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Cox's Bazaar Beach : BANGLADESH World Heritage Travel Tourism Hotel Resort Sea Beach Most Beautiful

2009-05-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

Cox's Bazaar Beach : BANGLADESH

Cox's Bazaar is known for its wide sandy beach which is claimed to be the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slop. Since the rise and fall of the tide here is not great, it is a good place for sea bathing. Cox's Bazar (Bengali: কক্স বাজার Kôksho Bajar or Kôks Bazar) is a town, a fishing port and district headquarter in Bangladesh. It is known for its wide sandy beach which is claimed to be the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. [2][3][4] It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slope. Since the rise and fall of the tide here is not great, it is a good place for sea bathing[5]. It is located 150 km south of Chittagong. Cox’s Bazar is also known by the name "Panowa", the literal translation of which means "yellow flower". Its other old name was "Palongkee". The modern Cox's Bazar derives its name from Captain Cox (died 1799), an officer serving in British India. In the 18th century, an officer of British East India Company, Captain Hiram Cox was appointed as the Superintendent of Palongkee outpost after Warren Hastings became the Governor of Bengal. Captain Cox was specially mobilized to deal with a century long conflict between Arakan refugees and local Rakhains. The Captain was a compassionate soul and the plight of the people touched his heart. He embarked upon the mammoth task of rehabilitating refugees in the area, and made significant progress. A premature death took Captain Cox in 1799 before he could finish his work. But the work he had done earned him a place in the hearts of the locals and to commemorate his role in rehabilitation work a market was established and named after him as Cox's Bazaar ("Cox's Market"). Although Cox's Bazar is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bangladesh, it has yet to become a major international tourist destination, due to lack of publicity. The greater Chittagong area including Cox's Bazar was under the rule of Arakan Kings from the early 9th century till its conquest by the Mughals in 1666 AD. When the Mughal Prince Shah Shuja was passing through the hilly terrain of the present day Cox’s Bazar on his way to Arakan, he was attracted to the scenic and captivating beauty of the place. He commanded his forces to camp there. His retinue of one thousand palanquins stopped there for some time. A place named Dulahazara, meaning "one thousand palanquins", still exists in the area. After the Mughals, the place came under the control of the Tipras and the Arakanese, followed by the Portuguese and then the British. It was settled by Dr. Cox. The name Cox's Bazar/Bazaar originated from the name of a British East India Company officer, Captain Hiram Cox who was appointed as the Superintendent of Palonki (today's Cox's Bazar) outpost after Warren Hastings became the Governor of Bengal following the British East India Company Act in 1773. Captain Cox was especially mobilized to deal with a century long conflict between Arakan refugees & local Rakhains at Palonki. The Captain made significant progress in rehabilitation of refugees in the area, but had died (in 1799) before he could finish his work. To commemorate his role in rehabilitation work a market / bazaar was established and was named after him as Cox's Bazaar (market of Cox). Cox's Bazar thana was first established in 1854 and a municipality was constituted in 1869. After the Sepoy Mutiny (Indian Rebellion of 1857) in 1857, the British East India Company was highly criticized & questioned in humanitarian ground specially for its Opium trade monopoly over the Indian Sub-Continent. However after getting dissolved on January 1, 1874, all of company's assets including its Armed Forces were acquired by the British Crown. After this historic take over, Cox's Bazar was declared as a district of the Bengal Province under the British Crown.

Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots & the longest sea beach in the world (approx. 120 km long). Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful seafood--this is Cox's Bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh. The warm shark free waters are good for bathing and swimming & while the sandy beaches offer opportunities for sun-bathing. The beauty of the setting-sun behind the waves of the sea is simply captivating. Locally made cigars and handloom products of the tribal Rakhyne families are good buys. Every year lots of foreign & local tourist come here to spend their leisure in Cox's Bazaar. Though the season is in winter but Cox's Bazar sea beach is crowded almost through out the year. Especially in winter season, it is hard to get an accommodation in the hotels if booking is not made earlier. If you are really adventurous and want to enjoy the wildness and madness of the ruff and tuff Sea you can come to Cox's bazar in the month of mid April, Sea continue its wildness till August; and its even more exotic if you come to Cox's Bazar in the time of depression of the Sea. Bangladesh's fledgling but troubled tourism industry is slowly luring foreign and domestic travellers, industry officials say. One of the most popular destinations this winter was this beach resort town of Cox's Bazar on the Bay of Bengal, which drew sun-worshippers from as far away as Europe and Southeast Asia. "Foreigners come here, but we cannot offer everything they need. But still they enjoy the beach and of course the warmth of the people here," said Mahbubul Alam Akash, who hires out colourful beach chairs and sun umbrellas. "A large number of Bangladeshis crowd the town now and their number has been increasing over the past years... we will find time to breathe once the official tourism season is over." There are no official figures on the numbers of visitors to Cox's Bazar this winter, but hotel owners said the 10,000 rooms available were full almost seven days a week in December and a second rush is expected for the Eid-al Adha festival February 13. "The winter season helps us to go through rest of the year, when the number of travellers drop dramatically along with revenue," said an official at a major hotel. Cox's Bazar got its first five-star accomodation in December, a hotel overlooking the world's largest natural white sand beach and basking in its spectacular sunsets. The maximum temperature here in the winter is only about 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 degrees Fahrenheit), but tourists on the seashore enjoy cups of tea, snacks or the very popular green coconut water. A spokesman for the state-owned Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), told AFP tourism was growing every year, with the government doing its best to lure travellers to the South Asian nation.

Near the border with Myanmar this town is noted for one of the world’s longest and least-crowded beaches—an incredible 121 km in length! The setting for this beach with its silvery gold sand is tropical-forested hills. The best time to go there is at sunrise and sunset when the sand changes colors. Enjoy water-related activities, shop for handmade clothes, relax and enjoy the scenery. Cox's bazar is very quickly becoming a well visited tourist spot for Bangladesh and during the months of September and October the beach can get very crowded. Usually hotel walk-ins are almost hard to find, specially the ones which are closest to the beach. Further down south from the town are other parts of the beaches which are not well known to tourists. Here you can go early in the morning and see the fishermen coming back with her morning catch as the sun rises by the horizon. Despite its increasing commercialisation, Coxs Bazar is a great place to visit. If you are a foreigner, everyone will want to talk to you and have their picture taken with you, which is a bit annoying, but at least it is a way to get to talk to people and meet local people. I personally prefer the hotels away from the town, southwards, which although more 'touristy' are quieter and nearer to the emptier parts of the beach. A favourite activity in CXB is watching the sun set; everyone watches it and it is lovely. Good for photos. In Cox'sBazar have lots of tourist accomodation facilities in different types. Hotel, Motel, Guest house, Backpakers and Five Star also. As a most beautiful and famous tourist spot of Bangladesh, the major source of economy of Cox's Bazar is tourism. Millions of foreigners and Bangladeshi natives visit this coastal city every year. Therefore, a number of hotel, guest house, and motel have been built in the city and coastal region. Many people are involved in these hospitality and customer service type business. A number of people are also involved in fishing and collecting seafood and sea products for their livelihood. Out of several sea products various kinds of Oyster, Snail, Pearl and their ornaments are very popular to tourists in the seaside and city stores. A number of people are also involved in the transportation business for tourists. Cox's Bazar is also one of the few major spots for aquaculture in Bangladesh.[13] Along with Khulna, it is considered as a major source of foreign exchange earning of the country from this sector. Besides, a mix of small-scale agriculture, marine and inland fishing and salt production are other industrial sources from this region that plays important role in the national economy.

Ha Long Bay : VIET NAM Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel Resort

2009-05-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

Ha Long Bay : VIET NAM

Ha Long Bay is located in Quáng Ninh province, Vietnam. The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes. The bay has a 120 kilometre long coastline and is approximately 1,553 square kilometres in size with 1969 islets. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves, other support floating villages of fishermen, who ply the shallow waters for 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds of mollusks. Another specific feature of Halong Bay is the abundance of lakes inside the limestone islands, for example, Dau Be island has six enclosed lakes. All these island lakes occupy drowned dolines within fengcong karst. Situated in the North-East region of Vietnam, Halong Bay is a bay in the Gulf of Tonkin comprised of regions of Halong City, the township of Cam Pha, and a part of the island district of Van Don. Halong Bay borders Cat Ba Island in the southwest, the East Sea in the east, and the mainland, creating a 120 km coastline. Halong Bay is made up of 1,969 islands of various sizes, 989 of which have been given names. There are two kinds of islands, limestone and schist, which are concentrated in two main zones: the southeast (belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay), and the southwest (belonging to Halong Bay). This densely concentrated zone of stone islands, world famous for its spectacular scenery of grottoes and caves, forms the central zone of Halong Bay, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay itself has an area of 43,400 ha, consists of 775 islands, and forms a triangle with the island of Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto) to the west, the lake of Ba Ham (Three Shelter Lake) to the south, and the island of Cong Tay to the east. Viewed from above, Halong Bay resembles a geographic work of art. While exploring the bay, you feel lost in a legendary world of stone islands. There is Man's Head Island, which resembles a man standing and looking towards the mainland. Dragon Island looks like a dragon hovering above the turquoise water. La Vong Island resembles an old man fishing. There are also the islands of the Sail, the Pair of Roosters, and the Incense Burner, which all astonishingly resemble their namesakes. The forms of the islands change depending on the angle of the light and from where the islands are viewed. At the core of the islands, there are wonderful caves and grottoes, such as Thien Cung (Heavenly Residence Grotto), Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto), Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), and Tam Cung (Three Palace Grotto). Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest.

"Ha Long" is literally translated as "Bay of Descending Dragons." Prior to the 19th century, this name was not recorded in any document or archive. When mentioning the present-day Quang Ninh Sea or Ha Long Bay, old historical books often referred to them by the names of An Bang, Luc Thuy or Van Don. Not until the late 19th century did the name of Ha Long Bay appear on a French Marine Map. The Hai Phong News, a French newspaper of the time, had an article, Dragon appears on Ha Long Bay, reporting the following story: In 1898 a sub-lieutenant named Lagredin, captaining the Avalanse reported seeing a huge sea snake on Ha Long Bay. This was also witnessed by many of the crews. Thus emerged the European image of the Asian dragon. Whether this appearance of a strange animal looking like a dragon resulted the name of Ha Long Bay is not known. Ha Long Bay is a beautiful area with 1969 limestone islands jutting imposingly upon the skyline. Unfortunately the place is a tourist trap and the unique panorama is spoilt by a tremendous amount of "junks" which are in fact slimly disguised tourist boats that bear no resemblance to the authentic Chinese sailing vessels of the same name. These diesel-powered floating money-makers careen about the bay with casual indifference to safety as they bump and crunch against each other in a frenzy to drop their fares onto the obligatory island or floating shop before depositing the harried passengers back at Halong Bay dock feeling like they've been cheated out of their Dong, even if that isn't particularly true. The romantic setting is forever spoilt by the cattle-market mentality. Still... nice scenery.

Visitors to Ha Long Bay must purchase a ticket (30,000 dong) from the Ha Long Bay management department, which gives the option of following one of two routes: Thien Cung Grotto, Dau Go Cave, and other sites (excluding Sung Sot Cave).
Sung Sot Cave and other sites (excluding Thien Cung Grotto and Dau Go Cave).

Halong Bay is one of the world’s natural wonders, and is the most beautiful tourist destination of Vietnam. Halong Bay features more than one thousand awesome limestone karsts and islands of various sizes and shapes along the 120-km coastline of Bai Chay Beach. Its waters are host to a great diversity of ecosystems including offshore coral reefs, freshwater swamp forests, mangrove forests, small freshwater lakes, and sandy beaches. The folk tale has it that the dragons descended from heaven to help locals by spitting jewels and jade to the sea, forming a natural fortress against invaders; these precious stones are represented by the lush green outcrops. Several islands boast beautiful grottos and caves with contiguous chambers, hidden ponds and peculiar stone formations. Local legend has it that long ago, when the Vietnamese were fighting Chinese invaders, the gods sent a family of dragons to help defend the land. This family of dragons began spitting out jewels and jade. These jewels turned into the islands and islets dotting the bay, linking together to form a great wall against the invaders. The people kept their land safe and formed what later became the country of Vietnam. After that, dragons were interested in peaceful sightseeing of the Earth and decided to live here then. The place where Mother Dragon flew down was named Hạ Long, the place where the dragon children attended upon their mother was called Bái Tử Long island (Bái: attend upon, Tử: children, Long: dragon), and the place where the dragon children wriggled their tails violently was called Bạch Long Vỹ island (Bạch: white- colour of the foam made when Children Dragon wriggle, Long: dragon, Vỹ: tail). The bay consists of a dense cluster of 1,969 limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rise spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes Cave) is the largest grotto in the Ha Long area. French tourists visited in the late 19th century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles. Its three large chambers contain large numerous stalactites and stalagmites (as well as 19th century French graffiti). There are two bigger islands, Tuần Châu and Cat Ba, that have permanent inhabitants. Both of them have tourist facilities, including hotels and beaches. There are a number of wonderful beaches on the smaller islands. Some of the islands support floating villages of fishermen, who ply the shallow waters for 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds of mollusks. Many of the islands have acquired their names as a result of interpretation of their unusual shapes: such names include Voi Islet (elephant), Ga Choi Islet (fighting cock), and Mai Nha Islet (roof). 989 of the islands have been given names. Birds and animals including bantams, antelopes, monkeys, and lizards also live on some of the islands. Almost these islands are individual towers in a classic fenglin lanscape which height is from 50m to 100m and height/width ratios up to about 6. Another specific feature of Halong Bay is the abundance of lakes inside the limestone islands, for example, Dau Be island has six enclosed lakes. All these island lakes occupy drowned dolines within fengcong karst.

Great Barrier Reef : AUSTRALIA/ PAPUA NEW GUINEA Travel Hotel Tourism World Heritage

2009-05-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

Great Barrier Reef : AUSTRALIA/ PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The Great Barrier Reef is the planet’s largest coral reef system, with some 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 km over an area of approximately 344,400 square km. It is the biggest single structure made by living creatures and can be seen from outer space. The Great Barrier Reef is the only living organic collective visible from Earth's orbit. The Great Barrier Reef, off the east coast of Australia, is one of the wonders of the natural world - it is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem. It was declared a World Heritage area in 1981 and added to the National Heritage List in 2007. The reef is scattered with beautiful islands and idyllic coral cays and covers more than 300,000 square kilometres. The Great Barrier Reef system consists of more than 3000 reefs which range in size from 1 hectare to over 10,000 hectares in area. Dunk Island is one of more than 600 islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Human activity in the Reef areas has led to increased pollutants and the reef has suffered damage. Protecting the Reef is the responsibility of the Marine Park Authority. In 2003, the previous Australian Government and Queensland Governments, in partnership with a wide range of industry and community groups, developed the Reef Water Quality Protection Reef Plan (the Reef Plan) as a combined effort to protect the Reef. Of particular concern is wetlands - which have decreased by over 50 per cent since European settlement. The Great Barrier Reef Coastal Wetlands Protection Program is developing measures for the long term conservation and management of priority wetlands. Great Barrier Reef Tours - Book your adventure on the reef right now! Welcome to the ultimate travel guide and reservations centre for Tropical North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Hotel & Resort Accommodation - Instant quotes on all Tropical North Queensland properties! The Great Barrier Reef Visitors Bureau provides you with one easy booking centre for all of your extensive itinerary planning, including resort & hotel accommodation, tours & cruises, dive trips and car rentals - just one enquiry does it all.... and our service is FREE with no hidden fees or handling charges. Great Barrier Reef Cruises - Sail away the days on crystal clear waters... Tropical North Queensland is all about lifestyle (just ask the locals) and with the range of activities available, we can certainly help you out with a reef day trip, a diving holiday, the ultimate fishing adventure, or just a bit of fun filled sightseeing.

The Great Barrier Reef Visitors Bureau also has available a comprehensive selection of support information for the use of the intending traveller. This section contains, maps and weather information, and links to other holiday destinations like Port Douglas accommodation. Travel information such as visa application procedures, and visitor information including local banking, currency conversion, medical and emergency information, are also presented. This site contains a wealth of holiday information on, Cairns hotels, The Daintree Rainforest, Palm Cove accommodation, Cape York, Cooktown and Cape Tribulation. For an island alternative to the Great Barrier Reef that still allows snorkelling and diving on ocean reefs - experience Fiji holidays - full of beach fun and relaxation. For a huge range of Fiji resorts and bures right on the beach visit our site today. One of Australia's most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world's largest coral reef. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the worlds most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and pulling away from it, and viewing it from a greater distance, you can understand why. It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space. Discover more about Australia's greatest natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef. The most significant threat to the Great Barrier Reef is climate change. Mass coral bleaching events due to rising ocean temperatures occurred in of the summers of 1998, 2002 and 2006, and coral bleaching will likely become an annual occurrence. Climate change has implications for other forms of life on the Great Barrier Reef as well - some fish's preferred temperature range lead them to seek new areas to live, thus causing chick mortality in seabirds that prey on the fish. Climate change will also affect the population and available habitat of sea turtles. Another key threat faced by the Great Barrier Reef is pollution and declining water quality. The rivers of north eastern Australia provide significant pollution of the Reef during tropical flood events with over 90% of this pollution being sourced from farms. Farm run-off is polluted as a result of overgrazing and excessive fertiliser and pesticide use. Due to the range of human uses made of the water catchment area adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, water quality has declined owing to the sediment and chemical runoff from farming, and to loss of coastal wetlands which are a natural filter. It is thought that the mechanism behind poor water quality affecting the reefs is due to increased light and oxygen competition from algae. The crown-of-thorns starfish is a coral reef predator which preys on coral polyps. Large outbreaks of these starfish can devastate reefs. In 2000, an outbreak contributed to a loss of 66% of live coral cover on sampled reefs in a study by the CRC Reefs Research Centre.Outbreaks are believed to occur in natural cycles, exacerbated by poor water quality and overfishing of the starfish's predators.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 3,000 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia.The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms.This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life, and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. CNN has labelled it one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The Queensland National Trust has named it a state icon of Queensland. A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which helps to limit the impact of human use, such as overfishing and tourism. Other environmental pressures to the reef and its ecosystem include water quality from runoff, climate change accompanied by mass coral bleaching, and cyclic outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish. The Great Barrier Reef has long been known to and utilised by the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is an important part of local groups' cultures and spirituality. The reef is a very popular destination for tourists, especially in the Whitsundays and Cairns regions. Tourism is also an important economic activity for the region. Fishing also occurs in the region, generating AU$ 1 billion per year Due to its vast biodiversity, warm clear waters and its accessibility from the floating guest facilities called 'live aboards', the reef is a very popular destination for tourists, especially scuba divers. Tourism on the Great Barrier Reef is concentrated in the Whitsundays and Cairns due to their accessibility, which make up 7% of the area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park The Whitsundays and Cairns have their own Plans of Management. Many cities along the Queensland coast offer daily boat trips to the reef. Several continental and coral cay islands have been turned into resorts, including the pristine resort island of Lady Elliot Island. As of 1996, 27 islands on the Great Barrier Reef supported resorts.

Conchi : ARUBA Travel Tourism Hotel World Heritage

2009-05-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

Conchi : ARUBA

The Conchi is a natural pool on the northern side of the island of Aruba. It is hidden in a natural rock formation that juts into the ocean, just off the shore of the island. Aruba is a Caribbean island 15 miles north of the coast of Venezuela. Aruba is an amazing vacation spot, one you'll not soon forget, but there are a number of basic facts you should know about the island before you go. The following information will equip you with facts such as social customs and what to pack for your trip. Arubans are generous, friendly, and laid-back people who are, for the most part, extremely open and helpful to visitors. They know how much tourism means to the welfare of their island and will very often go out of their way to make you happy. It's only fair that you return the favor by being aware of the few courtesies you may not know about. First, it is considered inappropriate to wear beach clothes anywhere other than the beach. When walking around the city streets or the natural wonders of the interior, dress properly. Nothing fancy, shorts and a T-shirt are fine, but bikinis are not acceptable attire. Second, return the courteous nature of the Arubans. It is considered polite to properly greet someone when you address them. Any polite salutation is fine, as long as you acknowledge their presence. It is rude to walk up and ask a local a question without first saying hello. Also, although it is not as serious an issue on the island of Aruba as it is on other islands, it is always a good idea to ask someone's permission before you take their picture, no matter where on the island you travel. It's hard to believe that there's so much to see on an island only 20 miles long, but Aruba has enough to fill more than one vacation. Below is a brief description of some of the areas on the island.

Aruba's incredibly blue waters are alive with neon-yellow fish, flame-bright coral reefs and billowing rainbow-colored sails. Aruba is famous for its windsurfing, try it at Fisherman's Huts. Try snorkeling, scuba diving, Rent a sailboat, go deep-sea fishing, do some water skiing. Or go for a lazy swim. However you choose to enjoy Aruba's refreshing, translucent sea, you'll find the conditions are blissful. There are also several hidden little bays around Aruba, as well as our incredible Conchi, or natural pool. On the Atlantic side of the Aruba, the water is quite different. Here, you'll find crashing white waves that brush against the jagged rock coast. While it's truly a sight to behold, swimming is reserved for the warm, tranquil waters off the leeward coast. Aruba's beaches consist of white sand and calm waters, each with it's own flavor to suit your taste. They are considered to be some of the best beaches in the world. Hadikurari Beach is located just south of the lighthouse near the northwestern tip of Aruba and is known for terrific snorkeling. Palm Beach is famous for calm waters and is located right in front of the luxurious high-rise hotel stretch of the island. Eagle Beach is a popular public beach for locals, replete with shaded picnic areas and plenty of parking right off the main road. Several low-rise hotels are nearby, just off the street from the beach. Rodgers Beach features a slightly rough surf. It is located close to the Baby Beach, offering shady areas and shower facilities. It was a popular place for those that worked at the oil refinery and their families. Baby Beach is located in the area known as Seroe Colorado at the southeastern end of the island. It got its name because the calm and shallow waters make it ideal for children and/or inexperienced swimmers. Snorkelers will enjoy gorgeous coral heads in the channel.

The southern coast of Aruba is protected from the rough waters of the open Atlantic Ocean and the Northeastern Trade Winds. Here you will find the most calm and beautiful beaches, as well as the island's capital city, Oranjestad, which is the commercial and tourism center of the island and a popular port of call for many Caribbean cruises. The most well-maintained roads run along the southern coast and out of Oranjestad, making it the quickest route from one end of the island to the other. De Palm Island is just a five-minute boat ride south of the mainland, and ferries depart every half hour. Some of the most popular beach-going and diving spots can be found in this area. West End The western end of the island is both beautiful and historical, boasting Palm Beach in the south, with its beautiful beaches and exquisite resorts, and the California Dunes on the northern peninsula, where you'll find the historic California lighthouse. There are few better places in the world to watch the sunset. North Coast The northern coast of Aruba is exposed to the rugged open seas of the Atlantic, and instead of beaches, you'll find magnificent rock formations carved out by the waves. Many of Aruba's most well-known natural wonders can be found along the north coast, including the Natural Pool,"Conchi," and Aruba's most visited natural wonder, the Natural Bridge. Be prepared with lots of film for scenic stops along this rugged coast. East End The east end of the island is where many of the more remote tourist areas can be found, such as Rincon, Colorado Point, Baby Beach, and San Nicolas Bay. Several well-known resorts call this region home, and with good reason. The Coastal Oil Refinery is on this end of the island as well. Interior The interior of Aruba is a hilly, rocky haven of natural beauty. The hilly desert is spotted with the fascinating divi divi trees that have become a signature of Aruba's landscape. Ruins of gold mines, caves full of native paintings, and historic buildings can be found throughout the interior. Here you will also find Arikok National Park, which takes up 20 percent of the island and hosts distinctive cave paintings and a captivating refuge for flora and fauna.

Coral Triangle : INDONESIA/ MALAYSIA/ PAPUA NEW GUINEA/ PHILIPPINES/ SOLOMON ISLANDS/ TIMOR-LESTE Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

Coral Triangle : INDONESIA/ MALAYSIA/ PAPUA NEW GUINEA/ PHILIPPINES/ SOLOMON ISLANDS/ TIMOR-LESTE

The Coral Triangle is a geographical term referring to the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste with an abundance of coral reef. It is listed by World Wildlife Fund as one of the top priority for conservancy of marine life and the focus of its WWF Coral Triangle Program launched in 2007. The Coral Triangle has been identified as covering more than 1,600,000,000 acres (6,500,000 km2), with over 600 reef-building coral species which encompasses 75 percent of all species known in the world. More than 3,000 species of fish live in the Coral Triangle, including the largest fish - the whale shark, and the living fossil coelacanths. The Coral Triangle is a geographical term referring to the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste with an abundance of coral reef. It is the most diverse marine environment in the world - listed by WWF as the top priority for marine conservation and the focus of its WWF Coral Triangle Program launched in 2007. The Coral Triangle has been identified as covering more than 5.4 million square kilometers, with over 600 reef-building coral species which encompasses 75 percent of all species known in the world. More than 3,000 species of fish live in the Coral Triangle, including the largest fish - the whale shark, and the living fossil coelacanths.Coral reefs and other marine habitats within this region are severely threatened by human activities. Over 150 million people live within the Coral Triangle, of which an estimated 2.25 million are fishers that depend on marine resources for their livelihood. The most pervasive threats are overfishing, threatening 64% of Southeast Asia's reefs, and destructive fishing practices, threatening two-thirds of the reefs in the Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan, and 50% of the reefs in Indonesia. Sedimentation and pollution associated with coastal development and changes in land use also put 37% of the regions reefs and marine habitats at risk.

Spanning eastern Indonesia, parts of Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands (see the map), the Coral Triangle is the global center of marine biodiversity and one of the world’s top priorities for marine conservation. This extraordinary expanse of ocean covers an area of 2.3 million square miles (5.7 million km2), the equivalent to half of the entire United States. It is home to over 600 reef-building coral species, or 75% of all species known to science, and more than 3,000 species of reef fish. Over 150 million people live within the Coral Triangle, of which an estimated 2.25 million fishers are dependant on marine resources for their livelihoods. Applying the latest science, The Nature Conservancy is working with a range of partners to protect the coastal and marine ecosystems of this vast area by addressing key threats, such as over-fishing, destructive fishing, and mass coral bleaching. Rising water temperatures, sea levels and acidity in the vast region threaten to destroy reefs in Southeast Asia's Coral Triangle, a region labelled the ocean's answer to the Amazon rainforest, the WWF report said. Collapse of the reefs would send food production in the region plummeting by 80 percent and imperil the livelihoods of over 100 million people, forcing many to move from coastal villages to teeming cities, it warned. "If we don't do anything, then the reefs are going to be gone by the end of this century and the impact on food security and livelihoods will be very significant," Lida Pet Soede, WWF Coral Triangle Initiative Network head, said. "Some of the locations in the Coral Triangle are really important areas for all sorts of fish. The migration of tuna and turtles that spawn in the Coral Triangle are not going to have a next generation." Saving the Coral Triangle will require countries to commit to deep cuts in carbon gas emissions when they gather for global climate talks in the Danish capital Copenhagen in December to work out a successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol. bnCuts of 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050 would be needed to avert the worst effects on the region, home to more than half the world's coral reefs and a lynchpin for ocean life in the region. Heat-trapping carbon gases - notably from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas - are blamed for warming Earth's atmosphere and driving changes to weather patterns.

The Coral Triangle is defined as the global epicenter of marine species diversity and is one of the top priorities for marine conservation. This magnificent region of the ocean covers an area of 5.7 million km2 and contains more than one-third of all the world's coral reefs. It harbors more than 600 species of reef-building coral, or 75% of all known coral species, and over 3,000 species of reef fish. It also holds nearly 75% of the world's mangrove species, over 45% of seagrass species, 58% of tropical marine mollusks, five species of sea turtles and at least 22 species of marine mammals also occur in the region - an astounding level of diversity concentrated in less than 1% of the world ocean's surface area. Moreover, large numbers of these species occur nowhere else, including 97 species of reef fishes endemic to Indonesia, and more than 50 in the Philippines. In broad geographical terms, the Coral Triangle includes portions of two biogeographic regions and encompasses East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia (Sabah), Papua New Guinea, Philippines and Solomon Islands. Indonesia and the Philippines together hold a massive 77% of the regions' coral reefs. As well as the loss of one of the world's most diverse underwater ecosystems, the knock on effect would be the collapse of coastal economies that supports around 100 million people, according to the WWF- commissioned study outlined at the World Ocean Conference this week. The Coral Triangle includes 30 percent of the world's reefs, 76 percent of global reef building coral species and more than 35 percent of coral reef fish. However the authors of the study believe that effective global action on climate change and regional attention to problems of over-fishing and pollution would prevent catastrophe. The report presents two different possible futures for the world's richest marine environment -- the coasts, reefs and seas of the six countries of Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Timor Leste. "In one world scenario, we continue along our current climate trajectory and do little to protect coastal environments from the onslaught of local threats," said Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg of the University of Queensland in a press statement. "In this world, people see the biological treasures of the Coral Triangle destroyed over the course of the century by rapid increases in ocean temperature, acidity and sea level, while the resilience of coastal environments also deteriorates under faltering coastal management. Poverty increases, food security plummets, economies suffer, and coastal people migrate increasingly to urban areas."

Milford Sound Fiord : NEW ZEALAND World Heritage Travel Tourism Hotel

2009-05-31T07:37:00.000-07:00

Milford Sound Fiord : NEW ZEALAND

Milford Sound, located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island, is located within the Fiordland National Park. It runs 15 km inland from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 1200 m or more on either side. Among its most striking features are Mitre Peak, rising 1,692 m above the sound, the Elephant at 1,517 m and resembling an elephant’s's head, and Lion Mountain, 1,302 m, in the shape of a crouching lion. Lush rain forests cling precariously to these cliffs, while seals, penguins and dolphins populate the water. “For thousands of feet upwards the eye looks upon straight cut rocky frontages, not worn smooth by time, or by wind or water, but as sharply defined and as fresh looking in all respects as if riven asunder but yesterday by the stupendous wedges of Titanic Masons.“ James Hingston 1883 .The Maori were the first to attribute the creation of the fiords to a “titanic mason”, Tute Rakiwhanoa who hued out the steep sided valleys with keen edged adzes. No other explanation seems to fit, as it is impossible to comprehend the sheer breadth of geological events that created this seemingly perfect sculpture, as sheer cliffs rise vertically upward from the ocean. Milford is by far the best known of all of the fiords and the only one that can be accessed by road. It is approximately 16km from the head of the fiord to the open sea, which means visitors can comfortably travel the length of the fiord to open ocean and return on one of the many cruise options available in one and a half to two hours cruising time. The Milford Road: One of the most incredible and frequently overlooked features of Milford Sound is the journey to get there. The Milford Road is a stunning alpine drive. Visitors need to allow plenty of time to stop at the numerous viewing points or short walking opportunities en route, just to get out of the car and drink in the spectacular scenery and the sheer scale of the landscape. At 119km (approx 74 miles) from Te Anau to Milford Sound, the sealed road takes a minimum of 2 hours driving without allowing for stops. Motorists are advised to fill vehicles with petrol in Te Anau, although supplies are available at Gunns Camp in the Hollyford Valley and at Milford Sound.

Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, only four hours drive from Queenstown or a two hour drive from Te Anau is one of New Zealand's finest natural assets with spectacular views, waterfalls and wildlife. Milford Sound is arguably one of the most beautiful and spectacular places on Earth. Milford Sound was once a long, deep valley gouged out of the rock by millions of years of glacial activity. Eventually the valley entrance was became open to the sea and icy waters of the Tasman sea flooded into the valley creating the Sound. Milford Sound is often called a fiord (Fjord), which is a term given to a steep sided inlet created by glacial activity and is common on the coastline of Norway. The untouched majesty and grandeur of Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park are a world treasure. It is a uniquely awesome sight to behold the fiord and its encompassing cliffs. The walls enclosing Milford Sound rise vertically about 300 metres from the sea floor to the relatively calm surface of the fiord. They then form sheer cliffs, some rising over 1600 metres above the fiord. This is truly a spectacular sight. Breathtaking in beauty and fascinating geologically, the spectacular scenery of the fiord can be experienced on a tour from the water on a cruise with companies such as Red Boat Cruises or by air on a scenic flight. An underwater experience should not be missed at the Milford Deep Underwater Observatory. Milford Sound is simply stunning. It is a natural wonder of world fame. In Maori legend, the fiords were created not by rivers of ice, but by Tu Te Raki Whanoa, a godly figure who came wielding a magical adze and uttering incantations. Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is without doubt his finest sculpture. Whatever the fiord’s mood - teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water - it will inspire you. Nowhere else in Fiordland do the mountains stand as tall, straight out of the sea. In the foreground of the fiord stands the legendary Mitre Peak, a remarkable presence dominating the skyline. The most asked question about Milford and Doubtful is "Which is the best Fiord" and the honest truth is there isnt an easy answer, you have to experience them both to see which appeals to you most. For me the fiords are about how you experience them. Milford is a short narrow Fiord and therefore is dramatic and spectacular and whether you take a cruise or become apart of it by kayaking you will enjoy it's breathtaking beauty. Because it is easily accessible by the Milford road it is a cheaper option and provides the opportunity by not only experiencing the fiord but the many scenic highlights & short walks along the way. Making for a great day out. Doubtful is remote wild and expansive, so before you even reach the Fiord a boat cruise across Lake Manapouri (considered the most beautiful lake in the world)& then bus over the Wilmot pass past the wild moss gardens. This in itself is a wonderful journey. An experience on Doubtful really makes you feel like you are in the wilderness with a lot less tourism it provides a totally different experience to Milford Sound

Milford Sound was incorrectly named as it is not actually a sound, rather a fiord. A fiord is a valley which has been inundated by the sea, as the result of glaciers eroding the valley floor in the past, below todays sea level. Milford Sound is the most accessable of 14 fiords in the Fiordland National Park and one of the most spectacular. Boat trips on this fiord are available and will take you right out to the open sea and back again. The trip passes many waterfalls and you even get an opportunity to drink from the worlds cleanest water if you hold a cup in the air as the boat passes underneath some of the waterfalls. Seals can be seen sunbathing on the rocks and dolphins usually follow the boat just to make sure you don't get lost. This fiord is just as spectacular under the sea as above. The first few feet of water in the fiord is fresh and is the result of runoff from the melting snow on the mountains. Below that layer of fresh water is the salt water of the Tasman Sea. This unique combination of fresh and salt water tricks the deep sea plants to grow near the surface and provides divers are rare opportunity to see them. Divers can also be rewarded with the opportunity to see a rare black coral that grows here and which is unique to this area. Underwater world: Yet another unique feature of the Fiordland environment is life under the fiord. Beneath the water, the mountains continue to plunge down as steep rock walls until they reach the floor of the fiord at depths of 100-450m. Few visitors are aware that below the tide line there exists a fascinating and unique world. A fresh water layer that sits on top of the seawater filters light to allow normally deep water dwelling species to exist very close to the surface. A visit to the Underwater Observatory or a guided dive tour allows access to sights rarely revealed to human visitors. Click here for information on the underwater observatory or dive information

Cliffs of Moher : IRELAND Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

Cliffs of Moher : IRELAND

Located in county Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are amongst the most impressive places to see in Ireland. The cliffs consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone, with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. One can see 300 million year old river channels cutting through the base of the cliffs.There are many animals living on the cliffs, most of them birds. The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top Visitor attractions. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. The Cliffs of Moher are home to one of the major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds in Ireland. The area was designated as a Refuge for Fauna in 1988 and as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive in 1989. Included within the designated site are the cliffs, the cliff-top maritime grassland and heath, and a 200 metre zone of open water, directly in front of the cliffs to protect part of the birds' feeding area. The designation covers 200 hectares and highlights the area's importance for wildlife.

The Cliffs of Moher (Irish: Aillte an Mhothair, lit. cliffs of the ruin, also known as the Cliffs of Mohair) are located in the parish of Liscannor at the south-western edge of the Burren area near Doolin, which is located in County Clare, Ireland. The cliffs rise 120 meters (394 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head, and reach their maximum height of 214 meters (702 ft) just north of O'Brien's Tower, eight kilometres away. The cliffs boast one of Ireland's most spectacular views. On a clear day the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay, as are the valleys and hills of Connemara. O'Brien's Tower is a round stone tower at the approximate midpoint of the cliffs. It was built by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, a descendant of Ireland's High King Brian Boru, in 1835, as an observation tower for the hundreds of tourists that frequented the cliffs even at that date. From atop that watchtower, one can view the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, the Maum Turk Mountains and the Twelve Pins to the north in Connemara, and Loop Head to the south. Moher tower, located at Hag's Head, is a square stone ruin which is believed[who?] to be the remains of a watchtower placed during Napoleon's reign in Europe.

This is a typical Burren landscape, sculpted into limestone pavements which are eroded in a form known as farren, crisscrossed by vertical cracks called grykes. The Irish for Burren is Bhoireann, "a stony place". Rain falling on The Burren pavements pours right through and as it does, the acid rain dissolves the limestone and creates caves and potholes which flood in the winter. Potholers or speliologists flock to The Burren to explore these caves, which can be extremely dangerous for novices. The biggest cave open to the public is Aillwee Cave outside Ballyvaughan, and it is well worth a visit. The visitors centre is beautifully designed to blend with the mountain. The Burren limestones were laid down at the end of the Lower Carboniferous period. For millions of years afterwards sand and mud were washed on top of them and these sediments formed shale and flagstones, which can be best seen at the cliffs of Moher, where they plunge 700 feet to the sea and extend for five miles.Not technically part of the Burren, but close enough to be included. I walked the cliff path from Hag's Head to the cliffs of Moher again last year, with my friends Thérèse and Paul. It was January 2nd, a bitterly cold day which was redeemed by the sunshine and the spectacular views. And by the fact that the visitor center was open at the Cliffs when we got there, serving soup and brown bread. They are staying open all year for the first time this year, another sign of the lengthening tourist season in Ireland.There aren't many birds to be seen at the Cliffs in winter, but come springtime you can see thousands of guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars and shags. I saw choughs there last summer, and puffins on Goat Island at Easter. The catamaran which sails from Liscannor during the summer does a sunset tour under the Cliffs, which gives you a great vantage point from the sea. Joe Vaughan, who managed the tourist center in O'Brien's Tower for many years and knows more about the cliffs than most people, assures me that the puffins come back every year on April 12 th. Give them a few days grace for the long journey, and for being so spectacular.

Marovo Lagoon : SOLOMON ISLANDS Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

Marovo Lagoon : SOLOMON ISLANDS

Marovo Lagoon is the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. It is on the New Georgia Islands, which are part of the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Marovo Lagoon is the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. It is located in the New Georgia Islands, north of Vangunu Island, at 8.48°S 158.07°E. There are many islands in the lagoon, some of which are inhabited. The people live mainly by subsistence agriculture and fishing and speak the Marovo language. The lagoon is a popular destination for diving. Western Province is perhaps the most visited region of the Solomons. It is home to many Melanesian and some I-Kiribati (settlers from the Gilbert Islands in the 1950's and 60's) tribes who appreciate and welcome visitors. The main two languages are Marovo and Roviana, although there are many other languages spoken, too.
The province has as its centerpiece the largest double barrier lagoon in the world, Marovo Lagoon, nominated for World Heritage Listing. Literally thousands of islands scatter the lagoon, from tiny coral islets on the fringing reef to massive 1600m volcanic islands (some are still active and can be visited such as Simbo and the undersea volcanoes near Ngattokae such as Kavachi ). Inside the lagoon, the islands are surrounded by spectacular coral formations and white sand beach, the lagoon waters shimmering in every shade of blue, turquoise and jade green. Rightly so, the region is a world renowned scuba dive location, with not only the natural wonders to marvel at, but WW2 ships and aircraft, too. There are internationally accredited dive companies and schools in several centres including Gizo, Munda and Uepi Island Resort. Gizo, the capital, is a quiet peaceful town, but has all the facilities needed by visitors, such as banks (ANZ, NBSI), luxury hotels, guesthouses and backpacker accommodation, bars, restaurants, custom dancing and arts available (the region is famous for its carvings such as ebony marine carvings inlaid with nautilus shell). A splendid market, sports fishing boat hire and even surfing areas, all accessible from Honiara via Solomon Airlines which flies twice a day, and Pacific Airlink which also has several weekly flights. There are numerous airfields serviced by both companies scattered around Marovo Lagoon. Local guides are available for historical and cultural tours and bush walks to tambu sites.

The Western Province was an area feared for head hunting in the 19th Century. The use of human heads or skulls was central in the burial customs and death beliefs of many of the Marovo Lagoon islands' people. Frequent raiding took place between islands in search of heads which were used in many rituals including burials and the launching of new Tomoko (war canoes). Raids extended not only within Marovo Lagoon, but also as far as Guadalcanal and Isabel, where the southern coast became so depopulated and terrorised that the remaining population were reduced to building and find shelter in tree forts. Prior to about 1850 the situation had calmed down for a long time during the so called "Great Peace"; however, the arrival of Europeans with iron axes to trade quickly destabilised the region leading to renewed raiding. Of all the Western Province, Roviana was the most feared for head hunting. War canoes carried carved figureheads called nguzu nguzu on their prows in the shape of a dog with either a skull or a dove in it's paws depending on the ill or goodwill of the mission.

Uepi Island Resort situated on the magnificent Marovo Lagoon. Uepi enjoys an international reputation for world class scuba diving & snorkeling, romantic honeymoons, exciting cultural & nature tours, 'Get-A-Way' relaxation & genuine Pacific Island hospitality. The kayak expeditions commence in the outstanding environment of the Marovo Lagoon; about 90 kms long & 6 kms wide, bounded on one side by a tropical barrier reef & on the other by two mountainous islands. The tours may extend to Nono Lagoon or outer ocean areas. KAYAK SOLOMONS expedition paddlers travel the lagoon, experience its great reefs, beaches, islands & forests, meeting the friendly Marovo people & learning about their culture. The Solomon Islands: " The Islands Lost in Time" are often described as "the Last Frontier of the Pacific". Reputedly the longest lagoon in the southern hemisphere (if not the world); nominated for World Heritage listing; described by James A Michener as "the eighth wonder of the world". A barrier reef island, covered in rainforest, defined by fringing reef and sandy beach; flanked by the warm waters of the lagoon on one side, and the oceanic depths (6000ft/2000m) of "The Slot", a deep marine abyss, on the other. A relaxed and intimate resort, providing the chance to experience the natural wonder and culture of this authentic and exciting part of the Pacific.

Red Sea Reef : DJIBOUTI/ EGYPT/ ERITREA/ ISRAEL/ JORDAN/ SAUDI ARABIA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

Red Sea Reef : DJIBOUTI/ EGYPT/ ERITREA/ ISRAEL/ JORDAN/ SAUDI ARABIA

The Red Sea is a rich and diverse ecosystem. More than 1,100 species of fish have been recorded in the Red Sea, and around 10% of these are found nowhere else. The rich diversity is in part due to the 1,240 miles of coral reef extending along its coastline; these fringing reefs are 5,000-7,000 years old and are largely formed of stony acropora and porites corals. The reefs form platforms and lagoons along the coast and, occasionally, other features such as cylinders. The Red Sea is a salt water inlet of the Indian Ocean between Africa and Asia. The connection to the ocean is in the south through the Bab el Mandeb sound and the Gulf of Aden. In the north are the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez (leading to the Suez Canal). The Red Sea is a Global 200 ecoregion. Occupying a part of the Great Rift Valley, the Red Sea has a surface area of about 438,000 km² (169,100 square miles ). It is roughly 2250 km (1398 mi) long and, at its widest point at 355 km (220.6 miles) wide. It has a maximum depth of 2211 m (7254 ft) in the central median trench and an average depth of 490 m (1,608 feet ), but there are also extensive shallow shelves, noted for their marine life and corals. The sea is the habitat of over 1,000 invertebrate species and 200 soft and hard corals and is the world's northernmost tropical sea. The name of the sea may signify the seasonal blooms of the red-coloured (Archabactera) Trichodesmium erythraeum near the water's surface. Some suggest that it refers to the mineral-rich red mountains nearby which are called Harei Edom (הרי אדום). Edom, meaning "ruddy complexion", is also an alternative Hebrew name for the red-faced biblical character Esau (brother of Jacob), and the nation descended from him, the Edomites, which in turn provides yet another possible origin for Red Sea. Another hypothesis is that the name comes from the Himyarite, a local group whose own name means red. Yet another theory favored by some modern scholars is that the name red is referring to the direction South, just as the Black Sea's name may refer to North. The basis of this theory is that some Asiatic languages used color words to refer to the cardinal directions[4]. Herodotus on one occasion uses Red Sea and Southern Sea interchangeably. A final theory suggests that it was named so because it borders the Egyptian Desert which the ancient Egyptians called the Dashret or "red land"; therefore it would have been the sea of the red land.[citation needed The association of the Red Sea with the Biblical account of the Israelite Crossing of the Red Sea is ancient, and was made explicit in the Septuagint translation of the book of Exodus from Hebrew into Koine Greek in approximately the third century B.C. In that version, the Hebrew Yam Suph (ים סוף) is translated as Erythra Thalassa (Red Sea). (See also the more recent suggestion that the Yam Suph of the Exodus refers to a Sea of Reeds).

To anyone standing on its shore and gazing out across its heavenly waters, the Red Sea may seem to be a mislabeling. Its blueness is eternal and anything less red cannot be fantasized. The Red Sea, where the desert meets the ocean, is truly one of the planet’s most exotic and fascinating natural seascape environments. The Red Sea is located between Asia and Africa. At its most northerly point forms the Sinai Peninsula and stretches over 1000 miles south to join the Indian Ocean, between Ethiopia and Yemen. In the north and west are desert plains, while in the south a mountainous region (2642 meters high), which is part of the mountain range stretching from deep in Saudi Arabia, across the Sinai and then into Nubia of the African continent. The Red Sea holds beneath its crystal blue surface an oasis of living creatures, reefs, and coral formation. Its use as a highway between East and West has attracted man since the beginning of time. The Red Sea was created by the movement of plates in the Earth’s surface about 30 million years ago. In that time, the Arab peninsula started to part from Africa along a thin break line which was filled by the ocean’s water. However, "Mother Nature" did not stop there. Twenty million years ago another geological movement started. The Arab peninsula which parted from Africa, started to move to the north. That movement struck resistance in Turkey and swung to the east, and another break line was formed. This one stretching all the way from the northern part of Israel, through the Jordan valley to the Dead Sea, and finally through the Gulf of Eilat to Ras Mohamad at the southern point of the Sinai. The young age of the Gulf of Eilat is what makes it so deep, 100 meters in Dahab and 1800 meters north of the Straits of Tiran. On the other hand, the old Gulf of Suez is relatively shallow, with a 85 meters maximum depth. The Red Sea is still widening at about one-half inch per year, the rift is the youngest region of continental breakup on the planet, allowing geologists to learn about processes that occurred in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans hundreds of millions of years earlier.

The water of the Red Sea is also a vital asset. Surrounding cities are totally dependent on it for household and industrial supplies, and tremendous desalination plants are in operation. These supply drinking water which has been purified to a high standard, as well as non-potable domestic water. Sea water is also used in large quantities by oil refineries and cement works situated along the coastline. The danger of pollution is always present in the Red Sea, particularly from oil spillage. A Royal Decree forbids the discharge of any pollutant substances, including oil, within 100 miles of the Saudi Arabian coastline. Currently, the areas of the Eastern Desert and around the Red Sea have received a great deal of overdue attention. A joint expedition from the University of Delaware and Leiden University and Leiden University has been working at the ancient Red Sea port of Berinike. The past season the Delaware-Leiden team excavated in two areas, opened a total of seven trenches, and found four public buildings. One of the sites contained offering tables, an incense burner, a stela stand and an almost life-size bronze figure of a cloaked woman clasping a snake. Scraps of colorful textile from the Fourth and Fifth centuries A.D. have also been found. In addition, evidence of trade appears in the form of imported coconuts, pepper, and rice. So, while the edges of the Red Sea are being explored, the sea itself is being plunged in a survey of sunken wrecks. The Institute for Nautical Archaeology in Egypt, is continuing the underwater survey started last season, plotting the locations of shipwrecks along the Red Sea coast. For swimmers, divers, traders, industrialists, fishermen, archaeologists, and tourists, the Red Sea has its own kind of incomparability. And even the leisured gazer, speculating the inaccessible blue/red abnormality, can be said to have been given something to think about. The underwater amazement of the Red Sea remains a living tapestry of resounding corals and exotic fish, waiting for you to discover its secrets. Snorkeling is a popular way to view the edge of the reef, especially for those with limited confidence in their swimming ability. Sharks, manta rays, turtles, and eels will take pieces of bread from your hand, and brilliantly colored schools of fish team all around in bewildering color. However, most divers will tell you that there is nothing to beat the thrill of experiencing the depth of the reef and the abounding marine life to be found in the Red Sea. The lure of the reef is such that many novice divers become totally "hooked" and cannot imagine why they have never joined in the fun before. Furthermore, when asked to compare their local diving conditions with those in the Red Sea, they find it a "paradise" with clear visibility, little wave action, and warm temperatures all year long.

Madang Lagoon : PAPUA NEW GUINEA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-31T07:16:00.000-07:00

Madang Lagoon : PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Madang Lagoon on the north Coast of Papua New Guinea is an area approximately 15 km long and 4 km wide, and is considered one of the most biologically diverse marine sites in the Asian Pacific. Some 700 species of coral and over 1000 species of reef fishes live in the lagoon. The outer perimeter consists of a series of islands connected by coral reef. In a grade school in Madang, a town along the north coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG), school children learn that among the different fishing methods used within the lagoon, dynamite is one. This form of collecting fish, though illegal, has become so prevalent here that it has actually made its way into the education system! Fortunately, efforts are being made to stop dynamiting in Madang Lagoon, a 40-square kilometer body of water averaging 30–40 meters deep and spotted with numerous patch reefs and coral islands. The inner coastline contains several deep harbors and fringing reefs, while the seaward edge is bordered by a thin barrier reef that drops to 400 meters. In addition to fishing for both subsistence and income, residents throughout Madang Lagoon collect coconuts for copra marketing or are engaged in small business such as running boats, land transport or trade stores. Gardening of yam, banana, cassava, sweet potato, taro, pumpkin, corn and various greens for consumption or local sale is also popular. Vanilla farming has been newly introduced, but lack of agricultural extension services and unpredictable markets make profiting from this activity uncertain. Many youths take employment at the tuna processing plant just outside of Madang town. Other jobs include government or other formal positions in town. ABSTRACT. Systematic collections have revealed that the Madang Lagoon is a highly heterogeneous reef system which shows an unprecedented diversity of marine invertebrates (e.g., about 180 species of gammaridean Amphipoda). The characteristics of the Madang Lagoon, including its geological origin, physical geography, and physical and biological oceanography, are described and discussed. Traditional names are used for the reefs and islands of the lagoon. An appendix includes a list of all current collecting localities for the Madang Lagoon amphipod project. Coordinates for these collecting localities have been determined using a global positioning device. Our usual dive program consists of 2 morning dives and an afternoon dive. Dive sites are selected on the day based on weather and current conditions. We aim to offer the best site for that day, given the prevailing conditions. Diving is operated by our dive shop at Jais Aben Resort. All bookings are made through reception at the main desk.

Tamlong Tabb lives in Siar Village , located along the inner coast of the lagoon. He is so concerned about dynamiting that he has written several letters to the Member of Parliament in Madang town requesting that something be done to stop it. His clan is the traditional owner of Tab Island , situated four kilometers offshore. The waters around Tab Island are biologically significant in terms of fish stock replenishment; year-round spawning supplies both northern and southern regions of Madang Lagoon as surface currents seasonally reverse direction. After hearing about the protected area at nearby Sinub Island set up a few years earlier, Tamlong’s clan decided to declare Tab a Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which is legally recognized under PNG’s Fauna (Protection and Control) Act of 1966. Tamlong is Chairman of the Tab WMA management committee. Declared in 2000, Tab WMA has different zones for specific usage, including nursery and total no-take areas, as well as gear restrictions (e.g., only hook and line or spears allowed). Visitors may use the site for scuba diving and picnicking for a small fee of 10 Kina (approximately US$3) per person. Management Act of 1998, under which any fisheries officer may arrest persons believed to be in violation. The penalty is a fine of K1,000 (roughly US$300), or imprisonment if the fine cannot be paid. However, punishment is uncertain. Recently, three people were caught using dynamite and their names reported to the police. Neither fine nor sentence, if any, has yet to be levied. The village councilor reported the matter to both the Provincial Fisheries Office and the police. The police claimed they did not take action because there was a fuel shortage at that time, and the fisheries office did not respond at all. Tamlong would like more involvement from the fisheries department in enforcing dynamiting laws and keeping commercial boats out of traditional fishing grounds, which extend three nautical miles out from the high water mark. Lack of coordination in collecting diver fees is another issue. In theory, dive operators collect the money from tourists, and then hand it over to the Tab WMA management committee monthly. "Last month they gave the money to the wrong person," Tamlong remorses. "They didn't ask for identification or anything." How much money is in the Tab WMA account? "We don't have one; we need to establish an account so that dive fees go directly into it and can be used for enhancements of the WMA." The Tuna processing plant on the mainland poses an additional threat to Madang Lagoon. Pollution coming from the plant's wastewater is believed to be the cause for a proliferation of algae on the reefs and a corresponding increase in herbivorous fishes. The non-profit organizations World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Wetlands International-Oceania (WI) have been doing water quality monitoring in the lagoon over the past year, the results of which will be published soon. WWF is also helping the S iar community with water quality monitoring, the samples from which are tested at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology. Additionally, proposed fish pen activities could also contribute to deterioration of water quality in the lagoon. Land-owning clans have agreed not to set up fish pens until a management plan for the entire lagoon is drawn up. However, a new fish pen on floaters has recently been installed at Siar Island to raise Barramundi fish, a project initiated by the European Union Coastal Rural Fisheries Development Project, which gave loans to the communities to implement the project. At the moment, there are no fish in the nets; it remains to be seen what the outcome of fish pen activities will be.

Madang, on PNG's north coast, has the reputation of being one of the most ecologically diverse reef systems in the world. Within this tiny area exists an abundance of reef marine life such as anemones, ghost pipefish, feather stars, mandarin fish, barrel sponges and gorgonian fans to name but a few. It contains up to 1000 fish species, 800 hard and soft corals, 400 nudibranchs and 9 species of anemones. With its reef-fringed lowlands and excellent year round visibility, the area is a highly popular location for both novice and serious divers. Aside from the many sunken ships and WW2 aircraft wrecks which attract a lot of attention, reef and pelagic fish are plentiful. Among the hundreds of species of fish are game fish like tuna, mackerel, barracuda, marlin, yellow fin and wahoo, all a very short range from shore. Volcanic islands and magnificent rugged mountain backdrops make for a magnificent setting from any vantage point. Madang lagoon is an area approximately 15km long and 4km wide, starting from Madang town at the south extreme and stretching to Alexishafen in the north, with the most eastern point being Pig (Tab) island. The outer perimeter of the lagoon consists of a series of islands connected by coral reef. This forms a mini barrier reef of steep walls with each dive site having a variety of coral structures. At several places the outer reef has breaks or passages, allowing for greater water flow on incoming tides and thus an increase in schooling fish life. Within the lagoon are sheltered wrecks and patch reefs which being shallower, allow for more bottom time to appreciate a variety of smaller fish life, shrimp and nudibranchs. Our dive sites are close which means minimal time in boats and plenty of time for diving. Our water is warm, averaging 28 C for most of the year. As the dive shop is located right on the water's edge there is no lugging of heavy dive gear and our house reef means you can shore dive whenever you like.

Beveridge Reef : NIUE Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-31T00:16:00.000-07:00

Beveridge Reef : NIUE

Niue is a small island in the South Pacific Ocean, to the east of Tonga. The Beveridge Reef, now called a drying sand-bar reef, is located some 130 miles east of New Zealand's Niue Island. A small part of the reef is only visible at low tide; most of it is under shallow water. This island, composited by sand and coral, is about 100 by 40 yards in area, and rises up to 4 ft at high tide. Beveridge Reef is a submerged atoll located in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Niue. A small part of the reef is only visible at low tide; most of it is under shallow water. It has been the cause of several fishing boats running aground. During the past twenty years, the Government of Niue has sent several fishing boats to Beveridge with local fishermen on board. The most recent of such trips was on the Tahitian cargo vessel that came to Niue as part of the Tahiti recovery assistance following Cyclone Heta. Commercial fishing boats licensed to fish in Niue waters now frequent Beveridge; however, in 2006 another fishing vessel ran aground, despite the licensing provision that fishing vessels are supposed to stay at least one mile away from the reef.
The "Nicky Lou" of Seattle is a fiberglass hulled fishing vessle that ran aground on the reef. It is mostly intact and above water. We take our wonder in small bits. Although there is no land here, the flat portion of the reef is as wide as a two-lane highway, with less than an inch of water over it at low tide, so it's really fun and interesting to walk on. On a calm day one stands facing the breakers crashing at your feet. Because the fish are so unafraid it's easy to get up close, and we see tiny fish that normally hide in the coral. The colors of the fish here are so intense - there's a pretty black fish with a clear bright orange spot on its tail. Another fish is chartreuse with a vertical blue, white and red stripe bisecting it. They brush past us self-importantly as we walk on the reef, and sometimes they have to swim on their sides to get from one pool to another at low tide. Enormous sting rays - they look like hover-craft - cruise the sand looking for clams and worms to eat, and one or two fish follow them around to catch the leavings as they rise up again to continue their hunt for food. White-tip reef sharks also cruise around looking for clams and other good things to eat. In general the white tip sharks are quite shy - they'll slither into a coral hole and just sit there, and if you go down to look more closely at them they'll swim away until you leave. And a special wonder here: as we snorkeled we noticed individual fish, like drums, about one to two pounds in size, hovering over the sand, barely moving, but they didn't look like they were guarding a nest. What was so peculiar about them was that they'd suddenly disappear. Since the visibility of the water is between 50 and 100 feet, we couldn't figure out where they were going .... we were sure we'd see them if they swam away, no matter how fast they might be. But we never saw one swimming away. A mystery. So we kept our eye on one as we swam toward it, and were amazed to see it bury itself into the sand in an instant, leaving no trace of itself. We assume that it is a choice shark meal and thus the burying defense - now you see it, now you don't.

Peter says that I've told too many people how wonderful Beveridge is - since we got there seven other boats have used our coordinates to come in, and others are on the way. An Australian from the States and a single-hander from Hyannis, Mass., both of whom we had instructed about this place by radio, brought us fresh fruits and tomatoes. As Peter says, visiting yachties bringing the "natives" gifts (I gather we've become rather notorious with the other cruisers out here - we stayed in Beveridge for almost a month - nobody could believe it, [or understand it, I think]). We had fun. Between wreck salvage, shell collecting, snorkeling, and puttering, we kept pretty busy. We hadn't the heart to shoot the fish in the lagoon, they're so tame that it's no sport at all. Also, the sharks seem to feel that the fish in this lagoon are from their private pantry and confiscate those fish that others have shot. We aren't interested in tugs of war with sharks. Unfortunately, for some people the need to kill things is too necessary to their self-image to be suppressed even in this benign place. We finally left Beveridge with the sour taste of the carnage being visited upon it by one of the yachties, who would go out with spear gun to shoot something just because it was too tame to hide from him. Out of boredom one day he and some friends started "monster" fishing, catching and, necessarily killing, one of the reef sharks just for the hell of it. Big fish (wahoo, tuna and dorado) sit outside the lagoon pass and are easily caught by the yachts as they enter the reef. These big fish are too much food for any one yacht, so it has been shared with all boats in the anchorage, obviating the necessity to catch the reef fish. So the fellow killing the groupers and sharks did so out of blood lust, not a need for food. It was with a great deal of regret that we left Beveridge Reef, but we were running out of some necessities, such as toilet paper and butter (rather embarrassing to have allowed ourselves to run low), so we finally, after three days of saying good-bye to the other boats in the lagoon, set sail for the island of Niue, of which we had received some good reports. Only 135 miles west of Beveridge Reef, it was a perfect sail, and we arrived the next morning ready for civilization. We had the fishing gear out earlier, but the only interested party was a Tropic bird that kept dive-bombing our lure. Every time it did we all screamed as loud as we could at it, since fried Tropic bird doesn't sound that appealing. If the wind holds, we should be approaching Beveridge reef (S20 00 W167 46) by Tuesday morning. All well aboard S/V Confetti on a dark, cloudy, but wonderful night!

Beveridge Reef in the South Pacific is an undersea mountain capped by a coral atoll 20º00S 167º47'W. It encloses a lagoon about 4 nM long in a NS direction and about 2nM wide. Apart from breaking seas, the reef is not visible (Pacific Islands Pilot, 1984). As reported by W J Gleeson of the Odyssey in July 1996, Beveridge Reef only barely extends above water, offering shelter to boats who can negotiate its 7m shallow entrance sill. The reef is rather large, about 5 x 4 nM or 9.5 x 7.5 km, about half the length and width of Niue and one quarter it's area. Please note that the sketch on the right is a hand-drawn chart, not suitable for navigation, but its GPS co-ordinates are more reliable than those on present nautical charts. A later report (2004) mentions that the trawler wreck has become invisible. Shallowest part of entrance: S 20º 00.06' W 167º 46.62'. Unlike Niue, Beveridge Reef does not emerge like a raised atoll. Its rim and lagoon are still being built by coral organisms that need to stay submerged in order to grow. This suggests that Beveridge Reef is rather young, from after the last ice age, as the waters rose to what they are now, some 14,000 years ago. Confetti is 200nm west of Rarotonga. That's right, west! We had planned to go north to Suwarrow Island, but the wind was on the nose, and forecast was to remain that way: NW 15-20 knots. So we said, "Let's go west instead!" We are currently en route on a course of 280-degrees true to an uninhabited atoll called, "Beveridge Reef." It is about 125 miles east of the island, Niue, where we intend to afterward go. We may still head north to Suwarrow, after Niue, before going to American Samoa. But we will see what the wind dished out for us. The last 20 hours of sailing have been absolutely delightful, close-reaching and beam-reaching in 15-20 knots today, moving along at an easy 8-knots. In fact the sailing has been the easiest and most lovely sailing of our whole trip. Knock on wood, but with no pressing repairs or big projects I actually sat on deck and read for hours today - a first in a while. It was particularly nice because the air is cooler at this latitude, and the sky has been completely cloud-covered. Not great for the solar panels, but really welcome relief on the skin. Riina also enjoyed a good book, and Matt and Dan did what I suspect they've been doing for much of their 20+year friendship, and talked, chatted, discussed, ranted! It was a great day and Matt is now harnessed into the galley (since we are on starboard tack, heeling away from the stove) cooking us up a good meal.

New Caledonia Barrier Reef : NEW CALEDONIA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-31T00:11:00.000-07:00

New Caledonia Barrier Reef : NEW CALEDONIA

The New Caledonia Barrier Reef is located in New Caledonia in the South Pacific, and is the second-longest coral reef in the world, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The reef encloses a lagoon of 24,000 square km, which has an average depth of 25 m. The reefs lie up to 30 km from the shore, but extend almost 200 km to the Entrecasteaux reefs to the northwest. The reef has great species diversity with a high level of endemism, and is home to endangered dugongs, and is an important nesting site for Green Sea Turtle. The New Caledonia Barrier Reef is located in New Caledonia in the South Pacific, and is the second-longest coral reef in the world, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The New Caledonia Barrier reef surrounds Grand Terre, New Caledonia's largest island, as well as the Ile des Pins and several smaller islands, reaching a length of 1,500 kilometers (930 mi). The reef encloses a lagoon of 24,000 square kilometers (9,300 sq mi), which has an average depth of 25 meters (82 ft). The reefs lie up to 30 kilometers (19 mi) from the shore, but extend almost 200 kilometers (124 mi) to the Entrecasteaux reefs in the northwest. This northwestern extension encloses the Belep Islands and other sand cays. Several natural passages open out to the ocean. The Boulari passage, which leads to Noumea, the capital and chief port of New Caledonia, is marked by the Amedee lighthouse. The reef has great species diversity with a high level of endemism, and is home to endangered dugongs (Dugong dugon), and is an important nesting site for Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas). Most of the reefs are generally thought to be in good health. Some of the eastern reefs have been damaged by effluent from nickel mining on Grand Terre. Sedimentation from mining, agriculture, and grazing has affected reefs near river mouths, which has been worsened by the destruction of mangrove forests, which help to retain sediment. Some reefs have been buried under several meters of silt. In the lagoons of new caledonia there are many water species ranging from plankton to larger fish or even sharks. In January 2002, the French government proposed listing New Caledonia's reefs as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO listed New Caledonia Barrier Reef on the World Heritage List under the name The Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems on 7 July 2008.

The great majority of coral reefs here are reported to be in good health, with the exception of eastern reefs that are harmed by runoff from mines. Nickel mining and brush fires intensify erosion during cyclone flood surges, and coastal development poses an additional threat. A rapid increase in the number of sailing vessels has increased anchor damage on reefs and pollution from direct discharge of sewage. Extensive aquaculture in the region adds nutrients to the water, which results in a rapid growth of harmful algae. Overfishing for the aquarium trade and for commercial, recreational, and subsistence purposes is a large threat. Collection of marine organisms on the reef flats is of increasing concern. Some rare species sought by collectors may be in danger of extinction. An endemic sea bass, along with many other fish species within several different families, lives here. Other residents include water striders, giant clams, and shrimp. Dugongs -- rare relatives of the manatee--graze on sea grass while porpoises catch fish. Green, hawksbill, loggerhead, and leatherback marine turtles spend most of their time in the water but nest on sandy shores. Twenty-three known species of marine birds breed here, including red-footed boobies, sooty terns, and lesser noddies. Fish diversity is high in the New Caledonia Barrier Reef ecoregion. At least 1,000 species have been documented on this reef, which is the second longest barrier reef in the world (after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef), reaching a length of over 900 miles (1,500 km).

The New Caledonia Barrier reef surrounds Grand Terre, New Caledonia's largest island, as well as the Ile des Pins and several smaller islands, reaching a length of 1500 km. The reef encloses a lagoon of 24,000km², which has an average depth of 25 meters. The reefs lie up to 30 kilometers from the shore, but extend almost 200 km to the Entrecasteaux reefs in the northwest. This northwestern extension encloses the Belep Islands and other sand cays. Several natural passages open out to the ocean. The Boulari passage, which leads to Noumea, the capital and chief port of New Caledonia, is marked by the Amedee lighthouse. The reef has great species diversity with a high level of endemism, and is home to endangered dugongs "(Dugong dugon)", and is an important nesting site for Green Sea Turtle "(Chelonia mydas)". Most of the reefs are generally thought to be in good health. Some of the eastern reefs have been damaged by effluent from nickel mining on Grand Terre. The New Caledonia Barrier reef surrounds Grand Terre, New Caledonia's largest island, as well as the Ile des Pins and several smaller islands, reaching a length of 1500 km. The reef encloses a lagoon of 24,000km², which has an average depth of 25 meters. The reefs lie up to 30 kilometers from the shore, but extend almost 200 km to the Entrecasteaux reefs in the northwest. This northwestern extension encloses the Belep Islands and other sand cays. Several natural passages open out to the ocean. The Boulari passage, which leads to Noumea, the capital and chief port of New Caledonia, is marked by the Amedee lighthouse. The reef has great species diversity with a high level of endemism, and is home to endangered dugongs (Dugong dugon), and is an important nesting site for Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas). Most of the reefs are generally thought to be in good health. Some of the eastern reefs have been damaged by effluent from nickel mining on Grand Terre. Sedimentation from mining, agriculture, and grazing has affected reefs near river mouths, which has been worsened by the destruction of mangrove forests, which help to retain sediment. Some reefs have been buried under several meters of silt.

Seven Mile Beach : CAYMAN ISLANDS Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-31T00:06:00.000-07:00

Seven Mile Beach : CAYMAN ISLANDS

Seven Mile Beach is a long crescent of coral-sand beach on the western shore of Grand Cayman island. Despite the name, the beach is only about 5.5 miles long.The Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean Sea. They are the peaks of a massive underwater ridge, known as the Cayman Trench, standing 2,400 m from the sea floor, so barely poking above the surface. Seven Mile Beach (SMB) is a long crescent of coral-sand beach on the western shore of Grand Cayman island. The beach is world renowned for its beauty, recently receiving the honor of "The Caribbean's Best Beach" from Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine. SMB is the most popular and in turn, the most developed area of Grand Cayman and is home to the majority of the island's luxury resorts and hotels. Despite the name, the beach is only about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long and falls victim to annual erosion, which has reduced its size in some areas. Like the rest of Grand Cayman, the development around SMB was severely damaged in Hurricane Ivan in September 2004 but many condominiums & hotels are now running at full or almost full capacity.
Seven Mile Beach is public property, and it is possible to walk the full length past many hotels and villas. There are restaurants open to the public at most of the resorts, and several public beach bars. Some small reefs are located just off shore which offer good snorkelling, most notably by the Marriott hotel (an artificial reef), the Governor's residence, and just north of the public beach. There are few restrictions on use of the beach. Open grilling is allowed, and pets are free to roam the beach off leash. Loud music and public nudity are, however, strictly prohibited.
Directly to the south of Seven Mile Beach is George Town, the capital city of the Cayman Islands, while to the north is the town of West Bay, which features a turtle farm and the limestone formations of Hell. One thing you must remember is not to purchase any turtle shell items. Though precious and beautiful, they are illegal in the US and many other Western countries.

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands is an outstanding choice for couples or families looking for a fabulous Cayman resort or Cayman vacation. Cayman Seven Mile Beach is truly one of the top white sand beaches in the world. The water is crystal clear, and the pace is just right. Come enjoy Seven Mile Beach Grand Cayman for a day, a week, or a month. You can never get enough. Over 100 suites catering to both the short and long term stay, this beautiful resort hotel is right on Seven Mile Beach and an ideal location for families, couples, and business travelers as well. Make provisions for a long term stay as well. Visit the Comfort Suites on Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands for your Cayman vacation Take advantage of the special dive or honeymoon packages available through Comfort suites. When planning your honeymoon you want a special vacation that you will remember forever. Let us help arrange that memorable occasion with our special Seven Mile Beach Honeymoon Package Silver Sands Grand Cayman Condominiums enjoys one of the islands’ loveliest, luxury beachfront condo locations. Situated on the northern end of famous Seven Mile Beach, the eight low-rise buildings are surrounded by acres of tropical flora and fauna. Silver Sands’ convenient location is just secluded enough to provide a true retreat in paradise yet all the best shopping and dining is available just moments away by car. Turquoise waters lapped against Seven Mile Beach's fine white sands under incandescent blue skies. Neck deep in water as clear as a swimming pool, Gail gushed, "Look, I can see my toes! There's tiny fish skittering around." Many shops and restaurants displayed invitations to visit timeshare condominiums and offered cash incentives. We signed up for a meeting, vowing not to buy. We ended up buying but later changed our mind thinking we had a 3-day buyers remorse period. The salesman replied, "That only works in California. Grand Cayman is British territory.

Stingrays have gotten use to people at Grand Cayman. They congregate at Stingray City and the Sand Bar in the North Sound. The water is about 10-12 feet deep at Stingray City and 3-4 feet at the Sand Bar. As each tour boats haul in, the stingrays swim toward the boats looking for handouts. They keep their dangerous barbed stingers safely tucked away as they swim around people. Please note it's important to keep in mind that stingrays are wild creatures. Inexperienced people should not be picking up stingrays as shown in the photo. The waters off of the Cayman Islands are among the best places in the world for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are many dive shops in Georgetown and at major hotels. The West Wall encompasses numerous dive sites. The South Wall offers shallow diving in exotic coral playgrounds. The North Wall features spine-tingling drops that may bring about panic, until you realize you're floating, not falling. The East End contains many of the island's least-explored sites.

Dean's Blue Hole : BAHAMAS Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

Dean's Blue Hole : BAHAMAS

Dean's Blue Hole is the world's deepest blue hole, which plunges 202 m to the ocean floor, west of Clarence Town on Long Island, Bahamas. Dean's Blue Hole is roughly circular at the surface, with a diameter ranging from 25 to 35 m. After descending 20 m, the hole widens considerably into a cavern with a diameter of 100 m. In April 2007, William Trubridge broke a free-diving world record in the blue hole reaching a depth of 84 metres (276 ft) without the use of fins. In April 2008, during the Vertical Blue 2008 free-diving competition, a total of 25 national records and 5 world records were broken. During this event, William Trubridge broke his own world record in the Constant Weight Without Fins (CNF) category reaching 86 metres (282 ft) as well as breaking the record in Free Immersion (FIM) at 108 metres (354 ft). In April 2009, Australian Walter Steyn achieved a new Australian free-diving record of 100 metres (330 ft) at Dean's Blue Hole Blue holes are the results of rainwater having soaked through fractures of limestone bedrock onto the watertable of glacial sea levels during the Pleistocene epoch (ice age), some 15,000 years ago. The maximum depth of other known blue holes and sinkholes is 110 metres (360 ft), which makes the 202 metres (663 ft) depth of Dean's Blue Hole quite exceptional.
Dean's Blue Hole is roughly circular at the surface, with a diameter ranging from 25 to 35 metres (82–110 ft). After descending 20 metres (66 ft), the hole widens considerably into a cavern with a diameter of 100 metres (330 ft). At 203 meters (660 feet), Dean's is the deepest Blue Hole in the world, and the second largest underwater chamber. It is enclosed on 3 sides by a natural rock amphitheatre, and on the third side by a turquoise lagoon and powder white beach. There is never any swell or waves inside the Hole, and visibility is usually between 15 - 30 meters (50 - 100 feet). At the surface the Blue Hole is 25 x 35m (80 x 120 feet), but opens out after 20m (60 feet) into a cavern with a diameter of at least 100m (330 feet). It is still unknown how Dean's Blue Hole was formed, as it is almost twice as deep as any of the other Blue Holes in the Caribbean that were formed when limestone chambers caved in from above. One hypothesis is that a much deeper cave slowed moved upward as its ceiling eroded away. A school of tarpon hang in the shadows at 30m (100 feet) and a friendly turtle sometimes comes into the hole for a break from the ocean swells. The coral caves and sand banks on the side of the entrance harbour all kinds of tropical reef fish, groupers and snappers.

Clues picked up from deeperblue: "There is very little tourist development except on the north end, and that is low key. Most of the population are farmers or commercial fishermen diving for lobster and fish. You will need a vehicle. Car rentals are available, but a little rough by first world standards. Boat rental businesses don't exist.One unfortunate thing, the Bahamas are expensive in US dollars, everything you consume will cost double stateside prices. The best way to do Long Island is get friendly with the natives. There are lots of very good divers there, especially around Salt Pond, and they will be interested in what you're doing. The locals are fantastic people, but the culture takes some understanding. Bahamians don't like to tell you no. Often, yes really means no. You can't push'em. This, the slow pace of life, and limited local resources can make you crazy. The ocean diving is outstanding, but access is tricky. Get someone to take you to Millers, the best structure is just south of the tiny harbor. You can dive the reefs from shore, but that involves a pretty good swim in Very sharky water. I don't reccommend it. For some reason, the reef sharks there can be aggressive as heck. Unless you are in Clarencetown, which has a big harbor, a small skiff in the back of a pickup launched off the beach is by far the best way to handle it. Some of the reefs off Stella Maris (northern end) have suffered much in recent years, I'm not sure about Millers or Clarencetown. Diving out of and just north of Clarencetown used to be fabulous, , 30 meter plus vis(40 m at times), big ledges, sharks sleeping in caves. Acres of huge staghorn in 50-60 ft of water, unbelievable. Clarencetown has some houses for rent, probably not much in Salt Pond. From the description on the above website, it must be closer to Clarencetown, near the end of a section of coast that is sheltered from the southeast trade winds. That should be real good for ocean diving conditions. Spearfishing is fine, and should be fairly productive in deeper water. The reefs, when I saw them, were spectacular. The sharks can be aggressive, (much more than in most of the Bahamas) but if you are diving buddies and a boat(with driver) is close, they shouldn't be a serious problem. Its the long swim with no boat that would make me nervous. You might want to rethink diving offshore, there should be some kind of wall diving, a huge vertical drop that starts about 150 ft and goes to a thousand or more. Very spectacular, especially if you have the depth capacity to get below the lip. One thing for non-local spearos. Big preditors can poison you every now and then. I don't eat big anything, cuda over 5 pounds, black and yellowfin grouper over 15, hogfish over 12, muttons over 6 or 8. No jacks period. Nassau grouper of any size are ok. Ciguatera is not all that common, but is a very nasty, long term, nerve poison."

Better to be called "Green Hole" (the surrounding foliage growth giving it an intensily deep - green colour ... suggesting infinite depth), Dean's Hole is situated in a marvelous setting: About one hour south from Stella Maris, north of pretty harbour village Clarence Town, it sits right at the Atlantic's edge, well protected by high cliffs, enjoying inland bordering by a gorgeous beach and bay. It's just a few steps from your vehicle to the beaches' edge - and there, you stare onto the surface of seemingly infinite depth. It looks inviting - and mysterious. It looks haunted, making you keenly appreciate the ground under your feet! Just put on your goggles, and with a few strokes - you are over it! Take heart, dive in ... just to the edge, perhaps, some 15' down. You got the idea! While swimmers and snorkelers can readily enjoy the uniqueness of this site, above and underwater, for a diver, putting on a tank and going in is a must ... this type of Blue Hole is diving for mystique, diving for depth (caution - naturally we advocate limiting this to safe depths!). It's diving for 'feeling' ... for intensity of awareness: Of sound, of stillness, of the look down, the look up. Yes - you will see some small reeflife along the upper edge ... and you may encounter an occasional turtle, or perhaps a small school of tarpon. Yes - we have seen Porpoise here ... but only by chance. The real thrill is this: You will have been in the World's deepest known Blue Hole - and the World's second largest, waterfilled, cavern body! And the World's eighth largest cave body of any type! Hole starts at depth 6 (18´) meters. 18 (60´) meters wide at start, but about 75 (250´) meters wide further down, * Depth to bottom 200 (663') meters.
Walls dropping vertically all-around. There are tunnels and caves. Not much life inside apart from occasional stray shark. 1992, Jim King, President of Deep Breathing Systems, performed a Mixed Gas Dive to the bottom of Dean's Blue Hole. All known Blue Holes are the results of rainwater having soaked through fractures of limestone bedrock during ice age some 15,000 years ago. The Blue Hole is about 1km from Clarencetown, on the north (Atlantic) side of Long Island. Flights from Nassau are $85 one way ($170 return) to Deadman's Cay. There are local houses to be rented (probably about $100 - 150/ week). Food is reasonably expensive, but fish is easy to catch! Flights to Nassau usually leaves from Miami. This is the place where Will Trubridge traisn for his World record CNF attempts with Mike Lott. From here they will in the future give courses.

Belize Barrier Reef : BELIZE Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T23:53:00.000-07:00

Belize Barrier Reef : BELIZE

Belize Barrier Reef is a series of coral reels off the coast of Belize. Home to a one of the most important ecosystems in the world, the reef system has 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, 500 species of fish and hundreds of invertebrate species. It extends for some 300 km, making it the second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The Belize Barrier Reef is a series of coral reefs straddling the coast of Belize, roughly 300 meters (1,000 ft) offshore in the north and 40 kilometers (25 mi) in the south within the country limits. The Belize Barrier Reef is a 300 kilometers (186 mi) long section of the 900 kilometers (560 mi) long Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is continuous from Cancún on the northeast tip of the Yucatán Peninsula through the Riviera Maya up to offshore Guatemala, making it the second largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. It is Belize's top tourist destination, attracting almost half of its 260,000 visitors, and vital to its fishing industry. Charles Darwin described it as "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies" in 1842. The Belize barrier reef has been affected by two massed bleaching. The first mass bleaching occurred in 1995, with an estimated partial mortality of 10 percent of coral colonies, according to a report by the Coastal Zone Management Institute in Belize. In 1997 and 1998, a second mass-bleaching event occurred, coinciding with devastation wrecked by hurricane Mitch. Biologists observed a 48 percent reduction in live coral cover in the Belize reef system.
Usually it is hard to decide whether the reason for coral bleaching is human activities, natural reasons eg. Storms or climate change. But in the case of the Belize barrier reef most of these factors don’t apply. Human population in this area is much less than in other coral reefs so the human pollution and fishing is much less compared to other coral reefs and the Belize is in a much more enclosed area. When corals do become bleached, they become half dead not alive but not dead in the process of repairing themselves. But the chances of recovery is low, when corals are bleached they become much more vulnerable to disease. Disease often kills more corals than the bleaching themselves. Continuous bleaching and the coral reef will have no chance of recovery. The Belize Barrier Reef platform lies on the Atlantic-Caribbean coast of Belize, and extends 260 kilometers (km) from the border with Mexico to the north, to near the Guatemalan border to the south. The nominated World Heritage Site includes the following areas: Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve (18°11'-18°04'N, 87°48'-87°55'W), which lies 37 km north of San Pedro Town, covering the northernmost part of Ambergris Caye, with its associated reef tract and, on the west, an area of the Chetumal Bay; Laughing Bird Caye National Park (16°25'-16°30'N, 88°09'-88°13'W), 17 km south-east of Placencia Village on the mainland coast; Half Moon Caye Natural Monument (17°14'-17°51'N, 87°29'- 87°34'W) which lies on the south-east edge of the Lighthouse Reef, the most easterly of Belize's atolls, 100 km east of Belize City, includes the entire caye and a substantial portion of the surrounding fringing reef and lagoon; Blue Hole Natural Monument (17°16'-87°32'W) which is located at the center of the Lighthouse Reef; Glover's Reef Marine Reserve (16°38'-16°55'N, 87°39'-87°53'W), which is the southernmost atoll in Belize, lying 45 km east off the mainland coast; South Water Caye Marine Reserve (16°38'-16°55'N, 88°02'-88°13'W), 14km from the mainland coast, the northern boundary being level with Dangriga Town; and Sapodilla Cays Marine Reserve (16°04'-16°11'N, 88°09'- 88°20'W), which covers the southernmost portion of the Barrier Reef, 75 km north-east of the Punta Gorda Town. The Belize Barrier Reef belongs to the Central American biogeographical province.

The Barrier Reef lies about half a mile off the winward side of the island. It is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second longest in the world. To the east of the Barrier Reef are three separate atoll reefs. There is also a fourth atoll reef, Banco Chinchorro, just to the north in Mexican waters, which will be of particular interest to wreck divers. The three Belize atoll reefs are formed on two tiers of submarine ridges: Turneffe and Glover's on one ridge and Lighthouse on a separate ridge farther to the east. This accounts for their similar outlines and NE-SW orientations. Deep marine trenches separate the two ridges. So Charles Darwin referred to the Belize Barrier Reef in 1842, in his study of the origin and evolution of coral reefs. Since then it has become renowned as the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Nearly 260km long, it runs from the northern border of the country, where it is only about 1km offshore, south to the Sapodilla Cayes which lie some 40km offshore. Belize also has one of the most diverse reef ecosystems in the world, with all the main types of reef represented: fringing reefs along the mainland coast; the Barrier Reef itself which grows along the edge of the continental shelf, separated from the mainland by the lagoon; and three offshore atolls (Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe Atoll and Glovers Reef). The presence of atolls is unusual. Most atolls are found in the Pacific, where they form on the top of submerged volcanoes. Very few occur in the Caribbean, and they differ in structure, the three in Belize for example lying on non-volcanic submarine ridges. Fish and invertebrates (notably molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms and corals) predominate, but algae are also abundant. More species of fish are found on reefs than anywhere else in the sea, ranging from large sharks to tiny gobies. Most species on a reef are in fact never seen by divers and snorkellers as they are tiny, cryptic invertebrates that live in cracks and crevices and can be equated with the insects of the tropical rain forest. It is also likely that about 90% of all reef species, particularly the small invertebrates, are still undiscovered: SCUBA diving equipment was invented less than 50 years ago, and most reefs have only relatively recently become accessible to researchers. New species are being described all the time. For example, an entirely new biodiversity 'hotspot' has been discovered on the Belize Barrier Reef in the last two years in the semi-enclosed lagoons of the Pelican Cayes, a group of mangrove covered cayes. These have startlingly rich, colourful and unusual communities of sponges, corals, and other reef species encrusting the mangrove roots and lagoon sides; in one lagoon, over 40 species of seaquirts (a small, primitive, chordate) have been found.

The coastal area of Belize is an outstanding natural system consisting of the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, offshore atolls, several hundred sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries. The system’s seven sites illustrate the evolutionary history of reef development and are a significant habitat for threatened species, including marine turtles, manatees and the American marine crocodile. coral reef that is second in size to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and the largest of its kind in the Northern and Western hemispheres. Extending for more than 180 miles (290 km) along the Caribbean coast of Belize, it maintains an offshore distance ranging from about 1,000 feet (300 m) in the north to 25 miles (40 km) in the south, except at Rocky Point, where it meets the shoreline. The 370-square-mile (960-square-km) area is protected by the contiguous Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve (established 1996), Blue Hole Natural Monument (1996), Half Moon Caye Natural Monument (1982), Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve (1993), South Water Caye Marine Reserve (1977), Laughing Bird Caye National Park (1991), and Sapodilla Marine Reserve (1996). Belize, the small Caribbean/Central American country with the longest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere; Belize, with over 60% of its land still covered by tropical forests; Belize, the center of the once powerful Mayan civilization. Now, for the first time we present 4 guided tours of Belize rich with information and beautiful photography. Explore Belize’s rich Mayan history; wander through a sample of our protected areas - marine and terrestrial; visit our 6 districts and their major towns; or tour the entire site.

Ilulissat Icefjord : GREENLAND Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T23:47:00.001-07:00

Ilulissat Icefjord : GREENLAND

The Ilulissat Icefjord runs west 40 kilometres from the Greenland Ice Sheet to Disko Bay close to Ilulissat town. At its eastern end is the Jakobshavn Isbræ glacier, the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere. The glacier flows at a rate of 20-35 metres per day, resulting in around 20 billion tonnes of icebergs calved off and passing out of the fjord every year. Icebergs breaking from the glacier are often up to a kilometer in height large that they are too tall to float down the fjord and lie stuck on the bottom of its shallower areas, sometimes for years, until they are broken up by the force of the glacier and icebergs further up the fjord. Ilulissat (Danish: Jakobshavn from founder Jakob Severin) is a town in the Qaasuitsup municipality in western Greenland, located approximately 200 km (120 mi) north of the Arctic Circle. With the population of 5,072, (2008)[2] it is the third largest settlement in Greenland after Nuuk and Sisimiut. In direct translation, Ilulissat is the Greenlandic word for "the icebergs". Ilulissat is Greenland's most popular tourist destination on account of its proximity to the picturesque Ilulissat Icefjord. Tourism is now the town's principal industry. The Ilulissat Icefjord (Ilulissat Kangerlua) runs west 40 km (25 mi) from the Greenland ice sheet to Disko Bay close to Ilulissat town. At its eastern end is the Jakobshavn Isbræ glacier, the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. The glacier flows at a rate of 20–35 m (66–110 ft) per day, resulting in around 20 billion tonnes of icebergs calved off and passing out of the fjord every year. Icebergs breaking from the glacier are often so large (up to a kilometer (3,300 ft) in height) that they are too tall to float down the fjord and lie stuck on the bottom of its shallower areas, sometimes for years, until they are broken up by the force of the glacier and icebergs further up the fjord. On breaking up the icebergs emerge into the open sea and initially travel north with ocean currents before turning south and running into the Atlantic Ocean. Larger icebergs typically do not melt until they reach 40-45 degrees north (further south than the United Kingdom and level with New York City). The Ilulissat Icefjord was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

The Ilulissat Icefjord is situated in western Greenland, north of the Arctic Circle. It has been inscribed because of its unique glaciological characteristics and its scenic beauty. The site consists of Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier draining the inland icecap op Greenland, and the iceberg-filled fjord named Kangia. It also takes in part of the inland ice itself and some of the surrounding land. Ilulissat Icefjord is the pre-eminent glacier in the northern hemisphere. Although there are many more glacier-related sites on the World Heritage List, this site is only surpassed by Antarctica in terms of size and calving. The Inland Ice and the ice stream Sermeq Kujalleq that terminates in the interior of Kangia are celebrated natural phenomena that have attracted world-wide scientific interest since the first descriptions in the 18th century. The calving front of Sermeq Kujalleq is 5 km long. The extremely high velocity of 19 metres a day, makes it one of the world's fastest glaciers. It produces 35 cubic kilometres of ice a year and is responsible for one-tenth of the total production of icebergs from the Inland Ice. The icebergs fill the fjord Kangia, and vary in size from small blocks to giants of 1.5 cubic kilometres of ice or more. Really large icebergs are rare, but they can always be seen at the mouth of the icefjord, where they run aground on the threshold of Isfjeldsbanken The book on the Ilulissat Icefjord site was prepared by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), and includes many contributions from relevant specialists. The book is a popular version of the nomination volume. The parties involved in the preparation of the original nomination report agreed to publication in book-form, in Greenlandic, Danish and English versions, of a volume that a wider range of readers can enjoy. We hope that those who enjoy reading this book, and admire the varied and fascinating illustrations, will feel tempted to spend a few summer days at Sermermiut, from where the beauty of the icefjord can be properly appreciated.

Ilulissat Icefjord is the first site in Greenland and one of the first in the Arctic to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List among numerous other world famous localities. Ilulissat Icefjord possesses great beauty created by the Inland Ice, the glaciers and the majestic icebergs. The area’s abundant animal life has for thousands of years made it possible for people to inhabit this otherwise inhospitable environment. The icefjord is of international importance to the geosciences and numerous expeditions have for more than 250 years explored the area. Read about the glacier fed by the Inland Ice, the formation and drift of icebergs, its exploration and the influence of the icefjord on hunter cultures and the modern industry of present-day Greenland. Text and images are based on the book about the icefjord. The complete story is found in the book below. Air Alpha Greenland is based in Odense, Denmark but uses Ilulissat Airport as a hub. Air Greenland, affiliated with the SAS Group, operates air services to Ilulissat. Albatros Travel[3] also offers air services and cruises to Ilulissat. Air Iceland will begin operating air services between Ilulissat and Iceland in July 2009. Arctic Umiaq Line coastal ferry links Ilulissat with Sisimiut, Nuuk, and other towns and settlements on the western and southwestern coast of Greenland. The Ilulissat Icefjord is a tidewater ice-stream located 1,000 km up the west coast of Greenland. It drains into the bay of Disko Bugt (bight) which is partially blocked by the large island of Disko. The Icefjord (locally called Kangia) is the sea mouth of Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the few glaciers through which the ice of the Greenland ice cap reaches the sea. It is the second fastest and most prolific ice-calving tidewater glacier in Greenland producing a constant procession of icebergs and still actively eroding the fjord bed. The surroundings are low heavily glaciated PreCambrian gneiss and amphibolite rocks extending some 50 km inland to the ice cap with flanking lateral moraines and ice-dammed lakes; also lakelets, glacial striations, roches moutonées, and perched erratics typical of glaciated landscapes. The Greenland ice cap, 1.7 million km2 in area, is the only remnant in the Northern Hemisphere of the continental ice sheets of the last Quaternary Ice Age. The icecap formed during the Middle and Late Pleistocene over a once temperate landscape, the south central part of which drained through large rivers to Disko Bugt, still marked as channels under the ice and submarine troughs. The ice cap's oldest ice is estimated to be 250,000 years old, maintained by the annual accumulation of snow matched by loss through calving and melting at the margins. The icecap holds a detailed record of past climatic change and atmospheric conditions (in trapped air bubbles) for this entire length of time, and shows that during the last ice age the climate fluctuated between extreme cold and warmer periods. This ended around 11,550 years ago, since when the climate has been more stable. Around Ilulissat Icefjord, the evidence of glaciation is mainly of the last 100,000 years. This culminated in the 'Little Ice Age' 500-100 years ago when the ice expanded in pulses to a maximum during the 19th century. A glacial recession has occurred during the 20th century. In 1851 the ice front across the fjord was 25 km east of the sea. By 1950 it had retreated some 26 km further east.

Wadden Sea : DENMARK/ GERMANY/ NETHERLANDS Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T23:43:00.000-07:00

Wadden Sea : DENMARK/ GERMANY/ NETHERLANDS

The Wadden Sea is the name given to a body of water and its associated coastal wetlands lying between a section of the coast of northwestern continental Europe and the North Sea. Stretching a total length of some 500 km and has a total area of about 10,000 sq. km, it is typified by extensive tidal mud flats, deeper tidal trenches and islands within this region. It is a rugged coastal area that is continually contested by both land and sea. The landscape was formed in a great part by storm tides in the 10th - 14th century, which destroyed peat land behind the coastal dunes. The Wadden Sea is famous for its rich fauna, avifauna and flora. The Wadden Sea stretches from Den Helder in the Netherlands in the southwest, past the great river estuaries of Germany to its northern boundary at Skallingen north of Esbjerg in Denmark along a total length of some 500 km and a total area of about 10,000 km². The islands in the Wadden Sea are called the Wadden Sea Islands or Frisian Islands, named after the Frisians. However, on the westernmost Dutch island, Texel, the Frisian language has not been spoken for centuries. The Danish Wadden Sea Islands have never been inhabited by Frisians. The outlying German island of Heligoland, although ethnically one of the Frisian Islands, is not situated in the Wadden Sea. The word wad is Dutch for "mud flat" (Low German and German: Watt, Danish: Vade). The area is typified by extensive tidal mud flats, deeper tidal trenches (tidal creeks) and the islands that are contained within this, a region continually contested by land and sea. The landscape has been formed for a great part by storm tides in the 10th to 14th centuries, overflowing and carrying away former peat land behind the coastal dunes. The present islands are a remnant of the former coastal dunes. The islands are marked by dunes and wide, sandy beaches towards the North Sea and a low, tidal coast towards the Wadden Sea. The impact of waves and currents, carrying away sediments, is slowly changing the layout of the islands. For example, the islands of Vlieland and Ameland have moved eastwards through the centuries, having lost land on one side and grown on the other. The Wadden Sea is famous for the rich fauna, avifauna and flora. Today, a great part of the Wadden Sea is protected in cooperation of all three countries; see Wadden Sea National Parks for the protected areas within the German borders. The shallow sea is rich in algae, especially diatoms and frog-algae, and hosts several species of green seaweed (Marsh samphire, Gutweed, Hen pen, Velvet horn), brown seaweed (Spiral wrack, Channelled wrack, Bladder wrack, Egg wrack, Tangle), red sea weed (Carragheen moss and Purple laver) and also 'blue seaweed' (more like bacteria) like cyano bacteria and blue-green algae.
Examples of the rich invertebrate fauna include Rag-worm, King rag, Estuary rag-worm, Lugworm and Lobworm, many species of shellfish, shrimps, lobsters and crab. Most abundant fish species are herring, sandeel, mackerel, sprat and plaice. Important breeding birds include Oystercatcher, Redshank, Curlew, Bar-tailed godwit, Little stint, Dunlin, Sanderling, Knot, Ringed plover, Kentish plover, Grey plover, Brent goose, Barnacle goose, Wigeon, Shelduck, Eider, Herring gull, Black-headed gull, and Common tern. And last but not least, the area hosts a healthy population of Common (or Harbour) seals (circ. 3000 in 2001) and Grey seals (circ. 600 in 2001).

At the end of the 12th International Scientific Wadden Sea Symposium in Wilhelmshaven, the over 270 participants underlined the importance of closer cooperation on the protection of the Wadden Sea. “The symposium has shown that we have to enhance cross-border cooperation considerably to protect the Wadden Sea’s natural structure and functioning” says Jens Enemark, secretary general of the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat in Wilhelmshaven. The symposium resulted in clear recommendations for the decision makers in policy. The recommendations are to be taken into consideration in the preparation of the next Trilateral Governmental Conference on Sylt in March 2010. The symposium was organized by the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear, Safety, the National Park Administrations (Niedersachsen, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea ), and the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat (CWSS). Since 1975, when the first symposium was held, global changes have occurred which have affected the Wadden Sea as a marine habitat of international importance significantly. “Climate change and the subsequent changes in species composition are issues of concern which have to be dealt with by science and policy” says Wim Wolff (Uni Groningen) who initiated the first symposium in 1975. A main demand by the researchers is therefore to increase the resilience of the ecosystem. Management should aim to restore natural dynamics and geomorphological conditions in the Wadden Sea in order to allow the system to better adapt to accelerated sea level rise. “To reach solutions for the entire ecosystem we have to cooperate across borders” says Karsten Reise (Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar- und Maritime Research, Wadden Sea Station Sylt). This means on the one hand to also protect the adjacent off-shore conservation areas, because there is a strong relationship between the Wadden Sea and these areas for fish and marine mammals. “On the other hand, an international cooperation effort is required to prevent introduction and spreading of alien species in the Wadden Sea” The experts concluded that the various EU Directives, which are relevant for the protection of the Wadden Sea, haven not been tuned sufficiently. A further harmonization is necessary which could also be an example for other European conservation areas. The Dutch Wadden Sea is a shallow, semi-enclosed part of the North Sea, mainly consisting of tidal mud flats, sand flats, sea gullies and salt marshes; the area is bordered by a series of dune barrier islands, the "wadden islands". The Wadden Sea stretches along the North Sea coast from Den Helder (NL) up to Esbjerg (DK) and is the largest estuarine area in Europe. Most of the sea and the uninhabited islands are State Nature Reserve, which is regulated by the Nature Conservation Law and a spatial planning act (PKB). The area is of international importance being a nursery of marine life, a resting, moulting and feeding area for several millions of migratory birds, and a habitat for thousands of birds, seals and many other species. The area has been selected for European protection as part of the Natura 2000 Network. The region, especially the wadden islands, is also a key recreational area for the Netherlands and Germany..

What on earth is the Wadden Sea? Maybe some of you already know the term and its meaning? Perhaps you have even been in the Wadden Sea and experienced it? However, we would like to give you the opportunity of getting to know the Wadden Sea and as a result of it to broaden your general knowledge about it. At the same time we want to entertain you, and so we invite you to dwell on this page, follow our links and enjoy yourselves. Have a lot of fun on your VIRTUAL WALK through the WADDEN SEA. Nature management in the area is determined by the PKB Waddenzee, a national attempt to combine economic development with environmental protection of the area. Through the various PKB's the government promotes sustainable development by controlling the extent of fisheries, gas exploitation, recreation and tourism and military activities. The PKB is binding upon all state, regional and local authorities. The draft 3rd PKB determining the future of the area for the next 10 years, is still under discussion. The Wadden Sea society (Waddenvereniging) and other NGO's have repeatedly asked for further restrictions to military activities and to mechanical shell fishing that is particularly damaging to bird populations; see www.waddenvereniging.nl. Since 1997 the governments of the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark are working jointly on the protection and conservation of the entire Wadden Sea Area, supported by the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat (www.waddensea-secretariat.org). In 1982 the countries agreed upon the Joint Declaration of the Protection of the Wadden Sea; the countries intended to coordinate their activities and measures in order to protect the Wadden Sea. A trilateral Wadden Sea Plan, adopted in 1997, focuses on: a healthy environment, diversity of habitats and species, sustainable use, integrated management, coastal protection and informing and involving the local population.

Turks Islands Passage : TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T23:37:00.000-07:00

Turks Islands Passage : TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

The Turks and Caicos Islands are situated in the Atlantic Ocean. The two island groups are separated by a deep ocean trench, the Turks Islands Passage. The trench is 30 miles wide and over 7,000 feet deep. In the springtime, whales migrate through the Turks Islands Passage. The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI, pronounced /ˈtɝːks əŋ ˈkeɪkəs/) are a British Overseas Territory consisting of two groups of tropical islands in the West Indies, the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands, known for tourism and as an offshore financial centre. The Turks and Caicos Islands are situated about 600 miles (970 km) southeast of Miami in the United States, and 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Mayaguana in the Bahamas, and have a total land area of 166 square miles (430 km2). The islands are geographically contiguous to the Bahamas, but are politically a separate entity. The islands have a total population of about 30,000, of whom approximately 22,500 live on Providenciales in the Caicos Islands. Cockburn Town, the capital, is situated on Grand Turk Island. South Caicos, one of the smallest islands in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, is known for excellent scuba diving, deep sea fishing and bone fishing. South Caicos, located south of the Bahamas, north of Dominican Republic, east of Cuba consists of eight square miles of coral rock. Found in South Caicos are the processing plants, the former Coast Guard Station and The School For Field Studies which is located in the old Admiral’s Arm Inn. Students from abroad come here to study marine and reef ecology. Visitors find South Caicos to be a quiet community of approximately 1200 friendly people with an interesting history and intriguing scenery worth exploring. As recently as 1964, Providenciales (usually called Provo) did not have a single wheeled vehicle. Following in the footsteps of Club Med, the island's first large hotel and casino complex opened in 1990 and touched off a development boom. Provo is now the most tourist-oriented and developed of the Turks and Caicos Islands, boasting many resort hotels and an 18-hole golf course. The island has recently become popular with retirees from around the world, kindling a boom of residential development. Given its recent evolution, the atmosphere is more reminiscent of the Florida Keys than Nassau, with little of the character of other Caribbean isles. The resorts on Providenciales are centered on five mile-long (8km) Grace Bay, with its brilliant white sand and shimmering turquoise waters. Apart from the beaches, Provo's charm lies in its rugged hills and ridges, which are carpeted with prickly pear cactus and scrub. The trump card, however, remains the diving: miles and miles of coral reefs are temptingly close to shore. Provo is also surrounded by uninhabited cays that are easily reached by chartered boat or excursion.

South Caicos waters are pristine and full of sea life including dolphins, manta rays, eagle rays, giant grouper, turtles, a wide variety of sharks and the infamous migrating humpback whales during the winter months January through April each year. Exploring town, Cockburn Harbour is a photographers delight with an abundance of old buildings, walls and gates, old salt warehouses and many colourful boats of many types docked in the harbour. Stop to enjoy local cuisine in any of the little restaurants including Dora's who is famous for her lobster sandwich and Love's for a refreshing but intoxicating coconut rum with a splash of pineapple juice. Nature walks will take you past the old salinas and the boiling hole, miles of non-populated beaches where beachcombing excels, through herds of wild horses and cows and flocks of flamingos, osprey and pelicans. Hike along the ridgeway of the Sail Rock hills ( elevation of 150 feet ) and you will have a spectacular panoramic view Belle Sound, fringing reefs, the Turks Island Passage and the bonefish flats of the Caicos Bank. South Caicos also known as , "East Habour" , "The Rock" and "Big South" has the most protected and finest natural harbour of all the islands, Cockburn Harbour, once a hideout for the infamous Caribbean pirates and bustling port for a thriving salt industry. At the turn of the Century, South Caicos shipped the most salt of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Divers can see the granite ballast that was thrown overboard to lighten the ships as they approached the harbour to pick up their loads. Today the once famous port and township of Cockburn Harbour makes it's living from fishing, conch and lobster. The Turks and Caicos Islands have been documented by H.E. Sadler who spent years of research writing this delightful, easily read history book filled with colorful pictures and fascinating history capsules. For students of history, residents and visitors to the Islands, this work is a revealing and authoritative account of the Turks and Caicos Islands from the earliest times to the present and and indispensable tool for further study or research on these Islands. Grand Turk is a treeless, brush-covered, bean-shaped dot of an isle, just 6.5 miles (10.5km) long and 1.5 miles (2.4km) wide. Grand Turks is dominated in the middle by several salinas, or salt ponds, often odoriferous reminders that `white gold' was the island's most important industry until its collapse in 1962. There are nice beaches on Grand Turk at Cockburn Town, Waterloo and White Sands Beach. Cockburn Town, the sole settlement on Grand Turk, has been the administrative and political capital of the archipelago for more than 400 years. Today it also claims to be the business and financial center, yet it remains as sleepy a Caribbean capital as they come. There are only two main streets, smothered in sand, trod by an occasional donkey and lined with pastel-painted colonial buildings. Downtown Grand Turk has many Bermuda-style wooden houses erected by the wealthy Bermudian expatriate society that once dominated the salt trade. The waterfront on Grand Turk has the best sights in Cockburn Town, including historic Turks and Caicos Islands government buildings surrounding a small plaza where a Columbus Monument claims cheekily that the explorer landed here in 1492. Nearby, four large cannons point to sea, where a nearby coral reef is protected within the Columbus Landfall National Park. It's worth nipping into the General Post Office to admire the Turks and Caicos Islands Philatelic Bureau's beautiful stamps, for which the Turks & Caicos are justly famous. The Turks and Caicos Islands National Museum displays eclectic miscellany such as exhumed shell tools, beads, stamps, locks, and greenstone celts. The museum's central exhibit is the remains of the Molasses Reef, the oldest authenticated shipwreck in the Americas.

The easternmost and smallest Caicos island, South Caicos, 22 miles (35km) west of Grand Turk, is an arid wasteland of scrub and sand-blasted streets roamed by wild horses and donkeys. The big attraction is scuba diving: a reef with a plummeting wall runs the length of the eastern coast. Cockburn Harbour, the only town, is a rough-edged place with a somewhat sullen population and a rakishly appealing down-in-the-dumps shantytown feel. Corrugated-tin-and-driftwood shacks are interspersed amid modern bungalows and handsome, albeit weathered, colonial-era wooden structures left from the salt-trade era. Most historic buildings are at the southeastern end of town, centered on the old Wesleyan Church. The harbor is the perfect spot to launch across the 40-mile-wide (64km) Caicos bank in search of bonefish. Birders should check out the flamingos which inhabit the vast salinas on the northeastern edge of town. Much of the island is within the Admiral Cockburn Land & Sea Park, north and east of Cockburn Harbour. It encompasses the Sail Rock Hills, a ridge extending along the panhandle and rising to a giddy 178 feet (54m). The hills offer spectacular views east over the Turks Island Passage and west over Belle Sound, a vast turquoise bay opening to the flats of the Caicos Bank. The reserve extends west for about 4 miles (6.5km) , protecting the mangroves, bonefish flats and coral reefs. The only town, sprawling, soulless namesake Providenciales, sits in the middle of the island. Most of the island's services are here, including snazzy shopping malls. There are also pockets of makeshift shacks - the homes of Haitians - interspersed among the more upscale residences. Opportunities for sightseeing are slim, though history buffs might check out the ruins of Cheshire Hall, a 1790s plantation house constructed by British loyalists.

Cades Reef : ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

Cades Reef : ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Antigua and Barbuda is an island nation located on the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. As its name suggests, it consists of two major islands – Antigua and Barbuda – as well as a number of smaller islets. Cades Reef, the island of Antiguas biggest reef, is located on the southern or the protected leewards side of the island. This is a tour like no other anywhere in the Caribbean! It's not the typical sail and snorkel tour, primarily because it features an array of local culture including live steel band music, limbo dancing, fire dancing and a sampling of local dishes. The tour begins with a sail along the tranquil picturesque coastline of Antigua in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, then makes its way towards the southern part of the island for an unforgettable experience of snorkeling at two-mile long Cades Reef. Take the guided tour of the reef with the crew or snorkel on your own. Whatever your choice, you will be enthralled with a rainbow display of marine life and exotic fishes. View Montserrat, the island with an active volcano, from the closest vantage point you'll ever have of "Old Smokey", the Soufriere volcano. The sweet sound of Antigua on pan and the aroma of BBQ greets you as you approach the beach for lunch and entertainment with live steel band music, limbo dancing and fire dancing. A tent along with chairs and tables with tablecloths ensures your comfort. Our team will offer you the most mouth-watering lunch served buffet style. Cades Reef is a large sprawling reef on the southwest coast of Antigua. There are many dive sites to choose from here. Usually (with Jolly Dive) it's two tank diving with the deeper dive first, to 20-25m on the more offshore parts of the reef. Then a short surface interval follows and a 12-15m dive on the inner part of the reef. All the usual Caribbean suspects are out and about and it isn't only just for beginners as there is much to see and photograph. On one occasion we found two large nurse sharks, and on another the dive guide spotted a whale shark. The only problem we had after that were the remora which wanted to attach themselves to us! Granted though, you do get a lot of new divers visiting esp. Americans with few dives. Usually they suck the 10 ltr tanks in 35mins so it's best if you can buddy with an experienced diver. Lastly, night dives can be arranged and turtles are often seen during the day & night.

Today starts with a tranquil cruise along Antiqua's leeward coast to the island's finest snorkeling site. What makes underwater activities in Antigua so pleasant is that the temperature of the water is a comfortable 80 degrees, currents are almost non-existent, and visibility extends down to 140 feet. Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind. Snorkel and swim in emerald waters at the best snorkeling site in Antigua. The cal west coast of Antigua is blessed with majestic rolling hills and stunning white sand beaches. Float your worries away as you swim amongst colourful tropical fish and coral fauna before lounging on a stunning white sand beach for lunch The whistle indicates that it's time for some more fun! Beach cricket, volleyball, or some other activity will have you laughing. The day ends with a swim in crystal, clear waters at Fryes beach and a party during the sail back to your pick-up point.

The tour begins with a sail along the tranquil picturesque coastline of Antigua in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, then makes its way towards the southern part of the island for an unforgettable experience of snorkeling at two-mile long Cades Reef. Take the guided tour of the reef with the crew or snorkel on your own. The sweet sound of Antigua on pan and the aroma of BBQ greets you as you approach the beach for lunch and entertainment with live steel band music, limbo dancing and fire dancing. A tent along with chairs and tables with tablecloths ensures your comfort. Our team will offer you the most mouth-watering lunch served buffet style. The day ends with a swim in crystal, clear waters at Fryes beach and a party during the sail back to your pick-up point.

Curonian Spit : LITHUANIA/ RUSSIA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T22:56:00.000-07:00

Curonian Spit : LITHUANIA/ RUSSIA

The Curonian Spit is a 98-km long, thin, curved sand-dune spit that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. It stretches from the Sambian Peninsula to the south. The width of the spit varies from a minimum of 400 m in Russia to a maximum of 3,8 km in Lithuania. Covering the area of 18 thousand hectares, the Kuršių Nerija (Curonian spit) National Park was designated to protect the unique scenic beauty of the Kuršių Nerija, a narrow peninsula separating the Kuršių Marios Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. The peninsula, a sandy stretch of land extending 98 km, with a width varying from 400 meters to 3.8 km, was formed some five to six thousand years ago. The sea winds shifted the sand, creating a range of large sand dunes stretching for about 70 km from Smiltynė to Šarkuva. The largest of the dunes are up to 100 meters high and provide a charming view of the sea, the lagoon and the green forests.
After the 15th century large portions of forests were felled and this led to severe sand shifting. Fourteen villages were swallowed up by the moving sands. The early 19th century brought about the first reforestation project to try to stop the sand. Today, approximately seven thousand hectares of forests protect the spit. The settlements situated on the spit boast of original architecture typical to this region. Nida is the largest and most beautiful of the Lithuanian settlements on the spit. The Kuršių Nerija National Park stands out among the other parks of Lithuania. Ecological concerns have restricted access to the spit. Visitors can obtain information and book a guided tour of the park in Klaipėda. The Coronian Spit is a 100 km long and 1-4 km wide sand dune peninsula in the south-east of the Baltic Sea, shared between Lithuania and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. On the western side of the peninsula you face the Baltic Sea and on the east side - the “inside” – there is a large lagoon. Just where the tip of the spit forms a narrow sound against the land, Klaipeda, Lithuanias major port is located. Or “Memel” as the town was known up until the end of WWII when then the population was predominantly German. Today it is 100% Lithuanian. I arrived to Klaipeda on a bright summer day, after having crossed the Baltic Sea from Sweden on a pleasant overnight cruise. Klaipeda was badly damaged during WWII but still have enough old buildings and charm to be a major tourist destination. Later jumping across the sound between Klaipeda to the Spit takes about 10 minutes with a small ferry that runs back and forth all day. On the Spit, buses are running up and down and 45 minutes later I found myself in the small village of Nida, close to the Russian border. It is in Nida you will find the famous Paradise Dunes, massive sand dunes which equals you probably have to go to Sahara to find. Walking on the sea side of the Coronian Spit was a peculiar experience. The sun was shining from a hot, clear blue summer sky and yet there was not a person in sight on this never-ending sandy beach. It was quite an amazing feeling to be completely alone in a place where - in our overpopulated world – you would normally find hundreds of people, lazing in the sun.

In the southeastern corner of the Baltic Sea lies a skinny stretch of land. Known as the Curonian (or Courland) Spit, it separates the Curonian Lagoon (also known as the Courland Lagoon) from the Baltic Sea. Just 3,800 meters (about 12,460 feet) at its widest point, the spit encloses a lagoon of some 1,620 square kilometers (625 square miles). On July 25, 2006, the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), flying on NASA’s Terra satellite, captured this image of the spit, the lagoon it encloses, and part of the Baltic Sea. In this image, dark blue indicates deep water, and lighter blue indicates shallow and/or sediment-laden water. Different shades of blue distinguish the deeper Baltic Sea and the shallower Curonian Lagoon. Vegetation appears in varying shades of green, paved surfaces and bare ground appear in shades of beige and gray, and sandy areas appear off-white. Obvious sandy areas appear along the length of the spit. On the Baltic Sea side, a thin off-white band of beach runs the length of the spit; on the Curonian Lagoon side, intermittent beaches carve their way into the narrow strip of land. Both the spit and the lagoon fall within the borders of Lithuania in the north and Kaliningrad Oblast (a possession of the Russian Federation) in the south. The lagoon is fed primarily by the Nemunas (or Neman) River, and the river delta appears on the right side of this image, near the top. Between its sandy beaches, pine forests, and attractive views, the area is a popular tourist destination. Yet the area is fragile. Natural forces of winds and tides constantly threaten the spit, and human efforts of stabilization and reforestation are needed to preserve it. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization designated the Curonian Spit as a World Heritage site in 2000, after receiving a joint nomination from Lithuania and the Russian Federation. Wind direction names in the fishers’ lexicon is divided into eight planes. It is interesting to note that there are no Germanic names for the winds, though much of fisher terminology is of Germanic origin. Some maintain that the wind names are Finno-Ugric in origin. Weathervanes decorated the masts of kurenai sailing in the Curonian Lagoon. Their purpose was not so much to show the direction of the wind, but to identify the vessel. Each weathervane had to have the symbol of the village in which the owner of the vessel lived. The weathervane is a unique cultural phenomenon. Nothing similar is found in the fishing traditions of other European lands. They appeared only around the mid 19th century. The weathervanes later changed, became more precise, were added upon.

The Curonian Spit is an ideal Summer Holiday destination. I remember my time there with nothing but fondness. I greatly enjoyed walking in the peaceful pine forests and catching glimpses of Elk and Wild Boar, and hiking to the top of colossal sand dunes which were more reminiscent of the Sahara than of Northern Europe. The sandy beach stretched as far as the eye could see in both directions. The four villages along the Lithuanian part of the spit are charming, and full of traditional wooden houses. There are none of the high-rises and crazed parties of the Costa Brava, instead the whole place has a relaxed and genteel air. According to Baltic mythology, the Curonian Spit was formed by a giantess, Neringa, who was playing on the seashore. This child also appears in other myths (in some of which she is shown as a young strong woman, similar to a female version of the Greek Heracles). The Curonian Spit was formed about 5,000 years ago. From ca. 800 to 1016, it was the location of Kaup, a major pagan trading centre which has not been excavated yet. The Teutonic Knights occupied the area in the 13th century, building their castles at Memel (1252), Neuhausen (1283), and at Rossitten (1372). In the 16th century, a new period of dune formation began. Deforestation of the spit due to overgrazing, timber harvesting, and building of boats for the siege of Königsberg in 1757 led to the dunes taking over the spit and burying entire villages. Alarmed by these problems, the Prussian government sponsored large-scale revegetation and reforestation efforts, which started in 1825. Owing to these efforts, much of the spit is now covered with forests. In the 19th century the Curonian Spit was inhabited primarily by Curonians (Kursenieki) with a significant German minority in the south and a Lithuanian minority in the north. The population of Curonians eventually dwindled due to assimilation and other reasons; it is close to non-existent these days and even before 1945, when the spit had become totally ethnic German.[citation needed] Until the 20th century, most people in the area made their living by fishing. The German population was expelled after World War II. After the breakup of the Soviet Union, tourism flourished; many Germans, mostly the descendants of the inhabitants of the area, choose the Curonian Spit (especially Nida, as no visas are needed for Germans in Lithuania) as their holiday destination.

Shoal Bay-Island Harbour Marine Area : ANGUILLA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Shoal Bay-Island Harbour Marine Area : ANGUILLA

The Shoal Bay-Island Harbour marine area seeks to protect the extensive patch reef systemthat extends from the western end of Shoal Bay East to just past the eastern end of Island Harbour. As a reef system, the area provides a much-needed habitat for the endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. At the same time, the reef system, itself, protects the shoreline from powerful wave action and strong storm systems and also helps to replenish the fine white sand that is found on Anguilla’s beaches. Shoal Bay-Island Harbour. Around the bend from Island Harbour, one of Anguilla’s premiere fishing villages, a beach with sparkling white sand stretches out for more than a mile. The village looks out at an expansive patch reef system and an Atlantic Ocean that seems to have no end. Over three miles of coastline and gorgeous mix of topography, the Shoal Bay-Island Harbour area is arguably one of Anguilla’s most popular destinations – a few years ago, Shoal Bay beach was voted as one of the top ten beaches in the world. An impressive feat for an island so small. Little Bay. Sea turtles skirt the coral-spotted cliff-line while pelicans dive-bomb into the blue-green waters. An important seagrass bed lines the sandy sea-bottom. One of Anguilla’s treasures, Little Bay is the perfect place to relax – the soothing pulses of the ebb and flow of the tide combined with its secluded-ness can make you believe (and feel) as if there was nothing else in the world – except for you, the water, and that fish that just skimmed the surface. Little Bay’s seagrass bed is one of the main reasons why the site was designated a marine park. Sandy Island. It could be one of those tropical deserted islands that are seen in those shipwreck-type movies. With only a few palm trees and a make-shift hut for a restaurant, the island is close enough to the mainland to be seen, but far away enough to make you feel as though you are alone. Under the water, fish manoeuvre through patchy reef-building corals and swaying sea fans. It is as peaceful below the surface as it is above it. Prickly Pear Cays. The two islands are lined with scrub and more than just speckled with seabirds. Home to thousands of brown boobies, a walk along the coastline of Prickly Pear East and West shows the rugged terrain of the weather- and sea-beaten cays. Two restaurants cater to the appetites of thousands of visitors – many travelling by charter boat from St. Martin – who want to escape the mainland for a day of swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing. The clear waters provide ideal conditions for coral reef growth while the reefs themselves provide food and shelter to countless numbers of fish.

Villa Azure is a tropical oasis located on Anguilla in the British West Indies overlooking the stunning Shoal Bay Beach. The villa offers 360 degree views of Shoal Bay Beach to the West, St. Martin to the South, Island Harbour to the East and the azure Caribbean Sea and romantic cays to the North. A gated estate, the home was designed to take advantage of one of the most spectacular views in all of the Caribbean. A Mediterranean architectural masterpiece, the home is built of white stucco and offers over 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space spread over four levels, six decks and terraces. Located in the center of Anguilla's largest marine park with amazing snorkeling and swimming, you will be mesmerized by a thousand of shades of blue, and soothed by the sounds of the waves at this waterfront sanctuary. Overlooking fabulous Shoal Bay Beach, its powder soft sands are available to you any time you desire. The villa offers dramatic architecture. Hand carved eighteenth century doors mark the entryway into the villa. The interiors offer imported terra cotta tiled floors and soaring ceilings as well as dramatic archways. The furnishings are comfortable and relaxing. The entire design of Villa Azure was developed to transform and relax you. The interiors are designed with top of the line interior furnishings, and beautiful imported tile from Spain and Portugal. Villa Azure offers a gourmet kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances to include Viking range, wine refrigerator and Electrolux Icon appliances-truly a chef's dream. A romantic thatched roof dining area is located on the pool deck with inlaid glass tiled wet bar and BBQ grill perfect for preparing Anguilla's famous lobster available from nearby local fisherman. The villa provides state of the art audio and visual systems with CD, DVD, VCR and flat screen televisions, surround sound that is MP3 ready, cable TV with Disney, HBO and Cinimax as well as high speed wireless Internet and Fax.

The information collected represents the first ever record made of what is present within the Parks. Since management and legislation is currently very limited for these special areas, this information can be considered a baseline ‘snapshot’ dataset. Baseline data are essentially a photograph of what exists within a specific area before the introduction of conservation management strategies. The baseline can be referred to later on, after the implementation of such measures, to assess the success of the management strategies. Currently within Anguilla’s Marine Parks, the only major conservation policy in place is one that prohibits anchoring, except in specially designated areas that also have mooring buoys put in place and maintained by DFMR. It is likely that, over the years, this situation will change: more measures will most likely be needed to protect the beauty and ecological integrity of Anguilla’s natural environment from human activities. This will allow future generations to enjoy it as much as we do. The survey effort, conducted jointly by persons from DFMR, ANT, interns, and volunteers, set out to record information at thirty specific locations spread throughout the island’s five Marine Parks. Twelve were located in the Shoal Bay and Island Harbour Marine Park, three in the seagrass beds near Little Bay, four at Sandy Island, eight within the reef areas of Prickly Pear, and three around Dog Island. Full ecological surveys were conducted, with one surveyor concentrating on assessing percentage covers of the various habitat characteristics that are seen in our waters (coral, algae, sponges, sand, sediment etc), while others recorded fish size, abundance and diversity (see photographs). These details not only provide DFMR with the much needed baseline dataset, but also forms the ecological basis for a much larger project run by ANT, entitled ‘Enhancing Marine Park Management’. This two-year project has been funded by the Overseas Territories Environmental Programme (OTEP) Preliminary analysis of the information collected show that the densest fish populations in the coral reef-dominated Marine Parks were found in areas of Dog Island. These areas had over 18,000 fish per hectare of available habitat. Next in line came Sandy Island where there were over 13,000 fish per hectare of available habitat and Prickly Pear with over 12,000. The Shoal Bay-Island Harbour Marine Park was found to house the lowest densities of fish with a little over 10,000 per hectare of available habitat. Little Bay, different from these four Marine Parks because it is dominated by seagrass beds rather than coral reef, demonstrated that it was a very important area for juvenile fish with over 6,000 such individuals residing in certain areas of it. Indeed, it was in Little Bay where the only Nassau Grouper was sighted, a juvenile of less than 10cm in length. Nassau Grouper, which have been historically over-fished by harvesting their spawning aggregations are now the least abundant common grouper species. It is good news, though, that juveniles are still present in our waters. Surveys that investigated fish sizes found that the largest fish, namely certain species of Parrotfish, were found in areas north of Seal Island. As a general pattern, the offshore cay Marine Parks were home to larger fish than coastal ones, with the largest of all fish broadly occurring in the least accessible areas. This suggests that fish size may be linked to human activities, which is an issue that will likely be looked at in more detail during the coming years.

Geirangerfjord : NORWAY Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Geirangerfjord : NORWAY

The Geirangerfjord is a fjord in the Sunnmøre region in Norway. It is a 15km long branch of Storfjord. Innermost in the fjord lies the small village Geiranger. It is under constant threat from the mountain Åkerneset which is about to erode into the fjord. This will cause a tsunami hitting several nearby towns including Geiranger and Hellesylt in about ten minutes. The Geiranger fjord (Geirangerfjorden) is a fjord in the Sunnmøre region, located in the southernmost part of the county Møre og Romsdal in Norway. It is a 15 km long branch of the Storfjord (Great Fjord). At the head in the fjord lies the small village of Geiranger. The fjord is one of Norway's most visited tourist sites and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, jointly with Nærøyfjord, since 2005, although this status is now threatened by the disputed plans to build power lines across the fjord. The Geirangerfjord is under constant threat from the mountain Åkerneset which is about to erode into the fjord. A collapse would produce a tsunami, hitting several nearby towns including Geiranger and Hellesylt in about ten minutes. Along the fjord's sides there lie a number of now abandoned farms. Some restoration has been made by the 'Storfjordens venner' association (see external link below). The most commonly visited among these are Skageflå, Knivsflå, and Blomberg. Skageflå may also be reached on foot from Geiranger, while the others require a boat excursion. The fjord is also host to several impressive waterfalls. A car ferry, which doubles as a sightseeing trip, is operated by Fjord1. It runs lengthwise along the fjord between the small towns of Geiranger and Hellesylt. This is probably the most beautiful and deep of all the fjords in in the world. Popular among cruise ships, Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with majestic views, deep blue seas and plenty of waterfalls and rivers to witness along the way. Travelers must go by boat, but once off, a hike to the top to overlook it all is necessary.

Situated in south-western Norway, north-east of Bergen, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, set 120 km from one another, are part of the west Norwegian fjord landscape, which stretches from Stavanger in the south to Andalsnes, 500 km to the north-east. The two fjords, among the world’s longest and deepest, are considered as archetypical fjord landscapes and among the most scenically outstanding anywhere. Their exceptional natural beauty is derived from their narrow and steep-sided crystalline rock walls that rise up to 1,400 m from the Norwegian Sea and extend 500 m below sea level. The sheer walls of the fjords have numerous waterfalls while free-flowing rivers cross their deciduous and coniferous forests to glacial lakes, glaciers and rugged mountains. The landscape features a range of supporting natural phenomena, both terrestrial and marine, such as submarine moraines and marine mammals. Criterion (viii): The West Norwegian Fjords are classic, superbly developed fjords, considered as the type locality for fjord landscapes in the world. They are comparable in scale and quality to other existing fjords on the World Heritage List and are distinguished by the climate and geological setting. The property displays a full range of the inner segments of two of the world’s longest and deepest fjords. Criterion (vii): The Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord areas are considered to be among the most scenically outstanding fjord areas on the planet. Their outstanding natural beauty is derived from their narrow and steep-sided crystalline rock walls that rise up to 1400 m direct from the Norwegian Sea and extend 500 m below sea level. Along the sheer walls of the fjords are numerous waterfalls while free-flowing rivers rise up through deciduous and coniferous forest to glacial lakes, glaciers and rugged mountains. There is a great range of supporting natural phenomena, both terrestrial and marine such as submarine moraines and marine mammals. Remnants of old and now mostly abandoned transhumant farms add a cultural aspect to the dramatic natural landscape that complements and adds human interest to the area.

You can start the trip by taking a train from Oslo to Andalsnes, a journey which includes one of Norway's most beautiful and wild stretches of railway, the Raumabanen Railway. En route, you will pass the very steep Trollveggen cliff and the Kyllingbru bridge, which is the most photographed bridge in Norway. The trip continues by bus from Andalsnes to the Art Nouveau city of Alesund, where you are given an opportunity to admire the city's characteristic Art Nouveau architecture. The Hurtigruten coastal express takes you into the magic of the Geirangerfjord. On the way, you can enjoy the view of the famous waterfalls "De Syv Søstre" (the seven sisters), "Friaren" (the suitor) and "Brudesløret" (the bridal veil). Back in Alesund, the trip continues south on the Hurtigruten coastal express along the coast of Western Norway to Bergen. In Bergen, you can experience the World Heritage Site Bryggen. At Bryggen, you can wander through history all the way back to the Middle Ages and up to the present. The trip continues with the popular Norway in a nutshell ® trip from Bergen to Oslo. The very steep hair-pin bends at Stalheimskleiva, a pleasant cruise of the Nærøyfjord, a spectacular trip with the Flam Railway and the beautiful Bergensbanen Railway are among the attractions you experience on the trip from Bergen to Oslo. The Geiranger & Norway in a nutshell® trip will be available from mid-April to mid-September, and round trips can be made from Oslo, Bergen or Ålesund. This slender tongue of green sea winds its way far inland between sheer, snow-capped mountains. Long, silvery waterfalls cascade hundreds of feet down into the deep waters of the fjord. Even if cruise ships aren't your thing, you can't help but enjoy seeing them dwarfed by Geirangerfjord as they thread their way though its narrow walls to anchor at its head. Driving up from Oslo, you'll catch your first glimpse of Geirangerfjord from far above. Look for a sign that says"Dalsnibba" as you hurtle across highlands where roadside snow and frozen lakes are common in July. Take the switchback to the top of this scenic overlook and enjoy the mile-high panorama of the distant fjord and encircling mountains. The village of Geiranger sits at the very head of the fjord, and the road down delivers postcard-perfect views at every hairpin turn. From Geiranger, you can take off for day trips to hike, climb, fish, or explore. But make time to just sit back and space out in this special place. The overlook on Xrnevegen (Eagle's Road), the only other road out of Geiranger, provides you with a photographic perch directly above the fjord. Following it to the top takes you through a mountain pass before winding down into . . . yet another fjord. Get the picture?

King Haakon Bay : SOUTH GEORGIA AND THE SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

King Haakon Bay : SOUTH GEORGIA AND THE SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS

King Haakon Bay is an inlet on the southern coast of the British island of South Georgia. The inlet is approximately 13 km long and 4 km wide. Cave Cove, which forms part of the bay, is best known as the landing place of Ernest Shackleton in May 1916 as he sought help for his shipwrecked crew marooned in the Antarctic with the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. King Haakon Bay, or King Haakon Sound, is an inlet on the southern coast of the island of South Georgia. The inlet is approximately 8 miles (13 km) long and 2.5 miles (4.0 km) wide. It seems probable that the inlet was named for King Haakon VII of Norway by whalers that frequented the opposite side of the island. Queen Maud Bay, named for his queen, is nearby. Cave Cove, which forms part of the bay, is best known as the landing place of Ernest Shackleton in May 1916 as he sought help for his shipwrecked crew marooned in the Antarctic with the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. They also camped at Peggotty Bluff in the bay. This abandoned whaling station in King Edward Cove, a protected arm of Cumberland Bay on South Georgia's east coast, is home to the ghosts of many an adventurous soul. Hundreds of men toiled among the carcasses of the Antarctic's great whales for 60 odd years, reaping profits and facing dangers never dreamed possible in their homelands. After spending a month taking in the knowledge and advice of Antarctic whalers, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his 27 men departed Grytviken on December 5, 1914 for an unprecedented attempt to cross the Antarctic continent. Years later, after safely returning with all hands from the failed crossing and epic journey of survival, Shackleton returned to South Georgia on another expedition. He was accompanied by several men from the Endurance, among them Frank Wild and Alec Macklin. Sadly, on January 5, 1922, the Boss died at Grytviken onboard the Quest in the presence of his friends. The world bid a great hero good-bye. Expeditions Highlights: At Grytviken, we will explore the ruins of whaling's heyday, investigating old buildings and machinery with our naturalists or learning of the station's history and island ecology at the South Georgia Museum. We'll hike into rocky valleys above the restored Whalers' Church for a bird's-eye view of King Edward Cove and Maiviken. And we will pay homage to one of the world's greatest leaders and explorers - the Boss

The Comping(Preview) Image(S) May Be Used for Comps And Layouts. The Comping Image(S) May Not Be Used In Any Final Materials Distributed Inside Of Your Company Or Any Materials Distributed Outside Of Your Company Or To The Public, Including, But Not Limited To, Advertising And Marketing Materials Or Any Online Or Other Electronic Distribution System (Except That You May Transmit Comps Digitally Or Electronically To Your Clients For Their Review), And May Not Be Distributed, Sublicensed Or Made Available For Use Or Distribution Separately Or Individually, And No Rights May Be Granted To The Comping. On May 20, 1916, only hours after completing a hike across the mountainous terrain of South Georgia Island and walking into Stromness Station with his comrades, Frank Worsley sailed out of Stromness Bay onboard the steam trawler Samson to rescue the three men left behind in King Haakon Bay. Worsley returned with the men on May 22, and the following day he, Crean and Shackleton sailed from Stromness Bay on the Southern Sky toward Elephant Island to find the 22 men left behind at Point Wild. This venture failed, as did two subsequent attempts to reach Elephant Island. Finally Shackleton, onboard the Chilean steamer Yelcho, arrived to find all men alive and thankful for his safe return. A great celebration must have taken place onboard the Yelcho on August 30, 1916! Expedition Highlights: We will sail into Stromness Bay as our ship approaches Stromness and Leith Whaling Stations. Mountains of folded rock that tower over the bay rise from gravel beaches alive with fur seals, elephant seals, and penguins.

For Shackleton, Stromness Station was the light at the end of a long, difficult tunnel: ten months of being trapped in the ice onboard the Endurance: four grueling months eking out a living on shifting pack ice; a harrowing week in and out of lifeboats enroute to Elephant Island; an 800-mile journey in the James Caird from there to South Georgia Island, and, finally, an unthinkable crossing of South Georgia's lofty mountain range. After all this, Shackleton, Crean and Worsley finally managed to walk into Stromness Bay on May 20, 1916. The world had all but given them up for dead; they arrived bedraggled but very much alive. When the Station Manager asked who they might be, the Boss replied, "My name is Shackleton." Some of the whalers present later admitted to weeping when they realized the magnitude of what they were witnessing. Expedition Highlights: At Stromness Station, we will stroll between elephant seals and factory buildings left to the forces of nature since their abandonment in 1961. We will see the Station Manager's house, where Shackleton took his first bath in over 17 months. And we will hike onto the plateau beyond the station, making our way toward the waterfall that proved to be Shackleton's final obstacle in reaching the outside world. On May 15, 1916, Shackleton and his five shipmates launched the newly repaired James Caird from their protected beach at Cape Rosa and sailed further into King Haakon Bay. They chose a new landfall near the head of the bay that came to be called Peggotty Camp. The men would have easier access to South Georgia's interior from this site. Shackleton's only hope for the rescue of his men was to cross this unmapped and unexplored island, and reach help at one of the whaling stations. On May 19, the Boss, Worsley and Crean set out from Peggotty Camp to cross the island; they carried with them provisions for only three days. Expeditions Highlights: Zodiacs will bring us ashore to where Shackleton and his men set up their last camp. We'll be able to imagine the overturned James Caird, insulated along its edge with tussock grass hummocks, providing shelter for the ragged party of explorers. On a nearby beach we will find bits of wood and debris from decades of ship traffic in the South Atlantic.

Musandam Peninsula : OMAN Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Musandam Peninsula : OMAN

The Musandam peninsula is an exclave of Oman, separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates. The Peninsula has an area of 1,800 square km. Rocky and rugged, the Musandam Peninsula juts into the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow entry into the Persian Gulf, from the Arabian Peninsula. The Musandam (Persian: مسندم) peninsula is an exclave of Oman, separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates. Its location gives Oman partial control, shared with Iran, of the strategic strait. In the northern section of Musandam, around Kumzar, the current language is Kumzari, which is one of the south-western Iranian languages and a sub-branch of Persian. The Musandam Peninsula has an area of 1,800 square kilometers and a population of 28,727 people. Connectivity has traditionally been a problem for the region, but this has greatly improved since August 2008 with the world's fastest passenger ferry launching service between Muscat and Musandam The peninsula is mainly inhabited by the Shihuh, who are fishermen and herdsmen and are probably descended from the original inhabitants of northern Oman, pushed into the mountains by successive Muslim and Portuguese invasions. Fishing is the peninsula’s main industry with packing plants at al-Khaṣab and Bayʿah. There are reserves of petroleum off the western coast of the Musandam Peninsula. Communication is mostly by sea, since no roads cross the forbidding terrain. The Sultanate of Oman has created the Musandam Development Committee for building fishing jetties, construction of the Khaṣab dam and food storage, and undertaking the Bayʿah power expansion project during the Second Development Plan (1981–85). The main population centre is the oasis town of Dibā on the peninsula’s southeastern coast.

The Peninsula is the rough northern part of Oman on the other side of the border with the UAE. With the visum situation improved, this shouldn't pose much of a problem, but note that if you rent a car, your insurance might not cover you while you are on UAE soil. The fjord like canals yield spectacular views and chartering a boat is a good option to experience the area, if not very cheap. A lot of Iranians come to the peninsula to smuggle all kinds of contraband. The Musandam Peninsula is the northernmost part of Oman jutting out into the Strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. The province, or governorate of Musandam as it is officially known, is separated from the rest of Oman by various of the United Arab Emirates - Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah. Musandam more or less begins where the mountains rise from the plains of Ras al Khaimah. The mountains have isolated communities for centuries. Coastal villages can be reached only by boat rather than by road. Pockets of flat land support meagre agriculture. The population of approximately 29,000 is concentrated in the capital, Khasab (18,000 in 2004) in the north and Dibba (5,500) on the east coast. Fishing is the principal economic activity supported by employment in government jobs. Tourism could be a major earner. Traders from Iran boost the port trade of Khasab. At its nearest point Musandam is just 55 km from Iran across the strait. See the satellite image which will open in a separate window. The file size is 72.5 K and takes up to 30 seconds to download fully at 28.8K. In 2000, we flew from Muscat to Khasab, the main town, in Oman Air's twin engine aircraft. A new, international airport opened at Khasab late in 2003, which can take larger aircraft flying from Dubai. Background: In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al Said ousted his father and has ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world and has preserved a long-standing political and military relationship with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.

peninsula, northeastern extension of the Arabian Peninsula, separating the Gulf of Oman on the east from the Persian Gulf on the west to form the Strait of Hormuz to the north. The Ruʾūs al-Jibāl (the Mountaintops), the northernmost extremity of the al-Gharbī al-Ḥajar (Western Hajar mountains), occupy the northern tip of the Musandam Peninsula; this area is a part of Oman, and is separated from the rest of the country (to the south) by the United Arab Emirates. The peninsula is generally about 22 mi (35 km) wide. The Khawr (channel) ash-Shamm (also called Elphinstone Inlet) and the Ghubbat (bay) al-Ghazīrah (Malcom Inlet) deeply incise the coastline from west and east a few miles south of the Strait of Hormuz and come within several hundred yards of bisecting the peninsula. The Khawr ash-Shamm is about 10 mi long and is bordered by cliffs that rise to heights of 3,000 to 4,000 ft (900 to 1,200 m). The highest elevation on the mountainous peninsula is 6,847 ft at Jabal (mount) al-Ḥartīm. The mountains slope steeply seaward forming an extremely rugged and rocky coast that makes Musandam a hazard to navigation. Wadi beds, where sporadic rains have carved deep ravines, are fertile with vegetation and the lower mountain slopes are covered with wild olive trees; juniper trees grow at the summits. Dates and vegetables are the main crops on the peninsula.

Baikal, Lake : RUSSIA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Baikal, Lake : RUSSIA

Lake Baikal is located in Southern Siberia near the City of Irkutske in the republic of Buryat near the city of Irkutsk. The name Baikal comes from Baigal which means nature in the Mongolaian language. At 1,637 meters (5,371 ft) it is the deepest lake in the world and is the largest freshwater lake by volume (23,000 km³), containing approximately twenty percent of the world's total surface fresh water.Baikal is home to more than 1,700 species of plants and animals, two thirds of which can be found nowhere else in the world Lake Baikal (Russian: о́зеро Байка́л Ozero Baykal, pronounced [ˈozʲɪrə bʌjˈkɑl], Buryat: Байгал нуур Baygal nuur, meaning "the rich lake"[1]) is in southern Siberia in Russia, located between Irkutsk Oblast to the northwest and the Buryat Republic to the southeast, near the city of Irkutsk. It is also known as the "Blue Eye of Siberia". It contains more water than all of the North American Great Lakes combined. At 1,637 meters (5,370 ft), Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world,[4] and the largest freshwater lake in the world by volume.[5] However, Lake Baikal contains less than one third the amount of water as the Caspian Sea[citation needed], which is the largest lake in the world. Like Lake Tanganyika, Lake Baikal was formed as an ancient rift valley, having the typical long crescent shape with a surface area of (31,494 km2/12,160 sq mi), less than that of Lake Superior or Lake Victoria. Baikal is home to more than 1,700 species of plants and animals, two thirds of which can be found nowhere else in the world[6] and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.[7] At more than 25 million years old, it is the oldest lake in the world. A Russian mini-submarine attempting to set a record for the deepest freshwater dive on July 29, 2008, was originally reported as being successful, but a correction later emerged that reported the MIR I[clarification needed] failed to do so, reaching a depth of only 1,580 meters (5,200 ft)

Baikal is a beautiful lake located in the South-Eastern part of Siberia. It is the deepest freshwater lake on the earth and the largest reservoir of fresh surface water. Baikal is famous for unique clarity of its waters and diversity of flora and fauna. Besides, Baikal Lake has been the important holy place of Asia for many centuries. It is especially good (and just a "must") to visit Baikal if you're taking a Trans-Siberian train. This train stops in Irkutsk and rather than sitting in the train for 6 days waiting Moscow, you can hop off the train in Irkutsk and Baikal Lake in evening, Olkhon island make a trip to Baikal Lake. The experiences you will get there will be incomparable to anything else. In Russia we spell Lake Baikal like “Ozero Baykal”. The word “Baikal” came from Turk language. The word “bai” means “wealthy” and “kul” means “lake”. So “Baikal” originally means “wealthy lake”. It IS wealthy. The lake contains 20% of the world surface fresh water while the flora and fauna of the lake are mostly endemic. The lake is so huge and enormous that locals call it sea. This “sea” is rapidly growing with the average speed of 2 cm (0.8 in) per year. Baikal is considered to be a future ocean; in several million years there will be a new great ocean all over Asia and Baikal is a starting point for this ocean. This remarkable lake is a one of Asia’s holy places. Peoples through over the centuries prayed to the lake and believed in its power. You can still see at the lake the unique carvings and parts of the ritual buildings of the tribes that gone thousands years ago. Baikal serves as a boundary for two Russian provinces – Buryatia Republic (south-east shore) and Irkutskaya oblast (north-west shore). The south-western part of Baikal is more touristic, however north-eastern part is almost deserted – few inhabitants and almost no tourists. Baikal was added to the World Heritage list by UNESCO in 1996.

A simple kayak and a paddle as old as the hills - that's all you need to strengthen your body and soothe your soul. For a time you can forget those towns drowning in their grey haze, those endless urgent matters and constant fuss. You can return to where you have come from and where you should be always - you can return to Nature. It will be around you in beautiful mountains, meadows, forest and air, full of the smell of the sea, cliffs and wild flowers, beneath you - in crystal clear water, and above - the fathomless blue of the sky, the blinding white of clouds and hot sun, making way at night for those madly scattered stars. You will see majestic cliffs where time itself carved out startling grottos and caves, mysterious rock paintings - the creation of distant ancestors, cosy bays and inlets. You will see Baikal, touch it and try to understand. For the time being I invite you to make a virtual trip around Lake Baikal, to those places I have been. If you become inspired with the magic of Baikal and respect for this great lake, I will know that I haven't wasted my time setting up this site. In the section About Baikal you can find information about climate, geographical position, the age, plant and animal life of Baikal. The peculiarities of Baikal's winds are described in detail, and there is also information about the protected territories - national parks, nature reserves and game reserves along the lake's shores. The section Special Locations contains articles on sites of particular interest. One of the largest sections of the site is the Baikal Photos where there are hundreds of photographs of Baikal taken during trips on the lake. Amongst the photographs presented are panoramic photos of Baikal and space images of Lake Baikal. Sitting on a rock on Olkhon island, Baikal from the lake, rocky mountains, and beautiful forests for people who want to be close to the nature. The usual tourist activities like trekking, biking, camping, kayaking, fishing occur to be unusual if it’s done at this magic lake. You will experience another culture at Baikal, in fact two cultures – Asian Buryat and Siberian Russian. The ancient culture of Buryat people with their holy attitude to the nature, traditional shamanism and unique spiritual songs used to be the dominant at the lake for many centuries until Russian colonization in 17th century. As Russians arrived, they started to live in the Russian way with the Orthodox church, banya (sauna) and vodka but with Siberian peculiarity. Siberian Russians call themselves Siberians and are accepted like different people all over Russia. Simply said, centuries of independent life in wild nature have made them reliable, strong, traditional, and nature-respecting. These people differ from central Russians and are respected much in Russia. Special: Baikal Fish. Fishermen have little wooden houses and come some evenings from villages for a night on the lake. It’s possible to buy fish from them; they usually sell it from home, where they prepare it for you before selling it. Weekend campers also fish, and cook their fish in all kind of ways. For example the fresh fish can be salted (‘solyoni’), which is very tasty. It’s Selling Baikal fish - Buryatia made by opening the fish in the middle, emptying it from the guts and inside organs, then hammering the salt in with a big hammer. Or fish may be dried and smoked above a fire, they are kept open with sticks in the stomach. Another way of preparing Baikal fish is in the special soup Ukha. The soup is best prepared with water directly taken from the lake. On the beach you carefully make a fire, hang a pot over it, and boil the water. Inside you drop cut garlic, onion, carrots, potatoes, and fresh fish. It’s best to clean its skin, cut off its head and tail, and remove the red organs, then you can rinse it, cut it in pieces and drop it in the soup. Add some salt, wait not too long, and enjoy the fresh Ukha… Also the fish can be wrapped in aluminum paper and baked in the fire.

2009-05-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Douro, River/Valley : PORTUGAL

Douro is one of the major rivers of the Iberian Peninsula, flowing from its source near Duruelo de la Sierra in the province of Soria across northern-central Spain and Portugal to its outlet at Porto.The reaches of the Douro have a microclimate allowing for cultivation of olives, almonds, and especially grapes important for making the famous Posrt wine. The Douro or Duero (Latin: ofIberian Peninsula, flowing from its source near Duruelo de la Sierra in the province of Soria across northern-central Spain and Portugal to its outlet at Porto. Its total length is 897 km, of which only sections on the Portuguese river are navigable by light rivercraft. The name may have come from the Celtic tribes that inhabited the area before Roman times. (However, although in modern Welsh dwr is 'water' with cognate "dobhar" in Irish, the Celtic root is *dubro- ). In its Spanish section, the Duero crosses the great Castilian meseta and meanders through five significant provinces of the autonomous community of Castile and Leon: Soria, Burgos, Valladolid, Zamora, and Salamanca, passing through the towns of Soria, Almazán, Aranda de Duero, Tordesillas, and Zamora. In this region, there are few large tributaries of the Duero. The most important are the Pisuerga, passing through Valladolid, and the Esla, which passes through Benavente. This region, for the most part, is one of semi-arid plains planted with wheat and in some places, especially near Aranda de Duero, in wine grapes, in the Ribera del Duero wine region. Sheep rearing is also still important. Then, for 112 km, the river forms part of the national border line between Spain and Portugal, in a region of narrow canyons, making it an historical barrier for invasions and a linguistic dividing line. This isolated area has now a protected status: the International Douro Natural Park.

Authentic port comes only from the Douro (durr-oh) River Valley, located in northeast Portugal, whose inhospitable climate and landscape create the perfect conditions for port. The Douro River flows west from the Spanish border to the city of Oporto, from which port takes its name. Just across the river from Oporto lies the town of Vila Nova de Gaia, where the warehouses - or lodges - of all the major port houses are situated. Wine is shipped in bulk from the Douro area to these lodges to age in the cool seacoast climate. Originally demarcated in 1756, the Douro is divided into three regions: the Baixo Corgo (bay-shoo corg-oh), the Cima Corgo (see-ma corg-oh) and the Douro Superior. The steep, rugged hillsides of the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior were found to produce superior wines, and it is here that all of the great port houses, including Cockburn's, established vineyard holdings here. The Douro climate is one of extremes. Winters can bring severe frosts while summers are long, dry and hot. Vines grow in a meager topsoil derived from a rock called schist, that sometimes must be shattered with dynamite before planting can begin. Vineyards must be terraced in most of the Douro due to the steepness of the terrain.

This is an excellent way to get to know Portugal in a short time. Visit Lisbon, the 2,000 year old city founded by the Phoenecians. Built on 7 hills this old world European Capital city highlights the amazing history of Portugal's world discoveries. You'll have 3 days to visit the cultural and historic sights and 3 nights to experience the amazing nightlife that makes this city so popular with other Europeans. Then head north to the Costa Verde (Green Coast) to experience the Douro River. This river is the lifeblood of the Costa Verde or Green Coast Region of Northern Portugal. This is the area world famous for port wines and excellent table wines. Cruise this historic river from the comfort of a modern, immaculate river boat with an attentive international crew. Daily shore excursions will take you to the most interesting sites and they are all included in the price. Cruise the lovely Douro River through terraced vineyards the climb hundreds of feet above the river valley. This river travels through time past palaces, monasteries and ancient manor houses. The people of the Douro are friendly and helpful. Each village offers up a surprise for the visitor. This river has been the lifeblood of the region for centuries providing the highway for travel and commerce through this rugged land. It is home of the port wine and remarkably good table wine industry .Explore the history and charm of northern Portugal on a Douro River Cruise. We have several itineraries that enable you to explore the historic Douro River your way!

Lake Bled : SLOVENIA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

Lake Bled : SLOVENIA

Lake Bled is a glacial lake in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. It is 2,120 m long and 1,380 m wide, with a maximum depth of 30.6 m. The lake is nestled in a picturesque environment, surrounded by mountains and forests. The lake is 2,120 m long and 1,380 m wide, with a maximum depth of 30.6 metres. The lake is situated in a picturesque environment, surrounded by mountains and forests. A medieval castle stands above the lake on the north shore. The lake surrounds Bled Island (Sln. Blejski otok), the only natural island in Slovenia. The island has several buildings, the main one being the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary (Slovenian: Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja), built in the 15th century, where weddings are held regularly. The church has a 52-metre tower and there is a stairway with 99 steps leading up to the building. The lake is also well known among rowers because it has very good conditions for the sport. It hosted the World Rowing Championships in 1966, 1979, and 1989. It will host the World Rowing Championship again in 2011. The lake is 35 kilometers from the Ljubljana International Airport and 55 km from the capital city Ljubljana.

Bled's scenery is almost impossibly romantic, with a little white church on an island in the center of an emerald green mountain lake, Bled Castle perched high above and the peaks of the Julian Alps all around — and it is consequently often packed with honeymooning couples and the like. The town is also a popular access point for Triglav National Park and offers numerous possibilities for an active holiday, including hiking, mountain biking, swimming, rafting and skiing in winter or a relaxing spell in a modern wellness centre. Bled is small enough to cover on foot; a walk around the lake won't take much longer than an hour. The traditional way to reach the lake's island is by pletna boats, although those feeling fit can also swim (take an air mattress in any case) or rent rowboats. As of 2008, the round-trip fair is a fixed 12 EUR per person, and the rowers will typically wait to get at least 3-4 people on the boat (max capacity is about 10 people), so leave plenty of time for the trip to the island. Once on the island, the boat will wait 30-60 minutes, so the total trip time will be about 90 minutes. These pletnas depart from various locations around the lake. If the departure point is far from the island (thus more rowing time), that means you will get to spend less time on the lake, because the total round trip time will be 90 minutes. Horse drawn carriages are available for rides around the lake, to the castle and further afield. Call 00386 41 710 970, Tony!

Bled Castle is a picturesque white and red castle, perched on a rock on the northern side of town. There is a little museum inside with an exhibition on the castle's history and the usual array of medieval pomp, pageantry and weaponry. There is also a small wine center run by Andre, the monk. There, for the price of a champagne bottle (15€) Andre will teach you how to perform Sabrage, or Sabree, the art of cutting the top of the bottle off with a blade. You can also bottle, label, and wax stamp your own wine right in the cellar with Andre. Very fun. By taking the wooden steps near the wine cellar above the courtyard, you can find a small shop that sells various herbs and oils. Go in here for the smell if anything. The little island on Lake Bled. The small church on the island dates back to the 10th century, but the present building was built in the 17th century. According to local tradition, a husband who can carry his newly married bride the 99 steps up from the dock into the church will be ensured a happy marriage, and ringing the bell in the church will fulfill one of your wishes. The way to reach the island is by a special boat called Pletna +386-41-948-168. An alternative to taking the Pletna to the island is to rent a kayak and explore Lake Bled yourself. With a kayak a person can easily reach the island, tie up, and go exploring by foot, and also explore the hidden shorelines of the lake, otherwise inaccessible without a small boat. Your hotel or hostel can give you information on where to rent a kayak. A fairytale castle high on a bluff, with a crystal clear lake underneath, snow capped alps in the background: Bled has all the ingredients for becoming a major tourist spot. Located in the Julian alps, a bus ride of about an hour takes you from Ljubljana to this mountain resort. The main sights in the area are the Bled castle which has a pricey restaurant and a mediocre museum but the best views imaginable of the lake and the island with the Church of Sv Marija Bozja on it. The island can be visited by gondola, or by canoe from the Park Hotel. It is approximately 4 miles around the lake, which makes it a nice after dinner stroll. And you can't miss stopping at Vila Bled along the lake. Now a hotel, Vila Bled was once Tito's summer home. The Vintgar Gorge is an excellent day trip. It's just 10 km north of town and the hike there is great.

Lake Togo : TOGO Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

Lake Togo : TOGO

A low-lying, sandy beaches of this narrow African coastal region are backed by tidal flats and shallow lagoons, the largest of which is Lake Togo in Southern Togo, some 15 km long and up to 6 km wide. The lake is separated from the ocean by a narrow piece of land. Lake Togo is the largest part of a lagoon in Togo, separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow coastal strip. It is shallow and a popular location for water sports. Towns on the lake's shore include Agbodrafo and Togoville. The name is derived from to, which means "water", and go, which means "edge" or "shore". Also the name of a lake in Japan separated from the Sea of Japan by a narrow coastal strip. It is located between Kurayoshi and Tottori in Tottori Prefecture . MBendi Travel is used by people worldwide. If you know that information shown for this directory entry is incorrect or missing please use the functions below to assist in maintaining this information resource. As a representative of a travel facility you can also upgrade this directory entry.

Togo is probably one of the nicest places in Western Africa. Roads are pretty good, distances small, beaches sandy and white, people friendly, hills and mountains waiting to be explored. What else do you need The capital city, Lomé is an excellent place to start your trip. Lots of daytrips can be made to Togoville on the borders of Lake Togo or Aneho. When you go north Kpalime and its beautiful hilly surroundings deserve a visit; trekking and hiking in the area is wonderful. Continue further north if you are into hiking. Kara is the place to go. Nearby is Tamberma Valley which has intriguing castle like structures known as Tatas. The national parks of Fazao and Keran offer good opportunities to view wildlife. A good place to stay in Lomé is Chez Alice in Avepozo, a few miles east of the city along the main coastal road to Benin. You can rent affordable rooms or pitch up your tent in the yard. Good places to eat can be found nearby on the roadside.

Lake Saiful Maluk : PAKISTAN Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T01:01:00.000-07:00

Lake Saiful Maluk : PAKISTAN

Lake Saiful Muluk is at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley near Naran, Pakistan. At an altitude of 3,224 m above sea level, it is one of the highest lakes in Pakistan.The clarity of the water comes from the multiple glaciers around the high basin, which all feed the lake. The lake is accessible by a 14 km road from Naran (which is accessible by a road from Mansehra via Balakot and Kaghan) during the summer months. On foot, the trek from Naran to the lake takes about 4-6 hours. The water is clear with a slight green tone. The clarity of the water comes from the multiple glaciers all around the high basin which feed the lake. A fairy tale called Saiful Muluk, written by the famous sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, is associated with the lake.[1] It is the story of prince of Persia who fell in love with a fairy princess at the lake. The impact of the lake beauty is of such extent that people believe that fairies come down to lake in full moon. A poet and writer from Balakot, Ahmad Hussain Mujahid, has written the story of Saif ul Malook. The first edition of the book Saif ul Malook was published in 1999. Lake Saif ul Muluk is the must see activity in naran. It takes around about 3 hours on foot to travel to the lake. You can also hire jeeps or horses if you dont feel like walking to it. you have to cross a glacier on the way to the lake.The whole path is very beautiful and its recommended that you walk to it. In this way you will get to appreciate the captivating beauty on the way. Located in the northern end of the Kaghan Valley near Naran, Pakistan, Lake Saiful Muluk is dubbed the most beautiful lake in Pakistan. At an altitude of 3,224 m above sea level, it is one of the highest lakes in the country. The lake's water is clear with a slight green tone.

Lake Saiful Muluk is situated at 3000+m, about 40 minutes jeep ride from Naran. Best time to visit is early in the morning when the air is cool, resulting in a picture perfect reflection on the lake. Horses are also available for one to take a tour around the lake. Camping facilities are also avaialbe, but you will have to check with the hotel that you will stay at. If you are lugging heavy back packs, or accompanies by children, porters are also available to assist you in carrying your extra stuff. Nice view of Malaka Parbat. The sad fact is that the tourisim has really destroyed the natural surrounding. With one shak tea/cold drink houses cropping up, along with no eco-tourism sense, the lake is fast loosing its charm. Best is to visit early in the morning when everyone else is having their breakfast. Lake Saif ul Muluk is the must see activity in naran. It takes around about 3 hours on foot to travel to the lake. You can also hire jeeps or horses if you dont feel like walking to it. you have to cross a glacier on the way to the lake.The whole path is very beautiful and its recommended that you walk to it. In this way you will get to appreciate the captivating beauty on the way. It was nearly noon when we reached Saif Ul Malook Lake; it was really an awesome place. All the anecdotes we have heard about that lake just seemed to be true as it looks like a part of heaven. People usually come here before sunrise because it is at that time, when the surrounding mountain sees their image in the lake. It is said that the scene is really worth all the pain that one gets in reaching at that place. A guide told me that normally the foreigners come to watch that scene. It is too cold at the lake that one has to be overtly precaution in wearing warm clothes. The water at the lake is too cold that no body can stand it for more than 1 minute. Though all of us tried to have a bet with the guide but after around 30 seconds when our mind started losing our body we have to give up the very idea. May be next time we would have a better chance. There are a couple of restaurants that offer good food and you can enjoy that. The whole lake is worth visiting wholly and that is if you are having time. It takes you about 2hrs to complete a whole round of lake. But there are numerous Khachars available and they take a very less amount for that. If you are curious to get some very good snaps then do visit it as you can find some astounding scenes.

Mansehra District has had a flourishing tourism industry in the past due to its many mountain ranges and the Saiful Muluk Lake, however since the 2005 earthquake the region has seen a decrease in tourists. This lake is about ten thousand feet above the ground level of Naran, this beautiful lake reflects many colors in minutes. Lately there has been an interest in building hotels in the area

Khawr al Udayd : QATAR Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

Khawr al Udayd : QATAR

Surrounded by massive sand dunes, Khawr al Udayd is an inlet of the Persian Gulf in the southeast of Qatar. It is known to local English speakers as the "Inland Sea." The Khor Al-Adaid area, also known regionally as the ‘Inland Sea', is located in the south-east of the State of Qatar. The area presents a remarkable landscape formed by a globally unique combination of geological and geomorphological features. These features themselves create a diverse scenery of exceptional, undeveloped natural beauty, in what remains predominantly a ‘wilderness area'. Each landscape unit on its own, notably the Persian Gulf, large mobile dunes, the tidal embayment system, inland and coastal sabkha, recently discovered "salt hummocks", stony deserts, elevated mesas and rocky outcrops, as well as the transition between each of them, contribute to the unique character of Qatar's southern territory. This intrinsic attractiveness, of a largely uninhabited area, is added to by the presence of a diverse native terrestrial flora and fauna alongside a varied and sensitive marine ecosystem. The flora present in the area is typical of those habitats represented and supports species and communities mostly widespread on the Arabian Peninsula, yet not occurring in the same combination in any other single locality. The fauna includes several species which are internationally rare and/or threatened, for example Dugong and Turtles, with populations of certain species of bird being of national and regional importance, e.g. long-distance migrant waterfowl winter, and regionally declining breeding species also resident, including Ospreys nesting on islets. Terrestrial areas continue to support Arabian Gazelles, while there are plans to reintroduce Arabian Oryx within the hinterland of Khor al-Adaid.

There is no similar assemblage of terrestrial and marine environments, with a large tidal embayment lying within an area of mobile dunes, and of sabkhat systems, anywhere else in the world. This assemblage depends on the significant continuation of ongoing processes in the development of landforms. These geological and geomorphological processes cannot be observed and studied in this juxtaposition elsewhere in the world. The interaction of processes and the appearance of sabkha ecosystems and salt hummocks were identified by international interdisciplinary experts as an area of global importance (Barth et al. 2005).
The varied ecosystem of Khor Al-Adaid is of international scientific interest and shows remarkable adaptations to the extreme environmental conditions: limited rainfall, very high seawater temperatures in summer (up to and occasionally more than 33°C.), very low sea temperatures in winter and high salinity. The location of Khor Al-Adaid coral communities is predicted by Sheppard (2003) to have the greatest temperature range within the Persian Gulf. Phillips (2003) adjudged the seagrass beds, extending from Bahrain down the East coast of Qatar and along the coast of the United Arab Emirates, as being one the most productive in the world and as important feeding grounds for endangered species including turtles and dugongs.
A nomination on the Natural World Heritage list would be the first one in the State of Qatar and the second on the Arabian Peninsula. The IUCN Advisory Body evaluated a nomination file for the Hawar archipelago, Kingdom of Bahrain, and called for the establishment of a coastal Natural World Heritage Site with neighbouring countries which have a shared responsibility for the islands and surrounding waters.

The area is the scene of outstanding examples of significant on-going processes in the development of landforms. The sabkha flats, salt-crusted desert extending from the Khor up to Mesaieed is different from the classic sabkhas, which are composed of calcium carbonate and derived from the sea. That in the Khor Al-Adaid area has built eastward by quartz sand being delivered from dunes by the dominant north-northwest shamal winds. In turn more sand dunes traverse this flat surface into the sea and are thus continually prograding the sabkha in a seaward direction. Nowhere else in the world can this rapid process of sabkha formation be observed and studied. There is a finite source of sand, and it is ultimately foreseeable that all the available supplies will have reached the sea and the sabkha system will stop expanding. This is why this on-going process is of considerable importance. The pisolites found in the area - coated shells with calcium carbonate precipitation - are the only ones known to exist in a matrix of quartz sand. In addition, the hyper-saline ground waters in the more landward parts of this sabkha contain very young primary dolomite crystals. Dolomite is common in ancient limestones, but this is one of the few areas in the world where it is presently actively precipitating beneath the surface around quartz sand. This sabkha is therefore a unique place for field studies of the chemical processes that form this mineral, which remains one of the largely unsolved mysteries of modern geology. In addition, the area comprises a large number of recently discovered "salt hummocks". Each of these hummocks or mounds is covered by a salt and gypsum crust, which may represent a former sabkha surface, corresponding with a former sea level. In this case it would be a strong indication of post-Pleistocene to late Holocene sea level fluctuations. Raised beaches here also attest to this phenomenon. Lastly, the area is the scene of progressive filling-in of the lagoon, as can be inferred from satellite images. Tidal currents keep it open near the entrance today, but if the shallow marine areas farther inland are filled, tidal currents would diminish and the rest of the inland sea might accrete entirely. Examining the satellite images in the vicinity of Umm Said (Mesaieed) shows an area that may, in the past, have been similar to Khor Al-Adaid. The Khor Al-Adaid area provides an instructive outdoor classroom for presently active geological and geomorphological processes, which, indeed, already attract national and international visitors, including both ‘sight-seeing' tourists and academics.

La Brea Pitch Lake : TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T00:49:00.000-07:00

La Brea Pitch Lake : TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

The La Brea Pitch Lake is a lake of natural asphalt in southwest Trinidad. It has fascinated explorers, scientists and the common folk since its discovery by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1595. The lake covers about 500 sq. m and is reported to be 75 m deep. The Pitch Lake attracts about 20,000 visitors annually. It is also mined for asphalt which is exported for high-quality road construction. If you are visiting Trinidad, one of the places of interest is the La Brea pitch lake. The Pitch lake in La brea is unique in that it is the largest one of it’s kind in the world. There are only two other lakes of it’s kind, one in California in the USA and the other in Venezuela in South America. What is a Pitch Lake? Believe it or not the Pitch lake has a history stemming back to 6 million years ago when oil seeped through the cracks in the earth’s surface. Scientist believe that it will take about four hundred years before the lake will be depleted of the pitch. What is the pitch used for? The asphalt from the pitch lake is used mainly to pave the road ways in Trinidad and Tobago and is also a main source of export from this island to the rest of the world. What you should know before visiting the pitch lake! While the pitch lake can be an exciting adventure, you should be aware that there are many soft areas in the lake that can be quite dangerous to the armature eye. You should proceed with caution in these areas to avoid getting stuck or injured. There are many locals who would be more than happy to guide you through a tour, but we advise you to schedule a tour with a professional guide at the front office building. These guides live this experience day in and day out, they are very familiar with the pitch lake and can give you the extensive history as well as the old folk lore surrounding the lake.

The La Brea Pitch Lake is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt. However, commercial excavation of asphalt has slowed down considerably, since other more cost effective materials are available for road construction. The pitch lake is now primarily a tourist destination. Many go to bathe in its waters, which contain sulphur, which some say has healing properties. A lot of credit for that has to go to my guide, an aging Rastafarian guy going by the name "Roy". He was patient, knowledgeable and willing to peel away the outer layers of mystique surrounding the lake! Actually, that last part's only a joke to go along with this photo of him peeling back the hardened skin of the lake.

For those of you who don't know, "pitch" is just an old fashioned name for "tar". Pitch Lake on Trinidad's west coast, in the appropriately named "La Brea" district, is a 95 acre lake of tar. The guidebook I have says the lake is often a disappointment for tourists who drive down from Port of Spain, because it looks like a large parking lot. Personally, I found the trip very worthwhile. If this is a parking lot, then it's not like any I've ever been to. The surface yields just slightly when walked on, though I'm told that a car would sink into it fairly quickly. The tar is also over 350 feet deep at the center of the lake, which is shaped like an inverted cone. The lake also houses a museum and cafeteria. The lake also has a “Fountain of youth” which is open for bathing. The ” Fountain of youth” was created from the separation of the water and tar that the lake naturally spews. Many believe that you can be healed of various ailments, like dandruff and skin problems like eczema by taking a bath in this fountain. Taking a tour of the pitch lake usually takes about 45 minutes.

Carbet Falls : GUADELOUPE Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T00:39:00.000-07:00

Carbet Falls : GUADELOUPE

Carbet Falls is a series of waterfalls on the Carbet River in Guadeloupe, an overseas department of France located in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean Sea. Its three cascades are set amid the tropical rainforests on the lower slopes of the volcano La Soufrière. The falls are one of the most popular visitor sites in Guadeloupe. In 1493, Christopher Columbus noted Carbet Falls in his log. Appropriately, he named Guadeloupe Karukera, which translates as "the island of beautiful waters." The falls' first and highest cascade comprises a drop of more than125 m (410 ft). Visitors reach the cascade by a long, steep trail. The source of the Carbet River is located another 2 km (1.2 mi) upstream from the first cascade, at an elevation of 1,300 m (4,300 ft). The second cascade receives the most visitors of the three, due to its convenient accessibility. This fall of 110 m (360 ft) is reached by a paved and very well designed path. The third and last cascade measures 20 m (66 ft) in height, and has the greatest water volume of any waterfall in Guadeloupe. It is only accessible on foot, and only to experienced hikers. Following an earthquake in 2004, several cubic meters of rock split from the cliff face behind the second cascade. The safety hazard thus created led park authorities to limit access to the cascade to no closer than a bridge just downstream. Heavy rains in 2005 only exacerbated the problem by leaving the terrain yet more unstable. Carbet Falls (French: Les chutes du Carbet) is a series of waterfalls on the Carbet River in Guadeloupe, an overseas department of France located in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean region. Its three cascades are set amid the tropical rainforests on the lower slopes of the volcano La Soufrière. The falls are one of the most popular visitor sites in Guadeloupe, with approximately 400,000 visitors annually. In 1493, Christopher Columbus noted Carbet Falls in his log. Appropriately, he named Guadeloupe Karukera, which translates as "the island of beautiful waters"

There are therefore three sites to visit at Carbet. Falls number 2 are the easiest to get to, after an easy hike of about 30 minutes. They are also the largest of the three falls with a drop of nearly 360 feet. You'll even get to cross a lovely suspended bridge. But watch out. This site is overrun with tourists during tourist season. The vegetation is lush and well taken care of by the ONF. Getting to the first of the three waterfalls is a bit more difficult (41/2 hours to get there and back), but well worth it for the lovely walk in the wilderness. However, the waterfalls are not as exciting as falls number 2. The third falls are really for seasoned hikers because the walk up hill is very difficult, especially on hot days. But the sheer force of the waterfalls and its beautiful setting make visiting these falls the most "wild" experience. You can take advantage of your trip to the falls to visit the nearby ponds at Carbet. A both interesting and educational hike because of the good organization of the site and of the presence of forest wardens. If you run into one of them, don't hesitate to ask them any questions you may have or for advice.

The " Carbet " takes its source on the sides of the Soufrière Volcano and slides along the mountain on 10 kilometers (6 Miles). With three falls, the torrent falls from very high cliffs. The third fall, on the lowest level of the river, is accessible by taking, at the exit of Capesterre the road of " Routhiers ". After a thirty minutes drive on a track full of roots, you will reach downwards this pretty 20 meters (60 feet) high fall, spectacular by the importance of its flow. The first Carbet fall for the sportsmen is far away from the road, also more difficult to join, but highest. Whereas the second makes a 110 meters (330 feet) high dive, the first fall beats all the records with a jump of more than 125 meters (387 feet). The south of the mountain is strewn with small water basins collecting the abundant streaming waters of the Soufrière Volcano. A one hour charming walk without difficulty and allowing to observe a very luxuriant fauna and flora :a large quantity of bamboos, " yellow mangroves " plunging their air roots in the water of the pond where the " ouassous " (large shrimps close to crayfish) are moving under the interested glance of the Kingfishers and of the " Kio ". Brick red Crabs move back, showing their claws when you approach... You are visiting the "lake" mangrove .

Kaieteur Falls : GUYANA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T00:33:00.000-07:00

Kaieteur Falls : GUYANA

Kaieteur Falls is a waterfall on the Potaro River in central Guyana. It is located in the Kaieteur National Park. It is 226 m when measured from its plunge over a sandstone cliff to the first break. It then flows over a series of steep cascades that, when included in the measurements, bring the total height to 251 m. Kaieteur Falls is about five times higher than Niagara Falls. Kaieteur Falls is a magnificent, high-volume waterfall on the Potaro River in central Guyana. It is located in Kaieteur National Park. It is 226 meters (741 ft) when measured from its plunge over a sandstone cliff to the first break. It then flows over a series of steep cascades that, when included in the measurements, bring the total height to 251 meters (822 ft). While many falls have greater height, few have the combination of height and water volume. This has given Kaieteur Falls the misleading label of "largest single drop" waterfall in the world which is often misinterpreted as "tallest single drop." However, it is likely one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world Kaieteur Falls is about five times higher than the more well known Niagara Falls, located on the border between Canada and the United States and about two times the height of the Victoria Falls located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe in Africa. It is a single drop waterfall which is the 123rd tallest (single and multi-drop waterfall) in the world, according to the World Waterfalls Database. The same web site lists it as 19th largest waterfall in terms of volume , and in their estimation, Kaieteur is the 26th most scenic waterfall in the world [3]. Its distinction lies in the unique combination of great height and large volume, averaging 663 cubic meters per second (23,400 cubic feet per second). Thus it is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, rivaling even the Jog Falls of India's Karnataka state during the monsoon season. Kaieteur Falls. The world's largest single drop water falls measuring 741 feet. For comparison, Kaieteur is about five times taller than Niagara falls. The above picture is from the farthest lookout point that we stopped at on the hike through the jungle. These falls were awe-inspiring to say the least. I only wish these pictures could convey a fraction of the experience of actually being there.

cataract on the Potaro River, west-central Guyana. After a sheer drop of 741 feet (226 m) over the edge of a sandstone plateau, the falls have eroded a gorge, 5 miles (8 km) long, that descends another 81 feet (25 m). The falls are 300 to 350 feet (90 to 105 m) wide at the top and are the central feature of the Kaieteur National Park (established 1930). Tourists usually visit the site by chartered aircraft from Georgetown, but a road and river expedition is also possible. The falls were sighted by C. Barrington Brown, a British geologist, in 1870. Kaieteur Falls, easily one of the most powerful falls on the planet, has the rare combination of great height and great volume. Only India's Jog Falls can rival this combination. The falls consist of a sheer plunge of 741 feet, followed by a short series of steep cascades, which is often included in some measurements of the falls (which brings the total up to 822 feet). On 24 April 1870, Charles Barrington Brown, one of two British geologists appointed government surveyors to the colony of British Guiana (Guyana), became the first European to see Kaieteur Falls. The other surveyor was James Sawkins. Brown and James Sawkins arrived in Georgetown in 1867 and did some of their mapping and preparation of geological reports together, some in separate expeditions, but Sawkins had taken a break from his work when Brown came upon Kaieteur. After completing their surveys of thousands of miles of interior rivers during the heady days of gold discoveries, the surveyors left British Guiana in 1871. Brown’s book Canoe and Camp life in British Guiana was published in 1876. Two years later, in 1878, he published Fifteen Thousand Miles on the Amazon and its tributaries. According to a Patamona Indian legend, Kaieteur Falls was named for Kai, a chief, or Toshao who acted to save his people by paddling over the falls in an act of self-sacrifice to Makonaima, the great spirit.

Werner Herzog's 2004 documentary film The White Diamond focuses on Graham Dorrington, a British aeronautical engineer, who builds a teardrop-shaped airship in order to study the canopies of the rainforest. The film depicts both Dorrington's craft's first flights as well as the falls themselves and the swifts that nest behind it. In May 2006, Ben Fogle trekked to the falls with five English novice explorers for his Extreme Dreams series. The programme was aired in September 2006 on the BBC. The programme was criticised for trivialising local culture and over-playing the difficulty of the trek. It did help raise Guyana's international profile. Each programme was prefaced with the statement that Kaieteur is the highest single-drop waterfall in the world, although the Angel Falls in Venezuela claim to be nearly four times higher. There are about 40,000 tourists a year.

Great Salt Pond : SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T00:26:00.000-07:00

Great Salt Pond : SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

Great Salt Pond is the largest lake in the small island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, covering an area of covers 3 square miles. it is located close to the end of the Southeast Peninsula of St. Kitts. It is an unusual inland beach opening onto the Atlantic Ocean in the north and the calmer Caribbean Sea to the south. Great Salt Pond is the largest lake in Saint Kitts and Nevis. it is located close to the end of the Southeast Peninsula, just to the north of The Narrows. Last week some USM students spoke up with concerns about The Great Salt Pond, one of which was it's status as a National Monument. Sadly, I regret to inform them that the GSP is no longer something to be proud of, it is instead, a National Disgrace. Roy was asked about it last week by an AVS reporter, listen to him, if you can bare to, then join me below for more. The islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis are two of the Caribbean's oldest colonised territories. Saint Kitts became the first British colony in the West Indies in 1624 and then became the first French colony in the Caribbean in 1625, when both nations decided to partition the island. Five thousand years prior to European arrival, the island was settled by Indian peoples. The latest arrivals, the Kalinago peoples, arrived approximately 3 centuries before the Europeans. The Kalinago allowed the Europeans to colonize Saint Kitts, while earlier attempts to settle other islands were met with immediate destruction of the colonies by the Indians. The Kalinago were eventually wiped out in the great Kalinago Genocide of 1626. Often overlooked in history is the fact that in the 1600s, under Cromwell's reign, England shipped approximately 25,000 Irish to St. Kitts as slaves to work on the island. Battle of Saint Kitts, 1782, as described by an observer in a French engraving titled "Attaque de Brimstomhill". The island of Nevis was colonized in 1628 by British settlers from Saint Kitts. From there,Kitts became the premier base for British and French expansion, as the islands of Antigua, Montserrat, Anguilla and Tortola for the British, and Martinique, the Guadeloupe archipelago and St. Barths for the French were colonized from it. Although small in size, and separated by only 2 miles (3 km) of water, the two islands were viewed and governed as different states until the late 19th century, when they were forcefully unified along with the island of Anguilla by the British. To this day relations are strained, with Nevis accusing Saint Kitts of neglecting its needs.

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis (also known as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis),[2] located in the Leeward Islands, is a federal two-island nation in the West Indies. It is the smallest sovereign nation in the Americas, in both area and population. The capital city and headquarters of government for the federated state is on the larger island of Saint Kitts. The smaller state of Nevis lies about 2 miles (3 km) southeast of Saint Kitts, across a shallow channel called "The Narrows". Historically, the British dependency of Anguilla was also a part of this union, which was then known collectively as Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla. Saint Kitts and Nevis are geographically part of the Leeward Islands. To the north-northwest lie the islands of Saint Eustatius, Saba, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten. To the east and northeast are Antigua and Barbuda, and to the southeast is the small uninhabited island of Redonda, and the island of Montserrat, which currently has an active volcano (see Soufrière Hills.) Saint Kitts and Nevis were amongst the first islands in the Caribbean to be settled by Europeans. Saint Kitts was home to the first British and French colonies in the Caribbean. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest nation on Earth to ever host a World Cup event; it was one of the host venues of the 2007 Cricket World Cup. The country is an independent Commonwealth realm with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state, represented in St. Kitts and Nevis by a Governor-General, who acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The prime minister is the leader of the majority party of the House, and the cabinet conducts affairs of state. St. Kitts and Nevis has a unicameral legislature, as the National Assembly. It is composed of fourteen members: eleven elected Representatives (three from the island of Nevis) and three Senators who are appointed by the Governor-General. Two of the senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, and one on the advice of the leader of the opposition. Unlike in other countries, senators do not constitute a separate Senate or upper house of parliament, but sit in the National Assembly, alongside representatives. All members serve five-year terms. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are responsible to the Parliament. Saint Kitts and Nevis is a full and participating member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

At first the island was thought to be uninhabited, but it was discovered that 14 Frenchmen had settled in the Quarter d'Orleans area. Within 3 months the first house had been built and over 1000 hectolitres of clean salt was ready for shipment. Work started on Fort Amsterday which was finished by September 1632, housing 10 cannons and 80 men. By June of that year, 25 ships were counted within a 3 week period, collectiong salt for the return trip to Europe. The high quality of St Maarten salt attracted the greed and attention of King Philip IV of Spain and on the 24th June 1633, 53 Spanish ships, 11 of which being Men of War, dropped anchor in Great Bay. 1000 soldiers and 300 sailors landed, the Dutch put up resistance for one week before a truce allowed them to leave the island, St. Maarten became Spanish on July 2nd 1633. By this time the Dutch had settled Bonaire and the loss of St Maarten led to the settlement of Curacao in 1634, St Eustatius and Saba were settled in 1636. St. Maarten was not settled by Spain, they had too many islands to administer and conditions on the island deteriorated for the 250 man garrison. Seeing this, Peter Syuyvesant, the Director of the Netherlands West India Company was directed to try to retake the island. In 1644 he arrived in Great Bay with 13 ships and about 1000 men, including most of the guard from Curacao, leaving that island poorly defended. The Spanish garrison of 120 men retreated into the Fort (Ft Amst.) and the Dutch landed in Cay Bay. First they set up cannons on Cay Hill but the distance was too far, they then moved them onto Belair Hill. Stuyvesant sent a summons to the Spanish at the fort and then climbed to the battery position and raised a flag, presumably to indicate the position and to demand surrender. Instead the Spanish fired a cannon, hitting Stuyvesant's right leg and the cheek and eye of the captain of his flagship. A few weeks later and after several attacks were repulsed, the Dutch left the island. The Spanish commander, in his report to the King, requested permission to leave the island as a reward to the garrison.

Maletsunyane Falls : LESOTHO Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T00:21:00.000-07:00

Maletsunyane Falls : LESOTHO

Nestled in the Lesotho highlands Maletsunyane Falls at 192 m is Southern Africa's highest single-drop waterfall The mighty Maletsunyane Falls, one of the highest single dropping waterfalls in Africa, creates a haze of smoke as the water plummets 204 metres into a spectacular gorge. It is from this smoke that Semonkong '–The Place of Smoke' –gets its name. The falls attract adrenaline junkies with the longest commercially operated single-drop abseil in the world as stated by Guinness World Records.

'Maletsunyane Falls are more than three times higher than the 159 ft American Niagara Falls. They are the second highest in southern Africa after Tugela Falls in South Africa which are four times higher. If you look closely at 'Maletsunyane Falls, you'll see it is somewhat like Brandywine Falls near Whistler, BC, Canada. It is much higher but looks quite similar.

The Maletsunyane Falls (also called Semonkong, after the nearby town, or Le Bihan, after a French missionary) are easily accessible from Semonkong by a five-kilometre walk along the Maletsunyane river. This waterfall is the highest single drop in southern Africa, plunging 200 metres into a swimmable pool whose stunning natural scenery is unspoiled by anything man-made. Maletsunyane Falls are most spectacular in summer when the flow is highest, but in winter the water freezes, spraying the rocks with ice and forming a stunning ice cage over the pool. The similarly unspoiled, 120-metre Ketane Falls are a single day's walk or pony-trek (one of the best in Lesotho) west of Semonkong town.

Tasek Merimbun : BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

Tasek Merimbun : BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

The unique black water lake known as Tasek Merimbun is the largest lake in Brunei. Two rivers, Sungai Meluncur and Sungai Bang Oncom, flow into the lake. The waters from the two rivers are almost black because they flow through swamp forests full of peat on their way to the lake. Tasek Merimbun naturally has an unusual S-shape. There is a small island in the center, which is accessible by way of a timber walkway. On Saturday, bright and early (7.30), we all set off on our first Brunei adventure. We had seen information about Brunei's largest lake, and the natural park around it, and on the island in it, and thought it was worth a visit. In addition, I'm going to a lecture at the university about it's flora and fauna, so it was a bit of a research trip too. The lake is called “Tasek Merimbun“. We left the urban sprawl where we live, and set out along the coast road, south, towards the Tutong district. The coast road is beautiful, not the smoothest of road surfaces, but not bad (considering the weather these roads have to deal with, they're excellent), and the central reservation is as beautifully planted and maintained as any formal garden I've seen. There are small groups of men in big straw hats always pruning, clipping, sweeping, from dawn till dusk. How they cope in the heat is beyond me, but the results of their labours are wonderful. Town and concrete soon gave way to forest, with occasional glimpses of the sea to our right. After half an hour we had reached Tutong, a small, unremarkable town, with a few “supermarkets” (shacks), local shops and a gleaming HSBC. It's here that the Tutong river, which rises down in Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) reaches the sea. We turned left, south, and followed a small road upriver. Again, it amazes me how good the roads are. They have to deal with 30+ temperatures every day, and tropical downpours most nights, and most of the time, they're perfectly good. The road we were on led from nowhere to nowhere, but was fine. a while of meandering, and passing many typical Brunei houses (look ancient, built on stilts), we picked up signs for Tasek Merimbun and followed them, mostly through forested areas. When we got there, we saw a sign that gave us quite a surprise. Firstly it was in English (all roadsigns here are in Malay and/or Arabic), and secondly it warned of the lake being inhabited by crocodiles. At this point, I'm getting quite excited and Becca's getting quite concerned. Getting out of the car, the heat hit us (again). It was only 8.30 by now, but a cloudless sky meant that the temperature was heading up into the 30s.

Merimbun Lake is Brunei's largest. Because of the country's vast oil wealth, most of Brunei's lakes, rivers and jungles are well protected, especially compared to neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia where logging has scarred the landscape. Because of its isolated location, Merimbun sees very few tourists - foreign or local - but it is frequently visited by biologists who study the lake's diverse ecology. The boats pictured here are found on the shore of the scientific research compound. The site consists of a complex of shallow, freshwater lakes and grassy marshes surrounded by a large area of seasonally flooded peat swamp forest, to the west of the Tutong River. The lakes are fed by three streams and overflow from the Tutong River during the rainy season (August to December). The maximum depth of water in the lakes is about 4 m; the pH is low. Dryobalanops rappa and Dactylocladus stenostachys are the dominant trees in the peat swamp forest. These also have important stands of ramin Gonostylus maingayi, the elegant sealing wax palm Cyrtostachys renda and fan palms Licuala paludrosa and Borassodendron borneense. Clusters of the pitcher plant Nepenthes ampullaria crouch on the peaty Soil whilst N. bicalcarata, N. gracilis and N. mirabilis climb among small trees. There are also large areas of lowland dipterocarp forest at the south end of the park. The site constitutes the largest peat swamp reserve in northern Borneo and has a tropical monsoonal Climate with an average annual rainfall of about 3,000 mm.

Positioned just 27kms inland from Tutong is Tasek Merimbun, Brunei’s largest lake. Part of Merimbun Heritage Park, this tranquil nature spot is home to various animals including monkeys and birds. With its close proximity to the capital and its international airport, traveling to the stunning lake is a must for all travelers. The lake is in the shape of an S, with a beautiful island in the middle connected by wooden footbridge. The main attraction of Tasek Merimbun is the natural wildlife around the spectacular lake. Bird watchers and nature lovers will thoroughly enjoy what the area has to offer. Merimbun Heritage Park has a host of activities to enjoy that center around appreciating the wild animals and plethora of exotic plant species that inhabit the park. The scientific research center provides a wealth of information about the local habitat and the protected wildlife. once been a stunning piece of bridge building. There were shelters along the way, with benches upon which to rest and escape the heat, and admire the (truely wonderful) views. Alas, maintenance was not good. The planks creaked underfoot with every step, and quite a few were flexible enough to inject a bit of bounce into one's step. Every now and then, we passed the remains of a plank that had falled victim to rot and / or termites. Progress was slow. By this stage we were about 20 metres from the shoreline! Becca, thankfully, had her sensible thinking hat on, and refused point blank to go any further. I gladly agreed that we should go back, as being on a rickety, semi-rotten bridge over crocodile infested waters was not my idea of a great Saturday out for all the family. We got back to the shore (alive!), had a little wander around the shoreline, and set off back home. We found a quicker, less pretty route to take us back, and were home within three-quarters of an hour.

Lake al-Jabbul : SYRIA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-30T00:08:00.000-07:00

Lake al-Jabbul : SYRIA

Covering 60 square miles near Aleppo Lake al-Jabbul is Syria's largest lake. The large, shallow body of salt water is an important staging and breeding site for many water birds in the Middle East. Site description A large, shallow salt-lake in a closed basin of c.37,500 ha, lying just south of Jabbul village, 35 km east-south-east of Halab (Aleppo). In the 1970s the lake was filled entirely by local run-off of winter/spring rainfall and its extent was highly variable from year to year, reaching a maximum of c.3,000 ha and with at least a little standing water at most times of the year. A levée built on the east side by the 1970s prevented flooding of the majority of the salt-flat in the east of the basin. However, in 1988 large, new irrigation projects on the nearby steppe started discharging surplus water into the lake on a substantial scale; it is not known how saline the inflow is nor whether it is seasonal or perennial. This appears to have led to a higher and more stable water level than in the past, since the lake currently measures up to 20 km long and 5 km wide (c.10,000 ha), and although in the 1970s the flat and sandy banks had little or no marginal vegetation, they are now locally lined by extensive Phragmites reedbeds, on the southern and south-eastern shores at least. At least two large islands are created at times of high flooding. Around the lake shore there is turf, close-cropped by sheep. The surrounding steppe has a sparse shrubland of Haloxylon and Artemisia. Primary uses of the area are salt extraction, wildfowl hunting, and livestock grazing on the surrounding steppe by nomadic pastoralists; in the 1970s the sabkhah to the east was an artillery firing range.

In the Jabbul area in Syria, marginal quality water in two forms, namely irrigation drainage water and an unplanned mixture of irrigation drainage water and untreated wastewater is used for irrigation by the farmers. Though mainly used to supplement the irrigation water requirements, this marginal quality water is also used for full irrigation in some of the water scarce areas on the downstream side, which are not serviced with the canal network for instance to the downstream of Sfireh. The Jabbul area receives an average annual precipitation of between 200 and 350 mm per annum, another push factor for the use of marginal quality water. The bulk of the untreated wastewater originates from the town of Sfireh with a population of about 100,000. Only part of this water flow is being extracted by the farmers, yet most of it flows directly into the Sabkhat Al-Jabbul, a saline wetland selected as a Ramsar site in 1998, and supposed to be a protected area. The sabkah with a total area of about 270 km2 is located 35 km to the southeast of the city of Aleppo. The study aimed at carrying out an assessment of the sources and qualities of the water both being abstracted by the farmers in the area around the Sfireh and also the water draining to the lake. The study also aimed at investigating the perceptions of the different stakeholders regarding the use of marginal quality water for agriculture and its disposal into the Ramsar site. These insights together with results of water quality monitoring led to suggestions for improvements in the use of such water in the area. The research was carried out between September 2006 and mid-December 2006. It commenced with 26 rapid interviews, carried out in the 4 main farming areas namely the area around Sfireh, to the northwest of the Sabkhat-Al-Jabbul; Dayr Hafir to the immediate northeast of the wetland; around Al-Jabbul village to the immediate north of the lake and Al Bab to the further north of the wetland. A visit was made to a sugar beet industry to the eastern side of the sabkah where a number of field measurements and observations were

One of few wetlands in Syria, Sabkhat al-Jabbul Nature Reserve near Aleppo is a large, permanent saline lake surrounded by semi-arid steppe. The lake is an important staging and wintering area for large numbers of waterbirds and for globally threatened species. The lake supports more than 1% of the world population of Greater Flamingo. The lake’s banks are not yet rich with vegetation; it is therefore not suitable for cormorants, herons or egrets. Within the site, land use is limited to salt production. The surrounding areas are used primarily for agriculture and livestock grazing. The lake has been identified as an Important Bird Area. Threats to the site are due to the lack of awareness in the local communities of the importance of the wetland, and the lack of staff trained in wetland management. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands came into force for the Syrian Arab Republic on 5 July 1998. Syria presently has 1 site designated as a Wetland of International Importance, with a surface area of 10,000 hectares.

Lake Bosumtwi : GHANA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

Lake Bosumtwi : GHANA

Lake Bosumtwi is located in south-central Ghana, 27 km southeast of the regional Capital Kumasi. The only true inland lake in the country, it has no surface outlet and was formed either by volcanic eruption or by the impact of a meteorite. With an area of 49 square km and a depth of some 73 m, the lake is fed by small streams that tumble down the steep sides. Lake Bosumtwi, situated within an ancient meteorite impact crater, is approximately 8 km across and the only natural lake in Ghana.[1] It is situated about 30 km south-east of Kumasi and is a popular recreational area. There are about 30 villages near the lake, with a combined population of about 70,000 people. The Ashanti consider Bosumtwi a sacred lake. According to traditional belief, the souls of the dead come here to bid farewell to the god Twi. Because of this, it is considered permissible to fish in the lake only from wooden planks. lake, south-central Ghana, 17 miles (27 km) southeast of Kumasi. The only true inland lake in the country, it has no surface outlet and was formed in a meteorite impact crater. With an area of 19 square miles (49 square km) and a depth of 230–240 feet (70–73 metres), the lake is fed by small streams that tumble down the crater’s steep sides (500–1,400 feet [150–425 metres] above water level). Development of tourist facilities on the lakeshore in 1976 led to the resettlement of the residents of Abonu. Seen From Space. This well-preserved young crater, situated in crystalline bedrock of the West African Shield, is filled almost entirely by lake Bosomtwi, which has a diameter of about 8 kilometers. The crater rim reaches elevations of about 300 meters ab

The legends say that in 1648 an Ashanti hunter named Akora Bompe from the city of Asaman was chasing an injured antelope through the rainforest. Suddenly, the animal disappeared in a small pond. It was as if this body of water wanted to save the animal's life. The hunter never got the antelope, though he settled close to the water and started catching fish. This place he named “Bosomtwe”, meaning “antelope god”. This story suggests that at that time the lake level was very low. The large dead trees standing offshore in the lake also evidence this, for they are over 300 years old. The following centuries saw several wars about the lake as both the Ashanti and the Akim clashed, each claiming the area. The Ashanti prevailed. Each village in the lake area has its own shrine or fetish grove. With the arrival of Christianity, some of people gave up former beliefs, though many continue to seek traditional help in bad times or against diseases. The Abrodwum Stone is held to be the spiritual centre of the lake. Here, when there is such poor fishing it is considered a bad omen, the lake people sacrifice a cow. This act is celebrated in the presence of his majesty, the Ashanti king, the Asantehene himself. In the ceremony, the cow's innards are given to the stone and the rest is thrown into the lake. The crowd rushes into the water with cutlasses and axes to take their share of the meat. This is an event very much worth seeing. However, as such an omen depends on various factors, it is hardly predictable. There is a traditional taboo against touching the water with iron and modern boats are not considered appropriate. The padua, a wooden plank requiring considerable skill to maneuver, is the legitimate method. There are current environmental concerns, including overfishing and inadequate farming methods. The growing population increased demand for fish. Excessive fishing led to steadily decreasing catches, forcing increased reliance on agriculture. As more and more of the hills are converted into farmland, exposing the surface to the heavy rainfalls, soil erosion becomes an ever greater problem. In addition there is the changing lake level. Many villages have been submerged several times forcing the people to move up the slopes or outside the basin. That is the origin of such double names as Pipie No.1 and Pipie No.2 (see map on http://people.freenet.de/bosomtwe). The lake is a popular resort area with local people for swimming, fishing and boat trips. The village of Amakom has a clinic called Lake Bosumtwi Methodist Clinic, served by boat and vehicle.

The Lake Bosumtwi impact crater is 10.5 km in diameter, slightly larger than the present lake, and is estimated to be 1.07 million years old (Pleistocene period).[2][3] The crater has been partly eroded, and is situated in dense rainforest, making it difficult to study and confirm its origin by meteorite impact. Shock features such as shatter cones are largely overgrown by vegetation or covered by the lake. However, drilling of the crater's central uplift beneath the lake floor has recently provided an abundance of shocked materials for scientific study.[3] Tektites, believed to be from this impact, are found in the neighbouring country of Ivory Coast, and related microtektites have been found in deep sea sediments west of the African continent.

Lake Victoria : KENYA/ TANZANIA/ UGANDA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

Lake Victoria : KENYA/ TANZANIA/ UGANDA

Lake Victoria or Victoria Nyanza (also known as Ukerewe and Nalubaale) is one of the Great Lakes of Africa. It is 68,800 square kilometres (26,560 mi²) in size, making it the continent's largest lake, the largest tropical lake in the world, and the second widest fresh water lake in the world in terms of surface area. Being relatively shallow for its size, with a maximum depth of 84 m (276 ft) and a mean depth of 40 m (131 ft), it is the source of the longest branch of the River Nile, the White Nile, and has a water catchment area of 184,000 square kilometres (71,040 mi²). The lake lies within an elevated plateau in the western part of Africa's Great Rift Valley and has a shoreline of 3,440 km (2138 miles). It has more than 3,000 islands, many of which are inhabited. The lake's shallowness, limited river inflow, and large surface area relative to its volume make it vulnerable to climate changes; cores taken from its bottom show that Lake Victoria has dried up completely three times since it formed 400,000 years ago. Lake Victoria is 68,800 square kilometres (26,600 sq mi) in size, making it the continent's largest lake, the largest tropical lake in the world, and the second widest fresh water lake in the world[1] in terms of surface area (third largest if one considers Lake Michigan-Huron as a single lake). Being relatively shallow for its size, with a maximum depth of 84 m (276 ft) and a mean depth of 40 m (131 ft), Lake Victoria ranks as the seventh largest freshwater lake by volume, containing 2,750 cubic kilometers (2.2 million acre-feet) of water. It is the source of the longest branch of the River Nile, the White Nile, and has a water catchment area of 184,000 square kilometeres (71,040 sq mi). It is a biological hotspot with great biodiversity. The lake lies within an elevated plateau in the western part of Africa's Great Rift Valley and is subject to territorial administration by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. The lake has a shoreline of 3,440 km (2,138 mi), and has more than 3,000 islands, many of which are inhabited. These include the Ssese Islands in Uganda, a large group of islands in the northwest of the lake that are becoming a popular destination for tourists. Lake Victoria is relatively young; its current basin formed only 400,000 years ago, when westward-flowing rivers were dammed by an upthrown crustal block.[2] The lake's shallowness, limited river inflow, and large surface area relative to its volume make it vulnerable to climate changes; cores taken from its bottom show that Lake Victoria has dried up completely three times since it formed. These drying cycles are probably related to past ice ages, which are times when precipitation declined globally. The lake last dried out 17,300 years ago, and filled again beginning 14,700 years ago; the fantastic adaptive radiation of its native .

Lake Victoria, the largest of all African Lakes, is also the second widest freshwater body in the world. Its extensive surface belongs to the three countries; the northern half to Uganda, the southern half to Tanzania, and part of the northeastern sector to Kenya. The lake occupies a wide depression near the equator, between the East and West Great Rift Valleys, but its drainage basin is relatively small, being slightly less than three times the lake's surface in area. The lake water is drained at a rate of about 600 m3 sec-1, at Jinja on the northern shore, into the Victoria Nile which flows northward via Lake Albert and the White Nile forming the uppermost reaches of the Nile River. The lake shore is highly indented, and there are many isles in the lake, some of which, especially the Sesse Group, are known for their beautiful landscape, health resorts and sightseeing places. Abundant prehistoric remains found around the lake indicate the early development of agriculture. There are a number of coastal towns such as Kisumu (Kenya), Entebe (Uganda), Bukoba, Muwanza and Musoma (Tanzania), connected with each other by ship routes and also to the cities of the Indian Ocean coast by railways. The dam constructed in 1954 at Owen Falls on the Victoria Nile supplies electricity and water for various uses in Uganda and Kenya. Lake Victoria does have a season of deep vertical mixing when in fact the lake becomes isothermal. During June and July the established thermocline breaks down under the seasonal onset of the south-east trade winds and for a brief period at the end of July the main body of the lake becomes isothermal with respect to depth (Talling, 1966). The depth and stability of the thermocline depends upon the duration of the calm, warming period and the frequency and magnitude of mixing events. In Lake Victoria where the thermocline most often occurs at 30-40 m depth, complete mixing of this enormous water body occurs once a year and partial mixing occurs at other times

Lake Victoria is the world's second largest freshwater lake covering an area of 67,850 sq km. This vast expanse, about the size of the Republic of Ireland, forms the headwaters of the River Nile. Its Kenya focus, Kisumu is 350 km from Nairobi by road. Three nations share the waters of the lake - Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Kenya's share is the smallest (3785 sq km) but there is a busy network of waterways between the trading towns and villages which lie along the shores of the lake. Passenger boats and small cargo vessels ply daily from Kisumu as far as the Tanzanian border and north to Port Victoria near Uganda. Kisumu, the largest town in western Kenya and the nation's third largest (population approximately 250,000), is the home of several small industries notably fish processing and cotton goods manufacture. The town came into existence with the completion, in 1901, of the first section of the Uganda Railway five years after plate laying began 1000 km away in Mombasa. It was briefly called Port Florence. Only forty years earlier, the English explorer Speke, having travelled along the western shore of the lake reached a place he named Ripon Falls. It was these cataracts, at what is now Jinja in Uganda, which he proclaimed the source of the Nile. Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake in the world and covers 67,483 sq km. The lake is not part of the rift valley system and, at only 100 meter deep, is very wide and shallow compared to other bodies of water. Lake Victoria acts as a boundary between Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, yet international water travel between the countries is no longer possible. The only lake excursions available occur between Kisumu and ports farther south. Kenya actually owns only a tiny 3,785 sq km corner of the lake. The lake attracted great interest from Europeans after its discovery. In 1858, John Hanning Speke was the first European to cite the vast lake as the source of the White Nile. The assertion was ridiculed until H.M. Stanley eventually proved him right in 1875. The colonial powers had hoped to open a navigable route along the Nile to the Mediterranean. Their attempts to reach Uganda across the lake were also responsible for the creation of the East African Railway and the colonization of the Kenyan Highlands. Kisumu is the third largest town in Kenya with a population of approximately 160,000. The town was originally founded as the inland railhead of the East African Railway in 1901. Kisumu had been a busy port town since its early days, but the break up of the East African Community in 1977 coupled with the cessation of international ferry services on the lake substantially slowed the town's once bustling pace.

Lake Malawi : MALAWI Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

Lake Malawi : MALAWI

Lake Malawi is the southernmost lake in the Great African Rift Valley system. The lake, which is the third-largest in Africa and the ninth-largest in the world, is situated between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. The lake's tropical waters teem with more fish species than any other lake on Earth. Lake Malawi (also known as Lake Nyasa, Lake Nyassa, Lake Niassa, and Lago Niassa in Mozambique), is an African Great Lake and the most southerly lake in the East African Rift valley system. The lake, third largest in Africa and eighth largest in the world, is situated between Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. It is also the second deepest lake in Africa but its placid nature at its northerly shore gives no hint of this feature. The lake's tropical waters teem with more fish species than any other lake on Earth David Livingstone was the first European to reach the lake, arriving at its shores in 1859 and naming it "Lake Nyasa." Much of the area surrounding the lake was subsequently claimed by the United Kingdom to form the colony of Nyasaland. Although Portugal took control of the eastern shores of the lake, the islands of Likoma and Chizumulu (which lie just off the shore) were colonised by Scottish missionaries from Nyasaland, and as a result were incorporated as part of Nyasaland rather than Mozambique. Today they form lacustrine exclaves: Malawian territory surrounded by Mozambique waters. On August 16, 1914, the lake saw a brief naval engagement when the British gunboat Guendolen, commanded by Captain Rhoades, heard that World War I had begun and received orders to "sink, burn, or destroy" the German Empire's only gunboat on the lake, the Hermann von Wissmann, commanded by Captain Berndt. Rhoades's crew located the Hermann von Wissmann in a bay near Sphinxhaven, in German East Africa's territorial waters, and disabled it with a single shot from a range of 2,000 yards. The encounter was hailed by The Times as the British Empire's first naval victory of World War I. The shore of the lake that is now Tanzania was part of German East Africa at this point.

Lae Malawi occupies one fifth of Malawi. The lake is 575 km long and the widest point is 85 km long. This beautiful Lake has been around since about 500 BC and has witnessed many interesting historical events. It was there that bloody massacres between tribes took place. The Lake was also the scene of the first British naval battle and victory of World War I. In spite of the turbulence, Lake Malawi remains unspoilt and one of Malawi's' biggest tourist attractions. One of the most important features of the lake is its large numbers of fish . There is also the rare Mbuna or rockfish that is most wanted by aquarists world wide for its unusual behaviour and its vivid colouring. Economically the lake supplies work for thousands of Malawians who are fishermen, net makers, canoe makers and of course fish traders. With the fish trading business, the little villages are occupied by the fishermen and you will therefore see many large wooden racks covered by thousands of tiny silver fish that are dried out and wood smoked for inland marketing. The Malawi government has been very careful not to let Lake Malawi become commercialised, ensuring that those who truly wish to get away will value the unspoilt waters. The visitor to Malawi enjoys the beaches, as they are generally not overcrowded. Along the Southern part of the lakeshore you will get to see the settlement, hotels, campsites and historical sites, but the northern side of the lakeshore is largely untouched by the tourist, making this part with steep embankments which form the walls of the Rift Valley spectacular. Seasons: Two seasons can be recognised; the dry season from Apr-Nov, and the wet season from Dec-Mar. A brief hot and humid period occurs between Nov-Dec. The best time to travel to Lake Malawi is in the dry season. Wildlife: 450 species of freshwater tropical fish. Spectacular birdlife, including kingfisher, fish eagle, heron, jacana, egret and white-breasted cormorant. Precautions: Malaria area - minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart.

The Lake Malawi Drilling Project recently completed a scientific drilling campaign on Lake Malawi, recovering a series of continuous sediment cores for paleoclimate studies. Lake Malawi is situated at the southern end of the East African Rift Valley, and has long been recognized as an outstanding laboratory and archive for the study of tropical paleoclimatology, extensional tectonics, and evolutionary biology. Along with Lake Tanganyika, Lake Malawi holds the promise of a high-resolution paleoclimate record of unparalleled antiquity in the continental tropics. Lake Malawi is one of the world's largest, deepest (maximum water depth of 700 m), and oldest lakes (>7ma?), and is the largest lake in the southern hemisphere (9º-14ºS) after Lake Tanganyika. Widespread poverty within the population plays a significant role in environmental degradation.6 It is particularly difficult for poor and hungry people to make the critical trade-offs necessary for long term sustainability of natural resources because of their pressing immediate needs. Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a GNP per capita of US$210 in 1992. Eighty-eight percent of the population lives in rural areas.7 Ironically, this poverty may have spared the lake from large-scale industries which would have destroyed the ecosystem and affected fish and other species in the lake. The lake provides fish for both domestic consumption and export to neighboring countries through an extensive network of small businessmen and women and some large corporations. It is estimated that 230,000 people are employed directly or indirectly in the fishing industries.8 These jobs are now being threatened by dwindling fish stocks. In 1987, the total commercial catch of fish from the lake was 88,586 tons, of which 101 tons were exported; in 1991 the total commercial catch had been reduced to 63,000 tons of which only 3 tons were exported. By 1992 the total catch was 69,500 and there were no exports.9 These figures show a dramatic decline in the fish harvest from the lake, which until that point had been increasing.

Lake Kivu : CONGO (DRC)/ RWANDA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

Lake Kivu : CONGO (DRC)/ RWANDA

Lake Kivu is one of the Great Lakes of Africa. It is on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and is situated in the Albertine Rift, a part of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. The lake covers a total surface area of some 2,700 km2 (1,040 sq mi) and stands at a height of 1,460 metres (4,790 ft) above sea level. The lake bed sits upon a rift valley that is slowly being pulled apart, causing volcanic activity in the area, and making it particularly deep, its maximum depth of 480 m (1,575 ft) is ranked fifteenth in the world. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains. The world's tenth-largest inland island, Idjwi, lies in Lake Kivu, while settlements on its shore include Bukavu, Kabare, Kalehe, Sake and Goma in Congo and Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu in Rwanda. Native fish include species of Barbus, Clarias, and Haplochromis, as well as Nile Tilapia. Limnothrissa miodon, one of two species known as the Tanganyika sardine, was introduced in 1959 and formed the basis of a new pelagic zone fishery. In the early 1990s, the number of fishers on the lake was 6,563, of which 3,027 were associated with the pelagic fishery and 3,536 with the traditional fishery. Widespread armed conflict in the surrounding region from the mid-1990s resulted in a decline in the fisheries harvest. Lake Kivu is one of three known exploding lakes, along with Cameroonian Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun, that experience violent lake overturns. Analysis of Lake Kivu's geological history indicates a periodic massive biological extinction about every 1,000 years. The trigger for lake overturns in Lake Kivu's case is unknown but periodic volcanic activity is suspected. The gaseous chemical composition of exploding lakes is unique to each lake; in Lake Kivu's case, methane and carbon dioxide due to lake water interaction with a volcano. The amount of methane is estimated to be 65 cubic kilometer and of carbon dioxide 256 cubic kilometer. The risk from a possible Lake Kivu overturn would be catastrophic, dwarfing other documented lake overturns at Lakes Nyos and Monoun, since approximately two million people live in the lake basin.

Lake Kivu, located 100 miles north of Lake Tanganyika at the highest point of the East-African Rift Valley (approximately 1500m in elevation), is one of three known volcanic lakes in the world that contain high dissolved volumes of CO2 in their deeper waters; the other known volcanic lakes are Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun in Cameroon (Degens et al, 1973; Witze, 2002). Lake Kivu has remained stably stratified for thousands of years; however, in the last few decades much attention in the scientific field has been directed towards the lake. A heat flux into the lake, or other meteorological and limnological forces may cause an overturn, or later described rollover, of the lake releasing the dissolved CO2 from pressure and causing a discharge of gas that could devastate communities located on or near the lake (Rice, 2000; Kling, 1989). Lake Kivu sits very close to the neighboring Nyiragongo Volcano in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lake Kivu is the largest of numerous freshwater lakes that shimmer in the valleys of Rwanda. Steep terraced hills lead down to the picturesque lake shore, and three resort towns, Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu, are an ideal stopping point to relax, swim, or take a boat excursion past the small lakeside villages that offer a rewarding glimpse of rural life. Set amid the dramatic mountains of the rift valley and the volcanic Virungas to the north, the irregular shores of Lake Kivu form numerous inlets and peninsulas and myriad forest-fringed waterfalls. The lake is a 2650 square kilometre freshwater expanse and the largest of all the lakes that fill the valleys of Rwanda. The beautiful lake is enclosed by the steep terraced hills that are characteristic of rural Rwanda and sitting on its shores are the three lakeside towns of Cyangugu, Kibuye and Gisenyi; the perfect tourist transit points between the Chimpanzee tracking destination of Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south, and gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans in the north.

Lake Kivu has never had a lake overturn but along with Monoun and Nyos it is one of the three lakes in the world which contain such large amounts of carbon dioxide making it very possible that the lake could overturn at some point. The lake is 2000 times bigger than Lake Nyos and has a population of two million people living around its shores. Professor Robert Hecky (University of Michigan) took samples of the sediments of Lake Kivu which gave a record of the history of the lake going back several thousand years. This showed that approximately every thousand years an event occurred which caused all living creatures in the lake to be wiped out and huge amounts of vegetation to be swept into the lake, which is consistent with a lake overturn. If the lake was to overturn huge amounts of carbon dioxide would be released, suffocating millions of living creatures, but the lake also contains a large amount of methane which could cause explosions above the lake. Kivu contains enough methane to power the US for a month, and five times as much carbon dioxide – about 200 km3. The waters of Lake Kivu manifest a particularly obvious 'stair-like' stratified structure following the variations of their physico-chemical parameters with depth. The exact explanation of this phenomenon of stratification is complex. The waters of the lake are made up of homogenous layers - where mixing by convection easily takes place - separated by layers with a high density gradient which act as barriers to the mixing process. A Franco-Swiss team of scientists is studying the physico-chemical makeup of the lake, its evolution through time, the origin of the dissolved gases and an evaluation of the risk of a gas explosion.

Chott el Djerid, Salt Lake : TUNISIA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

Chott el Djerid, Salt Lake : TUNISIA

Chott el Djerid is a large endorheic salt lake (one with an inflow but no outflow for the water) in southern Tunisia. It is the largest salt pan of the Sahara, with a surface area of over 5,000 sq km. Due to the extreme climate, with an annual rainfall of only 100 mm and temperatures reaching 50° C, water evaporates from the lake. In summer, Chott el Djerid is almost entirely dried up, and numerous fata morganas occur. Lake Kivu'Chott' is the word used in Tunisia for lakes that stays dry through the hot season, but which has some water in the winter. The largest, the Chott el Jerid, covers 5,000 sq km at the most, and lies in the middle of Tunisia, close to the Algerian border. Chott el Jerid was some thousand years ago part of the Mediterranean Sea. The chott is easily accessed, as an elevated causeway has been built across it, from Kebili to Tozeur. The part on the eastern side is called Chott el Fejej. The trip is highly recommended, and offers some great sights, especially when the sun shines on the salty surface, and reflections together with the heat gives startling optical effects. Earlier, many caravans were lead astray by the mirages out on the chott. On the surprising side, souvenir stalls and cafés are found all along the causeway. There are possible hazards that everyone should take into consideration: the causeway is sometimes so much covered by sand that crossing is made difficult, and in hot weather some would find the trip unpleasant.

It is the largest salt pan of the Sahara with a surface area of over 7,000 km² (some sources state 5,000 km²). Due to the extreme climate with annual rainfall of only 100 mm and temperatures reaching 50° C, water evaporates from the lake. In summer Chott el Djerid is almost entirely dried up, and numerous fata morganas occur. South of Chott el Djerid, the Grand Erg Oriental desert begins. The towns of Kebili and Douz are also located south of the lake. The lake can be crossed by foot and even by car, but this is very dangerous since the salt crust isn't always too firm. Chott el Djerid was used as a filming location for the Star Wars series, among others. 'Chott' is the word used in Tunisia for lakes. But this lake is a dry salt lake in the summer, although before and after the hot summer there is still some water left in this lake. The trip is highly recommended as it's very interesting to see. Especially when the sun shines on the salty surface and the heat reflects an illusion of water. Here you can also find little stands where people sell the desert roses and quartz stones. You can even find these quartz stones along the lake.

Jaegala Fall (Laheema National Park) : ESTONIA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

Jaegala Fall (Laheema National Park) : ESTONIA

This wonderful 7.8-m high waterfall in Estonia has smoothed the limestone edge for centuries. As a result, a 12-14 m deep and 300-m-long valley has been created. These waterfalls are nicknamed “the Niagara Falls of the Baltics” by the Latvians! It's important to be heroic, ambitious, productive, efficient, creative, and progressive, but these qualities don't necessarily nurture soul. The soul has different concerns, of equal value: downtime for reflection, conversation, and reverie; beauty that is captivating and pleasuring; relatedness to the environs and to people; and any animal’s rhythm of rest and activity. - Thomas Moore (via Way Cool Quotes) A few weeks ago, I published some Stunning Photography by Rarindra Prakarsa. If you haven't seen them yet, please click here to take a look. They really are amazing! Taking the time to fully appreciate the beauties that photography can bring is to me indeed a way of 'nurturing the soul'. Therefore, I would like to regularly feature photography on this blog, photography that in one way or the other really touches the soul. If you have any tips for me, just let me know okay! This week, I came across Gale Rainwater's photography, and (with his permission), I'm glad to share with you a few of his amazing pictures. Do visit his blog for more, since this is only a small (and personal) selection!

Coatepeque Lake, Crater Lake : EL SALVADOR Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T10:46:00.002-07:00

Coatepeque Lake, Crater Lake : EL SALVADOR

Lake Coatepeque is a large crater lake in the east part of the Coatepeque Caldera. At 26 sq. km, it is one of the largest lakes in El Salvador, and has hot springs near its shores. In the lake is the island of Teopan, which was a Mayan site of some importance. Despite the distance being relatively short, it took us most of a day and three bus transfers to get to the beautiful Lago Coatepeque. We were relieved to drop our bags, set up the tent in the yard of the funky hostal called Amacuilco, and take a dip in the cool clear waters of the crater lake. Since it was the weekend, many "capitalinos" (second-home owners from San Salvador) were partying at the pier restaurant next door. We wandered over and had a beer, played cards, and watched the sunset while listening to an English-singing rock and roll cover band (not as good as the Raging Jicamos of course, but just as old...hee hee). Back at the hostal, we ordered dinner and despite being used to the generally slow service in these countries, we were faint from hunger by the time our food showed up an hour and a half later. Since that consumed most of the evening, we retired to the tent, read a bit, and fell asleep early. The next morning we were up with the crow of roosters, had a timely breakfast and caught a couple of buses to a park containing three volcanoes, two of which are considered active although not currently erupting. In the park, we were not permitted to walk any trails without an interpretive guide, so we had to hire one for a wussy nature walk to some overlooks of the lake and the volcano Santa Ana. In keeping with our luck, clouds completely obscured the views from the overlooks, but both before and after the hike it was a clear hot day. When we returned from that disappointment, it was time for the group hike to the summit of Volcan Izalco. The two of us were the only ones interested and we met our little guide Elizabeth, who looked 15 but claimed to be 20. The hike began from the top of the extinct volcano Cerro Verde, which was actually higher than the summit of the one we were going to hike up. We quickly descended the flank of Cerro Verde, cutting through an oak forest on countless switchbacks until we reached the base of Izalco. Then it was straight up the scoria and boulder fields to the rim of the crater, Elizabeth in her skin tight jeans gracefully kicking our butts and patiently waiting for us while we sweated and huffed and puffed. The crater was shallow but had some fumaroles that standing in felt like a nice sauna. We walked around the crater rim, taking in the great views in all directions, then had a fabulous time glisading down the loose scree, reaching the bottom in a matter of minutes, covered in dust and boots full of pebbles, and reminded of the telemark turns we are missing this winter (although we hear we aren´t missing much...yet.) Then it was up through the oak forest back to the top of Cerro Verde, again Elizabeth setting a tough pace to follow. We made the return journey back to the hostal, arriving with just enough sunlight left for a refreshing and cleansing dip in the lake. We made a point of ordering dinner well before we were ready to eat, and chatted with some odd characters also staying at the hostal until it arrived. After dinner, the company got stranger when a friend of the couple who owns the hostal showed up.

Coatepeque is a volcanic lake situated about an hour from San Salvador. It is much older than Ilopango, though created by a similar catastrophic eruption some five to six thousand years ago. Named Lago de Coatepeque, it is on the eastern slope of the Santa Ana volcano. It is a beautiful, clean, and sparkling blue crater-shaped lake, 6 kms wide and 120 meters deep and surrounded by steep green slopes rising up 250 to 500 meters. The scenic road between the Interamerican Highway and CA8, known as the "panoramic highway" for its marvelous views, curls along the steep ridge of the crater giving you glimpses of the broad fertile valleys on one side and the lake on the other. Along the shore of the lake there are several private beachhouses as this is a popular Salvadorean weekend get-a-way. There are also beachfront hotels accommodating visitors—Hotel Torremolinos offers lodging, a restaurant and they rent watersports equipment. Hotel Amacuilco has an art center worth checking out and it is a popular spot for younger travelers.

Coatepeque Caldera (Nahuatl cōātepēc, "at the snake hill") is a volcanic caldera in El Salvador in Central America. The caldera was formed during a series of major rhyolitic explosive eruptions between about 72,000 and 57,000 years ago. Since then, basaltic cinder cones and lava flows formed near the west edge of the caldera, and six rhyodacitic lava domes have formed. The youngest dome, Cerro Pacho, formed after 8000 BC. Lago de Coatepeque (Lake Coatepeque) is a large crater lake in the east part of the Coatepeque Caldera. It is in Coatepeque municipality, Santa Ana, El Salvador. There are hot springs near the lake margins. At 26 km², it is one of the largest lakes in El Salvador. In the lake is the island of Teopan, which was a Mayan site of some importance. A Salvadorean, but living in the States for years, he spoke fluent slang-filled English in a cartoony voice and cracked us all up with bizarre jokes. He also brough a liter and a half of vodka for anyone who cared to partake. When the original odd characters of the evening excused themselves early on from the party, we were invited over to the owners, Mauricio and Sandra, house to carry on. While the crazy friend (we think his name was Jose) was hitting on a single Swede lady without mercy, Mauricio tried to broach deep and profound topics of conversation but was too drunk to keep any train of thought, and was completely non-sensical. Sandra and I livened things us by dancing along to a Salvadorean music DVD, and then not being much of the party type Matt and I had had enough and ditched the party to lay out on the dock and take in the incredible stars overhead.

Lake Azuei : HAITI Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

Lake Azuei : HAITI

Lake Azuei, Haiti's largest lake, is located in southeastern Haiti. The salt-water lake has an area of around square 170 km. The lake supports over 100 species of waterfowl, flamingos and American crocodiles, one of the few lakes of its type in the world to harbor such fauna. The lake's water is an intense shade of blue. Étang Saumâtre (also known as Lake Azuei), Haiti's largest lake, is located at 18.5975°N 72.0147222°W in southeastern Haiti, bordering the Dominican Republic. The salt-water lake has an area of around 170 km² (65 square miles) and is 29 km (18 miles) east of Port-au-Prince on the fertile Plaine du Cul-de-Sac. Some 29 km (18 miles) long and up to 9.7km (6 miles) wide, the lake supports over 100 species of waterfowl, flamingos and American crocodiles, one of the few lakes of its type in the world to harbor such fauna. The colour of the lake is an intense shade of blue and this picturesque lake is skirted by brush and cacti. The lake itself is part of a chain of nearby saline lakes that lie in the Hispaniolan rift valley, (known as the Cul-de-Sac Depression in Haiti and the Hoya de Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic). Because the region was a former marine strait, several areas of the rift valley are below sea level. An interesting Miami Herald article circulated last week concerning Lake Azuei, the largest in the country and a source of livelihoods for many. The lake’s waters have been rising for two years as a result of clogged drainage canals and deforested mountains that are no longer capable of absorbing rainfall. If Haitian authorities do not demonstrate leadership in addressing the country’s environmental challenges, of which this is one, the end result will be yet more disrupted lives, livelihoods, and communities. From Gonaives to Lake Azuei to the slums of Port au Prince full of Haitians from the countryside who have given up on agriculture, the need for better environmental management is clear

Despite some cloud cover, numerous bodies of water are visible, including the bright green Oviedo Lagoon at the tip of the peninsula and Rincon Lagoon to its north.
The large dark green lake east of Rincon Lagoon is Lake Enriquillo, one of only a few saltwater lakes in the world inhabited by crocodiles. It is located in the Hispaniolan rift valley (known as the Cul-de-Sac Depression in Haiti and the Hoya de Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic), that extends 79 miles (127 km) from Port-au-Prince Bay in Haiti in the west to near Neiba Bay in the Dominican Republic in the east. Further east, near the border, is Étang Saumâtre (also known as Lake Azuei), Haiti’s largest lake, located in the southeastern region of the country. The colour of the lake is an intense shade of blue. This salt-water lake has an area of around 170 km² (65 square miles). Some 29 km (18 miles) long and up to 9.7km (6 miles) wide, the lake supports over 100 species of waterfowl, flamingos and American crocodiles, one of the few lakes of its type in the world to harbor such fauna.

MALPASSE, Haiti -- The owners of an $18-a-night motel with a dancing floor closed up shop. Fishermen converted their boats into water taxis. Roadside food vendors abandoned coveted spots. For these workers whose livelihoods depend on Haiti's busiest and most profitable commercial corridor on the border with the Dominican Republic, it wasn't just bad enough that three weeks of deadly summer storms forced them to pack their goods and flee. Lake Azuei, Haiti's largest lake and a habitat for rare birds and marine life, busted its banks, flooding several towns. "Before the storms, few people passed but business was good enough, " Viliane Garriès, 40, said as she stirred a steaming pot of chicken bouillon near a customs building. "Now even fewer people pass, and business is so slow." Problems caused by over-spilling lakes continue to plague Haiti months after deadly storms over the summer. In the South, the Miragoane Lake remains flooded, disrupting lives and commerce. In Malpasse, government workers successfully cut a temporary road through a nearby mountain two weeks ago and raised the road with gravel to stop flooding from the Azuei.

Lake Tanganyika : BURUNDI/ CONGO (DRC)/ TANZANIA/ ZAMBIA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

Lake Tanganyika : BURUNDI/ CONGO (DRC)/ TANZANIA/ ZAMBIA

Lake Tanganyika is a large lake in central Africa. It is estimated to be the second largest freshwater lake in the world by volume, and the second deepest. The lake is bordered by four countries: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania and Zambia. Its water flows into the Congo River system and, ultimately, into the Atlantic Ocean. The lake is situated within the Western Rift of the geographic feature known as the Great Rift Valley formed by the tectonic East African Rift, and is confined by the mountainous walls of the valley. It is the largest rift lake in Africa and the second largest lake by surface area on the continent. It is the deepest lake in Africa and holds the greatest volume of fresh water. It extends for 673 km in a general north-south direction and averages 50 km in width. The lake covers 32,900 km², with a shoreline of 1,828km and a mean depth of 570 metres (1,900 ft) and a maximum depth of 1,470 metres (4,800 ft) (in the northern basin) it holds an estimated 18,900 km³ (4500 cubic miles).[3] It has an average surface temperature of 25 °C and a pH averaging 8.4. Additionally, beneath the 500 m of water there is circa 4,500 metres of sediment laying over the rock floor. The enormous depth and tropical location of the lake prevent 'turnover' of watermasses, which means that much of the lower depths of the lake are so-called 'fossil water' and are anoxic (lacking oxygen). The catchment area of the lake covers 231,000 km², with two main rivers flowing into the lake, numerous smaller rivers and streams (due to the steep mountains that keep drainage areas small), and one major outflow, the Lukuga River, which empties into the Congo River drainage. The major inflows are the Ruzizi River, entering the north of the lake from Lake Kivu, and the Malagarasi River, which is Tanzania's second largest river, entering in the east side of Lake Tanganyika. The Malagarasi pre-dates Lake Tanganyika and was formerly continuous with the Congo river. Lake Tanganyika is the third largest lake in the world for fresh water.

Among the chain of lakes on the bottom of the Western Great Rift Valley, Lake Tanganyika is outstanding for its extraordinary north-south extension (670 km) and depth (1,470 m). It is the second largest of African lakes, the second deepest (next to L. Baikal) and the longest lake of the world. Its very ancient origin, only rivalled by such old lakes as Baikal, and a long period of isolation resulted in the evolution of a great number of indigenous organisms, including brilliantly colored cichlid fishes, well-known gastropods with the appearance of marine snails, and so on. Of the 214 species of native fishes in the lake, 176 are endemic; the number of endemic genera amounts to 30 in cichlids and 8 in non- cichlid fishes. The surrounding areas are mostly mountainous with poorly developed coastal plains except on part of the east side. Especially on the western coast, steep side-walls of the Great Rift Valley reaching 2,000 m in relative height form the shoreline. The sole effluent river, the Lukuga, starts from the middle part of western coast and flows westward to join the Zaire River draining into the Atlantic. Agriculture, livestock raising and the processing of these products as well as the mining (tin, copper, coal, etc.) are the main industries in the drainage basin of L. Tanganyika. Fishery products, the "Tanganyika sardine" (Stolothrissa tanganikae, Herring Family) in particular, are also important for local economy. Well-developed regular ship lines connect Kigoma (Tanzania), Kalemie (Zaire) and other coastal towns as essential part of the inland traffic system of east Africa. Among the chain of lakes on the bottom of the Western Great Rift Valley, Lake Tanganyika is outstanding for its extraordinary north-south extension (670 km) and depth (1,470 m). It is the second largest of African lakes, the second deepest (next to L. Baikal) and the longest lake of the world. Its very ancient origin, only rivalled by such old lakes as Baikal, and a long period of isolation resulted in the evolution of a great number of indigenous organisms, including brilliantly colored cichlid fishes, well-known gastropods with the appearance of marine snails, and so on. Of the 214 species of native fishes in the lake, 176 are endemic; the number of endemic genera amounts to 30 in cichlids and 8 in non- cichlid fishes. The surrounding areas are mostly mountainous with poorly developed coastal plains except on part of the east side. Especially on the western coast, steep side-walls of the Great Rift Valley reaching 2,000 m in relative height form the shoreline. The sole effluent river, the Lukuga, starts from the middle part of western coast and flows westward to join the Zaire River draining into the Atlantic. Agriculture, livestock raising and the processing of these products as well as the mining (tin, copper, coal, etc.) are the main industries in the drainage basin of L. Tanganyika. Fishery products, the "Tanganyika sardine" (Stolothrissa tanganikae, Herring Family) in particular, are also important for local economy. Well-developed regular ship lines connect Kigoma (Tanzania), Kalemie (Zaire) and other coastal towns as essential part of the inland traffic system of east Africa.Lake Tanganyika's crystal-clear water is contained within the hills of the Great Rift Valley. It is 675km long, an average of 50km wide, and 1 470m deep at its deepest point, holding about 18 900km3 of alkaline fresh water that is claimed to be the cleanest in the world. The water on the surface averages 25°C, the temperature of a warm day in Cape Town. Lake Tanganyika is about three million years old and fed by at least 50 inlets and streams. Its only outflow, however, is the Lukuga River, which it feeds only during years of extremely high rainfall. As a body of water, it is very isolated: no similar habitats exist in the surrounding areas. This fact, coupled with Lake Tanganyika's age, have made it one of the most biologically rich and scientifically valuable habitats in the world. More than 500 fish species live in Lake Tanganyika. However, its great depth and lack of water turnover make its depths into 'fossil water', which lacks oxygen. Almost all of Lake Tanganyika's fish therefore live above a depth of 600 feet. This, at least, makes them easier for the locals to catch and eat. The tiny local plankton-eating dagaa is Lake Tanganyika's most economically important fish, caught in the millions and laid out on the lakeshore in the sun to dry. About a million people depend on the lake's fish output for survival, and at night you can see the tiny lights of hundreds of small fishing vessels bobbing on the lake's waters.

second largest of the lakes of eastern Africa. It is the longest freshwater lake in the world (410 miles [660 km]) and the second deepest (4,710 feet [1,436 m]) after Lake Baikal in Russia. Comparatively narrow, varying in width from 10 to 45 miles (16 to 72 km), it covers about 12,700 square miles (32,900 square km) and forms the boundary between Tanzania and Congo (Kinshasa). It occupies the southern end of the Western Rift Valley, and for most of its length the land rises steeply from its shores. Its waters tend to be brackish. Though fed by a number of rivers, the lake is not the centre of an extensive drainage area. The largest rivers discharging into the lake are the Malagarasi, the Ruzizi, and the Kalambo, which has one of the highest waterfalls in the world (704 feet [215 m]). Its outlet is the Lukuga River, which flows into the Lualaba River. Lake Tanganyika is situated on the line dividing the floral regions of eastern and western Africa, and oil palms, which are characteristic of the flora of western Africa, grow along the lake’s shores. Rice and subsistence crops are grown along the shores, and fishing is of some significance. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles abound, and the bird life is varied. Many of the numerous peoples (predominantly Bantu-speaking) living on the lake’s eastern borders trace their origins to areas in the Congo River basin. The lake was first visited by Europeans in 1858, when the British explorers Sir Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke reached Ujiji, on the lake’s eastern shore, in their quest for the source of the Nile River. In 1871 Henry (later Sir Henry) Morton Stanley “found” David Livingstone at Ujiji. Important ports situated along Lake Tanganyika are Bujumbura (Burundi), Kalemi (Congo), and Ujiji and Kigoma (Tanzania).

Lake Enriquillo : DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Lake Enriquillo : DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Lake Enriquillo is a lake in the Dominican Republic and one of only a few saltwater lakes in the world inhabited by crocodiles. Lake Enriquillo covers an area of 102 square miles (265 km²) and is the lowest point in the Caribbean falling 144 feet (44 m) below sea level. The lake contains 3 islands: Isla Barbarita, Islita and Isla Cabritos. Lake Enriquillo is a lake in the Dominican Republic, it is one of only a few saltwater lakes in the world inhabited by crocodiles. Lake Enriquillo is located in a rift valley that extends 79 miles (127 km) from Port-au-Prince Bay in Haiti in the west to near Neiba Bay in the Dominican Republic in the east. South shore of Lake Enriquillo, looking northward to the Sierra de Neiba mountains; Independencia Province, Dominican Republic. The rift valley is a former marine strait, and was created around 1 million years ago when the water level fell and by sediments of the Yaque del Sur River. The lake is 9 to 12 miles (15 to 20 km) wide. Known as the Cul-de-Sac Depression in Haiti and the Hoya de Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic, parts of the rift valley are below sea level and are covered by large salt lakes. Lake Enriquillo covers an area of 102 square miles (265 km²) and is the lowest point in the Caribbean falling 129 feet (39 m) below sea level. Its drainage basin includes 10 minor river systems. The rivers that rise in the Neiba Mountains to the north (lower center and lower right of the image) are perennial. Those rivers that rise in the Baoruco Mountains to the south (upper center and upper left of the image) are intermittent. Lake Enriquillo has no outlet. The lake's water level varies because of a combination of storm-driven precipitation events and the region's high evaporation rate. Salinity in the lake can vary between 33 ppt to over 100 ppt. Tremors in the region are common. Just above the right center of the image, the other large salt lake in the rift valley, Etang Saumâtre located in the country of Haiti, is visible.

The rift valley is a former marine strait, and was created around 1 million years ago when the water level fell and by sediments of the Yaque del Sur River. The lake is 9 to 12 miles (15 to 20 km) wide. Known as the Cul-de-Sac Depression in Haiti and the Hoya de Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic, parts of the rift valley are below sea level and are covered by large salt lakes. Lake Enriquillo covers an area of 102 square miles (265 km²) and is the lowest point in the Caribbean falling 129 feet (39 m) below sea level. Its drainage basin includes 10 minor river systems. The rivers that rise in the Neiba Mountains to the north (lower center and lower right of the image) are perennial. Those rivers that rise in the Baoruco Mountains to the south (upper center and upper left of the image) are intermittent. Lake Enriquillo has no outlet. The lake's water level varies because of a combination of storm-driven precipitation events and the region's high evaporation rate. Salinity in the lake can vary between 33 ppt to over 100 ppt. Tremors in the region are common. Just above the right center of the image, the other large salt lake in the rift valley, Etang Saumâtre located in the country of Haiti, is visible. The lake contains 3 islands: Isla Barbarita, Islita and Isla Cabritos. The last one is the largest of all and contains a National Park famous for the crocodiles and flamingos. When water levels drop as a result of dry spells, the islands are usually linked to each other by sandbars. The region is one of the hottest and most arid places in the Caribbean with an average annual rainfall of about 20 inches or more, which is why evaporation occurs quickly in the area and which is also why you can find plants that thrive in arid climates here. Lake Enriquillo is a lake in western Dominican Republic, near the border with Haiti. Its Taíno name was Hagueygagon but, in colonial times, it had the name Jaragua Lake.[1] It is located in the Hoya de Enriquillo valley, a long valley between the "Sierra de Neiba", to the north, and the "Sierra de Bahoruco", to the south. The lake has an area of 265 km², and its surface is around 44 meters below sea level, the lowest point in the Caribbean. There are three small islands in the lake: Isla Cabritos, Barbarita, and La Islita. Only small rivers flow into the lake. The rivers that flow from the Sierra de Neiba always have water. Those rivers that flow from the Sierra de Bahoruco sometimes do not have water.

The lake contains 3 islands: Isla Barbarita, Islita and Isla Cabritos. The last one is the largest of all and contains a National Park famous for the crocodiles and flamingos. When water levels drop as a result of dry spells, the islands are usually linked to each other by sandbars. The region is one of the hottest and most arid places in the Caribbean with an average annual rainfall of about 20 inches or more, which is why evaporation occurs quickly in the area and which is also why you can find plants that thrive in arid climates here. ...of Haiti; its high peaks reach approximately 7,200 feet (2,200 metres). Water flowing off the Neiba range drains partly to the Caribbean, via the Yaque del Sur system, and partly inland, to saline Lake Enriquillo. Enriquillo is the country’s largest natural lake, about 23 miles (37 km) long and up to 11 miles (18 km) wide; the lake’s surface is also the lowest point in the West Indies, at 144... Lake Enriquillo is a lake in the Dominican Republic, it is one of only a few saltwater lakes in the world inhabited by crocodiles. Lake Enriquillo is located in a rift valley that extends 79 miles (127 km) from Port-au-Prince Bay in Haiti in the west to near Neiba Bay in the Dominican Republic in the east.It is located in the Hispaniolan rift valley (known as the Cul-de-Sac Depression in Haiti and the Hoya de Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic), that extends 79 miles (127 km) from Port-au-Prince Bay in Haiti in the west to near Neiba Bay in the Dominican Republic in the east. Further east, near the border, is Étang Saumâtre (also known as Lake Azuei), Haiti’s largest lake, located in the southeastern region of the country. The colour of the lake is an intense shade of blue. This salt-water lake has an area of around 170 km² (65 square miles). Some 29 km (18 miles) long and up to 9.7km (6 miles) wide, the lake supports over 100 species of waterfowl, flamingos and American crocodiles, one of the few lakes of its type in the world to harbor such fauna.

Dunn's River Falls : JAMAICA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

Dunn's River Falls : JAMAICA

Dunn's River Falls is a famous waterfall near Ocho Rios, Jamaica and a major Caribbean tourist attraction. The falls empty into the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the very few rivers in the world that actually fall directly into the sea. Several small lagoons collect the water briefly between the vertical sections of the falls. Dunn's River Falls is a famous waterfall near Ocho Rios, Jamaica and a major Caribbean tourist attraction. The falls empty into the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the very few waterfalls in the world that actually fall directly into the sea. The waterfalls are staggered and span some 180 metres (600 feet). Several small lagoons exist there, interspersed between the vertical sections of the falls. Climbing up the waterfalls is a popular tourist activity and is often, but not exclusively performed with the help of tour guides from the park. The side of the falls is covered with lush, green vegitation that help shade the area from the sun. This helps keep the water cool as people try and climb the waterfall. The falls can be walked up with relative ease, often a human chain is used snaking up the falls behind the tour guide. Dunn's River Falls was also the site of a location shoot for the 1988 Tom Cruise film Cocktail.

Ocho Rios is known for its beautiful tropical foliage, shopping, dining, beaches and an array of activities. But the best known and most popular tourist attraction in Ocho Rios and all of Jamaica is amazing Dunns river falls. Dunn's River Falls & Park is the perfect environment for fun and relaxation for the entire family. Visitors can make the 600 feet climb from the base of the falls, hand-in-hand like a human daisy chain, guided by competent staff. Guides at Dunn's River Falls are skilled at leading you up the falls and can use your camera to take your picture as you pose under the many falls. The not so daring can walk alongside and observe the falls and climbers from many entry points; while taking those memorable photographs. For those sun lovers; there is a beach located at the base of Dunns River Falls where the river meets the ocean. At the top of Dunns River, you can expect to find souvenirs and crafts, shoe rentals, changing facilities, and lockers. Dunn's River Falls is unquestionably the most popular tourist attraction in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The setting is truly breathtaking, and the incredible cascading falls challenge, refresh and delight visitors of all ages. Your Ocho Rios and Dunn's River Falls Tour gives you the best of Ocho Rios in the comfort of an air conditioned van. Your professional driver/guide is very friendly, knowledgeable and will ensure your comfort, safety and enjoyment at all times.

Your tour includes admission to the Dunn's River Fall's which we generally like to tackle first thing in the morning to avoid the large cruise ship tours. As with all tours we offer, we try to arrange our tours to get you away from the masses whenever possible. That is why so many people enjoy booking our tours. We are specialize in offering more private and personalized experiences that large cruise ship tours cannot provide. Upon arrival to Dunn's River Falls you will follow a path and stairway that leads down to the base of the falls. For those who wish to climb the beautiful falls, this is where your adventure begins. For those not up to the challenge of climbing the falls, the views and spectacular sights are worth trip alone. Water shoes/sandals are required and are available for rent if you do not bring your own. You may climb the falls with or without a guide, depending on your ability and comfort level. This is a challenging climb, but your Dunn's River Guides are excellent and will give you all the support and confidence you will need to accomplish this journey. There are also several points along the adjoining path where you can easily access the river and enjoy the cool water and pulsating flow of cascading water over your body. Enjoy an exhilarating massage from Mother Nature. The climb to the top can take up to 1 hour. Along the way there are several photographers available to capture this special moment for you. From Dunn's River Falls, your guide will take you on a tour of Ocho Rios spectacular countryside where you can take in the sights as you drive through Fern Gully, a beautiful rainforest , abundant in plant life. Enjoy panoramic views of the town and your cruise ship port before returning to the city for a shopping tour. This excursion culminates with shopping in the heart of Ocho Rios where you will have the opportunity to explore the local craft markets or indulge in the shopping centers and their duty free offerings. If time allows, you may even wish to end your tour at the Island Village where your shopping can continue, along with a visit to Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Bar and Restaurant, an Ocho Rios favorite.

Boiling Lake : DOMINICA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Boiling Lake : DOMINICA

The Boiling Lake is situated in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica's World Heritage site. It is a flooded fumarole, or hole in the earth’s surface, 10.5 km east of Roseau, Dominica. It is filled with bubbling greyish-blue water that is usually enveloped in a cloud of vapor. The lake is approximately 60 m across. Dominica's Boiling Lake is situated in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park - Dominica's World Heritage site. It is a flooded fumarole 6.5 miles (10.5 km) east of Roseau, Dominica. It is filled with bubbling greyish-blue water that is usually enveloped in a cloud of vapour. The lake is approximately 200 ft (60 m) across. The first recorded sighting of the lake was in 1870 by Mr. Watt and Dr. Nicholls, two Englishmen working in Dominica at that time. In 1875, Mr. H. Prestoe, a government botanist, and Dr. Nicholls were commissioned to investigate this natural phenomenon. They measured the water temperature and found it to range from 180 to 197 degrees Fahrenheit (82 to 91.5 degrees Celsius) along the edges, but could not measure the temperature at the centre where the lake is actively boiling. They recorded the depth to be greater than 195 ft (59 m). Periodically, there have been fluctuations in the level and activity of the lake. It was all but empty in June 2006, however as of January 2009 the lake is full and boiling vigorously. There is no road leading directly to the lake. It is approximately a 13 kilometer hike to the lake from the nearest road, passing sulfur springs, over mountains and through gorges along the way. On July 6, 2007, Adventure film maker George Kourounis became the first person to ever cross the boiling lake from above, suspended by ropes over the most violently boiling section. This event was filmed for the TV series Angry Planet. Dominica's Boiling Lake is the second largest hot spring in the world. The largest is Frying Pan Lake, located in Waimangu Valley near Rotorua, New Zealand.

The Boiling Lake is a flooded fumarole approx. 6.5 miles east of Roseau. It is filled with bubbling greyish-blue water that is usually enveloped in a cloud of vapour. The lake is approximately 200ft (63m) across. Full background to The Lake. Any page about The Boiling Lake trail should start with the cardinal rule: first and foremost go with someone who knows the way well. You can get a guide when you get to the usual launching point - Laudat - or you can ask around in Roseau in the days before you go. The trail is for the most part well defined and it is tempting to set out on one's own. But since much is along a razor-thin ridge and there are other parts where you're scrambling over rocks, the experience of One Who Knows The Way is without price (but will usually cost you about EC$150 for two). The trail itself is around eight miles. Officially it's around a three-hour walk each way, and that amount of time should be allowed for; do not start the hike after midday. The going is not, in horse racing terms, Good to Firm. 'Extremely Muddy' describes it better. Which leads into cardinal rule number two: wear your scruffiest clothes. The problem is that few people travel on their dream holiday to the Caribbean with the kind of clothes they'd mow the lawn in or paint the house. Nethertheless, I've seen many good (brand new, even) training shoes totally ruined by a trip to The Lake. Good walking boots are best, but any firm & comfortable shoe should suffice. Dominica's Boiling Lake is a unique natural attraction, the second largest of its kind in the world, after that at Rotorua in New Zealand's north island. It occurs at an altitude of 2,500 feet and is situated in Dominica's UNESCO World Heritage Site - The Morne Trois Pitons National Park. The only way to reach it is on foot. The trail from the village of Laudat covers a distance of approx. 7 miles and must not be attempted unless in the company of a qualified hiking guide. This wonderfully scenic hike takes around 3 hours each way to complete. The trail climbs and descends through forested highlands, via Titou Gorge, Breakfast River, Panorama viewpoint and the Valley of Desolation, where steam and boiling water surface through numerous vents and from where the Boiling Lake can be seen steaming in the distance. The Boiling Lake hike is one the most popular activities in Dominica. It is a 7 - 8 hour arduous round-trip adventure, which begins in the village of Laudat, passing through a wide range of vegetation and terrain, including the Valley of desolation with its many unique streams of gray, white and black. This hike offers some of the most spectacular views into the heart of Dominica's rugged interior. The climb up Morne Nichols is the first real challenge, when this assent begins you must without fail follow the instructions of your guide The trail is sometimes very narrow with deep ravines on both sides.

On the crest of Morne Nichols you will be on the highest point of the trail, which is approximately 3,006 feet. If it is a clear day one can see both sides of the island The Caribbean coast to the west and the Atlantic coast to the east. If you are facing east, the grandiose Morne Watt, the island's third highest mountain, to the right Like a giant green god, stands guard over the Valley of Desolation below. From the highest point, steam can be seen rising from the Boiling Lake in a distance. The dramatic descent into the Valley of Desolation now begins. In the Valley caution must at all times be exercised There are hot fumaroles, which can burn you severely. There will also be some streams with water about 94 degrees F. in these you can sit and enjoy the warmth. The minerals which the water contains, are said to be good for your skin. Leaving the Valley of Desolation, the trail will continuously rise and fall As it snakes its way up and down dramatic ridges, crossing unusual streams then finally cresting the last ridge, form which the final five minutes of the hike To the Boiling Lake Can in relative terms be described as easy!!

Strbske Pleso Lake : SLOVAKIA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Strbske Pleso Lake : SLOVAKIA

Strbske Pleso is a picturesque mountain lake of glacial origin in the High Tatras, in the settlement of Strbske Pleso in Slovakia. The lake is covered by ice about 155 days per year. Štrbské pleso (Hungarian: Csorbató or Csorba-tó, German: Tschirmer See, Polish: Szczyrbskie jezioro) is a picturesque mountain lake of glacial origin and a top tourist destination in the High Tatras, Slovakia. Štrbské pleso is now part of the neighborhood of Štrbské Pleso (spelled with a capital P). It is on the municipal lands of the village of Štrba, after which Štrbské pleso ("Lake Štrba") is now named. The word pleso ("tarn") is applied only to mountain lakes. The locals used to call it "the puddle" or "pond" (mláka) in the past.[1] It is the second largest glacial lake on the Slovak side of the High Tatras, after Hincovo pleso to which it loses by 0.8 acres (3,200 m2).It is fed by underground springs and has no visible outflow stream. Its surface remains frozen for around 155 days per year. Štrbské Mountain-Lake (1346 m) is the most famous and the most visited lake in the High Tatras. It is called Štrbské because it is situated in the Štrba district. The first notice about the lake is from Dávid Frölich (1644) in Bibliotheca seu Cynosura Peregrinantium. Juraj Buchholtz senior speaks about process of destilation of limba´s and knee timber´s oils by the lake. Before tourists it was known among miners, hunters, wood-cutters and herbs. In 1860 the locals attempted to drain the lake in order to gain new pastures instead of priceless pool. Till 1901 the lake was a property of the Szentivány family. Then it was bought by the Ungarian state. Fishes had been regularly added into the lake since the end of the 19-th century. The ice because of its excellent quality was broadly used (it was even exported to Budapest, Berlin and Vienna). The oldest painting of the lake was painted by Ján Jakub Müller from Levoča in 1825. Its depth was measured seriously for the first time in 1875 by Dionýz Dezső.

A tourist and sanatory settlement with the highest elevation in the High Tatras. It is situated in the southern bank of the mountain-lake. Originally, the first cottage was built there in 1872. This cottage (owned by Jozef Szentivány) was a founding point for the tourist centre Štrbské Mountain-lake. Ungarian-Carpatian association gave an impulse for building up a tourist hostel. Other hotels, restaurants, several small villas and a bath house followed shortly after. The settlement was officially recognised for „healing spas". The hotels Hviezdoslav and Kriváň were built as the last in 1906. Mountain railway from Tatranská Štrba up to Štrbské Mountain-lake was built in 1876. In 1921 it was rebuilt into a road. Therefore in 1896 another parallel mountain railway was built (in 1933 it was replaced by buses). In 1885 Štrbské Mountain-lake was connected with Old Smokovec and in 1911 another mountain-railway was finished and open to public. After the World War 2 hotels were used as asthma sanatoria. In 1970 when it was necessary to prepare the area for the Winter Ski Championship, new modern accommodation and boarding facilities were built up. At the same time, new electric railways (the railway from Tatranská Štrba), communication services, stores, and ski-lifts in Mlynická Valley were built. In 1976 a modern sanatory house Helios was open to public. Gustáv Nedobrý (1893 - 1966), one of the founders of Mountain-climbing Association (IAMES), an organiser of the Slovak tourism and at the same time a member of Mountain Rescue Service, lived in Štrbské Mountain-lake, too.

Our beautiful cottage is located in Lieskovec which is part of Tatranska Strba, High Tatras National Park. This is a classical village with a few shops, a church and a railway station. The ski resort of Strbske Pleso is only a few minutes by train with some of the best skiing in the area. Here there is its finest feature the alpine pleso (lake), where you can enjoy a drink and meal with spectacular views. It is a starting point for alpine hiking and mounting biking. Strbske Pleso also has a spa, swimming pool, shops and restaurants. Set in a stunning location is the state of the art 18-hole golf course "Black Stork" located at Vel'ka Lomnica, close to Poprad and accessible by car. The complex includes golf driving range, 9 hole golf academy, restaurant, coffee bar, golf shop and indoor golf. For those not participating in golf there is a fitness centre, relaxation centre including massage, pool, sauna and children's area. The main ski resort of Strbske Pleso is 5 minutes away by train. Other large ski resorts are Stary Smokovec and Tatranska Lomnica easily accessible by car or direct train from outside the property. A ski lift is also located 200 meters from the property. 24 hour Tesco hypermarket is located in Poprad. Local hotels have restaurants and bars. A typical meal cost £2-£3 and beer around 50p. Highlights include:walking, climbing, cycling or skiing at Strbske Pleso. Cable car from Tatranska Lomnica up to the lake Skalnate Pleso for stunning views and then continue up to the towering 2634m summit of Lomnicky Stit. Extreme Toboggan track suitable for all and Tarzania for the ultimate in high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, Tarzan Swings and zip slides up in the trees. Appealing to a wide age range, in Demnanovska Dolina. Other activities located close by include horse riding, white water rafting at the dunajec river, paragliding, rock climbing and absailing. Visit the muesums and castles of kezmarok, Levoca, orava and Stara Lubovna also the Dobsinska Ice Caves. Don't forget to visit Slovakia's and the Tatras forgotten gem Aquacity in Poprad, which is built over a massive subterranean, geothermally heated natural underground lake. The perfectly pure water and heat has a relaxing influence on muscles and helps calming joint pains and has healing effects on skin and increased blood circulation. The resort also has Cryotherapy treatment, holistic steam rooms, saunas, a jacuzzi, ice caves, outdoor thermal pools, water slides and other attractions. Our clients can e-mail for any further information regarding the activities.

Lake Narach : BELARUS Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T09:49:00.001-07:00

Lake Narach : BELARUS

Lake Narach is a lake in northwest Belarus, in the basin of the Vilija river. It is the largest lake in Belarus. Narach is a part of the Narach lake group and is surrounded by pine forests. Narach River flows out of it. The lake is a popular resort and tourism site. Lake Narach (Naroch) (Belarusian: Нарач, IPA: ['naratʂ], Polish: Narocz, Lithuanian: Narutis, Russian: Нарочь) is a lake in North-West Belarus (Miadziel raion, Minsk Province). The lake is located in the northern part of the country, in the basin of the Vilija river. It is the largest lake in Belarus (before 1939 Narocz was the largest lake of Poland). Narach is a part of Narach lake group (the others being Miastra (Belarusian: Мястра), Batoryn (Belarusian: Баторын), Blednaje (Belarusian: Бледнае)). It is surrounded by pine forests. Narach River flows out of it. The lake is a popular resort and tourism site.Young Pioneer camp of national importance Zubryonok was located by the lake. After the collapse of the Soviet Union the camp was reformed into the National children recreational camp "Zubrania", which is now the most important children recreational camp in Belarus. During World War I, the surrounding area was a focal point of Lake Naroch Offensive (March-April 1916), an inconclusive offensive operation mounted by Russian forces against the German army. Lake Narach (Naroch) ( _be. "Нарач", IPA2|'naratʂ, _pl. Narocz, _lt. Narutis, _ru. "Нарочь") is a lake in North-West Belarus (Miadziel raion, Minsk Province). The lake is located in the northern part of the country, in the basin of the Vilija river. It is the largest lake in Belarus (before 1945 "Narocz" was the largest lake of Poland). Narach is a part of Narach lake group (the others being Miastra ( _be. Мястра), Batoryn ( _be. Баторын), Blednaje ( _be. Бледнае)). It is surrounded by pine forests. Narach River flows out of it.The lake is a popular resort and tourism site. Young Pioneer camp of national importance "Zubryonok" was located by the lake. After the collapse of the Soviet Union the camp was reformed into the "National children recreational camp "Zubrania", which is now the most important children recreational camp in Belarus. During World War I, the surrounding area was a focal point of Lake Naroch Offensive (March-April 1916), an inconclusive offensive operation mounted by Russian forces against the German army.

It is the largest lake in Belarus (before 1945 "Narocz" was the largest lake of Poland). Narach is a part of Narach lake group (the others being Miastra ( _be. Мястра), Batoryn ( _be. Баторын), Blednaje ( _be. Бледнае)). It is surrounded by pine forests. Narach River flows out of it.The lake is a popular resort and tourism site. Young Pioneer camp of national importance "Zubryonok" was located by the lake. After the collapse of the Soviet Union the camp was reformed into the "National children recreational camp "Zubrania", which is now the most important children recreational camp in Belarus. During World War I, the surrounding area was a focal point of Lake Naroch Offensive (March-April 1916), an inconclusive offensive operation mounted by Russian forces against the German army.

Lake Narach (Naroch) (Belarusian: Нарач, IPA: ['naratʂ], Polish: Narocz, Lithuanian: Narutis, Russian: Нарочь) is a lake in North-West Belarus (Miadziel raion, Minsk Province). The lake is located in the northern part of the country, in the basin of the Vilija river. It is the largest lake in Belarus (before 1939 Narocz was the largest lake of Poland). Narach is a part of Narach lake group (the others being Miastra (Belarusian: Мястра), Batoryn (Belarusian: Баторын), Blednaje (Belarusian: Бледнае)). It is surrounded by pine forests. Narach River flows out of it. The lake is a popular resort and tourism site. Young Pioneer camp of national importance Zubryonok was located by the lake. After the collapse of the Soviet Union the camp was reformed into the National children recreational camp "Zubrania", which is now the most important children recreational camp in Belarus. During World War I, the surrounding area was a focal point of Lake Naroch Offensive (March-April 1916), an inconclusive offensive operation mounted by Russian forces against the German army. ...by a ship canal, thereby connecting the Baltic and Black seas. The rivers are generally frozen from December to late March, after which occur about two months of maximum flow. The largest lakes are Narach, Asvyeyskaye, and Drysvyaty.

Lake Lalolalo : WALLIS AND FUTUNA Travel Tourism World Heritage Hotel

2009-05-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

Lake Lalolalo : WALLIS AND FUTUNA

Surrounded by a very well-preserved tropical jungle full of flourishing abundance of fauna and flora, Lake Lalolalo is the definitely the most spectacular of all crater lakes on Wallis Island. The mysterious lake forms a perfect circle and the 30-m-high rocky cliffs fall straight into the limpid water, providing shelter to various species of rare tropical birds. Surrounded by the best-preserved tropical jungle hiding the flourishing abundance of fauna and flora, the lake Lalolalo is the definitely the most spectacular of all crater lakes in Wallis Island. The mysterious lake forms the perfect circle and the 30 meters high rocky cliffs fall straight into the limpid water, providing shelter to various species of rare tropical birds. Wallis Island and Futuna & Alofi, which lie 230km away from each other, are linked through French colonialism, period. Wallis has ancestral connections with Tonga while Futuna traces its roots to Samoa. This is evident in the languages, which are quite different although mutually comprehensible, as well as the Samoan-like tapa designs of the Futunans and the Tongan-influenced designs found on Wallis. The two islands remain competitive with each other but Wallis, being more populous and the centre of government, retains the upper hand.

Wallis and Futuna are located due north of Fiji, where they are occasionally frequented by visitors, regularly abandoned by locals in search of jobs and peppered with a generous offering of French food and champagne. You could call it a slice of France in the Pacific if French Polynesia hadn't taken the title already. It's the second - the forgotten - slice, one of typical Pacific beauty and aquatic pleasures. The first missionary to Futuna, one Pierre Chanel, was martyred four years into his evangelical run. His work was done though: the first Oceanian nation to martyer a missionary has transformed into a devoutly religious entity where church buildings spring up like palm trees. These beautiful churches provide for one of the highlights of travel to Wallis and Futuna.

These two forgotten specks that lie smack in the centre of Polynesia/Melanesia make up one of the world's least known countries. The inhabitants, who are markedly more reserved than in most Polynesian isles, are happy to keep it that way. And why not? This French colony has managed to keep its culture remarkably intact throughout serious Catholicism and a strong French presence. France pours in the money and the people continue to live as they always have, fishing and planting taro and manioc - but now they also drive brand-new Toyota 4WDs, go to church and watch satellite TV. This is a country that has figured out how to get all the perks of colonialism without losing its soul. There are no plans for a push for tourism and, as long as the airfares and cost of living stays as high as they are (this place makes Tahiti seem cheap), it's not likely to receive heaps of honeymooners or package tourists any time in the near future. Movements for independence are few: the hospitals, schools and highly paid government jobs are all welcome enough additions that the people are happy to put up with a few handfuls of French expats.