Showing posts with label across. Show all posts
Showing posts with label across. Show all posts
Cultural Tourism On A Tanzanian Safari
Cultural Tourism On A Tanzanian Safari
by Ian Williamson
Travel across the endless plains of the Serengeti to the immense Lake Victoria; descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, an ancient, collapsed volcano with the highest concentration of game in Africa; drive across the magnificent, wild Selous Reserve and not see another vehicle the whole day; end the day by drinking cocktails as you take a sunset cruise along the Rifuji River. The beautiful Udzungwa Mountains, a National Park without roads, has been created primarily for the protection of flora rather than fauna and is a colorful sight. Then go on to the Spice Islands which are a cultural and culinary delight of mixed religions making it as intriguing as it is volatile. These Islands consist of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia and further north, off the coast of Kenya, Lamu Island.
The list could go on and on for Tanzania is a truly magical place. The African violet, the world's favorite flower, was discovered in the East Usambara Mountains. The explorer, Doctor David Livingstone, landed in the ancient slave port of Bagamoyo, which is now a sleepy fishing village north of Dar es Salaam.
Unlike many countries in Africa, Tanzania is politically stable despite the hot blooded people of Zanzibar. The people are always friendly, warm and welcoming. The welcoming of the people here is due to the first President of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, who united the country under the one language of Swahili. There are over 120 different tribes in Tanzania and the situation could have been quite different. Julius Nyerere, often referred to as the 'Father of the Nation', and who died in 1999, protected and created many National Parks, for he was aware this was the legacy of the people.
Many visitors come and leave Tanzania without knowing that they are able to help the communities which they visit. The poverty is so great, the corruption so out of control, that the mission appears insurmountable, a task, we tend to think, that should be left to the international charities who know best. However, this is not necessarily true. It is possible for the individual to help. Make your enquiries with a tour operator that is involved in the community at grass root level - perhaps building schools or clinics, or developing infrastructures. It is not necessary to get personally involved. Just by relaxing and enjoying your safari, climbing Kilimanjaro or diving off Zanzibar Island, you can help. Choose your safari operator with care and you can enjoy your vacation even more, knowing that you are making a difference.
Tanga, situated on the tropical coast line, is surrounded by an area famed for magic and traditional healing. Also found in the town is an American research team working with traditional healers and their medicines. They are in partnership with the local people, finding plants that can provide medicine to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Their work is exciting and rewarding and they encourage visitors. This is a memorable place and well worth your visit. Guests are welcomed to walk the hills and forests with a traditional healer gathering herbs and plants for medical research. These plants are then propagated for research.
In Africa, a little helps so very much. Making the decision to find a company that helps communities, or better still, helps the groups within a community to help themselves, is the most affective way to create community welfare. Tanzanian's are a proud people and do not wish to become dependant on handouts. Responsible Tourism is the perfect partner to sustainable development.
Nevertheless, be warned. Once you visit Tanzania it permeates your very soul and you will want to return. Should this happen to you and you wish to become more involved with helping the peoples of Tanzania, there are several ways to do this and with great effect. The most rewarding however, is to take time out, come to Tanzania for a month or two - maybe even six months or a year and come to work. Work directly with the communities. It will be a most unforgettable experience - a most rewarding partnership, a treasure trove of memories to keep forever.
There are several companies in Tanzania that help with communities and encourage cultural tourism. I ask that if you visit Tanzania, or indeed anywhere in Africa, you choose a company that genuinely helps the people of the country you visit. I also encourage you to spend time with the different cultures for it is an education and an experience not to be missed - should the opportunity present itself. Take time, slow down, and enjoy your time in Africa. A cultural addition to an African safari does not have to involve squatting on the floor of a mud hut and eating boiled grass - whilst watching a group of village elders [in western dress] dance and chant as they progressively get more and more intoxicated on home-brewed banana beer. It involves talking to people and spending just a little time together. The rewards are great and you will not regret it as long as you take care and use a reputable company to organize a cultural safari suited to you and your needs.
Wedding across the ocean
Wedding across the ocean
by Tomer Sheayik
This time I have decided to write. I feel that apart of the fun within the writing itself it can also increase the intense of the adventure as it let us become an observer of our own life at the same time we live them. I am on my way to a friends wedding at the Paradise Island, Bahamas. Usually I get prepared two hours before the wedding and find my self back home the same evening. It's the first time that a wedding is the reason for me to cross the ocean to one big weekend of fantasy and unknown. While waiting to my flight to NY I met a girl with two big suitcases and a dog, they both looked like they have no idea what's going on around them, she was exited and afraid at the same time, on her way to new beginning as a student - at the big apple. I guess that any long distance plane we made holds within it so many great stories, exactly the ones who makes our life fascinating. People in those very special stages in life, hours before they are about to launch them, can face dramatic changes that make them open to the environment, they start living the moment! . Maybe this is why I like so much traveling;. We meet many people during their nature high state of mind that immediately let us feel great. Maybe I am just looking for those fascinating moments in airports and in places I am traveling to, after all what's more exiting then meeting new people? I felt the cold October air of New York on my skin while taking the airport bus when in one moment a gorgeous bright nice looking girl went on the bus. She was wearing a perfect combination of elegant jacket and jeans that covered a beautiful soul. She took a seat in a way our eyes could meet, I have notice she is looking at me so I did the same. My eyes met hers and a big smile flooded my face. She then looked a bit embarrassed at her newspaper and then we were having second glance. As she had to let a passenger get of the bus she took another sit just next to me. I felt so happy but as being very shy I convinced myself that any way I am flying to the Bahamas and she is going who knows where so why should I take a move. As I am having those thoughts she start to speak with me. A simple moment in the bus turns to be the moment and it just happens, coming without planning it. She tells me she is a dancer and on her way home to LA. I am telling her about the wedding, it's sure was my lucky day because before she goes takes the plane to LA she hand me a note with her e-mail. Years to come we planed to meet again in the same place we did the first time, we both planed to fly to New York, we both wanted to do all we can so we could see each other again but we never met, not until this moment. She may already be married, she may move to another place but I know for sure I will always have a place in her hart. Once in a while I feel like peaking the phone and just call her, after all she once gave me her mobile, I just have to click the digits. I do sense at the same time it will not be appropriate as she told me she got a boyfriend. Somehow I feel that a day will come and we will see each other again. From the window plane to the Bahamas I started to feel what we all describe as paradise, white & pink beautiful sandy beaches, colorful turquoise water surrounding the islands, evocative windswept panoramas and countless opportunities for diving, snorkeling and fishing, the islands of the Bahamas are well established as one of the world's top draws for both intrepid explorers and casual vacationers. An island chain beginning a mere 55 miles east of Miami, Florida, the Bahamas offer an array of tourist hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and even rustic lodges, making staying there a relatively simple Endeavour. Indeed, more than three million travelers each year choose the islands as their prime destination for outdoor sports, sun worship, casino gambling and, on some of the slightly more remote spots, eco-tourism. In total, the Bahamas include around seven hundred islands, no more than thirty of which are inhabited, as well as smaller cays (pronounced "keys") and rocks - an impressive arc stretching from just beyond the Atlantic coast of Florida to the outlying waters of Cuba, where Great Inagua lies only sixty miles offshore. Although deeper oceanic troughs surround some of the islands, most are encircled by shallow, crystalline water that reflects a light turquoise hue during the day and glows with purple luminescence at night. This combination of shallow and deep water makes diving and snorkeling both challenging and intriguing, with numerous reefs waiting to be explored just beyond the shores of the gorgeous, uncrowned beaches. The Bahamas map and general information can be viewed in the following link: http://www.dealsdetector.com/info.php?c=bf&p=1&l=B Landing in the Bahamas was fascinating by itself, mixture of late back terminal with lots of limos all around the airport that kind of announcing the type of vacation I should be waiting for. The wedding will take place in the paradise island which is connected with a bridge to Nassau Island where the terminal is located. The paradise island is the cherry above the cream with the best sandy beach and unique hotels. The small size of it creates the perfect atmosphere of what we fantasize about tropic islands. The first Friday dinner was just three hours ahead, just about when I realized they forgot to bring my luggage and if I am lucky I will have it within two hours, just the thought that I made all this way and I got nothing to wear, not even mentioning the jacket I don't have that was requested for the event. I also realized that the hostel I got confirmation on doesn't exist... I booked a room in the nearest loge and the taxi that brought my luggage took me to the wedding dinner and even asked for no payment. if this is not enough, I saw a jacket on the hotel sofa that kind of waiting just for me to take it. I gave the guy 20 bucks and rented it for the whole weekend, Perfect! Obviously I didn't miss a good shower, especially after coming from NY the humidity in the Bahamas is something we need to get used to. The big family dinner was amazing, just to see my friend was exiting not even mentioning the situation. I met all his friends I still didn't know and all the family. Realizing I could easily come without a jacket, I felt great. The cocktails were really good and the local waitress who served them was really quite. The moment everybody went already outside I found myself dancing with her upstairs in the restaurant for something like five seconds, it was indeed magnificent moment. Then we all went to the Atlantis hotel to see the world's largest open air marine habitat. I must say it was amazing, like a big fantasy. It felt like Walking among of see creatures from all kings, from see horses, colorful jelly fish in a huge aquarium, and giant fish to sharks. It is definitely something not to be missed when coming to the paradise island. I do remember one of the guys that waited only to the moment he could spend some dollars in the hotels slot machines, after all someone must pay for this astonishing marine... The next day we spend on remarkable see resort in the Ocean Club. The visibility of the water was extraordinary and the sand resembles walking on heaven. In fact the wedding took place exactly there, in front of the ocean. What a wedding!!! Going to the Bahamas leave you no choice of outdoor good local experience. The so called public club in the hurt of Nassau was basically empty and the street restaurant near the bridge served mainly if not only the locals. I do remember on one of my walks around Nassau Island one church in particular, I heard loud singing from it, I felt I must look inside. It was kind of taken from an old movie; I couldn't believe my eyes, it was full with women all ages dancing like they are in a trance and singing loudly, no men inside. Like a real ritual taken from different time zone. This was for me the life in the Bahamas outside the hotel resorts. This was also the moment I felt ready to move on to my next adventure, just an hour away but very far away: Cuba. http://www.viewbbvideo.com http://www.dealsdetector.com
READ MORE - Wedding across the ocean
by Tomer Sheayik
This time I have decided to write. I feel that apart of the fun within the writing itself it can also increase the intense of the adventure as it let us become an observer of our own life at the same time we live them. I am on my way to a friends wedding at the Paradise Island, Bahamas. Usually I get prepared two hours before the wedding and find my self back home the same evening. It's the first time that a wedding is the reason for me to cross the ocean to one big weekend of fantasy and unknown. While waiting to my flight to NY I met a girl with two big suitcases and a dog, they both looked like they have no idea what's going on around them, she was exited and afraid at the same time, on her way to new beginning as a student - at the big apple. I guess that any long distance plane we made holds within it so many great stories, exactly the ones who makes our life fascinating. People in those very special stages in life, hours before they are about to launch them, can face dramatic changes that make them open to the environment, they start living the moment! . Maybe this is why I like so much traveling;. We meet many people during their nature high state of mind that immediately let us feel great. Maybe I am just looking for those fascinating moments in airports and in places I am traveling to, after all what's more exiting then meeting new people? I felt the cold October air of New York on my skin while taking the airport bus when in one moment a gorgeous bright nice looking girl went on the bus. She was wearing a perfect combination of elegant jacket and jeans that covered a beautiful soul. She took a seat in a way our eyes could meet, I have notice she is looking at me so I did the same. My eyes met hers and a big smile flooded my face. She then looked a bit embarrassed at her newspaper and then we were having second glance. As she had to let a passenger get of the bus she took another sit just next to me. I felt so happy but as being very shy I convinced myself that any way I am flying to the Bahamas and she is going who knows where so why should I take a move. As I am having those thoughts she start to speak with me. A simple moment in the bus turns to be the moment and it just happens, coming without planning it. She tells me she is a dancer and on her way home to LA. I am telling her about the wedding, it's sure was my lucky day because before she goes takes the plane to LA she hand me a note with her e-mail. Years to come we planed to meet again in the same place we did the first time, we both planed to fly to New York, we both wanted to do all we can so we could see each other again but we never met, not until this moment. She may already be married, she may move to another place but I know for sure I will always have a place in her hart. Once in a while I feel like peaking the phone and just call her, after all she once gave me her mobile, I just have to click the digits. I do sense at the same time it will not be appropriate as she told me she got a boyfriend. Somehow I feel that a day will come and we will see each other again. From the window plane to the Bahamas I started to feel what we all describe as paradise, white & pink beautiful sandy beaches, colorful turquoise water surrounding the islands, evocative windswept panoramas and countless opportunities for diving, snorkeling and fishing, the islands of the Bahamas are well established as one of the world's top draws for both intrepid explorers and casual vacationers. An island chain beginning a mere 55 miles east of Miami, Florida, the Bahamas offer an array of tourist hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and even rustic lodges, making staying there a relatively simple Endeavour. Indeed, more than three million travelers each year choose the islands as their prime destination for outdoor sports, sun worship, casino gambling and, on some of the slightly more remote spots, eco-tourism. In total, the Bahamas include around seven hundred islands, no more than thirty of which are inhabited, as well as smaller cays (pronounced "keys") and rocks - an impressive arc stretching from just beyond the Atlantic coast of Florida to the outlying waters of Cuba, where Great Inagua lies only sixty miles offshore. Although deeper oceanic troughs surround some of the islands, most are encircled by shallow, crystalline water that reflects a light turquoise hue during the day and glows with purple luminescence at night. This combination of shallow and deep water makes diving and snorkeling both challenging and intriguing, with numerous reefs waiting to be explored just beyond the shores of the gorgeous, uncrowned beaches. The Bahamas map and general information can be viewed in the following link: http://www.dealsdetector.com/info.php?c=bf&p=1&l=B Landing in the Bahamas was fascinating by itself, mixture of late back terminal with lots of limos all around the airport that kind of announcing the type of vacation I should be waiting for. The wedding will take place in the paradise island which is connected with a bridge to Nassau Island where the terminal is located. The paradise island is the cherry above the cream with the best sandy beach and unique hotels. The small size of it creates the perfect atmosphere of what we fantasize about tropic islands. The first Friday dinner was just three hours ahead, just about when I realized they forgot to bring my luggage and if I am lucky I will have it within two hours, just the thought that I made all this way and I got nothing to wear, not even mentioning the jacket I don't have that was requested for the event. I also realized that the hostel I got confirmation on doesn't exist... I booked a room in the nearest loge and the taxi that brought my luggage took me to the wedding dinner and even asked for no payment. if this is not enough, I saw a jacket on the hotel sofa that kind of waiting just for me to take it. I gave the guy 20 bucks and rented it for the whole weekend, Perfect! Obviously I didn't miss a good shower, especially after coming from NY the humidity in the Bahamas is something we need to get used to. The big family dinner was amazing, just to see my friend was exiting not even mentioning the situation. I met all his friends I still didn't know and all the family. Realizing I could easily come without a jacket, I felt great. The cocktails were really good and the local waitress who served them was really quite. The moment everybody went already outside I found myself dancing with her upstairs in the restaurant for something like five seconds, it was indeed magnificent moment. Then we all went to the Atlantis hotel to see the world's largest open air marine habitat. I must say it was amazing, like a big fantasy. It felt like Walking among of see creatures from all kings, from see horses, colorful jelly fish in a huge aquarium, and giant fish to sharks. It is definitely something not to be missed when coming to the paradise island. I do remember one of the guys that waited only to the moment he could spend some dollars in the hotels slot machines, after all someone must pay for this astonishing marine... The next day we spend on remarkable see resort in the Ocean Club. The visibility of the water was extraordinary and the sand resembles walking on heaven. In fact the wedding took place exactly there, in front of the ocean. What a wedding!!! Going to the Bahamas leave you no choice of outdoor good local experience. The so called public club in the hurt of Nassau was basically empty and the street restaurant near the bridge served mainly if not only the locals. I do remember on one of my walks around Nassau Island one church in particular, I heard loud singing from it, I felt I must look inside. It was kind of taken from an old movie; I couldn't believe my eyes, it was full with women all ages dancing like they are in a trance and singing loudly, no men inside. Like a real ritual taken from different time zone. This was for me the life in the Bahamas outside the hotel resorts. This was also the moment I felt ready to move on to my next adventure, just an hour away but very far away: Cuba. http://www.viewbbvideo.com http://www.dealsdetector.com
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