Holes in My Soles

After the Harvest: We'll all be gone!

2012-02-02T00:24:00.000-08:00

Photo by Jim McIntosh.

Always before us

Our ancestors wandered

Roaming so freely

Our wilderness home.

For millions of years

We could all walk together,

But man has destroyed them,

Now all of that's gone.

Once we could wander

Beyond highest mountain,

And across green savannah

We could all roam.

There was a time

When we all walked together,

Until man's exploitation has

Destroyed our home.

There are these rivers

That flow wide between us.

There is this sea

Of knowledge unknown.

If we could talk,

Would you believe us?

How you've poisoned this Earth

That was once our green home.

And always before us

We rhino have wandered,

Roaming so freely

In Nature's kingdom.

But now in this short time

As they gather vile treasures,

After the harvest

We'll all be gone.

Now we must flee

To hide beyond mountains.

And the green savannah,

No longer our home.

There was a time

We would all walk together

Until we saw your reflection

And could see what you've done.

Now we must flee

To hide beyond mountain.

Now we must flee

The poacher's chainsaw.

And now we must suffer

The cruellest of slaughter,

For the Chinese Medicine

To harvest our horn.

And after the harvest...

We'll all be gone.

Thanks to Ray Wylie Hubbard for the inspiration!

Can't find his "After the Harvest" on YouTube but this is a favourite also.

Warning: Graphic Images From The Rhino Wars!

2012-01-31T22:52:00.000-08:00

"Why do you want my horn?"

Rhino horn is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine where it is ground up, then infused in boiling water and prescribed as a treatment for fever, rheumatism, gout and other disorders. It is also believed to be an aphrodisiac. Now fetching $65,000 a kilo in Asia, a 6kg horn valued at $380,000 is powerful incentive for criminal Asian syndicates to fund illegal poaching operations in Africa and Asia. Corruption at various levels of Governments and all along the supply chain is extremely difficult to combat.

Photo: Jim McIntosh

Scientifically, rhino horn is Keratin, the same as our hair, toe or fingernails.

It has no medicinal benefits, but old beliefs, new rumours that rhino horn cures cancer, coupled with rising Chinese and Vietnamese affluence are driving up demand. Poaching skyrocketed after an ex-premier of Korea claimed in 2008 that rhino horn cured their cancer. Elle MacPherson, in 2010, stupidly quipped she used it as an anti-ageing cure. However the biggest myth-booster since 2007 has come from the Chinese government investing heavily in boosting its Traditional Chinese Medicine industry. And that is putting endangered wildlife everywhere under immense pressure. factsanddetails.com/china

The myth is growing that rhino horn cures almost anything. Criminal syndicates and TCM producers of rhino horn ''cures" probably boost this myth to drive up the demand and prices to make more profits. While many TCM organisations may openly state it is against their organisations' principles, human greed is what it is and unscrupulous members may still be involved.

Rhino horn is not medicine!

Once rhino were found across Africa, Asia, North America and into Europe, now they are down to less than 27,000. How can rhino survive this onslaught?

Three species are critically endangered.

The World's population today of the 5 species of rhino- White rhino: 20,000, Black rhino: 4,500, Greater One-horned rhino: 2,800, Sumatran Rhino: 200, Javan Rhino: 44. These figures are best estimates: some argue they are way too high. Plus if poaching continues its rapid escalation, losses to illegal kills will outstrip current natural breeding increases achieved with hard fought conservation programs over the past 40 years with Africa's White and Black Rhino.

In South Africa dedicated volunteers are being trained and deployed in game reserves to patrol and protect rhino. We are begging, pressuring, and petitioning governments to help fund the Anti-Poaching Units, and to effectively bring the criminal organisers to justice. The South African prosecution rates are abysmal with less than 5% of charges resulting in successful prosecutions, most of those against the lowest echelon of poachers -the poor poverty driven local poacher, - the ''minnows'' who are easily replaced.

The organisers of the poaching rings need to be targeted worldwide with all resources available.
This is a responsibility of all governments, but the South African government needs show leadership and demonstrate its commitment to protecting its major tourism jewels - its wildlife!

Photo: Wendy Warick, Krugersdorp Game Reserve.

Meantime rhino are shot.

We are trying to get more APU's on the ground. They are very effective, and have captured many poachers. Some have been shot at themselves. They lay their lives out there with them.

Photo of Umfurudzi Game Park staff inspection team by Jan Stander.

Rhino are trapped by wire snares that horrendously injure them and cause a long, slow death.

APU, SANParks and Game Reserve staff remove hundreds of illegal, cruel wire snares every day laid by local poachers.

At the other end of the scale, poaching is very quick and high tech, carried out by ex-military, ex-policemen, professional hunters and veterinarians using helicopters, latest thermal-imaging technology, tranquillizer dart guns, and chainsaws: very speedy and hard to combat unless APU's monitor rhino 24/7.

Chainsaws remove the horn from the drugged but living rhino, leaving it to wake to a living hell! TCM values the horn removed from a live rhino higher.

Calves are killed also.

The brutality by humans is unbelievable. Who deserves this planet?

Killing the calves means there are less rhino around which sends the price higher for each horn which drives the killings up by making it more profitable. A vicious circle. The Rhino War is heating up!

You can help!

There is a growing world movement of concerned groups that more people are joining to help end the slaughter. Rhino protection groups are in the forefront of pressuring governments to stop poaching now, by funding APU's, and to target the criminal organisers to bring an end to this appalling trade.

Anyone can search Facebook or Google search for rhino protection groups to join.

We need you to join facebook.com/groups/saveourrhino/ to help fund our Save Our Rhino K9 Investigations Anti-Poaching Unit. They're risking their lives to patrol a huge area. You'll find donation details listed in the "Docs".

"Who cares for the calves that do survive a slaughter?"

Every caring game reserve owner will take on the task of caring for the young.

In Kenya, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust cares for young rhinos and many orphan elephant calves. You can donate or even adopt any of the orphans. We have adopted 2 orphan elephants and each month we receive updates on their progress. Visits there are welcome.

Stopping the trade is the responsibility of all governments, but the South African government needs to show leadership, and demonstrate its commitment to protecting its major tourism jewels - its wildlife!

Sorry about the horrible graphic images, but this is the reality of the Rhino Wars.

We need the plight of rhino shared everywhere!
Use the share buttons below. Please!

PUTTING MY BEST FOOT FORWARD TO SAVE RHINO FROM SLAUGHTER!

2012-01-31T13:28:00.000-08:00

I'm prepared to auction a replica pair of Lord Of The Rings boots as worn by Aragorn, and donate proceeds to saving rhino from the poaching slaughter.

These boots are handmade, and sell for over $1,000 NZ dollars.

I should add that we made a lot of the footwear for the LOTR movies for most of the human and Elven characters.

You can read an interesting story here- L is for Lord of the Rings.

Reserve price is NZ$400.

Meet the reserve, or better any bid above that and you can have a pair handmade for you in any standard men's size 6-12.

Highest bid above the reserve wins.

I'll donate all proceeds to Save Our Rhino K9 Investigations Anti-Poaching Unit fund raiser.

K9 is a registered security firm in South Africa set up to protect rhino from poaching. As a member of Save Our Rhino Facebook group I am supporting this financially and encouraging more people to do what they can by way of donations, however small to stopping the slaughter in the Rhino Wars.

Place your bid please by emailing me at jimshu2000@hotmail.com now please.

Red Carpets and Leopard Skins.

2012-01-26T00:55:00.000-08:00

Jacob, can you hear us? Why aren’t you up front in the wars! We need real men to fight poachers with their helicopters, drugs and chainsaws. Leave your leopard skin at home –spots don’t hack it in the bush- camo is more fitting. Do you miss the point of all of this? Someone ever tell you leopards are endangered?

Can you get out of your office Jacob? Red carpet dignitaries, filling their hollowness with fresh fillet and rich gravies; paper-umbrella decorated cocktails; dipping their snouts...while scheming to fill their offshore accounts. That takes so much time: oh, the details! But those important matters ignore the rhino decimation: so deal with it by pulling down the shutters and new gagging legislation! Ah, but blood still stains the reddest carpet when so many are trampling it in.

Jacob, how do we know the enemy within? Can we meet you on the battlefield when you finally cave in? The APU guys in the bush know what they’re fighting for: they put their blood out there on the line. Their stains will be those honestly entwined…around every fibre of the red carpet on your office floor. Tread carefully: look away as you walk the canyons of power. Don’t ignore the reminders of the War.

Have you seen their faces Jacob? Deep drugged slumber; chainsawn facelift; agonising wakefulness; stumbling, uncomprehending the hell! 3 days to die in front of their brood: would be better that they killed them! Their red carpet is the ground stained black with clotted blood!

Jacob, have you heard them -the cry of the calves? “Mama, are you sleeping? I can hear no heartbeat sound. Mama, you’ve grown cold now -as cold as the hard ground. Mama, will you protect me? Hyena gather round!”

And the tourists, Jacob –they want the Big Five. Jacob, will you protect them? How many lion are left alive? Bones in bottles of Asian wine! Oh, the big tuskers – where are they? Chopsticks to enable the Asian to happily dine! Leopard? Just dignitaries ego-boosting attire? How long before they all go?

Jacob, take the lead now: the men will fall right in. Show you’re worthy to walk red carpets, and wear your leopard skin.

"Mama, are you sleeping?"
South Africans will realise this an appeal to Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa to take the lead in the rhino poaching crisis.
The South African Government must fully fund more Anti-Poaching Units, and bring the organisers of the criminal poaching syndicates to justice!

Forget Polar Bears -Rhinos face extinction now!

2012-01-26T00:17:00.000-08:00

While the glamour poster stars of the Save The Planet movement grab the public attention -yes they are cute and cuddly, but try hugging one!- rhino are being driven to extinction. We can argue all we like about the fate of polar bears given climate change, but the facts are polar bear numbers are well up on 1970's numbers when hunting brought their numbers to an alarming low of around 7,000. Restrictions on indigenous peoples hunting for meat and fur, and trophy hunting has seen numbers rise to an estimated 23-25,000.
Meanwhile, rhino don't have the luxury of time: a staggering 488 rhino were slaughtered in South Africa alone in 2011. Less than 27,000 rhino of all species exist and the rate of poaching is increasing.

Stop the poaching and rhino numbers will recover, as happened with polar bear numbers.

Rhino have been around for 50 million years and were widespread (occurring in North America and Europe as well as in Africa and Asia), but Traditional Chinese Medicine beliefs are fuelling poaching throughout Africa and Asia. Rising affluence in China and Vietnam mean more people there can afford these ‘treatments’ and criminal syndicates are illegally driving poaching and trafficking of rhino horn to supply this market. Fetching $US65,000 a kilo on the blackmarket, corruption at all levels of Government and along the chain of export to Asian markets make it extremely difficult to stamp out the trade, threatening the very existence of Rhino on this planet.

It is thought that the surge in poaching after 2008 may have been linked to comments made by an ex -premier of South Korea when he announced he used rhino horn for his cancer, fuelling a growing myth that rhino horn cures cancer. Rhino horn was traditionally prescribed as a cure for sexual dysfunction in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but now is being promoted as a cure for almost any ailment. In 2010, Elle Macpherson stupidly quipped she used powdered rhino horn to combat ageing. So the myth that rhino horn is medicine for any ailment has been growing concurrent at a time when rising Chinese affluence means more can afford this. At $65,000 a kilo, vested Chinese and Vietnamese criminal interests will be keen to see the myths promoted!

Today, only five species of rhino survive. All rhinos are under threat of, and most species are on the verge of, extinction. Unlike Polar Bears, environmental adaptation isn't going to save them -only drastic action against human predation can!

Estimates are:
White rhino: 20,000

Black rhino: 4,500
Greater One-horned rhino: 2,800
Sumatran Rhino: 200
Javan Rhino: 44

2007 saw 13 killed in South Africa. However rhino poaching escalated to 488 killed in SA in 2011. Plot those figures on a graph and you'll see rhino exterminated in less than a decade.

2011: 448!

Rhino horn is not medicine, it is Keratin, merely the same as hair and toenails.

We must act urgently to protect the remaining 27,000. We must educate to change beliefs. Volunteers are mainly manning the APU units, risking their their lives to protect rhino. Living rough in the bush for days, ever vigilant, and catching and killing poachers if necessary. Governments must take strong action to fully fund anti-poaching units, and lift their abysmal prosecution rate.

Share this article across your social media networks. Help publicise this issue. Let's generate more worldwide pressure on Governments to act now!

Galapagos Islands: Land and sea scapes.

2012-01-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

Galapagos Islands is well known for unique wildlife: gentle marine and land iguanas seen nowhere else, tortoises that mimic small cars for size, sea lions so unafraid and inquisitive they will tickle you with their long, sensitive whiskers, and birdlife that astounds in its colour and diversity. It is expected you'll fill up your memory cards with cute animal pics, but this ancient archipelago of volcanic islands erupting from the bowels of the earth offers other treasures: clear waters, raw knife-sharp cliffs, lava faced coastlines, white coral beaches, and colourful vegetation come together for picture-postcard scenes.

This picture was taken through the tinted glass of our G Adventures boat.

Same scene but taken from out on the deck.

This land is just as unique and colourful as its weird wildlife.

Eek! What on earth is this monster?

A lava formation.

BTW, none of the photos have been enhanced. They have merely been cropped for effect.

Tell me Dad, will we go see the rhino?

2011-12-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

Child to father-

The pictures you show in the stories that you read me

When I grow, will we go?

Can we see them?

Oh, how I want you to take me to see them,

The great animals you show me in the stories you read me.

Will they be there?

Will they graze where we gaze

In the wild where they should be?

I want to see them.

I want to hear them.

Will they be there when I grow?

I want to know when I grow you will take me to see them.

All the stories you have told,

When you read me to sleep and set me a-dreaming.

And the pictures that you showed.

I want to know we can go see a rhino.

And if I want,

The elephant,

The leopard, the lion and the big buffalo

Are gonna be there,

Roaming free where

A little boy dreamed them?

Tell me Dad, will we go see the rhino?

Can we go and enjoy them?

All the beasts in the pictures in the stories that you read me?

While man destroys them

Can you ignore them?

Will you help me protect them for my own little boy?

I want to know we can go see a rhino.

And if we want,

The elephant,

The leopard, the lion and the big buffalo

Are gonna be there,

Roaming free where

My little boy dreamed them?

467 rhino have been poached in South Africa to date this year!

You can all do a little to help in a big way- add your support to this petition.

http://www.change.org/petitions/we-demand-and-expect-that-south-african-government-act-immediately-and-decisively-to-end-rhino-killing-carnage-and-avert-imminent-rhino-extinction

Magnificent Monday: That Christmas Feeling!

2011-12-19T00:41:00.000-08:00

Magnificent Monday is late because it's that busy time of year leading up to Christmas. So much is happening and we have family gathering over the holiday.

In New Zealand, the Pohutukawa flowering heralds our southern Christmas.

Everywhere, the New Zealand 'Christmas Tree' is coming into full blossom.

The masses of blossoms provide nectar for our native birds, particularly our favourite, the Tui.

Sorry about this short post, but we are waiting for news on someone close, who unfortunately is in hospital.

I started this year off with a post called "Song Of The Tui " to wish everyone a great 2011, and there seems no better way of wishing her well, and everyone else, by posting up these great photos of our joyful, colourful Pohutukawa flowers so prevalent at this time of year, and finishing with a photo of that same bird!

Have a wonderful time with your family, and friends. May your God bless you all as we celebrate what Christmas is about - a time of remembering the birth of Jesus. A time when families come together.

Then for us, straight after Christmas we depart for our dream destination!
Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador has been on our hit list for so long and we finally made the decision to head over to that archipelago monster tortoises and marine iguanas! Unique birdlife and abundant marine mammals await! The stuff of National Geographic and TV feature documentaries. Darwin and finches; pirate havens and National Parks.

Holes in My Soles will not be updated for some time until after we get back late January. Spending time on a computer just doesn't figure high on my priorities when Kay and I are travelling, but be sure there'll be plenty written about our travels when we are home again. Get ready for marvellous wildlife photos - my new camera is loaded up with tons of memory cards, and an itchy finger!

Have a wonderful time with your family, and friends.

I would like to read your end of year articles though, so post a link to your Christmas post here-

This Moment: Fri 16th Dec.

2011-12-15T11:47:00.001-08:00

{This Moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment from my week, or from thinking back on our travels. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Adopted from Soulemama. Drop in there and leave your link and comments also.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Yeah, OK we're not supposed to tell you about the pic, but talk about it in the comments.

Guess how old these are?
Where from?

..
I can chat about these a wee bit- they represent to me why I do not worry about Climate Change. These prove to me the fact that the earth has seen massive changes over billions of years of Ice Ages, Interglacial warm periods, and Continental Drift and cataclysmic earthquakes, uplifts in the Earth's crust and the effect of wind, water and temperature on the land.
These shells were found in rocks composed of sediment, laid down millions of years ago and compressed into rock then uplifted to 2,800 metres.
Shells found at that height 1,000's of miles inland? Can we comprehend the changes to the Earth that brought this about?

Oh, but recently, we humans are supposed to fight to control climate!

Auckland: Travel Photo Thursday.

2011-12-14T21:58:00.000-08:00

Auckland, is New Zealand's City Of Sails. Vibrant, cosmopolitan, beautiful weather, excellent night life, great shopping and a harbour frontage to die for. Oh, and a giant, sharp pencil you can jump off!

We lived in South Auckland for several years in the early 70's and couldn't wait to move out! Hated it then. But a recent visit around old haunts, taking in how the once scungy waterfront has been developed and made pedestrian and visitor friendly, has changed our views on our beautiful, largest city. It bubbles with life; going places.

I think what has also helped is being a travel blogger! Yes, it changes how one looks at a place. I found myself slowing down, observing minute detail, imagining how a place should be photographed, checking the light and shadows and how they highlighted each scene, and even taking mental notes in my mind of how each activity or place should be written about.

Thanks MatadorU!

Hey, we even stopped and allowed ourselves to get wrapped up with all the street performers in action! Trick cyclists, escape artists, jugglers and buskers: the main down town Queen Street was a cabaret of performers! Being there on a weekend during the height of the Rugby World Cup meant the streets were full of supporters proudly dressed in their country's colours, draped in national flags and bursting with welcoming camaraderie!
Amazing what a few beers can do!

We just loved the buzz of Auckland down town in September full of vibrant life and exuding ( yeah I love that word!) goodwill. Not a mugger in sight as is often the case in a main city late at night. We strolled up and down Queen street at various hours of the night and felt welcomed, and at home, such was the goodwill encouraged by the crowds of supporters both local and visitors for the RWC.

We booked a waterfront hotel room to enjoy the view and be able to wander anywhere in the Viaduct Basin area. Sort of reminded us a wee bit of Cape Town's Waterfront!

Travel Photo Thursday is on again where travel bloggers post up their great pics from around the world. Join us! Head over to Nancie's Budget Traveler's Sandbox and post up your travel photo and link into the fun!

Where are the young and clucky girls?

2011-12-13T15:32:00.000-08:00

Photo by Matt Binns- Tui on flax or harakeke.

A tui sits on highest tree

Singing out so desperately,

"Oh won't you make a nest with me?

I'll share with you my love."

He's sung his song

For oh so long

He wonders now what he's done wrong,

But still sings from high above.

Where are the young and clucky girls?

There should be one out in this world.

Are they busy chasing pretty jewels,

Instead of one true love?

There used to be a time that we

Together would raise a family,

And give our young security.

But now that's not enough.

How can we raise our kids today,

Without two parents home to stay?

A man who's strong when youngsters stray,

And mentor them from wrong.

With a woman's sensitivity

To nurture their ability

And sense of responsibility

To keep our families strong.

A tui sings from highest tree,

Calling out so desperately,

While our own society.....

Falls apart.

Cracking up here for YouTube Tuesday!

2011-12-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

Share your favorite video every Tuesday. Be Creative, and have fun. The video can be about anything.

Visit Tiger Time for more great YouTube Tuesday selections. Josh is the man with the plan! Leave your name and link in his linky tool so everyone can view your video selection.

Leave your link in my comments section so I can drop by and see your choice.

I hope you have all cracked up over these! I just love that bird playing "Day and Night"! I have seen them in action and never thought of them playing a game- I thought they were seeking fish!

NWHS need funds to continue housing their rescued animals

Donate here please. I'll be donating! Donate here.

2011's Greatest Posts. Magnificent Monday!

2011-12-11T15:05:00.001-08:00

Another big welcome to Magnificent Monday where we kick off the week with great posts!

No theme this week, just a round-up of great posts please.

My great moment this year was watching this family drama unfold in front of our 4WD in Chobe National Park, Botswana.
Photo is taken through our windscreen glass, hence the poor colour.

Read about that here- Botswana-elephant-traffic-jam

Over the year I have read many amazing articles, viewed incredible pictures, and written a few mediocre posts myself!

So what do you consider the best post you have written this year?

Drop a link in the Mr Linky Tool below. And remember, the posts can be about anything, any topic, even just your best picture.

To join in this week's Magnificent Monday-

1. Paste your name and a link to your 'Goodwill' article in the Mr Linky tool below.

2. Leave a comment to show you care.

3. It's good etiquette to edit into your article a reference to this article to let your readers know also.

4. Visit each post, leave a comment and share Stumble, Digg, Tweet and Facebook etc so we can all benefit.

Empty Silence Is Not A Natural Sound: Hunter's Insomnia.

2011-12-09T14:43:00.001-08:00

I raise my head up off the red dirt ground

To watch the fiery sun go down.

Where once I would sleep soundly in the black depths

To the lions roaring sound,

If we heard the comforting of branches snap and crackle,

We knew the big eles were around.

Now no leopard coughs, no jackal yelps, no hyena sarcastic laugh,

Awake, I cannot lay me down.

All around the vacant silence disturbs me,

This empty silence is not a natural sound.

We climbed the rocky koppes to search in vain,

Where once the great migration filled our gaze.

The scorched ground now barely fertile

With the blood and bone decay.

Where the scant grass grows the sweetest,

Cattle scatter skeletons to graze.

The curse of the charcoal-burners

Infesting the horizon with their smoky haze.

Gone are acacia-thorn and spreading shepherd trees

Under whose shade umbrellas we would laze.

Once we could look across the savannah,

Where the massive herds would parade.

The bribery for trophy permits we would pay

Far more than we would ever dare to tell.

We sent the big tuskers to their grave,

Rhino, lion, leopard - Ah, what the hell!

Anything in our way!

Oh, the hyena and vultures prospered swell!

Now within my massive halls so heavily adorned,

I brag my courageous tales to tell,

My walls covered with those rare horned,

I got them before their last death knell.

Therein, I rest and slumber oh, so well!

http://www.all-creatures.org/hope/anti-th-20080320.htm

Africa's Red Sun.

2011-12-08T15:53:00.001-08:00

Africa's Red Sun.

Africa's red sun is crying,

As its blood seeps out around.

Its wildlife is dying

As man spreads across the ground.
.

A hunter pulls the trigger,

At a lion's roaring sound,

A once majestic tawny beast,

Struck by that killing round.
.

Africa's red sun is crying,

As its blood drips on the ground.

The symbol of all that was proud and strong,

Now nowhere to be found.
.

A poacher drugs a rhino.

Can you hear that dreadful sound?

The chainsaw roars, into its skull it bores.

Another horn is China bound.
.

Africa's red sun is crying,

As its blood flows on the ground,

As its mother dies, the baby cries.

Another elephant brought down.
.

A herder poisons a carcass,

Leaves it lying on the ground.

Very soon, the grass is strewn,

Dead wildlife all around.
.

Africa's red sun is crying,

As its blood floods o'er the ground,

When will we find the place and time,

To share Nature's playground?

This Moment: Fri 9th Dec.

2011-12-08T00:08:00.001-08:00

Adopted from Soulemama. Drop in there and leave your link and comments also.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Yeah, OK we're not supposed to tell you about the pic, but talk about it in the comments, but sometimes it is just bursting out all over!
Anyway, I sure am not allowed to talk about anyone's age associated with the gift she received.

Another peek at the tiles surrounding our kitchen bench top. We purchased 28 of these tiles in the Covered Bazaar, Istanbul and carefully brought them home. They fitted perfectly. Each one is a different pattern, delicately hand painted.

Travel Photo Thursday:Where? What?

2011-12-07T17:49:00.001-08:00

..

Welcome to Travel Photo Thursday once again, and this week for some fun I have a question for all readers.

1. Where are these?

2. What are these?

Alright, two questions then...

Give me your answers in your comments. There's no prize so I'll hold the comments back for a few days then post them so as not to give the game away too early, otherwise Julia's going to let the cat out of the bag early!.

Who Are The Beasts?

2011-12-06T14:25:00.001-08:00

Photo Courtesy David Sheldrick Trust.

Shukuru,

Elephant of the great heart.

Once an orphan, still a child,

Now you play the mother's part.

Do you remember how you lost your mum,

Leaving you the traumatised one?

Now Kithaka feels your consoling trunk,

And loving heart.

What guides the love you now impart?

Is that just instinct?

Or intelligent art?

Shukuru,

Elephant of the great soul.

You need take on the mother's role.

Do you whisper? " I know the pain.

But here you're with family again."

As poachers take their deadly toll,

The killing soars out of control,

To satisfy the Chinese role.

That bloody trade, so inhumane!

When will it end?

What will remain?

Shukuru,

Elephant of the loving heart,

You show us how the healing starts.

This photo now just sent to me

Of human made refugees,

Provokes my thought, how can it be,

That man feels such superiority

Over the lowly beasts?

When it comes to love and morality,

Who knows the most?

Who knows the least?

Elephant intelligence, social behavior, and family concern can show we humans a lot.
Read about elephant's intelligence and complex social codes here- Elephant intelligence

How is it, that young orphans themselves, welcome a strange orphan to their young herd?

Why can we not believe they have the intelligence to recognize what each new orphan has been through, and can console another to recover from trauma?

Who are the beasts?

Shukuru is an orphan we adopted soon after she arrived at David Sheldrick Trust, Kenya. Now this 2 year old is welcoming new arrivals and ably taking on a mother's caring role of a new rescue - Kithaka.
Read the orphan stories here- http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/orphans.asp one of the leading elephant and rhino sanctuaries in Africa.
Our plan is to visit the sanctuary in Nairobi, hopefully as early as July 2012. It's a big buzz to read about about our adopted ele orphans in each monthly report; we really look forward to them!
For a small annual amount you too can help in saving Africa's wildlife. When we all work together we make a big difference.

Tigers for YouTube Tuesday!

2011-12-05T22:49:00.001-08:00

Welcome to another YouTube Tuesday!

Travel Bloggers Give Back. Yep, we're still giving back, picking our favourite charities and promoting them through this season of goodwill!

Especially for Josh of Tiger Time, today we have tigers!

Charities struggle to raise funds to achieve the mission they set out to do, so the least we can do is publicise their work and encourage everyone to share a little. Hey, if everyone gives a little, that'll soon mount up to feed these tigers for a few days. Feeding them ain't cheap! Meat has to be bought to feed them, sanctuaries need to be securely fenced, vets bills need to be paid along with diesel, and power and all the other costs of providing a home for these wild animals to live out their lives with dignity and quality of life!

These tigers are at a sanctuary operated by National Wildlife Humane Society's Top Of the Rock sanctuary.

A true sanctuary operates on a "No Buy, No Sell, No Breed and No Exhibit" basis, ensuring exotic species can live out their lives with dignity and quality.

You have to ask yourself "Why on earth are these tigers in sanctuaries in the first place?" It's long overdue that countries stamp out the trade in exotic species and the keeping of them as "pets". Long overdue!

NWHS need funds to continue housing these graceful cats - they'll live for up to 35 years in well maintained environments - that's a hell of a lot of meat that needs paying for.

Donate here please. I'll be donating! Donate here.

Tigers Obi and Gizmo arrived at the NWHS sanctuary (Top Of The Rock) on September 13, 2011, and are now in their new enclosures. They came from a sanctuary in San Antonio, Texas that suffered financial distress and announced closure about a year ago. The San Antonio sanctuary had a great many animals, including, but not limited to, 400+ primates, 70+ big cats, 25+ bears, wolves & wolf hybrids and various other species.

Watch Obi, not a cat that likes to get his front paw wet! See how tigers will enter water backwards also. Interesting!

" I gotta keep my paw dry!"

Check out the rest of National Wildlife Humane Society's activities here- www.humanewildlife.org/

Kay and I are trying to rearrange our schedule on our Ecuador trip next month to take in the project

Touch The Jungle as we'll be in the region!

Tiger Tiger. burning bright,

In the forests of the night;

What immortal hand or eye.

Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies.

Burnt the fire of thine eyes?

On what wings dare he aspire?

What the hand, dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder, and what art,

Could twist the sinews of thy heart?

And when thy heart began to beat.

What dread hand? and what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain,

In what furnace was thy brain?

What the anvil? what dread grasp.

Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears

And watered heaven with their tears:

Did he smile His work to see?

Did he who made the lamb make thee?

Tiger Tiger burning bright,

In the forests of the night:

What immortal hand or eye,

Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

The Tiger

William Blake

Share your favorite video every Tuesday. Be Creative, and have fun. The video can be about anything.

Visit Tiger Time for more great YouTube Tuesday selections. Josh is the man with the plan! Leave your name and link in his linky tool so everyone can view your video selection.

Leave your link in my comments section so I can drop by and see your choice.

Should the Taj Mahal to ever face harm?

2011-12-04T12:04:00.001-08:00

Should the Taj Mahal to ever face harm,

The world would react in haste.

As rhino are slaughtered to their last breath,

Will we react in time?

While man-made beauty can be rebuilt,

Mother Nature's we cannot replace.

As we stand in awe of human endeavour

Of Great Wall and stone pyramid,

Do we spare a thought that we built them all?

Were they gone, we’d soon fill that space.

The treasures of Nature which abound

For millions of years of time,

May soon disappear and not be here

For your children, and those of mine.

Why aren't our governments reacting?
Where is their financial commitment
To the Anti-Poaching Units?
And much tougher court judgement?

Temples of Angkor Wat we conserve,

Stonehenge and Pisa Tower,

Our valuable World Heritage Parks
That every Nation with money preserves.

While tiger sigh, and lion cry,

And the elephant trumpets its last,

Nature’s gifts are slaughtered and die

For the want of similar status.

When you finally gaze upon the Pearl,

Or have the chance to enjoy the thrill

Of the Colosseum at dawn,

Pray, spare a thought,

Don't you think we aught

Protect the most precious jewels of all?

The reek of a rhino carcass leaves

A stink in my memory veins.

But to keep them roaming wild and free

We need to effect great change-

That rhino horn is not a medicine for Chinese Traditional Medicine.

The saddest sight from our safari to Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, South Africa.
I can still 'smell' this scene.

The above poem is based upon a line I came across somewhere, which I remembered and serves as my first line. I'd like to acknowledge the author and thank him, for setting my mind upon exploring the theme. I have no wish to plagiarise.

Why are nations quick to conserve human-built wonders, but loath to commit fully to stopping the trade in endangered species?

There are many conservation NGOs fighting to protect rhino. The last Javan sub-specie has been killed on the Asian mainland.

The last Western Black Rhino has been killed in Africa.

savetherhinotrust.org/

www.rhinoconservation.org/

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

Dedicated to Dr Clay Wilson, Laura, and all wildlife in peril.

Magnificent Monday: Goodwill!

2011-12-03T18:36:00.001-08:00

Welcome to another Magnificent Monday again, and as we head towards the Christmas Season it truly is a time of 'Goodwill' - this week's theme!

We kick the week of with two great ideas!

All around the internet, and across social media, travel bloggers are pouring out articles to support two initiatives - "Passports With Purpose" and "Travel Bloggers Give Back".

Passports with Purpose has a goal to raise $80,000 to build two libraries in Zambia, in partnership with Room to Read, and to stock each with books. It's a huge task, but will be achieved with the help of all travel bloggers. AND you don't have to be a travel blogger to participate- any person can, by donating for a chance to win any of the huge range of prizes donated by bloggers and their sponsors.
When you donate, you can choose which prize you wish to win!

Schools and kindergartens in many African countries would just love some books!

I took this pic of the Kindergarten next to Gariseb School, Anixab, Damaraland, Namibia repainted and supported by Elephant-Human Relations Aid. Our project volunteers donated books to it.

Read about PWP at Amanda's www.dangerous-business.com - she has a fantastic prize for the dare-devil minded! Even better, it's my country so if you're passing though New Zealand, drop in, stopover, and share a cold one.

Nancie at budgettravelerssandbox.com has Amazon's best selling Kindle E-Book Reader as a prize. Boy, am I going to bid for that! Just the greatest present I can think of for Kay for Christmas as she's an avid reader, we travel a lot, and just so good to have a book with us but without the weight and space!

So right now I'm heading over to the Passports With Purpose main site where I can donate and choose from the prize list -

www.passportswithpurpose.org/donate/

A great way to do real and effective good during this Goodwill season!

The other great initiative has been kicked off by Bret Love of Green Global Travel and I'm totally supporting this.

The concept for Travel Bloggers Give Back is simple: We will use our time and energy to convince as many travel bloggers as we possibly can to post stories on their sites between now and Christmas Day about their favorite charity organizations.

The goal?

To use the power of our collective voice to convince our readers to give whatever they can to the charities nearest and dearest to our hearts.

You can find us here on .facebook Travel Bloggers Give Back

Join us! Post your article supporting your favourite charity, head over to our Facebook page, list it there- even your PWP posts are welcome- and we will spread it across social media. Also take the time to share other TBGB blogs listed there. Tweet anything you see with #TBGB.
Don't forget to Stumble, Facebook, Google+ etc!

It's the season of Goodwill!

This week's Magnificent Monday also invites you all to paste your GOODWILL theme article link in the Mr Linky Tool.

To join in this week's Magnificent Monday-

1. Paste your name and a link to your 'Goodwill' article in the Mr Linky tool below.

2. Leave a comment to show you care.

3. It's good etiquette to edit into your article a reference to this article to let your readers know also.

4. Visit each post, leave a comment and share Stumble, Digg, Tweet and Facebook etc so we can all benefit.

This Moment: Fri 2nd Dec.

2011-12-01T21:59:00.001-08:00

Adopted from Soulemama. Drop in there and leave your link and comments also.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inside Ethiopian Churches: Travel Photo Thursday

2011-11-30T15:53:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Travel Photo Thursday once again, and this week I thought we'd take a peek inside churches in Ethiopia.

Christianity in Ethiopia dates way back to the 1st Century AD, shortly after the early apostles spread out through the then known world preaching the new faith. Christianity became the state religion around 330AD, withstanding many later Islamic attempts to invade and convert the country, however being surrounded by Islamic cultures, its isolation saw it develop quite differently from mainstream Christianity in Europe. "Develop" is perhaps the wrong word to use there - it would be better to say that that the Coptic Christian Church that survived in Ethiopia may be closer to the roots, ceremonies and practices of early Christian beliefs whereas it is European based Christianity that changed.

Generally churches will be covered inside with pictures depicting bible scenes, and associated legends. The dark, almost airless interiors have protected the still brilliant colours. Here we see Adam and Eve depicted nude in the first, then covering in shame before expulsion from Eden.

An attendant guards a depiction of Saint George killing the dragon. This legend which we will be familiar with is strongly represented in every church. You are looking at paintings and carpets that may be hundreds of years old, perhaps over 1,000. Most early churches are rock cut - constructed by cutting the whole church into the cliffs.

Mary and baby Jesus.

That may be climbing Jacob's ladder.

Still brilliant colours after so many centuries. Many of these churches built around 1200Ad.

Hard time focusing in the gloomy interiors so many shots didn't turn out very well, but this is included to give a general idea of the interiors.

Not knowing the bible all too well, you'll have to leave comments about the scenes depicted here. I guess someone is a wee bit thirsty.

Read more about the rock cut churches here at my earlier post - ethiopia-picking-my-jaw-up-off-red-clay

Church of Beta Giorgis, Lallibella, Ethiopia.

Dumb Tourist Takes On Wild Dogs, Saves Lamb! Who Saves The Dogs?

2011-11-29T22:47:00.001-08:00

Stupidity of tourists confounds me at times! Their well-intentioned but ignorant actions may place themselves in danger without a care for themselves or anyone else!
Yeah, well look who's talking....

Poor qualty pics in this article but taken in 2001 on my first ever digital camera.

Ephesus, is a very popular attraction on the Turkey tourist route. Over 2,500 years old, the ruins of this main ancient Greek city, and later a major city in the Roman era, need time to explore. Ruins of the old amphitheatre, the Library of Celcus, and the stadium being the main sites and there are also remains of paved roads and village houses. Check out the history of Ephesus here- Ephesus

In January 2001, on a Cosmos 14 day tour, in the ruins of the amphitheatre our 34 member group were eyes-and-ears-on as our guide explained the history and features of the ruins, but I was distracted. There were dogs barking in the background, that distinctive bark or yelp that dogs give when in a pack worrying something: a helpless prey perhaps? It disturbed me so much I asked our guide to check it out, or for him to alert the locals to what could be a a need for help. None of the few local men responded. The dogs still yelped and barked.

I wasn't going to leave without seeing what could be done.

The amphitheatre is enormous and stretched high up the hillside. The photo below will give an idea of scale. The yelping and barking was echoing down from high above the top seats.

Amphitheatre at Ephesus.

I headed up the ancient stone steps, then climbed up the hillside. Took ages to get to where I found a pack of dogs worrying a lone sheep defending its newborn. The dogs were viciously attacking her, one rushing in to attract her attention, while others dashed in from her rear. She would fend of the attacking dog then wheel and charge the other dogs, then have to return to stand over her young lamb. Her attackers knew they could wear her down then make the kill. She was in dire trouble defending her newly born lamb, the umbilical and afterbirth still attached as it struggled to take its first steps.

Then the dogs saw me, and it hit me that I was no match for six fired up, hungry, snarling dogs. Strange how there is never a big knobbly, clubby branch when you need it most - they were up by the dogs. Even a short, sharp toothpick I'd have grasped at that moment. The sticks I desperately grabbed snapped with their dry brittleness. I guess all the big stones had been scoured from the hillside for the ruins I'd just left...I couldn't find any large rocks either! Ah well, bravado was called for. So I charged a mad snarling pack of dogs, yelling and making out I was throwing rocks...and they scattered.
Phew!

Mrs Sheep promptly allowed the lamb to suckle. The lamb seemed to be getting to grips with its legs which were as wobbly as mine. I kept my distance not wanting to distress her more, and grabbed a quick shot with my camera...that had just about been flung in desperation at a dog!

Mrs Sheep takes a break from the fray.

I hung around for maybe 10 minutes as a dog deterrent, hoping to give the lamb enough time to grab a feed, get to grips with its long gangly legs, and perhaps it would be able to run and keep up with mum!

Climbing down I realised how stupid I had been. Those dogs could have been wild and hungry enough to have stood their ground and taken me on. Rabies is one vaccination I have never bothered to get.

Would I do it again?

Yep! Every time. I can't bear to think of an animal in distress. But I would make sure I have a great big club! Better still a shotgun!

Back down with the tour group, it was time to get more pictures of the ruins. As Kay and I posed with our friends, the barking started up...the dogs had returned!

This time I prayed I had bought her enough respite from attack for her lamb to be able to scoot off with her. Maybe the dogs would find the afterbirth enough to keep them happy while mum and lamb got away?

Have you ever done anything that was downright dumb and life threatening?

Stadium at Ephesus.

We'd seen how dogs were poorly treated in Turkey. Emaciated and crippled strays hung around other sites and cities we'd been to...heartbreaking. Dogs don't have a great time in Islamic countries, being considered unclean, usually kept just as watch dogs or for protecting flocks. As in many countries, a dog gets injured or sick it may be abandoned, no money will be spent on treating it; cheaper to just get another pup. Left to breed freely there are so many strays having to scavenge any morsel they can find. We saw injured, crippled and starving dogs everywhere we went.

This was 10 years ago, and I guess we were not the only tourists to be so shocked: others have actually done something positive for the animals, and to help change local attitudes to animal welfare in parts of Turkey.

I admire the dedication of other tourists of that time who did this - www.animalprotectiontrust.org.uk Setting up a trust to care for Kusadasi's stray dogs and cats, many destined to be poisoned after the tourist season! Easier and cheaper to kill them horribly that way, than to cure the problem at its source by neutering or spaying to stop them breeding!

Charities like this need more support financially.

Anyone else know of reputable animal rescue organisations in Turkey, please leave their contact names in my comments, and I will research them and add them to this list.

www.animalprotectiontrust.org.uk

www.dogville-tr.org/ Ankara

www.animalaidfethiye.org
www.Hayvan Severler

Travel Bloggers Give Back. During the season of goodwill, charities are being promoted. Any blogger can join in. Join us here- www.facebook.com/groupsTBGB

Travel Bloggers Give Back- Charities: YouTube Tuesday:

2011-11-29T02:22:00.001-08:00

Welcome to another YouTube Tuesday!

Travel Bloggers Give Back.

Anyone want a real 'getaway from it all' experience?

Check this out!

Gee, I have great memories of Namibia and my times at Elephant-Human Relations Aid's project. This is one volunteer project that achieves a lot in the community, helps reduce conflict between humans and elephants, and extends and challenges those volunteers personally.

Read more here-
www.desertelephant.org/

Travel Bloggers Give Back is a travel-blogger inspired event highlighting their favourite charities during this season of goodwill.
Join us here- .facebook.com/groups Travel Bloggers Give Back

Share your favorite video every Tuesday. Be Creative, and have fun. The video can be about anything.

Visit Tiger Time for more great YouTube Tuesday selections. Josh is the man with the plan! Leave your name and link in his linky tool so everyone can view your video selection.

Leave your link in my comments section so I can drop by and see your choice.

Photo courtesy EHRA.

Oh great. Another day!

Many hands make light work.

And the pay-off...Patrol week!