Thursday, February 28, 2008
Weather in Mauritius
Mauritius is one of the most beautiful and accessible island in the world, a real tropical paradise. Mauritius is situated off the east coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. This unique geographical position gives to Mauritius a mild and relatively pleasant climate throughout the year. So, what’s the best time to go to Mauritius and what’s the climate variations like?
Mauritius has a fascinating blend of microclimates, all of them fairly mild. While locals complain of ‘cold’ weather during ‘winter’ in Mauritius, the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees C on the coast. This means you can still have a midnight swim in the sea in Mauritius under a starry sky in the middle of winter. This gives the country a strategic advantage inasmuch as you can visit Mauritius almost anytime of the year.
So when is the best time to visit Mauritius? Well, it depends on what you want to go there for. Excluding peak cyclone season (January and February), December to March are the best months for diving, when the waters are at their clearest; June to August is best for surfing; and October to April is excellent for big game fishing, when the large predators feed close to shore. The Mauritian 'winter' occurs from May to November, when daytime temperatures drop from sticky to balmy. With less rain and humidity, this is one of the nicest times to visit.
The least agreeable period is from December to April, when the long days can prove too hot and humid for some and the threat of cyclones is in the air. If you have to go to Mauritius in the warmer season and you do not particularly like hot days out you can always avoid the sunny beaches. Even when it’s above 30 degrees C on the coast, the towns inland on higher grounds are usually cooler. Curepipe for instance is a town situated on the central plateau, one of the higher regions of Mauritius. The temperature difference between this town and a coastal resort can be significant. The choice is yours. It is obviously more entertaining down the coast and you can always choose an air conditioned room. Keep away from the beaches in the midday sun and venture out on some long romantic walks along the sandy beaches of Mauritius at sunset.
So when is the best time to go to Mauritius? Because there are no extreme climate conditions, except for the rare cyclones that last a few days, you can go pretty much anytime. That of course gives Mauritius a strategic advantage over other tourist destinations. The country and its climate is indeed attracting a increasing number of tourists thus positioning Mauritius on the top lists of world holiday destinations.
Mauritius has a fascinating blend of microclimates, all of them fairly mild. While locals complain of ‘cold’ weather during ‘winter’ in Mauritius, the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees C on the coast. This means you can still have a midnight swim in the sea in Mauritius under a starry sky in the middle of winter. This gives the country a strategic advantage inasmuch as you can visit Mauritius almost anytime of the year.
So when is the best time to visit Mauritius? Well, it depends on what you want to go there for. Excluding peak cyclone season (January and February), December to March are the best months for diving, when the waters are at their clearest; June to August is best for surfing; and October to April is excellent for big game fishing, when the large predators feed close to shore. The Mauritian 'winter' occurs from May to November, when daytime temperatures drop from sticky to balmy. With less rain and humidity, this is one of the nicest times to visit.
The least agreeable period is from December to April, when the long days can prove too hot and humid for some and the threat of cyclones is in the air. If you have to go to Mauritius in the warmer season and you do not particularly like hot days out you can always avoid the sunny beaches. Even when it’s above 30 degrees C on the coast, the towns inland on higher grounds are usually cooler. Curepipe for instance is a town situated on the central plateau, one of the higher regions of Mauritius. The temperature difference between this town and a coastal resort can be significant. The choice is yours. It is obviously more entertaining down the coast and you can always choose an air conditioned room. Keep away from the beaches in the midday sun and venture out on some long romantic walks along the sandy beaches of Mauritius at sunset.
So when is the best time to go to Mauritius? Because there are no extreme climate conditions, except for the rare cyclones that last a few days, you can go pretty much anytime. That of course gives Mauritius a strategic advantage over other tourist destinations. The country and its climate is indeed attracting a increasing number of tourists thus positioning Mauritius on the top lists of world holiday destinations.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Kenya Safari - Top 8 places to spoil yourself in Kenya
If you are from upcountry, the ambiance in Mombasa assaults your senses with one message: here things are different – slow, sultry, exotic. The first rule is to move slowly. If you do not, the sweltering heat soon slows you down. However, once you reach your hotel you quickly recover a sense of near normalcy. Very few rooms are without overhead fans, and many have air-conditioning. But the real boon is the almost perpetual onshore breeze. No matter how hot it gets, so long as you wear loose, light and comfortable clothing, the heat remains bearable. So you have arrived. What do you do? You could just laze away by the sea with a good book, or engage in a whole range of water sports from angling to water skiing.
Kenya is blessed with some of the finest coral reefs to be found anywhere in the world and the hotels and resorts to the north and south of Mombasa are well equipped to cater for everyone, from the humble ‘goggler’ to the experienced scuba diver. If you are a scuba diver, you can rent equipment at several sites. If you are not, competent professionals at the same places offer tuition at reasonable rates.
There is also the big game of the sea. Hemingway helped put East Africa on the map with his stories of hunting the region’s terrestrial fauna, but the ocean beyond the reef provides plenty of opportunities for indulging one of Hemingway’s other favourite pursuits. The beach resorts are so self-contained that visitors normally do not venture out. With multiple restaurants to cater for diverse tastes, swimming pools, a range of water sports, tennis and other games as well as children’s activities, most holiday makers spend all their time within the confines of their hotel.
It is advisable to visit the city centre though, if for nothing else, to experience the slightly indolent, relaxed atmosphere, compared to, say, Nairobi. The coastal city represents laid-back elements that are lacking upcountry. Mombasa’s Old Town, with its maze of lanes, mosques and cramped ancient houses sloping gently down to the once busy dhow harbour, gives a feel of the past. It is well worth a visit, and so is fort Jesus, an impressive reminder of Mombasa’s complicated bloody past, which overlooks the Old Town, from where it once guarded the harbour’s entrance. It is now a national monument and museum and provides an interesting tour through history.
For the budget holiday maker, relatively decent accommodation available in the city center, from where one can visit the beaches easily.
LAMU, MALINDI AND WATAMU
While still at the coast, you may want to take your holiday in Lamu. Do not overlook the museum; it has a Swahili kitchen with pestles and mortars, carved Lamu thrones with wicker seats, and elaborately carved Lamu headboards. Upstairs is an amazing collection of weapons and costumes dating back to the 18th century. Also of interest is the Swahili House Museum, a traditional Swahili house furnished with traditional Swahili furniture.
If you enjoy diving and snorkeling, then Malindi is the place to go. Explore the Malindi Marine National Park in glass-bottomed boat. It is exhilarating. The six square kilometres of the national park cover the loveliest of coral garden. Take tuk-tuk within the town will cost you Ksh50 – cheaper than taking a matatu, all things considered. Apart from the cost, the open sides of the tuk-tuk let in the air, allowing for a comfortable ride.
Visit Vasco da Gama’s Pillar and Cross at Vasco da Gama Point. The spot marks the last stop in Africa before Vasco da Gama sailed across the Indian Ocean to India in 1498. The cross surmounting the pillar was tested and found to be made of Lisbon limestone, proving that it is indeed the original cross placed by Vasco da Gama. A visit to the tiny, whitewashed Portuguese chapel about half a kilometre from the Vasco da Gama Point transports one to another era. Built at the end of the 15th century, the chapel is thought to be the first Christian church in East Africa. Its graveyard, dating to the 16th century, and which is about five times the size of the chapel, is a fascinating portrait of the history of Malindi. The oldest grave there belongs to a Portuguese seaman buried by St Francis Xavier in 1542.
After the decline of Portuguese influence in East Africa, the graveyard lay unused for about 300 years. Then in 1894, one J Bell-Smith – believed to be a member of the Imperial British East African force that occupied Malindi between 1890 and 1895 – was buried there. Thereafter, the graveyard was occasionally used for burial until 1958.
WATAMU
Some 25 kilometres south of Malindi and 120 kilometres north of Mombasa lies the tranquil haven of Watamu with its white, sparkling beaches. The Watamu Marine Park, established in 1968 as Kenya’s first marine park, boasts over 600 species of fish in just 10 square kilometres. Watamu has developed into one of the world’s best snorkeling, fishing and diving spots. Within the Marine Park are several well-established resorts, and many private guest houses are scattered through the forest along the deserted shore. The hotels at Watamu overlook two beautiful inlets. Turtle Bay and Blue Lagoon, the former dotted with unnamed islets, one unmistakably the shape of a turtle.
Walk through the forest, explore the mangroves by boat, dive on the reef, or try your hand at big game fishing. Relax, unwind and soak up the atmosphere. In the forest are the ruins of Gedi, the lost city whose population inexplicably vanished in the 17th century. The outer wall of this lost town encloses an area of about 18 hectares and a well-informed guess would put the population at around 2,500. Many of the houses, together with the Sultan’s palace, have been excavated and partly restored. A walk through this lifeless town evokes mystery, suspense and melodrama as the visitor relives past era. Take an unforgettable sundowner at the Mida Creek. If you happen to be at Hemingways Resort at 4:30pm, book yourself on the two-and half hour sundowner dhow up and down the Mida Creek. For Ksh 2,450 and half that amount for children, you will enjoy bitings and drinks to your fill, as you watch the sun go down into the ocean.
Watamu is best known for ocean sports, particularly deep-sea fishing. If that is your interest – regardless of whether you are an experienced angler or a novice – then the place to be is Hemingways. All Hemingways’ deep-water fishing craft are twin-engine, and linked with each other and the shore base by radio. The crews are skilled and well versed in taking out newcomers to the sport. They enjoy showing you how it all works. Watamu caters for all tastes and pockets and the budget holiday makers is accommodated at Ocean Sports Hotel. The hotel sits on Turtle Bay, a seven-kilometre stretch of dazzling white sand, leading down to a warm, clear turquoise sea protected by fascinating coral reefs (expect in the off-season due to seaweed). It is one of the few family-run hotels left on the Kenya Coast, and has a very warm and friendly atmosphere.
There you can go diving or creek fishing, play tennis or squash or just exercise in the gym. You can go snorkeling all year round, and dolphin and whale watching between November and March. Ocean Sports is the meeting place for Watamu Hash Harriers, the group that has been described as "serious drinkers with a running problem." So, you are assured of fun if that is what you are after if under water exploring is not your style, not to worry," says Melinda Rees, Ocean Sports’ Customers Service Director. "From windsurfing to dolphin watching, boat trips, gentle walks to explore the rock pools or simply lying on the beach, the Watamu beach offers something for everyone."
SHIMBA HILLS
An hour’s drive from the Indian Ocean through undulating faming country and colourful villages gets you to the beautiful Shimba Hills, a stunning landscape with steep valleys, rolling hills and pockets of rain forest. While the wildlife may not be abundant, the area is home to the only sable antelope in Kenya. Sable is a chocolate-brown horse-like antelope with magnificent, sweeping, sickle-shaped horns.
The forests of Shimba resonate with exotic sounds of tree frogs, birds and bush babies. They host a number of tented camps and lodges, designed to induce relaxation. Place of interest for excursions include the Sheldrick Falls and the Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project.
TSAVO
Apart from the man-eating lions that nearly stopped the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway more than a century ago, Tsavo is renowned for its herd of elephants. You could be forgiven for thinking that the Tsavo elephants are a separate species, as their skin looks decidedly red. This is just the rich, brown dust giving them a photogenic ruby colour.
AMBOSELI
Amboseli is a place of stark contrast. Despite its sometimes dry and dusty appearance, it has an endless water supply filtered by thousands of feet of volcanic rock from Kilimanjaro’s icecap. These underground streams converge into two clear water springs in the heart of the park. The endemic dust is volcanic ash, which spewed from Kilimanjaro a millennium ago. The park is vast, the expanse only interrupted by the occasional trumpeting of elephants.
MASAI MARA
This land of abundant wildlife, ideal climate and diverse habitats is fanatic at any time of year. But it comes into its own when the wildebeest migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti over the raging Mara River onto the vast grasslands. It’s a spectacle. The sheer determination of the animals is amazing. They move as though driven, across plain, grassland and water. They do not stop. Even when some drown, the others just go crashing by. It’s a spectacle of a lifetime. The animals migrate from Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya’s Masai Mara between July and September and back in January and February.
Kenya is blessed with some of the finest coral reefs to be found anywhere in the world and the hotels and resorts to the north and south of Mombasa are well equipped to cater for everyone, from the humble ‘goggler’ to the experienced scuba diver. If you are a scuba diver, you can rent equipment at several sites. If you are not, competent professionals at the same places offer tuition at reasonable rates.
There is also the big game of the sea. Hemingway helped put East Africa on the map with his stories of hunting the region’s terrestrial fauna, but the ocean beyond the reef provides plenty of opportunities for indulging one of Hemingway’s other favourite pursuits. The beach resorts are so self-contained that visitors normally do not venture out. With multiple restaurants to cater for diverse tastes, swimming pools, a range of water sports, tennis and other games as well as children’s activities, most holiday makers spend all their time within the confines of their hotel.
It is advisable to visit the city centre though, if for nothing else, to experience the slightly indolent, relaxed atmosphere, compared to, say, Nairobi. The coastal city represents laid-back elements that are lacking upcountry. Mombasa’s Old Town, with its maze of lanes, mosques and cramped ancient houses sloping gently down to the once busy dhow harbour, gives a feel of the past. It is well worth a visit, and so is fort Jesus, an impressive reminder of Mombasa’s complicated bloody past, which overlooks the Old Town, from where it once guarded the harbour’s entrance. It is now a national monument and museum and provides an interesting tour through history.
For the budget holiday maker, relatively decent accommodation available in the city center, from where one can visit the beaches easily.
LAMU, MALINDI AND WATAMU
While still at the coast, you may want to take your holiday in Lamu. Do not overlook the museum; it has a Swahili kitchen with pestles and mortars, carved Lamu thrones with wicker seats, and elaborately carved Lamu headboards. Upstairs is an amazing collection of weapons and costumes dating back to the 18th century. Also of interest is the Swahili House Museum, a traditional Swahili house furnished with traditional Swahili furniture.
If you enjoy diving and snorkeling, then Malindi is the place to go. Explore the Malindi Marine National Park in glass-bottomed boat. It is exhilarating. The six square kilometres of the national park cover the loveliest of coral garden. Take tuk-tuk within the town will cost you Ksh50 – cheaper than taking a matatu, all things considered. Apart from the cost, the open sides of the tuk-tuk let in the air, allowing for a comfortable ride.
Visit Vasco da Gama’s Pillar and Cross at Vasco da Gama Point. The spot marks the last stop in Africa before Vasco da Gama sailed across the Indian Ocean to India in 1498. The cross surmounting the pillar was tested and found to be made of Lisbon limestone, proving that it is indeed the original cross placed by Vasco da Gama. A visit to the tiny, whitewashed Portuguese chapel about half a kilometre from the Vasco da Gama Point transports one to another era. Built at the end of the 15th century, the chapel is thought to be the first Christian church in East Africa. Its graveyard, dating to the 16th century, and which is about five times the size of the chapel, is a fascinating portrait of the history of Malindi. The oldest grave there belongs to a Portuguese seaman buried by St Francis Xavier in 1542.
After the decline of Portuguese influence in East Africa, the graveyard lay unused for about 300 years. Then in 1894, one J Bell-Smith – believed to be a member of the Imperial British East African force that occupied Malindi between 1890 and 1895 – was buried there. Thereafter, the graveyard was occasionally used for burial until 1958.
WATAMU
Some 25 kilometres south of Malindi and 120 kilometres north of Mombasa lies the tranquil haven of Watamu with its white, sparkling beaches. The Watamu Marine Park, established in 1968 as Kenya’s first marine park, boasts over 600 species of fish in just 10 square kilometres. Watamu has developed into one of the world’s best snorkeling, fishing and diving spots. Within the Marine Park are several well-established resorts, and many private guest houses are scattered through the forest along the deserted shore. The hotels at Watamu overlook two beautiful inlets. Turtle Bay and Blue Lagoon, the former dotted with unnamed islets, one unmistakably the shape of a turtle.
Walk through the forest, explore the mangroves by boat, dive on the reef, or try your hand at big game fishing. Relax, unwind and soak up the atmosphere. In the forest are the ruins of Gedi, the lost city whose population inexplicably vanished in the 17th century. The outer wall of this lost town encloses an area of about 18 hectares and a well-informed guess would put the population at around 2,500. Many of the houses, together with the Sultan’s palace, have been excavated and partly restored. A walk through this lifeless town evokes mystery, suspense and melodrama as the visitor relives past era. Take an unforgettable sundowner at the Mida Creek. If you happen to be at Hemingways Resort at 4:30pm, book yourself on the two-and half hour sundowner dhow up and down the Mida Creek. For Ksh 2,450 and half that amount for children, you will enjoy bitings and drinks to your fill, as you watch the sun go down into the ocean.
Watamu is best known for ocean sports, particularly deep-sea fishing. If that is your interest – regardless of whether you are an experienced angler or a novice – then the place to be is Hemingways. All Hemingways’ deep-water fishing craft are twin-engine, and linked with each other and the shore base by radio. The crews are skilled and well versed in taking out newcomers to the sport. They enjoy showing you how it all works. Watamu caters for all tastes and pockets and the budget holiday makers is accommodated at Ocean Sports Hotel. The hotel sits on Turtle Bay, a seven-kilometre stretch of dazzling white sand, leading down to a warm, clear turquoise sea protected by fascinating coral reefs (expect in the off-season due to seaweed). It is one of the few family-run hotels left on the Kenya Coast, and has a very warm and friendly atmosphere.
There you can go diving or creek fishing, play tennis or squash or just exercise in the gym. You can go snorkeling all year round, and dolphin and whale watching between November and March. Ocean Sports is the meeting place for Watamu Hash Harriers, the group that has been described as "serious drinkers with a running problem." So, you are assured of fun if that is what you are after if under water exploring is not your style, not to worry," says Melinda Rees, Ocean Sports’ Customers Service Director. "From windsurfing to dolphin watching, boat trips, gentle walks to explore the rock pools or simply lying on the beach, the Watamu beach offers something for everyone."
SHIMBA HILLS
An hour’s drive from the Indian Ocean through undulating faming country and colourful villages gets you to the beautiful Shimba Hills, a stunning landscape with steep valleys, rolling hills and pockets of rain forest. While the wildlife may not be abundant, the area is home to the only sable antelope in Kenya. Sable is a chocolate-brown horse-like antelope with magnificent, sweeping, sickle-shaped horns.
The forests of Shimba resonate with exotic sounds of tree frogs, birds and bush babies. They host a number of tented camps and lodges, designed to induce relaxation. Place of interest for excursions include the Sheldrick Falls and the Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project.
TSAVO
Apart from the man-eating lions that nearly stopped the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway more than a century ago, Tsavo is renowned for its herd of elephants. You could be forgiven for thinking that the Tsavo elephants are a separate species, as their skin looks decidedly red. This is just the rich, brown dust giving them a photogenic ruby colour.
AMBOSELI
Amboseli is a place of stark contrast. Despite its sometimes dry and dusty appearance, it has an endless water supply filtered by thousands of feet of volcanic rock from Kilimanjaro’s icecap. These underground streams converge into two clear water springs in the heart of the park. The endemic dust is volcanic ash, which spewed from Kilimanjaro a millennium ago. The park is vast, the expanse only interrupted by the occasional trumpeting of elephants.
MASAI MARA
This land of abundant wildlife, ideal climate and diverse habitats is fanatic at any time of year. But it comes into its own when the wildebeest migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti over the raging Mara River onto the vast grasslands. It’s a spectacle. The sheer determination of the animals is amazing. They move as though driven, across plain, grassland and water. They do not stop. Even when some drown, the others just go crashing by. It’s a spectacle of a lifetime. The animals migrate from Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya’s Masai Mara between July and September and back in January and February.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
10 Tourist Attractions to visit in Boston Massachusetts
If you are planning to travel to Boston Massachusetts there is a wealth of attractions to visit that are of historical significance.
The Freedom Trail - Three miles in length, the Freedom Train is one of the most popular walking tours in the United States. Marked ny pavement inserts and painted red lines, the trail is simple to follow if you go for the unguided tour. Park Rangers operate 90 minute tours should you choose the guided tour option. Of interest along the trail are the site of the Boston Massacre, the USS Constitution, the home Paul Revere lived in and the site of the Boston Massacre.
The USS Constitution - The oldest existing commissioned warship, the Constitution never lost a battle she was involved in. Visitors can tour the upper deck where sailors are available to answer any questions you may have. Located at an adjacent pier, plan on visiting the USS Cassin Young, a destroyer that saw action in World War II.
Museum of Fine Arts - Located one mile west of Boston's Copley Square in the Fenway area, the Museum of Fine Arts can be accessed easily by using public transportation. You will find assorted art galleries, restaurants, gift shops, concerts and special exhibits. One can't take in everything in just one visit, so you should plan a return trip.
Paul Revere House - Paul Revere House is downtown Boston's oldest house, having been built in 1680. Paul Revere was the owner of this house for thirty years, from 1770 to 1800. Inside this restored home visitors will find assorted memorabilia as well as furnishings from the 17th and 18th century.
Old State House - Built in 1713, this is the Boston's oldest public building, now serving as a history museum. Marked by a cobblestone circle, the Old State House has views which look over the site of the Boston Massacre. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston took place on the balcony back in 1776.
Franklin Park Zoo - The recently renovated Franklin Park Zoo was founded in 1911 and is located on a 72 acre site. Visitors will see exhibits that include the Australian Outback, the Bongo Congo, Western Lowland Gorillas and the Franklin Farm, where visitors can get close and pet the sheep and goats.
New England Aquarium - Featuring a 200,000 gallon tank aptly named the Giant Ocean Tank, the New England Aquarium's centerpiece is surrounded by a 4 story high ramp. The Giant Ocean Tank is home to many species including stingrays, sharks, barracudas, huge turtles as well as a Caribbean coral reef replica.
Bunker Hill Monument - A tall granite obelisk commemorates the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill. Visitors who are feeling spry can climb 294 stairs to the obelisk's top and be rewarded by a beautiful view of Boston. During the summer visitors can take in a musket firing demonstration.
Faneuil Hall - Originally built back in 1742, Faneuil Hall was donated to the city by Peter Faneuil. British officers used Faneuil Hall as a theater during their occupation of the city. A military museum along with paintings of notable battles are found in the Hall. Park Service Rangers give historical talks.
Museum of Afro-American History - Called the oldest standing African-American church building in the United States, the museum features the African Meeting House, dedicated in the 1806. Changing exhibits are displayed in the gallery and guided tours are available to visitors.
The Freedom Trail - Three miles in length, the Freedom Train is one of the most popular walking tours in the United States. Marked ny pavement inserts and painted red lines, the trail is simple to follow if you go for the unguided tour. Park Rangers operate 90 minute tours should you choose the guided tour option. Of interest along the trail are the site of the Boston Massacre, the USS Constitution, the home Paul Revere lived in and the site of the Boston Massacre.
The USS Constitution - The oldest existing commissioned warship, the Constitution never lost a battle she was involved in. Visitors can tour the upper deck where sailors are available to answer any questions you may have. Located at an adjacent pier, plan on visiting the USS Cassin Young, a destroyer that saw action in World War II.
Museum of Fine Arts - Located one mile west of Boston's Copley Square in the Fenway area, the Museum of Fine Arts can be accessed easily by using public transportation. You will find assorted art galleries, restaurants, gift shops, concerts and special exhibits. One can't take in everything in just one visit, so you should plan a return trip.
Paul Revere House - Paul Revere House is downtown Boston's oldest house, having been built in 1680. Paul Revere was the owner of this house for thirty years, from 1770 to 1800. Inside this restored home visitors will find assorted memorabilia as well as furnishings from the 17th and 18th century.
Old State House - Built in 1713, this is the Boston's oldest public building, now serving as a history museum. Marked by a cobblestone circle, the Old State House has views which look over the site of the Boston Massacre. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston took place on the balcony back in 1776.
Franklin Park Zoo - The recently renovated Franklin Park Zoo was founded in 1911 and is located on a 72 acre site. Visitors will see exhibits that include the Australian Outback, the Bongo Congo, Western Lowland Gorillas and the Franklin Farm, where visitors can get close and pet the sheep and goats.
New England Aquarium - Featuring a 200,000 gallon tank aptly named the Giant Ocean Tank, the New England Aquarium's centerpiece is surrounded by a 4 story high ramp. The Giant Ocean Tank is home to many species including stingrays, sharks, barracudas, huge turtles as well as a Caribbean coral reef replica.
Bunker Hill Monument - A tall granite obelisk commemorates the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill. Visitors who are feeling spry can climb 294 stairs to the obelisk's top and be rewarded by a beautiful view of Boston. During the summer visitors can take in a musket firing demonstration.
Faneuil Hall - Originally built back in 1742, Faneuil Hall was donated to the city by Peter Faneuil. British officers used Faneuil Hall as a theater during their occupation of the city. A military museum along with paintings of notable battles are found in the Hall. Park Service Rangers give historical talks.
Museum of Afro-American History - Called the oldest standing African-American church building in the United States, the museum features the African Meeting House, dedicated in the 1806. Changing exhibits are displayed in the gallery and guided tours are available to visitors.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Medical Tourism: World-class Treatment At Layman's Price
Consumerism is the new mantra of the present generation. People want value for money for every purchase they make. When almost every imaginable service is near at hand, can medical treatment be far behind? Of late, "doctor shopping" is the phrase that is circling the medical arena. This phrase refers to the rapidly increasing number of patients who choose to undergo medical treatment in foreign countries. People, especially in the US and the UK have realized that the medical treatment offered in their countries is highly expensive in comparison to such Asian and African countries like India, Thailand,Cuba, and Lithuania.
These developing nations offer world-class healthcare and medical facilities to overseas patients. While the citizens of these nations find it hard to afford such facilities, patients from the US or other European countries find it quite affordable. Besides an inexpensive vacation package in these countries makes the whole process of treatment extremely attractive.
Before the discussing the pros and cons of medical tourism, it is necessary to glance at the origin of this trend. Medical tourism is not a new phenomenon. According to David Morgan, this phenomenon was perceptible in the early 19th century when no restrictions were imposed on the movement of people in Europe. Initially, mere traveling was considered a good therapy for physical as well as mental health. Later, the wealthy families began to make trips to the Swiss Lakes, the Alps, and special tuberculosis sanatoriums, where professional and specialized medical care was offered. The scenario improved further in the 21st century. Thailand, followed by India, Puerto-Rico, Argentina, Cuba, and Malaysia quickly emerged as the hottest medical tourism destinations.
Complicated surgeries like hip and knee replacement surgery, dental works, cosmetic surgery, kidney dialysis, organ transplant and sex change topped the list of the popular procedures performed in these destinations. According to survey reports, in 2002, six hundred thousand medical tourists came to Bangkok and Phuket medical centers in Thailand, while approximately one hundred and fifty thousand foreign patients visited India in the same period. It is also estimated that by 2012, medical tourism in India will generate an astonishing $2.1 billion dollars in revenue. This assumption, however, is based on the fact that around 600 Baby Boomers from the US, Australia and Europe will age and seek medical care by that time span. This assumption has led many countries to treat the medical tourism sector as a profitable business. The Indian Government has also shown its interest in this sector by adopting various provisions to promote this industry. In Philippines, the medical tourism industry was included in last year Investment Priorities Plan. These trends are enough to justify the phenomenal growth of the medical tourism industry in the present age.
The major attraction of medical tourism to the innumerable number of overseas patients is its affordable cost. When compared to the expenses of medical treatment in the US, the prices in the Third World countries seem a mere trifle. In the US, there are approximately 43 billion people without health insurance and 120 million without dental coverage. In case of an emergency medical treatment, they are required to pay for the treatment either in cash or take out a loan. The ordinary citizens, especially the uninsured lot, find it hard to meet these estimated expenses. According to the CBC News, a cardiac surgery in the United States and the United Kingdom on average costs from $30,000 to $50,000, while root canal costs approximately $3,500. In such situations, medical tourism offers an excellent solution for such financial crunches. In India, for instance, example, the above-mentioned procedures can cost anywhere from $4000 to $9000 and $200 to $400, respectively.
Next comes the issue related to formalities involved prior to undergoing any medical treatment. In medical tourism destinations, not only are the paperwork hassles comparatively less, but also the liability policies are less strict. According to the News Target, "many MDs …insist that as much as 80 percent of all healthcare dollars that go through their office cover nothing but paperwork." In addition, medical doctors spend a large percentage of their income on insurance coverage in a case of lawsuits, further increasing healthcare costs.
Time is another factor that lures patients to medical tourism spots from all over the world. In developed countries, the public healthcare system is too overburdened to perform all its duties on scheduled time. The situation is worse for those who need immediate treatment. Hence, the only option for these patients is to fly abroad for medical attention. Medical tourism has thus offered American and European citizens some better options than visiting their own doctors.
These advantages of medical tourism are more than adequate to score over European or American healthcare facilities. The only sound advice that foreign patients should keep in mind (while in a medical tourism destination) is to be prepared for some emergency expenses that might emerge on account of any medical complications. However, such cases are rare and the outcome is mostly satisfactory. Glancing at the present scenario, it would not be wrong to conclude that medical tourism is here to stay and invite universal acclaim.
These developing nations offer world-class healthcare and medical facilities to overseas patients. While the citizens of these nations find it hard to afford such facilities, patients from the US or other European countries find it quite affordable. Besides an inexpensive vacation package in these countries makes the whole process of treatment extremely attractive.
Before the discussing the pros and cons of medical tourism, it is necessary to glance at the origin of this trend. Medical tourism is not a new phenomenon. According to David Morgan, this phenomenon was perceptible in the early 19th century when no restrictions were imposed on the movement of people in Europe. Initially, mere traveling was considered a good therapy for physical as well as mental health. Later, the wealthy families began to make trips to the Swiss Lakes, the Alps, and special tuberculosis sanatoriums, where professional and specialized medical care was offered. The scenario improved further in the 21st century. Thailand, followed by India, Puerto-Rico, Argentina, Cuba, and Malaysia quickly emerged as the hottest medical tourism destinations.
Complicated surgeries like hip and knee replacement surgery, dental works, cosmetic surgery, kidney dialysis, organ transplant and sex change topped the list of the popular procedures performed in these destinations. According to survey reports, in 2002, six hundred thousand medical tourists came to Bangkok and Phuket medical centers in Thailand, while approximately one hundred and fifty thousand foreign patients visited India in the same period. It is also estimated that by 2012, medical tourism in India will generate an astonishing $2.1 billion dollars in revenue. This assumption, however, is based on the fact that around 600 Baby Boomers from the US, Australia and Europe will age and seek medical care by that time span. This assumption has led many countries to treat the medical tourism sector as a profitable business. The Indian Government has also shown its interest in this sector by adopting various provisions to promote this industry. In Philippines, the medical tourism industry was included in last year Investment Priorities Plan. These trends are enough to justify the phenomenal growth of the medical tourism industry in the present age.
The major attraction of medical tourism to the innumerable number of overseas patients is its affordable cost. When compared to the expenses of medical treatment in the US, the prices in the Third World countries seem a mere trifle. In the US, there are approximately 43 billion people without health insurance and 120 million without dental coverage. In case of an emergency medical treatment, they are required to pay for the treatment either in cash or take out a loan. The ordinary citizens, especially the uninsured lot, find it hard to meet these estimated expenses. According to the CBC News, a cardiac surgery in the United States and the United Kingdom on average costs from $30,000 to $50,000, while root canal costs approximately $3,500. In such situations, medical tourism offers an excellent solution for such financial crunches. In India, for instance, example, the above-mentioned procedures can cost anywhere from $4000 to $9000 and $200 to $400, respectively.
Next comes the issue related to formalities involved prior to undergoing any medical treatment. In medical tourism destinations, not only are the paperwork hassles comparatively less, but also the liability policies are less strict. According to the News Target, "many MDs …insist that as much as 80 percent of all healthcare dollars that go through their office cover nothing but paperwork." In addition, medical doctors spend a large percentage of their income on insurance coverage in a case of lawsuits, further increasing healthcare costs.
Time is another factor that lures patients to medical tourism spots from all over the world. In developed countries, the public healthcare system is too overburdened to perform all its duties on scheduled time. The situation is worse for those who need immediate treatment. Hence, the only option for these patients is to fly abroad for medical attention. Medical tourism has thus offered American and European citizens some better options than visiting their own doctors.
These advantages of medical tourism are more than adequate to score over European or American healthcare facilities. The only sound advice that foreign patients should keep in mind (while in a medical tourism destination) is to be prepared for some emergency expenses that might emerge on account of any medical complications. However, such cases are rare and the outcome is mostly satisfactory. Glancing at the present scenario, it would not be wrong to conclude that medical tourism is here to stay and invite universal acclaim.
Spend your holidays in India
Welcome to India – one of the prime holiday destination where tourists from all around the world willing to spending their holiday. Spend your holidays in India this time and find excellent in its various aspects. Our country, India it the land of vivacious culture, amazing contradictions, and diverse geography despite shows unity in diversity. It is a vast country and all regions of this country have their own charm distinct charm. If truth to be told, it is not just a country it is the combination of several mini countries which are its various states with their own distinct charm, culture & tradition, languages, cuisine, dress sense, etc. And this is India’s unity in diversity which is the single most predominant factor that makes it one of the most prime holiday destinations in all over the world.
There are several fascinating tourism options in this country which are able to make convinced even the most pessimistic and overjoyed person. Our country is able to make satisfied every type of tourists whether they are culture lovers, archaeological buffs, adventure seekers, beach lovers or simply want to spend their holiday in picturesque locations. Starting from snow-caped Himalayan mountain peaks to pristine beaches of Goa, to the vastness of Thar Desert of Rajasthan, to the serenity of Kerala backwaters, to the rich flora and fauna, to the cultural heritage attractions, to the awesome hill stations beautified with fabulous nature beauty, etc India is one stop holiday destination for all type of tourist and vacationers who want to make their holidays in India memorable. Be sure, India holidays tours never fail to enchant with various picturesque holiday destinations and fascinating options of travel & tourism.
For those vacationers who are willing to unique charm of India holidays with sightseeing of historically and culturally rich places there are several such destinations which are eagerly waiting for them. India’s star attraction – Taj Mahal, grand Red Fort, India Gate, Mysore Palace, Rajasthan Monuments, Ellora caves, Cochin Fort, Elephanta Caves, etc fulfills there desire and never fail to enchant them. For those vacationers who want to spend their holiday in luxury there are some magnificent heritage palace hotels in the vibrant state of Rajasthan, India where one can find all the world class modern amenities and off course old world charm and excellent hospitality. Several travel agents and tour operators offer luxury holiday packages to India to spend holiday in these grand heritage hotel. They also offer budget holiday package for those vacationers who are not able to so much cost of luxury holiday package.
Some vacationers want to spend their holidays in beaches and enjoying their natural beauty and serenity. If you, too, want to spend your holidays at beach destination, you may opt for Goa or Kerala tour package offered by various travel agents or tour operators. Over all, India is a fascination holiday destination which is very popular among tourists from all around the world and never fails to enchant vacationers and tourists with its amazing tourism options. So, if you, too, want to make your holidays in India, the amazing country that is called India invites and welcomes you.
There are several fascinating tourism options in this country which are able to make convinced even the most pessimistic and overjoyed person. Our country is able to make satisfied every type of tourists whether they are culture lovers, archaeological buffs, adventure seekers, beach lovers or simply want to spend their holiday in picturesque locations. Starting from snow-caped Himalayan mountain peaks to pristine beaches of Goa, to the vastness of Thar Desert of Rajasthan, to the serenity of Kerala backwaters, to the rich flora and fauna, to the cultural heritage attractions, to the awesome hill stations beautified with fabulous nature beauty, etc India is one stop holiday destination for all type of tourist and vacationers who want to make their holidays in India memorable. Be sure, India holidays tours never fail to enchant with various picturesque holiday destinations and fascinating options of travel & tourism.
For those vacationers who are willing to unique charm of India holidays with sightseeing of historically and culturally rich places there are several such destinations which are eagerly waiting for them. India’s star attraction – Taj Mahal, grand Red Fort, India Gate, Mysore Palace, Rajasthan Monuments, Ellora caves, Cochin Fort, Elephanta Caves, etc fulfills there desire and never fail to enchant them. For those vacationers who want to spend their holiday in luxury there are some magnificent heritage palace hotels in the vibrant state of Rajasthan, India where one can find all the world class modern amenities and off course old world charm and excellent hospitality. Several travel agents and tour operators offer luxury holiday packages to India to spend holiday in these grand heritage hotel. They also offer budget holiday package for those vacationers who are not able to so much cost of luxury holiday package.
Some vacationers want to spend their holidays in beaches and enjoying their natural beauty and serenity. If you, too, want to spend your holidays at beach destination, you may opt for Goa or Kerala tour package offered by various travel agents or tour operators. Over all, India is a fascination holiday destination which is very popular among tourists from all around the world and never fails to enchant vacationers and tourists with its amazing tourism options. So, if you, too, want to make your holidays in India, the amazing country that is called India invites and welcomes you.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Traveling in South Africa: Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban
Johannesburg
Jo'burg, as it's known, is the largest city in South Africa, its busy bustling streets lack real beauty. But you'll be rewarded with wonderful experiences of the real South Africa and the climate is glorious.
Transport: how to get there and around
There is an international airport in Johannesburg which serves domestic as well as international destinations. There is also a bus service that connects with nearby countries.
Weather
The climate in South Africa has great regional variations. Generally hot though it depends on altitude. Summer tends to be very hot in the low lands; upper lands are pleasantly warm but subject to rain and mist. Winters are mild all over the country except at the highest altitudes which are subject to frosts and occasional snowfalls.
Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Johannesburg .
Attractions & Events
* To experience the rich cultures of South Africa that were oppressed for so long, be in Johannesburg throughout September and October for the Arts Alive Festival.
* In April the National Exhibition Centre holds the Rand Easter Show.
* September brings the Jazz Festival and also the Gay Pride march is on the last Saturday of the month.
Cape Town
Cape Town is relaxed and laid back, especially in comparison to Johannesburg. The stunning Table Mountain overlooks the city of beautiful landscapes and beaches. It's a welcoming place, too, with a vibrant cultural life especially for music.
Transport: how to get there and around
Cape Town International airport has many direct flights from around the world. The city has a main train station where you can board both trains and buses. For help getting around town, ‘Rikki’ transporters, Taxis and buses are available.
Weather
The best time to visit is during the summer months December to March. It can be around 26 C in the city but this is cooled off a by the Cape Doctor – also known as the wind!
Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Cape Town .
Attractions & Events
* The Cape Town Arts Festival is an outdoor event during the summer month of January.
* The Good Food and Wine Festival is held in June.
* There are a few events taking place in December. In the Company’s Garden you can experience Carols by Candlelight. A more flamboyant event with outrageous costumes is the Cape Town Queer Event.
Durban
Durban is a modern city with a lively night scene and plenty to keep you entertained from taverns, discos, theatres and clubs. The proud Zulu culture can be felt throughout Durban which boasts tropical beaches and jungle.
Transport: how to get there and around
International and domestic flights are served by Durban International Airport. You can reach the main South African cities with by train such as Cape Town and Johannesburg. Rickshaws, Taxi’s and minibuses will get you around the city itself.
Weather
Overall the climate is fairly mild all year round. During May and October there is more chance of rain and the winters bring an evening chill.
Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Durban.
Attractions & Events
* Durban has a literature festival in March at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
* Natal holds a Marathon in June which goes through the valley of a thousand hills.
* The Centre for Creative Arts holds the International Film Festival in June.
Jo'burg, as it's known, is the largest city in South Africa, its busy bustling streets lack real beauty. But you'll be rewarded with wonderful experiences of the real South Africa and the climate is glorious.
Transport: how to get there and around
There is an international airport in Johannesburg which serves domestic as well as international destinations. There is also a bus service that connects with nearby countries.
Weather
The climate in South Africa has great regional variations. Generally hot though it depends on altitude. Summer tends to be very hot in the low lands; upper lands are pleasantly warm but subject to rain and mist. Winters are mild all over the country except at the highest altitudes which are subject to frosts and occasional snowfalls.
Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Johannesburg .
Attractions & Events
* To experience the rich cultures of South Africa that were oppressed for so long, be in Johannesburg throughout September and October for the Arts Alive Festival.
* In April the National Exhibition Centre holds the Rand Easter Show.
* September brings the Jazz Festival and also the Gay Pride march is on the last Saturday of the month.
Cape Town
Cape Town is relaxed and laid back, especially in comparison to Johannesburg. The stunning Table Mountain overlooks the city of beautiful landscapes and beaches. It's a welcoming place, too, with a vibrant cultural life especially for music.
Transport: how to get there and around
Cape Town International airport has many direct flights from around the world. The city has a main train station where you can board both trains and buses. For help getting around town, ‘Rikki’ transporters, Taxis and buses are available.
Weather
The best time to visit is during the summer months December to March. It can be around 26 C in the city but this is cooled off a by the Cape Doctor – also known as the wind!
Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Cape Town .
Attractions & Events
* The Cape Town Arts Festival is an outdoor event during the summer month of January.
* The Good Food and Wine Festival is held in June.
* There are a few events taking place in December. In the Company’s Garden you can experience Carols by Candlelight. A more flamboyant event with outrageous costumes is the Cape Town Queer Event.
Durban
Durban is a modern city with a lively night scene and plenty to keep you entertained from taverns, discos, theatres and clubs. The proud Zulu culture can be felt throughout Durban which boasts tropical beaches and jungle.
Transport: how to get there and around
International and domestic flights are served by Durban International Airport. You can reach the main South African cities with by train such as Cape Town and Johannesburg. Rickshaws, Taxi’s and minibuses will get you around the city itself.
Weather
Overall the climate is fairly mild all year round. During May and October there is more chance of rain and the winters bring an evening chill.
Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Durban.
Attractions & Events
* Durban has a literature festival in March at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
* Natal holds a Marathon in June which goes through the valley of a thousand hills.
* The Centre for Creative Arts holds the International Film Festival in June.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Touring the Vatican, Expanding Religion!
When you’re in Rome, there are places that you can’t definitely miss. One of them is the Vatican. Considered to be the smallest country in the world, the Vatican holds numerous special collections and buildings that tell so much about the beginning and struggle of Roman Catholicism—and how the religion has helped shape the world.
Two Kinds of Vatican Tours
There are different kinds of Vatican tours, but commonly, you can choose between private and group tours. Private Vatican Tours are just for you and your party. You will get the privilege to tour the Vatican with your own personal Official Vatican Tour Guide dedicated only to you who will reveal to you the Vatican treasures from insider perspective and also make sure there is no stranger who can take part in your Vatican tours.
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Vatican Group Tours, meanwhile, is composed of individuals who have booked on the same day. This is ideal if you’re traveling to the Vatican alone.
Before you can actually start your Vatican tours, there are certain things that you have to consider. First of all, take note of your dress code. Women should avoid wearing anything revealing, including tank tops, miniskirts, and shorts. If you can’t help it, then cover your spaghetti top with a shawl or a jacket. Men, on the other hand, should better keep their shirts with offensive pictures and messages on their suitcase first. Otherwise, you’ll be in terrible shame, being shooed away by the custodians who are guarding the Vatican doors. It may also help if you can carry pair of small binoculars with you. There are certain areas in the Vatican, such as the Sistine Chapel, where images can be so minute. The optical device can help you see the details much clearer.
Starting Your Vatican Tours
When you’re going to tour the Vatican, it may be wise to begin on the Vatican Museum, or the Musei Vaticani. The entrance, which can you reach through Bus 49, is located at the Viale Vaticano. The Vatican tours can also take on another route, which is through the Piazza del Risorgimento, by taking the Tram 19 or Bus 81.
The Piazza di San Pietro, an entrance to the Basilica di San Pietro or St. Peter’s Basilica, is found at the western area of Via della Conciliazione. For your Vatican tours, you can have to alternative places to visit. You can go up to the topmost portion of the basilica by riding an elevator. It’s the most perfect place to enjoy the little towers that remind of you of those magical castles in fairy tales. If you’re scared of heights, though, don’t even try to proceed to the lantern or even the highest part of the dome’s cupola.
For those who are appreciative of nature, you can take a stroll on the Vatican Gardens for your until your can reach the Castel Sant’ Angelo located at Borgo Pio. This fortress is truly significant in the history of Rome as it served as refuge for emperors and popes during wars such as the Sack of Rome.
Lastly, drop by on Cappella Sistina or the Sistine Chapel and get a glimpse of Michelangelo’s famous work on its ceilings. It’s amazing how a sculptor’s name becomes everlasting through his paintings.
Touring the Vatican is something you’d definitely crave for the rest of your life. So why don’t you start saving up now?
Two Kinds of Vatican Tours
There are different kinds of Vatican tours, but commonly, you can choose between private and group tours. Private Vatican Tours are just for you and your party. You will get the privilege to tour the Vatican with your own personal Official Vatican Tour Guide dedicated only to you who will reveal to you the Vatican treasures from insider perspective and also make sure there is no stranger who can take part in your Vatican tours.
.
Vatican Group Tours, meanwhile, is composed of individuals who have booked on the same day. This is ideal if you’re traveling to the Vatican alone.
Before you can actually start your Vatican tours, there are certain things that you have to consider. First of all, take note of your dress code. Women should avoid wearing anything revealing, including tank tops, miniskirts, and shorts. If you can’t help it, then cover your spaghetti top with a shawl or a jacket. Men, on the other hand, should better keep their shirts with offensive pictures and messages on their suitcase first. Otherwise, you’ll be in terrible shame, being shooed away by the custodians who are guarding the Vatican doors. It may also help if you can carry pair of small binoculars with you. There are certain areas in the Vatican, such as the Sistine Chapel, where images can be so minute. The optical device can help you see the details much clearer.
Starting Your Vatican Tours
When you’re going to tour the Vatican, it may be wise to begin on the Vatican Museum, or the Musei Vaticani. The entrance, which can you reach through Bus 49, is located at the Viale Vaticano. The Vatican tours can also take on another route, which is through the Piazza del Risorgimento, by taking the Tram 19 or Bus 81.
The Piazza di San Pietro, an entrance to the Basilica di San Pietro or St. Peter’s Basilica, is found at the western area of Via della Conciliazione. For your Vatican tours, you can have to alternative places to visit. You can go up to the topmost portion of the basilica by riding an elevator. It’s the most perfect place to enjoy the little towers that remind of you of those magical castles in fairy tales. If you’re scared of heights, though, don’t even try to proceed to the lantern or even the highest part of the dome’s cupola.
For those who are appreciative of nature, you can take a stroll on the Vatican Gardens for your until your can reach the Castel Sant’ Angelo located at Borgo Pio. This fortress is truly significant in the history of Rome as it served as refuge for emperors and popes during wars such as the Sack of Rome.
Lastly, drop by on Cappella Sistina or the Sistine Chapel and get a glimpse of Michelangelo’s famous work on its ceilings. It’s amazing how a sculptor’s name becomes everlasting through his paintings.
Touring the Vatican is something you’d definitely crave for the rest of your life. So why don’t you start saving up now?
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