SolcaribeTour.com

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.

Are you making plans to visit a destination which has lots of attractions? If yes, then you must be searching for transportation facilities that will make your journey comfortable. You can always find a guide which will help you travel in comfort. No matter whether you are going for a business trip or on a holiday, hiring a vehicle for transportation purposes is vital. Once a person reaches their destination, they need a means of transportation which will help them journey from one place to another. If you hire a vehicle, there is no need to worry about things like how to reach the hotel from the airport, or visit the bus depot or a railway station.

If you are new to the place and want to hire a vehicle, it is important to make preparations for the transportation. If you hire a vehicle ahead of time you can avoid standing in the long queues with your luggage and children. To solve all these issues, it is better to hire a car. There are certain things that you should keep in mind while renting a car or traveling. The first important thing that should be kept in mind while hiring a car is to confirm the number of people going for the trip, time when you need the car and what kind of vehicle you are looking for.

Once these are decided, the next important thing is to search for the best car rental company. Evaluate the services and costs provided by various suppliers. The comparison of services is important to find the best and the cheapest mode of transportation which helps you to hire a car according to your choice. Different companies present multiple offers on the basis of tenures. If you are planning to hire a car for the entire journey, you must see whether the firm offers any discounts. Some of the benefits that you can enjoy by hiring a car are:

If you book a car beforehand you will get the best costs for your tour
You can enjoy the easiest way to tour with your family
You can travel in the vehicle of your choice and can also compare the cost
You get the pleasure of traveling in a luxury automobile
If you book in advance you will not feel stressed out
Hiring from a dependable rental company assures comfort as well as safety

It is not necessary to find the best deals every time, so you should explore different travel sites and attend travel debates to be aware of recent updates. You can also contact travel agents. To make your tour comfortable and enjoyable, make arrangements in advance.

Renting a car by using rental car coupons is a great opportunity, especially for travelers who visit other cities or countries and need to get around with a car. There are a lot of coupon offers given by rental car companies that you can find on the Internet. Simply use a search engine and you will find many car rental firms offering coupons. However, the problem with using a search engine is that you will find too many such offers. This can be confusing as it is difficult to know which deal is the best one for you. In order to come up with the one that suits your needs, here are a few tips that you can follow.

First of all, you can look for rentals on travel agency websites. There are several well- known travel agencies that you can try. They will help you determine which auto rental company offers the best price. Some of the travel agencies allow you to request coupons during searching, so that you will find the ones with a lower price. If you already are a regular customer of a big car rental provider, you can request a direct upgrade, as many companies provide a very good deal for their loyal customers by using coupons. Another way of finding the best rental car coupons is by joining a car fan club or travel forum on the Internet. Forum members often know which rental companies have the best deals, and of course, the best coupon offers. A travel forum will be even more beneficial to you as the participants have had the same experience as you, going to other cities or countries and renting cars using coupons. Some might have had a good experience with certain car firms or some might have a bad experience with others. You can make a note which car rental company seems best from those experiences.

Another important thing you can do is investigate and compare the actual car rental firms. This is also a useful step, as car rental companies differ from one to another. For instance, one may allow you to rent a car for a one-way trip, whereas others may require that you return the car to the same location where you got it. If you decide to rent the car from Enterprise car rental, they normally offer better deals. They normally offer to pick you up at your location and then drop you off once you finish renting the car. Companies other than Enterprise do not offer you this service, making Enterprises a good selection. But ultimately, you must decide which rental company deal best suits your needs.

Knowing how to find good rental car coupons will save you a lot of money. Take your time to study the tips and you will surely come up with the best car rental deal.

How to choose the right tent for your family

Choosing the right tent can be daunting as this is the most vital piece of equipment you will take with you on your family camping trip. This will be your home away from civilization and you’ll want to make sure you have the right one for your family before pulling out of the driveway! Keep reading to learn great family camping tips and tricks for purchasing that all important family tent.

The most critical decision factors in choosing the right tent are size, cost and materials. Let’s look at each in turn.

So you’ve decided to take a camping trip! How many people are you planning to bring with you? Count them up! This is the most important decision making factor in choosing the size of your tent. Make sure to consider how much luggage will need to reside inside the tent, any additional items you’ll bring to sleep on such as cots or mattresses and don’t forget about a space for Fido if you’re bringing him along. Ok, so now everyone’s counted and you know how much space you need, but is it really enough? Before making a big investment in your tent, take a look at the little ones you’re bringing with you. How much bigger are they going to get? If you’re investing in a good quality tent you may want to consider getting something that will grow with the family so that you don’t find yourself needing to purchase a replacement in a year or two. Don’t go too crazy though, you want something roomy but not humongous. As a general guideline add one more person to your party. As an example, if you are a family of 4, try to find a good quality tent that sleeps five or even six. Having some extra room allows everyone to spread out a little and also provides some space for your gear.

Next is quality, also known as price. Tents, like everything, come in a wide range of prices and qualities so make sure to do your research. If you know what you’re looking for, it will be easier to find a good deal on a second hand website like Craigslist or you’ll be able to act fast and grab the last in stock on Amazon.com. In addition to online research, pop into your local sporting goods store and have a chat with one of the salespeople. They will generally be quite knowledgeable and can help you answer specific questions that you may have trouble finding the answers to online. Once you have all the information and you know what you can live with and what you can live without, set a budget and stick to it! I do recommend taking a peek at Craigslist once you know what you’re looking for, as some people find camping is not their thing after just one trip. Just make sure you know all the parts that should be included.

Another factor that falls into the price is the material. There are a number of materials used to make tents but you will likely be looking at a nylon or polyester one. Tent material is important to ensure it stays dry, particularly if you plan to tent in the off-season. Check to make sure the tent material has been treated and inquire about the maintenance of the tent and see if you can purchase additional treatments to spray the tent on an annual basis to ensure it stays in good repair. UV Rays and other elements can wear down the tent fibers.

Lastly, before you make your big purchase, think through your trip and understand what you need to bring and where you’ll store it. Some tents come with vestibules which are really handy for storing backpacks and other gear. Think about the time of year you’re taking the trip and other comfort needs such as accommodating mattresses, etc. Are you going to a drive-in spot or hiking to your campsite? If you’re hiking, make sure to check the tent weight!

After running through this checklist and speaking with your local salesperson at the sporting goods store you should be ready to purchase. Once you do, take you new tent home or to a park and set it up. There are two great reasons to do this. First, you’ll know all the right pieces are included and everything fits and second, and perhaps more importantly, you’ll have had some practice in assembly.