http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/the-beaches-of-son-bou-menorca.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/the-beaches-of-son-bou-menorca.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500
In the Alaior region of Menorca sits the small village of Son Bou. Son Bou, San Jaime and Torre Soli Nou offer some of the nicest beachfront holiday spots available on Menorca.

The beach at Son Bou is around 3 km long, that's just less than two miles of golden sands. The width of the beach isn't as wide as some of Menorca's larger beaches, but the length is spectacular. Along the beach you will find several lifeguards and beach bars to provide food and drinks.

Menorca's Son Bou is home to several shops and restaurants and two large hotels. The two large Sol Hotels offer direct access to the beach. Other accommodations are available for those who prefer to walk to the beach. Many of the bars and restaurants have adapted a British style. Others have chosen a more international cuisine, including Chinese and Indian. Tourists are the primary source of revenue for Menorca, so restaurants try to oblige all nationalities. Of course there are still several Spanish and Menorquin restaurants to serve the tourist who enjoys traditional foods from the area they visit during their holidays in Menorca.

Son Bou's bars and restaurants feature shows on most nights during the six-month holiday season. On the nights they have no shows, they feature quizzes and karaoke. Another great attraction in Son Bou is the giant maze. For the thrill seeking adventurer, there is never a dull moment when taking holidays in Menorca

For the nature lover, inland from the beach, there are marshes and a lagoon that is home to several well-loved and well-fed ducks. Many people take chunks of bread to feed the ducks. You have to be willing to get up relatively early if you plan to feed the ducks. By 11 a.m. they are all making their way back to their nests to digest the foods their human friends brought them.

Neighbouring San Jaime has fewer hotels and is hosts primarily villas and garden apartments. Torre Soli Nou has more private villas and apartment complexes. Campsites are also available about two miles away from Torre Soli Nou. There is a place to stay for every lifestyle or preference.

Son Bou is a wonderful place for a family holiday. The beaches are impressively clean, and the water is blue and amazingly crystal clear. Like all beaches, the current can be quite strong, so be sure to pay close attention to the red and green flag system. If you are unfamiliar with such a system, ask someone. The resort is fully equipped with supermarkets and tourist shops.

Son Bou, near Santo Tomas is also well known as a naturalist's haven. The further west you go from Son Bou, the fewer clothes people may be wearing. Nudist beaches aren't officially allowed on Menorca, but the area at the west end of Son Bou beach is a widely known nudist beach.

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Son Bou including the hotels and other Menorca hotels information is available at yourmenorca.net

Of all the Spanish islands Menorca has the highest ratio of villa holidays, and yourmenorca.net includes a good choice of Menorca villas

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/budapest-stag-night-ideas-for-going-on-a-action-packed-budapest-stag-weekend.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/budapest-stag-night-ideas-for-going-on-a-action-packed-budapest-stag-weekend.html Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:10:54 -0500
Getting Around Budapest
You really need to know your way around Budapest to take advantage of all it has to offer. renowned as the "Paris of the East" your best way to get around the city is through public transportation because it is cheap and frequent. It could possibly not look like the best option on your stag weekend because it is an older system but you will find trams, buses and trains. All of the systems are absorbed so you will not need to worry about buying a ticket separately for each one. You will find ticket outlets frequently throughout the city.

Things To Do In Budapest
Think sports and amusement when you consider your stag weekend in Budapest. You will have opportunities for the adrenaline flow and for a myriad of other challenges. You can choose from golf and bowling if you want something tame and laid back. If you want more of an adrenaline flow you can try bobsledding a la cosmopolitan Running's style and go cart racing. Both of these challenges are sure to have your friends talking about the experience for a long time to come. You can also express yourself with your stag weekend by combining an activity with a lap dance or clubbing later in the night.

When you want to purely chill out throughout your stag weekend all you need to do is attend one of the 80 natural hot springs that are available, or one of the bathhouses in the city. They have plenty of afternoons that you can reserve to get pampered. As an example, the Bacchanalian Spa can offer topless masseuses; you will have Roman baths and the hot, sensuous water to get you stirred up.

Entertainment In Budapest
The amusement is plentiful in this glorious city. You will find all types of clubs in the area and there is a bit of caution: Go with a tour to know exactly where you are going so you don't get swept away into the seedier side for your Budapest stag weekend. You can find legitimate clubs with plenty of lap dancing, strip clubs and general clubbing for dancing. There is a number of drinking that goes on here and you can be immersed in a medieval themed restaurant with plenty of "wenches" to bring your food.

Budapest Cuisine
When you and your stag buddies are hungry there are a number types of restaurants to serve you. From the Vendéglõ which is the small restaurant with a classic feel to it or the Sörözõ ale hall you will find something to eat that's tasty and rich. If you go to the Liszt ferenc ter you will find the area with the most food, and you will have a plethora of Hungarian cuisine to choose from.

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Chillisauce is an organisation who specialise in unique stag nights. All our Budapest stag nights comprise a wide variety of accommodation, events like karting, pistol shooting, zorbing, restaurants, nightclub entry and transfers.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/kathakali-the-confluence-of-dance-music-theatre-and-visual-art.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/kathakali-the-confluence-of-dance-music-theatre-and-visual-art.html Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:08:49 -0600 Kathakali, the consummate confluence of dance, music, theatre and visual art, is one of Kerala’s prime cultural contributions to the world. The word Kathakali is a combination of two words: ‘Katha’ meaning story and ‘Kali’ meaning dance. Over the years, Kathakali has evolved into an intricate and highly stylized classical dance-drama form complete with elaborate make-up, luxuriant costumes, detailed hand gestures and body movements, performed with traditional percussion in the background. The striking green countenance of Kathakali has come to symbolize the global face of Kerala.

The origin of Kathakali dates back to the 16th century A.D to two precursor dance-drama forms ‘Ramanattam’ and ‘Krishnanattam’. Kathakali has derived a major share of its techniques from these two art forms besides other ritualistic and traditional art forms like ‘Koodiyattom’, ‘Ashtapadiyattom’ and to a lesser extent, folk arts like ‘Porattunatakam’. ‘Kalaripayattu’, the martial art of Kerala has had a significant influence on the body language of Kathakali. Along its evolutionary course down the centuries, many of the rituals and practices unique to these and many other traditional art forms have become integral to Kathakali as we know it today.

The classical elements of fine arts that make up the essence of Kathakali are ‘Natya’ (enactment-histrionics), ‘Nritham’ (Dance), ‘Nrithyam’ (Expressions) while ‘Geetha’ (Song/Vocal accompaniment) and ‘Vadyam’ (Percussion) play a supplementary role in creating a wholesome theatrical spectacle. Traditionally the stories enacted in Kathakali are adapted from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata though the advent of globalization has led to western classics like ‘King Lear’ and ‘Othello’being adapted to give it a global appeal. Though traditionally, Kathakali performances are known to extend throughout the night, shorter versions are the norm these days to cater to today’s time-conscious aficionados.

The intricate and elaborate make up of Kathakali, called the ‘chutty’ is an entire art form in itself, focusing on enhancing the dramatic element of Kathakali. Various predominant shades are used to symbolize the various ‘Gunas’ (qualities) in its characters like ‘Saatvika’ meaning Godliness symbolized by green, ‘Rajasic’ meaning Violence symbolized by red, ‘Tamasic’ meaning evil symbolized by black. A Kathakali performer has to undergo years of intense training to achieve the immense concentration, physical stamina and skill that this art form demands. Its subtle nuances are better appreciated with a basic knowledge of the ‘Mudras’ (gestures) and a general awareness of the tale being narrated. The Kathakali recital is a visual and aural treat for the layman and connoisseur alike and and for many it is the true essence of Kerala, Gods Own Country.

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Banasura– Discover Nature. Re-Discover Yourself.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/three-spots-where-to-take-time-off-in-paris.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/three-spots-where-to-take-time-off-in-paris.html Sat, 04 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

The China House

In America when we think of a social venue where to spend a couple of hours reading and sipping on some hot beverage, the local Starbucks shop comes to mind almost immediately. Starbucks is slowly building a beach head in Europe where Italian coffee dominates the espresso market, leaving very little room for the kind of brew Starbucks sells.

In other words, Starbucks shops do not abound in Paris. But there are many other venues of the sort, and sometimes much better ones. The China House (La Maison de la Chine) belongs to this latter category.

Standing at 76 rue Bonaparte, in the Saint Germain des Pres area, La Maison de la Chine offers tea lovers a perfect haven to taste various teas and nibble at a couple of 'macarons' (small cookies with a light cream spread within) and other pastries. The 'tea house' is open from 3:00 to 7:00 pm Monday to Saturday. Tasting sessions give you an opportunity to sip on some of the finest Chinese teas: Tieguanyin, Longjing, Yinzhen, and Shuixian. The tea is prepared along the lines of an ancient tradition with special bamboo utensils, clay teapot and water pot, a 'cup for smelling' and a 'cup for sipping'.

Should you also wish to have lunch there, their Shanghaï Cafe opens between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. Their courses are a mix between Chinese and Thai food, with some interesting flavors. The food doesn't come cheap (there are two options, one for €22, the other for €28) but quality is good.


The Luxembourg Gardens

Definitely one of my favorite areas in my teenage years. The Luxembourg Gardens are the Parisian version of London's Hyde Park and NYC's Central Park. It extends across a large section of the city, spreading over parts of several districts. The French Senate House was built along one of its sides.

Monikered 'le Luco' by the youth of the 6th district (a well-to-do crowd with its own social codes and exclusive parties), the Luxembourg Gardens are informally divided into sections.

In one of these, children can ride an old wooden-horse merry-go-round, and catch metal rings with short wooden sticks. Further away, there are a few tennis courts, and a puppet theater. The vast expanse of land facing the French Senate House features a water basin where youngsters float model sailboats.

One of the quietest spots of the Gardens borders the Rue d'Assas. It is shaded by old trees around which narrow alleys wrap up. Metal chairs line up the alleys, and it may become hard to find one unoccupied during summer as students love to hang around and study in this area. A perfect place for a quiet afternoon of reading or romantic strolling.


Meet Louis the 13th at Place des Vosges

Ensconced by four rows of 17th century mansions, Place des Vosges is probably best known for its art galleries. Those exhibit artworks of a more modern breed that the galleries which line up the famed Rue de Seine, near Saint-Germain-des-Pres.

To me however, Place de Vosges is mainly remarkable for its peaceful, miniature park. The 39 mansions around the Place shelter it from the traffic rumble coming from the Rue Saint Antoine (Southern side) and the Boulevard Beaumarchais (Eastern side). This sort of a rampart also serves as a wind-cutter during fall and springtime.

Mid-sized trees line up the fence around the symmetrically built park. At its center, a tree-circle in which stands a bronze statue of Louis the 13th who, we learn, died at age 33. Around the central circle, my target: one of four green lawns where I can unfold a spread, lay down, and read.

During summer, there are always a couple of classical and jazz formations playing under the nearby arcades. They play at a pretty good level which gives a nice touch to the local vibe.

Among the restaurants around the Place, I personally like 'Ma Bourgogne' at No. 19. They serve hearty meals for €25-35.


But that's just a few spots

There is no shortage of quiet spots where to kill a couple of delicious hours in Paris. In fact I'll write about some more in the coming weeks. When you are in Paris, take some time off to enjoy the city vibe differently; don't just roll with the Parisian hustle-bustle. I'll see you in a while with more food for thought.

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After many years spent in Paris, Phil Chavanne knows the city in and out and gives English-speaking travelers scores of advices and information bits on Paris, and how best to visit the French capital at Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/disneyland-a-dream-came-true.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/disneyland-a-dream-came-true.html Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500 I used to think the Disneyland was only for kids, that an adult can hardly find there anything amusing or impressive. But now I know I was totally wrong. After I visited this Wonderland I’m perfectly sure there’s nothing like Disneyland. This is a place where the adults return to their childhood, smile and forget about all the troubles and problems of the world. No kidding.

HOW TO GET
The easiest way is to go there by the Metro. Take RER A4. Marne-la-Vallee is your point of destination.

THE PARKS
The Disneyland consists of the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios. Disneyland Park is a theme 138 acre park. It’s divided into five Lands: Main Street USA, Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. Disney have ensured that nothing is left to chance. From the smallest detail in planning to the largest construction everything is made to the highest degree of accuracy.
The Walt Disney Studio is devoted to the relationships with the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio. Here everything is connected with the movies, one can see how the thrillers are shot, to look at the work of the costumiers and to feel the atmosphere of a real cinema.
Main Street USA represents the American town of the beginning of the 20th century. The streets traffic is made of horse-drawn rail cars, old double-decker buses, an antique fire engine, a Keystone-cop style paddy wagon and a vintage car which together tell the story of the transport evolution. It’s a functioning transport system, which plies between the Town Square and the Central Plaza. A nice train departs from the Main Street Station every 10 minutes. It stops in another park zones but some stations are so crowded that one should better take a walk.
Frontierland is the first street away from the Central Plaza. This zone reminds of the America’s Wild West. The visitors get here through the wooden gates of Fort Comstock. If you are not that timorous, ride the roller coaster that begins from the Big Thunder Mountain or pop into Phantom Manor.
Adventureland gives you an opportunity to live a life of a real pirate. After «Pirates Of The Caribbean» hit the screens this ride became particularly popular. You feel as if you were really a pirate! Smashing special effects! During the ride you are photographed. When leaving you can buy your photo. This show is no less impressive;-)
Fantasyland will be certainly admired by the youngest offsprings. This is a magical zone full of fairies and enchanting creatures. One can find the first ever rides of Walt’s, «It’s A Small World». Your kid will certainly appreciate a traveling in little boats through several lands of animated figures all singing «It’s a small world».
Discoveryland is dedicated to man’s technological achievements and dreams. You will believe a person can really travel through Space and Time. This zone celebrates such persons like Jules Verne, Leonardo Da Vinci and Herbert Wells. Don’t miss the «Space Mountain». The craziest ride one can imagine! The attraction is very popular, that’s why long queues are a must. By nightfall the chances to get there become higher.

Good luck and enjoy your visit to Paris!



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Paris hotels

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/snowdonia-holidays.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/snowdonia-holidays.html Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 Snowdonia Holiday.

Snowdonia offers numerous opportunities for those looking to make the most of the stunning landscapes and fresh mountain air with walking, climbing, bird watching and cycling proving popular in this unique area of Britain.

If you’re not feeling so adventurous there are many other attractions for you and the family including steam railways, zoos, museums will keep the children happy.

Visitors are within easy distance of all; and nowhere in Britain will you find such a diverse selection of scenery and activities to satisfy all interests in such a small area. There are plenty of holiday cottages, farmhouses and apartments which are available for a memorable holiday in and around the spectacularly beautiful Snowdonia National Park.



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This article was written on behalf of STS Holidays, North Wales Holiday and Wales Cottage .


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/accommodations-in-bulgaria.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/accommodations-in-bulgaria.html Sat, 10 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600
There are many accommodations in Bulgaria for you to choose from, and finding them should not be too much of a strain. The best place to start your search for accommodations in Bulgaria is online. This way you will have the ability to find a number of different options, and from there decide which one will best suit your needs. Remember, it is important that you take your time when searching for Accommodations in Bulgaria online. This is the only way to ensure that you get set up with the accommodations that best suit your needs.

If you are having a hard time deciding on which accommodations in Bulgaria are best, get in touch with each establishment for further information. This will make the decision much easier on you because you will have first hand information.

And of course, anytime that you can find reviews of the different hotels, motels, and rentals you will be well ahead of the game. It is always a good idea to listen to somebody who has already stayed at a given location.

All in all, there are many accommodations in Bulgaria for you to choose from. No matter how far away you are traveling from, it is safe to say that you should be able to find something that suits your needs. You need to make sure that you use the internet to your advantage when searching for accommodations in Bulgaria. This is the only way to make sure that you are aware of all the accommodations that are available. And with this information you will be well on your way to making the best possible decision, which in turn means that your trip will be a success!


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Accommodation in the Bulgarian resort of Bansko. Fully furnished apartments that have an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and fitness room. Our accommodation is reasonably priced so you can enjoy quality at affordable prices. Apartments are close to all amenities, including the local bars and restaurants. Bansko is the number one ski resort in Bulgaria. It also offers many attractions in the summer months, such as hiking and trekking.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/wonders-of-the-ngorongoro-conservation-area.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/wonders-of-the-ngorongoro-conservation-area.html Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Ngorongoro crater is 2440m above sea level and its peak on the south-eastern side and the floor lies between 1830 m in the north -east to 1700m at the lake magadi. From the south-western rim you can see a panoramic view of the highlands, the rim of the crater is stands 610m above the floor and it cover an area of about 304sq km. Ngorongoro crater is the largest inactive, unbroken, unflooded caldera in the world. The crater is slightly elliptical shape, it is approximately to about 21km along its east -west axis and 18km along the north-south axis. Along the rim of Ngorongoro crater the abundant vegetation is very striking, the most public trees are the tall, straight-stemmed pillar woods(cassipouresa malosana), the fluted-stemmed Nuxias (Nuxia floribunda), the layered-canopied, compound -leaved Albizia (Albizia gummifera) and the grey-stemmed, heart-leaved croton (croton megalocarpus), lichen to the trees belong to the genus Usnea. The most common shrub is the Canary Bush which has three leaflets and yellow, pea-like flower, borne on the erect branches toward the top of the plant, another common shrub is the purple- flowed Vernonia, this has the large leaves borne in rosettes at the apex of the branches.

In the Ngorongoro crater there are many wild animals which are founded there, the most common animals found in the crater are Buffaloes especially lone bulls and Olive Baboon, in rare case you can see bush pigs which are often visit to the camp to search for the scavenge, also the tree hyrax can be founded there, if you do not see them you can hear their voice during the night due to their distinctive and screeching call.

Ngorongoro crater also contain some of the bird prey, the most common bird prey is the Augur Buzzard which is either black and white or rare all black. Also in the area there is Verreaux's Eagle, in South Africa they called a black Eagle, they have a white rump and which favours a mountainous area.

Another crater which found in the NCA is Olmoti crater which are located on the northern side of the Ngorongoro crater . This crater is the major water catchment part in Ngorongoro Highlands, the vegetation and the soil act as the sponge , absorbing and filtering the water, thus making it fresh. The filtered water drops over a weakness in the crater wall, forming the beautiful waterfall of about 100m high. Through the Munge river the fresh water is transported into the Mandusi Swamp and directly to the Lake Magadi inside the Ngorongoro carter. Olmoti is very important water source for the livestock and the residents of Nainokanoka village. The crater is almost about 3000m high but the summit of Olmoti is 3080m and it has the diameter of 6,5km.

The road from Olmoti to Empakaai it is about 25km and it passes to the Embulbul depression which has the horizontal floor of about 2320m, be in mind that this road become very muddy during the rainy seasons, to your right side you will see what looks like large mountain, it in fact the two highest emerge crater in the Ngorongoro Highlands which are Losirua and Lolmalasin. Between these two crater Losirua reaches the lower peak which is about 3260m while the highest summit is Lolmalasin which take about 3700m above sea level.

Empakaai crater is the most beautiful place in the entire NCA, so it very stimulated due to the unimaginable scenery. The elevation on the western rim is 3200m above sea level while that of the eastern rim is about 2590m above sea level. The horizontal elevation is about 2200m, the escarpment rise about 300m high above the crater floor and the crater has the diameter of 8km with the circumference of 32km. At the eastern of the rim there is some camps where you can spend and leave the car and taking the guide to walking down to the lake. Because the elevation is very high it is better to climb slowly, at the night are very cold in the winter, and when it rain in the summer the wind becomes freezing cold. Lake Empakaai is located in the Empakaai crater, it cover water in large part of its floor. Although lake Empakaai is the salt lake but it is extremely deep of about 61m for the salt water.

''Oldoinyo Lengai'' this is the Maasai word which means ''Mountain of God'' they named because of the religion significance of the society live there, up today the people are still climb up to the crater and pray. This mountain is the active volcano, it erupted in 1966 and repeated again in 1983, this mountain is located on the floor of the rift valley and rising 1830m.

From the Malambo road you can view clear the Gol Mountains, the area of the east of the Gol mountain and part of the mountain droop down between 900m and 1800m, this is because of the large fracture developed in the earth's crust about 20million year ago on the mountain there is the beautiful scenery which is caused by formation of the valley and softness of the mountain, the is due to erosion which occurred past years.

Olkarien Gorge is the very important because it is the critical nesting site of the Rueppell's Griffon Vulture. To reach there turn right of about 24km from Ngorongoro crater entrance gate onto Malambo road and 7km before reach to Olduvai Gorge turn-off, one can crossed two gorge before reaching to the Gol mountain range. The best time to visit Olkarien is from Much to April when the vulture are breeding and occurrence of migration. These Griffons mate for the life, they lay only one egg and their brooding takes about 55days, and bot sexes incubates the egg.

On the western part of the Gol Mountains Nasera Rock is located there, and it is 100m high to get there, one can travel from Olduvai Gorge 26km before you reach Lemala Hill. Alternatively one can passes Malambo road to Olkarien Gorge and turn west onto Ang'ata kiti Plain, after driving about 25km along this road you will see Nasera rock at the right side. This rock was used during the stone age as the shelter, this is the one of the highlight of the NCA. The word Nasera referred to as Maasai word which means ''Light streak in the rock'' in these rock there are some wildlife found in the sites such as Baboon, and some Klipspringer but the Maasai herder usually take their goat to browse inn this sites.

Lake Ndutu and lake Masek form shallow basins where water accumulate from the nearly by areas of slightly high altitude the water in both lake takes extremely saline, too saltly for the human but animal in rare case do drink there. Lake Ndutu become alive with animals during the migration, due to the surrounded of Ndutu woodlands and the short grass Plains which provide ample cover and food. In NCA at lake Ndutu the most bird found in this part are Flamingos these bird are very attracted to the salt lakes, they like to microscopic plants and animals that occur in the mud and other shallow surface that occur in the lakes .

In NCA there are also different Maasai culture these are ; Seneto Cultural this located at Malanja depression, Kiloki Senyati Cultural Boma it is situated at 7km south-west of Olduvai gorge, Loongoku Cultural Boma this is also located 10km before turn to Olduvai gorge, Irkeepus Cultural Boma this located 2km north-east of Lemala gate.

The shifting Sand Dunes are located 6km North-west of Olduvai gorge. Volcanic ash, from the Oldoinyo Lengai accumulates on the plain to forms the dunes.

Please visit Wild Things if you are interested in visiting Ngorongoro.



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Frederick Mlaponi is a Tanzanian Student researcher on work experience with Wild Things Safaris in Tanzania http://www.wildthingsafaris.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/mount-kenya-the-mountain-of-the-god.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/mount-kenya-the-mountain-of-the-god.html Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:55:34 -0500 Mount Kenya, a mountain cocktailed with numerous intrinsic worth of significance and an attractive proposal for a Kenya tour. Its native appeal have carried its lure to every generation whether past, present or those that their fate of existence is eagerly awaiting. There are superb views over the surrounding country from point Lenana. The summit is often cloacked in mist from late morning until late afternoon.
Of ultmost importance is the cultural heritage and belief of the 'Agikiyu' also known as Kikuyu who trace their roots from this magnicent dome. The Kikuyu folktale of origin is as interesting as trekking Mt. Kenya itself.

They say "During ancient creation days, a dense cloud stood over the land as Ngai (the divider of the universe) descended to earth and made his dwelling upon the snow-capped peaks of Mt Kenya. Then He (Ngai) beckoned Gikuyu to the consecrated mountain and gave him the land around Kirinyaga as an inheritance and treasure for Him and his descendants. Then Gikuyu went to an orchard of sacred fig trees. While resting, Gikuyu found a beautiful woman who He gave her the name Mumbi and took her for his wife. They were then hallowed with nine charmingly glance daughters who later grew into very beautiful women. The daughters kept on besseeching saying their parents saying "Oohh that we would have husbands and build our own homes so that the names of our parents would last forever"

For many moons, Gikuyu and Mumbi searched their hearts in their quest to satisfy their daugthers' desires. At last in despair, Gikuyu fell upon his knees. Raising his face to Kirinyaga he called upon his creator, to bless his daughters with husbands and Ngai heard Him and commanded Gikuyu to make a sacrifice under the orchard of the fig tree. Heeding the commandment, Gikuyu sacrificed a lamb and a sheep fowl and lit a fire with nine burning sticks and said " we have come to beseech thee for rain that satsfies our children. Say now that the rain may fall" Suddenly out of the fire came nine young men whose backs were firm and strong like the trunk of the sacred Mugumo (fig) tree and when Gikuyu saw them, he gave thanks and welcomed them to the homesated.

Unanble to resist the beauty of Gikuyu and Mumbi's daughters, they asked for their hand in marriage. Gikuyu blessed the marriages and each daughter built herself a hut and started their families thus the name of Gikuyu and Mumbi prospered. Each daugthers generation came together to form a clan thus the nine Kikuyu clans. From the tribute of Gikuyu and Mumbi and in the honor of Ngai, the Kikuyu's build their houses with doors facing Mountains Kenya. It is also not uncommon to see Kikuyu burrying their dead relatives with head facing Kirinyaga.

Tales of Kikuyu's enterpreneurship are not uncommon in the modern world, their hardwork, determination and industrious innovative investments are inspiring. This is without the fact that the Kikuyu's form the largest ethnic group in Kenya with the widest political and economical representation in Kenya. While on Kenya safari, you will not miss tales of this industrious ethnic group")

Of further startling trait is how Mount Kenya was named. Dr. Edward Krapt was the first white man to see the snow peaks on the equator and by spotting the glaciers of Mt. Kenya from a great distance he was motivated to find out more about the epidode. Curious of such an historic and fulfilling phenomena he asked a Kamba elder of the name of the mountain. Unable to pronounce Kirinyaga, the Kamba elder said Kiinyaa and Krapt translated it as Kenya thus the name upto date.

Mount Kenya is also surrounded by a national park called by the same name. The park, which was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997 and is a Biosphere Reserve, covers 715 km2, and includes the Peaks consisting of all the ground above 3200m with two small salients extending lower down to 2450m along the Sirimon and Naro Moru tracks. Surrounding the park is approximately 2095 km2.

The park has incredible attractions such as; Pristine wilderness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological variety, forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered species of animals, High altitude adapted plains game, Unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants.

The vegetation varies with altitude and rainfall, and there is a rich alpine and sub-alpine flora making the mountain beautiful and live almost to the peaks. Part of the mountain's fascination is the variation in flora, including Giant Groundsel and Lobelia, and fauna as the altitude changes. The lower slopes are covered with dry upland forest, the true montaine (mountain) forest begins at 2,000m is mainly cedar and podo. At 2,500m begins a dense belt of bamboo forest which merges into the upperforest of smaller trees, interspersed with glades. In this area the trees are festooned with high altitude lichen.
These forest belts are host to many different animals and plants with at least 11 unique species. Game to view includes: Black and White Colobus and Sykes Monkeys, bushbuck, Rock and rock Hyrax, Greater galago, white tailed, buffalo, elephant and lower down Olive Baboon, waterbuck, Black Rhino, black fronted duikers, leopard, giant forest hog, genet cat, bush pig and hyena. More elusive is the bongo, a rare type of forest antelope. A number of other rarer species can be found here: Suni Antelope, Mt. Kenya Mole Rat, skinks (lizard), Montane Viper and a variety of owls. Occasional sightings have been recorded of albino zebra.

Birds are not abundant in the forest. But you can find Crowned hawk eagle and the Jackson's francolin. Rarely can you find the Abyssinian long-eared owl. Birds seen from the lodge include; Green ibis, African black duck, Ayres' hawk eagle, Rufous-breasted and great sparrow hawks, Scaly francolin, Silvery-cheeked hornbill, Hartlaubs turaco, red headed parrot, bronze-naped pigeon, Mackinder's eagle owl, Rupells robin chat.
There are two species of giant Lobelias; the narrow, featherly-leafed lobelia telekii and the broad-leafed lobelia keniensis which are a favorite of sunbirds for their half hidden blossoms or the thin shelled snails that make their home there. Plants also include crocus-like flower; Romuela keniensis, two terrestrial orchids - a Disa and a Habenaria, and an orange flowered gladiolus,Gladiolus Watsonioides. The high altitude heath at the top (3,000 - 3,5000m) is generally open, dotted with shrubs: African Sage, protea and helichrysum. The peak (above 3,500m) is moorland, with little game other than high altitude zebra and eland, common in the northern moorland.









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Peter Philip is the operator of Natural Track Safaris, a Kenya based nature safari company catering for family outdoor adventures, camping and overland safaris. For more safari information visit http://www.natural-track.com/kenya-tours.html


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/oxford-stag-weekends-the-ins-and-outs-of-planning-a-action-filled-stag-weekend-in-oxford.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/oxford-stag-weekends-the-ins-and-outs-of-planning-a-action-filled-stag-weekend-in-oxford.html Wed, 08 Apr 2009 06:50:29 -0500
Countless world leaders, authors, artists, poets, scientists and Nobel prise winners have walked through these streets as elite students of this privileged location. The rarefied air of academic excellence and intellectual pursuit in a city with majestic spires and towers and wonderful colleges is immediately felt on entering Oxford.

As much as it's a university city famed for its fierce independence of thought, it's also a bustling and busy city with throngs of visitors and heavy traffic. On its High street, it almost seems incongruous to have signs of chain stores emblazoned on a building and strengthening almost a century old.

The Real Oxford
However, step away from the tourist trail throughout your stag weekend and the real, romantic Oxford with its unique blend of tradition and pioneering intellectual thought illustrates itself. A guided walking tour of the colleges is a great start, but keep a lookout for its oldest pub.

The Bear, which dates back to 1242, illustrates its age amazingly in low ceilings and dark wood beams. Its walls and parts of its ceilings are lined with thousands of neckties, some given in exchange for a free pint, from its patrons. In summer, the crowds spill out to the picnic tables in the back courtyard.

The Eagle and Child was the meeting location for the literary staff, the Inklings, which had J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis as members. Equipped with a big fireplace surrounded by shaky stools, dark woods and stunning stained glass, many believe this warm and inviting pub to be Tolkien's inspiration for the Prancing Pony in the Lord of the Rings.

The infamous Turf Tavern
Oxford's most infamous pub is also its worst kept secret. It takes a little bit of finding. The Turf Tavern is where the beauties with the high IQs hang out either indoors or in its outdoor ale gardens. Accepted for an infectious welcoming charm, the pub is a warren of odd shaped rooms engaged to each other by small staircases and narrow passages and was a favourite hangout of Bill Clinton throughout his Rhodes Scholar days. The students are smart, loud and raucous and this is a great location to engage a brainy beauty in an intellectual debate.

Punts and Ghosts
Consider punting on the River Cherwell, or for an Oxford stag weekend with a difference, a ghost tour of the dark alleyways of the ancient colleges where Oxford's dark and gory past waits to be unveiled. It is not all dark and dank in Oxford Castle, a former prison renovated to house restaurants, a boutique accommodation and art exhibition spaces. Complete your stag weekend with a pleasant night of jazz and great food at Carluccios, one of eight restaurants at Oxford Castle..

Activities in Oxford
If leisurely punting is not quite your thing throughout your stag weekend, we pump up the adrenalin with our assortment of off road karting, rally driving and quad biking in addition to various forms of death by paintball games.

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Chillisauce is a corporation who specialise in organised stag nights. All our Oxford stag nights comprise a enormous variety of hotels, activities such as paintball, clay shooting, buggies, restaurants, nightclub entry and transport.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>