomic Government. With it’s location right in the middle of the commercial district, a traveler will find everything they could want to see near by. With renovated soundproofed rooms, you’ll get a good night of sleep and the history of the hotel will keep the adventure of visiting Barcelona alive. Ask for a complimentary tour or ask about suggestions of sights to see in the city. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful.
For a moderate priced hotel, the Mesón Castilla offers a Castilian fascia. For the best atmosphere this small hotel offers a convenient position to shops. It offers attractive views of the city and modest sized rooms. Its antique filled interior offers a history of its own.
How to Pick the Right Historic Hotel in Barcelona
When you travel to Barcelona, picking the right hotel for you may be important. If you are going to be in Barcelona for a short while, it would be better to select one that is closer to the areas of the city you plan to see. Having your hotel closer to your sightseeing destinations makes it convenient to get there and back from your hotel.
If you plan to stay longer and see much more of Barcelona, you might consider reservations at two hotels, one on one side of the city for the first part of your trip and another hotel on the latter part and on the other side of the city. This lets you enjoy two different hotels within the tourist areas of Barcelona, making it even more enjoyable.
For more historic hotel suggestions, contact your travel agent or visit Turisme de Barcelona.
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