The Kingdom of Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy situated in Southeast Asia and counting a population of more than 13 million people. Most Cambodians are Theravada Buddhists of Khmer extraction, but the country is home also to a substantial number of Cham and small hill tribes.
The country borders Thailand to its west, Laos to its north, Vietnam to its east, and the Gulf of Thailand to its south.From the 9th century to the 15th century, Cambodia represented the center of the Khmer Empire, with Angkor as a capital.
The Angkor Wat, the empire's main spiritual site, is a symbolic reminder of the time when Cambodia was a major powerrulung most of the Indochinese peninsule, and remains the country's top tourist attraction.From 1863 the country was a protectorate of France, which lasted until 1953, when the country received independence.
Cambodia covers an area of about 181,040 square kilometers. It has 443 kilometers of coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.
The most distinctive geographical feature are the lacustrine plains formed by the inundations of the Great Lake. It measures about 2 500 square kilometers during the dry season and expands to about 24 000 during the rainy season. This densely populated plain, devoted to wet rice cultivation, is the heart of Cambodia.
Most of the country’s territory lies at elevations of less than 100 meters above the sea level, the exceptions being the Cardamom Mountains (1,813 meters of elevation) and the steep escarpment of the Dângrêk Mountains situated along the border with Thailand's Isan region.
The tourism industry is the country's second-greatest source of hard currency in Cambodia after the textile industry. More than 60% of visitors go to Angkor, and most of the remainder to Phnom Penh. Other tourist highlights include Sihanoukville (Cambodia's only port), whits its popular beach, and the region around Kampot, including the Bokor Hill Station.
The celebrated temples of Angkor constitute the Cambodia's greatest tourist attraction. The nearly 100 temples represent now the sacred remains of what was once a much larger administrative and religious centre, and were constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries to glorify a number of Khmer kings. The three most splendid temples are Bayon, Ta Prohm and the enormous Angkor Wat. Most of Angkor was abandoned in the 15th century and it was gradually cloaked by jungle. Efforts were undertaken to clear away the exuberant vegetation which threatened to completely destroy the monuments, and restoration of the temples still undergoes.
The Angkor Wat complex is the most exquisite example of Khmer architecture. Built in the early 12th century for king Suryavarman II as his state temple, it remained an important spiritual centre for centuries– first Hindu, and afterwards Buddhist. Out of the reach of tourists during the civil war, it has regained worldwide attention after being displayed in the 2001 movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
The Bayon is the other highlight of Angkor. Built in the 13th century as the state temple of the king Jayavarman VII, it was the centre of the then capital and bears 54 towers, each decorated with four smiling faces.
The largest and most populous city of Cambodia (about 1 million citizens), Phnom Penh was known in the 1920s as the Pearl of Asia. Renowned for its traditional Khmer and French influenced architecture, it is a major tourist destination in Cambodia, as well as in Indochina as a whole.
The main tourist attractions in Phnom Penh are the Silver Pagoda and the Royal Palace. They sit side by side on the Sothearos Blvd and, being two separate complexes, are though visited as one.
Built in 1866 by the French, the Royal Palace comprises numerous buildings, the Throne hall ranking as the most important. Adjacent to the Throne Hall is a 59 metre high tower. South of it is the Royal Treasury and the Vlla of Napoleon III, built in 1866 and given afterwards as a present to Cambodia.
At the northern part of the palace grounds is situated the Silver Pagoda. The original pagoda, constructed in 1866 by King Norodom, was mostly made of wood and, in 1962 was expanded by Sihanouk. It owes its name to the fact that its floor is made of more than 5 000 silver blocks with a total weight of more than 6 tons. The most important Buddha statue of the temple is, similarly to Bangkok’s royal temple, an Emerald Buddha, which is in this case not made of emerald, but of Baccarat crystal and dates back to the 17th century.
On the Museum scene, well worth visiting are the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center- one of the main killing fields of Pol Pot and the Toul Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crime (the infamous prison of the Khmer Rouge), both displaying horrific artifacts from the dark era of Pol Pot, as well as the National Historic Museum.
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Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Amsterdam Tour
When we talk about Amsterdam, Netherlands, it is very hard not to imagine misty cafes and scantily clothed women moving provocatively in windows with red lights. Many of the travelers from across the world return to this ultimate city of “sin” because of these sights alone. Most of them are busting with tales of the unexpected and if you get chances to visit the place, I’m sure that you will also create your own tales to tell.
Well, Amsterdam is not just about sex and drugs; it has all the great things that Mother Earth has to offer. The Netherlands has in fact that most amount of great museums per square foot than anywhere else in the world. If you take a tram ride 10 minutes from the heart of the city, you can overwhelm yourself with those narrow streets occupied with nothing else other than the cyclist and a car every now and then. The city is in fact so quite, but interesting.
Things to See in Amsterdam
The greatly planned city of Amsterdam is one of the few cities in the world where the people, the streets and the atmosphere are an attraction in themselves. It is in fact well-known throughout the world as the sole city where marijuana and hashish are sold legally. And, the worldly known Red Light District is just as much an attraction as a favorite hub for young men full of testosterone to go at night.
But as mentioned earlier, there is far much more to the city than drugs and prostitutes or sex. The city has long been considered as the “Venice of the North” because it was built on a cobweb of canals. You can greatly see most of the city from a canal boat, and from there you’ll surely appreciate the unique architecture that Amsterdam has long been proud to offer.
Furthermore, Amsterdam is heaving with a culture. It has a lot of great museums and libraries. Of all the interesting museums in the city of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Museum and Van Gogh Museums are names not to be missed.
Where to Eat
When you stroll around in the city of Amsterdam, you’ll surely find a high volume of restaurants. As commonly noted, you can see sandwich boards in front of the many restaurants advertising their daily specials and from a minute walk down the Damrak, the street facing Central Station, there are some neon lights saying “pizza”.
If you delver further into the city, you can find the Damstraat, the street on Dam Square, also peppered with eateries. Further down again towards Leidseplen, the Leidsekruisstraat and Leidsetraat have their good share of restaurants too. It is necessary to note however that the streets mentioned earlier are located in some of the city’s most touristy areas. So, if you wish to steer clear of such commercial centers, you have the chance to visit the Jordaan as some of the city’s coolest restaurants are found there.
In case you prefer to eat out in a restaurant beyond your budget during your tour, there are also some fast food outlets all over Amsterdam where you can get pizzas, chips or kebabs. However, just be careful when asking for mayonnaise on your French fries for they will be completely drowned.
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Well, Amsterdam is not just about sex and drugs; it has all the great things that Mother Earth has to offer. The Netherlands has in fact that most amount of great museums per square foot than anywhere else in the world. If you take a tram ride 10 minutes from the heart of the city, you can overwhelm yourself with those narrow streets occupied with nothing else other than the cyclist and a car every now and then. The city is in fact so quite, but interesting.
Things to See in Amsterdam
The greatly planned city of Amsterdam is one of the few cities in the world where the people, the streets and the atmosphere are an attraction in themselves. It is in fact well-known throughout the world as the sole city where marijuana and hashish are sold legally. And, the worldly known Red Light District is just as much an attraction as a favorite hub for young men full of testosterone to go at night.
But as mentioned earlier, there is far much more to the city than drugs and prostitutes or sex. The city has long been considered as the “Venice of the North” because it was built on a cobweb of canals. You can greatly see most of the city from a canal boat, and from there you’ll surely appreciate the unique architecture that Amsterdam has long been proud to offer.
Furthermore, Amsterdam is heaving with a culture. It has a lot of great museums and libraries. Of all the interesting museums in the city of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Museum and Van Gogh Museums are names not to be missed.
Where to Eat
When you stroll around in the city of Amsterdam, you’ll surely find a high volume of restaurants. As commonly noted, you can see sandwich boards in front of the many restaurants advertising their daily specials and from a minute walk down the Damrak, the street facing Central Station, there are some neon lights saying “pizza”.
If you delver further into the city, you can find the Damstraat, the street on Dam Square, also peppered with eateries. Further down again towards Leidseplen, the Leidsekruisstraat and Leidsetraat have their good share of restaurants too. It is necessary to note however that the streets mentioned earlier are located in some of the city’s most touristy areas. So, if you wish to steer clear of such commercial centers, you have the chance to visit the Jordaan as some of the city’s coolest restaurants are found there.
In case you prefer to eat out in a restaurant beyond your budget during your tour, there are also some fast food outlets all over Amsterdam where you can get pizzas, chips or kebabs. However, just be careful when asking for mayonnaise on your French fries for they will be completely drowned.
Read More..
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Amorgos and its history
Amorgos is one of the most visited islands in the Cyclades of Greece. This island has a size of about 120 km2 and inhabited by around 1800 people can be found at the east of the Cyclades, next to Dodecanese. Anciently called Minoa, the origins of this city and its population can be found strongly attached to the Cretans who are believed to be the first inhabitants in this island.
The island of Amorgos counts with a very rich and interesting past, and therefore all those who enjoy historic spots would be able to have a great time while visiting it. Many centuries ago, Amorgos was used by the Ionians in order to go from their islands to mainland Greece. Many constructions and elements from such époque can be still observed nowadays since was important in shaping the island's culture and traditions.
Three of the main and most antique cities in Amorgos can also be still visited nowadays. These three cities are Militos, Efessos, and Alikarnasos and also are strongly attached to the époque in which the Ionians used to go through this island in order to reach mainland Greece in such a way that each one of them can tell a bit of the history of those days. These three cities count with the peculiarity of being autonomous although they share a same currency and have many other aspects in common as well.
The city of Arkesini, one of the main spots in Amorgos, contains several appealing and unique characteristics. One of these interesting characteristics tourists could find in Arkesini is the antique walls that surround it and which were part of many important historical events.
It is also interesting to know that the island of Amorgos has received many different names throughout its history, and still, nowadays, it receives a variety of denominations. Among the names tourists could find Amorgos is called nowadays, there is the name of Pagali, Psichia, Patagy, Yperia, and Karkisia. This way, tourists should not be surprised or confused when they hear, read or see any of those names in reference to the town of Amorgos.
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The island of Amorgos counts with a very rich and interesting past, and therefore all those who enjoy historic spots would be able to have a great time while visiting it. Many centuries ago, Amorgos was used by the Ionians in order to go from their islands to mainland Greece. Many constructions and elements from such époque can be still observed nowadays since was important in shaping the island's culture and traditions.
Three of the main and most antique cities in Amorgos can also be still visited nowadays. These three cities are Militos, Efessos, and Alikarnasos and also are strongly attached to the époque in which the Ionians used to go through this island in order to reach mainland Greece in such a way that each one of them can tell a bit of the history of those days. These three cities count with the peculiarity of being autonomous although they share a same currency and have many other aspects in common as well.
The city of Arkesini, one of the main spots in Amorgos, contains several appealing and unique characteristics. One of these interesting characteristics tourists could find in Arkesini is the antique walls that surround it and which were part of many important historical events.
It is also interesting to know that the island of Amorgos has received many different names throughout its history, and still, nowadays, it receives a variety of denominations. Among the names tourists could find Amorgos is called nowadays, there is the name of Pagali, Psichia, Patagy, Yperia, and Karkisia. This way, tourists should not be surprised or confused when they hear, read or see any of those names in reference to the town of Amorgos.
Read More..
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
American cemetery in Florence
Florence! The heart of the art! Located in the middle of Tuscany, it has represented for centuries the cradle of art, in all its forms and expressions. This enormous and priceless heritage has attracted people from all over the world, making of Florence one of the most popular tourist destinations. This has not always been the case though, at least for some years.
Thousands of soldiers were sent to Europe, and Italy, during the Second World War and Florence became a land to conquer and then to defend. Museums, churches, cathedrals, piazzas and other beauties of Florence were no longer the aim of those who came from far away. Sadly, many would not make their way back home and thanks to their lives, Florence, Italy and Europe could find again its previous freedom.
For those who want to pay homage to these lives, they can visit the Florence American Cemetery, located on the west side of Via Cassia, about 10 km south of Florence. The Rome-Milan motorway passes nearby and its Certosa-Florence exit is about 3 km from the cemetery. The "SITA" bus station provides a frequent bus service along Via Cassia. The bus stop is conveniently located just outside the cemetery gate.
The site covers seventy acres and is duly kept in perfect order, with a variety of beautiful trees and bushes around immaculate lawns, on the west side of the Greve River. Between the two entrance buildings, a bridge leads to the burial area where the headstones of 4.402 American military are arrayed in symmetrical curved rows upon the hillside. Most of them died in the fighting occurred after the capture of Rome in 1944, including casualties of the heavy fighting in the Apennines shortly before the end of the war. Above the burial area on the topmost of three broad terraces stands the memorial marked by a tall pylon surmounted by a large sculptured figure depicting the spirit of peace. The memorial has two open atria joined by the Tablets of the Missing upon which are inscribed the names of 1.409 Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in unknown graves. The architects of the cemetery and monument were McKim, Mead and White. The landscape architects were Clarke and Rapuano.
The cemetery is open to visitors all year round. In Summer (16th April- 30th September) from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, every day, and in Winter (1st October - 15th April) from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, again every day.
Alberto Scarsi is a staff writer of Florence Direct Hotels a resource for Florence hotels bookings
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Thousands of soldiers were sent to Europe, and Italy, during the Second World War and Florence became a land to conquer and then to defend. Museums, churches, cathedrals, piazzas and other beauties of Florence were no longer the aim of those who came from far away. Sadly, many would not make their way back home and thanks to their lives, Florence, Italy and Europe could find again its previous freedom.
For those who want to pay homage to these lives, they can visit the Florence American Cemetery, located on the west side of Via Cassia, about 10 km south of Florence. The Rome-Milan motorway passes nearby and its Certosa-Florence exit is about 3 km from the cemetery. The "SITA" bus station provides a frequent bus service along Via Cassia. The bus stop is conveniently located just outside the cemetery gate.
The site covers seventy acres and is duly kept in perfect order, with a variety of beautiful trees and bushes around immaculate lawns, on the west side of the Greve River. Between the two entrance buildings, a bridge leads to the burial area where the headstones of 4.402 American military are arrayed in symmetrical curved rows upon the hillside. Most of them died in the fighting occurred after the capture of Rome in 1944, including casualties of the heavy fighting in the Apennines shortly before the end of the war. Above the burial area on the topmost of three broad terraces stands the memorial marked by a tall pylon surmounted by a large sculptured figure depicting the spirit of peace. The memorial has two open atria joined by the Tablets of the Missing upon which are inscribed the names of 1.409 Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in unknown graves. The architects of the cemetery and monument were McKim, Mead and White. The landscape architects were Clarke and Rapuano.
The cemetery is open to visitors all year round. In Summer (16th April- 30th September) from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, every day, and in Winter (1st October - 15th April) from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, again every day.
Alberto Scarsi is a staff writer of Florence Direct Hotels a resource for Florence hotels bookings
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
America's Great Western States Provide Diverse Vacation Options
As summer approaches, there's only one way to beat the heat--lakeside! According to a 2005 summers survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), over 70 percent of Americans will spend their summer splashing in lakes or heading to the beach for their vacation. Whether you're planning a weekend away or spontaneously hitting the road, some of the best lakeside vacation destinations reside within our own National Park system.
"The U.S. National Park system offers a wide variety of destination and accommodation options at some of the most magnificent lakes in the country," said Sheri Smack, a spokesperson for ARAMARK Parks & Resorts, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. "We strongly suggest planning your next vacation at one of our national treasures."
Several of the National Parks located in the Western states provide unique lakeside vacation options.
Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah
Often referred to as America's favorite houseboating destination, Lake Powell, located on the border of Arizona and Utah in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, offers a wide array of houseboats for rental, including the new luxury-class, 75-foot Excursion, featuring a fireplace, an eight-person hot tub, home theater system, six staterooms, gas BBQs, waterslide and a GPS auto-tracking satellite system. Additional houseboat rentals include the Discovery- and Adventurer-class houseboats that sleep up to 12 individuals and include all the comforts of home.
With thousands of miles of shoreline to explore and rising lake levels, Lake Powell's most popular water-based activities include powerboating, fishing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, kayaking and water trampolines. All equipment is available for rent at Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, and personalized water-based instruction is also available.
Lake Powell is also home to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, offering visitors the opportunity to explore one of the Southwest's natural wonders. Full-day and half-day boat tours operate daily from Wahweap Marina.
Lake Quinault, Washington
For those planning a getaway in the Pacific Northwest, Lake Quinault is nestled among the lush Olympic National Forest, offering a myriad of activities from fishing to canoeing. Built in 1926 within the heart of one of only three temperate rain forests in the world, Lake Quinault Lodge is a rustic, historic retreat offering lakeside lodging and spanning views of the forests.
Visitors can explore the lake by renting canoes, kayaks, rowboats, or by scenic boat tours, which are available through the summer and offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding Olympic Mountains. Lake Quinault is also a great place for fishing, with an abundance of trout, salmon and steelhead, and guided and non-guided fishing excursions can be arranged.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe just four miles from Stateline, Nevada, Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina is an historic recreational destination offering everything from camping and lakeside cabins to boating and watercraft rentals and cruises to Emerald Bay. The Zephyr Cove Marina serves as the departure point for the authentic paddlewheeler M.S. Dixie II, voted "Best of Tahoe" for the past 11 years. The M.S. Dixie offers daily cruises, including the GlenBrook Historic Breakfast Buffet and champagne brunch in the summer season and the Emerald Bay Sightseeing Dinner cruise featuring a three-course dinner, live music and dancing.
More adventurous visitors can rent powerboats, WaveRunners™, pedal boats, kayaks and canoes. Zephyr Cove Marina also offers parasailing aboard a new 12-passenger parasail boat.
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"The U.S. National Park system offers a wide variety of destination and accommodation options at some of the most magnificent lakes in the country," said Sheri Smack, a spokesperson for ARAMARK Parks & Resorts, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. "We strongly suggest planning your next vacation at one of our national treasures."
Several of the National Parks located in the Western states provide unique lakeside vacation options.
Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah
Often referred to as America's favorite houseboating destination, Lake Powell, located on the border of Arizona and Utah in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, offers a wide array of houseboats for rental, including the new luxury-class, 75-foot Excursion, featuring a fireplace, an eight-person hot tub, home theater system, six staterooms, gas BBQs, waterslide and a GPS auto-tracking satellite system. Additional houseboat rentals include the Discovery- and Adventurer-class houseboats that sleep up to 12 individuals and include all the comforts of home.
With thousands of miles of shoreline to explore and rising lake levels, Lake Powell's most popular water-based activities include powerboating, fishing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, kayaking and water trampolines. All equipment is available for rent at Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, and personalized water-based instruction is also available.
Lake Powell is also home to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, offering visitors the opportunity to explore one of the Southwest's natural wonders. Full-day and half-day boat tours operate daily from Wahweap Marina.
Lake Quinault, Washington
For those planning a getaway in the Pacific Northwest, Lake Quinault is nestled among the lush Olympic National Forest, offering a myriad of activities from fishing to canoeing. Built in 1926 within the heart of one of only three temperate rain forests in the world, Lake Quinault Lodge is a rustic, historic retreat offering lakeside lodging and spanning views of the forests.
Visitors can explore the lake by renting canoes, kayaks, rowboats, or by scenic boat tours, which are available through the summer and offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding Olympic Mountains. Lake Quinault is also a great place for fishing, with an abundance of trout, salmon and steelhead, and guided and non-guided fishing excursions can be arranged.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe just four miles from Stateline, Nevada, Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina is an historic recreational destination offering everything from camping and lakeside cabins to boating and watercraft rentals and cruises to Emerald Bay. The Zephyr Cove Marina serves as the departure point for the authentic paddlewheeler M.S. Dixie II, voted "Best of Tahoe" for the past 11 years. The M.S. Dixie offers daily cruises, including the GlenBrook Historic Breakfast Buffet and champagne brunch in the summer season and the Emerald Bay Sightseeing Dinner cruise featuring a three-course dinner, live music and dancing.
More adventurous visitors can rent powerboats, WaveRunners™, pedal boats, kayaks and canoes. Zephyr Cove Marina also offers parasailing aboard a new 12-passenger parasail boat.
Read More..
Monday, January 26, 2009
Amazonas – The World’s Brazilian Lungs
Amazonas covers 1.5 million kilometers of land area in Brazil, and 98% of this land has remained as it was when it was discovered. Amazonas is so large that it is bigger than most countries in the world! It is home to the highest mountain in Brazil, Pico da Neblina, which stands 2,994 meters above sea level.
The land area in Amazonas can be divided into three separate categories; igapos, varzeas, and low plateaus. Igapos is where the land is permanently flooded and the root systems of vegetation are always submerged. Varzeas consist of land that is only submerged during the rainy season when the rivers are at their highest and low plateau areas are the highest land areas that are never submerged.
The capital city of Amazonas is Manaus.. Since it is located in the Amazon jungle, the climate is quite hot and humid, and it is always wet. There are many architectural wonders to be seen here, including the Amazonas Opera House, which was built in 1896 and can seat 640 patrons.
Another notable place in Amazonas is the National Research Institute of Amazonia. It is comprised of a botanical garden as well as a zoological garden. This important complex houses many species of plant and animal life that are native to Amazonas, and researchers here are working every day in an effort to save many of the species facing extinction.
Amazonas is also home to many famous museums including The Indian Museum, the Amazonia Natural Science Museum, the Museum of Northern Man, and the Port Museum. These museums afford the visitor a look at collections that include tools of the areas indigenous peoples, extraordinary animals and insects which have been embalmed for the reason of study, as well as important historical documents and items that illustrate the way of life of Amazonas’ early settlers.
Any visitor to Amazonas will be presented with a multitude of things to do and see; jungle river cruises, rainforest hikes and the chance to see many plants and animals that live nowhere else in the world. Any plant lover would be amazed to see the giant water lilies that can be up to six feet in diameter! Animal enthusiasts will delight in hand feeding the dolphins that swim in the Rio Negro River, and marvel in amazement at the tree sloths, monkeys and colorful large birds that seem to roam everywhere. Some other wildlife that can be witnessed in and around the rainforest in Amazonas include the morpho butterfly, tree snails, poison arrow dart frogs, boa constrictors, macaws, spider monkeys, and the giant rhinoceros beetle. Some of the plant and animal life residing in Amazonas has yet to even be discovered!
Amazonas is also home to the great Amazon River, which empties eight trillion gallons of water into the ocean each and every day. The Amazon River is the second longest river in the world, and has an average depth of about fifty feet. Many unique species of animal call the Amazon River home including crocodiles and the famous pink dolphin.
Amazonas is a region in Brazil that is a place of wonder, filled with amazing animals and ecosystems; land covered by the rainforests, and is a place that will leave visitors with a lifetime of wonderful memories.
Read More..
The land area in Amazonas can be divided into three separate categories; igapos, varzeas, and low plateaus. Igapos is where the land is permanently flooded and the root systems of vegetation are always submerged. Varzeas consist of land that is only submerged during the rainy season when the rivers are at their highest and low plateau areas are the highest land areas that are never submerged.
The capital city of Amazonas is Manaus.. Since it is located in the Amazon jungle, the climate is quite hot and humid, and it is always wet. There are many architectural wonders to be seen here, including the Amazonas Opera House, which was built in 1896 and can seat 640 patrons.
Another notable place in Amazonas is the National Research Institute of Amazonia. It is comprised of a botanical garden as well as a zoological garden. This important complex houses many species of plant and animal life that are native to Amazonas, and researchers here are working every day in an effort to save many of the species facing extinction.
Amazonas is also home to many famous museums including The Indian Museum, the Amazonia Natural Science Museum, the Museum of Northern Man, and the Port Museum. These museums afford the visitor a look at collections that include tools of the areas indigenous peoples, extraordinary animals and insects which have been embalmed for the reason of study, as well as important historical documents and items that illustrate the way of life of Amazonas’ early settlers.
Any visitor to Amazonas will be presented with a multitude of things to do and see; jungle river cruises, rainforest hikes and the chance to see many plants and animals that live nowhere else in the world. Any plant lover would be amazed to see the giant water lilies that can be up to six feet in diameter! Animal enthusiasts will delight in hand feeding the dolphins that swim in the Rio Negro River, and marvel in amazement at the tree sloths, monkeys and colorful large birds that seem to roam everywhere. Some other wildlife that can be witnessed in and around the rainforest in Amazonas include the morpho butterfly, tree snails, poison arrow dart frogs, boa constrictors, macaws, spider monkeys, and the giant rhinoceros beetle. Some of the plant and animal life residing in Amazonas has yet to even be discovered!
Amazonas is also home to the great Amazon River, which empties eight trillion gallons of water into the ocean each and every day. The Amazon River is the second longest river in the world, and has an average depth of about fifty feet. Many unique species of animal call the Amazon River home including crocodiles and the famous pink dolphin.
Amazonas is a region in Brazil that is a place of wonder, filled with amazing animals and ecosystems; land covered by the rainforests, and is a place that will leave visitors with a lifetime of wonderful memories.
Read More..
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Amazing Amazon Expedition
We set out with a group of 38 singles and as usual they were initially timid but quickly bonded in friendship. On arrival in Lima we check into a lovely hotel located in trendy Miraflores district. There was a guided city tour, leisure time to explore and a delicious dinner of sea bass ceviche at a restaurant built on an ocean pier.
Next day we flew Lan to Iquitos where we were greeted by 3 top guides who remain with us for our 6 days in the jungle. They are truly pro's on flora, fauna and having fun! All transport is by boat. 90 miles down river we arrive to Explonapo Lodge in the heart of Amazonia. No plumbing or electricity, feels like an episode out of "Survivor." Rustic to the extreme yet therein lies the unique charm. I fell in love with the resident "pets". There was Adrian the toucan who would poke his long beak into the dining room door for a treat, along with several tame parrots and scarlet macaws. Charlie was a Capybara that looked like a mutant 100lb. guinea pig. When I'd scratch under his chin he'd close his eyes and make cooing sounds.
The pitch black nights were spooky with a symphony of wild noises. Our rooms were connected with a privacy wall and an open thatched roof. Like a giant slumber party, we all shouted "goodnight Johnboy" from our mosquito netted beds. Suddenly Sharon screamed and the guys run to her room. She found a giant lizard tucked in with her in her bed. At 3am I head to the latrine with flashlight in hand. Inside a bat flutters near my head as I repeatedly whisper "bat's are good."
Enough roughing it. We board our boats for "luxury in the Amazon" at Ceiba Tops. With air conditioning, tropical gardens and a pool, it feels like the Ritz to us. I take the world's longest shower as others enjoy Pisco Sours by the pool. We all gain weight with fresh food throughout that is both delicious and plentiful.
On daily boat tours we saw giant water lilies, sloths, countless birds and the elusive pink dolphins. We fished by cane poles for piranha to fry up for dinner. We visited a family with a pet anaconda snake. My brave clients drape it around themselves for a photo op. We delivered medical supplies to a remote clinic serving the poor river people. Here a tooth extraction costs $2 if they can afford it.
There were many highlights! We hiked the world's longest canopy walk 100' high in the trees. We visited Monkey Island, a research station for 8 species that room free. For one photo I held 3 at a time. There was a lecture by two resident shamans who taught us about medicinal plants and then blessed us individually as they removed our bad spirits. At the Yagua Indian Village we traded our western goods for masks and blowguns (several of these were later were confiscated by TSA.)
The best part of the trip for me was a surprise visit to a rural school. Inside were 50+ children barefoot and wide-eyed who never see tourists. Tears filled my eyes as they sang their national anthem to us. We sang our anthem to them and deposited a ton of school supplies to the two teachers. It was a glorious sight.
Back to Lima, we all scatter to shop the Indian markets. The dollar is so strong here that several in the group bought another suitcase to fill. I did my Xmas shopping in May. Our fabulous dinner was at a restaurant set in pre-Incan ruins. We toast each other goodbye with many hugs as I remiss a journey well done. This group was so prefect I'd like to clone them all for future AFS trips. I couldn't hand pick better travelers for this adventure.
I have always loved the land of Peru. I am now designing a unique future trip to include Machu Piccu, boating Lake Titicaca, visits to natives on floating reed islands and crossing to La Paz Bolivia. For the moment, I have tired of Europe. There is a spirit of humility found in the hearts of these people that I am unable to adequately describe here. Nor can my photos justly convey Peru. It truly must be experienced.
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Next day we flew Lan to Iquitos where we were greeted by 3 top guides who remain with us for our 6 days in the jungle. They are truly pro's on flora, fauna and having fun! All transport is by boat. 90 miles down river we arrive to Explonapo Lodge in the heart of Amazonia. No plumbing or electricity, feels like an episode out of "Survivor." Rustic to the extreme yet therein lies the unique charm. I fell in love with the resident "pets". There was Adrian the toucan who would poke his long beak into the dining room door for a treat, along with several tame parrots and scarlet macaws. Charlie was a Capybara that looked like a mutant 100lb. guinea pig. When I'd scratch under his chin he'd close his eyes and make cooing sounds.
The pitch black nights were spooky with a symphony of wild noises. Our rooms were connected with a privacy wall and an open thatched roof. Like a giant slumber party, we all shouted "goodnight Johnboy" from our mosquito netted beds. Suddenly Sharon screamed and the guys run to her room. She found a giant lizard tucked in with her in her bed. At 3am I head to the latrine with flashlight in hand. Inside a bat flutters near my head as I repeatedly whisper "bat's are good."
Enough roughing it. We board our boats for "luxury in the Amazon" at Ceiba Tops. With air conditioning, tropical gardens and a pool, it feels like the Ritz to us. I take the world's longest shower as others enjoy Pisco Sours by the pool. We all gain weight with fresh food throughout that is both delicious and plentiful.
On daily boat tours we saw giant water lilies, sloths, countless birds and the elusive pink dolphins. We fished by cane poles for piranha to fry up for dinner. We visited a family with a pet anaconda snake. My brave clients drape it around themselves for a photo op. We delivered medical supplies to a remote clinic serving the poor river people. Here a tooth extraction costs $2 if they can afford it.
There were many highlights! We hiked the world's longest canopy walk 100' high in the trees. We visited Monkey Island, a research station for 8 species that room free. For one photo I held 3 at a time. There was a lecture by two resident shamans who taught us about medicinal plants and then blessed us individually as they removed our bad spirits. At the Yagua Indian Village we traded our western goods for masks and blowguns (several of these were later were confiscated by TSA.)
The best part of the trip for me was a surprise visit to a rural school. Inside were 50+ children barefoot and wide-eyed who never see tourists. Tears filled my eyes as they sang their national anthem to us. We sang our anthem to them and deposited a ton of school supplies to the two teachers. It was a glorious sight.
Back to Lima, we all scatter to shop the Indian markets. The dollar is so strong here that several in the group bought another suitcase to fill. I did my Xmas shopping in May. Our fabulous dinner was at a restaurant set in pre-Incan ruins. We toast each other goodbye with many hugs as I remiss a journey well done. This group was so prefect I'd like to clone them all for future AFS trips. I couldn't hand pick better travelers for this adventure.
I have always loved the land of Peru. I am now designing a unique future trip to include Machu Piccu, boating Lake Titicaca, visits to natives on floating reed islands and crossing to La Paz Bolivia. For the moment, I have tired of Europe. There is a spirit of humility found in the hearts of these people that I am unable to adequately describe here. Nor can my photos justly convey Peru. It truly must be experienced.
Read More..
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