SolcaribeTour.com

Archive for the ‘Adventure Travel’ Category

There is no word in Quechua for ‘friend’; one can only call another brother or sister. Nor does this ancient Peruvian language have a word for Goodbye. In place of this rather final sounding sentiment is a word meaning “till next time”.

To some, these two linguistic anomalies are nothing more than technical matters reflecting the difficulty inherent in all translations. Some even attribute the difference to a lack of precision in ancient tongues, reflecting their lack of intellectual evolution.

After all, modern languages like French and English have many more words conveying an ever increasing precision of meaning and nuance. And viewed from this perspective, some have concluded that Quechua meanings are simply echoes of a simpler – less complex culture and time. The lack of ostensible exactness merely a semantic relic; an archaeologic footnote.

Or so it seems to some.

The Modern World

Most visitors to Peru first arrive in Lima, the sprawling modern metropolis founded in 1535 by the Spanish Conquistador

Francisco Pizarro. More than 1/3 of the entire Peruvian population resides here, and for many it is the very quintessence of contemporary Peru. Walking its streets is akin to a stroll in New York, Mexico City, or any number of similar giant cities of the modern world.

Founded to facilitate the export of stolen treasure, its raison d’être is, and has always been, expediency. Lima’s concerns are rooted in the practical demands of today’s world; of the here and now. Her gaze is riveted on the commercial concerns of the moment. Little, if any, energy is devoted to looking backwards. The path from today to tomorrow consumes the attention of Lima; the cob-web covered road to the past is barely noticed – rarely traversed.

From the state-of-the-art newness and sophistication of Miraflores to the ramshackle slums of her outskirts – Lima is the capital of the present; the King of Now.

Into the Andes

Immediately upon arriving in any city of southern Peru you know you are in a world apart from that of Lima. If nothing else, the altitude at once grabs your attention as you struggle for breath in the oxygen thin air of the Andes.

From the relatively lower elevation of Arequipa’s volcano surrounded 2,335 meters to that of La Raya at 4,335 – the Peruvian Andes compel acknowledgement of their uniqueness. And in every corner of the altiplano you sense differentness; the unique is ever present.

Skins are darker, languages more diverse, colors distinctly vibrant and new as you reach the rarefied environment of southern Peru. Not only do you struggle for breath in this somewhat otherworldly terrain – but for focus as well.

The third-eye of your mind blinks again and again to clear the now from your consciousness as you are continually presented with something strangely other; something just beyond the focal-plane of your present-based gaze. Something decidedly un-now.

The Capital of the Inca

While the cities of Arequipa, Juliaca, and Puno are each captivating and deserving a visit – it is Cuzco that is the portal to the otherworld that travelers to this region strive so hard to bring into focus. Here is the center of the Inca culture and the gateway to some of the most fascinating and mysterious historical sites on the planet.

With neighborhoods climbing into the hills surrounding its ancient core in the Urubamba river valley, Cuzco is striking in both its locale and its history.

Its very name is a Spanish transliteration from the Quechuan original Qusqu or Qosqo, which itself traces its origin to the even more ancient Aymara language. Both tongues are still widely spoken in the Andes.

Indeed, the roots of history here stretch much further back than the time of the Inca. Archaeological research indicates that pre-Incan civilizations can be dated to 7000 BCE.

So the basic psyche of the aboriginal Peruvian culture had been formed during many millennia prior to the Spanish conquest of the Inca in 1533. And that ancientness can be sensed, in a thousand different ways, just beneath the surface, in and around the Cuzco of today.

Still Waters Run Deep

One gets an odd feeling sitting in the main cathedral of Cuzco today. Everywhere you look you notice that each pillar and wall is constructed of the stones taken from destroyed Incan temples and buildings. The Inca were forced to worship their conqueror’s God amidst the reconfigured remnants of their own past.

Yet as I stood one morning watching my ostensibly Christian Quechua guide demonstrate to me the proper procedure for giving coca leaves to “The Gods” before ingesting them ourselves, I realized that this culture had only been subjugated; never conquered.

As you browse Quechua markets seeing ebony pumas, serpents, and Inca crosses everywhere – you can feel it. As you stare into the coal black eyes of Incan descendants – eyes that seem to look back from another place – another epoch – you begin to sense the depth of time and place that lies behind those otherworldly glances.

As you see festivals spilling spontaneously into the streets – the participants dancing steps with origins lost in the far distant past – wearing costumes which pre-date Christ – you somehow know that the cathedrals and plazas of the Conquistadors are but a ripple on the surface of a very still, and very deep river.

And as you begin to absorb these messages – you begin to see why the Quechua has no word for friend – only for brother/sister.

On a Kenya safari you’ll really get to appreciate and understand the true wilderness of Africa. Kenya is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa, not to mention an amazing array of wildlife. Kenya is one of Africa’s most beloved countries offering a once in a lifetime experience for all types of traveller. On your Kenya safari vacation you will find everything from game rich savannahs and snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches and glorious reefs. There are many options for families, couples and groups travelling to Kenya who are looking for a memorable safari holiday. You can ride in an open vehicle past a pride of lions, be guided through herds of zebra on a wild walk, enjoy an elephant back safari or witness an impressive bird’s eye view of Kenya’s most famous National Parks from a hot air balloon. The possibilities really are endless.

The Tsavo National Park

The Tsavo National Park is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest. Divided into two areas, Tsavo West and Tsavo East, it is the ideal destination to explore the wild on a Kenya safari. Named after the Tsavo River which runs from west to east, Tsavo borders the Chyulu Hills National Park and the Mkomazi Game Reserve in Tanzania. Tsavo is popular as one of the world’s biodiversity strongholds mainly because of the diversity of wildlife. The park is home to large herds of elephant which make up almost a third of Kenya’s total elephant population. You can also see many other animals including lion, leopard, hippo, giraffe, black rhino and crocodile. Tsavo West has a far more varied landscape and array of habitats than Tsavo East. Tsavo West is made up of rocky outcrops, lava fields and semi-arid plains. Tsavo East has more open savannah than its partner with flourishing vegetation and wetlands. Being near to the Kenya Coast, Tsavo East is the ideal place to combine your time on Kenya safari with a beach holiday. Whether you’re looking for pure relaxation or water sport galore, the Kenya Coast has it all.

Visiting the Masai Mara on a Kenya Safari

Referred to by the locals as the Mara, the Masai Mara is one of the most famous reserves in all of Africa. Whilst you’re on Kenya safari, a visit here simply cannot be missed. There are many reasons why the Mara attracts so many travellers, researchers, writers and film makers; the vast open plains, the density of game, variety of birdlife and the famous wildebeest migration. Each year, from July to October, the ‘Great Migration’ sees over two million zebra, gazelle and wildebeest make their way from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya. Of course, wildlife is still abundant all year round but if you want to experience one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, this is the best time of year to embark on a Kenya safari vacation.

Most people have a fascination for the animal life of this planet. Some prefer those that are domesticated, while others are more attracted to those that live in the wild. It is unfortunate that a huge portion of the areas where animals used to roam free have now been made into commercial areas and the only place where children can actually be exposed to the wild are either through the local zoo, or the Discovery channel.

Sometimes controlled environments are just not enough, and those who find zoos too tame for their taste find it comforting that there is still South India Tourism that can satisfy their desire to see the animals in its natural habitat. India, being a huge country as it is, has not been able to develop all the areas within its borders, and when it realized that so many treasures could be lost by developing everything, the leaders of the country decided to keep certain areas reserved for their wildlife.

South India Tour Packages may take you to many places, and one of the states that you may land in would be Kerala. Here you may decide to satisfy your craving to see wild elephants in action, and you may do this by visiting the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. This is 77 square kilometers of wild land, famous for the herds of elephants that roam the grounds. While touring the area, you may also be lucky to see some of the jungle cats that live within the sanctuary’s borders.

Not all the South India Tourist Places dedicated to wildlife are actually reserves. Of course there are those that have been developed in order to protect both the animals within, as well as the visitors. Such is the Crocodile bank that is located in Tamil Nadu. This particular area was created in order to protect the dangerous reptiles from becoming extinct. In currently houses over 5,000 species of alligators and crocodiles, and allows tourists to watch the reptiles from a distance that is safe for both men and animals.

Another place to visit in Tamil Nadu, usually included in any South India Tour Package within the months of January to April, would be the Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary. The main place to visit here would be a small town that is surrounded by lush, green forests. What makes it so special during the early part of each year is that birds from as far as the United States travel to this place in order to escape the cold. Any bird lover can stay days here and not get bored, because each day would bring a sighting of a bird from an entirely different country.

There are so many areas that can be visited for your South India travel. It would pay to go through every little item that you can find from your travel agent in order to make sure that you get the right South India Tour Package for your vacation. Although some areas may seem to be similar in definition, the truth is that each location that one may visit would be an entirely different experience altogether. The danger of traveling to this country is that one may want to extend the vacation for months on end.

Incoming search terms:

• kunthakulam bird sanctuary

If you want to have the most memorable days with your family, book accommodations at the upscale Cornwall holiday cottages. It will ensure your maximum comfort and luxury while sightseeing around the marvelous region of England. The upscale Cornwall holiday cottages have complete amenities and self-catering facilities that will allow you to cook for your family during your vacation. But you can also skip kitchen duties and savor the dishes at fine dining establishments. You can have a family picnic at pristine beaches near the posh Cornwall holiday cottages or have a historical tour at castles, museums, and public houses.

Flambards

Flambards is one of the best amusement parks near the upscale Cornwall holiday cottages. Visit here for a whole day of unforgettable adventure and pleasure. Try out thrilling family-friendly activities that you can do together as a family. You can experience all the rides until your throat hurts from screaming. The Hornet roller coaster and Extreme Force ride will let you hanging in mid-air and then spin you at a vertical arc with negative G forces. It is not for the faint of heart, though, so you have to be sure that you really want to experience it. But if you are courageous enough to tackle it on, then this is something you will not forget in your lifetime. Plenty of other exciting activities are also within the park that would fascinate both young and old. Roam around and just take all in the vibrant mood and welcoming atmosphere of the park. You would surely want to plan another visit here as soon as you arrive at the upscale Cornwall holiday cottages.

Canoeing at Active-8

Canoeing is one of the most exhilarating activities you can experience if you are visiting Active-8 Center with your family. Start your day early and leave the comfortable Cornwall holiday cottages with necessary items such as extra clothing, water sports gear, sunscreen, and waterproof camera. A bucketful of high expectations and excitement will also come in handy because you will surely not be disappointed with the canoeing trip here. Getting wet and wild during your holiday stint in Cornwall is a proven way to be relieved of all the stress and anxieties. The center will provide all the right equipment for the activity. Licensed instructors will give you the details about canoeing and will accompany you during the trip. You know that you are safe and secure all throughout your tour around the fascinating water scape and landscape scenery along the canoeing path. It would be a 5-hour activity so you have to make sure you have a full stomach before you embark on this wonderful journey of a lifetime. Afterwards, you can head back to the comforts of the upscale Cornwall holiday cottages for a good night’s sleep.