Costal Kenya : Gedi Ruins
February 4, 2008
Costal Kenya : Gedi Ruins
by: Yvonne Oerlemans
When travelling through Kenya, you can’t ignore the marvellous national parks and game reserves, inhabited by countless fascinating animals. The mosaic of wildlife inside Kenya’s borders is what makes this country a famous tourist destination. However, Kenya has another, equally enchanting side: the coast. Donned with paradise-like beaches, it’s a wonderful leisurely end to an active holiday. But if you look just a little bit beyond the beach, you will find a rich coastal culture that goes back a thousand years.
After enjoying a Safari in interior Kenya, the coastal town of Mombasa is a wonderful place to exhale with a cocktail in hand. But Mombasa also has a rich history where centuries of trade and all kinds of cultural influences have shaped the Swahili culture, including the national language of Kenya, appropriately called Swahili. The language reflects Kenya’s colourful history; it incorporates words from Arabic, Portuguese and even German origin. Swahili is now spoken all over East Africa, and even as far as the Congo.
South Africa - Basic Overview
February 4, 2008
South Africa - Basic Overview
by: Laurence Marks
South Africa was once divided into two British Colonies, namely the Colony of Natal and the Cape Colony, and two “Boer” Afrikaner Republics, namely the Orange Free State and the Transvaal. The Union of South Africa was formed in 1910 after 8 years of negotiations after the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 - 1902. The Republic of South Africa as it is today was form in 1961, which covers the southern tip of Africa and an area of 1,2 million square kilometers.
The country was divided into 9 provinces (states) in 1994 when we had our first democratic elections and Mr. Nelson Mandela became president. The provinces are: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Limpopo and Gauteng. Each province has its own capital and the country has three capital cities, namely Pretoria the administrative capital, Bloemfontein the judicial capital and Cape Town the legislative capital.
The population is about 45,3 million people and is made up of 13 different groups, namely the Zulu, Xhosa, Shangaan, Ndebele, Swazi, Pedi, South Sotho, Tswana, Venda, Khoisan, Coloured, Asian and White. To mix things up even more, we have 11 official languages of which English is the most commonly spoken. Afrikaans is mainly spoken between your white and coloured people and it is derived from Dutch, German and French.
More Adventure Vacations Than I Can Handle
February 3, 2008
More Adventure Vacations Than I Can Handle
by: Charles Brown
A grab bag of exotic international travel ideas
When I read about trips like this, I want to get my suitcase packed right away. I am referring to an article in today’s Travel Daily News (http://www.traveldailynews.com/new.asp?newid=27114&subcategory_id=80)about recent new travel packages offered by members of the Unites States Tour Operators Association.
Here are some examples:
–”EUROPE Immerse yourself in local culture while living and cooking like the locals on Culinary Experience tours where you learn a bit of the language, about the culture and cuisine, as well as shop for food.”
–”NORTH AMERICA Cruise Alaska and see it from above on Zip line/ forest canopy tours in Ketchikan, go rappelling in Skagway, or take a heli-hiking trip near Denali National Park. Add adventure to an escorted U.S. motorcoach trip with a day of river rafting.”
Discounted Cruises - Things You Should Know
February 2, 2008
Discounted Cruises - Things You Should Know
by: Dr. Deepak Dutta
What is the same thing did 11 million people worldwide do in 2004? They took a cruise. Of course, some extremely rich people did not take a cruise technically but they used their yachts and spent days in opulence in the midst of the ocean. But for people like you and me, we have to be content with a cruise package offered by various travel agencies. If you think cruising is for old people or your parents, than you are wrong, my friend.
Before you hurry up and buy your discounted cruise tickets advertised in the Internet or one of those travel magazines, you should be aware of the reality. Cruise prices are going up every year. Rooms are filling up very fast. So, bargains may not always be available. However, bargain prices can be found just before or after the holidays, or in shoulder seasons. Shoulder seasons vary from region to region, for example September for Alaskan cruises.
Wintertime Fun in Alaska - Alyeska Ski Resort
February 1, 2008
Wintertime Fun in Alaska - Alyeska Ski Resort
by: Ron Richards
If you are a winter sports enthusiast, then the Alyeska Ski Resort is the place to be! Regardless what your sporting interest, you are sure to find it at this phenomenal complex tucked away in the lovely Chugach Mountains on the state’s south central coast. Rated a four diamond hotel by the American Automobile Agency, this resort is the only four diamond in the entire state. Conveniently located a mere 40 miles from the bustling hub of Anchorage in the quaint town of Girdwood, this resort is easily reachable from the airport or port. The resort is lovely year round, but it certainly comes alive during the winter, when outdoor and winter sports enthusiasts alike flock in the great outdoors to pursue their passions.
Whether you are an old pro or a newbie, the Alyeska Ski Resort has your ticket! For less experienced folks, enjoy a lesson in skiing or snowboarding on the resort’s more beginner-friendly hills. These classes range in experience from beginner to intermediate, allowing individuals to learn new techniques or simply serve as a much needed refresher. Classes are available for individuals of any age and are usually performed in a group, although individual lessons are offered. For the more advanced winter sports enthusiasts, the runs are phenomenal! Mount Alyeska features an average annual snowfall of over 600 inches, skiers and snowboarders have truly found paradise on earth.
